Gay Pride started early in Chicago with a virtual parade of lgbt favorites and performers hitting the city for what may turn out to be the queerest celebration in this citys history.
First up were gay favorites Semi-Precious Weapons, who hit the House of Blues May 27 for a glammed-up performance of the band's long-awaited sophomore album, Aviation ( Red Zone Records ). Bi frontman and Chicago native Justin Tranter exhorted the crowd, "Dance with us, bitches!!!" as the band rocked through soon-to- be classics " Cherries On Ice," "Drink," "Aviation High" and "Scream to the Sky."
On June 4, Amy Ray played a solo show at the Double Door and then joined her partner Emily Saliers the next evening at the House of Blues for a near-capacity show with a full band as part of Indigo Girls. The night was filled with classics from the band's past like "The Power of Two" but also included more recent music such as "Fill It Up Again."
Next up on June 5, indie alternative band Vampire Weekend, including out member Rostam Batmanglij, hit the UIC Pavilion for a sold-out show in support of the new and Grammy-winning Vampires of the Weekend ( XL Recordings ).
Later the same evening, Big Freedia finished a near-sold-out two-night stint at the Empty Bottle with a ferocious night of New Orleans-crafted "sissy bounce" that had the packed house shaking—at least from the waist down. Freedia anthems like "Azz Everywhere" and "Gin in my System" got a fresh workout along with samples of the upcoming CD Just Be Free ( Queen Diva Records ).
If you couldn't make it to any of these shows, don't worry: There is a lot more coming up in Chicago in the weeks ahead. Adam Lambert will be fronting the remaining members of Queen at the United Center June 19, Melissa Ferrick hits the Old Town School of Folk Music June 22 and out queer bear rocker Bob Mould plays the Pritzker Pavilion for a free show June 23 in support of his new Beauty and Ruin ( Merge Records ).
Also, Melissa Etheridge plays with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Symphony Center June 16, LGBT fave and legend Bettye LaVette headlines an evening at the Chicago Blues Festival June 14, Jennifer Hudson hits Chicago's Pride Fest June 21, and the Chicago Gay Chorus will be performing June 15-29 at various locations. Tickets are still available for all of these shows.
