It's the end of the year and this will be my last column of 2005. Next year is set to be so huge for Chicago and the Windy City family; I almost can't wait to get it all started. But I feel like looking back right now and saying a billion thank yous.
In 2005 I've had the good fortune to continue my residency at Spin Nightclub on Halsted. Working as a gay DJ in a gay club in THE gay neighborhood isn't a job. It's a dream come true. I have so much freedom with what I play ( AND there's a hot shower contest as part of the night that I love ) I'm really fortunate to still be there. Thank you David, Ken, Megan, and the Spin staff for your continuing support. Friday nights are close to my heart, and so are all of you.
Windy City Media brought me into the world of radio this year. I used to think playing music for a full dance floor was addictive. Then, all of the sudden, there was 50,000 watts of my queer voice being pumped out into five states. Suddenly I had a new passion to be thankful for. There are so many people who've made it happen, I doubt I have enough room, but Tracy, Kathleen, Amy, Jim, and the Materville gals, you've opened a new door in my life. Thank you for helping to raise me right.
This publication wouldn't even exist without Tracy Baim and her dedication to 20 years of publishing in the GLBT community. With such a huge responsibility and a strong and clear focus on what is newsworthy in our community, I'm blessed to have the chance to work with her. Thank you Tracy, again, for making me a part of Windy City.
What writer in the world would be worth anything without their editor? Kirk Williamson, editor of Nightspots, baby boy, you rock my f#$kin' world. In case any of you reading this think I can really spell or punctuate anything, you're wrong [ editor's note: This week's column was no exception. Love to do it! ] . Without Kirk, my columns would read like I ride the short bus to school every day. Thank you Kirk for being so much fun and so damn dedicated at the same time. I loves ya grrrl.
And last, but certainly not least, I thank all of you who read Nightspots, Windy City Times, and Identity. Thank you to everyone who listens to our weekly hour of radio ( ok, HAVE to plug it; Sundays at 10 p.m. on 105.9 FM WCKG ) . Without all of you out there, none of us would be here. It's your support for our sponsors that keeps us here. That may sound like a brick of cheese, but it's the truth. We are a community because we support each other. Never forget that you have the power and a responsibility to make our community the best it can be. The world is watching. Let's all give them something great to look at.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com
