January 14, 2008 — Where are you watching the Oscars this year? How about with the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus at Oscar and His Men: Where Hollywood Meets Halsted? This one-of-a-kind Oscar benefit—staged February 24 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted—delivers an evening of food and drinks, live entertainment, high-end raffles, and more than 20 screens for watching the 80th annual Academy Awards.
“Our Oscar benefit has become the must-attend Oscar party in Chicago,” says Ken Puttbach, president of the chorus. “There’s really nowhere else you can get commentary on the Oscar dresses from live drag queens, passionate opinions about the nominated movies, and the chance to win prizes including theater tickets, high-end spa services, restaurant gift certificates and trips to Puerta Vallarta and all in one place.” The Oscar benefit—the chorus’ biggest fundraiser—continues to grow in scope and excitement every year, he notes. 2008 marks the eighth year the chorus has hosted the Oscars. This year’s event will even include a costume contest with a $200 cash prize. “So many people show up in costumes every year,” adds Puttbach. “So we decided to make a contest out of it. Come dressed as your favorite star from any era starting in 1927—the year of the first Academy Awards—and you could make some great money.” The 5:00 pm VIP reception includes complimentary cocktails sponsored by GREY GOOSE vodka, hors d’oeuvres by J&L Catering, desserts by Sweet Miss Givings and expanded live entertainment by members of the chorus. Doors open to the public at 7:00 pm, just in time for the red carpet parade and the Oscar ceremony, broadcast on every screen at Sidetrack. VIP tickets are $50 in advance at cgmc.org or $60 at the door. Tickets are available online until FEBRUARY 21 and will be held at the door the night of the event. Sponsors for the event and raffle include J&L Catering, Sweet Miss Givings, GREY GOOSE, ORBITZ, CHICAGO PRIDE.COM and Sidetrack. An integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming, political commentary and tongue-in-cheek humor for over 25 years. For more information or to support the chorus, call 773-296-0541 or visit cgmc.org.
