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• June Open Social

  • When
    Sunday, June 08, 2025
  •  
    5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Location
    Ann Sather, 909 W Belmont Ave, Chicago IL
  • Spaces left
    26

  Register

  
  

  Join us for another evening of food, fellowship, and storytelling!

  We are fortunate to have so many talented members in our midst. Tonight promises to be a memorable occasion, with storytelling by our very own Patrick Curtin, Steven Goldberg, and Fr. Michael Novick:

  • Patrick Curtin is a native Chicagoan who discovered improv and storytelling in his mature years. He hones his storytelling skills at the Irish American Heritage Center and Goodman Theatre’s GeNarrations program. He shares stories in a variety of venues including Steppenwolf, Second City, Outspoken and Story Lab Chicago. His role models are Grandma Moses, Quentin Crisp and Betty White.
    
    

  • “I am a 45-year veteran in the travel business and I wrote a story about my career through the decades and how it parallels my coming out and living as a gay man. Turns out it is everyone's story. I have performed this for many storytelling ensembles including Outspoken with great success.” — Steven Goldberg
    
    

  • “Howdy, all y’all! While I’m not a southerner, I got used to using it visiting friends. I am a Roman Catholic Southside Cubs fan priest ordained in 2001. I also authored a book in 2014, We Don’t Live in Eden. I love baseball, golf, music from classic country to heavy metal. And there’s always more.” — Fr. Michael Novick

  Doors open at 5:30 PM. Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM.

  New Price Structure: Ann Sather and Chicago PrimeTimers have worked together to keep the Monthly Open Social affordable at a price of only $25 per person. Starting this year, however, this low, low price is available only for members who register and prepay by the Thursday before the event. The price will be $30 for all others, including nonmembers, members who pay at the door, and members who register and prepay after the Thursday before the event.

  Do yourself a favor — save money by registering and prepaying by Thursday, June 5!

  Show details
• Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

  • When
    Wednesday, June 11, 2025
  •  
    12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  CPT is happy to continue this years-long tradition. Enjoy a delightful, free concert every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concert begins at 12:15 p.m. Refer to the full concert schedule here.

  After the concert, please join us for lunch at Pittsfield Cafe, just a few blocks south of the church. Whether you are joining us for the concert, lunch, or both, please register for each event that you plan to attend.
  

  Contact Ron for more information.

  To meet up, look for us in the lobby:

  
  

  Show details
• Loop Lunch at Pittsfield Cafe

  • When
    Wednesday, June 11, 2025
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Pittsfield Cafe, 55 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Midweek Music and Mingle

  CPT members often enhance their visit to the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays with a delightful lunch at Chicago's historic Pittsfield Cafe, located at 55 E. Washington.

  Looking for a midweek pick-me-up in the Loop? Join this friendly group to enjoy great company and great food!

  Here’s what the Pittsfield Cafe promises:
  "Full of smiles and laughter, Pittsfield Cafe has been a Chicago staple since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, welcoming diner experience. From coffee and Bloody Marys to corned beef hash and homemade pies, everything is made fresh in-house."

  You’ll find the group typically arriving at the cafe between 1:00 and 1:15 PM—perfect timing for post-concert chatter and a satisfying meal.

  
  

  .
  

  Show details
• Pride Night at Wrigley

  • When
    Thursday, June 12, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    Wrigley Field
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Join the Cubs us in honoring Pride Month and celebrating our local LGBTQ+ community on Thursday, June 12 at 7:05.  

  TICKETS HAVE ALREADY BEEN PURCHASED FROM THE CUBS.
  

  Show your Pride with us! The Pride Day Special Ticket Offer includes a ticket to the Cubs-Pirates game at Wrigley Field and a special-edition Cubs jersey. Shirts are to be picked up before the game at Wrigley Field, first come, first served, and are sized M, L, XL, XXL only.

  We will download your ticket(s) to your smart phone thru the MLB app one week before the game. You, or someone who is going with you, must have the app. Paper tickets are not available. Note as well that refreshments at Wrigley can only be purchased with a credit card; no cash is accepted.

  A portion of the proceeds from each Pride Day ticket will go to Cubs Charities to support LGBTQ+ community partners. Play Ball!

  

  Show details
• Lunch at Drew's On Halsted

  • When
    Friday, June 13, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Drew's On Halsted, 3201 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL

  Register

  
  

  The June CPT lunch will be held at Drew's On Halsted in Lakeview. Owner Drew Johnson is committed to keeping the restaurant a preferred destination for years to come. This neighborhood favorite was established in Lakeview East in 1996. Cozy and elegant, Drew’s features American classics plus an outstanding cocktail bar. Drew's has a complete lunch menu with items starting at $17.00.

  Drew's is conveniently located at the corner of Belmont and North Halsted. There are a number of ways to reach Drew's. Take The #77 Broadway bus to the Belmont/North Halsted stop, or the #8 Halsted bus to the same stop. Also there is the #22 Clark Street bus to the Clark/Belmont stop; Drew's is a short walk from there. Alternatively, you can take the Red Line to Belmont Station and walk east about three blocks to Belmont and North Halsted. There is very limited street parking.

  
  

  Show details
• Gay Men's Book Group at COH: [Full Service]

  • When
    Tuesday, June 17, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Gay Men's Book Group-Chicago is a free, open monthly book discussion group welcoming male-identified individuals of all ages who are interested in reading and discussing gay-related literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Books to be discussed are selected by the group and posted on their Facebook page and via their newsletter email.

  June's selection is Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars by Scotty Bowers:

  Newly discharged from the Marines after World War II, Scotty Bowers arrived in Hollywood in 1946. Young, charismatic, and strikingly handsome, he quickly caught the eye of many of the town's stars and starlets. He began sleeping with some himself, and connecting others with his coterie of young, attractive, and sexually free-spirited friends. His own lovers included Edith Piaf, Spencer Tracy, Vivien Leigh, Cary Grant, and the abdicated King of England Edward VIII, and he arranged tricks or otherwise crossed paths with Tennessee Williams, Charles Laughton, Vincent Price, Katharine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn, Gloria Swanson, Noël Coward, Mae West, James Dean, Rock Hudson and J. Edgar Hoover, to name but a few.

  Full Service is not only a fascinating chronicle of Hollywood's sexual underground, but also exposes the hypocrisy of the major studios, who used actors to propagate a myth of a conformist, sexually innocent America, knowing full well that their stars' personal lives differed dramatically from this family-friendly mold. As revelation-filled as Hollywood Babylon, Full Service provides a lost chapter in the history of the sexual revolution and is a testament to a man who provided sex, support, and affection to countless people. 

  Join us at the Center on Halsted (2nd floor) for a discussion of this thought-provoking book.

  Show details
• Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

  • When
    Wednesday, June 18, 2025
  •  
    12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  CPT is happy to continue this years-long tradition. Enjoy a delightful, free concert every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concert begins at 12:15 p.m. Refer to the full concert schedule here.

  After the concert, please join us for lunch at Pittsfield Cafe, just a few blocks south of the church. Whether you are joining us for the concert, lunch, or both, please register for each event that you plan to attend.
  

  Contact Ron for more information.

  To meet up, look for us in the lobby:

  
  

  Show details
• Loop Lunch at Pittsfield Cafe

  • When
    Wednesday, June 18, 2025
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Pittsfield Cafe, 55 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Midweek Music and Mingle

  CPT members often enhance their visit to the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays with a delightful lunch at Chicago's historic Pittsfield Cafe, located at 55 E. Washington.

  Looking for a midweek pick-me-up in the Loop? Join this friendly group to enjoy great company and great food!

  Here’s what the Pittsfield Cafe promises:
  "Full of smiles and laughter, Pittsfield Cafe has been a Chicago staple since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, welcoming diner experience. From coffee and Bloody Marys to corned beef hash and homemade pies, everything is made fresh in-house."

  You’ll find the group typically arriving at the cafe between 1:00 and 1:15 PM—perfect timing for post-concert chatter and a satisfying meal.

  Show details
• Summer Fundraising Dinner

  • When
    Friday, June 20, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    1651 W Farragut
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  
  

  Support the Legacy of Chicago PrimeTimers by attending our Summer Fundraising Dinner!

  Chicago PrimeTimers has long been a home for connection, friendship, and community among mature gay men. By supporting our participation in the annual Chicago Pride Parade, you’re helping us showcase our vibrant legacy, celebrate our visibility, and inspire future generations.

  Chicago PrimeTimers Summer Fundraising Dinner Raising Funds for Our Pride Parade Entry

  Join us for a warm and welcoming summer evening with great food, good company, and a fantastic cause—supporting our participation in this year’s Chicago Pride Parade!

  Event Highlights:
  Weather permitting, we’ll gather on the patio to enjoy appetizers, including shrimp cocktail and cheese & crackers.

  Dinner from Calo will then be served indoors and features pasta with chicken, a delicious vegetarian pasta option, fresh salad, and warm French bread.

  For dessert, indulge in cheesecakes donated by Eli's and other sweets donated by Taste of Heaven.

  Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If you’d like wine, please bring white wine only.

  Only 30 tickets available — Reserve yours soon!
  

  Suggested donation: $50 per person

  Let’s come together to celebrate our community, honor our past, and march proudly into the future!

  Show details
• One week early - Sunday at BIG CHICKS! (Edgewater)

  • When
    Sunday, June 22, 2025
  •  
    6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Location
    5024 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Unwind with CPT at Big Chicks one week early as we get ready for the Parade!

  As each month winds down, CPT members come together for a casual evening of good food, great drinks, and even better company. Join us at Big Chicks, one of our favorite spots to relax and connect!

  When you arrive, head to the cozy room on the left—that’s where the fun happens!

  • Drinks are available at the bar (cash only, so plan ahead!).
  • Food can be ordered at the back of our room, offering tasty bites to enjoy while you mingle.

  The vibe is laid-back, with people moving around and joining different conversations throughout the evening. Sometimes the service might be a bit slow, but who minds when you’re surrounded by old friends and making new ones?

  We typically start gathering around 6 PM, and most of us wrap up by 8 PM.

  Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to share laughs, stories, and great moments with the CPT community.
  

  Show details
• Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

  • When
    Wednesday, June 25, 2025
  •  
    12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  CPT is happy to continue this years-long tradition. Enjoy a delightful, free concert every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concert begins at 12:15 p.m. Refer to the full concert schedule here.

  After the concert, please join us for lunch at Pittsfield Cafe, just a few blocks south of the church. Whether you are joining us for the concert, lunch, or both, please register for each event that you plan to attend.
  

  Contact Ron for more information.

  To meet up, look for us in the lobby:

  
  

  Show details
• Loop Lunch at Pittsfield Cafe

  • When
    Wednesday, June 25, 2025
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Pittsfield Cafe, 55 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Midweek Music and Mingle

  CPT members often enhance their visit to the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays with a delightful lunch at Chicago's historic Pittsfield Cafe, located at 55 E. Washington.

  Looking for a midweek pick-me-up in the Loop? Join this friendly group to enjoy great company and great food!

  Here’s what the Pittsfield Cafe promises:
  "Full of smiles and laughter, Pittsfield Cafe has been a Chicago staple since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, welcoming diner experience. From coffee and Bloody Marys to corned beef hash and homemade pies, everything is made fresh in-house."

  You’ll find the group typically arriving at the cafe between 1:00 and 1:15 PM—perfect timing for post-concert chatter and a satisfying meal.

  Show details
• CPT Parade Decor Meeting

  • When
    Saturday, June 28, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
  • Location
    Open Spacen Arts, 1411 W Wilson

  Register

  
  

  Come to the OSA office the day before then parade to get ready for the main event. We will need to unfold our flags and banners that have been in storage all 6eyar, and make sure we haven supplies and a gameplan for the team! Grab a coffee and snack at Crema Coffee in our building. 

  Show details
• CPT in the 2025 Pride Parade!

  • When
    Sunday, June 29, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    Montrose and Sheridan

  Register

  
  

  Chicago PrimeTimers Are Back in the Pride Parade!

  We’re thrilled to announce that Chicago PrimeTimers will once again be marching—and riding—in the 2025 Chicago Pride Parade!

  While a few final details are still being confirmed, here’s what we know:

  ✅ We’ve secured the same festive trolley from last year—with room for 34 riders—and seats are still available!
  ✅ Walkers are also welcome to join us along the parade route. You can carry flags, wave banners (including our cherished vintage CPT banner), or serve as monitors to help keep things running smoothly.
  ✅ Whether you ride or walk, the cost to participate is just $20, which includes a brand-new CPT t-shirt! (Note: the shirts are 100% cotton and not pre-shrunk, so we recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit.)

  This is more than just a parade—it's a chance to celebrate our community, boost our visibility, and proudly show what Chicago PrimeTimers represents.Your presence helps us demonstrate the strength, diversity, and vibrancy of our members within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

  Trolley logistics:
  We’ll begin loading at 9:30 AM at the Open Space Arts office on Clark and Wilson—a great spot to avoid parade traffic. After we board, we will ride to our designated entry point. If you want to meet us at the start of the parade we will notify you when we are informed of what our position will be.
  

  ️ After the parade:
  The trolley will take us north on DuSable Lake Shore Drive and drop folks off either at the Wilson Red Line or at the Uptown Tap Room, where we’ll enjoy an informal after-party lunch. It's a great way to keep the celebration going and connect with fellow PrimeTimers.

  Help us make it happen:
  We’ve already raised $1,000 toward our participation through generous member donations, and our upcoming summer fundraiser dinner—featuring pasta from Calo (courtesy of James Meade) and desserts from Eli’s Cheesecakeand Taste of Heaven—will help us reach our goal of $2,500.

  If you'd like to contribute a little extra to help cover costs, you can donate here.

  Let’s make this year’s parade unforgettable!

  Show details
• Post Parade Lunch and Refreshments at Uptown Taproom

  • When
    Sunday, June 29, 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Location
    1265 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

  Register

  
  

  After the excitement of the parade, keep the good vibes going! Join your fellow PrimeTimers for lunch and cocktails at Uptown Taproom.

  We’ll be gathering on their spacious outdoor patio, with a mix of sun and shade—and indoor seating available in case of rain or extreme heat.

  If you’re riding the CPT trolley, we’ll drop you off right at Uptown Taproom after the parade. Not on the trolley? No problem—just meet us there when you can!

  Guests can pay by cash or credit card, and separate checks will be available, so no need to worry about splitting the bill.

  Come by, relax, and enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and even better company.

  Let’s raise a glass to Pride and friendship!

  
  

  Show details
• Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts

  • When
    Wednesday, July 02, 2025
  •  
    12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  CPT is happy to continue this years-long tradition. Enjoy a delightful, free concert every Wednesday at the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concert begins at 12:15 p.m. Refer to the full concert schedule here.

  After the concert, please join us for lunch at Pittsfield Cafe, just a few blocks south of the church. Whether you are joining us for the concert, lunch, or both, please register for each event that you plan to attend.
  

  Contact Ron for more information.

  To meet up, look for us in the lobby:

  
  

  Show details
• Loop Lunch at Pittsfield Cafe

  • When
    Wednesday, July 02, 2025
  •  
    1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
  • Location
    Pittsfield Cafe, 55 E. Washington St., Chicago IL

  Register

  
  

  Midweek Music and Mingle

  CPT members often enhance their visit to the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts on Wednesdays with a delightful lunch at Chicago's historic Pittsfield Cafe, located at 55 E. Washington.

  Looking for a midweek pick-me-up in the Loop? Join this friendly group to enjoy great company and great food!

  Here’s what the Pittsfield Cafe promises:
  "Full of smiles and laughter, Pittsfield Cafe has been a Chicago staple since the mid-1980s, offering a warm, welcoming diner experience. From coffee and Bloody Marys to corned beef hash and homemade pies, everything is made fresh in-house."

  You’ll find the group typically arriving at the cafe between 1:00 and 1:15 PM—perfect timing for post-concert chatter and a satisfying meal.

  Show details
• CPT Summer Picnic - now at Gompers Park

  • When
    Saturday, July 05, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    4222 W. Foster Ave. Chicago, IL 60630
  • Spaces left
    34

  Register

  
  

  CPT Picnic Schedule & Info

  Opening Ceremonies – 10:00 AM
  We’ll kick off the day with bagels from Gotham Bagels and cream cheese, courtesy of CPT. Bring your own coffee, juice, water, or other favorite morning beverage to pair with the spread. We also welcome any sweets or fresh fruit you'd like to contribute to get everyone energized for the day ahead!

  After breakfast, you’re free to enjoy the day your way—join a game, explore the nearby hiking trails, take a dip in the pool (just a 15-minute walk away), play cards, read a book, or simply relax and enjoy each other’s company.

  Buffet Lunch – 2:00 PM
  We’ll gather again for a delicious catered lunch featuring Italian Beef Sandwiches and Chicken Limone from Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria—provided by CPT. Please bring your favorite side dishes, desserts, or beverages to share with the group.

  A few helpful notes:

  • Skip frozen desserts—there’s no electricity or cold storage in the pavilion.

  • Public restrooms are available near the parking lot.

  To participate, please:

  • Register and pay on our website by June 23 to reserve your spot.

  • Sign up to bring a dish or item via our Perfect Potluck page: https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/RNSD3234

  Let’s make it a fun, delicious, and memorable day together!

  Parking & Transit Info:

  • Free parking is available off Foster Avenue.

  • The CTA #63 bus runs right by Gompers Woods and operates 24/7, with buses every 8–19 minutes.

  Bonus Tips:

  • Bring a lawn chair if you’d like to lounge in the sun.

  • This is a rain-or-shine event—so come prepared for whatever the weather brings!

  • We may take photos during the event for our newsletter, website, and social media. If you’d prefer not to appear in photos, just let us know.

  We can’t wait to see you there!

  
  

  
  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Gay Men's Book Group at COH: [Anyone's Ghost]

  • When
    Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Gay Men's Book Group-Chicago is a free, open monthly book discussion group welcoming male-identified individuals of all ages who are interested in reading and discussing gay-related literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Books to be discussed are selected by the group and posted on their Facebook page and via their newsletter email.

  July's selection is Anyone's Ghost by August Thompson:

  An extraordinary debut novel in which the transforming love and friendship between two young men during one unforgettable teenage summer in rural New England haunts them into adulthood. It took three car crashes to kill Jake.Theron David Alden is there for the first the summer they meet in rural New Hampshire, when he’s fifteen and anxious, and Jake’s seventeen and a natural; then six years later in New York City, those too-short, ecstatic, painful nights that change both their lives forever—the end of the dream and the longing for the dream and the dream itself, all at once. Theron is not there for the third crash. And yet, their story contains so much joy and the glorious, stupid simplicity of a boyhood joke; the devastation of insecurity; the way a great song can distill a universe; the limits of what we can know about each other; the mysterious, porous, ungraspable fault line between yourself and the person you love better than yourself; the beautiful, toxic elixir of need and hope and want. Brimming with rare, radioactive talent, August Thompson has written a love story that is electrically alive and exquisitely tuned. In the words of Jonathan Safran Foer, “This book will make you cry.”

  Join us at the Center on Halsted (2nd floor) for a discussion of this thought-provoking book.

  Show details
• ANGELS IN AMERICA, Part 1 - MILLENNIUM APPROACHES

  • When
    Saturday, July 19, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    THE WINDY CITY PLAYHOUSE, 3014 WEST IRVING PARK ROAD

  Register

  
  

  Join Chicago PrimeTimers for a Special Outing!
  Angels in America: Part 1 – Millennium Approaches
  Saturday, July 19 at Noon
  Discounted Group Rate: $30 (if we sell 10 seats)

  Set in 1980s New York at the height of the AIDS crisis, Angels in America: Part 1 – Millennium Approaches is a powerful, sweeping drama by Tony Kushner. It follows the intertwined lives of a group of characters—both real and fantastical—as they struggle with identity, illness, religion, politics, and love. The play is at once heartbreaking and darkly funny, and remains one of the most important works of American theater.

  This special matinee performance is available to PrimeTimers at a discounted rate—just $30—if we gather a group of 10 or more.

  Reserve your spot now and be part of this unforgettable theatrical experience!

  Once we have at least 10 seats sold, CPT will purchase the tickets and send you an invoice for the ticket price.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• ANGELS IN AMERICA, Part 2 - PERESTROIKA

  • When
    Saturday, July 19, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    THE WINDY CITY PLAYHOUSE, 3014 WEST IRVING PARK ROAD

  Register

  
  

  Join Chicago PrimeTimers for a Special Outing!
  Angels in America: Part 2 – Perestroika
  Saturday, July 19 at 7 pm
  Discounted Group Rate: $30 (if we sell 10 seats)

  In Part 2 – Perestroika, Tony Kushner continues his epic exploration of life during the AIDS crisis in 1980s America. As the characters confront heartbreak, hallucinations, and hope, the lines between reality and the supernatural blur. Angels descend, ghosts speak, and new truths emerge in this unforgettable conclusion to one of the most powerful plays of our time.

  Once we have at least 10 seats sold, CPT will purchase the tickets and send you an invoice for the ticket price.

  Reserve your spot now and experience the soaring conclusion of this landmark theatrical journey!

  
  

  Show details
• THE REAL BLACK SWANN: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen at OSA

  • When
    Saturday, July 19, 2025
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson

  Register

  
  

  What happens when you uncover a secret piece of history — and realize it’s part of your own story?

  In THE REAL BLACK SWANN: Confessions of America’s First Black Drag Queen, acclaimed solo artist Les Kurkendaal-Barrett dives deep into the extraordinary life of William Dorsey Swann — a formerly enslaved man who became the first known drag performer and LGBTQ+ activist in the U.S.

  What begins as Les getting a text before he goes into surgery turns into a captivating journey across time. As Les learns more about Swann — who organized drag balls in Washington D.C. in the 1880s and fought for queer freedom decades before Stonewall — he begins to see reflections of his own life and the power of reclaiming lost stories.

  A funny, moving, and timely solo performance that weaves history, identity, and personal discovery, THE REAL BLACK SWANN will leave you inspired to reimagine the heroes of our past.

  AWARD-WINNING SOLO SHOW

  THE REAL BLACK SWANN has been recognized at festivals across the globe:

  • Patrons' Pick - Orlando Fringe 
  • Audience Pick - Prague Fringe 
  • Best International show - Colchester Fringe
  • Doric Wilson Award Dublin international Theatre Fest 
  • 
    
  • WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING:

  “Powerful, heartfelt, and completely engaging… Les Kurkendaal-Barrett is a master storyteller.”
  — Hollywood Fringe Festival 

  “A fascinating and emotional tribute to an unsung hero of LGBTQ+ history. The audience was riveted.”
  — Orlando Fringe Festival 

  “Kurkendaal-Barrett brings humor, depth, and sincerity to a story that needs to be told.”
  —  Minnesota Fringe 

  ABOUT LES KURKENDAAL-BARRETT

  Les Kurkendaal-Barrett is a veteran solo performer and writer whose work has been showcased at top fringe and theater festivals around the globe, including the Edinburgh Fringe, Hollywood Fringe, and San Francisco Fringe. Known for his witty, heartfelt storytelling, Les explores themes of identity, race, and resilience with disarming honesty and humor. His past shows include Terror on the High Seas, Walking While Black in Moscow, and The Attack of the Roller Coaster of Love.

  Please register on our site so we know to look out for you, but your registration is only finalized when you purchase a ticket form Open Space Arts here.  The senior price is $25. 

  Show details
• Lunch at Little India in Edgewater

  • When
    Saturday, July 26, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Location
    Little India, 1109 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago IL

  Register

  Our July Lunch will be held at Little India, which is located at 1109 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. On weekends, Little India has an all-you-can eat Indian buffet for $20.

  The artisans at Little India can best speak for themselves:

  "We're blending our passion for making delicious food with our extensive knowledge of our cuisine to create authentic and classic dishes for your enjoyment. We use the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients and promise to give your taste buds something to be excited about."

  Little India can be reached by taking the #147 or the #151 bus to Sheridan and Bryn Mawr or the #36 bus to Broadway and Bryn Mawr. The Bryn Mawr Red Line station is closed on the north side. There is some limited street parking.

  Show details
• Gay Men's Book Group at COH: [Mothers and Sons]

  • When
    Tuesday, August 19, 2025
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL

  Register

  

  Gay Men's Book Group-Chicago is a free, open monthly book discussion group welcoming male-identified individuals of all ages who are interested in reading and discussing gay-related literature, both fiction and non-fiction. Books to be discussed are selected by the group and posted on their Facebook page and via their newsletter email.

  August's selection is Mothers and Sons by Adam Haslett:

  At forty, Peter, an asylum lawyer in New York City, is overworked and isolated. He spends his days immersed in the struggles of his clients only to return to an empty apartment and occasional hook-ups with a man who wants more than Peter can give. But when the asylum case of a young gay man pierces Peter's numbness, the event that he has avoided for twenty years returns to haunt him.

  Ann, his mother, who runs a women's retreat center she founded after leaving his father, is wounded by the estrangement from Peter but cherishes the world she has built. She long ago banished from her mind the decision that divided her from her son. But as Peter’s case plunges him further into the memory of his first love and the night of violence that changed his life forever, he and his mother must confront the secret that tore them apart.

  With unsurpassed emotional depth, Mothers and Sons reveals all that is lost by looking away from the past and what might be restored by facing it. In his spellbinding new novel, Adam Haslett demonstrates yet again his mastery of “a rich assortment of literary gifts” (New York Times).

  Join us at the Center on Halsted (2nd floor) for a discussion of this thought-provoking book.

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• PrimeTimers® Worldwide Biennial Convention (Omaha)

  • Start
    Thursday, October 09, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Monday, October 13, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Embassy Suites, 555 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE

  Register

  
  

  The PrimeTimers® Worldwide Biennial Convention will be held in Omaha, Nebraska, October 9–13, 2025. The host hotel, Embassy Suites, is just across the street from the Old Market District, which is a hotspot for dining, sightseeing, and nightlife. PTWW has scheduled a plethora of recreational and educational activities throughout the convention.

  Visit the official PTWW convention web site to register and pay online or by mail. You must register with PTWW before your hotel room is reserved.

  Our very own Frank G. has volunteered to act as the point person for CPT. Please contact Frank if you plan to attend the convention so that he can help attendees get in touch with one another. He will also try to help if you would like to attend but first need to find someone with whom to share transportation or lodging. What a guy!

  In addition, you are invited to register on this page simply to make your intention to attend the convention known to other CPT members.

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