From: Tina Tawdre (tinatdre@swbell.net)
Date: Wed Oct 06 2004 - 03:27:45 CDT
Hi Elena,
Thanks so much for continuing to work on the schedule. It's looking
good. Dining plans are fine. You asked for comments, here goes:
1). I like live entertainment of all types, which is why I've liked
Rudy, and Honey West, and the Baton, in past trips to Chicago (both PF
and otherwise). You can generally hear good singing in a fun atmosphere
at either Sidetracks or the 2 Gentrys most nights of the week
(depending on location). Going to these places again is a winner.
In October, Kathryn Payne is performing most nights at Gentry on State,
with Beckie Menzie on Sunday and Monday. Sunday is Open Mic Night, so I
might sing a number.
At Gentry on Halstead, the performer schedule is much more mixed, with 5
different male singers playing like 8 shows over 4 days. Many more
days with both Happy Hour and late show combinations.
1a). But, I also like loud dance bars, like Berlin, on/near Halstead
(IIRC). So, if anybody gets tired of the conversation and piano music,
wake me up and we'll head over for a decibel change.
2). I like drag shows, if they're really good. Baton is the most
polished. You pay for what you get. I'm sure I'll stop by and watch a
show either Friday or Saturday night, (or maybe the Sunday early show)
since we'll be down there and then bop the 2 or 3 blocks to Gentry on
State.
Baton is only 5 blocks from my hotel. 5 blocks is the constitutional
limit for walking for Texas girls. After that, we expect them to build
us a freeway. Besides, I generally can't walk more than a few block at
night in Chicago without my blonde hair attracting attention like a
beacon. I'm the exact image of my Mother (who was born in a suburb of
Chicago), but her hair was black and mine is blonde. Dark hair caused
too many therapist bills.
Another favorite show was at the Mashed Potatoe, which closed a few
years ago. Long elegant stairway and stage, class performers, medium
up-scale place. That's what I like. Any current suggestions.
3). I definitely stay up as late as they let me in Chicago, which means
ending up in some of those old grand-fathered licensed places. Doesn't
that really mean Boystown? Does anybody have any specific suggestions
of where to end up and their real closing time (5, 5:30??)? Any cabs
left then? Or do we have to have our cars ready?
4). Since there aren't any Sunday night suggestions, the Farewell Dinner
(at Chop place) seems to be the official closer. That leaves the
evening open for those of us staying until Monday. I've been to some
racuous dance parties in Chicago on Sunday nights. Packed, loud dance
floors, mostly shirtless men, like what was then called the Manhole
party. I'll start searching the Web to see what's being advertised
along these lines. Be forewarned, these aren't conversation pits.
5). A question: Besides the piano bars (Sidetracks, Gentry's), are
there other little piano bars in the mainstream hotels? There used to
be one in the Hilton, but they closed it and turned it into that Coleman
barbeque place. (It's good, but full of kids and sports nuts. Slap on
some macho before going in.)
A hotel piano bar, invaded by 10 or 12 PF girls would boost their
business (remember, tip the piano player frequently) and, since we're
always very well behaved, it's likely to be a quite safe spur-of the
moment thing. Any suggestions, based on past stays or known info?
Fern bars, similar to library bars, often also found in hotel alcoves in
bigger, older places. Quiet, semi-secluded. Any suggestions?
6). A suggestion for the future; When PF hits 50 confident girls, we
reserve Buddy Guy's Blues club for the night. It's a prety small place
right behind of the big Hilton Towers on Michigan Ave near Soldier
Field. 50 of us would fill it. He is one of the best players you will
ever hear. But you can't talk when he's playing the Blues. :-)
So, going beyond piano bars, what about other Jazz or blues clubs that
are small and in a mixed gay-straight neighborhood? Surely, they would
be used to seeing some customer mix, and if 12 of us showed up looking
stylish (and spending money!!), there's a good chance for a nice evening
with a minimum of friction. No guarantees, but it often happens. Any
suggestions?
7). There is a big building full of jewelry shops that might make a fun
afternoon look-shop trip. Indoors, so no weather worries. And they
advertise that the public is welcome. I'll search in the morning. I
brought home a brochure last time.
Finally, please note that all of the above are add-on suggestions, not
replacement suggestions. The basic schedule looks fine.
Thanks,
-- Tina
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