Midler touring, in Chicago June 18
Grammy-winning singer and legendary performer Bette Midler's first major tour in a decade, "Divine Intervention," has launched.
She started her tour with shows in the Florida cities of Hollywood and Tampa, and she's slated to stop by Chicago's United Center on Thursday, June 18.
Accompanied on stage by a 12-piece band as well as backing vocals by the Harlettes, the show features a stage production courtesy of stage designer Michael Cotton.
For complete tour and ticket information, visit bettemidler.com and www.livenation.com .
Chicago Children's Museum hosting free LGBT family event
Thursday, June 4: In celebration of Pride Month, the Chicago Children's Museum is once again hosting a free LGBT Family event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Families are invited to make Family Portraits in Artabounds (ask at the admissions desk for free tickets for the 5:30 or 6:30 session). Add a ribbon to the 3-story Rainbow Staircase. Have a snack and pick up resources in the All Families Matter Hospitality & Resource Room. Listen to LGBT family-friendly books during story time at 6 in the hospitality suite. Add a comment to the "What Makes a Family?" wall. Explore the "Boats" exhibit. Admission is free for both adults and children from 5 to 7:30. If you were unable to attend the last event, this is a good opportunity to meet up with other LGBT families and enjoy the museum on a special evening.
Pride Fest set for June 20-21
Chicago Pride Fest returns to Boystown June 20-21 with a mix of national headliners and festival favorites.
The annual event, which the Northalsted Business Alliance hosts, is debuting the "Keep Pride Proud" catch phrase.
On Saturday ( June 20 ), Deb Gibson, Jessica Sutta and The Veronicas take to the Main Stage. Sunday ( June 21 ) will feature Big Freedia, Crystal Waters, Estelle, Cazwell and St. Lucia.
The event will take place on Halsted Street from Addiston to Grace streets, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. There is a $10 suggested donation.
EXPO Chicago names exhibitors
EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, announced the list of premier galleries that will exhibit Sept. 1720 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave.
President/Director Tony Karman released the 2015 exhibitor list of 140 leading galleries representing 15 countries and 40 cities from around the world. Countries represented at the 2015 exposition include: Austria, Belgium, China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.
Some of the Chicago exhibitors include casati gallery, Corbett vs. Dempsey, Stephen Daiter Gallery, Douglas Dawson, McCormick Gallery, Rhona Hoffman Gallery, Carrie Secrist Gallery and Volume Gallery.
Visit EXPOChicago.com .
'Dance for Life' on Aug. 15
Seven of Chicago's dance companies will once again come together for Dance for Life on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The gala reception will be at Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., at 5 p.m. The performances will take place at Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., at 7:30 p.m.
Participating companies include Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, River North Dance Chicago, C5, Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre.
Tickets are $15-$75 ( performance only ) and $250-$600 ( includes admission to the gala reception and premiere seating at the performance ); call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.org .
Black Alphabet Film Festival July 23-26
The Black Alphabet Film Festival ( BAFF ) returns for its third outing of showcasing films and other works that highlight and explore the Black LGBTQ and same-gender-loving ( SGL ) experience on July 23-26.
This year BAFF's international film festival will now take place beginning Thursday, July 23, and closing on Sunday, July 26, at Center on Halsted and a venue to be determined in the near future.
Tickets will be available for purchase as of early June.
BAFF is conducting an Indiegogo campaign at igg.me/at/BAFF2015. The campaign ends July 17. Last year, the festival raised $3,120; this year's goal is $5,000.
Also, BAFF is accepting film and video submissions. For details on how to submit a film or video, visit blackalphabet.org/submission or https://filmfreeway.com/festival/baff.
Visit www.blackalphabet.org for more information .
See full calendar of events at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/chicago/events/upcoming.php .