Thursday, Nov. 27
Club Reunion Loftwerk Productions hosts a Thanksgiving dance party. 7 p.m.-2 a.m., $10, 811 W. Lake, (312) 491-9600
D/E Entertainment and TabernacleChicago Evolution, featuring DJs Frankie Knuckles and Alan King, hosted by Frederick and Dennis and special guest Byron Dorsey. 10 p.m., $21, House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, (312) 339-5938
Friday, Nov. 28
Gene Siskel Film Center Latina lesbian Reno introduces tonight's screening of Reno: Rebel Without a Pause, a documentary about her performance in response to the 9/11 attacks. Tonightís screening is at 7:30 p.m.; the film runs through Dec. 2. Also premiering today at 3:15 and 5:15 p.m. is Venus Boyz, a documentary about drag kings, which runs through Dec. 4th. $8, 164 N. State St. (312) 846-2800, www.siskelfilmcenter.org
Jackhammer Stella Productions presents Diva Las Vegas, starring Regina Upright, Julia Knight, and Tajma Hall, with special guests Tamera Lee and Sassy Trade. 11 p.m. showtime; Chicago Beef dancers follow at 1 a.m. 6406 N. Clark, (773) 743-5772
NEO Planet Earth Thanksgiving, a new wave feast with all the trimmings, with DJ Dave Roberts spinning new wave, punk and ska until 4 a.m. 2350 N. Clark, (773) 528-2622
Saturday, Nov. 29
Club Reunion Darrell and Craig present Celebration of Life 2003, with music by DJ Gloria, Greg Gray and DJ Unknown, with a live midnight performance by the legendary Martha Wash. Proceeds go to support HIV/AIDS and MS charities. 9 p.m.-3 a.m., $20, 811 W. Lake, (312) 491-9600 or (312) 922-3321, darrellandcraig@aol.com
South Shore Cultural Center The Old Town School sponsors AfroFolk Live, a series of music and culture from the African Diaspora. Tonight, a blues harmonica workshop with Joe Filisko from 6-7 p.m. and Chicago Blues Night from 7-9 p.m., with Toronzo Cannon and the Cannonball Express. Free, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., (773) 728-6000, www.oldtownschool.org
Windy City Athletic Assc. (WCAA) Open gym for men's basketball, (773) 327-WCAA, mens.basketball@wcaa.net, www.wcaa.net
Sunday, Nov. 30
Big Wig Blender, Wicker Park's queer night out, presents a Thanksgiving Leftovers Party. Retro dance music, and $3 cover if you bring a material donation for friends of the organizers who recently lost everything in a house fire (otherwise, $5 cover). 8 p.m.-2 a.m., 1551 W. Division, (773) 235-9100
Monday, Dec. 1
Canticle Ministries Lighting the Way to a World Without AIDS, a special World AIDS Day service Wheaton, (630) 588-9165
Dominican University AIDS activist Rae Lewis Thornton speaks in honor of World AIDS Day. 6 p.m., Social Hall, 7900 W. Division St. River Forest, (708) 524-6458. The university also hosts a display of panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, today through December 3rd.
Howard Brown Free HIV testing, in honor of World AIDS Day. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 4025 N. Sheridan, (773) 388-1600
Women & Children First In honor of World AIDS Day, Connie Kiosse reads from her new memoir of AIDS and sisterhood entitled Two Sisters, One Journey. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, (773) 769-9299
Tuesday, Dec. 2
HotHouse Phat Tuesdayz, HotHouse's weekly showcase of progressive local hip-hop crews. 9:30 p.m. $5, 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707, www.hothouse.net
Wednesday, Dec. 3
HotHouse The Process: Exploring Composition with Edward Wilkerson, Jr., Michael Zerang and Jim Baker, three Chicago composers of jazz and creative improvised music. 7 p.m., free, 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707
Old Town School AfroFolk Live, a series of music and culture from the African Diaspora. Tonight, Deep House Night, with Mr. A.L.I. (African Latin Influence). 8:30 p.m., free, 4544 N. Lincoln, (773) 728-6000
School of the Art Institute Local round-up panel for the series Call and Response: Art in the Age of Hip-Hop Culture is moderated by Raymond Codrington and includes artist Max King Cap. 6 p.m., $5, 280 S. Columbus, (312) 443-3711, www.artic.edu/saic/vap
Women & Children First Yvonne Jennings reads from A Womanís Touch, a new collection of romantic fiction for lesbians to which she is a contributor. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, (773) 769-9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Thursday, Dec. 4
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Sample delicacies from Chicago restaurants at World of Chocolate, AFCís annual all-about-chocolate holiday event, to commemorate World AIDS Day. 6-9 p.m., Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus, (312) 922-2322, ext. 302
Rainbow Lotus Sangha LGBTS Buddhist group meditation, discussion and social. 7-9 p.m., 3000 N. Halsted, Suite 409, (773) 271-8811
Friday, Dec. 5
BEHIV An evening of dancing and merriment, with complimentary Bud and Absolut drinks from 9-10 p.m., and Absolut specials thereafter. Mention BEHIV at the door and proceeds will go to them. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand, (773) 381-6300, ext. 23
Cellblock Stop by tonight and drop off non-perishable food for a food drive to benefit AIDSCare. 7 p.m.-midnight, 3702 N. Halsted, (773) 665-8064
Literary Exchange A benefit for prison and shelter programs, featuring a discussion and book signing with Beth Richie, author of Compelled to Crime: The Gender Entrapment of Battered Black Women. 6-8 p.m., $20, Ina's Restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph, (773) 768-2688, www.literaryexchange.org
Windy City Performing Arts Don We Now XXV Silver Bells, with performances by Windy City Gay Chorus, Unison and Windy City Slickers, tonight and tomorrow. 8 p.m., Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park, (773) 404-9242
Saturday, Dec. 6
Affinity Healthy Women series presents Walking with the Gurls. 9 a.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377, www.affinity95.org
Club Reunion Pow-Wow Inc. and Loftwerk Productions present the S/He Series, with comedian Rene Hicks. 7-10 p.m., $10, 811 W. Lake, (773) 592-3492, powwowc2@aol.com
Howard Brown Health Center Grief and the Holidays: Addressing LGBTS Issues, an opportunity for bereaved persons to explore positive alternatives for coping with the holidays. A bereavement professional will speak, and a panel will share insights. Cosponsored by Rainbow Hospice. 1:30-3 p.m., free, 4025 N. Sheridan, (847) 692-8884
Kindred Hearts Comedian Vicki Shaw performs. 8 p.m., $15, 2214 Ridge Ave., Evanston, (847) 604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Sissy Butch Brothers The Sissy Butch Brothers present A Gurlesque Burlesque Extravaganza featuring performances by Chicago favorites as well as special guests Kitty Diggins from LA, Miss Indigo Blue from Seattle, and the Naughty Librarian from New York. 9 p.m., $15, Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace
South Shore Cultural Center The Old Town School sponsors AfroFolk Live, a series of music and culture from the African Diaspora. Tonight, a Brazilian dance workshop with Shirley Vieira from 6-7 p.m. and Pan-African Carnival Part 1 from 7-9 p.m., with Samba 1 Dance Group and the West Indian Folk Dance Company. Free, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., (773) 728-6000, www.oldtownschool.org
Sunday, Dec. 7
Rainbow Lotus Sangha Day-long, self-led retreat a Lakeview location. (773) 271-8811
Vital Bridges A Feast for the Senses, a brunch benefit to support Vital Bridgesí programs for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., $175, Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware, (312) 948-2786
Women of All Colors/Cultures Together (WACT) Brunch at a memberís home in Logan Square. (773) 268-4438, WACTlist@gay.com
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Old Town School AfroFolk Live, a series of music and culture from the African Diaspora. Tonight, Steelpans of Trinidad and Tobago, with Panoramic featuring Liam Teague. 8:30 p.m., free, 4544 N. Lincoln, (773) 728-6000, www.oldtownschool.org
Thursday, Dec. 11
Affinity Lez Chat topic for this month is What's Going on for the Holidays? Come share your holiday plans and find out what's available for singles and couples. 7-9 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377
Friday, Dec. 12
Chicago Dept. of Public Health Meeting of the Chicago Area HIV Services Planning Council; open to the public. 10 a.m.-noon, Egan Center, 243 S. Wabash, (312) 747-9646
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus A Sassy, Brassy Christmas features the chorus joined by a 10-piece Snowmen of Swing orchestra, tonight and tomorrow. Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport, (773) 296-0541, www.cgmc.org
HotHouse Harold In Chicago, a jazz opera in progress by Edward Wilkerson, Jr. inspired by the political life of Harold Washington. 9 p.m., 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707
Saturday, Dec. 13
Affinity Healthy Women series presents Walking with the Gurls. 9 a.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377, www.affinity95.org
Club Reunion Pow-Wow Inc. and Loftwerk Productions present the S/He Series, with Girls Rock the Mic on Hip Hop Night. 7-10 p.m., $10, 811 W. Lake, (773) 592-3492
Hideaway Stella Productions presents Holiday Frenzy, starring Regina Upright and Julia Knight, with special guests Erika Cartier and Jessica Dupree. 11 p.m., 7301 W. Roosevelt, (708) 771-4459
HotHouse Ecstatic Dissent: Explorations of Aramaic song and chant forms by Michael Zerang and friends from 7-8:30 p.m., followed by Angel Melendez y Su Orquesta ANGELLE at 10:30 p.m. 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children Funky folk-rock diva Ellen Rosner performs. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
South Shore Cultural Center The Old Town School sponsors AfroFolk Live, a series of music and culture from the African Diaspora. Tonight, The Art of Stepping from 6-7 p.m., Music of the Soul with Taniq from 7-9 p.m., followed by DJ Shock at 9 p.m. Free, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., (773) 728-6000
Sunday, Dec. 14
Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays Join CBLG for a screening of Kevin's Room. Kevinís Room 1 screens on video at 7 p.m.; Kevinís Room 2 will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on WCIU Channel 26. Food and refreshments will be served. Taskforce, 1130 S. Wabash, (312) 409-4917
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Affinity Heartsmart Checkin. 7-8 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Affinity Social Justice Forum's topic this month is Building a Black Lesbian/Bisexual Women's Community--Is it Still Necessary? 7-9 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377
Old Town School AfroFolk Live, a series of music and culture from the African Diaspora. Tonight, Modern Ethiopian Music with Tarik. 8:30 p.m., free, 4544 N. Lincoln, (773) 728-6000, www.oldtownschool.org
Thursday, Dec. 18
Affinity Open drumming circle; all are welcome. 7 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377
Chicago House Taste bubbly and enjoy views from atop Hotel 71 at Champagne Wrap-Ture. Holiday packages and decorated champagne bottles will be available. 5:30-9 p.m., $50 advance/$60 door, (773) 248-5200 x303
Test Positive Aware Network Benefit performance of the Tony-winning musical Hairspray includes a private reception before the show with hostess Miss Foozie. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, $175, (773) 989-9400
Friday, Dec. 19
Affinity XPU Young Women's Coalition hosts a young women's social 6-8 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377
HotHouse Chicago Afro-Beat Project performs, with special guest Morikeba Kouyate & the Jaliya Ensemble. 9 p.m., $12, 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707, www.hothouse.net
Saturday, Dec. 20
Affinity Healthy Women series presents Walking with the Gurls. 9 a.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377, www.affinity95.org
Club Reunion Pow-Wow Inc. and Loftwerk Productions present the S/He Series, with singer Alexis P. Suter. 7-10 p.m., $15 advance/$20 door, 811 W. Lake, (773) 592-3492, powwowc2@aol.com
Inn Exile Stella Productions presents Holiday Frenzy, starring Regina Upright and Julia Knight, with special guests Evan Ashley Davenport and Stella By Straight. 11:30 p.m., 5758 W. 65th, (773) 582-3510
Friday, Dec. 26
Jackhammer Stella Productions presents Holiday Frenzy, starring Regina Upright and Julia Knight, with special guests Victoria Raige and Krystal. 11 p.m. showtime; Chicago Beef dancers follow at 1 a.m. 6406 N. Clark, (773) 743-5772
Saturday, Dec. 27
Affinity Healthy Women series presents Walking with the Gurls. 9 a.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn, (773) 324-0377, www.affinity95.org
HotHouse Las Guitarras de Espana. 9:30 p.m., $15, 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707
Wednesday, Dec. 31
HotHouse Special New Year's Eve show of Yoko Noge's Jazz Me Blues. 8 p.m. $7, 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707, www.hothouse.net
Sunday, Jan. 11
Women of All Colors/Cultures Together Brunch at a memberís home on the south side. (773) 268-4438, WACTlist@gay.com
Monday, Jan. 19
Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays The 9th Annual Free Breakfast Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., has a new location this year; this year's breakfast will also be a champagne brunch to celebrate CBLGís 10th anniversary. 10 a.m., Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, (312) 409-4917
Saturday, Jan. 24
Equality Illinois Justice for All, Equality Illinois' 2004 gala. Chicago Hilton & Towers, 720 S. Michigan, (773) 477-7173
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children Acoustic duo CommonBond performs. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
Saturday, Feb. 18
Allstate Arena Sarah Brightman in concert. (312) 559-1212
Park West V-Day presentation of the Vagina Monologues features an all star cast of Chicago women, with proceeds to benefit AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Southwest Women Working Together. 7 p.m., $65-$250, 322 W. Armitage, (312) 922-2322
Saturday, Feb. 21
University of Chicago A screening of the documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, followed by a reception, panel discussion and break-out groups. 1-5 p.m., Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th, (773) 549-4151, www.rustin.org
Saturday, Feb. 28
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children C.C. Carter and friends celebrate Black History Month. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
Saturday, Mar. 20
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children Ubaka Hill returns for a concert with the DrumSong Orchestra, as well as a weekend of workshops. (For workshop info contact ToniAJr@aol.com or (773) 769-9009.) 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
Saturday, Apr. 24
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children The Dublin duo Zrazy returns. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
Saturday, May 1
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children Tret Fure and Judy Small perform. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
Saturday, June 12
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children Singer/songwriter Jamie Anderson performs, with acoustic duo Wishing Chair. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
Saturday, July 10
Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn and Children It's the Alix show, with singer/songwriter Alix Dobkin and slam poet Alix Olson. 7:30 p.m., Summerdale Community Church, 1700 W. Farragut, (312) 409-0276, www.angelfire.com/il2/mmch
