Cute

Wrigley

The Cubs are the only team to play continuously in the same city since the formation of the National League in 1876. They are the only team to still have an organist play their music. They are the only team Scott really loves...

So, the coup de grâce of the weekend was really this visit to Wrigley. We definately have to thank Brian, not only for hosting us, but for sourcing the tickets and sharing this moment with us.

It was and incredibly hot and humid the afternoon we visited Wrigley and watched the Cubs. Wrigley Field played host to only day games until 1988 because apparently the stadium owner had donated the lights to the war effort (in the 1940's), coincidentally establishing this day game tradition. The first night game was scheduled to be played on August 8, 1988 against Philly, but it was rained out after 3 1/2 innings.

I don't want to upset Scott by noting the cubs are also famous for having the longest dry spell between championships in all of the four major U.S. sports leagues. Maybe it's the goat curse? Maybe it's the breeze in the windy city?

There is definately not a lack of beauty, tradition or awe inspired by visiting this stadium. Check out the day we had! Even better...check out our seats!

Kurt

We were thrilled to be able to meet Kurt and spend the day with him. Brian and Kurt have been friends for years. We enjoyed his energy, intellect and infectious personality. The photos just barely capture it!

Scott

Everything looks cute in Tie Dye!

Underground?

After the KazBar, we followed the Bassist to an after-hours bar called Underground Wonder Bar on 10 East Walton Street (www.undergroundwonderbar.com).

Established in 1989, this tiny venue is open 365 days a year. Lonie Walker, who founded the place, still plays there and played for us.

Believe it or not, the bar is actually underground -- not completely, but enough to give the bar an appropriately subterranean feel. The Christmas lights, the martini glasses hanging upside down from the ceiling and the hostess drinking wine and smoking her cigarettes gave this bar a very comfortable, open feeling.

And this is definitely a bar, not a club. The sign read that the seating capacity is only 57, which is barely enough room for a jukebox...much less a live band. Yet, tucked away in the very back, right in front of the restrooms, is a small stage. Two rows of tables line the walls with a few more tablessituated in the front. The environment is intimate, if not cramped. We loved the music, and we were thrilled to meet and get elbowed by strangers.

The Kaz Bar @ House of Blues Hotel

Next to the House of Blues, alongside the river and in the heart of Chicago, sits the House of Blues Hotel. Actually this place doesn't just sit, it radiates and pulses with music, exotic architecture and décor.

We really enjoyed visiting here. Our friend from the city bus, "Shawn" directed us to visit the lobby bar --the Kaz Bar. This bar is a colorful place with Middle Eastern fabrics, stained glass windows, canopy-covered couches, towering stone statues - and a perfect spot for a date and live music.

Jen Porter sang for us this night. Jen plays the piano and treated us to her version of a bluesy rock sound, with some distinctive 70's covers. She was fun! Scott said she has a bit of a Janis Joplin feel with her deep voice, but I thought her lyrics reminded me of Sarah McLachlan. She's a very strong woman!
We highly recommend you just go find out for yourself - http://www.jenporter.com/.

On a side note...Jen also plays in a band called Mazel Tov Cocktail. I just love that name.

Truly, though...her bass guitar player was our muse, and so after her show (ending around 1 am) we chatted for a spell and were directed to his next gig. Off we went to hear some more from Smokin' Joe! (For the record, I didn't make that name up, that's what they call him!)

Was it Shawn?

On the way out of the Gay Games, we took a bus back into the city. On the bus, we met a fellow who directed us to our next destination. Was it Shawn? You tell us!

The Gay Games VII

We were honored with free tickets to the Opening Ceremonies at the Gay Games hosted in Chicago. This was the first ever opportunity for the United States to host these games.

This was an unparelled experience for us to witness. Tens of thousands of spectators attended the opening ceremonies at Soldier Field to hear a welcoming address from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and to watch dancers, a choir and fireworks. The opening ceremony started with a parade onto the field, with participants from karound the world, including one person representing Uganda.

James Hormel, a gay San Francisco philanthropist who served as U.S. ambassador to Luxembourg in the Clinton administration, gave the keynote address that Scott and I missed because the heat, humidity and unscheduled length of the opening ceremonies drove us out of the glorious stadium to explore other Chicago advenutres. We did stay long enough to hear Megan Mullally and Kate Clinton, but we missed comedian Margaret Cho.

Consisting of more than 12,000 contestants in 30 sports, the local reporters estimated $50 to $80 million would be injected into the Chicago area's economy during the Gay Games. Athletes came from 61 countries.

Soldier field was amazing. Check out this virtual tour at the following link: http://www.soldierfield.net/virtualTour.aspx). This stadium is incredible...it is brand new, but they implemented some architecture from the old field.