Congratulations to "Card Play" (not his real name, unless it is, which would be weird), our newest leather-to-cowboy convert from Touche's Cowboy Eye For the Leather Guy makeover contest. Mr. Play sashayed away with brand new gear from Alcala's and two tickets to Windy City Rodeo. Get your tickets (one for you and one for your pardner, I reckon) at www.ilgra.com .
And see the transformation across the bottom of the center spread.
I narrowly missed the Hot Jock contest at Crew, which is uncharacteristic, I know. I usually get there JUST as Sofia takes the stage. My tardiness was remedied by some posed shots with the winner, who was more than obliging when we asked him to drop his pants again. I tell ya, the things people agree to when you stick a camera in their face ...
Stop into Jackhammer and ask Jay about the next CD-4 party. This month brought us Minute To Win It, which involved balloons and M&Ms and lots and lots of tissue paper. Ask Jay to fill you in on the finer details. And ask him about the upcoming 1 Jay & 5 Gays. That's, like, six gays!
Big ups to Mr. Jim Flint on his 70th (yes, 70th) birthday! I'm halfway there, Jimmy. Hope I've accomplished enough by then to warrant such pageantry as was on display Wednesday, July 27, at the Park West. At this point, I've maybe earned a bowling party. 34 more years to go!
Thanks to Anthony for turning in some stunning shots of Saya, Precious and Dida for the cover. Originally, he wanted some kind of flaming automobile thing, but we went with a simple beachy look. They were in bathing suits, after all.
Enjoy yourself on this most hallowed of gay festivals. Check out the calendar for a brief breakdown of the best and the brightest Market Days events. See me at the Windy City Media Group booth. I'm sure I'll have some witty bullshit to say. It's my job, after all.