Gay Games Gone

Well, the Gay Games are over, with more of a whimper for me. The final party we threw for Asians and Friends was a bust in that only 30 people showed up--we were set to have as many as 300. Oh well. But our other events for the week, our receptions and Karaoke night, were all well-attended, meaning we were expecting about 50 and got between 60-75. Anyway, life goes on. My friends Chip and Mike got two bronze medals! That was nice. And my other friends who participated did not medal, but had a great experience. That's it for now! Ciao!

Opening Ceremonies - Gay Games VII

Chicago's Opening Ceremonies for the Gay Games was a fantastic experience. I took three days off of work to attend rehearsals and the dances were great. It was fanatastic to be in the Soldier Field stadium and "representing". We met a bunch of great people from New York, New Jersey, L.A. and even Ceasar from Spain (pictured with the very tan me).

I'm also in a shot with Joel Hall, one of four choreographers; and with a bunch of the guys from the dance numbers. And our Asians and Friends events on Friday and Sunday went well, with visitors from all over (Saturday was a bust because the Opening went so long, but there's still the rest of the week!)

Having a gay ol' time...

Preparing for the Gay Games

Well, a most magical event is coming to Chicago. The 2006 Gay Games kicks off with Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, July 15, 2006, and I made the fantastic decision to be one of the dancers in the official program. I'll be one of hundreds of dancers at Soldier Field doing choreography from Joel Hall (the choreographer I've danced with for years), Kevin Iega Jeff and two other internationally reknowned choreographers.

We started rehearsals last weekend (I'm still hurting) and will resume this weekend. Then we go into three full days of rehearsals (I've taken three work days off). Then all during the games Asians and Friends Chicago has five social events going: A Friday mixer to welcome athletes (Fri. July 14 at High Risk Gallery, 1113 W. Belmont, 6-8 p.m.); Dance Gay in Chicago (Sat. July 15 at High Risk from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.); a Sunday Hook-up reception (July 16 at High Risk, 5-7 p.m.); Solid Gold Karaoke (Wed. July 19 at @mosphere, 5355 N. Clark, 8 p.m. to midnight); and a So-Long Dance Party (Sat. July 22 at High Risk, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.). Asians and Friends created a Go-Guide! booklet and are hoping a lot of folks come.

I'm even preparing a little dance with a white Greek dress, blonde wig and leafy wreath to "Find Your Grail" from "Spamalot" to do at my friend Chip's showcase party on Tuesday (July 11). Chip's going to be competing with his friend Mike in the ballroom competition. It'll be a blast.

Well, let's see if I survive!

Pride Pictures

Our Asians and Friends float came together with the help of Rick, the owner of High Risk Gallery. Then at the last minute, a bunch of lesbians hopped on and made it look like we had some people. Kevin was the icing on the cake dressed as the Goddess of Thailand. It was a fun day.