“Dance for Life” showcases
six premiere dance companies

CHICAGO - Six of Chicago’s top dance companies will unite as part of this year’s “Dance for Life,” on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 Randolph Drive.

This event, currently in its 17th year, has raised more than $3 million since 1992 and is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV and AIDS prevention and care programs. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago Recovery Alliance and The Night Ministry.

Dance companies include Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, River North Chicago Dance Company, and Thodos Dance Chicago.

Two world premiere finale performances choreographed by Chicago’s own Harrison McEldowney and the three-time recipient of Chicago’s prestigious Ruth Page Award Randy Duncan will be featured. The event will be hosted by Dean Richards, entertainment critic and reporter at WGN-TV and WGN Radio 720AM. A reception will be held at 5 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $75 to $500.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com.

In addition, small personal assistance grants to members of the dance community living with HIV/AIDS in metropolitan Chicago will also be distributed through the Dance for Life Fund.

BEHIV to host
benefit event

CHICAGO - Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) will host a number of events in the afternoon on Sunday, Sept. 7 to benefit its Massage Therapy program. The event, its second annual “Bar Day” at bars in Andersonville and Edgewater, will include activities such as raffle drawings and drink/shot specials at the different establishments. Volunteers will gather at Star Gaze at 5 p.m. for a wrap-up party and karaoke. Participating bars, to date, include: @mosphere, Big Chicks, Glenwood, Jackhammer, Ravenswood Pub, SoFo, Star Gaze, T’s and Touche. “Thirty percent of people with HIV suffer from neuropathy. The pain, which can include burning feet, tingling hands and numb toes, is often so bad that sufferers scramble to piece together scant relief from topical creams and pills,” said BEHIV executive director Eric Nelson. “Some neuropathy is caused by the virus itself, while other cases are from HIV medication side effects.

“Massage therapy is a restorative health option for individuals dealing with neuropathy. It helps alleviate neuropathy pain and discomfort, eases mental and emotional stress and depression, boosts immune system function and increases T-cells.”

Because BEHIV does not charge for its massage services, individuals who lack financial resources are still able to receive the benefits of this vital program. Despite the benefits of massage therapy for people living with HIV/ AIDS, federal funding for massage therapy has been eliminated. However, BEHIV is committed to continue providing this very important service.

Annually, BEHIV provides case management, mental health counseling, art therapy and massage therapy services to 300 individuals who need a lifeline to lifesaving services; housing for 190 men, women and children who would otherwise be homeless; 1,000 free and confidential HIV and STI tests; education to over 12,000 of young people on how to protect themselves from HIV.

For more information, call Rita Lewis at 847-475-2115, ext. 114 or send e-mail to ritalewis@behiv.org,

Gerber/Hart Library
hosts annual benefit

CHICAGO - Tickets are now available for Gerber/Hart Library’s annual benefit, “Making History: Telling HerStory.” Rita Mae Brown is keynote speaker. The benefit will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark. William B. Kelley is the honorary chair. The $85 admission ticket includesadmission to the event, buffet dinner, open bar, musical entertainment and silent auction. The $135 benefactor ticket includes all of the above plus a champagne pre-reception with Rita Mae Brown at 6 p.m. At the pre-reception, participants will be treated with one of her books, which she will autograph and special access to the Museum's exhibits, and acknowledgement in the program book. For more information or tickets, call 773-381-8030.

Lakeview East fest
showcases juried artists

CHICAGO - The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts on Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14, on Broadway, from Belmont to Roscoe. The event showcases more than 140 juried artists and features world-class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. The festival also features live glass blowing demonstrations and entertainment stages, children’s entertainment by the Black Bear Academy and an activities tent featuring noodle art led by Noodles and Company. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For artist information, contact EM Events at emelloy@emevents.com or call 630-536-8416. For festival information, visit www.lakevieweast.com or call 773-348-8608.

St. Peter’s Church holds
annual book fair and sale

CHICAGO - St. Peter's Episcopal Church will hold its annual book fair and sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.13 and Sunday, Sept. 14. It will take place inside and outside of the church located at 621 W. Belmont. Donation of books and libraries are still welcome. For more information or to arrange a pick-up, call 773-525-0844 or visit www.stpeterschicago.org.

Chicago cop suspended for
demanding free Starbucks

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago police officer has been suspended for 15 months for demanding free coffee and baked goods from six different Starbucks. Officer Barbara Nevers, a 14-year veteran, has also been ordered to undergo counseling.

The Police Board ruled in May that 55-year-old Nevers intimidated Starbucks employees by screaming at them and flashing her badge, handcuffs or gun when they wanted her to pay. Nevers’ attorney says her client never used her job to demand coffee. She says some coffeehouses gave it to her for free because she was an officer. Time to get off that caffeine, officer?