Bryce Vine Grows Into the Big Time

Jan. 2, 2019

BRYCE VINE GROWS INTO THE BIG TIME

Bryce Vine. Photo by JUCO PAGE 9 Jan. 2, 2019 2

INDEX VOL. 34, No. 15, Jan. 2, 2019 The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, Music: Singing (and playing) in the new year 4 founded May 1987. Theater review 5 PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Theater: The best of Chicago theater (part two) 6-7 4 Fashion: Rebirth Garments runs the spectrum in whom it serves 8 EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Davis

Music: Bryce Vine grows into the big time 9 MANAGING EDITOR Matt Simonette DIGITAL DIRECTOR Jean Albright Music: William Elliot Whitmore; The Runnies and Bleach Party 10 ART DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kirk Williamson 10 Questions with Vic: Emma Bell 11 SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Scott Duff BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terri Klinsky, Kirk Williamson, Scott Duff, Kathy Breit, Theresa Santos Volpe, Kevin Siarkowski NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 THEATER AND DANCE EDITOR Catey Sullivan SENIOR WRITERS Jonathan Abarbanel, Mary Shen Barnidge, Liz Baudler, Charlsie Dewey, Ross Forman, Carrie Maxwell, Rev. Irene Monroe, Jerry Nunn, Tony Peregrin, Angelique Smith, Sari Staver, Sarah Toce, Melissa Wasserman WRITERS Sarah Katherine Bowden, Ada Cheng, Sheri Flanders, Joe Franco, Veronica Harrison, Kelsey Hoff, Aaron Hunt, Eric Karas, Brian Kirst, Paige Listerud, Billy Masters, Scott C. Morgan, Amelia Orozco, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Kerry Reid, Dana Rudolph, Ana Serna, Karen Topham, Regina Victor, Sean Margaret Wagner, Lauren Warnecke, Steve Warren, Lauren Emily Whalen SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Vernon Hester CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and Victor WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead programmer: Martie Marro) PRESIDENT Tracy Baim (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 Editorial: [email protected] Sales: [email protected] Calendar: [email protected] 8 Circulation: [email protected] Art/ad copy: [email protected] Theater: [email protected]

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Singing (and playing) Alfonso Pontacelli and Swing Gitan. Elliot Mandel in the new year Photography BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL

Lyric Opera of Chicago is back with the second MUSIC half of its season, after a month-long hiatus that a cimbalom ... at least not until encountering will be filled—beginning next December—by the Alfonso Pontecelli and Swing Gitan, the seven- Joffrey Ballet of Chicago’s annual production of person unit at the legendary Green Mill in Up- The Nutcracker (moving from the Auditorium The- town, every Wednesday night (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). atre to the Civic Opera House). Pontecelli himself is a guitarist. In rotating repertory, Lyric offers: Puccini’s La The oud (some of you may know) is a Middle Boheme (Jan. 10-31), Massenet’s Cendrillon Jan. Eastern string instrument broadly in the guitar/ 11-20, Strauss’s Elektra (Feb. 2-22), Verdi’s La mandolin family. The cimbalom is a large floor- Traviata (Feb. 16-March 22) and Handel’s Ario- sitting string instrument in which its many dante (Lyric Opera premiere, March 2-17). Then, strings are struck with hammers, often associ- once the classical opera season ends, Lyric will ated with Eastern European music (especially present its yearly nod to Broadway, this time gypsy music). There’s a $7 cover charge, which is West Side Story in a month-long run (May 3-June well worth it for this unusual and varied blend of 2) with up to eight performances a week. instruments. Sure, opera is an expensive proposition, but The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and music Lyric may be singing your tune through two director Riccardo Muti will desert Chicago for the ticket rush programs that can bring the cost way last two weeks of January for an overseas tour Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park down, especially (but not only) for students. that will take them to Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, (entrance on Randolph Street). These casual one- Unsold tickets and returns are offered to anyone Tokyo and Osaka, where the CSO will knock them hour, post-work concerts not only feature excel- at half off the face price two hours before each in aisles if the CSO’s long touring history is any lent and varied musical fare, but also cocktails performance. Seat locations and prices will vary precedent. There will be slim pickings back in and gourmet food-truck offerings for purchase. from one performance to the next. Patrons can Chicago, but there is one event musical cogno- There are five more monthly MIX at SIX programs sign up for email notifications or simply go to scenti know is don’t-miss: a Jan. 15 concert by in the current season (through May), the next one the box office two hours early. Details: lyricopera. the Civic Orchestra, the CSO’s superb and unique being outstanding young Spanish guitarist Pablo org/promo advanced-training ensemble for young profes- Sainz Villegas on Friday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. Sainz is a master of the Rioja Spanish musical tradi- It gets even better for full-time college under- sional musicians. Players from all over the world Members of the Civic Orchestra. tion, but also features contemporary guitar works graduates or grad students. Would you believe seek membership (via auditions) in the Civic Or- Todd Rosenberg Photography $20 for the best seats in the house? Well, seat chestra, now in its 99th year (!). The Jan. 15 in his repertory. Details and tickets:harristheater. locations aren’t guaranteed but the price is. Stu- concert, under conductor Bramwell Tovey, offers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This yearly concert org/at-the-harris/HTP-series. A five-concert sub- dents can register online for Lyric’s NEXT (sic) works by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Tchai- was one of the Sinfonietta’s founding events, scription is just $50. program, through which they can purchase single kovsky’s Symphony #4. General admission for initiated by the late Dr. Paul Freeman, the Sinfo- Ticklin’ them ivories: Pianist Angela Hewitt tickets or a mini-subscription. Details: LyricOp- Civic Orchestra concerts is free but reservations nietta’s founding musical director (1987 until his will join music director Jane Glover and Music era.org/lyricunlimited/next are highly recommended: CSO.org/calendar death in 2015). The Jan. 20 matinee concert is at of the Baroque for an all-Mozart concert, Feb. at One expects a jazz ensemble to have a guitar, The Chicago Sinfonietta—one of the nations Wentz Concert Hall in downtown Naperville, the the Harris Theater, Saturday, Jan. 26. The next sax, bass and drums, and even a jazz violinist most diverse professional orchestras—offers Jan. 21 evening concert is at Symphony Center afternoon (Jan. 27) at 3 p.m., pianist Leif Ove ain’t new (not since Stephane Grapelli was about its annual MLK Tribute Concert Jan. 20-21 with in downtown Chicago. Details and tickets: Chica- Andsnes brings his world-renowned artistry to three years old, anyway). But I’ve been around guest conductors, soloists and chorus perform- goSinfonietta.org the Symphony Center Presents piano series for a the block more than once and never have en- ing works by Beethoven, Coleridge-Taylor, Tippet One of the liveliest mini-concert series around recital of works by Schumann, Janacek and Bar- countered a jazz ensemble with both an oud and and others in honor of the life, work and spirit is the MIX at SIX series presented by The Harris tok.

Paris, and was featured in the 10 Best Books of Gerber/Hart, Howard 2018 by New York Times. Her short fiction won Gary Sinise book ‘Dada Woof’ cast a 2017 Pushcart Prize, and was chosen for The Brown to host ‘Great Best American Short Stories for four consecutive event Feb. 18 announced Steppenwolf Theatre Company has announced About Face Theatre has announced casting for years (2008-11). a special event as part of co-founder Gary Si- its Chicago premiere of Dada Woof Papa Hot, by Believers’ discussion See “Great Believers Book Talk” on Facebook. On Wed., Jan. 16, 6-8 p.m., Howard Brown nise’s book tour promoting his new book Grate- Peter Parnell (The Cider House Rules) and di- Health Clark and Gerber/Hart Library and Ar- ful American: A Journey from Self to Service. rected by Artistic Associate Keira Fromm. chives will host a discussion on The Great Be- Digital lottery, rush Sinise will reflect on his book in a candid con- This comedy about gay parenting and modern lievers with author Rebecca Makkai and Howard versation with fellow Steppenwolf co-founder families will feature AFT Artistic Associate Ben- Brown Health President/CEO David Ernesto Mu- tickets for ‘Fiddler’ Jeff Perry on Monday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at Step- jamin Sprunger with Jos N. Banks, Shane Ken- nar, followed by a Q&A session and book-sign- Broadway In Chicago announced that there penwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted yon, Keith Kupferer, Lily Mojekwu, Bruch Reed ing. will be a digital lottery and rush tickets for the St. and Rachel Sullivan. The event will take place at Howard Brown, Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, which Sinise is an actor/musician known for his roles The production will run Jan. 10-Feb. 16, 2019 6500 N. Clark St. will run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. in films such as Forrest Gump and The Green at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets The National Book Award finalist The Great Randolph St., through Jan. 6, 2019. Mile, and TV series like CSI: NY. Perry is possibly ($15-$38 each) are available at AboutFaceThe- Believers traces the events of the early AIDS The lottery will happen online only the day best-known for portraying Cyrus Beene on the atre.com, 773-975-8150 or at the Theater Wit crisis in Chicago and features details about before each performance, and 26 tickets will be TV series Scandal. box office. Howard Brown in its early years. Makkai’s novel sold for every performance at $25 each. Single tickets ($45) are available through explores friendship and redemption in the face Visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/ Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or Steppen- of tragedy in 1980s Chicago and contemporary show/fiddler-on-the-roof/ to enter the lottery. wolf.org. Jan. 2, 2019 5

THEATER REVIEW La Ruta By: Isaac Gomez At: Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: Steppenwolf.org.; $20-$89, limited Sandra $15 student tickets online Delgado Runs through: Jan. 27 (left) and Laura Crotte BY CATEY SULLIVAN in La Ruta. Photo by For more than 20 years, women have been van- Michael ishing along the border of El Paso, Texas and Brosilow Ciudad Juarez, Mexicso. The number is report- edly at least 1,500, although there is no official count. Sometimes the victims are found buried. Many times, they simply vanish, often on the un- lit roads between their homes and the factories where they work. The lack of a thorough investigation points to police and politicians who either don’t care or don’t have anything to gain by looking into the crimes. When the survivors of the missing women at their 10-hour-day, assembly-line factory jobs. lection of a crime is intense. Rodriguez makes it haunted, hunted women of Juarez (Mari Marro- demand justice, they are deemed crazy, hysterical We see them on the bus—dark, deserted roads to real. quin, Alice da Cunha and Isabella Gerasole), the women. They march nevertheless, in the names the horizon—as they ride to and from work. We There is similar intensity to the plight of Del- sound of La Ruta is sonorous and deep. of the “desapercidas,” often around a sea of pink see them as human beings with distinct hopes, gado’s Yolanda and Charin Alvarez’ Marisela. Ini- There’s no ending to this story. What Gomez of- crosses memorializing the missing women. dreams and personalities. Their tragedy —and tially, Marisela’s default-emotion is optimism, fers instead is a portrait of undaunted resolve: With La Ruta, playwright (and El Paso native) all that it says about area politics, misogyny and insisting that Brenda will be on the next bus las muertas de Juarez refuse to stand down. Isaac Gomez gives voice to both the missing corruption—becomes impossible to reduce to a even when there is no next bus. Alvarez makes Gomez makes that resolve immovable: They are women and those who survive them. We see them statistic from another place. Marisela’s activism the natural evolution of an women with nothing left to lose. And with noth- Gomez’s drama is far more documentary than insistent, determined outlook. ing on the line, they will stop at nothing to c traditional drama. He culled the dialogue from Music plays a large part in La Ruta, much of make themselves heard. La Ruta amplifies their interviews he did with the women whose loved it gorgeously sung by the Laura Crotte, who calls. CRITICS’PICKS ones vanished. He interviewed bus drivers who plays guitar throughout the piece. Backed by the described seeing women being abducted as they The Winter Wolf, Otherworld Theatre, through ran for the bus. He interviewed a man convicted Jan. 6. A plucky young girl and a predatory of murdering eight area women. The names have harbinger of death both learn the limits of their been changed. The veracity is chilling. powers while discovering the extent of their hu- Directed by Sandra Marquez, La Ruta is two manity in Joseph Zettelmaier’s smart new fable things: It is a geographically specific story about for young sci-fi fans of all ages. MSB a demographically specific (middle, lower-class) group of women. It is also an irrefutable com- mentary on the way the world sees women—and has always seen women. The women of Juarez are part of a line of women deemed disposable, a line that reaches back eons. When the macro starts steaming through the micro, La Ruta’s impact be- comes a gut punch. The plot follows Ivonne (Karen Rodriguez), a veteran factory worker who starts a friendship with Brenda (Cher Alvarez), a teenager who has dropped out of school to help support her fam- ily. We learn early that Brenda disappears, leav- ing her mother Yolanda (Sandra Delgado) nearly crippled by grief and anger. By flipping back and forth in time, Gomez Shariba Rivers in written by makes the scenes before Brenda’s disappearance The Winter Wolf. more wrenching since you know what’s going to WILLIAM Photo by Steven happen to her. Alvarez’s portrayal does the same. SHAKESPEARE Townshend Her Brenda is eminently recognizable: She’s the bubbly teenager who loves and is exasperated by directed by

her mother, the girl who blushes when she sees Sciortino Jeff by photo Kebede, Sam the boy she likes and giggles remembering her JOE DOWLING The Old Woman Broods, Trap Door Theatre, quinceanera. through Jan. 19. This relic of 20th-century Ivonne’s confidence and glamour leave Brenda Absurdist Theater shows its age, but Manuela a bit awestruck. But as Rodriguez makes clear in Rentea’s infectious charm and a high-stepping an eviscerating monologue late in the play, Ivo- ensemble transform it into a vibrant carnival of NOW PLAYING nne has secrets. She’s seen evil all but impossible multisensory spectacle. MSB to survive intact. The emotion in Ivonne’s recol- 312.595.5600 • chicagoshakes.com —by Mary Shen Barnidge Jan. 2, 2019 6

right before our eyes, using actors, cut-outs and Jesus Christ Superstar. puppets. You could watch the resulting film on Photo by Todd Rosenberg THEATER a large screen, or you could focus on any of the from the opening number, when Bowling had the equally compelling parts of its stagecraft: the ac- entire cast onstage in several varied and easily tors rushing through their moments and readying recognizable settings, each distinct and clearly for other scenes or the musicians creating a bril- visible to the audience. liant and moody live soundtrack. The result was —Sweeney Todd (Theo Ubique): Last year, a complex, visual treat that is easily one of the Paramount Theatre mounted a lavish production best shows of the year. of this acclaimed Stephen Sondheim musical. This

The best of

Chicago theater Brian Parry and Jason Richards in Frost/Nixon. (part two) Photo by Jan Ellen Greaves

More Windy City Times theater critics weigh in fining day in the couple’s relationship, revealing on what they felt was the best theater Chicago secrets and bringing powerful emotions to the year, Theo Ubique made the show their own with 2. Mary Shen Barnidge’s choices: had to offer in 2018. confines of the Den Theatre. Almost a year later, a vastly different take. With Jeff Awards for leads Rarely in our history will you detect a short- The Light (which won a Jeff Award for new work) Philip Torre and Jacqueline Jones and for James age of popular indignation finding voice in ac- 1. Karen Topham’s choices: still moves in my memory. Kolditz’s lighting design, Sweeney has already cusations aimed at bullies, however nebulous It was yet another year of tremendous variety —Ragtime (Marriott Theatre): Another Jeff- been considerably honored. But it was director the identities of villains and victims. In 2018, in Chicago theater, another year of difficult in winning production (including best production Fred Anzevino’s brilliant direction that made this though, audiences afflicted with fingers weary of coming up with a list of only five plays worthy of and director of a musical, large theater) Ragtime Sweeney Todd fit into the intimate space of the pointing and lungs seared by an atmosphere thick the “best” label. If I wished, I could make a top was simply perfect. Director Nick Bowling did No Exit Cafe, bringing it to the audience, up close with grievances saw a genesis of plays hinting at five list of musicals alone. But Chicago’s straight things with the Marriott’s theater-in-the-square and personal. possibility of resolution and accord: theater scene, from the big houses to the black stage that I wouldn’t have thought possible. The —Frankenstein (Manual Cinema at Court The- —Familiar (Steppenwolf Theatre): When was boxes, presented some amazing fare in 2018. Of performances he managed to get from his ac- atre): We watched as the Manual Cinema compa- the last time you heard the words “Africa” and course, I didn’t see everything; no one could. But tors—including Katherine Thomas as Sara—kept ny put on a silent movie version of Shelley’s novel “comedy” in the same sentence? Danai Gurira here are five that gave me cause to celebrate. audiences riveted. I was thoroughly impressed assembled two families—one, Zimbabwean im- —Boy (TimeLine Theatre): Playwright Anna migrants—spanning three generations, on the Ziegler’s fictionalized account of a famous case occasion of a biracial wedding in Minnesota, who Jeffery Owen Freelon Jr. and Tiffany Oglesby in The Light. involving gender identity was a complete gem. finish with everyone content. Photo by Evan Hanover From the outstanding performance of lead Theo —The Safe House (City Lit Theater): After Germaine to the set design by Arnel Sancianco, more than a century of playwrights bending the Boy was the best play of the year about trans is- rules of dramatic discourse in ever-more enig- sues—even though it didn’t have a trans charac- matic directions, Kristine Thatcher’s return to the ter. (The titular “boy” was cisgender but raised as roots of theater in straightforward storytelling a girl after a botched circumcision.) Through the was as fresh as it was bold. boy’s doctor, parents, and his maybe-girlfriend, —Support Group for Men (Goodman The- director Damon Kiley made audiences see the atre): Reconstructive reparations are seldom easy pain and confusion of being brought up in the on those deposed, but Ellen Fairey made a com- wrong gender. passionate case for males mired down in testos- —The Light (The New Colony): In the wake of terone ghettos (both gay AND het) desperately #MeToo, Loy Webb’s two-hander about the persis- seeking toxic cleansing. tence of rape culture and its intrusion into the —Frost/Nixon (Redtwist Theatre): Our 37th lives of an African-American couple couldn’t have president was once, to some, the most hated man been more timely. Directed by Toma Langston, in America, but Brian Parry never flinched in his outstanding performances by Tiffany Oglesby (as courageous portrayal of a misguided man acting Genesis) and Jeffery Owen Freelon Jr. (as Rashad) in good faith to his eternal disgrace. that made this one of the most moving and pow- —Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse): erful dramas of 2018. Webb took us to the de- The fourth wall was never flimsier than in Leslie Jan. 2, 2019 7

Liautaud’s Dixie-fried comedy, with David Bell’s you-are- searing take on women involved in the Second Liberian there staging taking actor-audience intimacy to a whole Civil War. Artistic director Ilesa Duncan skillfully trans- new level. formed Chicago Dramatists’ small space into a stifling environment where the wives (read: captives) of a rebel 3. Lauren Emily Whalen’s choices: army captain fight over stolen Bill Clinton biographies, —The Wolves (Goodman Theatre): It’s rare to see a contemplate the possible “escape” of becoming soldiers play with teenage girls who aren’t shallow bubbleheads or themselves and explore the complex bonds of their forced sexual-assault victims, and Sarah DeLappe’s Pulitzer Prize- sisterhood. The story was gripping, the acting solid, the winning glimpse into the lives of an all-female soccer team production unforgettable. was as riveting as it was unique. Director Vanessa Stalling —Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyric Opera Chicago): Nor- captured the essence of modern young womanhood as the mally, Judas is the focus of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ground- characters bantered about periods, formed alliances and breaking rock musical, with showy vocals and a compelling let loose with primal screams, all while performing athletic character arc involving a deathly betrayal. But in Lyric drills with practiced precision. When the lights went up Opera’s bombastic blowout interpretation, Heath Saunders’ after a breathless 90 minutes in Goodman’s Owen Theatre, Jesus emerged as the standout of the two lead characters. my sister and I turned to each other and said, “that was As Judas (Ryan Shaw) blared the “Heaven on Their us.” Fun fact: We never played soccer. Minds” opening number, Saunders paced back and forth, —Mies Julie (Victory Gardens Theater): Yael Farber’s wringing his hands and mouthing the words of a sermon, Deeply Rooted Executive/Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff. provocative adaptation of the Strindberg classic, set in clearly uncomfortable with the adoration bestowed upon Photo by Ken Carl newly post-apartheid South Africa, could make the top five him. Thanks to Saunders, Jesus wasn’t an infallible super- list for several reasons. Dexter Bullard’s direction perfectly hero, but a vulnerable man overwhelmed by the state of conveyed the sultry heat of a life-changing summer night. the world yet reluctant to leave it behind. Deeply Rooted announces new site, Heather Chrisler and Jalen Gilbert created complex indi- —Kingdom (Broken Nose Theatre): Within spitting leadership changes vidual characters and generated stirring sexual chemistry. distance of Disney World, an elderly gay couple contem- Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT) has announced significant funding sup- But the real star of Victory Gardens’ Mies Julie was Kristina plate their adult son’s personal issues, their own failing port from the Reva & David Logan Foundation and the Arts Work Fund to support Fluty’s intimacy choreography, a relatively new term in the health and the possible next step: now-legal marriage. institutional capacity building that will facilitate the first steps of a major ini- theater world. As the title character and her Afrikaans love Broken Nose Theatre isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions tiative: creating a vision for a potential new center for African-American dance interest circled one another, flirting and eventually copu- and explore the lives of those often ignored. Kanomé Jones education and professional performances on Chicago’s South Side. lating before the play’s shocking climax, both moves and helmed the premiere of Michael Allen Harris’ gorgeous fam- The Logan Foundation is providing $75,000 in general operating funds and energy burst with primal eroticism. ily portrait of an all-black, all-queer family with an un- two matching grants—$25,000 and $20,000—to offer incentives for new DRDT —Eclipsed (Pegasus Theatre Chicago): Before becom- apologetic passion for Mickey Mouse and Star Wars that’s funders to support this capacity-building. The Arts Work Fund/Idea Lab program ing a breakout star of TV’s The Walking Dead and Marvel’s only surpassed by their love for one another. Presented is providing $25,000 for each of the next two years to support the visioning pro- Avengers franchise, Danai Gurira was already an accom- by a stunning ensemble cast, the play deftly explored the cess with current committed partners, including the Logan Center for the Arts at plished playwright. Last fall, Pegasus Theatre Chicago pre- personal kingdoms we are born into, and the ones we make the University of Chicago, the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF), and Studio sented a small but mighty production of Eclipsed, Gurira’s for ourselves. One Dance Theater, and possible new partners in the future. DRDT is also undergoing leadership changes. Executive/Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff is shifting his focus with DRDT to developing the necessary long-term initiatives and community relationships to cultivate the project. Beginning in the 2019–20 season, Artistic Team member and Dance Education Director Nicole Clarke-Springer and Artistic Team member and Emerging Choreog- raphers Showcase Producing/Artistic Director Joshua Ishmon, also a dancer with the company, will be co-artistic directors. Co-Founder/Associate Artistic Director Gary Abbott will take over artistic leadership for the 2020–21 season. Visit https://deeplyrooteddancetheater.org/.

CULTURECULTURE CLUBCLUB

NOW PLAYING AT ITS NEW HOME IN THE SOUTH LOOP Southern Gothic. 2229 S MICHIGAN AVE Photo by Michael Brosilow 773.891.8985 | WindyCityPlayhouse.com Jan. 2, 2019 8

As for working here, “I love being a Chicago designer. I am a very diehard Chicago fan,” said FASHION Cubacub. “I wouldn’t want to work anywhere Rebirth Garments Cubacub refuses to use the word “handicap,” as else.” it’s a label they feel was given by society. Cubacub lives on the North Side, but they told “‘Handicapped’ was never chosen by disabled Windy City Times they aren’t a Cubs or White Sox runs the spectrum folks,” they said. “It was a label given by society fan. and was never chosen by disabled folks.” “I really don’t like sports,” said Cubacub. They Cubacub uses visible and invisible disability know their Chicago food, though: “I eat my hot in whom it serves and apparent and non-apparent disability. dog with everything on it.” BY VEE L. HARRISON ous shows. “Everyone can self-identify however they Returning to discussing attire, Cubacub said it Cubacub is also editor of Radical Visibility Zine, want,” they said. is important to feel sexy and comfortable in your Sky Cubacub is the creator of Rebirth Garments— a magazine QueerCrip Teens based off their mani- Cubacub shared how they wrote their manifes- clothes—and that’s an idea behind Rebirth Gar- a line of wearables for the full spectrum of gen- festo, as well as a leader in anti-oppression ac- to at the same time they were developing their ments. der, size and ability. The fashion line was started cessibility workshops. clothing line. “I did a lot of research, interviewed When Cubacub first launched their line in 2013,

Designer Sky Cubacub (left) and some of their designs. Left: Photo by Andie Meadows. Above center: Model Caleb Luna, photo by Grace DuVal. Above right: Model Ubae, photo by Colectivo Multipolar. Right: Photo by Kiam Marcelo Junio.

a lot of folks with identity issues, and made sure they received lots of pushback for the designs in 2014, when Cubacub was 23. Cubacub is now They are spearheading the QueerCrip dress-re- I got their truths,” said Cubacub. focusing on queer individuals. 27, but their young age is certainly no impedi- form movement that is based on claiming one’s Cubacub has used personal experiences and However, Cubacub said they stood tall and re- ment on the road to success. body using bright colors, exuberant fabrics and knowledge to create their designs, but also un- fused to conform. Cubacub—who recently described themself to innovative design. They refuse to assimilate. derstands that people have different stories and “Don’t let other people try to tell you what to Windy City Times as “a non-binary Filipinx mer- “I’ve been queer my whole life,” said Cubacub. lives. Rebirth Garments is a line for those who do or who to make your clothing for,” Cubacub mex”—has taken part in the Chicago’s History “I want to really get out there and want my mes- feel as if they don’t fit in. Cubacub said they be- advised. “I want people to feel really comfortable Museum Out at CHM event, “Celebrating and Con- sage to be spread so that folks think more about lieve that being different doesn’t mean a person and super sexy. I feel like a lot of people don’t textualizing Queer Fashion.” They have also been disability representation and think more about can’t be fashionable: “It is important to make see the power in fashion. I feel like it’s extremely featured in Paris Fashion Week and have been queer disabled folks. The visibility helps save our sure that my experience is totally different from powerful.” named a Windy City Times 30 under 30 honoree. lives. All together is shows people that they have others. Everyone has a unique experience. I tried To learn more about Rebirth Garments and to Also, their designs have been featured at numer- a future and they’re not alone. “ to make clothing based off that.” make purchases, visit RebirthGarments.com. Jan. 2, 2019 9

Bryce Vine.

NUNN ON ONE Bryce Vine grows into the big time

BY JERRY NUNN

Singer/rapper Bryce Vine started early in the mu- MUSIC sic business at the young age of 13. It was under line. Drew is not a Victoria’s Secret model, but guidance from his mom Tracey Ross—who many has something else special about her. She is sin- know from the soap opera Passions—that he au- cere and funny. That was the girl I wanted to talk ditioned for a reality competition show The Glee about. Project. After landing a part in the cast, Vine was WCT: Do you have a favorite Drew Barrymore sent home. movie? The talented artist then recharged his skills by BV: I grew up on The Wedding Singer. attending the Berklee College of Music and was WCT: There’s a musical version of it. signed to the label Kiva House Lambroza by fel- BV: No way! low student Nolan Lambroza. He gained traction WCT: Do you have a favorite musical? with the song “Drew Barrymore” and is currently BV: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the working on a debut album. Forum is my favorite. After opening for singer MAX across the globe, My mom took me to see Ragtime as a child and Vine is going on a solo tour, returning him to I just didn’t get it. So that is one I didn’t like. Chicago in 2019. WCT: You have a debut album coming out? Windy City Times: How is the tour going with BV: Yes; it’s called Carnival. It has all the right MAX? elements. It has a song called “You” that is one Bryce Vine: He’s the best. We have been friends my favorite songs ever. It is a love song about for over a year now. We have started writing to- appreciating someone. That could be your child, gether. significant other, husband or mom. WCT: MAX has played several Pride festivals Bryce Vine. WCT: What do you want people to know about so maybe you could, too. Photos by JUCO you? BV: I would love to. BV: I have always liked connecting people. My WCT: How was it being raised by a famous birthday parties were my best friends from every- mother? where. I met a lesbian in my high school and she BV: It didn’t really start until she was on Star became the drummer of our school band. I was Search—way before I was born. When I was 13, just invited to her wedding and the whole band we were dirt-poor and I came home to find my was there. That is some of the best environments mom had bought a car. We had driven around a to be in. Honda with no insurance so I knew something There are so many divides between people that had changed. People started coming up to her I want to be a bridge. and talking about the soap opera. the biggest show on television. I had no interest knocked down. I just started putting out songs. WCT: Sounds like you have a diverse life. WCT: This made you want to perform early? because I didn’t watch it. My mom called and Some of them got attention and now we are here. BV: Look at how I started. I was born with a BV: Hell, yeah. Music made me happy and was encouraged me to sign up. I made an audition WCT: What inspired your song “Drew Barry- lesbian midwife. My parents were open to all therapy. Me and my mom would sing to Disney tape of me singing “Gold Digger” by Kanye West. more?” kinds of people. That was how I was raised. I movies. Me and my dad would listen to R&B, jazz I got flown to LA where there were hundreds of BV: I just started making this beat one day. I never felt like people were different than me. and Tony! Toni! Tone! in the car. kids. I had to decide to either stay in school or wanted to avoid writing a love song talking about I try to put that into music and make people feel It didn’t take me long to figure out I could take that opportunity. I took it and was the first someone’s looks. Anyone can write a song talking good in a room. write my own songs and create my own therapy. one cut off! about physical beauty. Vine winds back into town on Friday, Feb. 15, WCT: How was The Glee Project experience? I was always very insecure about my talent Julia Michaels sent me an idea three years ago at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. BV: I went to college in Boston, and Glee was and thought I had climbed two steps to only get about Drew Barrymore and used her name in a Jan. 2, 2019 10

William Elliot Whitmore. Meg McDuff (left) and Richard Giraldio All photos on this page of Bleach Party. by Vernon Hester

CONCERTS William Elliott Whitmore; The Runnies and Bleach Party BY VERNON HESTER

In one of the more unusual year-end concerts that I’ve MUSIC seen, acoustic blues rocker William Elliott Whitmore Merritt; and “Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers)—Whitmore Raye Zaragoza. headed a deceptively diverse bill at Thalia Hall on Dec. didn’t disappoint as his very vocal audience pelted him 15 and managed to both confuse and excite his passion- with “I love you” and “you sexy motherf*cker” the entire ate audience. set. First up was Raye Zaragoza, who opened the show with On Dec. 18, local DIY rockers Bleach Party headlined a quiet set that included the love song “Heroin,” “Ameri- at The Sleeping Village for what has become one of the can Dream” and “Fight for You.” Just as the audience was most popular nights at the venue, with its $1 night. falling into a folksy acoustic lull, local hard rockers Tight Before the band hit the stage, the lively crowd was Phantomz hit the stage and literally tore the roof off of treated to an energetic set by poppers The Runnies, who Thalia Hall with a blast of their “death boogie,” served wowed the crowd with old as well as new material (in- with Pete Croke’s numbing bass chords and guitarist/vo- cluding “Lost on Me” and “You Can’t Hide”). After a set calist Mike Lust’s raging bark. from Bev Rage and the Drinks, Bleach Party—one of the After that set, audience members were good and ready hardest rocking bands in Chicago—tore through a set (and wide awake) for Whitmore’s hard-edged acoustic heavy on mirth and shrieking guitar and light on nuance. blues. Offering a set of old (“Hell or High Water,” “Johnny Vocalist and guitarist Meg McDuff proved again that she Law,” “Diggin’ My Grave”) and new material from the re- has one of the strongest voices in Chicago (only Cathy cently released Kilonova (on Bloodshot Records)—which Richardson comes close) on rockers like “Tom Cruise Con- features reworked covers from his favorites (“Don’t Pray trol,” “Lunar Moods,” “Shopping is a Feeling” and “No On Me,” by Bad Religion; ”Fear of Trains,” by Stephen Vacancy,” from the new Nola (available via Bandcamp).

Mike Lust Brett Swinney of (left) and The Runnies. Pete Croke of Tight Phantomz. Jan. 2, 2019 11

ing family who recently lost their daughter in a tragic accident. Right now it is a short film, but I am working on getting financing for the feature-length version. I realized over the years I am far too much of a control freak to be satisfied with solely the acting journey. I needed to have my hands dirtier, so I decided to write and direct something for myself and my friends. Pan’s Labyrinth was Gerami headshot by Stephen Blaha a big inspiration for this story and all my stories honestly. WCT: Congratulations on your recent nuptials to fellow actor Camron Robertson. How did the two of you meet? EB: My husband and I met doing a play. Our mutual friend ran the theater company, Not Man Apart, at the time and asked me to be the Goddess Athena in their next production of Ajax in Iraq. I didn’t know Camron at the time, but during the rehearsals for the show we started secretly dating. By the end, we were a done deal. WCT: Is balancing personal life and career easier being mar- ried to a fellow thespian? EB: Being married to a creative person, I suppose, is easier in some ways—I wouldn’t know, I’ve never been married before! He questions is incredibly supportive of me and understands the challenges that working in Hollywood presents. I attribute that to being a generally amazing man, but also, yes, understanding the lifestyle of an actor. I couldn’t imagine being married to anyone else. 10BY VIC GERAMIwith Vic WCT: What made you participate in the NOH8 Campaign? EB: The fact that we even have to have a campaign about not Emma Bell has been on so many hit TV shows since the onset of her hating people is a weird reality to live in. Love is love, and every- illustrious acting career on the New York stage that she is already one has the right to be in love with whoever they choose, I don’t television royalty. Walking Dead and Dallas are just a few shows to understand the arguments against that. make fans swoon when they meet her. But Broadway and TV success WCT: What is your favorite charity or cause? has not stopped Emma from taking her career to the next level by EB: There are so many amazing charities, and the amount of writing and directing her first feature film. She took time from her worthwhile causes can be overwhelming. I think, pick one that very busy schedule to chat about her career, recent nuptials and matters to you and run with that. For me, I try to focus on environ- upcoming projects. Emma Bell mental protections and female-rights advocacy groups. I’ve been a Windy City Times: Modesty aside, how would you describe Photo by Stephen Churchill-Downes member of the Sierra Club for the last 10 years, as well as the En- yourself? vironmental Protection Agency [advocacy by the Natural Resources Defense Council]. I’ve also supported Planned Parenthood since I Emma Bell: I’m a pretty relentless person honestly. When I set my of person. I’ve always had hobbies that I fill my downtime with, to was a teenager and using their health services myself. Other than mind to something, there’s not a lot that can slow me down. I also keep my mind sane. I have a wonderful support system of friends that, the best way to support a good cause is in your vote. Know have a great appetite for things: friends, love, fun, food of course. and family who always make me feel like my next job is just around what your representatives stand for before you vote them into of- I’m the type of person who doesn’t feel I’ve earned the view unless the corner. I work out every day to get endorphins pumping. Oh, fice! I’ve hiked to the top of the mountain. and I had a fair amount of luck to be in the right place at the right WCT: Which living person(s) do you most admire? WCT: Your acting career started at 12 years old, with an Off- time. EB: It’s a really confronting time we live in, and so the people I Broadway cabaret show in New York. Tell me about that. WCT: Do more people recognize you from Frozen, The Walking admire the most are the women who stand up for their right to be EB: My mother started a career in cabaret and had earned some Dead or Dallas? heard. Christine Blasey Ford, Anita Hill and the 112 women serving accolades in that community for her first show. I went to every EB: Mostly it’s Walking Dead, although I do get mistaken for Emily in Congress come January are incredibly admirable. performance and fell in love with the live audience love. Being a Kinney a lot. It’s the blonde-hair thing. I get confused with a lot WCT: One of your two books is about to be released. Can you natural ham and determined to be on stage myself, I convinced her of blonde actresses. I can usually tell by the type of person who share a bit about that? to put me in her second show. I remember she let me design my comes up to me what they know me from: young or male? Walking EB: It has taken me about eight years to write my first novel, en- costume for the show, which was, of course, a gold lamé tube top Dead. Older and female? Dallas. That pretty much held true until I titled Realms: Kingdom of Ash. It’s the start of a trilogy, hopefully. dress with a crushed purple velvet cape skirt over it. I wasn’t very was walking down the street in New York City and a young construc- I grew up inhaling the tales of Tolkien, Baum, Lewis and Rowling, popular in school and was excited/mortified when I learned all the tion worker called out, rushed over excitedly, and told me he loved/ and have a very healthy love of fairy tales. So Realms is a historical cool girls were coming in to see the show during our run. Not sure hated my character on Dallas in the thickest Long Island accent you drama—just kidding, it’s a fantasy. It was important the story had what they thought, although they did notice me the next Monday. could find. It was delightful. Also another lesson in not judging a a female hero, since that’s not something the fantasy genre has a WCT: Most actors are lucky to get one TV show, while you’ve book by its cover. I am particularly touched when someone recog- lot of. What I can say about it is, if you like the expanse of Lord of already been in three successful ones. To what do you attribute nizes me from Frozen. It was such a small film that I’m really proud the Rings and adventures of Harry Potter, you will love this book. your successful career? of. WCT: Do you have other projects coming up that I didn’t men- EB: Thank you for saying ‘successful.’ I think no one really feels WCT: You wrote and directed the film Between the Pines, tion? that way, no matter what level they are at. I would say my TV suc- which has been screening at several film festivals. Tell me a bit EB: I think you got it covered! cess had to do with an almost alarming amount of denial and sheer about the film. WCT: Tell me a secret—a good one! optimism in the face of overwhelming rejection. Success is mostly EB: Between the Pines is a dark fairy tale centered around a griev- about staying in the game, and for that it takes a particular kind EB: I know all the lyrics to Salt and Peppa’s ‘Shoop.’

BRYCE VINE GROWS INTO THE BIG TIME

Bryce Vine. Photo by JUCO PAGE 17 artsandtheaterweekly.com Jan. 2, 2019 12 NUNN ON ONE sex work. I am not knocking it, because I call it survival sex work, because it is used to survive. Parv and Pudi. I would go out and try telemarketing. Before Photo by the day was through, someone in the group real- Elisabeth Caren Dominique Jackson ized I was trans and outed me. I tried working in restaurants, but didn’t have a green card. I got my green card in 2015. It was a 25-year fight to celebrates ‘Pose’ get it. BY JERRY NUNN courage to be themselves. I linked up and started WCT: How has your life change since the first my hormones. It was the happiest time in my life. season of Pose aired? FX’s television drama Pose broke ground again WCT: How is the relationship with your fam- DJ: It has changed in the sense that I can now when it was nominated for two major Golden ily now? meet my bills. It was a struggle to stay in the Globes—Billy Porter, who plays Pray Tell, could DJ: We are still working on it. There’s tension, same apartment for 20 years. I feel more secure possibly win a Best Actor in a drama TV series honey. They are christians. The amazing thing is now. I am now validated by Ryan Murphy. He re- award, while the series itself might be named I was speaking to my mother the other day and ally matters and someone people look up to. Sketch Comedy best dramatic series. Co-creators Ryan Murphy, she referred to me as a her. I didn’t want to cry Whoopi Goldberg invited me to her house and Festival line-up Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals are returning to on the phone immediately, but I felt the love for had us over for dinner like normal people. My Pose for its sophomore run in 2019. my biological family. I have many people that are husband and I were just with her a few weeks named SketchFest Executive Producer Jill Valen- Dominique Jackson plays Elektra Abundance on my chosen and proven family, but these are the ago and met her daughter and grandkids. She tine announced the official line-up for the the television series. In the past, she modeled for people that raised me, so it meant a lot. gives me advice. I feel like she is a big sister and 18th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, Vogue Espana and wrote a biography titled The WCT: Where you based out of now? a mother to me. She is phenomenal and that skin taking place Jan. 10-20, 2019, at Stage 773, Transexual from Tobago. DJ: I have been in New York for 20 years. I went of hers is amazing. 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Before landing Pose, she appeared on the re- to L.A. for Strut, and was going to move there. I WCT: What are you doing for the rest of the The eclectic 2019 line-up will feature 120 ality television show Strut and earned a GLAAD spent two months there and went to one of the year? shows in eight days. Headliners include the Media Award nomination for it. executive producers and said, “Please tell Whoopi DJ: I am going to continue to make club ap- two-man show Parv and Pudi, composed of Jackson sat down at Hydrate Nightclub before Goldberg I am not moving here.” They knew it. pearances like this one. People should know I am Danny Pudi, best known for his role in the TV judging a ballroom contest to discuss her life. I am a New Yorker. I love getting on the subway from ballroom. People from ballroom can do great sitcom Community, alongside Parvesh Chee- Windy City Times: What are your thoughts on and seeing the different people or ordering a tur- things if they are given the opportunity. Ball- na; and The Fail Yours, featuring Derek Mize Pose’s depiction of the ballroom scene? key and cheese at the bodega at 2 a.m. room raised me and taught me to be a woman, and Eric Eikey from the NYC comedy group Dominique Jackson: I lived in that era. I was a WCT: I spoke with Mj Rodriguez from Pose then I decided on the type of woman I wanted to FUCT. little girl during those times. I saw these women about the struggle of trans people in the work be. Sketchfest longtime favorites The Cupid and I thought to myself, “I don’t want to be like force depicted on the show. What are your The 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards will Players, Rehner and Nixon, Off Off Broadway, them.” I thought they were elitists, but it was thoughts on that? air Sunday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. on NBC. not elitism—it was their way of surviving. They DJ: We have had issues. I never wanted to do GayCo and WGN Radio’s Patty Vazquez will believed no matter where you came from or level return. Featured international participants of education, you could still conduct yourself are slated to include HUNKS, Hot Raw Fire with class, dignity and decency. and Sketchersons. Other acts include Briane Sometimes they would read us to filth and say Goodrum (with the comedic/horror solo show our hair was not right. At that time, walking House Lafayette), This Funeral Sucks, The through the streets and not being recognized as Stuntmen and the trio Barbara Bush, to name a woman could lead to your death, so there was a a few. lot of tough love back then. When I got the part Tickets and the entire schedule are avail- on the show, I realized that I had been trained able at ChicagoSketchfest.com. and I was being shown the reality of my life. I was able to return and tell the story. We never know how the universe works. Sinfonietta’s MLK WCT: Tell our readers about your backstory. concerts Jan. 20-21 DJ: I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I was born Chicago Sinfonietta will present its signa- on the smaller island of Tobago called Scarbor- ture annual MLK Tribute Concert—featuring ough. As you know, in the Caribbean, there are the conducting talents of Chicago Sinfonietta sodomy laws so it was very difficult for someone Assistant Conductor Kedrick Armstrong and like myself to exist. I worked on my education Charleston Symphony Orchestra Assistant because grandma had a plan. It was to finish my Conductor Kellen Gray, both graduates of exams and come away to America. the Chicago Sinfonietta’s industry-leading I knew from the time I was five that I was dif- Project Inclusion professional development ferent. It wasn’t until 12 that confusion set in, program. because there was molestation and rape. It is The group will perform Sunday, Jan. 20, all in my book. It is called The Transexual from 2019 at 3 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall at Tobago Revised; it’s on Amazon. I used that as North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., my therapy. It helped me realize how far I have Naperville; and Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at come. To come from a small island to Maryland 7:30 p.m. at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michi- and graduate high school, then become homeless gan Ave., Chicago. after coming out was a long journey. Each piece programmed in this season’s I came out as gay because I didn’t know “trans” MLK tribute concerts was specially selected existed. I didn’t know what that was. I thought by Kedrick Armstrong and Gray in collabora- I would feel happy when I told my family I was tion with Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, for gay, but I didn’t. It wasn’t until I saw other whom Armstrong and Gray will be substitut- women in downtown [Baltimore], outside of the ing. Hippo, that I saw myself. People in the commu- Tickets to the MLK Tribute Concert are $10- Dominique Jackson. nity were calling them men, but I didn’t see that. $62 each when purchased in advance online; What I saw were beautiful women who had the Photo by Jerry Nunn visit ChicagoSinfonietta.org. Jan. 2, 2019 13

Doug King. SPORTS THE SPORTING LIFE: Photos courtesy of King played the only U.S. player who beat his oppo- nent in China. I played him twice, once in an ex- hibition and once for real in a tournament about Doug King 40 years later.” BY ROSS FORMAN competitive level.” So what is the appeal of gay sports? King said Chicago gay sports leagues have pro- Very simple, King said—it’s the ability to form Sports is certainly a family affair for Doug King— liferated since the mid-1990s. “It seemed to start lifelong friendships initially based on sports and well, except with his partner of 39 years, Bob, with softball and basketball, and then segue into then expanding into other common areas of in- who is not sports-minded at all. other sports such as tennis, soccer and [floor] terest. However, over the past 26 years, they have hockey, etc. The number of leagues, diversity and “I’ve socialized with my teammates in a variety raised four foster sons: Juan, Pedro, Miguel and options for competitive [or] social have expand- of settings outside of sports, and they are among Jose. Three of their kids have played basketbal ed making the sports leagues an excellent way to my closest friends,” he said. “The gay sports and/or softball in Chicago Metropolitan Sports meet like-minded people.” leagues have also allowed me to open my entire Association (CMSA) leagues. And CMSA certainly welcomes everyone. CMSA life to everyone I know. I am the ‘same me’ all the Juan, Jose and Miguel have played basket- is a social outlet as much as a competitive arena. time because of this experience.” ball and Miguel has played softball. Pedro also Take, for instance, Van, a friend of King’s who is was the original referee in the local gay soccer a refugee from Burma and now a successful hair Sporting highlights league. stylist for a major salon in downtown Chicago. King, in 2011, coached and played on the Chi- Both Pedro and Jose played Division I NCAA Van is transgender and King encouraged him to cago Sidetrack Classic team that captured the soccer. try the volleyball league. “His experience in vol- title in the Master’s Division of the annual Gay Soccer players don’t always make amazing soft- leyball has mirrored my experience with basket- Softball World Series, played that summer in Chi- ball players too, King learned the hard way. ball—he has enjoyed it a lot,” King said. “Sports cago. “I tried to stack my fall softball team with his can be great for one’s social life and a motivation “We got hammered in our first game, then [son’s] soccer teammates, many of whom hailed to get and stay healthy.” ended up winning the next four games decisively from Eastern Europe and South America,” King King’s sports resume has also included table and the championship,” King said. “It was a team said. “The theory was, I could teach anyone to tennis and golf. that could have easily given up after losing badly play, especially an athlete. It didn’t work too And he often has introduced gay allies to the our first game, but adjusted and won. It was a well—great guys, great college-level athletes, gay sports scene. team of players who knew how to behave as a definitely [just] recreational softball players.” “It has allowed me to transcend the partition- team. We assessed and adjusted as a team.” King, 61, who lives in Chicago’s Ravenswood ing of my life that I have witnessed in others King also was on the winning Recreational Divi- neighborhood, is the principal architect in the in the gay community,” he said. “One anecdote sion team in the Coady Roundball Classic about healthcare practice group Stantec Architecture warmed my heart [was] when several of my fellow 10 years ago. “My highlight was having a ‘Reggie Inc., an international architecture/engineering gay players expressed it was the first time they Miller moment,’ where I scored 12 points in about firm. He is originally from Midland, Michigan, at- had really gotten to know [straight] men of a two minutes to make a close game a rout. My tended the University of Detroit and has called similar age on a personal level and were treated teammates said I was levitating down the court Chicago home since 1983. as being equal.” after the last three-point shot.” He has played in Chicago gay sports leagues King’s softball career has been anchored around King’s sporting memories are endless, anchored every year but one since 1995. The Lucky Charmers, a team whose core has been by many involving his sons and their friends. In “I started out playing basketball at Margate together for about a decade. fact, King jokes that his son Miguel probably has Park in 1995, then added softball in 2004 and “I attend the Detroit Tigers’ fantasy camps more friends within CMSA than King himself. table tennis about 2012,” King said. “There are every few years, [which] has helped my softball King has been a pitcher, catcher and every in- still a couple of us who played [basketball] in the skills immensely,” he said. “I believe in getting field position, and he has teamed with Gary Vien mid-1990s [who are] still playing, [and we] have the best mentorship and coaching you can get in “I love the softball season, [which] starts in to annually conduct the CMSA pre-season pitch- a pact that we won’t quit until the other does.” any endeavor in life. I have attended camps for January with Sunday batting practice. We get [to- ing clinic. In 1992, the first of King’s four foster sons several sports: basketball, softball and table ten- gether as] a group every Sunday in January, Feb- King is active in the community at-large, (Pedro) came to the U.S. King didn’t speak much nis and golf. ruary, March and April, so that when the season serving on the development board of Heartland Spanish, and Pedro didn’t speak much English “At the Tigers camps, I re-learned how to hit, begins we are theoretically in mid-season form.” Health Centers, a healthcare facility that serves when he arrived, “so we played sports to bridge spending several weeks at the Detroit Tiger fan- King said his table tennis experience dates back immigrants and refugees. Plus, he is active in this gap,” King said. “From the last time I played tasy camps and having ex-pro players to teach to when he was 6 years-old. “My hometown was professional organizations, such as the High Rise basketball in 1976 to 1992 they had invented the skills. One of the [former] Tigers, Ike Blessett, where the table tennis team that went to China Committee of the City of Chicago. three-point line. I found that I had a talent to [once] came to Chicago and ran drills for my for Ping Pong Diplomacy [in 1972] practiced. “I have had a long-standing involvement in the shoot threes while playing in the playground at CMSA D2 softball team for a weekend. I got to spar with some of them,” he said. “I Addictions Recovery Community, particularly the Lakeview High School in 1992-93. I started play- New Town Alano Center of Chicago,” he said. “I ing at the local YMCA with Pedro and being a have been in recovery for 40 years. And in the youthful 34 years old, I was lighting it up … so I Extra innings with … Doug King mid-1980s to 1990s, I was active in conducting joined the CMSA basketball league in 1995 at age —Favorite pro sports team: Detroit outreach and education to the LGBT community 38 years. Tigers in the Midwest – helping start organizations to “I was the 50th best player of 50 players in —Favorite pro athlete: Phil Niekro promote recovery.” the basketball league in 1995. I was impressed —Favorite pro sports stadium: The how good the players were, so was my son, Juan, Original Tiger Stadium What’s left in your sporting career? who came and watched us play. The next year my —One pro athlete who you’d like to “I would like to field an LGBT basketball team foster son Juan played with us. He was the No. meet: Paul George of the Oklahoma City for a national over-60 tournament,” he said. 1 pick in the draft—and I came along as an ex- Thunder “These are sprouting up and becoming popular. tra. Juan was 5-foot-6, but could nearly dunk and —If you could attend any pro sports I would like to do a similar thing for softball. was lightning fast. He and I played together as event/game, what would it be?: “An For the softball team of over-60 players, I would the starting point guards for our CMSA basketball international professional baseball love to go somewhere that is crazy about base- team for several years. This was when the league game, [such as a] Japanese Baseball Doug King. ball, like Cuba, and play overseas in a tournament had one division, basically an intermediate or League game.” Photo by Triquetra Productions against other over-60 players.” Jan. 2, 2019 14

Our list of all the regular drag shows in and around Chicago. To include your show in DRAG IT UP! our listings, please submit info to [email protected]. MONDAYS FRIDAYS Chicago’s Best Worst Drag Show, hosted by Arby Barbie, Beauties and Beaus, hosted by Naysha Lopez, Mimi Marks weekly, 2 a.m., no cover. The Jackhammer Complex, 6406 and Mz. Ruff ‘n Stuff, weekly, 9:30 p.m., no cover. Hy- N. Clark St. drate, 3458 N. Halsted St. Vamp, featuring Mimi Marks, hosted by Mercedes Tyler, Dining With the Divas, featuring Angel LeBare and CeeCee weekly, 11 p.m., no cover. Progress Bar, 3359 N. Halsted LaRouge, shows weekly at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Hamburger St. Mary’s Oak Park, 155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Ill. Lipstick & Mascara, hosted by Mz. Ruff ‘n Stuff, weekly, The Baton Show Lounge, shows weekly at 8:30 p.m., 10:30 11:30 p.m., no cover. Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted St. p.m. and 12:30 a.m. 436 N. Clark St. Plot Twist, hosted by T-Rex, every 3rd Monday, 10:30 p.m., eBARE:: Berlin, 954 W. Belmont Ave. SATURDAYS Drag Matinee, hosted by T-Rex, weekly, 10:30 p.m., Berlin, TUESDAYS NAME 954 W. Belmont Ave. Killer Babes, hosted by Lady Ivory, every 3rd Tues., 10 p.m. “’Angel’ comes from #POPular, featuring 2018 Fan Favorite Tiffany Diamond, @mosphere, 5355 N. Clark St. ::ANGELmy veryL first drag hosted by Veronica Pop, weekly, shows at 10:30 p.m., Roscoe’s Drag Race, Chicago’s longest-running amateur performance when I played Charlie’s, 3726 N. Broadway

weekly drag competition hosted by Frida Lay, Roscoe’s, PROFILE BY Angel in the musical Rent. My last Beauties and Beaus, hosted by Naysha Lopez, Mimi Marks 3356 N. Halsted St. name, ‘LeBare,’ comes from and Mz. Ruff ‘n Stuff, weekly, 9:30 p.m., no cover. Hy- Dixie Wins a Talent Show (while Alexis Bevels stage-man- TONY PEREGRINDRAGa French PROFILE dance troupe OF namedTHE WEEKLeBare.” drate, 3458 N. Halsted St. ages), featuring Dixie Lynn Cartwright and Alexis Bevels, FIRST DRAG PERFORMANCE Drag shows at Manuevers: 1st Sat.: Raven’s Ravishing Revue, a showcase for local drag queens, performance artists and “While performing in Rent, I entered a local drag hosted by Raven Samore; 2nd Sat.: The Dymond Standard, comedians, last Tues. of the month, 9:30 p.m., Sidetrack, competition at The Call and I won the preliminary cycle hosted by Diamond Calloway; 3rd Sat.: Diva’s Den, hosted 3349 N. Halsted St. and went on to win the yearly title.” by Sasha Love; 4th Sat.: Noche Latina, hosted by Aleyna DRAG INSPIRATION Couture. All shows at 11:30 p.m., no cover. Maneuvers, “There are so many. I have always been a fan of Sasha 118 E. Jefferson St., Joliet WEDNESDAYS Colby, who is an amazing performer who really leaves it Honeys on Halsted, hosted by Mimi Marks and Mz. Ruff ‘n Stardust, hosted by Natasha Douglas, 1st Sat. (starting Nov. all on the table every time she performs. In addition, Stuff, weekly, 11:30 p.m., no cover. Hydrate, 3458 N. 2018), 8:30-10:30 p.m. @mosphere, 5355 N. Clark St. I would have to say Jujubee and Shannel, as they were Halsted St. Sofia’s Dragtacular Review, hosted by Sofia Saffire, every both very kind to me in the early stages of my drag All Things Beyonce, hosted by Dixie Lynn Cartwright, featur- 2nd Sat., 10:30 p.m., Shakers on Clark, 3160 N. Clark St. career.” ing Dida Ritz, Saya Naomi and guest queens, 2nd or 3rd Ashley Morgan Presents A Drag Revue, featuring Coco Sho- Wed. of the month, 9 p.m., Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. GO-TO NUMBER TO SLAY THE CROWD Nell, Dominique Diamond, Vivian Dejour and Juan M. “Anything by JLo or Beyoncé—their music really drives The Baton Show Lounge, shows weekly at 8:30 p.m., 10:30 Wette, hosted by Ashley Morgan, every 3rd Sat., 9:30 p.m. me and I love to replicate their looks and choreography p.m. and 12:30 a.m. 436 N. Clark St. seating, $5 suggested donation, The Call Bar, 1547 W. in my performances.” Bryn Mawr Ave. FUN FACT Pregame!, featuring Abhijeet, Tenderoni and Harlet Wench, THURSDAYS “I have been told my looks and performances are very hosted by Aurora Gozmic and Tiffany Diamond, 9-10 p.m. Babes In Boyland, featuring Monica Beverly Hillz, Lila Star, ‘old school drag.’ This comes from my musical theatre Scarlet, 3320 N. Halsted St. Teri Yaki and Otter Chaös, weekly, 1 a.m., no cover. The background—I am a musical theater ‘nerd’ and teach 6 Queens 1 Diva, hosted by Muffy Fishbasket, every 4rd Jackhammer Complex, 6406 N. Clark St. music, dance and theater to children as my day job. I Sat., 10 p.m., $5 cover, The Call Bar, 1547 W. Bryn Mawr Sirens of Splash, featuring Lila Star, Mimi Marks, Aura am also really drawn to cartoon and female superheroes Ave. Mayari and Silky, weekly, 9 p.m., no cover. Splash Chicago, and love to create iconic looks paying tribute to them.” Dining With the Divas, featuring Angel LeBare and CeeCee 3339 N. Halsted St. WHERE CAN WE CATCH YOU LaRouge, shows weekly at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Hamburger POP ROCKS, dance party with drag from Alexis Bevels and Hamburger Mary’s Oak Park on Fridays; Hamburger Mary’s Oak Park, 155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Ill. Saya Naomi, get on stage to Win with Dixie Lynn Cart- Mary’s Chicago every first, third and fifth Saturdays; The Baton Show Lounge, shows weekly at 8:30 p.m., 10:30 wright, weekly, 9 p.m., Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. The Fish Hatchery at @mosphere every third Sunday; p.m. and 12:30 a.m. 436 N. Clark St. Body Beautiful, hosted by Danika Bone’t and Alexandrea and regularly at Scarlet in Chicago, The Grand Tequila Diamond, 4th Thu. of each month, shows at 11:30 p.m., in Waukegan, Fantasy Nightclub in Chicago, Phoenix 12:30 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., no cover. Charlie’s, 3726 N. Nightclub in Elk Grove Village, La Cage Nightclub in SUNDAYS Reinas de la Casa, featuring Windy Breeze, Veronica Pop, Broadway Milwaukee and at numerous venues in the Quad Cities Zafina Hasheesh and Danika Bone’t, hosted by Alexandrea The Baton Show Lounge, shows weekly at 8:30 p.m., 10:30 and Peoria. p.m. and 12:30 a.m. 436 N. Clark St. Diamond, 2nd Sun. of each month, shows at 11:30 p.m., SOCIAL MEDIA 12:30 and 1:30 a.m. Charlie’s, 3726 N. Broadway Facebook: angellebare Angel LeBare’s Fish Hatchery, contest for aspiring drag IG and Twitter:@theangellebare queens, every 4th Sun., 8 p.m. @mosphere, 5355 N. Clark Photo by St. Zapata Photography The Baton Show Lounge, shows weekly at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. 436 N. Clark St. Jan. 2, 2019 15 BILLY MastersMasters

“That we’re Eskimo brothers!”—Andy Cohen’s answer to what the public may not know about him and his good friend, Anderson Cooper. For those of you who don’t know, the term “Eskimo brothers” refers to men who have slept with the same person. In the case of women, I believe the term is simply lesbians. This is a strange column—one might even call it queer. If you’re reading it in print, it will surely be 2019. But if you’re reading it online—perhaps at BillyMasters.com—2018 is likely drawing to a close. And to be honest (which, of course, I al- ways am), I am writing this on New Year’s Eve. And yet, my 2018 wrap-up has already been pub- lished. So, in a way, this column falls between the cracks. One might even say it’s straddling years. Oh, I’ve been straddling things for years. Why, I could write a book. But for now, you’ll have to make do with this column. Given the timing, I can’t tell you all about my New Year’s Eve, nor can I in good faith review An- derson Cooper and Andy Cohen’s sophomore ef- fort in hosting the festivities. Mind you, not see- Andy Cohen (above) said that he and Anderson ing it is no excuse—why, many of my colleagues Cooper are (kind of) related, Billy says. regularly review things they haven’t seen. But, Photo courtesy of Bravo no, not your beloved Billy. Instead, I will ex- trapolate on last week’s news—that Andy Cohen does when one flirts with a busboy. Unfortunately will soon be a daddy. Oh sure, the cheap joke is, for Spacey, the boy is the son of a former Boston- “Yeah, like scads of undergrads haven’t been call- area television news anchor. Unfortunately for ing him daddy for years.” But, no, I won’t go for the boy, he reported the incident to the police the cheap joke—not in 2019. But, since it’s still over a year after the incident. Something smells technically 2018, I’ll allow it. Andy announced fishy to me, but that could just be Nantucket! I that his child of undisclosed gender will be born don’t question the boy’s account of the night, but sometime in January and that he hired a surro- I do question the motive. Spacey will be formally gate. It’s certainly not the first time his semen arraigned Jan. 7. If Spacey is found guilty, he has been inside someone he paid—and that’s the could be facing 15-20 years in jail. On the posi- last cheap joke of the year. tive side, by the time he gets out, he’ll be able to The marriage of Colton Haynes and Jeff Leath- hit on Andy Cohen’s kid! am is the gift that keeps on giving. They truly In one of those situations that you’d swear are the Liz and Dick of our generation—perhaps, was made up, the same day the formal charges like Joan Rivers or Phyllis Diller?” more appropriately, the Dick and Dick. (Which of against him were announced, Spacey broke his It’s true. The first time Ellen DeGeneres did them is the bigger Dick will have to be deter- online silence by posting an odd video in which stand-up on The Tonight Show, Johnny Carson mined by a court of law.) The last time they split he plays his character from House of Cards. In waved her over to the sofa. But she wasn’t neces- up, I believe Colton did the leaving and Jeff did it, he condemns how the show ended, and how sarily the first woman he invited over. Accord- the pleading for reconciliation. This time around, things are not as they appear in politics ... and in ing to reports, when Roseanne made her first we’re told that the divorce was filed by Leatham. life. Amazingly, this three-minute clip is one, sin- appearance on The Tonight Show a year before (Why is it I continue to want to type “leather- gle, perfect take, and it reminds us of two things: Ellen, Johnny also waved her over ... but she man”?) He served Colton with what is known as 1) what an extraordinary actor Kevin Spacey is, was so scared, she just ran off the stage. As to “preliminary declaration of disclosure.” Apparent- and 2) that he’s batshit crazy. Joan and Phyllis, they were always on the show ly, this is routine for all divorcing parties in the Darren Criss says he is done taking advantage as guests—not to do stand-up. So, they didn’t state of California. I’m no lawyer, but here’s my of the gay community: “There are certain roles have to be invited over to the couch, they were advice to Colton: Don’t ask, don’t tell. I picked that I’ll see that are just wonderful. But I want to booked on the couch. up that little tip from the documentary about the make sure I won’t be another straight boy taking When our couch stories have nothing to do with Clinton affair on A&E. a gay man’s role.” Am I the only one who finds casting, it’s definitely a new year and time to end While Kevin Spacey is probably grateful to it amusing that he refers to himself as a boy ... yet another column. I’d love to chat more, but it’s have 2018 behind him, he’s still got some daunt- taking a role from a gay man? I mean, he’s 31—I New Year’s Eve and, frankly, I’ve got better things ing situations a-brewin’. First and foremost are think the boy days are long gone, bucko. And to do. But, the celebrations will continue all year charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a teen- riddle me this: If Criss stops playing gay parts, long at BillyMasters.com—the site that straddles age boy at a Nantucket bar in 2016. As you may what exactly will he do for work? more than years. If you’ve got a question, send recall, Spacey allegedly flirted with the 18-year- Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Freddie in it to me at [email protected] and I prom- old busboy in a restaurant, bought him a drink Hawaii, who writes, “I just saw Ellen’s new com- ise to get back to you before Criss gets cast in (after the boy said he was of age) and began edy special. Was she really the first female come- a straight role! Until next time, remember: One putting his hands down the lad’s pants ... as one dian Johnny invited to the couch? Not someone man’s filth is another man’s bible. Jan. 2, 2019 16

menu takes appetizers like grilled cauliflower and adds sahmjang butter, fennel seed and almonds. However, the centerpiece (if you’re lucky enough to get there on time) is the Mott Burger—a the DISH wondrous concoction consisting of double chuck Weekly Dining Guide in patties, sweet-potato shoestrings, hoisin aioli, pickled jalapenos, dill pickles, miso butter and WINDY CITY TIMES American cheese. —Dog Haus Biergarten Lincoln Park (2464 SAVOR N. Lincoln Ave.; lincolnpark.doghaus.com): This spot surprised me. Just when you think Best restaurants of 2018 you’ve seen everything regarding hot dogs (and BY ANDREW DAVIS burgers), Dog Haus ups the game with gourmet items like the pun-worthy Scott Baioli (smoked Chicago has thousands of restaurants—and Marchesa’s foie gras. FRIO Gelato’s Alfa-lato. bacon-wrapped dog, cheddar cheese sauce and Windy City Times checked out a few of the spots Photo by Andrew Davis PR photo caramelized onions, garlic aioli)—all served on last year. Below are some of the best that this those sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls. writer witnessed (in no particular order): us.com/wordpress/): Marchesa partners partners (understandable), but FRIO (in which everything —Streeterville Social (455 N. Park Dr.; —Twain (2445 N. Milwaukee Ave.; www. Jason Clark and Kathryn Sullivan Alvera actually is made in-house) has flavors such as frutilla LoewsHotels.com/Chicago/Downtown): This spot twainchicago.com/): This Logan Square restaurant worked together at nearby spot Prosecco—but (strawberry), malbec con frutos rojos (malbec is elusive only because it’s seasonal. On the deserves all the business it can get. The Grahams this restaurant will treat you like royalty, from wine with berries), queso y miel (cheese and rooftop of The Loews Hotel, I was lucky enough (chef Tim and sommelier wife Rebekah) evoke the exuberant waitstaff to the Italian dishes that honey), menta granizala (mint chocolate chip), to partake of a brunch that include the tasty Midwestern nostalgia with dishes like creamy will have you returning for more. banana and many others. For me, it’s never too (and huge) avocado toast, gluten-free wild-rice chicken and dumplings (inside pots similar to —LiqrBox (873 N. Orleans St.; liqrboxchicago. cold to have gelato, especially when it’s this pancakes and more. During the summer, this what your grandmother used) and drinks like The com/): And things become even more complicated, good. place is a must-try. Sconnie (with Korbel and Sprite)—and now it as Prosecco Executive Chef Mark Sparacino also —Tied House (3157 N. Southport Ave.; www. —Ronero (738 W. Randolph St.; www. offers brunch. spearheads this innovative clubstaurant that will tiedhousechicago.com/ ): Next door to the ronerochicago.com/): “Ronero” refers to —Marchesa ((535 N. Wells St.; take you back to your childhood. Sparacino serves popular spot Schubas Tavern, Tied House occupies someone who has mastered the art of distilling marchesachicago.com/): This River North spot items such as (large) pizza rolls, shrimp corn the spot where Harmony Grill used to be—but it rum—and, this West Loop spot has approximately manages to be simultaneously majestic and dogs, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese served in a parmesan certainly isn’t the same as its predecessor. The 200 different bottles of the drink. However, it intimate. The eatery features upscale Italian, bowl and a loaf of cheesy bread—with part of it exciting and complex dishes include beeswax- offers so much more, like empanadas and pollo al Spanish and French dishes, and Executive Chef cut out to hold tomato soup. It’s perfect comfort aged mackerel, which comes with leek, yellow vino rojo (a half-chicken with pate and roasted Mark Sabbe definitely knows what he’s doing. food. beet, horseradish and duck sauce; and milk- raisins)—as well as music and an atmosphere Offerings like the orecchiette pomodoro e rapini —FRIO Gelato (FRIOGelato.com): Serving braised pork, with cabbage, salsify and apple. that epitomize Latin America. must be tasted to be believed—even if the prices genuine Argentinian gelato, FRIO (which now Even the bread service is a step above that of Honorable mentions: Aurelio’s Pizza make this spot a special-occasion restaurant has three locations, in Andersonville, Lake View most restaurants. Wrigleyville, The Florentine, The Dearborn, The rather than an everyday haunt. and Evanston) has several exciting flavors— —Mott St. (1401 N. Ashland Ave.; www. Purple Pig, Mercat a la Planxa, The Bakery at Fat —Prosecco (710 N. Wells St.; prosecco. and styles. There are gelato shops in Argentina mottstreetchicago.com/) is an Asian-themed Rice, Bounce Sporting Club, Lark, Homestead on that revolve solely around the dulce de leche restaurant for the adventurous. For example, the the Roof, Travelle and Conrad’s Grill.

THE CALL Six queens, one holiday show. Joseph Stevens Photography

SIDETRACK Jingle those bells! Photos by Jerry Nunn Jan. 2, 2019 17

JUNE 2019 NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019

PRODUCED BY WORLDPRIDE LICENSOR HOST PARTNER HOST PARTNER Jan. 2, 2019 18 Friday, Jan. 4 and West Side neighborhoods. Dinner, ($12 for Music Box Members). First show Katie Batza, author Before AIDS: Gay silent auction, tribute to community 7 p.m. 10:00pm Music Box Theatre COMMUNITY Health Politics in the 1970s Book members who have passed. Questions to 3733 N Southport Chicago http://www. Launch Party. Focuses on gay health in- [email protected]. 6-9 p.m. Univer- musicboxtheatre.com stitutions in Boston, Chicago, and Los sity of Chicago’s Cloister Club, 1212 E. CALENDAR Angeles, placing them in a larger po- 59th St. Thursday, Jan. 10 litical context and following them into Boy Gets Girl An examination of the para- Community Cave Peer-led Community the first five years of the AIDS crisis. noia, frustration, crippling fear of the Group every Thursday for individuals Wed., Jan. 2 7:00pm Women & Children First Book- victim of stalking. $19 for adults and that were Assigned/Designated Female Chicago 00: The 1968 DNC Protests ex- store 5233 N Clark St Chicago http:// $14 for students, seniors. Through Jan. at Birth (A/DFAB) AND ALSO who iden- Exploring a watershed hibit ongoing www.womenandchildrenfirst.com 27 7:30pm Edge off Broadway, 1133 tify as trans, i.e., as anything other than moment in U.S. politics-the 50th an- It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago West Catalpa Ave. Tickets: http://www. cisgender. Free. Questions to commu- niversary of the convention protests- American Blues Theater presents It’s a saltboxtheatre.org [email protected] 6:30pm with the new virtual-reality experience. Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from - 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N From photographs and documents from Frank Capra’s film with Foley sound ef- Sunday, Jan. 6 Halsted Chicago https://www.Communi- the Chicago History Museum’s archives fects, an original score and holiday car- Fiddler on the Roof Heartwarming story tyCaveChicago.org to the site of the demonstrations. Da- ols through Jan. 5. 7:30pm Stage 773 of fathers and daughters, husbands and vid Farber, Ph.D., narrates the 14-min- 1225 W Belmont Chicago http://Ameri- wives, and life, love and laughter. Clas- Friday, Jan. 11 ute VR tour that can be viewed through canBluesTheater.com sic musical is rich with Broadway hits. Queer Genre Fiction Book Group Each YouTube; the Chrome browser; or with Barney the Elf Queerfully delicious holi- Through Jan. 6. 7:30pm Cadillac Pal- second Friday 7:00pm - 9:00pm Gerber Google Cardboard VR glasses. 12:00pm day show with musical satire, which in- ace Theatre 151 W Randolph Chicago Hart Library and Archives 6500 N Clark Chicago History Museum 1601 N Clark corporates Renaud and Schmidt’s parody http://www.Fiddlermusical.com Tickets: St Chicago http://www.gerberhart.org Chicago http://chicago00.org/experi- lyrics to popular songs. Through Jan. http://www.BroadwayInChicago.com ences.html#dnc. 6. 7:30pm Pride Arts Center, 4147 N. Saturday, Jan. 12 ELF RESPECT Broadway http://www.pridefilmsand- Wed., Jan. 9 Thursday, Jan. 3 Burning Bowl: Resisting with Purpose plays.com SketchFest 18th Annual Chicago Sketch to Thrive in the New Year Community American Veterans for Equal Rights Running through Jan. 6 Comedy Festival Starring each hour “burn” as a symbolic way of leaving monthly meeting AVER is a non-profit, Barney the Elf will soon Saturday, Jan. 5 local favorites, award-winning interna- things that are no longer serving us so chapter-based association of active, re- Families of Chicago Banquet, Save Our tional ensembles, veterans, and fresh that we can move confidently into the serve and veteran servicemembers dedi- end its run Scene F.O.C. Banquet 3.0 The family talent. Through Jan. 20. Single tick- future. Honoring Kim Hunt with the Rob- cated to full and equal rights and eq- at Pride Arts Center. scene is a kinship and cultural formation ets $15. 6:00pm - 10:00pm Stage bie Smith Award of Excellence. Hosted by uitable treatment. This monthly meeting Photo by Paul Goyette entity supporting queer youth, similar 773 1225 W Belmont Chicago Tickets: Affinity Community Services. 1:00pm - supports the chapters work in outreach to house and ball communities. FOC is http://www.Stage773.com 4:00pm Morgan Park United Methodist and visibility for LGBTQ veterans year affiliated with the University of Chicago ROMA on 70mm Alfonso Cuaron’s master- Church ,11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago round. On Facebook, see AVER Chicago Medicine and consists of over 10 Houses piece exclusive 70mm on wall-to-wall http://www.eventbrite.com Chapter. 7:00pm Center on Halsted and Families from across the city’s South 36-foot screen through Jan. 13. $15 3656 N Halsted Chicago

Sidetrack’s OUTspoken! Series: January’s featured storytellers

Sonal Aggarwal Angelica D’Souza Dominick Duda Dr. Ray Lauk Rena McDaniel

—Sonal Aggarwal is a world-traveling performer and mischief-maker. Born and raised in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, she left the United States after college to travel the world in search of a no-drama zone. As her sharp wit and infectious energy carried her across the world, she realized that, alas, no such place exists. —Angelica D’Souza was raised in Canada, the land of “sorry!”s, strong beer and universal healthcare; and still doesn’t have a good answer when people ask her why she moved to the US. Nonetheless, she has made Chicago her home and frequently proclaims her love for both the Windy City and public transit (which are only somewhat related). She recently quit her cushy government job to go to grad school, so she no longer has any semblance of a life. On the rare The January edition of OUTspoken! occasion she has free time, you can find her with a gimlet in one hand and her rescue cat in her lap, binge watching Great British Bake Off. LGBTQ storyteller series takes place —Dominick Duda was born and raised in Cleveland and is now a nonprofit fundraiser residing in Chicago. He is the 2015 recipient of the A.W. “Bud” Collins, Tuesday, January 8, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Jr. Prize in Creative Writing and a 2017 Pushcart Prize poetry nominee. His work has appeared in Foglifter, Nomadic Ground, The Mil, and Black Market Lit, and Halsted St. Doors open at 6 pm, stories is forthcoming on The Local Glow. He serves on the Dodgeball Leadership Team for Stonewall Sports Chicago and advocates for more people to listen to Carly begin at 7. Rae Jepsen’s music. —Dr. Ray Lauk is an international speaker, entrepreneur, educator and comic who speaks on entrepreneurial leadership, communication through storytelling, See www.outspokenchicago.com for school improvement, organizational culture and climate and building organizations that fuel growth through learning. A graduate of Chicago’s Second City more info. Improv comedy program, Lauk has performed improv, stand-up comedy and storytelling throughout the United States, Spain, Bangkok and Rio de Janeiro. —Rena McDaniel is a gender and sex therapist and founder of Practical Audacity, a therapy and healing collective focused on serving queer and marginalized communities. When they aren’t working, they can usually be found dancing to Whitney Houston around the city or curled up with a Harry Potter book and a whiskey-spiked apple cider. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? ON IT.

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