Art Gala Kicks Off Pride Month

By Joseph Erbentraut in Arts & Entertainment on May 27, 2010 7:30PM

The month of May drawing to an end represents more than just a long weekend filled with barbecues, day drinking and other non-work-related shenanigans. It also means June is right around the corner. And with it comes a lot of gay, culminating in the Boystown Pride Parade the last Sunday of the month. But perhaps more exciting, and immediate, is the 'First Pride' Art Gala, a one-off media/art/music extravaganza set for Tuesday, June 1, at Creative Lounge Chicago (1564 N. Damen, 3rd floor). Held in conjunction with Agga B.'s "The First" series, the gala will kick off Pride Month with a packed evening featuring some of the city's most talented and eccentric queer artists from an array of media.

Did we mention the lineup, curated by Scott Cramer, is packed? Queer comediennes the Puterbaugh Sisterz will headline the evening's live entertainment, alongside queer-electro-f**k performers DAAN. Black Gold Barbara Butch & Unisexy (Queerer Park) and Lady Miss Navy Pier & the Lady Speedstick (Chances Dances) will offer up DJ sets. A number of the city's most-caffeinated drag queens, kings and club types will be performing live transformations. And still and video art from area artists will be up for show.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and there's a suggested $5 donation, with proceeds benefiting the Howard Brown Health Center. You'll want to get there early to partake in free cocktails, available while supplies last, compliments of Berlin Nightclub, Debonair and LOKAL Lounge/Restaurant.

And if you're already planning ahead for more zany gayness to fill your heart with rainbows and unicorns in June, visit the official Pride Month calendar.