Sipping on chardonnay and snacking on the huge spread of esoteric treats at the Leigh Gallery Opening Party, I had an epiphany. I was all, "This town needs more people like owner Jean Leigh." In opening her gallery doors at 3306 N Halsted, she has not only offered a new opportunity to showcase emerging artists and served me free booze, but in doing so has brought some much needed culture onto the Boystown block. Ranging in a variety of mediums from oils, watercolors, sculpture and fiber art, the pieces exhibited stem from a perspective of classically elegant to energetic modern contemporary. Yet despite the differences in modes, methods and styles the flow of the gallery walls and feel of the space is smooth and relaxed. Good show Jean! Class like this hasn't been seen on Halsted since the rising of the rainbow pylons. The Leigh features the kind of colors we need to have on the street.

Officially opening on March 18, Leigh Gallery is also on the web at TheLeighGallery.com.

Muchos thanks to the girls at Dragtastic.com, our friends and affiliates from ChicagoPride.com and of course our boi benefactors for sponsoring the RtVR's Lakeview Lounge Tour on Sunday April 3rd. This impromptu Magazine promo party took attendants to some of the city's more finer establishments like Pepper Lounge, Kit Kat, Firefly and Circuit Night Club for cocktailing, photographs and more cocktailing. I think we may have had pizza at some point, but I really don't remember. Off the cuff as it were, the VIP guest list still had well over 150 names on it, of which 80 responded yes to, of which (besides boi staff) 3 actually showed up for in the early hours. Well, it's a good thing every Jason Paul action figure comes equipped with an entourage of 10 to 20 sexy young singles and urban eclectic hipsters, so heads still turned and scenes were made every where we went.

Riding the Velvet Rope Rock Star moments of the evening included:

1. The entourage beckoned, "Jessika! Jessika!" from the street for Maven Superstar Jessika Sterling to come out and greet us from her loft apartment terrace. She did, and waved to us from above in a fabulous low cut red salsa like number. It was hot.

2. Hell in a Handbag Production Company Board Members Ed Jones, Steve Hickson and David Cerda arrived at Firefly to offer me a role in their upcoming musical parody Scarrie. I told them I'd think about it.

3. The RtVR entourage was made to wait outside of Circuit Night Club until I arrived where we were then escorted beyond the long line of eager patrons, given free admission and a round of drinks on Club owners Mike & Patrick.

4. Later at Charlie's, just popping in to catch the show, Hostess Lauren Jacobs ­ whom I've never met before ­ announces to the entire club on the microphone, "The guy from Riding the Velvet Rope is here." I got a little excited by this because recognition rocks and Jessika Sterling hit me upside the head telling me to calm down because it was not my show.

 

 

Again many thanks to all the Sponsors, Jessika, George St. George, Tim K and all my peops who made the day and night a worthwhile and fun event! Photos will be in the next exciting issue.

More events are coming in the near future. Things to look out for is the opening of the Shape of Things, starring entourage member Zach Welsheimer at the Circle Theater running April 13 to May 22, Chix Mix, new work by the New Town Writers and Take Me Out.

Email JPsVelvetRopes@aol.com for complete details.