Memorial Day Weekend also means your favorite adult stars are flocking to Chicago for the annual Grabby Awards, hosted by Grab Magazine. Come see some of the hottest names in the industry as they announce this year’s best top, twink and more. The 2016 Grabbys return to The Metro, 3730 N Clark, for a show hosted by ChiChi LaRue and Honey West and the sexy studs Mickey Taylor, Levi Karter, Diego Sans, JJ Knight and Dallas Stelle.

This year’s show also includes an appearance by celebrity and funnyman Bruce Vilanch and special performances by Dida Ritz, Bebe Sweetbriar and Mickey Taylor.

“I think everyone comes back to celebrate the industry every year because it’s such a loose, fun event centered around something we all love: sex,” Stacy Bridges, editor for Grab Magazine, told ChicagoPride.com. “It’s also a change to meet and mingle with some of your favorite fantasy men.”

A host of events surrounds the Grabbys, most of them teetering with special appearances and performances from the weekend’s nominees. On Friday night Falcon Studios is taking over the Lucky Horseshoe, 3169 N Halsted, while the CockyBoys are appearing live at Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted, for an underwear auction and more. After Saturday’s event, join your favorite stars at Debauchery, the the official Grabby’s 2016 Afterparty at Charlie’s, 3726 N Broadway. Round out your weekend at the Kink E Post Grabby Brunch at North End, 3733 N Halsted, on Saturday for interviews with the winners and nominees and to meet the stars you danced drunk with the previous night.

More information and Grabbys tickets are available online.

The post Bruce Vilanch To Appear At The GRABBY’s Saturday, May 28, 2016 (Chicago) first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Perhaps the best commentary on the Hollywood whirl that is part of humorist Bruce Vilanch‘s life is this: The day after he appears at a suburban comedy club, he’ll fly back to Tinselville to learn whether he won an Emmy. What for?

Writing for another awards show, the Oscars.

“Some day, they’ll have an awards show just for awards shows,” said the 43-year-old former Chicagoan.

And while that may seem odd to outsiders, it is more for Vilanch’s comedy dicer. The sit-down comic, who will appear with a pianist, does a monologue that he describes as “like Spalding Gray, only funny.”

His act will have a mix of tributes to Hollywood legends such as Sophie Tucker, stories about his newspapering days on the defunct Chicago Today, and some parody songs.

“It’s bathed in nostalgia,” Vilanch said.

The self-described “nice Jewish boy from New Jersey” had ties with the stylish stars of yesterday. Such a bond caused him to link up with the then-little-known torch singer Bette Midler. Eventually, after touring with her troupe and writing for television variety shows, he was given a chance to write for a Manhattan Transfer TV series.

“It was a little daunting to move here,” he said from his Los Angeles home.

But things fell his way. Eventually, he wrote for everyone from Billy Crystal to Shirley MacLaine, and took turns as an actor and songwriter. His writing already has earned him six Emmy Awards.

Not all of his assignments make him glow. There is the burden of scripting the so-called American Comedy Awards.

“They’re the one awards show which has the mandate to be funny,” while, at the same time, having no real legitimacy. Therefore, many fringe comics are featured because bigger names have no interest.

When not writing or doing his vaudevillesque turns in Los Angeles and New York, Vilanch performs benefits – so many, in fact, that he calls himself “Benefits R Us.”

Vilanch will appear at 8:30 and 10:30 tonight and 7, 9 and 11:15 p.m. tomorrow at Zanies Mount Prospect, 2200 S. Elmhurst Rd. (708-228-6166). Cover is $12 plus a $5 food or beverage minimum.

TUCK’S YUCKS: Gilbert Gottfried, the squinting, screaming funnyman, will make a rare visit (after several cancellations) to headline at K.J. Riddle’s Comedy Stop, 15750 S. Harlem, Orland Park. Shows are 8 and 10:30 tonight and tomorrow night. Cover is $15 plus two drinks (708-614-6336).

And returning once again to his hometown is Anthony Griffin. He will perform at 7, 9 and 11:15 tonight and tomorrow night and 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Zanies downtown, 1548 N. Wells (312-337-4027). Cover is $12 plus two drinks.

The post Bruceback August 23, 1991| Vilanch bathes his humor in nostalgia first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Chicago, IL — The holiday season moves into high gear on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, when the Chicago holiday film Scrooge & Marley returns to the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., a little more than two years from the date of its red-carpet premiere at the historic venue in 2012. Both screenings are at noon, for $10 each.

The movie, which was entirely shot in Chicago, is a modern-day, gay variation on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. These matinee screenings include a festive pre-show. The swingin’ female a cappella caroling trio The Merry Janes will lead a holiday sing-a-long preceding the Dec. 6 matinee.

Audiences of all persuasions have embraced Scrooge & Marley, which stars David Pevsner as Scrooge, Tim Kazurinsky as Marley’s Ghost, Rusty Schwimmer, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, and David Moretti, features multiple Emmy Award-winner Bruce Vilanch as Fezziwig, and is narrated by two-time Tony Award-winner Judith Light. Members of the cast and crew will be on hand for both screenings. Advance tickets are available at www.musicboxtheatre.com.

The festive spirit continues on Sunday, Dec. 14, when the Oak Park chapter of PFLAG and OPALGA ( Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association ) co-sponsor a screening of the film at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. The free 2 p.m. screening will be followed by an after-party that will include a festive carol sing-a-long and refreshments. Members of the film’s creative team will attend the screening and party. http://gopride.com/Zb20/

The Chicago Public Library will round out the season when it hosts two screenings of the film, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, at the Humboldt Park branch, 1605 N. Troy St.; and Monday, Dec. 22, at the Bezazian branch, 1226 W. Ainslie St. Members of the film’s creative team will attend the screening.

DVDs, Blu-rays, soundtrack CDs and other film related merchandise will be available for purchase at all the screenings. Scrooge & Marley, which noted film critic and Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas author Alonso Duralde has called “sweet and distinctive,” is also available for download via the movie’s website, which also includes detailed information about the film and links to other related merchandise available for purchase. Amazon has the DVD, Blu-ray and soundtrack available for quick purchase and gifting. See www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com.

The post ‘Scrooge & Marley’ returns Dec. 6 and 7 To Chicago’s Music Box Theatre first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Milwaukee, WI — PrideFest Milwaukee opens Friday, June 7 at 3 p.m. for what has been dubbed the nation’s largest showcase of LGBT talent.

The three-day weekend headliners include Bruce Vilanch and Chad Michaels on Friday, June 6; Chicago-area native Steve Grand, Mary Lambert, Big Freedia, and Macy Gray on Saturday, June 7; and Lisa Lampanelli and Sandra Bernhard on Sunday, June 8.

They will be joined by nearly 100 national, regional and local performers on eight stages throughout the Summerfest grounds. Chicago‘s Scarlet Bar takes over the popular dance pavilion on Friday, June 7 at 6 p.m.

“We truly believe PrideFest Milwaukee offers something for every visitor,” said Kate Sherry, festival co-producer. “This year, we’re thrilled to host a dynamic mix of musical, comedy, and drag performances that reflects the diversity of LGBT culture and community. We’re honored to have access to such stunning talent — and our showcase continues to grow every day.”

Single-day admission prices will be $13 in advance, $16 at the gate. Single-day VIP passes, which includes access to the exclusive VIP Deck, will be $100 in advance, or $225 for the three-day weekend. Organizers noted ticket prices remained the same as last year.

Festival goers will have the option of adding $1 to their ticket purchases to support the American Civil Liberties Union in their critical battle for marriage equality in Wisconsin.

PrideFest Milwaukee is June 6, 7 and 8 on the Henry Maier Festival (Summerfest) Grounds. For more information, tickets or to volunteer, visit pridefest.com.

Related interviews: Macy Gray | Mary Lambert | Sandra Bernhard

Entertainment Schedule:

Day 1: Friday, June 6 (3 p.m. – midnight)

3 p.m. Fusion Radio – Dance Pavilion

3 p.m. DJ Mr. Fingers – Rainbow Stage

3:30 p.m. Ritchie “Rich” St. James of Rayvn Entertainment Presents 2014 Turn About Show – Miller Lite Mainstage

4 p.m. DJ Leo – Dance Pavilion

4 p.m. Spitfire/DJ Boogie Rainbow Stage

4 p.m. Elena Garcia – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

4 p.m. Sweet Music – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

5 p.m. Thank Goodness It’s Pride (TGIF at PrideFest) – Community Center Loft

5 p.m. Trannika’s Most Wanted – Dance Pavilion

5 p.m. Pridefest 2014 Opening Ceremonies – Miller Lite Mainstage

5 p.m. DJ Eleazar – Rainbow Stage

5:30 p.m. Miltown Kings – Miller Lite Mainstage

6 p.m. Trannika Rex (host) – Dance Pavilion

6 p.m. DJ Katy (DJs of Scarlet) – Dance Pavilion

6 p.m. Astor Stree Dance Studio with Salsabrosa – Milwaukee Gay Arts Center Stage

6 p.m. Cordj Sjerman with Butterfly and The Line Dance Junkies – Rainbow Stage

6 p.m. Alyce Hart – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

6 p.m. The Remedies – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

6 p.m. Youth Area Dance Party – Youth Area Stage

6:30 p.m. Interfaith Religious Ceremony – Health and Wellness Stage

7 p.m. Laugh @ the Loft, featuring Alex Corona and Tanya Atkinson – Community Center Loft

7 p.m. Bruce Vilanch (Emcee) – Miller Lite Mainstage

7 p.m. Rodney Poe/DJ Ultimate – Rainbow Stage

7 p.m. Eliza Hanson – MGAC Stage

7:15 p.m. Chad Michaels – Miller Lite Mainstage

7:30 p.m. DJ Luna (DJs of Scarlet) – Dance Pavilion

7:30 p.m. Jordin Baas – MGAC Stage

8 p.m. Lezy Dezy – Community Center Loft

8 p.m. DJ Blade – Rainbow Stage

8 p.m. Rocket Paloma – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

8 p.m. Amanda Suckow – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

8 p.m. Jordin Bass – MGAC Stage

8:30 p.m. Cream City Cabaret – Miller Lite Mainstage

9 p.m. The Upside – MGAC Stage

9 p.m. Roxie Beane – Community Center Loft

9 p.m. DJ Scotty T (DJs of Scarlet) – Dance Pavilion

9 p.m. Shanna Marie/DJ XXL – Rainbow Stage

9 p.m. Eryn Woods – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

9:45 p.m. BJ Daniels Revue – Miller Lite Mainstage

10 p.m. Elena & Saborinque – Community Center Loft

10 p.m. ReVamped Dance Company – MGAC Stage

10 p.m. Conversations – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

10 p.m. Lashes & Stashes – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

10:30 p.m. Cazwell with Traver Rains – Dance Pavilion

Day 2: Saturday, June 7 (noon – midnight)

12 p.m. Fusion Radio – Dance Pavilion

12 p.m. The Acoustic Orchard featuring Malori Reichenberger – Miller Lite Mainstage

12 p.m. Conversations – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

12 p.m. Conversations – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

12 p.m. DJ Kimberly – Rainbow Stage

12:30 p.m. A Show of Circus Skills, Magic Tricks and Laughs! – Children’s Stage

1 p.m. Corky Morgan – Miller Lite Mainstage

1 p.m. Post DOMA Planning: How Changes in Federal Law Affect Your Family – Stonewall

1:15 p.m. AIDS Network: Act Ride – Health and Wellness Stage

2 p.m. How to Grow Your Family Seminar – Children & Family Stage

2 p.m. Lady Gia’s Milwaukee Revue – Dance Pavilion

2 p.m. City of Festivals Mens Chorus – Miller Lite Mainstage

2 p.m. Building Stronger Ally Relationships – Stonewall

2 p.m. Karen Muehlbauer – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

2 p.m. Nadia Geiger – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

2 p.m. DJ Tonya – Rainbow Stage

2:15 p.m. Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance – Health and Wellness Stage

3 p.m. Shane Ashton – Miller Lite Mainstage

3 p.m. Drag Makeover with the Miltown Kings – Stonewall

3:15 p.m. Diverse & Resilient “It’s About Us” – Health and Wellness Stage

4 p.m. DJ duo AJ Dubbz and Carla Starla – Dance Pavilion

4 p.m. The Nearly Deads – Miller Lite Mainstage

4 p.m. Feminine Gender Presentation by Ashley Altadonna and Laura Ann Stuart – Stonewall

4 p.m. Lu Shanti – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

4 p.m. Mandy Capplemen – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

4 p.m. Costume Contest – Youth Area Stage

4 p.m. DJ Tyrone – Rainbow Stage

4 p.m. Moonlight Karaoke – Community Center Loft

4:15 p.m. LGBT Dance Milwaukee – Health and Wellness Stage

5 p.m. DJ Nikno – Dance Pavilion

5 p.m. Astor Stree Dance Studio with Salsabrosa – MGAC Stage

5 p.m. Beverly McClellan – Miller Lite Mainstage

5 p.m. Funkin Wassels – Stonewall

5 p.m. So You Think You Can Dance – Youth Area Stage

5:30 p.m. Shea Coulee (host) – Dance Pavilion

5:30 p.m. Yes Sir Leather/Fetish Gear Show – Dance Pavilion

6 p.m. Max Hardswells’ Drag King Show – Community Center Loft Area

6 p.m. Steve Grand – Miller Lite Mainstage

6 p.m. Lions Mouth – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

6 p.m. Roxie Beane – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

6 p.m. DJ Tonya – Rainbow Stage

6:30 p.m. Julie Brandenburg – MGAC Stage

6:30 p.m. DJ Tim Walters – Dance Pavilion

6:45 p.m. Dear Ruthie (Emcee) – Miller Lite Mainstage

7 p.m. Mary Lambert – Miller Lite Mainstage

7 p.m. Queen of the Castle, Sister Sweet Sister film screenings – Stonewall

7:30 p.m. Corky Morgan – Community Center Loft Area

7:30 p.m. DJ Chomper – Dance Pavilion

7:30 p.m. Elliza Hanson – MGAC Stage

8 p.m. The Upside – MGAC Stage

8 p.m. Jayme Dawicki – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

8 p.m. Katiebeth – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

8 p.m. DJ Tyrone – Rainbow Stage

8:30 p.m. Lex Allen – Community Center Loft area

8:30 p.m. DJ NMF (New Music Freak) – Dance Pavilion

8:30 p.m. The Acoustic Orchard – MGAC Stage

8:30 p.m. Big Freedia – Miller Lite Mainstage

9 p.m. Carey Nokey – Rainbow Stage

9:30 p.m. Fireworks

9:45 p.m. DJ Reid Stefan – Dance Pavilion

10 p.m. Shane Ashton – Community Center Loft area

10 p.m. Conversations – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

10 p.m. Moustache Ride – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

10 p.m. ReVamped Dance Company – MGAC Stage

10 p.m. DJ Kimberly – Rainbow Stage

10 p.m. Macy Gray – Miller Lite Mainstage

Day 3: Sunday, June 8 (noon-10 p.m. at grounds, noon-midnight at dance pavilion)

12 p.m. Julie Brandenburg – Miller Lite Mainstage

12 p.m. DJ Style/DJ Davi-D Southside Underground – Rainbow Stage

12 p.m. Conversations – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

12 p.m. Conversations – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

12:15 p.m. American Cancer Society presentation – Health and Wellness Stage

12:30 p.m. Tim Glander Magic and Balloon Show – Children’s Stage

12:45 p.m. The Upside Band – Miller Lite Mainstage

1 p.m. DJ Purple – Rainbow Stage

1 p.m. Groundwork Milwaukee – Stonewall

1:15 p.m. Zumba – Health and Wellness Stage

1:40 p.m. Women’s Voices – Miller Lite Mainstage

2 p.m. DJ Pep Lara – Rainbow Stage

2 p.m. Jenna Lynee – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

2 p.m. Delray – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

2:15 p.m. DJ Covlove – Dance Pavilion

2:15 p.m. American Cancer Society presentation – Health and Wellness Stage

2:30 p.m. Ian & The Dream – Miller Lite Mainstage

2:30 p.m. Alliance School’s Eight Annual Pride Graduation – Stonewall

3 p.m. Dial Tone – Rainbow Stage

3:15 p.m. DJ Michele McKnight – Dance Pavilion

3:15 p.m. Diverse & Resilient: “It’s About Us” – Health and Wellness Stage

3:30 p.m. Ronnie Nyles & Tallulah Who – Miller Lite Mainstage

3:30 p.m. Love Will Win: ACLU of Wisconsin & Marriage Equality – Stonewall

4 p.m. Figureheads – Children’s Stage

4 p.m. House of Brooklyn Entertainment presents “Orgulla Latino” – Rainbow Stage

4 p.m. Elena Garcia – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

4 p.m. Dots – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

4 p.m. Project Q Graduation – Youth Area Stage

4:15 p.m. Ballroom Dance – Health and Wellness Stage

4:30 p.m. Dangerous Muse – Miller Lite Mainstage

4:30 p.m. Stonewall Crafts – Stonewall

5 p.m. Trannika Rex (host) – Dance Pavilion

5 p.m. Astor Stree Dance Studio with Salsabrosa – MGAC Stage

5 p.m. DJ Pullout – Rainbow Stage

5:15 p.m. Bjorn (emcee) – Miller Lite Mainstage

5:30 p.m. Underwear Show with DJ HME – Dance Pavilion

5:30 p.m. Debby Holiday – Miller Lite Mainstage

5:30 p.m. DJ Short Style – Rainbow Stage

5:30 p.m. Keeping the Spark Alive – Stonewall

6 p.m. Dixie Kuppe’s Kamp and Kurlers Revue – Community Center Loft

6 p.m. Julie Brandenburg – MGAC Stage

6 p.m. DJ Bad Omen – Rainbow Stage

6 p.m. ESH – Wom!nz Spot Cafe

6 p.m. Lezy Dezy – Wom!nz Spot Lounge

6:30 p.m. DJ Teri Bristol and Psycho-Bitch – Dance Pavilion

6:30 p.m. Jordin Baas – MGAC Stage

7 p.m. Kaitlyn O’Keefe – Community Center Loft

7 p.m. Sandra Bernhard – Miller Lite Mainstage

7 p.m. Sandra Valls – Rainbow Stage

7:30 p.m. The Upside – MGAC Stage

8 p.m. Movie: Tying the Knot – Community Center Loft

8 p.m. DJ Grind – Dance Pavilion

8 p.m. The Acoustic Orchard – MGAC Stage

8 p.m. DJ Absolut – Rainbow Stage

8:30 p.m. Lisa Lampanelli – Miller Lite Mainstage

9 p.m. Dora Diamond’s Gay Cabaret – MGAC Stage

9 p.m. DJ Eleazar/DJ Green Eyez – Rainbow Stage

10 p.m. DJ Hector Fonseca – Dance Pavilion

The post Bruce Vilanch To Headline PrideFest Milwaukee Friday June 6 first appeared on We Got Bruce!.

Jimmy Buffett and his Parrothead Productions partner Frank Marshall, along with Emmy winning comedian Bruce Vilanch, checked out a performance of Big Fish in Chicago on April 23. The trio made a stop backstage to pose for photos with the stars of the show along with director, Susan Stroman.

The post Jimmy Buffett and Bruce Vilanch Visit Big Fish in Chicago first appeared on We Got Bruce!.