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Televised Ceremonies Take Place in July of 2006 at Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and Millennium Park

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Chicago, IL — When 12,000 athletes and artists march into the Gay Games VII Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field on 15 July 2006, proudly watching with 40,000 or more spectators will be a production “dream team” put together by Chicago’s very own Jam Productions. 

Chicago Games, Inc. (CGI) today announced that Chicago-based Jam Productions has been selected to produce the ceremonies associated with Gay Games VII in Chicago. The 34-year old firm was selected by the CGI Board of Directors after a rigorous five-month review process which attracted bids from top producers around the USA. 

Jam Productions, Ltd. is one of the USA’s largest producers of live entertainment. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, Jam is one of the top grossing concert companies over the past thirty years and is the largest independent company of its kind in the USA. Jam averages $110 million in gross revenues annually and produces more than 1,200 concerts, theatrical productions and special events in 22 states. 

Jam will produce the Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field on 15 July 2006, Closing Ceremony at Wrigley Field on 22 July 2006, and the Medal Ceremonies at Millennium Park 16-21 July 2006. As many as 100,000 people are expected to experience at least one of the ceremonies. Both Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be televised live on the Q Television Network in at least 150 USA and international markets. 

“We are so excited to be working with a Chicago-based firm with an international reputation for high-quality events. Top entertainers want to work with experienced producers, and Jam knows how to produce events that remain on budget,” said Greg McNitt Ceremonies Committee co-chair of the Chicago Games, Inc. board of directors. “We can’t wait to begin working on the entertainment lineup with Jam.”

Producer Matt McGinn and Executive Producer Donna Sue Van Cleaf, both long-time Jam employees, will lead the Gay Games Ceremonies Production Team at Jam. Joining as Creative Director will be New Yorker Kile Ozier, producer of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the 1994 New York Gay Games. 

“Jam understands the commitment to a fiscally sound, yet visually spectacular experience for the participants and fans,” said Van Cleaf. “With Kile Ozier on our team, we establish a connection to the legacy of past Gay Games and ensure that these stunning ceremonies comply with Gay Games protocols.” The very first Gay Games was held in 1982 in San Francisco and over the past 25 years ceremonies have developed a rich history that is proudly expressed through symbols that inspire and empower all who attend. 

“In Jam we have selected a company with deep experience in all levels of production,” said Ceremonies Committee co-chair Tracy Baim. “Jam Productions was selected because they work with the world’s top talent, are financially sound, and brought creative ideas to the table for fundraising and special events.”

“Jam will be joined by experienced Gay Games staff and freelance creative and production experts – both paid and volunteer - who make this a veritable dream team,” said McNitt. Planning for Gay Games VII Ceremonies is already underway and details regarding entertainment, ticketing and volunteers will be posted on the Gay Games website at http://www.gaygameschicago.org later this year. 

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