Gay Chicago Timeline - Nov 3

THIS WEEK IN ...

1979

?In the bars this week, go visit the Locker, 3019 N. Clark St. "A Drinking Establishment for Men in or into Levis" with bartenders Mike, Dan and Dale; Roberta Whitehall performs at Alfie's, 900 N. Rush St., "Chicago's Hottest Cocktail Bar." On Mondays the drinks are 75 cents all day and all night; party with Michael "K" at Robert's Lounge, 2568 N. Clark St.; "Show of Shows" features Latese Chevron from Daytona Beach as Donna Summer at the Bistro, 420 N. Dearborn; an art exhibit by Pat Haney and Michael Frank is on display in the Penthouse at Crystal's Blinkers, 3153 N. Broadway; and in Gay Life the ad for movie night at the Gold Coast, 501 N. Clark St. reads "Jaws, starring the biggest fucking fish we've ever seen."

The Lifestyles Expo takes place at the Best Western Hotel, 600 N. Lake Shore Drive. Among the exhibitors are gay organizations Dignity, Gay Horizons, Gay Life, and several others.

Bill Kelley of the Illinois Gay Rights Task Force talks about the current city and statewide gay legislation on the Lee Rogers Talk Show on WIND, 560 on your AM dial.

Barbara Cowan of Highland Park writes to the Chicago Tribune: "The proposed 'gay' rights ordinance in Chicago is unnecessary. The rights of all citizens are guaranteed by the United States Constitution and should be enforced in the courts. However, homosexuals are marching, parading, and demanding much more ... we would be foolish to 'qualify homosexuality as a civil, and therefore legal right.'"

1988

The West Suburban Gay Association (WSGA) sponsors the annual autumn auction at Holy Covenant MCC at Washington and Maple Streets in Hinsdale. In addition to a cash bar, a special wine bar will be offered. Many previously owned items are up for bid. Proceeds will go to the WSGA building fund.

Award-winning recording artist and electric mandolinist, Robin Flower, and vocalist and keyboard player Libby McLaren (formerly with the Roches) appear at the Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children, 1655 W. School.

The New York Daily News writes: "Joel Grey is triumphant!" Cabaret opens at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway. Meanwhile, other theater treats include Charles Ludlam's Bluebeard, directed by Patrick Trettenero, playing at the Zebra Crossing Theatre, 4520 N. Beacon St. and Steel Magnolias, starring Anne Francis and Marcia Rodd, is at the Royal-George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted.

1999

Hoxie's lesbian "Best BBQ" restaurant in town, 1801 W. Lawrence, hosts a Sony Party with live performances by Ripley Caine and Lynne Mandarino. Diners can win CD's by the Indigo Girls, Macy Gray and the Dixie Chicks.

Other lesbians performing around town include Hysterical Women at Girlbar, 2625 N. Halsted; gospel and blues singer Nedra Johnson sings at the Mountain Moving Coffee House, Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster; Jazz singer Patricia Barber is in concert at Park West, 324 W. Armitage; Zrazy sing their Irish songs at Star Gaze, 5419 N. Clark; and Nancy Hill performs at the Patch, corner of Wentworth and 155th, Calumet City.

The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Honors program is at the Knickerbocker Hotel, 163 E. Walton. "The Chamber Honors ... Remember Our Past, Dream Our Future," honors gay, lesbian, bi and trans businesses and their owners. Honored for Historical Contribution of 20 years or more (Women and Children First, Unabridged Books, Pass the Salt and Pepper and Executive Sweet); Business of the Year (Ann Sather's, Buddies, Cell Block, Print it!, Susan O'Dell, PhD); Supportive Business Member of the Year (Temptations); New Business of the Year (Star Gaze); Chamber Special Service Awards (Terry Childers, Rep. Larry McKeon, Mary Morten). Awards sponsored by IBM, CPNA, and more.

Bette Midler is at the United Center on her Divine Miss Millennium Tour.