Music Archives - Page 2 of 16 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

The other Aid at 40 in Minnesota

11th September 202511th September 2025 funtime65

All eyes this year have been on Band Aid and Live Aid but let’s focus here on Farm Aid, the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

That the Land of 10.000 Lakes is staging this year’s Farm Aid, its 40th, is a homecoming of sorts.

With Minnesota’s favourite son Bob Dylan the inspiration for the charity which has helped out struggling farmers with $80m.

The Bard of Duluth

Because it was the Bard of Duluth who planted the seed for the movement which continues to pull up trees.

When he made a cri de coeur during his performance at the Philadelphia leg of Band Aid.

By exhorting the organisers to use some of the money raised to pay the mortgages on some of the farms in the US.

A clarion call that was taken up by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt annually over four decades.

The Grand Old Men and Women of Country and Americana will gather at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20.

The pre-festival

Making music with my friends: Willie Nelson

A pre-festival event, Color Me Country Takeover at the Fine Line two days before will honour the legacy of diverse musical artists and farmers.

And will feature this year’s Academy of Country Music Lift Every Voice Award recipient, artist Rissi Palmer.

Of course, there is one other who might contest that he is Minnesota’s favourite son, one Prince Rogers Nelson.

And, of course, there is always something new and purple going on in Minnesota.

Prince Rain over us

With Purple Rain, the world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, running October 16-November 16.

At Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre before an anticipated Broadway run.

More Minneapolis stages like the Guthrie, Latte Da, Jungle and others have theatrical productions throughout the fall season.

Jet over to Minnesota

While Sir Paul McCartney will appear at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Got Back Tour on October 17.

So Get Back to Minnesota if you’ve been before or jump on the Jet out there for the first time.

Or if you can turn your mind to those who till the land of this great state and country back in the USA.

And you’ll be doing something for the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

And because we always promote transatlantic travel out of Dublin with Aer Lingus with preclearance.

Dublin to Minneapolis flights from €196.43 as part of an each way flight.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

10th September 202510th September 2025 funtime65

It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

Countries, Europe, Music

Haarlem Vinyl Countdown

3rd September 20253rd September 2025 funtime65

What goes around comes around which is where we’re at with the Haarlem Vinyl Countdown.

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival in the Netherlands from September 26-28 celebrates old-fashioned 33 and 45rpms.

And is billed as the first global festival to dedicate multiple days simply to the vinyl culture.

Time was, before Spotify, when you would go into town especially just to browse through the records.

And when you found yourself in a new city you’d head straight for the record store.

Record stores across the world

From Oxford Street and Camden Market in London.

To Grafton Street in Dublin to Greenwich Village and Harlem in New York.

Which brings us around to the original Haarlem which gave its name to the borough when New York was New Amsterdam.

Pressing on

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival will give you the chance to immerse yourself across music genres.

Join talks, singing sessions and concerts including the best Dutch acts and a Pussy Riots performance.

And guided tours at Record Industry where you can find out just what goes into the pressing of LPs, or long players.

The factory building houses a recording studio and cutting and mastering rooms.

Galvanics, DMM production, sleeve folding and gluing machines, vinyl pressing, packaging and a print shop.

We’re told that customers will be able to supply RI with an audio master and artwork and they take care of the rest.

From cutting the master to printing sleeves and assembling your product.

Cutting edge

And in their recording and direct-to-disc facility, Artone Studio, you can record your music straight to lacquer or multi track.

All of which reminds us that we’re still waiting on our recording of our John Lee Hooker cover from the Grammy Museum Mississippi.

Spoken into a box or boom, boom, boom, boom box, which I’d put my email on.

But hey, it might not have passed a quality test.

So we’re ticking down the days in the Haarlem Vinyl Countdown to a celebration of the long-playing record.

Now Haarlem is just 20km from Schiphol Airport so plenty of time to explore Amsterdam.

Countries, Deals, Ireland, Music

25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal

23rd August 202523rd August 2025 funtime65

Do you want your old lobby washed down Con Shine… it’s 25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal.

Not that the swish Harvey’s Point in the north-west of Ireland would ever need their lobby washed down.

Of course, Irish Country legend Brendan Shine’s standard has less to do with lobbies, or pantries.

And more to do with offering amorous invitations and often in return for financial debts.

Irish Country and the Diaspora

Shine on: Brendan Shine. Picture: Newbridge Silverware.

The strains of Irish Country stars is a familiar and nostalgic theme for an Irish Diaspora returning to the Old Sod.

Although the young lad being kept awake in his rented Harkin’s holiday home next door to the bar was blissfully unaware of its meaning.

Now with Country ruling the airwaves just now, down in no small part to Cowboy Carter it is worth acknowledging its Irish offshoot.

Because long before Thin Lizzy, U2 and the Boomtown Rats put Irish pop on the map Irish Country was the music of the masses.

And with international acts bypassing Ireland for Britain, Johnny Cash apart, then Irish singers and bands covered their tunes.

And became superstars on their own island.

Bands of gold

The 78-year-old crooner and other stellar names from the world of Irish Country have become a fixture.

At the institution that is lakeside luxury Harvey’s Point just €15 taxi ride from Donegal Town.

Eamonn Gillespie is the man with the mic every Wednesday introducing the acts, running from September 3 to November 5.

And as well as the Bould Brendan guests can enjoy the likes of Sandy Kelly, Michael English, Dominic Kirwin, Sean Costello and Keith & Lorraine McDonald.

As well as Darly Simpson, Patrick Feeney, Declan Nearney, Simon Casey, Sean Cuddy, Realta Dance of Ireland, Eugene Ginty, Grainne Gavigan.

The Ennis Brothers, The Murphy’s, Jessica Mc Kean and house band, Four Masters Quintet.

Deal us in

You will, of course, sit down for a sumptuous 5-course dinner in the Ballroom.

Before immersing yourself in the captivating two-and-a-half-hours entertainment, and all for just €75.

While as you’ll likely want to turn in there for the night then check out the Cabaret Accommodation Package from €349pps.

For a two-night stay in their executive suites with breakfast by Lough Eske.

A five-course dinner and shoe,

Homemade cookies in your room, a wine tasting and cooking demo on Tuesday and Thursday

And a guided walk every Wednesday morning.

Lie back and think of Ireland: Your Donegal rest

We can’t guarantee that you’ll get your lobby washed down but Brendan Shine will put a smile on your face.

And a host of Irish Country stars making it a very special 25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal.

Countries, Europe, Music

Rainy Days and Songdays – Five Bastille Bangers

14th July 202514th July 2025 funtime65

And pour le journée qui s’en vent a return of our occasional series Rainy Days and Songdays – Five Bastille Bangers.

We’ll start en homage to the definitive chanteuse Edith Piaf at her gravestone in Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

And a shoosh from a pilgrim at her headstone (it’s the same in any language).

At les enchants mechants being dragged around by Pere and Mere looking for Francophile Oscar Wilde’s site.

Non, Je ne regrette rien

The cemetery is more of a town than a graveyard and has its own streets but is well worth a visit.

And be sure to leave yourself plenty of time because the gatekeeper will ring a great big bell in your ears to tell you time is up.

Mais Non, Je ne regrette rien.

Je t’aime – moi non plus

These days, of course, pre-pubescent boys can find the female form online, on TV and on any newsagent’s shelf.

But back in the day it was rarer, not saying right, but rarer.

And the least said about our gang of four post-school Riviera campers visiting a shop near the Moulin Rouge to see a certain short film the better.

Now when Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin brought out Je t’aime – moi non plus in the Seventies it caused a revolution in buttoned-up Britain.

But we still learned more French from that record than any lesson Wee Jimmy Young gave us.

Tous les visages de l’amour

And for the monlingual English-speaking world, of course, we know this classic as She.

Which the suave Charles Aznavour crooned and sent les femmes into a tizzy.

L’homme intelligent rhymed his Tous les visages de l’amour song in French as well as English.

Something the Irish National Anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann, or the Soldier’s Song, also accomplishes, more of which later.

Toi, paree de mille et un attraits/

Je ne sais jamais qui tu es/

Tu changes si souvent de visage et d’aspect.

Or She May be the face I can’t forget/A trace of pleasure or regret.

Oooh, la, la Blondie

Take a forgotten Sixties doo-wop song, turn the protaganist from female to male, make him French and you have a hit… pretentious, moi?

Mais non, Debbie Harry was keen to broaden her international appeal and pretty much created a niche with French lyrics in English songs.

And not being a linguist she does seem to have a knack for it…

Denis Denis, avec tes yeux si bleux, / Denis Denis, moi j’ai flashe a nous deux, / Denis Denis, un grand baiser d’eternite. / Denis Denis, je suis si folle de toi, / Denis Denis, oh embrasse-moi ce soir, / Denis Denis, un grand baiser d’eternite

And came back for more on Sunday Girl, sounds much more sultry and sensuous as la fille du dimanche and even more so in the full French version.

La Marseilles

Et little would Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle have known in 1792 that his peasants’ song would become the most rousing national anthem of them all.

Mais oui, there is the Stars and Stripes, the Soldier’s Song, Land of our Fathers and the Internationale.

Now we expect that the Marseillaise will be sung with gusto around the world but perhaps even more so this year.

As cette annee marks 230 years since the French Convention adopted it as the First Republic’s anthem.

While some of the songs we’ve picked here may have a Pariscentric feel, La Marseilles is truly panFrench.

With De Lisle writing it in Strasbourg, with its original title Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin.

And it being popularised by Marseillaise volunteers marching to the capital.

Whether French or not we all recognise the stirring cri de coeur so it burns my eyes to see AI want to translate it into English.

Better preserve some things for humans to create like Rainy Days and Songdays – Five Bastille Bangers.

America, Countries, Music

The stage at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar

1st July 20251st July 2025 funtime65

I was set up, not for the first time, when Bev from Glasgow took the stage at the Rising Star karaoke bar in CityWalk Orlando.

I blame our hosts Visit Orlando and our party PRs Natalie and Fiona, who kept refilling our shots glasses when our backs were turned.

Bev ‘Lady’ Lyons and I had formed a bond being the only two Scots in our international party of travel writers to the Sunshine State and were poring through the music menu.

To pick what tracks we would sing up there on the stage with the professionals.

If I’d have had my wits about me I would have sussed out that Bev might have sung before.

When she said her Karaoke go-to was The Carpenters.

Rolling down the river

But there was no mistaking that Bev was well practised in performing.

When she introduced herself to the 2,000 crowd as ‘Bev from Glasgow’.

And launched into a rendition of Proud Mary, complete with motions, that would have done well Tina Turner, well proud.

With the sounds of encore ringing out the next act was called up to sing Lady Marmalade.

Only for that someone to be your tone-deaf favourite Bandanaman who proceeded to murder the song.

Of course, the fun-loving Floridians are always there to give you a gee-up.

And the Emcee called on the audience to give me a big cheer as ‘a dude doing a girl’s song.’

Mr Brightside Bandanaman

Not put off, though, I was back for more with an equally vocally challenged colleague, Eoin, later in the week to mangle Mr Brightside.

Eoin, the then-showbiz editor of our esteemed newspaper titles did put a spin on it.

When he met Brandon Flowers on tour.

Only for The Great Man to shoot his eyes up to heaven.

Make Bev a hit

My old friend Bev, who has also made a career on the other side of showbiz as the Showbiz Lion, is equally adept front of stage as evidenced in Orlando.

And the exciting news is that she is taking her first nervous step into her own musical career.

With the release of her first single, I’m Leaving You.

She tells me that the more presaves she gets the more likelihood there is of it charting): https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bevlyons/im-leaving-you/.

And that would mean the guy who took the stage at the Rising Star Karaoke Bar after her.

Well, he might well force his way into being her support.

When we go on tour!

Countries, Music

Holidos and Don’ts how to survive a music festival

28th June 202528th June 2025 funtime65

I’ve been around the world only to get my worst sunburn, actual sun bubbles on my back, on the Scottish isle of Skye, which is why I’ve got a start here on Holidos and Don’ts how to survive a music festival.

Of course while the sun is the biggest, brightest and most brutal of adversaries if not respected.

It is by no means the only challenge for festivalgoers.

As Glastonbury newbies and those who just get overexcited will be discovering this weekend.

In my defence I had youth on my side when we watched the Skye Folk festival.

From atop a hill looking down into the shinty stadium (ask a Hebridean).

And I was in the company of some thirsty Highland and Islanders, with my old mucker and flatmate Finlay leading the charge.

And largely responsible for the call from the Tannoy.

Saying that the local (and only) supermarket had run out of booze.

Factor in water and sunscreen

Of course, the lesson from the Skye fest which, of course we ignored or forgot, was to keep plenty of water with you to match the liquor intake.

Also it’s wise if your skin is unused to the big yellow ball’s rays to slap on the sun factor.

And even if you’re of the ‘Black Irish’ ancestry that I and many in the west of Scotland share you’ll probably need 30 or higher.

These days, of course, since men are all encouraged to be metrosexual.

And I blame David (or Sir as he likes to be called no) Beckham, there’s no embarrassment in applying it on your pal.

Appy Days now

Now the Skye Folk Festival, despite its headliners of Nazareth and Runrig, isn’t in the same ball park as Glastonbury or Coachella.

So there’s no running around between stages or getting lost looking for your camp.

But if you do decide to supersize your summer gig experience.

Then just like everything else these days download the festival app.

It will do all the heavy lifting for you, bar the tents and hooks.

Pack up your troubles

Because you’ve come ‘to escape the smog’ as Joni Mitchell famously observed although she never did get to Woodstock because of it.

So don’t overpack your rucksack or car if you’ve decided to wait in a snaking traffic queue.

As far as the camping essentials you’ll need to dress for the occasion.

And so may we suggest light rainproofs, waterproof walking boots and a hat, or in my case a bandana.

I’m reliably informed, by no less a party animal as Rihanna, that they are multi-use.

Flag your tent

It’s probably wise too to mark your tent and here we’re grateful to an Italian group we met.

On our first foreign camping trip to the French Riviera post-school.

Who proud patriots that they were flew a Tricolore above their tent with a picture of national hero Paolo Rossi… this was post World Cup 1982 naturally.

Of course, at a big fest like Glasto you’ll not be the only ones from your country.

So maybe fly balloons with bandanas on… see I told you they were useful.

Your valuables

Now you’re never more vulnerable than when you’re portable so it’s doubly true.

That you apply the daily lesson of look after your valuables even more when you’re away from home.

Not that everybody should be viewed as a threat, with music festivals generally trippy places.

Full of love, peace and understanding, but just be vigilant.

Your inhibitions may be down and judgments loosened by the vibe and the drink or substances you take.

But my rule of thumb is to keep my valuables, wallet, phone, keys in my front pockets.

And I make sure I pad them regularly to see they’re still there.

I like to tell people where I am when I arrive in case of emergencies or if they need to contact me.

Make sure too that you don’t get carried away by the surge and stay close to friends.

Out of the mouths of my children

A lesson here from my own Electric Picnic festivalgoing childies who take theirs to the loo , buy your own drinks and don’t leave them out of your sight.

And padlock your tents.

But probably most importantly enjoy the craic because for the rest of us we just want to stop the world and get off.

And in time-honoured tradition, if you follow these tips.

Courtesy of Holidos and Don’ts how to survive a music festival, then you’ll live to alight another day.

Countries, Europe, Music

Party island Croatia has 1244

23rd June 202523rd June 2025 funtime65

Each has their claim to be the summer rave destination but party island Croatia has 1244.

Which, full disclosure here, we’ve just just four ticked off.

Velvet touch

So which to choose next… well, if you want to add Krk to your list you better be quick.

Not because the actual island is going anywhere.

But because the Velvet Festival on Medane Beach in Punat from June 25-29 is wrapping up.

A daily boat party, it boasts four stages and 50+ acts.

Hop to it

And what says rave more than secret parties and the Adriatic notches it up a level with island getaways.

The Garden Resort welcomes back over 170 acts for the 10th anniversary of Love International from Tisno from July 9-15.

From boat parties to secret island sets and sunrise dance floors, Love International raises the bar.

Split for the islands

While ULTRA Europe’s 11th edition bounces from stadiums to sea caves.

The party starts in Split and hops across Croatia’s glitziest islands making it into Adriatic-fuelled odyssey.

Maybe you prefer a more laid-back trippy feel featuring say beach yoga.

It’s all about Ní

So if you prefer your summers slow and your sunsets uninterrupted then the TǑC Festival from July 18-19 then it’s all about Ní.

They promised an olive groves setting and workshops.

But also tradition, sustainability and blissful idleness is to the fore.

Of course, Croatia melds its mainland and islands and Croatians are born hopping.

Dubrovnik meets Love Island

Dubrovnik is the Pearl of the Adriatic.

And the 11th-century time capsule fortress and Game of Thrones location turns into a dazzling open-air theatre for the Midsummer Scene Festival.

For English-language productions on Fort Lovrjenac until July 6.

This year, Richard Sheridan’s biting comedy The School for Scandal echoes a Love Island plot.

But with powdered wigs, vouching that scandalous summer begins here.

So even on the mainland the sea is never far away.

So if you’re looking for a party island Croatia has 1244.

America, Countries, Music, Sport

The L word in Chicago

18th June 202522nd June 2025 funtime65

It’s its USP, the rickety elevated trains that run through the Downtown Loop and which everyone knows as the L word in Chicago.

For a wide-eyed Scottish adolescent with American cousins my entry point to Chicago was through The Blues Brothers.

And Elwood tossing and turning in his sleep above the Plymouth Restaurant.

The filmmakers depicted his room as being right next to the L tracks, named for the elevated position.

With the location now a small park in front of the restaurant.

Your inner Elwood

I channel my inner Elwood in the Palmer House Hotel these five days in Chicago.

Where I nod off every night to sleep, with the clanking train in my ears.

The L couldn’t be easier to navigate, no validating tickets here.

Just book your $2 trip (yes, you read that right) or $5 all-day ticket.

Which praise be, you can pay for too in old Earth money at the machine.

And if even that confuses those new in town there is help at hand at the information desk.

With Old Willie giving me a pass without the need for the machine.

And chewing the fat with me about Scottish white soul band The Average White Band.

An L of a ride

Let’s go round again… and that, of course, means a return to the scene of the crime from my first day here.

The Gaybourhood of North Halsted Street, Andersonville.

And it’s spiritual home the multi-bar Sidetrack where we gather on a hot and sweltering night to celebrate Pride.

In the company of Veronica Pop, Boy J and Tender Oni.

Tender, or Oni, they go by either nomenclature, is championing Drag Kings.

And wows us with an out-of-this world Bruno Mars.

While Boy J prides themself that they can survive and does a mean Bruno themself with Veronica’s Lady Gaga.

Partners in time

We watch it all from the intimate main bar with slushy cocktails in hand of course.

Before doing our own thang on the dance floor.

Where a 4ft tall pocket rocket owns the floor, announcing to everyone that it is her 30th birthday.

She has me at ‘you only look 35’ when I tell her I’m twice her age.

She only, of course, has eyes for her partner, who holds on to her protectively.

Looking out from under the peak of her Cubs baseball hat.

Halsted Street is just down the road from Wrigley Field and I join the wave of happy sports fans back to the Belmont train.

It’s cooling down, there is lightning in the sky and the Chicagoans have brought the thunder.

The L word in Chicago.

I am travelling with Aer Lingus from Edinburgh through Dublin and now back with my luggage and staying at the Palmer House Hotel.

America, Countries, Music

Sweet home ChicaGay

16th June 202516th June 2025 funtime65

If you want a break, have a Kit Kat the marketeers say so I did just that and came to the Windy City, sweet home ChicaGay.

I’ve taken a Spring Lover too although maybe not tell The Scary One back home.

We’re sat in the Kit Kat Lounge watching Kinley Preston stride the table.

As we tear into buffalo wings, onion rings and curly fries and sipping from a choice of the hundreds of cocktails.

And Miley Cyrus belts out Party in the USA on the big screens.

And we entice our entertainment in to pick us out for a teasing wink.

By flashing our dollars towards her.

But all too quickly they vanish although where scantily-clad Kinley put her George Washingtons only she knows.

Nothing as it seems

That’s magic: Justin at the Magic Lounge

But that’s the beauty of Halsted Street in the iconic Chicago of Andersonville where nothing is ever as it seems.

And so that if you need a laundromat in your travels, say if you’ve been waiting for your lost luggage to arrive from Dublin.

Then don’t be surprised, well actually be, when your host opens the wash to reveal a secret door to the Chicago Magic Lounge.

Joey Cranford’s speakeasy is a living tribute to the days of Victorian vaudeville with posters and ephemera adorning the walls and glass cases.

And he walks us through the history of magic as we sip How Houdini Died rum punches, a knowing nod to Harry’s demise.

Where the magic happens

The lounge is a living, breathing workspace and entertainment hub celebrating Chicago-style Magic.

With two theatres, eats, drinks and a card school.

We’re told Chicago-style Magic grew out of small card acts performed by the owner of a German-American restaurant.

Mine host Joey has given himself a day off today from picking our cards (well, he is the boss).

So Justin Purcell entertains our party with his sleight of hand.

Our hour flies by and alas our spin cycle is done and we are back out on Halsted Street.

Out on Halsted Street

But the gaybourhood fun doesn’t stop there as we are headed for the beating heart of Halsted Street, Sidetrack.

And meet Art, owner and protector of the Andersonville queer community for more than 40 years.

Having turned a small gay bar which he maintained through the worst days of homophobia.

To the international multi-bar buzzing venue it is today.

It is our good fortune that today is Sunday so it’s quieter and there’s no line snaking down Halsted to get in.

So we can enjoy our Frozé and Black Cherry Buzz fruity vodka slushy without having to be cheek by jowl with fellow customers.

Happy to get Sidetracked

Although that is much of the vibe of Sidetrack which we will discover on Tuesday’s Pride evening.

In truth, it hasn’t always been easy to be out on Halsted Street, although contrary to perceptions I am straight.

Which is fine in this inclusive district which straddles the Chicago Cubs’ ballpark, Wrigley Field, the second oldest in the States.

Our guide Victor Salvo walks us through his neighbourhood stopping off at the pillars of gay American and international history,

The legacy of the global community who suffered so the party I have joined for today’s tour can enjoy.

It truly is a Sweet Home ChicaGay. And anyone, straight, queer or somebody who just wants a Spring Liver can enjoy.

And as I’ve been saying all week, I’ve been travelling with Aer Lingus.

For the American Travel Fair, IPW, and staying at the iconic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.