www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 6, 2003 Q1 Q_COVERstory Gay Men’s Chorus Serves Up a Musical Trip Through Time ‘Madrigal Feast’ Features Food, Fun and ‘Fagrigals’ By Mary Damiano idea. “There’s really nothing like it in the Chorus members like Madrigal Feast Madrigal Feast. For one thing, the chorus Arts & Entertainment Editor community.” The event was a big success, because of the opportunity it gives them to needed a larger venue, so the show will be It’s Wednesday night at the Sunshine with hundreds of people turning out for sing something different. “I’m very excited held at the Religious Science Fort Lauderdale Cathedral, and the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s frothy fun. about it,” says Terry Tallent, who is enjoying in Wilton Manors. chorus is practicing for their upcoming show, Anyone put off by the traditional image his first full season with the chorus. “This There will also be enhancements to last Madrigal Feast II. Artistic director Todd the word “madrigal” conjures up shouldn’t will be a first time for me, singing this kind of year’s production. “There’s going to be a lot Wiley is putting the singers through their be, according to Bill Blaber, a recent music.” more of the chorus singing throughout the paces, teaching them how to bring out every transplant from New York who joined the Tallent believes that events such as entire evening. Everybody’s real jazzed about nuance in these traditional choral pieces. chorus just four weeks ago. “Madrigals are Madrigal Feast II allow people to see the that,” says Liedy, who performed at last Wiley is something of a perfectionist drinking songs,” Blaber says. “It’s about fun diversity within the gay community. “It’s year’s Madrigal Feast. “The play is witty who puts his whole body into his and partying, and it’s very masculine. That’s important to reach out to the community and and simple, and it’s more interwoven into the conducting. Under his guidance, the chorus where madrigals come from—it’s a whole let them know that there’s more than the food service. It should be an entertaining has grown from a group presenting concerts bunch of guys getting together drinking and stereotypes that others place on people in show for folks who have never seen a show each year to a dedicated organization with a singing.” the gay and lesbian community. This is one like this. For those who saw it last year, it will clear mission to present diversity through Wiley concurs. “It’s very much in jest of them,” he says. “You learn that there’s be a nice twist.” music. “One of the things I love about Todd and joke lighthearted and fun, and the lyrics more to people than you thought.” Blaber agrees. “It’s an experience, not a Wiley coming on board as our director is that are very satirical,” he says. “It’s definitely “I like Madrigal Feast because it regular performance. There will be people in he has a vision, a 30,000-foot view of all sorts not a serious concert.” stretches everyone musically with the four- costume, staging, humor, food—it’s going of areas where we can grow,” says chorus To add to the fun, Wiley even found a part a capella Renaissance music,” says Joel to be an all-encompassing performance.” member Jason Liedy. series of pieces called “fagrigals,” which Johnson, president of the chorus. “It’s really “I love the candlelight and the ambiance With this particular show, Madrigal were written in the past few years. “Most good for everyone to expand themselves and of a medieval cathedral or hall,” Liedy says. Feast II, the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus madrigals are about longing for the princess experience different styles of music.” “You feel autumn in the air on the night that will take its audience on a trip back in time. or the woman or the wife, but this one is Blaber, who has sung with many different we do Madrigal Feast, which is a real treat.” The medieval/Renaissance-themed evening, about longing for another man, and leads choruses, including The Gay Wiley believes that this year’s Madrigal which will take place this Saturday, Oct. 11, up to a climax and then takes you where you Men’s Chorus, has been involved with Feast is a festival of music, complete with at Religious Science Fort Lauderdale in didn’t think it would go,” Wiley says. “If we chamber music before and says the Madrigal the sights and sounds of that time. “We have Wilton Manors, features a lavish dinner keep a straight face it will be great.” Feast II selections are right up his alley. “It’s live brass and percussion for the fanfares, catered by Costello’s, costumed minstrels, Madrigal Feast has become part of the a type of music anyone can do. It’s easy on we have cobblestone pathways for people live musicians, a comic play and, of course, Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus’ regular the voice but challenging at the same time. I to walk in,” he says. “Musically, the chorus the concert. season, along with their December holiday couldn’t have asked for a better repertoire is singing from beginning to end. Everything This is the second year the chorus has concert, the February choral festival and the than what we’re doing.” Blaber is impressed has been upped several notches. That’s our presented Madrigal Feast. The concept for June pride concert, which is always a by the production the chorus is mounting. goal, to each year add something new until it a themed dinner show with traditional choral Broadway-style show with lots of “I’ve done madrigal concerts before, but becomes something that the community music was a risky proposition last year for a production numbers. “In a year, the chorus they’ve just been the chorus up on the stage looks forward to.” chorus known for its razzle-dazzle Broadway- gets the opportunity to perform in all those in white shirts and black pants, nothing like Not only does the community look style shows. “We didn’t know what to different styles and venues, and I think the this.” forward to the concerts, but they’re interested expect,” says Wiley, who came up with the audience is appreciative,” Wiley says. There are many changes from last year’s See CHORUS on page Q4

Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 6, 2003 Q_PERSONALITYprofile The Perfect Barbie Doll Can New York’s Most Notorious Transsexual Become The Newest Dance Diva? By Andy Zeffer Sophia Munoz were awarded nearly $200,000 version of Moll Flanders. Her father Features Editor by a New York Judge on Aug. 14. The two was a chemical engineer, and her mother Take a look at Amanda Lepore and it’s had filed a lawsuit against the now shut down a schizophrenic. At 15, Lepore began impossible not to look twice. Or three times. nightclub Twilo, after the club fired them from designing costumes for dancers at Or more. She had her first plastic surgery— their jobs as go-go dancers. According to a local strip joint, and in lieu of cash a nose job—at 15 and followed that up with club manger Michael Bindra, owner Steven payments accepted hormone pills three breast augmentations, her eyes R. Pastore ordered him to get rid of them and instead. Taking heavy doses, she slanted twice, her forehead lifted, her allegedly said that both were “horrible began to grow small breasts. In hairline pulled down and her lips enlarged. looking” and “disgusting.” The two time, Amanda found herself It’s impossible for her not to stand out in performers were replaced with biological with a boyfriend, and by 17 the crowd. Oh, and by the way, she also women. The case received much media had her sex changed. had work done on her hips and buttocks. attention with the plaintiffs and other “My mother Amanda Lepore is a legend in the New activists protesting outside Twilo with signs wanted me to wait until York club scene, first becoming a fixture in reading, “Real men don’t fight fake women” I was 21, but I had a the scene in the era of the club kids during and “Don’t discriminate because we can’t boyfriend and his father the ’90s, alongside personalities such as menstruate.” With the club now closed and wanted to help me,” fashion designer and having declared bankruptcy, it is doubtful Lepore explains. “So I convicted murderer . As a Lepore and her fellow axed dancer will ever went to the doctor and matter of fact, Lepore appears as herself in see the money. they found some kind of the film Party Monster, which documents The firing was hurtful and a big blow to loophole despite my age. Also, I Alig’s murder of fellow club kid and drug Lepore, who never expected to be was an emancipated minor by this time.” dealer Angel Melendez. discriminated against for the way she looked Amanda’s mother gave her some money, have gone further than the bombshells of But it is through her association with in the clubs. The clubs were always her safe as did her boyfriend, who had been saving the 1950s”. well-known photographer David space, places where she felt celebrated and for a car. But it was the boyfriend’s father No kidding. When asked if some LaChapelle that Lepore is best known. was the star. who paid for much of it, loaning her most of people have a hostile reaction to the way Introduced to him at the clubs, La Chapelle “It’s the last place you would have the money, which Lepore says she has since she looks, she confesses some people will was immediately mesmerized by Lepore’s thought it would happen. The nightclub paid back. look at her and say, “Oh my God!” But she exaggerated and outlandish appearance. industry is supposed to celebrate people Asked why they were all so supportive, honestly believes most people find her Chapelle is well known for his outrageous being different,” Lepore says. But times Lepore reflects, “It was before Jerry Springer, beautiful. Still, I couldn’t help but ask her ads for companies such as Diesel, and I think they all thought, ‘Oh, if she draws comparisons to Jocelyn which feature oiled-up body this poor little girl.’ Now I think Wildenstein, the mega rich New York builders and models who trannies have a bad wrap with socialite nicknamed “The Cat Woman.” resemble strippers or Vivid Video people thinking they are all dirty “I hear so much stuff. I get that girls. prostitutes.” sometimes,” admits Lepore. “She has had “We’re really close; he is one Lepore speaks openly about more surgery than me, like a cat. I look like of my best friends,” Lapore says. what many people would consider a model.” “I think he likes the exaggerated the excessive amount of plastic Whatever the case, Lepore attests to way I look. He definitely likes surgery procedures that she has being satisfied with her appearance for the exaggerated types, bodybuilders, undergone. She concedes that time being and has no imminent plans for plastic surgery, that sort of thing.” immediately after her sex change more procedures. She is trying to put her Now, Amanda Lepore is she looked like a more natural attention to her music and releasing attempting to conquer the world The Dulling Divas of Plastic Surgery: woman, believing the less you do perfume with David LaChappelle. of dance music with her debut Jocelyn Wildenstein and Amanda Lepore the more one appears as a natural “I thought the music would move single “Deeper,” which Lepore woman. But she loves the way she faster, and that I’d be performing by now, describes as a trance track. The lyrics are change, and the days of the freaky club kids looks, and strives to appear as an even more but it seems you need at least five songs,” written by yet another New York nightlife and other bizarre characters that ruled exaggerated version of ’50s bombshells such Lepore says. In the meantime, nightclub fixture, the and hostess of enormous clubs of the early and mid-’90s as Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. revelers will have to keep themselves Wigstock, . are long gone, a ghost of the past. And also, like Barbie. satisfied with “Deeper” and await the day But it is not music that Amanda Lepore Lepore’s transformation from the son of “I love it. It’s so perfect. I look like a when they can see Miss Lepore perform is known for. Lepore recently made suburban New Jersey parents to attention- doll. When I was little, I loved playing with her music for them live. headlines when she and fellow transsexual grabbing transsexual reads like a modern day Barbie Dolls,” Lepore muses. “Obviously, I

www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 6, 2003 Q3 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano Celebrate National Coming Out Day in Style Women’s Alliance Holds Event at Gay and Lesbian Center Women are OutProud in Coral Gables and Edward Albee’s The John Holmes and His Own Miami’s own David Leddick is back with at the GLCCSF Goat or Who Is Sylvia opening this Saturday, Private Wonderland his latest book, a nonfiction work called The Saturday is National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11 at the GableStage Theatre in Coral You all know John Holmes, the porn star Secret Lives of Married Men, which presents and the Women’s Alliance is making it easy Gables. Up in Broward, this is your last week with considerable physical attributes. Well, the stories of 39 gay men, ranging in age th for you to come out and celebrate. They have to catch Menopause The Musical at the 26 Holmes starred in thousands of movies, but from their 30s to their 80s, who are now or gathered some great talent for OutProud, an now there’s a movie about him. Wonderland who have been married to women. The stories event designed for women to rejoice in being focuses on multiple murders that Holmes and are varied and fascinating, and many show out. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. his teenage girlfriend were linked to back in how society’s intolerance and family 11, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gay & 1981. The movie stars Val Kilmer as expectations can really mess with a person’s Lesbian Community Center of South Holmes, along with Kate Bosworth, life. Incidentally, Leddick will appear at the Florida (GLCCSF) in Fort Lauderdale, Janeane Garofalo, Lisa Kudrow, Broward County main library in downtown and will feature performances by Christina Applegate and Eric Fort Lauderdale Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 7 Blake, Florida’s She King 2003, Bogosian. There will be an advance p.m. to 9 p.m. to discuss his book and sign Katie Peterson, the Drama Kings, screening of Wonderland this copies. plus a Girl2Girl fashion show. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 at the Regal’s The book that has to take the honors for Ruth Berman and Connie Kurtz, South Beach Theatre on Lincoln most delicious title of the year is Michelle subjects of the award-winning Road. There will also be an after party Sawyer’s They Say She Tastes Like Honey. documentary Ruthie and at Club Monaco, 624 Collins Ave., Mmm…. Is that an enticing title or what? Connie: Every Room of the where guests will be treated to a 20 The novel tells the story of Macy, a House, will also be at OutProud. percent discount and a peek at the new sophisticated and successful 40-something Stephanie Adams, the very first fall collection. It’s all presented by lipstick lesbian who falls for a much younger Stephanie woman, on roller skates, no less. Can Macy Playboy Playmate to ever come out, Adams GenArt, an organization dedicated to and the author of a new book, showcasing emerging talent in the worlds handle the affair? Can she deal with her new Sapphica: Astrology for Lesbians, is of film, fashion art and music. For more girlfriend’s acid-washed jeans? Read the flying in for the event. OutProud is the first information, visit www.genart.org. book to find out. major event produced by the Women’s Alliance, an organization determined to Book Notes A Taste of India involve women in the community. Street Theatre in Wilton Manors. Dividends Sultry-voiced siren India.Arie burst onto opens this Friday, Oct. 10, at the Stage Door There are some interesting new books out this month from Alyson Books. My Big the music scene just a few years ago and On Stage Theatre in Coral Springs, and The promptly took the world by storm, with her Exonerated, starring Lynn Redgrave and Fat Queer Life is the latest book from Coral Gables is the place to be this week Michael Thomas Ford, a collection of the best unique sound and revealing lyrics. Catch her Montel Williams, opens Tuesday, Oct. 7, at in concert at the Carefree Theatre in West if you’re interested in live theatre. There’s the Broward Center for the Performing Arts stuff from the author of Alec Baldwin Doesn’t Return to the Forbidden Planet at the Love Me and That’s Mr. Faggot to You. There Palm Beach this Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 8pm. in Fort Lauderdale, kicking off their For tickets and more info, visit Actor’s Playhouse in Coral Gables, Long Broadway Series. are also seven new essays for fans to sink Day’s Journey into Night at the New Theatre their teeth into. www.fantasma.com.

Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 6, 2003 Q_THEATERreview

CHORUS from Front Page A Long Day’s Journey Into Light in joining this growing group, an interest that Liedy believes is due to the high New Theatre Does a Stunning Job with American Tragedy standard the chorus has achieved since Wiley came on board. “We get calls James, John Felix does a By Mary Damiano almost weekly from people who want to Arts & Entertainment Editor magnificent job conveying join,” he says. “Under Todd’s guidance, Drug addiction, alcoholism, the mind and soul of a things are going very well.” attempted suicide, illness, remote man who would put The popularity of the Ft. madness—the current production a price on his own son’s life. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, both at the New Theatre in Coral Gables Sally Levin is excellent as from people who want to join and from is not exactly a walk in the park. Mary and illustrates her people who go to see them, indicates But this is Eugene O’Neill’s Long character’s continuous that Wiley’s vision for the chorus is Day’s Journey Into Night, and the downward spiral working. “These are volunteers up play lives up to its name. At over throughout the course of here,” Wiley says of the chorus. three hours it is long, but it’s a the play. Keith Cassidy is “They’re so dedicated. I’m very proud journey well worth taking. always interesting as of this group. They stuck with me and I The action takes place in a Jamie, a man left dead stuck with them. We all believe in the single summer day in 1912 inside because of the same vision and goal, and that makes a Connecticut in the life (or more ugliness he’s seen. huge difference when you’re all working correctly, the death) of the Tyrone Cassidy also plays a very toward the same thing.” family: miserly, bombastic father convincing drunk, which is Wiley calls the singers back from James, his haunted, drug-addicted not easy to do. Euriamis Euriamis Losada and John Felix their break, so they can assemble on wife Mary, older alcoholic son Jamie Photography by Eileen Suarez Losada is wonderful as the risers for the second half of the and younger, ill son Edmund. poetic, ill Edmund, the rehearsal. “I am a strong supporter that At the start of the play, James and Jamie that’s one of the things that make the play so subject of much guilt from his family. standing side by side it makes a stronger try to keep the severity of Edmund’s illness moving, the fact that the same stuff goes on There are no gimmicks or tricks here, just statement than just standing up there from Mary, for fear that the stress will push in families today. a purity of drama and poetry of words. Long by yourself,” he says. “If you’re there her back into drug addiction. But Mary needs The design of Michael McKeever’s Day’s Journey Into Night is an emotionally you can make a difference.” no extra help to push her over the edge—her warm, cozy set gives the impression of getting wrenching experience, but it does what great memories of the past are enough. And while a glimpse into a private world. Pain, self-pity theatre does best—it allows us to examine The Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s the Tyrone men want Mary to stop using and the past permeate the lives of the Tyrone our own lives through the filter of drama, Chorus presents Madrigal Feast II and be strong, they don’t realize that they family, so much so that these qualities and come away richer for it. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. at are alcoholics, just as haunted by the past as become characters in their own right. In the Religious Science Fort Lauderdale, Long Day’s Journey Into Night runs she is. second act, an ominous foghorn sounds at 1550 NE 26 St., Wilton Manors. through Oct. 19 at the New Theatre, 4120 Throughout the course of the play, we key moments, a reminder of the past and the Tickets are $40 and include the show Laguna St., Coral Gables. Showtimes are see this family move from a hopeful joviality foreboding marking of time. and dinner catered by Costello’s. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and to utter despair, each person so broken they The characters in Long Day’s Journey Tickets are available from chorus Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30-$35. can’t possibly be fixed. The themes and Into Night are an actor’s dream because they members and at For more information, call 305.443.5909 situations in Long Day’s Journey Into Night are fully fleshed out people with depth and www.gaysouthflorida.com (click or visit www.new-theatre.org. are just as current and timeless as ever, and complexity—no cardboard cutouts here. As on Pride Store).

www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 6, 2003 Q5 Q_CULTURALevents

Through Friday, Oct. 31: Hispanic Monday, Oct. 6: The Adventures of Tom Heritage Festival—Among the top 10 Hispanic Sawyer—Musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic festivals in the nation, events showcase outdoor tale. 10:30 a.m. at Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. music, food festivals, sporting events, National Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. 954.763.8813. competitions and more. Various locations. For Tuesday - Sunday, Oct. 7 - 19: Say information please visit www.hispanicfestival.com, Goodnight, Gracie—Comedy. Starring Frank email [email protected] or call Gorshin. 8 p.m. at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, 305.541.5023. 70 Royal Poinciana Way, Palm Beach. Monday, Oct. 6: Congregation Etz Chaim 800.647.6877. Services—Congregation Etz Chaim will observe Tuesday - Sunday, Oct. 7 - 19: The High Holy Days 5764 at the Samuel M. & Helene Exhonerated—Play starring Lynn Redgrace and Soref Jewish Community Center, 6501 W. Sunrise Montel Williams about a husband-and-wife team Blvd., Plantation. Yom Kippur Morning Service at that interviews death row prisoners who were found 10 a.m.; Healing and Spirituality Service at 4:30 innocent and eventually freed by the state. 8 p.m. p.m.; Neilah Service at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 for members and $100 for all others. For more S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. 954.462.0222. information call the Synagogue Office at 954.564.9232. Music Monday, Oct. 6: Congregation Etz Chaim Through Saturday, Oct. 25: Festival High Holy Days Food Drive—Bring non- Miami—The University of Miami continues the perishable food items to the Synagogue’s Kol Nidre tradition of offering an impressive array of and Yom Kippur day services, held at the Soref outstanding artists and an extraordinary variety of Jewish Community Center, 6501 W. Sunrise Blvd. programming. All concerts are at the University of at 10 a.m.. Benefits the Poverello Food Center. For Miami’s Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. more information call 954.564.9232. For tickets and information call 305.284.4940. Mondays, Oct. 6 - Nov. 17: Newly www.music.miami.edu. Diagnosed HIV+—This five-week program Wednesday, Oct. 8: Motown to Broadway— addresses your immediate needs in the safe Live performance by Kevin Mahogany, an atmosphere of a professionally led support group. 7 innovator in vocal jazz. 7:45 p.m. at the Broward – 8:30 p.m. on the campus of Sunshine Cathedral Center, 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. MCC, 1480 S.W. 9th Ave. For information please Wednesday, Oct. 8: India.arie—7 p.m. at call 954.764.5557, ext. 1. (No meeting on Monday, Carefree Theatre, 2000 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Nov. 10.) Beach. 561.833.7305. Tuesday, Oct. 7: Books by the River—This Friday, Oct. 10: Sugar Ray—7 p.m. at The 8-part series presents authors who have written Venu and Star Bar Patio, 100 S.W. 3rd Avenue, Fort books either about or set in Florida. Author Christine Lauderdale. 954.727.0950. Kling will speak at the first program. 7 p.m. at the New River Inn at the Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum, 231 S.W. Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale on the first Tuesday of each month. Free. For information or to pre-register call 954.357.7401. Thursday, Oct. 9: Girl’s Night Out—Heart of the Sea is a movie about the stunningly beautiful and famously charming, Hawaiian surf legend Rell Kapolioka’ehukai Sunn, who carved the way for women in a sport dominated by men. 7:30 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso, 503 S.E. Sixth St., Ft. Lauderdale. Tickets $7 to benefit the Women’s Alliance of South Florida. For further information call Alison Burgos: 954.288.8691. Wednesday, Oct. 15: Secret Lives of Married Men—A book discussion and signing for David Leddick’s tell-all book that delves into the why and how of living the “straight” life as a gay man. Participants will explore existing situations such as fear, cultural isolation, religion or family expectations that play a part in a Saturday, Oct. 11: Peter Frampton—8 p.m. man’s decision to repress his sexuality. 7 - 9 p.m. in at Carefree Theatre, 2000 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm the Bienes Center, 6th floor, Main Library, 100 S. Beach. 561.833.7305. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954.357.7464 Friday, Oct. 10: Alabama—8 p.m. at Sound for more information Advice Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Saturday, Oct. 25: Fifth Annual ONI Palm Beach, 561.795.8883. Women’s Conference—Opening Doors... to Sunday, Oct. 12: Viva Puente—8 p.m. at Our Past, Present and Future, is the theme of Jackie Gleason Theater, 1700 Washington Ave., this year’s conference that features a panel Miami Beach. 305.673.7300. discussion, workshops, a stage performance and Monday, Oct. 13: The 6th Annual Source book discussions. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Main Hip-Hop Music Awards—7 p.m. at Miami Arena, Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. 701 Arena Blvd., Miami. 305.530.4400. Free. For information or to register, call Monday, Oct. 13: Blues Traveler—7:30 954.357.7464. p.m. at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Sunday, Nov. 2: South Florida Dance for Lauderdale. 954.564.1074. Life—Save the Date for the American Red Cross of Saturday, Oct. 25: Cher—The rescheduled Greater Miami & The Keys South Florida’s Dance Farewell Tour is at 7:30 p.m. at Office Depot for Life. 7 p.m. at the Gusman Center for the Center, 2555 Panthers Dr., Sunrise. 954.835.8000. Performing Arts, 174 E. Flagler St., Downtown Miami. Featured performers include: Maximum Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Dance, Exhibitions Ballet Florida Principal Dancers, and Ife-Ile Afro- Through Sunday, Nov. 23: Saint Peter and Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble. For tickets and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes—The largest information call 877.877.7677 or visit Vatican collection to tour North America. Seven www.tixops.com. days a week 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesdays until 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22: Expanding Horizons— at the Museum of Art, 1 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Save the date for the 7th Annual Recognition Lauderdale. www.MuseumOfArt.org, 877.787.7711. Dinner benefiting the Gay and Lesbian Foundation of South Florida. Honoring Dr. John Radio Graves, Marleine Bastien, Damian Pardo and The Norm Kent Show—Live from the Floridian Bacardi. National Impact Award to playwright Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews and Terrence McNally. Ms. Diana Ross to introduce commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday mornings, The Supremes. 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Diplomat 8 – 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is Resort & Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood. 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com $185 per person includes cocktail reception and Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show dinner. For tickets and information, please call dedicated to creating a better understanding between 305.572.1841 or visit www.glfsf.org. the straight and gay communities, with host Rene Live Theatre and Dance Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. on WTAN 1340 AM. Advance Ticket Sales—The Sisterhood of Live, worldwide broadcast at Congregation Etz Chaim is selling tickets to its www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Kiss Me Kate (Jan. Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts this 8); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday Story (Feb. 8); Miami City Ballet Program IV (March mornings at 7:25 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 FM. 20); The Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April www.Party931.com. 15); and The Producers (May 13 and 16). For Michael Martini Hour—”Let’s stir the pot … tickets and information call Joyce Edelson at and get to the bottom of the issues!” Gay talk radio, 954.718.5800. Thursdays, 6 – 7 p.m. on WPBR 1340 AM or on the Through Sunday, Oct. 26: Barnum—This internet at www.talk1340.com. evening of circus and musical theatre brings the Outright Radio—David Gilmore hosts this radio magic of P.T. Barnum to life. Stage Door Theatre, show about gay life in America. Saturdays at 3 p.m. 8036 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs. 954.344.7765. on WLRN 91.3 FM.

Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 6, 2003 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases

Shelby Lynne: ‘Identity Crisis’ (Capitol) Shelby Lynne is the original independent woman. On her new CD, Identity Crisis, Lynne wrote all the songs, performs all the vocals and plays all the guitars. The result is a stunning CD, filled with introspection, heartbreaking intensity and a good old time. Identity Crisis is an acoustic gem, filled with Lynne’s original yet infectious lyrics and her multi-dimensional guitar work. Lynne specializes in country-blues style, with some rock and roll and gospel thrown in for good measure. Lynne is smart not to overshadow her strong, honest voice with her musical expertise, choosing to let the music underscore rather than overpower her phrasing and lyrics. On “Telephone,” the first single from the CD, Lynne utilizes just enough twang to make the song sound oh-so retro. “10 Rocks” is a keeper, a rollicking, gospel-infused juke joint tune. “Gotta Be Better” is a high-energy song with modern rock sensibilities, while “I Don’t Think So” is achingly honest and simple. “Evil Man” and “Buttons and Beaus” are bluesy, ballsy tracks that pull no punches. “Buttons and Beaus” begins Your mama’s a whore/Your daddy’s dead—it’s those kinds of lyrics that make the song such fun. Identity Crisis is the kind of CD that gives you something new every time you listen to it—a new inflection, guitar riff or style you didn’t notice in previous listenings. And that’s the beauty of Shelby Lynne—every time you listen, you get to rediscover her all over again. —Mary Damiano

Siedah Garrett: ‘Siedah’ (Higher Octave) On “Get the Hell Outta Here,” a bad-ass song from Siedah Garrett’s new self-titled CD, Siedah, the singer/songwriter lays her cards on the table: If you ain’t ready for the way I flow/ Never seen a black chick rock and roll/Just get the hell outta here. Obviously, this is one woman who knows what she wants and isn’t about to take any crap from anyone. Garrett may be best known for her work with Quincy Jones or for co-writing the Michael Jackson hit “Man in the Mirror,” but her terrific new self-titled CD proves that her heart belongs to rock and roll. She tears it up on her cover of the classic Rolling Stones hit “It’s Only Rock and Roll,” infusing the anthem with as much attitude and swagger as Mick Jagger himself. But Siedah also shows Garrett’s softer side, as with “Nothin’ At All,” an acoustic gem that lets the nuances of Garrett’s voice shine through. Siedah also sings “Man in the Mirror,” which puts her in the interesting position of doing a cover of her own song. Her version is cleaner and more heartfelt than the one that Jackson made popular. But “Get the Hell Outta Here” remains the centerpiece of the CD. In another part of the song, Siedah says, I’m an anomaly, Don’t try to pigeon me/Can’t help I’ll never be blonde. Trust me, Siedah, we wouldn’t want it any other way. —Mary Damiano

Various Artists: ‘Wig in a Box’ (Off Records) Hedwig strikes again, this time in the form of an all-star cover album with all proceeds going to The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of The Harvey Milk School. This past month, The Harvey Milk School became the first ever publicly funded high school for gay and lesbian youth. In honor of that, the creators of Hedwig and The Angry Inch serve as producers of this CD, and perform the number “Milford Lake.” gets things started “With The Origins of Love,” a sweet song that is perfectly suited to Wainwright’s gentle voice. Sleater- Kinney and Fred Schneider of The B-52s follow that up with the considerably more spastic “Angry Inch.” Unfortunately, the number is so full of feedback and over-amped that even Schneider’s famous nasal voice is drowned out. Robyn Hitchcock and The Breeders fare better on “City of Women” and “Wicked Little Town,” respectively. Yoko Ono lives up to her avant-garde reputation when she teams up with Yo La Tengo on “Hedwig’s Lament/ Exquisite Corpse.” & The Minus 5 team up as well for “Midnight Radio,” where Lauper uses her trademark power pipes to full effect. This album is definitely more fringe than commercial, so it remains to be seen how much the Harvey Milk School will benefit. But Mitchell and Trask’s intentions are noble, so one hopes rock and musical theater fans will scoop Wig in a Box up and give the school a hand. —Andy Zeffer

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