Kate Rockwood

Reeling, the Chicago lesbian and gay international film festival, celebrates its silver anniversary in a big way this year. The second oldest film festival of its kind in the nation, Reeling was born of Brenda Webb's desire to connect experimental films with a gay and lesbian audience. Twenty-five years later, she's still working as the director and still hoping to attract larger crowds, though packing the house in general is no concern...

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Originally published October 30, 2006, Centerstage Chicago  

Though I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and have lived in the city for the past six years, I'd been to Navy Pier only once, as a nine year old, before last week. My memories of that day don't extend much beyond the thick lines of spazzy kids, the thin line of my mother's mouth as she shelled out more money than she'd planned and my just-under-five-foot grandma clinging to the rail of the Ferris wheel as we were lifted 150 feet into the air...

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Originally published October 16, 2006, Centerstage Chicago

As a kid, Halloween was the pleasure jackpot: I'd scowl at anyone who handed out bubblegum, stay up until midnight (!) watching horror flicks with my folks and undoubtedly end the night with my mouth covered in chocolate. After a guy dressed as Fred Flinstone puked on my shoes last Halloween, I decided that this year I would hang up my bar routine and get back in touch with my Halloween-loving inner-kid with some hip events that put alcohol on the back burner...

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Originally published October 12, 2006, Centerstage Chicago

Sure, when most people take a trip to Graceland they're talking about the Tennessee mecca that housed the King, but Chicago's very own Graceland has plenty to boast in its own right: 119 acres of lush landscaping, a who's who roster of Chicago's historical elite, and a staggering mix of architectural designs...

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Originally published September 25, 2006, Centerstage Chicago

After listening to your friends gush about how good they feel and envying your gym buddy's new ab definition, you're intrigued by pilates—but put off by the price. With private classes regularly topping $75 and group sessions at $15 or more, maybe you decided to compromise...

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Originally published September 11, 2006, Centerstage Chicago

We're always fascinated when we find a listing for a five-bedroom simplex or duplex apartment. When most renters pass the four-bedroom barrier they're forced into a single-family house or townhouse by the simple lack of apartments capable of handling a live-in crowd...

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Originally published June 8, 2006, YoChicago