Speaking with Poet Dan Vera As It Turned Out, the War Press My Own Concerns About This War

OAN INDEPENDENTU VOICE FOR THET LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER COMMUNITIES April 19, 2013 | Volume X, Issue 23

No Arrest Yet in Murder of Trans Woman swiftly and proactively in identifying Ms. Young’s not it was a hate crime. assailant(s) and bringing them to justice. By Steve Charing Ms. Young was truly loved by her fam- These senseless acts of violence perpe- At press time there has ily, friends, and community. “The neigh- trated by hateful and intolerant individuals been no arrest in con- borhood embraced her – boys and girls, must not be taken lightly. It is imperative nection with the mur- straight or gay she was embraced,” Ms. that the LGBT community must stand up in der of Kelly Young. On Young’s sister Monique Mack told tele- solidarity to address the violence commit- April 3, Ms. Young, 29, a vision station WMAR. “It wasn’t always ted against our community.” transgender woman, was a smooth road but I will say it was more Donna Simone Plamondon, a Balti- found shot at her home smooth than not.” more trans activist, poignantly posted on at 2200 block of Barclay The GLCCB issued a statement con- Facebook: “Adding another name to this Street in East Baltimore. demning the crime. “We express our deep- year’s TDoR” (Transgender Day of Re- She later died at an area est sympathies to Ms. Young’s family and membrance – an annual memorial service hospital. friends. For far to long our LGBT commu- that, in part, commemorates those trans- Baltimore City Police Kelly Young, killed April 3 in East Baltimore nity has been targeted for being who they gender individuals murdered during the spokesperson Det. Cart- credit: WMAR TV are and for who they love. Kelly’s murder is past year). er-Watson told Baltimore unfortunately the latest crime to victimize Anyone with information about the OUTloud that the case is still open and the police said it’s too early in the investigation our community. shooting death of Kelly Young should call investigation ongoing. No motive is indi- to determine if the crime was connected to “We implore the Baltimore City Police the Baltimore City Police Homicide Divi- cated. Immediately following the murder the victim’s gender identity or whether or Department and local government to move sion at 410-396-2100. t

CUBAN-AMERICAN POET TACKLES LOVE & WAR still involved in almost 25 years later. That the impact the war could region has defined our generation in a way. have on my generation. Back then poetry allowed me a way to ex- Speaking with Poet Dan Vera As it turned out, the war press my own concerns about this war. I was short, but as the sub- don’t know why it was poetry, but it arose by Gregg Shapiro cation of his book. (Full disclosure: Dan sequent years have revealed, it proved to through poetry and when I shared it with Speaking Wiri Wiri (Red Hen Press, 2013) Vera’s press, Souvenir Spoon Books, pub- be a skirmish in a longer war that we are friends they seemed to find a resonance by gay poet Dan Vera is the winner of the lished Gregg Shapiro’s 2012 with the fears and questions I was raising. inaugural Letras Latinas / Red Hen Po- chapbook, Gregg Shapiro: Dan Vera I kept writing, mostly as a solitary act and etry Prize. The book, Vera’s second full- 77.) didn’t seriously begin to write poetry, to length collection, consists of 45 poems in Gregg Shapiro: Dan, at dedicate myself to it, to immerse myself in five distinct sections. Taken as a whole, what age did you seriously it, until many years later. without the “borders,” if you will, there is begin to write poetry and GS: Where does prose fit into your a cohesive voice and message. Latino, how did you come to it? writing life? queer, son of immigrants, fascinated with Dan Vera: I began writing DV: I’ve written some essays on gay language and memory (two of the sections poetry in college during the identity and history which probably come are “The Trouble With Memory” and “The lead up to the first Iraq War. out of my academic background in an- Memory Of The Tongue”), Vera’s book This would have been 1989. thropology and history. Prose is certainly couldn’t come at a better time, especially The country was gearing up something I haven’t ruled out in the future. with immigration reform and LGBT issues for the war and although the In many ways I see my writing as storytell- on everyone’s mind. Writing with authority, news was filled with reports, ing and uncovering and retelling histories assurance and passion, Vera’s Speaking including talk of the possibil- that are worthy of recording. Wiri Wiri earns him his rightful place along- ity of a draft, there seemed to GS: Your first book of poems The side his poetry heroes, living and dead. I be little conversation among Space Between Our Danger and Delight spoke with Vera shortly before the publi- my circle of friends about —continued on page 16 news // LOCAL

Language of Diversity Through Art their floral iconogra- phy in suggestive veils of meaning drawn By Denise R. Duarte for the day to see the cherry-tree festival from their own poetry, their favorite esoter- Language is how we train our minds to and parade. It celebrated the cherry-tree ic sources, and the incidents of their own Co-Publishers Jim Becker • Jim Williams think. It gives structure and meaning to our flower as a symbol of spring and Washing- lives, as can be seen in a closer look at [email protected] thoughts. It defines our reality. Language ton, D.C., pride. The National Park website the floral themes of the repertoire of Pre- Executive Editor is the most essential tool used to commu- states that Raphaelite art.” Jim Becker nicate. “In Japan, This is one as- [email protected] Wikipedia defines language as “...the the flowering pect of my inten- Managing Editor [email protected] human capacity for acquiring and using cherry tree, tion for Garden of complex systems of communication, and a or ‘Sakura,’ Sales Director Diversity was to Mary Taylor language is any specific example of such is an ex- create a reframed [email protected] a system.” alted flow- dialogue about Leather Columnist Language is also fluid and ever-chang- ering plant. the true definition Rodney Burger ing. Just like us, language is evolving to The beauty of what is natural Contributing Writers meet contemporary needs in order to ex- of the cherry and create a new Joey Amato • Sharon Brackett • Rodney Burger • Joshua Buchbinder • Steve Charing • Jeffrey Claggett • press our understanding of our reality. blossom is a symbology, a new Jeffrey Clouser • Wayne Curtis • Woody Derricks • Denise R. My thesis project, “Garden of Diversity potent sym- visual language, Duarte • Chuck Duncan • Michael Farley • Jon Fairbanks • Gerry – Naturae paradiso diversitas,” recently Fisher • Bruce Garrett • Jeff Hammerberg • Dr. Eva Hersh • bol equated to express our Shirli Hughes • Sam Kunz • Michelle Lanchester, Esq. • exhibited at D Center Gallery, March 29 with the eva- LGBTQ natural Dana LaRocca • Jessica Lemmo • Jay Loane • Rev. Meredith – April 14, focused directly on language nescence of identities. Moise • Bill Palmer • Gregg Shapiro and its definitions. The Garden of Diver- human life One of the Graphics sity Glossary, a component of my artwork, and epito- most frustrating Amy Ray • Joe Velasquez combined human and botanical terminolo- mizes the and challenging Cartoonist Bruce Garrett (Brucegarrett.com) gy regarding gender and sexual identity to transforma- aspects of our reinforce the notion that nature is diverse Photographers tion of Japa- LGBTQ communi- Bruce Garrett • Jay W Photos and is not defined by any binary. This glos- nese culture ty is how we refer Web Editor sary encompassed nine, three-foot-by-six- throughout to ourselves. Lan- Anja Saine And by another name, just as sweet – ‘The Rose’ [email protected] foot pages. I consider it to be an evolving the ages.” credit: Kim Llerna guage is labeling, Managed Web Services document that will eventually be incorpo- After the pa- which is branding The Fusio Group rated into many other manifestations. rade, I went to the National Gallery of Art in our contemporary context. It is at once 866-322-7498, Thefusiogroup.com I thought it would add an interesting in Washington, D.C., to see their current convenient and yet problematic. It can lead National Advertising Rep addition to my artwork and help frame my exhibition, the “Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian to one-dimensional perceptions and rein- Rivendell Media 908-232-2021 message. I had no idea that it would take Art and Design, 1848-1900,” open from forced stereotypes. I would love us to cre- center stage with the majority of the people February 17–May 19. Founders ate a respectful and inclusive label for our Jim Becker • Joe Berg • Mike Chase • I observed, reading all nine pages. At the heart of the Pre-Raphaelite ar- beautiful eclectic community. How do we Lee Mooney (1959-2007) • Jim Williams Language can take many forms. It is tistic and decorative art movement, was expect the dominate cultural population to spoken, written in text and expressed in flowers. Debra N. Mancoff, in her book, understand us if our language is confus- Baltimore OUTloud visualized imagery. It is said to have three PO Box 4887 Baltimore, MD 21211 The Pre-Raphaelite Language of Flow- ing? There is the alphabet... LGBTQQIAA, 410-244-6780 components, codes, signs and meanings. ers explains that art critic of the period, which in one version (there are additional Baltimoreoutloud.com Visual art incorporates these components Walter Pater, stated, “The appreciation identities that are not covered here) re- either within the imagery of the artwork it- of Pre-Raphaelite art depended upon the fers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning, Additional Information self or in conjunction with the artwork title, Baltimore OUTloud is published every other Friday by Pride viewer’s fluency in an esoteric language queer, intersex, asexual and allies. Media, Ltd. in Baltimore, Maryland. Readers comments and an artist statement or some other device. of symbols. As an example, he noted that There is “queer,” which frightens those unsolicited materials are welcomed and may be sent to: editor@ The sculptural flowers in the Garden Dante Gabriel Rossetti often ornamented of our community that have yet to reclaim baltimoreoutloud.com. All materials appearing in this newspaper are the property of Pride Media, Ltd. and may not be reproduced of Diversity represent some of our varied his canvases with flowers. Pater lamented the word. Then there is the faction that without the written permission of the editor. LGBTQ identities. These flowers were se- that many (“the ignorant”) saw the flowers just wishes we would all just be “gay.” I lected because of certain aspects of their as nothing more than an “intrusive enig- certainly do not fall into that group! As a identity that relate to ours or because they ma.” But, he countered: “To the initiated feminist, I know all too well that when the have relevant historical and cultural refer- this flower speaks parables.” male terminology is the default language, ences. These floral representations were The artists referenced books like John women become invisible. Some people I incorporated into the glossary to define Henry Ingram’s Flora Symbolica (1869) know are using the term “sexual and gen- their full meaning. that Mancoff stated combined “a cultural der minority.” I am pleased that this phrase Flowers are the most diverse living or- “history” of traditions and rituals, with sep- is inclusive, but once again it places too ganism on earth and humans have been arate entries on individual flowers, and a much emphasis on the one word conserva- enthralled with them at least since there double lexicon of both flowers and their tives are afraid of... “sex.” Our cause is not The opinions expressed in Baltimore OUTloud are solely those has been written communication. Floral meanings.” Mancoff expounded that they of the writers unless otherwise indicated and do not necessarily about sex... it is about equality. reflect the views of Pride Media, Ltd., and the staff. symbology or floriography, as it was called “added a poetic dimension to their floral Please stop in at the 32nd Street Farm- in Victorian times, is well-documented. It expression that transcended the popular er’s Market on Saturday, April 20 from 7 © 2013 – All rights reserved Chair of the Board of Trustees – Jim Becker has been used in art in many cultures to lexicon.” a.m. to noon to see the latest manifesta- President – Jim Williams depict human personality traits, values or While the language of flowers may tion from the Garden of Diversity, the Jack- Secretary and Treasurer – Mike Chase to send coded messages. have provided a popular departure point in-the-Pulpit – the flower that transitions its I recently went to Washington, D.C., for their symbolic expression, they cloaked sex over its lifetime. t

2 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL Michael Feinstein Takes Stage At the Lyric May 9 to Benefit Myerberg Center

Michael Feinstein, chronicle of his life the multi-platinum- with the Gershwins selling, five-time and the iconic music Grammy-nominat- that withstands the ed entertainer, will test of time. Fein- perform his one- stein will offer the man show, “The audience his first- Gershwins and hand anecdotes of Me,” at the Lyric the titans of Ameri- Opera House on can culture as he Thursday, May 9, sings his version of 2013 at 7:30 p.m. classic Gershwins Through story and songs. song, the “Ambas- The event will sador of the Great also honor long-time American Song- supporter of the My- book” will share his erberg Center and personal account the arts, Sandra of his time spent R. Hittman, for her as a protégé of the service to the com- legendary community. poser Ira Gershwin. The perfor- Proceeds from the mance will be held event will benefit the nonprofit Edward A. My- at the Modell Performing Arts Center at the erberg Center, which provides educational Lyric, 140 West Mount Royal Avenue, Balti- and cultural programs and social services for more. adults 55 and over in Baltimore. General admission tickets start at $50 “The Gershwins and Me” features eve- and are available through Ticketmaster, the ning of anecdotes and melodies celebrating Lyric box office or the Myerberg Center. VIP the iconic Gershwins and the music that de- tickets are also available; and VIP ticket hold- benefiting the edward a. Myerberg center fined the American songbook ers will enjoy priority seating, a post-perfor- At just 20-years old, Michael Feinstein mance dessert reception and book signing received the chance of a lifetime to work with with Michael Feinstein. For more information, his hero, the legendary Ira Gershwin. During call the Myerberg Center at 410-358-6856 or the last years of Gershwin’s life, Feinstein e-mail [email protected]. t served as his personal archivist and friend. Located in northwest Baltimore, the Ed- This relationship gave him a glimpse into the ward A. Myerberg Center provides over 125 life of the great composer and inspired him to programs each year for 1,000 members ages bring classic music and culture to audiences 55 and over, including classes in the fine arts, around the world. literature, current events, new technologies Based on his popular 2012 book, The and fitness. The Center’s Eating Together Gershwins and Me, Feinstein’s performance program serves 12,000 meals a year to se- takes the audience on a journey through the niors. An evening of anecdotes and melodies Sandra r. hittman . Honoree May 9 . 7:30 pM the Modell lyric

ticketmaster Lyric Box office more information 410-547-Seat 410-685-5086 410-358-6856 lyricoperahouse.com myerberg.org

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 3 news // LOCAL Ex-Raven Says Four Players Will Come Out

By Steve Charing already being pro- Brendon Ayanbadejo, active and open if a a fervent supporter player does it and if of marriage equal- something negative ity and LGBT rights happens. We’ll see and who had been what happens.” recently released by Earlier a story had the Baltimore Ravens, surfaced whereby indicated that more Ayanbadejo appeared than one gay player in to have suggested to the National Football a Newsday reporter League will be coming that his release from out and soon. Follow- the Ravens was ing a report on CBSS- caused, in part, by his ports.com that a gay outspoken advocacy NFLer is “strongly con- for LGBT causes. At sidering” coming out, a Straight for Equal- Ayanbadejo agreed. ity gala in New York He told the Baltimore where he and Min- Sun, “I think it will hap- nesota Vikings punter pen sooner than you Chris Kluwe were think. We’re in talks honored, Ayanbadejo with a handful of play- Brendon Ayanbadejo said, “My bark is loud- ers who are consider- er than my bite. I make ing it. There are up to a lot of noise and gar- four players being talked to right now and ner a lot of attention for various things off they’re trying to be organized so they can the football field. When that starts happen- come out on the same day together. It would ing, why do you have that player around?” make a major splash and take the pressure He later distanced himself from that off one guy. It would be a monumental day if comment and thanked the Ravens organi- a handful or a few guys come out.” zation for their support. “The Ravens have Asked if there would be a backlash, been backing me; they knew my stance for Ayanbadejo responded, “Of course, there years and have been facilitating me and or- would be backlash. If they could share the ganizing me with LGBT and set me up with backlash, it would be more positive. It’s cool. Equality Maryland. They helped me,” he It’s exciting. The NFL and organizations are said. t

Moveable Feast: ‘Play for the Feast’ Fundraiser on Tap By Steve Charing see it as a win-win On April 20, Play for the all around. Many of Feast will take place our guests win cash to benefit Moveable and fabulous prizes. Feast, a Baltimore- And everyone who at- based organization tends helps ensures that provides nutritious a win for Moveable meals and other servic- Feast’s clients, who es at no cost to people are living with HIV, with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and other de- cancer and other life- bilitating illnesses.” threatening conditions. Fun, fun, fun The event, which “As a Ride for the credit: Pete Exis / Washington Blade will include such Feast cycling team, the Shirley Temples pro- casino-style games as Blackjack and Texas duce Play for the Feast to increase our over- Hold’em Poker competitions, a Money Wheel, all contribution to Moveable Feast,” Doug Silent Auction and a 50-50 raffle, will take place Rose, a member of the Shirley Temples from 7 -10 p.m. at Silo Point, 1200 Steuart and the manager of the event told Baltimore Street, Baltimore. Food from local establish- OUTloud. “We are all volunteers, and every- ments and beverages are included in the ad- thing at the party is donated, from the food mission cost of $15 ($12 tax deductible). t to the games and prizes, so that every dol- For more information, visit Rideforth- lar we collect can go to Moveable Feast. We eFeast.org or Mfeast.org. 4 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com news // LOCAL Panel Discusses ‘Aging With Pride’

By Steve Charing expected to double by 2030. In pursuing her A topic that few LGBT folks care to talk about research, Dr. Frankowski found that “there is but will need to in the coming years was pre- no discussion of sexuality, no talk about sex. sented expertly by two panelists at a meet- People are treated asexually, and the ques- ing of PFLAG-Howard County on April 9. Dr. tion of sexual orientation is totally ignored.” Ann Christine Frankowski, an anthropologist In addition, staff members, with whom there and associate director from UMBC’s Cen- is a high turnover rate, do not respect inter for Aging, who has submitted a grant to dividual choices, and supervision of these study issues related to LGBT aging, and Dr. staff members is inadequate. “Family mem- Imani Woody representing DC-based SAGE bers are considered the clients in nursing (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), homes or assisted living, not the residents.” the country’s largest and oldest organization As a result, many LGBT older adults are dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT forced to return to the closet to remain safe older adults, discussed the problems facing and cared for. Dr. Imani Woody from SAGE older LGBT people. recommended the documentary Gen Silent Dr. Frankowski’s current grant encom- that follows six LGBT seniors who must passes autonomy, independence, and free- choose if they will hide their sexuality just dom for older to survive in adults but is fo- the long-term cused on minori- health care ties, especially system. Dr. sexual minori- Woody said ties. Acknowl- that when she edging that older requested adults in general from directors prefer to remain of the nursing in their homes, homes she Dr. Frankowski visited the op- pointed out that portunity to health and safety speak with concerns that are LGBT resi- inherent in aging dents, “they render such in- all said there dependence un- are none.” She Lynda Dee feasible. For ex- pointed out ample, the extent Dr. Ann Christine Frankowski and Dr. Imani Woody that 80 per- Attorney At Law of care needed, credit: Steve Charing cent of LGBT Serving the Gay Community Since 1981 finances, and a seniors do not lack of family members to help care for older have partners as opposed to 40 percent adults contribute to the need to live else- of the general population – contributing to • Criminal where. loneliness and isolation. ( ) Some may choose to live in 55 and older Dr. Woody also urged that older LGBT communities, but Dr. Frankowski pointed adults have their documents in place. They • DWI out “with independent living facilities, there include powers of attorney, living wills, and • MVA Hearings is oversight, meals, activities, but they are other such legal documents. Unless the not medical facilities.” U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Section • Estate Planning For these reasons, many older adults 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, gay and • Wills must seek assisted living or nursing homes. lesbian couples are not entitled to keep their They usually provide personal services such houses if they have to spend down to qualify • Powers of Attorney as bathing, meals, dispensing medications for Medicaid benefits for nursing home care, • Personal Injury but could cost $3,000 per month. Some whereas heterosexual couples can. And pricey facilities charge $7,500. The assisted federal survivors’ benefits are not currently ( #" "! living residences take on a variety of forms available to same-sex couples even if legally • Worker’s Compensation (and may not be widely known) with an es- married. timated 2,400 assisted living places existing To deal with these challenges, there ('% $ in Maryland. With nursing homes and their are a number of excellent resources avail- ( " "! generally bad reputations, they are federally able for LGBT older adults to consult. licensed and expensive as well. Among them is The National Research 201 N. Charles Street, Suite 2300 • Baltimore, MD • 21201 For LGBT older adults, there are other Center of LGBT Aging (Lgbtagingcenter. issues that must be confronted. An esti- org), SAGE-Metro D.C. (Thedccenter.org/ )! (& mated 1.4 to 3.8 million LGBT people in the programs_sagemetrodc.html) and SAGE Lyndamdee@aol.com • www.lyndadeelaw.com U.S. are over the age of 65 with the number (Sageusa.org). t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 5 European Parliament worries about porn

beyond the beltway compiled by Jim Becker compromise agreed to by Khalil, denied and enrolled at the University of Texas. “It his application for asylum but granted him was the happiest time of my life,” he said. Immigration judge a waiver of removal from the U.S. Judge “I realized it wasn’t a phase.” Although denies asylum but Richard R. Ozmun’s order allows Khalil to things didn’t work out with the man he met stay, but it does not allow him to seek a online, Khalil soon met Alex, who lives in blocks deportation green card, which he could get if it weren’t Dallas. After visiting every weekend for for the federal Defense of Marriage Act. months, Khalil moved here, and eventually Dallas, Texas – If Khalil (his last name He can apply for a work permit, return to moved in with Alex. As he began living as is being withheld out of fear of reprisals) school, get a driver’s license and remain an openly gay man, he realized he couldn’t is forced to return to his native Jordan, with his partner, Alex. But he won’t see his return to his previous life. But his visa had he says he’ll have a choice: go back into parents or have a path to citizenship. expired. If the federal government recog- the closet, or risk imprisonment or death Khalil is one of 44,170 people who ap- nized same-sex marriage, or if gays and Cantwell is a co-sponsor of the Uniting plied for asylum last year – and one of lesbians could sponsor their partners as American Families Act (S. 296). Seattle’s 63 from Jordan. The U.S. Department of heterosexuals sponsor theirs, Khalil could U.S. Reps. Jim McDermott and Adam Justice doesn’t track how many are LGBT. have gotten a green card. Instead, he was Smith also cited UAFA in separate state- However, Khalil’s case exposes a major unable to work, and eventually applied for ments sent to SGN. problem for gay and lesbian asylum seek- asylum, long after the one year require- The latest version of UAFA was intro- ers: They must apply within one year of ment. (Dallas Voice – David Taffet at Dal- duced in February by Rep. Jerrold Nadler arriving in the U.S., but for many, it takes lasvoice.com). (D-NY) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). much longer before they come out. Leahy indicated he might attempt to in- As a teenager, Khalil thought some- clude UAFA as an amendment to the Gang thing was wrong. While all of his friends of Eight bill in committee before it reaches were talking about girls, he didn’t care. Al- …But immigration the Senate floor and Nadler said he would though that story is common among LGBT reform bill support such an amendment. “I will fight Khalil teens, discussing how he felt simply didn’t like hell to ensure that LGBT-inclusive lan- seem possible for a Saudi-born Palestin- may omit LGBT guage remains in any House and Senate because of his sexual orientation. Fortu- ian with Jordanian citizenship living in Am- protections conference report,” Nadler told the Blade. nately, Khalil recently won a reprieve from man. In 2007, after meeting an Austin man “The ultimate goal is, of course, not how an immigration judge in Dallas, who, in a online, Khalil applied for a student visa Washington, D.C. – LGBT immigration we pass LGBT-inclusive immigration re- rights activists expect gay and lesbian fam- form, but that we make certain that such a ilies to be left out of the immigration reform bill lands on the president’s desk.” (Seattle bill that will be presented to the U.S. Senate Gay News & Washington Blade – Mike An- by the so-called “Gang of Eight,” accord- drew at Sgn.org) ing to the Washington Blade. Immigration Equality Executive Director Rachel Tiven told activists in a conference call on April 8 Bisbee, Arizona, that binational same-sex couples would not be included in the bill, which was expected civil union law may to be released sometime this week but too be challenged by late for the Baltimore Outloud press dead- line. “We are not expecting LGBT families state to be included in the Gang of Eight bill,” Tiven said.’That, in our minds, means that Bisbee, Arizon – An ordinance approved of course the bill is incomplete.” The Gang by the Bisbee City Council that establishes of Eight is four Democratic senators and civil unions could be challenged by legal four Republicans, who are attempting to action by Arizona Attorney General Tom put together a bi-partisan compromise on Horne. The first civil union ordinance of its immigration reform. kind in Arizona was approved by the Bis- Washington’s U.S. Senators, Demo- bee City Council on April 2. Bisbee, popu- crats Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, lation 5,600, is a former mining town that’s while not part of the gang, have repeatedly become an artist community in southeast- advocated for equal treatment of binational ern Arizona. The city hosts an annual gay same-sex couples. Currently, opposite-sex Pride celebration in June. spouses of U.S. citizens get preferential Before the vote, Horne sent a letter treatment in entering the country, getting a warning Bisbee officials that the city does “green card,” and obtaining citizenship, but not have the authority to offer civil unions same-sex partners do not. “A person’s im- and his office would take action if the ordi- migration status shouldn’t change because nance was approved. Horne said his letter of whom they love,” Murray said in an e- was drafted after his office was contacted mail to SGN, “so I look forward to working by state lawmakers from Cochise County. with my colleagues to pass a comprehen- The conservative lobbying group Center sive immigration reform bill that includes for Arizona Policy also threatened to sue in protections for LGBT families.” Senator a letter to the city. The ordinance permits

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 7 beyond the beltway city benefits for unwed couples by allowing gender-neutral, and also offer a tax-credit Needle owner Jeff Wright, Space Needle still faces long odds. It would need a two- two unmarried, unrelated adults to enter incentive that would urge businesses to lobbyist Lynn Claudon, and City Council thirds majority vote from the full Senate be- into a civil union. offer an employee health plan that would member Tom Rasmussen attended, along fore it can be considered on the floor. In March, the Bisbee City Council treat life partners and their children equal with commission members. At the meet- Of the 28 pro-equality pieces of legisla- unanimously ap- to heterosexual families. It would also add ing, Debbie Carlsen, one of the organiz- tion that have been filed, Smith said two have proved an initial LGBT-inclusive definitions throughout city ers of the letter-writing effort said, LGBT a strong chance of passing this session. Oth- reading of the law. Commission co-chair Sabina Neem asked er bills seem less likely to pass, but Equality ordinance. But Equality Pennsylvania president Adrian Sevart point blank if he would guarantee Texas wants to at least get them out of com- after becom- Shanker said the bill would be one for the the rights of his employees to a fair con- mittee. SB 237, filed by state Sen. Leticia Van ing the focus of history books. “Philadelphia has a his- tract. “No, I will not,” Sevart is reported to de Putte, D-San Antonio, had a hearing last news media re- tory, in fact a tradition, of leading the way have replied. “I don’t want to be beholden week but was left pending in committee. The ports, a backlash when it comes to guaranteeing civil rights to anyone.” Space Needle management bill is the first Senate version of the anti-LG- developed and for LGBT people,” he said. Shanker added also failed to make any specific promise to BT workplace nondiscrimination bill. (Dallas about 100 peo- that transgender Philadelphians deserve fly the Rainbow Flag in June, Carlsen said. Voice – Kevin Thomas at Dallasvoice.com). ple packed coun- the ability to live freely, citing the bill’s stip- Unite Here is one of the country’s most cil chambers for a three-hour meeting that ulation that would ease processes regard- democratic and LGBT-friendly unions. It resulted in a final vote of 5-2. Meanwhile, ing name- and gender-changes. Transgen- represents over 250,000 hospitality and Arizona judge Tempe City Councilman Kolby Granville der-inclusive health care was also a major manufacturing workers across North Amer- says he will ask the council to consider topic. (Philadelphia Gay News – Angela ica, and is committed to full equality for denies divorce to becoming the first Valley city to offer civil Thomas at Epgn.com) LGBT people,” the union says on its web- unions. Efforts to pass a civil union bill in site. In Seattle, the local supported mar- first pregnant man the Arizona Legislature have been unsuc- riage equality as early as 2006 and in 2007 cessful. (Echo Magazine – at Echomag. LGBT activist won the first hotel contract in the country to Phoenix, Arizona – An Arizona judge is re- com) explicitly protect transgender workers and fusing to grant a divorce to a transgender support workers that language is now standard in all of its man who made worldwide headlines as the at Seattle’s Space contracts. (Seattle Gay News – Mike An- “pregnant man.” Maricopa County Family Philly council drew at Sgn.org) Court Judge Douglas Gerlach ruled that Ari- Needle zona’s ban on same-sex marriage prevents considering him from granting the divorce. The case stems from Thomas Beatie’s effort to end Seattle, Washington – The management expansive LGBT his nine-year marriage to Nancy Beatie. of Seattle’s iconic Space Needle met with Pro LGBT teen bill After Beatie underwent his transition, the rights bill members of the Seattle LGBT Commission advances in Texas couple married in 2003 in Hawaii. But on April 3, to discuss the Needle’s long- Beatie retained his female reproductive or- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A commit- simmering labor dispute with its employ- legislature gans, and since Nancy was unable to have tee of the Philadelphia City Council on ees and its refusal to fly the Rainbow Flag children, he halted his hormone treatments April 11 unanimously approved a sweep- during Pride. The commission and seven Austin, Texas – Advocates are hoping the and carried the couple’s three children. He ing LGBT-reform bill that would include a LGBT community organizations sent let- historic advancement of a pro-LGBT bill in the attracted media attention for the first preg- number of firsts for both the city and the ters to Space Needle CEO Ron Sevart, Texas Legislature this week will build momen- nancy, posing for a shirtless photo that ex- nation. After a public hearing, the Commit- supporting a fair labor agreement for em- tum for other measures as the session moves posed his pregnant belly. The children are tee on Labor & Civil Service Committee ployees at the landmark, who have now into its final months. The Senate Committee ages 4, 3 and 2. backed Bill 130224, submitted last month been working for almost two years without on Criminal Justice voted 4-1 to advance Gerlach’s ruling issued March 29 says by Councilman Jim Kenney, chair of the a contract. Those organizations included SB 1316 – a so-called “Romeo and Juliet” there’s not enough evidence to show that committee. The legislation is expected to PrideFest, Equal Rights Washington, LG- bill that would provide legal protections for Beatie was a man at the time of the wed- come up for a vote before the full council BTQ Allyship, Entre Hermanos, Ingersoll sexually active gay and lesbian teens. Three ding. Beatie’s attorney told the media that later this month. Gender Center, SAGE, and Pride at Work Democrats and one Republican, Sen. John he plans to appeal the ruling. The family The bill would implement a number of AFL-CIO. The Space Needle was built and Carona of Dallas, voted in favor of the bill. moved to Arizona in 2011. t (Echo Maga- transgender-specific provisions – includ- is owned by the notoriously conservative The bill is the first pro-LGBT bill to make it zine at Echomag.com) ing the revamping of the city’s health-care Wright family. favorably out of committee since 2001, when plan to remove discrimination against non- According to Unite Here Local 8, the the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention union transgender city employees. It would union that represents Space Needle em- Act, which includes protections based on “sexual preference,” passed out of committee also instate a Transgender Health Tax ployees, the final sticking point in nego- These news notes have been compiled, and was signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry. Credit, which would allow companies that tiations is management’s stubborn refusal with permission, from the online version offer transgender-specific health coverage to promise they will not outsource jobs to Daniel Williams, field organizer for Equality of various newspapers and other web a two-year tax credit, the first such pro- nonunion employers. Management has Texas, said he wasn’t surprised Carona voted sites. We thank these publications for gram in the nation. City buildings would be also resorted to illegal intimidation and for the bill to get it out of committee because allowing us to bring you their news sto- required to provide gender-neutral bath- retaliation against employees, the union he is an “extremely reasonable person who ries. Usually the reports have been sig- rooms, and the city’s nondiscrimination charges. Although most issues that would listens to mainstream views of his party.” He nificantly edited and you can read the law would be amended to ban employment go into a labor contract have been settled, said the overall mainstream values in Texas full story by going to the web site men- discrimination based on one’s gender pre- including nondiscrimination protections for are to let people live without interference from tioned following the item. Comments sentation and mandate that public accom- LGBT workers, Space Needle employees the government. “I think it’s indicative of the are strictly the opinions of Jim Becker modations permit individuals to use a rest- say they are worried about their job secu- attitude of the Texas Legislature and the will and not of Baltimore OUTloud or Pride room in accordance with his or her gender rity if the Needle is allowed to give work of the people,” he said. “It is historic.” Despite Media. identity. It would require all city forms be to nonunion contractors. Sevart, Space clearing the Senate committee, the measure

8 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com his son, Will, is gay, which clearly put Kirk and Rob Portman – the RNC is show- a family member’s well-being above ing itself out of touch with this resolution.” party dogma. Aside from marriage there is also “It allowed me to think of this is- some LGBT progress in the world of sue from a new perspective, and sports, which is by no means insignificant. OUT that’s of a dad who loves his son a lot Although those in the sports industry do Spoken and wants him to have the same op- not make laws, their influence on our cul- Steve Charing portunities that his brother and sister ture cannot be overstated. Los Angeles would have – to have a relationship Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson (who like Jane and I have had for over 26 has a gay son) and Mark Cuban, owner years,” Portman was quoted as say- of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks both said ing. they would welcome a gay player on their Still Plenty of Republican Senator Mark Kirk (IL) team. A growing number of hockey players swiftly followed suit as did a number as part of the You Can Play Project have Room on the of Dems, resulting in 54 senators Another prominent politician steps forward also publicly stated their acceptance of a supporting marriage equality and still gay teammate should one come out. Bandwagon counting. Only three Democrats have This is the trap the GOP officials Ex-Raven Brendon Ayanbadejo told not as yet: Sens. Mark Pryor (Ark.), Joe are falling in: they continue to pander to the Baltimore Sun that he is in discussions Manchin (W.Va.) and Mary Landrieu (La.) their rural and shrinking base and ignore with as many as four gay players in the By Steve Charing – all representing red states. the fact younger people including young NFL who may come out soon as a group Momentum for marriage equality is so A little over a week before the Supreme Evangelicals are supporting same-sex in a coordinated effort to mitigate the pres- powerful right now it’s surreal. Much has Court proceedings, former Secretary of marriage. The issue most likely will hurt sure that would normally be heaped on happened over the past year in this re- State Hillary Clinton also climbed aboard the party in 2016 and beyond as these one individual under that circumstance. gard; it’s nearly impossible to chronicle in the bandwagon. In a six-minute video for younger people vote and the older, more Though much work in other areas limited space. But since March alone, ma- HRC Clinton said, “LGBT Americans are conservative voters leave us, resulting needs to be done, the marriage efforts jor steps to knock down previously sturdy our colleagues, our teachers, our soldiers, in more elected officials jumping on the have been paying dividends as well as a barriers have taken place. our friends, our loved ones, and they are bandwagon. possible improvement in the sports envi- Most of these de- full and equal citizens Evan Wolfson, president and founder ronment. The bandwagon still has lots of velopments occurred “The GOP continues and deserve the rights of Freedom to Marry, commented: “With room for those to jump on. France, for in- before, during and af- of citizenship. That in- Republican support for the freedom to stance, is about a month away from ap- ter the justices of the to cater to their cludes gay marriage.” marry increasing every day – aided by the proving same-sex marriage. Bienvenue à U.S. Supreme Court rural and shrinking Many political pundits journeys of leaders like Senators Mark bord! t heard oral arguments saw this as an impor- on two central cases base and ignore the tant step if she de- (Prop 8 and DOMA) cides to run for presi- that potentially can fact younger people dent in 2016. cover the landscape including young Despite the two in rainbows. How Republican senators the justices will rule Evangelical folks are announcing support, will be determined in the fact that many June – Pride month supporting same-sex Republicans submit- no less – and regard- marriage. ” ted friends-of-court less of the outcome, briefs to advocate for the march towards marriage rights in the equality will continue. Supreme Court arguments, and the party What is driving this momentum is a rhetoric saying that the GOP needs to be shift in attitudes among Americans regard- more inclusive, it is clear their rank-in-file ing marriage equality. The most recent of is not ready to approve same-sex mar- these surveys, the NBC/WSJ poll, shows riage. In that same NBC/WSJ poll, two- that 53 percent of Americans now support thirds of Republicans oppose marriage same-sex marriage, which is an uptick of equality – most of whom are in rural ar- two points since December. Some other eas. But the numbers are improving, albeit polls indicate even greater support. This slower than Democrats and Independents. is a dramatic sea change over the past The Republican National Commit- ten years. tee on April 5 approved a resolution that Though politicians are often slow to stated: “The Republican National Commit- follow the attitudes of the electorate (e.g. tee affirms its support for marriage as the gun control, immigration reform, etc.), union of one man and one woman, and as they seem to be jumping on the mar- the optimum environment in which to raise riage equality bandwagon rather rapidly. healthy children for the future of America; A couple of weeks prior to the Supreme and be it further resolved, the Republican Court arguments, Senator Rob Portman, National Committee implores the U.S. a Ohio Republican who was a possible VP Supreme Court to uphold the sanctity candidate on the Romney ticket, became of marriage in its rulings on California’s the first GOP senator to publicly support Proposition 8 and the Federal Defense of same-sex marriage. He did so because Marriage Act.” BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 9 HEAquaLlTHityity & oo Wf E lLLiifeNE ////S healthS && wellnesS EQquUaAlLityITY o Mf ARYlifeLAND for tests. The virus can be cultured from the blisters, but this is expensive and is only done Families & Alliesmake to the be change, Celebrated we decide to change. if there is doubt about the diagnosis, for ex- And it’s a specific kind of decision. It’s a ample if the rash is not typical or there is a at Equality Maryland“done Garden deal” type of firm decision,Party one with - possibility the rash is due to herpes simplex. out any ifs, ands, or buts. The concept of Open Wide This might be suspected if the rash is near EI5@=HM &5FM@5B8 K=@@Getting actually a peace of rash is gone. This is called post-zoster neural- 9LD97HHCA99H97H=CB >IGHCB98CG9 "H=G9LD9BG=J956CIH FirstEarly in& the St. NCAA Stephen’s tournament, when United In late Church February, Breanna of Stewart Christ had hit gles rash is a painful, blistering rash on one 5B8BCH5@K5MG7CJ9F986M=BGIF5B79 !CK9J9F it was clear that the slump had ended, a her bottom. The former high school player of side of the body, usually on the chest, abdo- 5BMCB9K

the U.S. Supreme Court rules, it will be The Godfather of LGBT Marriage Equality due to the diligence of the Rev. Troy Perry, who has fought the court as well as his own community on this issue for more than by Mark Segal He really gets what this war is about. under the threat of arrest, performed com- 40 years. Everyone is predicting how the U.S. Su- He has worked to get this issue before the mitment ceremonies for same-sex couples. In 1969, Perry held a meeting to orga- preme Court will rule on marriage equality. public in California, so that even if the Su- Most of that time, members of the LGBT nize his church in New York. That meeting Let me give you my prediction. preme Court sends the case back to the community looked the other way, thinking was picketed by members of Gay Libera- We already won, no matter which way state, marriage equality will be a fact in it a fool’s mission. He and his church were tion Front and Gay Youth since, in the spirit they rule of the some 200-plus possible California. And, third, he’s a gay ally, and ridiculed by members of our own commu- of the day, it was felt rulings. Want proof the battle’s over? It’s one we should all be proud to have speak nity. Most of the first that we didn’t need easy to supply. for us, similar to those non-African-Ameri- same-sex marriage a gay religion, since If Prop. 8 was before the voters of Cali- cans who spoke up during the fight along- applications filed religion was respon- fornia today or before the state legislature, side Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis in states and cities sible for most of we’d win. If DOMA was in Congress today, and others of the NAACP and the South- around the country the problems LGBT it wouldn’t make it to the president’s desk, ern Christian Leadership Conference. But came from MCC. people faced. Troy and, if somehow it did, unlike President there’s someone to whom even Reiner has But, Troy didn’t came out and spoke Bill Clinton, the current president wouldn’t to take a back seat. leave it there: He with several of the sign it. Those two days of hearings on mar- The Rev. Troy Perry, founder of Met- practiced what he picketers and ex- riage equality had some LGBT activists so ropolitan Community Church, has been preached. After get- plained that there enthused with premonitions of victory that called “the godfather of gay marriage.” ting legally married were many people they were already handing out credit for Talking about the battle for or the history of in Canada to Phil- out there who were victory – should it go to Evan Wolfson, marriage equality without mentioning Perry lip Ray De Blieck, believers in God Andrew Sullivan or even actor Rob Reiner? is like talking about the history of women’s he sued the state of and, while you might The answer is, none of the above. rights without mentioning Gloria Steinem, California to recog- MCC founder Rev. Troy Perry not win them to your Each of them has added something to Susan B. Anthony or even Emma Gold- nize his marriage. cause, he could help them and bring them the battle, and each is an incredible asset man. His co-plaintiffs were fellow longtime LGBT forward. to our community. Perry literally has fought this battle marriage activists Robin Tyler and Diane I was one of those picketers, and Troy But none has much of a history in the longer and harder than anyone. Starting in Olson. and I have been friends since. t war to achieve marriage equality. Yet, if I 1970, across the country from one city to That case literally set up the marriage- Mark Segal is publisher of Philadelphia had to vote for one of the three, it would be another, he applied for marriage licenses equality issue in California and made other Gay News. for Reiner, for three reasons. for the members of his church and, even activists realize this issue was real. When

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12 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 13 Lively Arts // out on stage Lots of Horsepower in Spotlighters’ Equus By Steve Charing is palpable, which is When Spotlighters Theatre Artistic Martin Dysart (Phil Gallagher) comforts how the play is de- Alan Strang (Thomas Bowers) Director Fuzz Roark enthusiasti- credit: Ken Stanek Photography signed. Feeding off cally told the audience prior to the each other’s frustra- performance of Equus that this tions, they executed production is “special,” he rather their lines and move- understated it. In fact, Roark would ments flawlessly have been on target had he called with an abundance it a “masterpiece,” for that it surely of chemistry and is. flair. A sexual mo- The 1973 play was written ment Alan experi- by Peter Shaffer and won a Tony ences while on the Award for Best Play in 1975. It tells back of a horse is the story of a child psychiatrist Dr. tastefully but realis- Martin Dysart attempting to treat a tically presented as 17-year-old boy, Alan Strang, after is the nude scene the lad blinded five horses with a towards the play’s hoof pick. Shaffer was inspired end. by an actual similar incident in Alan’s mother is Suffolk, England, and crafted the an extremely devout play as a fictional account to un- Christian and his cover what could have led to this father is an atheist. act without his knowledge of the (What could possible crime’s details. go wrong with that?) As Shaffer pens it, Alan has an But it’s his mother, abnormal obsession with horses Dora, played solidly that encompasses religious wor- by Kathryn Falcone, shiping of and a sexual attraction who seemed to have to them. Dysart’s mission is get to the most influence the core of the problem while deal- on him by constantly ing with what appears to be his reading to him from own rather insipid existence. the Bible. Director Sherrionne Brown – no Alan’s father, stranger to the cozy, in-the-round stage at Spotlighters – on the side but still in view of the audience. When called Frank Strang, well-played by Frank Vince, was concerned does an exemplary job of handing the powerful script over upon, they effortlessly appear on stage and by doing so in that Alan was mostly focused on the violent aspects of to the talented cast while staging a picture perfect play. At this manner, contribute to the fluidity of the action. Scripture. He destroyed a violent picture of the Crucifixion one point, Ms. Brown deviates from previous productions As exceptional as the staging and costuming are in Alan had placed at the foot of his bed. The boy replaced it of Equus and with the guidance of choreographer Alani this production, the acting takes it to another level. In with one of a horse with large staring eyes. Harris, presented a superb, mesmerizing dance scene previous versions of Equus, there had been such theat- Also in the cast is Karina Ferry as Hesther Salomon, a by five horses that slowly surround Alan in a graceful but rical heavyweights as Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton, court magistrate, who is one of the saner characters in the heart-pounding experience. Anthony Perkins as well as Charles S. Dutton (when it play. She provides a steadying, soothing hand for Dysart. Donned in velour leggings and leather harnesses appeared in Baltimore’s Longrove Alley Theatre in 1979) Ms. Ferry, who had performed well in Tea and Sympathy, (some readers may recognize) and sporting spectacular who played the part of Dr. Martin Dysart. I cannot see how another Spotlighters hit, is also strong in this role. silver horse heads and hooves that were provided by San Phil Gallagher in this production could have taken a back Kerry Brady played nicely by Jill Mason, is a young Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, the dancers seat to any of them. woman who attempted to seduce Alan with tragic results. emulated large majestic horses in appearance and move- It would be tempting to overact in the Dysart role, but Stephy Miller plays the Nurse and David Morey is effective ment. It is a striking scene that allows the audience to take Mr. Gallagher does not cross that line. Instead, he offers as the stables owner Harry Dalton. in what Alan is experiencing. a commanding performance, displaying impassioned de- Rounding out the cast are the five horses: Ruta Doug- Credit Ms. Brown again for her ability to impeccably termination in ferreting out the underlying issues with Alan las Smith, Megan Farber, Kevin Gordon, Alani Harris, and transition to numerous short scene changes without the while realizing the emptiness in his own life. Dysart pulls Alan’s favorite horse “Nugget,” Warren Smith. Kudos to all. choppiness that such tasks would ordinarily entail. Some out from his bag of tricks such techniques as hypnotism Equus is not your everyday boy and his horse story. of these locales include Dysart’s office, Alan’s room, a and placebo truth drugs to untangle the mystery as to why It is an intense, psychological drama that is gripping and beach, Dysart’s mind, stables, a cinema, etc. So to ac- Alan could perform such a dastardly act. Never missing that has the audience on the edge of their seats. The pro- complish these varied settings with only three benches a line even during several hard-driving, passionate so- duction at Spotlighters is magnificent to the core in every that comprise the Spartan set is quite creative. Brad Ran- liloquies, the Cambridge University (England) graduate respect – a complete masterpiece – and should not be no’s lighting design is also a key component of these ef- and stage veteran puts on an acting clinic. Gallagher also missed. t fects. By keeping the set simple, Ms. Brown places all serves as an assistant director in this production. Equus (140 minutes with an intermission) plays through the focus directly on the performers as it should be in this Making his debut on a main stage, American Universi- May 5 at the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, 817 performer-driven play. ty student Thomas Bowers also came through, effectively St. Paul Street, Baltimore. The play contains adult themes Another unique staging approach is that the actors who exhibiting the rage and stubbornness bottled up in the Alan and full nudity. For tickets call 410-752-1225 or online at are not in a particular scene are seated as observers off Strang role. The tension between the two main characters Spotlighters.org. 14 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // Screen Savor Shakespeare Factory Produces a Fresh Romeo & Juliet By Steve Charing al Shakespearean gender-bending and regularly feature Frank Mancino as Capulet, Jenn Mikulski portraying the William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is an ancient play women playing the parts of men, and vice versa. In this roles of Nurse/Balthasar/Petruchio, and Tegan Williams as as it was written sometime between 1591 and 1595. The presentation, some women are assigned male roles but the Prince turned in accomplished performances. language used, Elizabethan English, is rather arcane. And opposite did not apply. Most of the ensemble plays multiple Rounding out the cast, who also performed effectively, the costumes reflect 16th-century everyday wardrobe. But characters with some encompassing both genders. are Terry O’Hara (Tybalt/Apothecary), James Robert Giza the Baltimore Shakespeare Factory’s production of Romeo Just prior to the play, there was a mock Family Feud (Montague/Friar John) and Jim Stimson (Ensemble) and is and Juliet, though staying true to the original work, adds a TV-style game involving the feuding families in Romeo and the production’s music coordinator. dose of freshness and contemporary whimsy that makes it Juliet: the Capulet’s and the Montague’s. As the clever The splendid period costumes with their detailed au- a fun experience – the play’s tragedies notwithstanding. An game ended, the scene morphed seamlessly to the start thenticity designed by April Forrer contributed mightily to unexpected moment, for example, occurs when cast mem- of the play. the professionalism of the presentation. The several fight bers begin to dance to “Call Me Maybe” during the play. The story of two young lovers from each of these hate- scenes came off realistically as well, thanks to the chore- The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory prides itself on ful families in Verona who were doomed by fate is a familiar ography of safe violence by Dan Burke. presenting their plays that are authentically Shakespeare tale to most. It starts off light-hearted, almost comedic, but Romeo and Juliet is among Shakespeare’s most popu- in the manner in as soon as the first character (Mercutio) is killed in lar works. In fact, nearly 80 film versions of the play have which they are a fight, the plot takes a dark turn, especially in the been made, not to mention adapted musicals for stage and staged. Three second act. Romeo and Juliet features numerous television. To be sure, Shakespeare plays are not for ev- productions this iconic lines and scenes, such as the balcony scene eryone; often they are tricky to follow because of the lan- season take and the final death scene, but the other parts of the guage style. But if you do enjoy Shakespeare and want to place in a venue play and subplots give it pillar-like support. see a professionally directed, acted, staged and costumed that was once a The acting in this production, under the direc- Romeo and Juliet and have some fun as well, this one is church but is tion of Shakespeare veteran Tom Delise, is superb. definitely for you. t formatted so It’s a big challenge to perform Shakespeare, espe- The Baltimore Shakespeare Factory’s production of that the seating, cially delivering rapid soliloquies, given that Eliza- Romeo and Juliet (160 minutes with a 15 minute intermis- all pews, is ar- bethan English is not the normal speech pattern sion) plays through April 27 at St. Mary’s Community Cen- ranged on both the actors use in their everyday lives. But this enter, 3900 Roland Avenue in Baltimore. Call 410-921-WILL sides of the semble pulled it off flawlessly, never flubbing a line. (9455) for tickets or email info@theshakespearefactory. stage as well Brendan Edward Kennedy as Romeo is stellar. com or visit Theshakespearefactory.com. as in front. (Two Gritty and energetic, other plays this Mr. Kennedy nim- season will be bly and animatedly performed in weaves around the an outdoor set- stage and audience ting.) as a teenager would Univer- to express his impas- sal lighting is sioned love for young employed (no Juliet. Kathryn Zoerb darkening over as Juliet is intense the audience) in her opposition to to emulate the a potentially forced theatrical con- marriage to Paris ditions at the (Christopher Jones) time. Actors and appropriately engage the pa- conveys the pain trons as they Brendan Edward Kennedy (Romeo) and when Romeo is ban- move freely up Kathryn Zoerb (Juliet) ished following his credit: Will Kirk and down the slaying of Tybalt, a aisles and at times, speak or gesture directly to a member Capulet (Terry O’Hara). The of the audience. two leads play off each other The cast entertains with musical numbers before well. the show and during intermission as was the case when There are other stand- Shakespeare’s plays were performed during the Elizabe- outs in the cast. Barbara than era. They would present songs of the day, tying in Madison Hauck solidly plays the theme of the play, and this presentation of Romeo and the male role of Mercutio, Juliet follows that pattern. Numbers such as “Teach Your Romeo’s friend who, while Children” and “Teenage Wasteland” are among a dozen or defending Romeo, is killed so selections performed with the chorus singing “All You by Tybalt. Chris Cotterman Need is Love” at play’s end. is sturdy and passionate as Then there is cross-gender casting since women Friar Laurence, a confidant weren’t allowed to perform in Shakespeare’s time: all of Romeo. the bard’s female roles were originally played by boys. Joshua Dickinson as Some modern productions do their own twist on tradition- Romeo’s cousin Benvolio, BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 15 Lively Arts // PERSONALITIES

Speaking with Poet Dan Vera was William O’Daly’s translations of Libro de Preguntas) human-centered experience of the world, they play a huge – continued from page 1 and my life went Technicolor [laughs]. I’d been writing (for) role in my life. We are crazy dog people [laughs]. There’s a few years but that volume unlocked something inside no reason to be shy about that. I didn’t grow up having of me somehow. My other poetry heroes would include dogs; I came to have dogs as an adult and as a writer. So was published in 2008. How did the process of com- Emily Dickinson for her persistence to write in solitude dogs have been a source of contemplation for me about piling that manuscript differ from the experience of and her engagement with the world through her writing. how we go about in the world. And having lost my first dog creating the manuscript for your new book Speaking There’s something rather heroic about that. Now there rather suddenly, the loss taught me invaluable lessons Wiri Wiri? are other poets whose work has inspired about mortality and about being present in the DV: They were radically different processes. Space or influenced me from time to time and midst of suffering and being open about grief. Between consisted of poems that had been written over a for a variety of reasons: Nemerov, Gins- GS: The poem “Ambrosia on Four long period of time – ten years, I imagine. For the longest berg, Doty, Seiferle, Nye. But my reading Legs” opens with an epigraph by gay, Cu- time I just couldn’t make sense of cohesion between those tastes are rather broad. ban poet Richard Blanco. As a gay poet poems – there didn’t see a thematic spine to the beast. My GS: Speaking Wiri Wiri is the in- of Cuban heritage, please say something publisher and editor, Michael Gushue, really helped me augural winner of the Letras Latinas / about the tradition of queer Cuban writers, discern a narrative arc in that collection of poems. Poems Red Hen Poetry Prize. What does that which also includes Achy Obejas and the represent singular points in your life, compass points of honor mean to you? late Reinaldo Arenas. where you are on the map of your life, what concerns you DV: Certainly, there’s a sense of vali- DV: Those three poets have been sources and what you see. Taken as a whole they don’t immedi- dation with the prize. As a writer whose of great pleasure and reassurance for me. ately appear to have a connection with one another. The academic work has been in other fields, Certainly as a gay Cuban kid who grew up process of putting that manuscript together revealed the whose studies in poetry have been large- in South Texas, their being gay and Cuban preoccupations that have compelled me to write and the ly autonomous, it reassures me that I’m meant a lot to me. I remember finding an im- kinds of poems I write. The minute that first book was pub- on the right path. But the honor comes mediate resonance with Obejas’s We Came lished I was faced with the question of what I would write with a great responsibility because I rec- All the Way from Cuba So You Could Dress now that my cupboards were bare. How do you write a ognize the importance of this second Like This? Here was a writer mediating these new book? I started to seriously think about my curiosities book prize for Latina/Latino literature. My multiple identities. I came to Richard’s work and passions. I started to compile news clippings and put story is merely one of many in a larger much later and found a kindred writer explor- down ideas I wanted to explore and questions I wanted project to open up what it means to be a member of this ing mixed identity and sifting through family memory. Our to answer, about my life, about my family, about a certain society. To the extent that I can be part of inviting other similarities may be more aptly a part of the immigrant lack of history. The bulk of the book was written over a writers to be part of this much-needed conversation about writers’ tradition, certainly first-generation writers that are month-long residency (at the Virginia Center for Creative identity and belonging, I’ll be happy. struggling to mediate these multiple identities here in the Arts) in Southern Virginia. I brought with me ideas and GS: Speaking Wiri Wiri is divided into five sec- United States. As for Arenas, his memoir Before Night images of historical figures and family members, ances- tions. The titles of the first three sections begin “The Falls served as a priceless testament of the repression tors and the living. They all went on the wall. And every Trouble With…” faced by queer people like me in Cuba. It certainly wasn’t day I walked into my writing studio and tried to write about DV: The first three sections are titled “The Trouble new for those knowledgeable enough to remember Allen these figures and tell their stories. It was the most intense With Language,” “The Trouble With Borders” and “The Ginsberg being kicked off the island for being a “perverse” month I’ve spent as a writer. The manuscript was culled Trouble With Memory.” While I certainly didn’t go into the influence on Cuba’s young people. But to my mind, Are- from these poems. So, in a real way they represent where writing of these poems with these ideas in mind, I started nas belongs to that rich tradition of Gay Cuban writers like I was at that time and the people and histories I brought seeing some recurring elements as I put the completed Lezama Lima, Virgilio Piñera, and Severo Sarduy. As in with me to that place. The book is filled with stories of peo- manuscript together. Those titles are a blunt admission all cultures, gay people have been among the central pil- ple I have struggled to make sense of for a very long time. that we are never perfectly served by language, borders, lars in Cuban culture. Unfortunately they’ve been largely GS: In your poem “The Interrogation of Poetry,” or memory, which seem to me to be porous and malleable sidelined or silenced in the last 50 years. from Speaking Wiri Wiri, you write about the poet Pab- by time and repetition. We cling to language and borders GS: What did you think of the poem that Blanco lo Neruda. Who do you consider your poetry heroes? and memory in a vain attempt to give some control to our read at President Obama’s inauguration in January DV: Well, Neruda is certainly one of them. I used to lives, to make sense of life – our identities are tied up with 2013? joke that my life was like the first 19 minutes of The Wiz- these matters. I just feel it’s important to be reminded that DV: I loved Blanco’s ability to thread the personal with ard of Oz until the day I picked up a volume of Neruda (it language and borders and memory are fluid and liable to the aspirational in that poem. That’s never been done in change. I love discovering an inaugural poem and (it’s) a hell of an accomplishment. these layers of meaning that He managed to find a way to be communal and meditative serve as a trap-door for any- at the same time. I loved what Elizabeth Alexander, the one trying to be rigid about last inaugural poet, said about creating a moment of quiet identity: our own and others. in the midst of the pomp and pageantry. Richard did that GS: Two dog poems, but he also found a way to express the myriad and the “Cadúco” and “My Dou- shared. Just lovely. ble,” close section three. GS: Have you started writing or thinking about Can you please say some- your next book? thing about the role that DV: I’ve begun preliminary writing on some poems. dogs play in your life? I’ve been doing more research and reading and my inter- DV: To the extent that, est seems to be centered on a lot of forgotten history. I’m aside from my husband, I interested in how Latino history is tied up with the tension spend the bulk of my time between America democratic and imperial impulses. But with dogs, these creatures I’m also conspiring on an anthology of “crush” poems with that connect me in some a poet friend. For now I’m just happy to have the opportu- way to a world outside of my nity to share these poems with new audiences. t 16 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // out on sCREEN The Evil Dead: Back and Out for (Lots of) Blood by Chuck Duncan the director does not resort to cheap, overly loud sound It’s been a very, very long time effects to sell a jump moment), but for a remake of an 80s since I’ve seen Sam Raimi’s origi- classic it has to be one of the best of the lot. Whereas most nal horror opus, The Evil Dead, of those other remakes were forced to fulfill PG-13 guide- and that could be a good thing lines (when the originals were always rated R), Evil Dead when going in to the new Evil gleefully pushes the boundaries of the R-rating as far as it Dead remake/reboot/reimagining/ possibly can… and all without a single boob in sight. Fans sequel. Yes, it’s hard to decide of the original should be quite pleased with this new version where exactly this film fits in the (emphasis on “new” as it does not even pretend to be the canon of the Evil Dead franchise, original) while viewers too young to have seen the original because the production team, in- (even on video) will be in for quite the thrill ride. And it’s a cluding Raimi and original star film worth supporting just to show that physical effects can Bruce Campbell, want you to think be just as effective as CGI, if not more so. And be sure to this is a completely separate beast stay through the end of the credits. That will only make my from the original. It’s certainly got opening question even harder to answer! t a much slicker look (the demon racing through the woods POV is a little too smooth, for example) and higher production values, but is this a completely separate story or another chapter in the established timeline? The original Evil Dead had five friends taking a vacation at a cabin in the woods… which “Do not read this” and “Do not speak this” written on them, would be derided today as just another horror flick that put most people would probably follow that advice. That’s re- a bunch of people in a remote location simply to be picked ally the only “dumb” moment in the movie. off one by one. The new Evil Dead actually has a clever set- The new film really succeeds on the story elements and up: two friends of Mia (Jane Levy), her brother David (Shi- its cast, a much more professional and convincing group loh Fernandez) and his girlfriend gather at a family cabin in than in the original (save for Mr. Campbell). Jane Levy, the woods to help Mia kick her drug habit cold turkey. This from TV’s Suburgatory, gives Mia a tough vulnerability that is the first time her brother has been in Mia’s life in quite makes you root for her recovery while wanting to slap her some time, leaving her as a child to care for their dying at the same time for getting herself into this mess in the mother. This also isn’t Mia’s first attempt to kick the habit. first place. As possessed Mia, she is a frightening force to All of these plot points really set up the story nicely be- be reckoned with as she switches from demon to scared cause when crazy things start to happen to Mia, no one little girl in the blink of an eye, and back just as quickly as believes her because they attribute her almost psychotic she gets what she wants from her next victim. Fernandez breakdown to withdrawal symptoms. As the mayhem gets and Jessica Lucas also turn in good performances, while exponentially worse, despite David’s assurances that ev- Elizabeth Blackmore gets stuck with pretty much the most erything will be fine, Eric (Lou Taylor Pucci) admits that disposable of the five characters. Equal to Levy’s perfor- he read from a book full of horrific drawings and strange mance is Pucci, who has to own up to his actions while phrases and that they are in deep trouble (we’re shown in a acknowledging the trouble he’s gotten them in and trying to prologue that everything the five are experiencing had hap- rectify the situation. He actually becomes more of a sympa- pened before). As it becomes even more clear that Mia isn’t thetic hero as various indignities are visited upon him (and just having a bad reaction to her “treatment,” the friends that he survives a number of gruesome wounds requires a have their own unpleasant encounters with the demons suspension of disbelief that gives the film some of its unin- Eric has unleashed upon them and unless they can reverse tentional laughs). the curse, blood will rain from the sky as the “bitch from Of course, the real star of the film is the make-up effects Hell” returns to earth. crew. In this day and age of CGI-ing everything from make- Most people today remember the original film as a com- up to blood splatter, it’s refreshing (an odd term in this case, edy of sorts, mixing the bloody horror with some laughs, and but you get the idea) to see a film that goes old school they would be wrong. The comedy elements were actually with its effects, using make-up appliances and buckets and introduced in Evil Dead 2 and even more prominent in Army buckets of blood to achieve the desired horrific effect. It of Darkness. This Evil Dead is deadly serious, though that’s may not be scary to some but the effects, because they do not to say that it doesn’t have a few moments that allow for seem so real, will certainly leave many audience members some chuckles to relieve the tension. Of course, we also cringing and covering their eyes. And for that alone, the film have to deal with the fact that Eric is the stereotypical hor- is a success. If you have an aversion to blood and over-the- ror movie character that does something no rational person top physical violence, this is not the movie for you. Horror would do in order to set the mayhem into action. When the movie buffs, particularly those weaned on 80s blood and group find a mysterious package in the basement, wrapped gore flicks, will certainly appreciate the efforts of everyone up in a trash bag and bound with barbed wire do they leave involved. it alone? Of course not. And when basically every page has Evil Dead may not be a perfect horror film (thankfully, BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 17 Lively Arts // Between the covers

POETRY IN MOTION 2013), readers will find information about civil unions, the gay rights movement, military policy, marriage, the Matthew Queer Spring Book Shelf 2013 Shepard murder trial, the New Hampshire bishop election, and even more than that. By Gregg Shapiro dez.net, 2013), Naked in New York City blogger Justin Not for the faint of heart, American Honor Killings: Desire Award winning lesbian poet Maureen Seaton’s eighth solo Hernandez refl and Rage Among Men (Akashic, 2013) by David McConnell poetry collection Fibonacci Batman: New and Selected ects on his per- is a detailed exploration of hate crime motivated murders of Poems (Carnegie Mellon, 2013) draws on six of her full- sonal journey from gay men, from 1999 to 2009. McConnell adds his own per- length books (including Iowa Prize and Lambda Literary actor/dancer to sonal analysis and reflections on the crimes and links them Award-winning Furious Cooking). Comprised of more than stripper/sex worker. together in a terrifying and all too familiar way. 60 poems, the book gives readers a firsthand look at the From “Drinking the ongoing evolution of Seaton’s work. Kool-Aid” to “Com- Fictional accounts Straight ally, and a frequent collaborator of Seaton’s, ing Clean,” Hernan- Published last year, A Horse Named Sorrow (Terrace Denise Duhamel returns with her 10th full-length book of dez frankly tells his Books, 2012) by award-winning gay novelist Trebor Heal- poetry Blowout (University of Pittsburgh, 2013). Anyone story, sharing what ey is a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award, to be present- who has been through a difficult divorce or break-up (is he learned so that we ed in June, 2013. It’s not too late to read this acclaimed there such thing as an easy one?) will appreciate Du- may also learn some- novel, set in San Francisco in the 1980s and 90s. thing from his experi- “Sister Spit superstar” Ali Liebegott’s latest novel Cha- “Not for the faint of heart, ence. Ching! (City Lights / Sister Spit, 2013) is set in the 1990s, On a more aca- following “down-on-her-luck queer girl” Theo’s relocation American Honor Killings: demic note is The from San Francisco to Brooklyn, where her new circle of Desire and Rage Among Men Missing Myth: A New friends includes her roommate, her girlfriend and a res- Vision of Same-Sex cued Pit Bull named Cary Grant. is a detailed exploration of Love (Select Books, Monica Nolan, author of Lois Lenz, Secretary and 2013) by Gilles Her- Bobby Blanchard, Lesbian Gym Teacher is back for more hate crime motivated murders rada. Among the pulpy and steamy Sapphic fun with Maxie Mainwaring, of gay men, from 1999 to book’s “controversial Lesbian Dilettante claims” are the lack (Kensington, 2013), 2009. McConnell adds his own of biological and an- Gilles Herrada, the author of set in the fictional thropological data to The Missing Myth Bay City in the care- personal analysis and reflections support the existence free mid-1960s. on the crimes and links them of a single “gay” William Klaber’s gene, the inaccuracy of the claim that gays and lesbians debut novel The Re- together in a terrifying and all can’t or don’t reproduce, and that modern homosexuality bellion of Miss Lucy was made possible by the Judeo-Christian world. Ann Lobdell (Green- too familiar way.” Straight ally and outspoken supporter of same-sex leaf Book Group, marriage and parenting Anne Lamott co-authored Some 2013), is a fictional- hamel’s insightful handling of the subject matter, put forth Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son’s First Son (Riv- ized memoir based in her distinctive style. erhead, 2012 / 2013) with her son, San Francisco-based on the true life story Queer publisher A Midsummer Night’s Press has two Sam Lamott. of pioneering Ameri- new titles available for the season. Gay poet, editor and Australian fem- can lesbian Lucy educator David Bergman’s Fortunate Light (A Midsummer inist/queer theorist Lobdell. Lobdell, Night’s Press, 2013), part of the press’s Body Language Annamarie Jagose who, beginning in series, pulsates with sexuality. Deleted Names (A Mid- gets up close and 1855, lived her life summer Night’s Press, 2013) is by Lawrence Schimel, the personal with the dressed as a man, press’s prolific publisher. illustrious and elu- even managed to sive orgasm in Or- have what well have Queer voices gasmology (Duke been the first same Consisting of interviews with queer youth, as well as University Press, sex marriage when essays by the author, In A Queer Voice: Journeys of Resil- 2013). Jagose ele- she wed Marie Louise Perry in Klaber’s fictional telling. ience from Adolescence to Adulthood (Temple University vates the material Can’t get enough queer historical fiction? Consider Press, 2013) by Michael Sadowski chronicles an unheard beyond sex and Fortune’s Bastard or Love’s Pains Recounted (Chelsea community and provides some of them with a forum in sexual orienta- Station Editions, 2013) by Gil Cole. Cole’s novel tells the which to speak their minds. tion, venturing into tale of young Antonio, who in an effort to escape Re- Author and film expert B. Ruby Rich, the woman be- “agency, ethics, in- naissance Florence’s “religious hysteria” sets sail on the hind the term New Queer Cinema revisits the subject timacy, modernity” Mediterranean and encounters a series of adventures, in the fittingly titled New Queer Cinema: The Director’s and more. including the opportunity to pursue his desires for other Cut (Duke University Press, 2013). In it she writes about Under “homo- men. LGBT film festivals, what makes a “good gay film,” ana- sexuality” in the Musician-turned-novelist Steven Jordan Brooks also lyzes queer filmmakers (including Todd Haynes, Jonathan general index of takes us back in time, to the 1970s, with Hollywood the Caouette, Gregg Araki and Gus Van Sant) and examines The World Alma- Band (Authorhouse, 2013). Subtitled “A Tale of Sex, films such as Go Fish, The Watermelon Woman, Itty Bitty nac and Book of Drugs, and Rock and Roll,” the book touches on the sex- Titty Committee and Brokeback Mountain. Facts 2013 (World ual revolution, gay and women’s issues, as well as racial In the new edition of Inside the Vortex (Justinhernan- Almanac Books, and civil rights matters. t 18 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com Lively Arts // Screen Savor Lively Arts // IMUSIC From the Heights to the Return of the ’90s Divas by Gregg Shapiro debut disc No Angel and inescapable hit is better off sticking with Beth Hart arrived on the music scene at the singles “Here With Me” and “Thank You” Depths the contemporary sto- tail end of the ’90s female singer/songwriter (which later figured into a hit for Eminem) ries she tells so well. craze that gave us artists as diverse as Ala- has made a welcome return. In K-11 (Breaking nis Morissette, Cat Power and P.J. Harvey. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of By Gregg Shapiro Glass), too-stoned-to- It was Atlantic Records who made some of the disc is how timelessness it is, meaning Directed by the Oscar- stand record producer the biggest waves during period, releasing that it doesn’t feel that far removed from her winning filmmaker An- Raymond (Goran Vis- essential recordings by Tori Amos, Jewel debut (or subsequent discs, for that mat- drea Arnold (Fish Tank), njic, a long way from and Julianna Hatfield, as well as queer ter). Songs such as the compelling opener Wuthering Heights (Os- his nuanced perfor- women including Jill Sobule and Melissa “No Freedom,” “Sitting on the Roof of the cilloscope) takes a dar- mance as Oscar-winner Ferrick. The label was World” and “Day Before We ingly po-mo approach to Christopher Plummer’s also responsible for a Went To War,” fit snugly the Bronte tale of Heath- younger lover in Begin- host of one-hit wonders into Dido’s oeuvre. There cliff and Catherine, out ners) is arrested and (no offense intended) are a few exceptions, such there on the wiley, windy charged with homicide, such as Toby Light- as hip-shakers “Blackbird” moors. With its mini- he’s thrown into the K-11 man, Donna Lewis, and “Go Dreaming,” as well mal dialogue and artily wing of the LA County Kacey Crowley, Poe, as the synthy “End of Night” framed shots, in and out jail until he sobers up. Bif Naked, Mary Karl- and “Love To Blame,” which of focus, the film has a Whatever horrors oc- zen, and Hart herself. indicate that Dido has been Terence Malick feel to it. curred prior to his arrest, Hart’s hit single, paying attention to what Doing the Christian thing, Catherine’s fa- nothing compares to what he’s about to ex- “L.A. Song” was an was happening in music ther Mr. Earnshaw (Paul Hilton), brings perience. emotional tune fueled during the time she took off young, feral orphan Heathcliff (Solomon First he encounters pervy and salivat- by a dramatic perfor- to start a family. Glave) home and offers him a place to stay ing guard Johnson (D.B. Sweeney) who has mance. Unfortunately Steady On, Shawn at Wuthering Heights. Unfortunately, his his own plans for Raymond. Next, Raymond the record label-suits Colvin’s major-label debut, children Catherine (Shannon Beer) and forms an unexpected bond with young, didn’t have the pa- was released in late 1989. Hindley (Lee Shaw) aren’t as receptive. trans/HIV+ inmate Butterfly (Portia Double- tience to groom and An instant singer/song- It doesn’t take Catherine long to warm up day). But nothing can prepare him for the develop artists the way writer classic, it laid the to Heathcliff and the young duo begins to return engagement of perpetual inmate and they had in the past groundwork for her breath- spend time together. Catherine connects trans queen bee Mousey (Kate Del Castillo). and Hart was soon taking 1990s output, in- with Heathcliff’s non-conformist spirit. A Mousey, in makeshift platforms, dramatically cast aside. Neverthe- cluding Fat City and A Few sexual attraction also develops between drawn on eyebrows and slutty garb, rules less, Hart persevered Small Repairs (containing the two. Following the death of Mr. Earn- the roost like a Komodo dragon. She fear- and continued to re- Shawn Colvin “Sunny Came Home,” Col- shaw, Hindley takes control of running the lessly takes out her aggression on a variety lease album through- credit: Michael Wilson vin’s breakthrough hit sin- house and continues to treat Heathcliff with- of inmates and keeps the in-house drug pro- out early part of the gle), and earned her one out respect, reducing him to servant status duction circuit profitable with her bitch Ben 21st century. Looking of the most devoted follow- and brutalizing him on a regular basis. In (Jason Mewes of Clerks fame). like a burlesque pin-up queen on the cover ings an artist could desire. spite of Hindley’s disapproval Catherine and While Raymond struggles to reach of her new one, Bang Bang Boom Boom Colvin remained audible and visible Heathcliff’s relationship continues to evolve. someone in the outside world via the jail- (Provogue/Mascot), Hart still sounds great throughout the `90s and well into the next Seasons change as Catherine grows into house payphone, the ugliness around him as she kicks up stiletto heels in an assort- century. Deserving of more attention that a young lady. Hindley takes more control mounts. There is a “pill call incident.” But- ment of musical genres. Born to sing the it received when it was released in mid- of her life, steering her further away from terfly is repeatedly raped by Detroit (Tom- blues, Hart does so with everything she’s 2012, All Fall Down (Nonesuch) is up there Heathcliff and into the arms of landed gen- my “Tiny” Lister). Johnson keeps breathing got on “Baddest Blues,” “Caught Out In The with the best of Colvin’s career output. Tit- try such as young Edgar (Jonathan Pow- down his neck. When his face appears on Rain” and her live from the Kennedy Cen- ular opener (co-penned with longtime col- ell). When Catherine accepts Edgar’s pro- the TV news regarding the charges against ter Honors performance of “I’d Rather Go laborator John Leventhal) has a raucous posal of marriage it signals an end to any him, he achieves a kind of cellblock celeb- Blind” with Jeff Beck. She puts her heart spirit that is more uplifting than its title future with Heathcliff, leading him into exile. rity. But his moment in the sun occurs when and soul into the gospel tune “Spirit of God,” might indicate. Colvin’s other songwriting Heathcliff (James Howson) returns, a self- he steps in to assist Mousey, following a and piano and vocal numbers such as “Thru partners read like a who’s who of the best made man, and pays a visit to Cathy (Kaya change to Ben’s prisoner classification. The Window of My Mind” and “There In Your contemporary music has to offer. Co -writ- Scodelario), lady of the house to husband Their newfound partnership results in a hot Heart” indicate she hasn’t lost her knack for ten with Jakob Dylan, “Seven Times the Edgar (James Northcote). The electricity and tasty serving of revenge. straightforward ballads. Charm” has the familiar ring of heartache between them is still palpable and Heath- Watching K-11, directed and co-written You know how it feels when you find that Colvin has perfected over the years. cliff vows to never leave her again. But as by Jules Stewart , mother of Kristen, it’s a piece of clothing in your closet that you With the help of co-writer Bill Frissell anyone with even a modest familiarity with clear to see where her daughter got her haven’t worn in a few years and you put it sharpens and bares her claws on “Anne of the story knows, it’s not meant to be. Focus- talent or lack thereof. If this is intended on and it not only still fits but it looks as styl- the Thousand Days,” while “Change Is on ing on the obsession, cruelty and brutality to be an update of the pulpy “women in ish as the day you bought it? That’s kind of the Way,” written with Patty Griffin, takes a of the story, in equal measure, this version prison” movies that were so popular in the what listening to Girl Who Got Away (RCA), gentler approach. t of Wuthering Heights is as far from Sir Lau- mid-20th century, it actually sets the genre Dido’s first album in five years, is like. Beth Hart performs on May 9 at rence Olivier and Merle Oberon as you can back a good 60 years. Stocked with carica- Some among you first heard Dido when she The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia, and get. While Arnold’s vision for this version is tures instead of characters, K-11 has all the sang with brother Rollo’s electro act Faith- on May 11 at The Blockley in Philadelphia. an admirable experiment, it is ultimately un- subtly of a sexual assault in a community less before she experienced solo success. Shawn Colvin performs on August 10 at the satisfying, bordering on pretentious. Arnold shower. t The woman behind the breakthrough 1999 Filene Center / Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 19 created some fun and unique place card holders in my past, so with my creative juices flowing, I grabbed the last couple of bags of Easter eggs and some chocolates Domestic and headed home to work on my project. I began by cutting a slit in the top of Dandy my eggs with my exacto knife… and filled Jeffrey Clouser them with a chocolate surprise. I then created and printed out my place cards. Once I assembled my egg place cards, by placing the card in the slit of the egg, I Spring began building “nests.” To keep my eggs upright, I created little nests out of the Awakening that I’ve had for years and added some shredded paper “grass” and rested them shredded paper “grass” to disguise the in our wedding china tea cup saucers. Spring is here! And if you’re like me, you plastic pot. Once everything was assembled, my want to celebrate with a fresh and spring- After my centerpiece was complete, it guests were directed to their proper seats like dinner party! was time to work on my place settings. I’ve and enjoyed a little after dinner treat when We recently hosted an Easter brunch they cracked for 8 and once the invitations were out, I… their eggs as one does… immediately began to think open. about my tablescape. I wanted something Now, you that would celebrate the season and the may think fresh feeling of spring. to yourself. So, after contemplating my theme, I “That’s won- began putting everything together start- derful, but ing with a colorful basket of fresh pansies. Easter is Purchased at my local grocery store, it over.” No wor- the “Easter” theme. Simply replace the was a convenient and dramatic anchor to ries, you can Easter eggs with some foam or plastic my table. recreate this robin’s eggs and some twig nests and you To display my centerpiece, I placed the brunch set- have a beautiful spring table to greet your basket of pansies in a handmade twig tray ting without guests! t

20 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com your money

ditionally, they have more time to accumu- need to push back retirement, other options to late funds. For those who are approaching exist. By decreasing your expenses, starting Planning Retire? retirement, the focus shifts from building to a new career, and/or working part time, retire- protecting their assets. You may need to ment might be affordable at a more desirable By Woody Derricks assume that this portfolio will provide them find a solution that allows you both to enjoy age. You may have heard that people spend with at least a 7% return, so they immedi- retirement while you are young, active, and Remember, retirement is unique to each more time planning their annual vaca- ately begin withdrawing 7% from their re- healthy. individual/couple. Determine what you want tions than they do planning for retirement. tirement accounts. After you assess your goals, expenses, for yourself and create a strategy around your Whether you start your retirement planning While receiving an average return of assets, and income, you should be able to de- goals. t years or weeks before that glorious day, 7% on your investments might be feasible, termine when you can afford to retire. In some Woody Derricks is a certified financial you will follow similar steps to determine this income strategy fails to plan for market cases, this may mean that you can retire planner and an accredited domestic partner- the lifestyle you can expect in retirement. downturns and inflation. If the stock mar- sooner than you anticipated. For those who ship advisor. Reach him at 410-732-2633. What do you want to do in retire- ket has shown us anything over the past ment? The first step I recommend is de- ten years, it’s that you can see tremendous termining what retirement looks like to you. gains or significant losses in a very brief Previous generations used retirement to period of time. slow down life. The extent of their retire- Inflation can also play a factor. If you ment may have been watching TV and tak- withdraw 7% per year and earn 7% per ing an annual cruise. As they have with so year, the only way you will be able to meet many other things, Baby Boomers are re- cost of living increases will be tapping into belling against the standard and redefining your principal. While most retirees find retirement. Many retirees are now starting withdrawing their principal acceptable, this new careers, working part time, volunteer- is not something that you want occurring ing, playing golf, or traveling the globe. early in retirement. There is no wrong way to retire, so What about Social Security? This de- SOLD create your own vision. When you decide pends on your age and faith in the govern- what retirement looks like for you, try to ment’s plans for the future. I’ve found that estimate an annual price tag. You may find many people in their late 50s on p plan on that your expenses will be vastly different receiving Social Security and they include than your friends’ or coworkers’, and that’s it in their retirement projections. okay. It’s your life, and you’ve worked hard People 55 and younger have less con- to enjoy it. fidence in Social Security. Some count How much income will you need? on receiving half of their projected ben- Retirement articles often state that the “av- efit while others, especially those younger erage” retiree needs 70 to 80% of her cur- than 50, leave Social Security out of their rent income in retirement. These figures projections. The latter believe that if they are just that: average. Today you likely receive Social Security it will either aug- spend 40, 50, 60 hours or more between ment their lifestyle or increase their retire- commuting and your typical work week. ment security. When you retire, you may fill that void with Once again, the decision is a personal an activity that comes with a significant one. If you are 55 or younger and have a price tag. firm belief that Social Security will exist in Those same articles may also state that your retirement years, I suggest that you you will pay less in taxes during retirement. cautiously estimate your benefits. Ask anyone you know who has retired, and When can you afford to retire? To they may tell you that taxes are still a high calculate your retirement date, you need priority for them. When you retire your to estimate your life expectancy. Due to home may be paid off (or nearly so), you the advances in medical care, many now will no longer be adding to your retirement believe that projecting out to age 90 or 95 plan, and any children you may have are is a wise decision. I tell my clients not to no longer at home (hopefully). To compli- worry about the date as we’ll meet once cate matters, the income you receive from or twice between now and then. It always your 401k and pension will be taxable. If gets a laugh, but the joke touches one of your deductions have decreased and your the essential elements of your retirement expenses have remained the same, you plan: review your plan on a regular basis. may pay more in taxes during retirement Another must is discussing your re- than you do today. tirement plans with your partner/spouse. Where will you get the income? Un- While it won’t be affordable for everyone, less you have a pension, the bulk of your many want to retire in the same year as income will likely be generated by your re- their partner/spouse. The affordability gap tirement plan (401k, TSP, 457, or 403b). may be a result of a significant age differ- Because you may need income for more ence, and age effects how we prepare for than 20 years, you may decide to continue retirement. Younger investors are more with a diversified portfolio of equity and likely to accept ups and downs in the mar- fixed-income investments. Many people ket as they have a longer time horizon. Ad- BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 21 TRAVEL Road Trip OUT DESTINATION Cosmopolitan Fort Smith, Arkansas By Joey Amato ers, the hotel’s restaurant. I opt- In the past year, I’ve traveled around the country, every- ed for a soup and salad combo, where from Fort Lauderdale to Seattle, Chicago to St. however the restaurant is known Louis, but the one thing I’ve never done before is go on a for their prime rib dinner, which road trip. Well folks, it’s time. Pack your bags, fuel up your has been called the best in the tank and get ready to head out on the most exciting gay city. adventures you can imagine… well kinda! After speaking with some I decided to take a ride on Interstate 40 from Nash- members of the staff and other ville to Las Vegas and stop of a variety of cities along the patrons, I was pleasantly sur- way. Driving through Memphis, I recalled my time at the prised by the array of bars, Peabody Hotel and sipping cocktails on Beale Street as I clubs, and other attractions with- crossed the mighty Mississippi River into Arkansas. in Oklahoma City, including a I wasn’t planning on stopping in Arkansas, but as I was gay-owned and operated coffee Googling and driving (no, I do not encourage that), I dis- house and community center. covered that Fort Smith, Arkansas, had a small gay scene The nightlife options in and so I decided to check it out. It’s not Fort Lauderdale or around Habana Inn are plentiful, San Francisco, but there from the venues were a few gay bars, most on property to notably, Club Kinkead’s. I nearly half-dozen actually met a really cool other establish- guy who was willing to ments located show me the highlights of within walking the city, which included a distance. My first lookout point, owned by stop was a small neighborhood bar called as a private club, the Albuquerque Social Club is a fun, the military, set high upon The Boom, which served up inexpensive friendly venue with live DJ’s and regularly scheduled drag a hilltop overlooking the cocktails and provided a welcoming en- shows. Guests can enjoy a game of pool, while sipping on town. vironment. Directly across the street are some of the cheapest cocktails in town. Not too far away Angles, Tramps, and Phoenix Rising. But Not too far away is Sidewinders, Albuquerque’s best are Fayetteville and Hot if you choose to stay at the hotel, I suggest dance bar. Serving the LGBT community for two decades, Springs, two destinations Cadillac Ranch visiting The Copa for dancing and great Sidewinders features one of the state’s largest dance better known for vibrant drag performances or Finishline if you are floors. The venue also offers nightly entertainment includ- gay nightlife, but unfortu- looking to kick off your boots and enjoy ing karaoke, pool tournaments, and dance lessons. nately they were located too far off I-40, so I didn’t have some beers and country music. Last stop on my road trip is Las Vegas. On previous the chance to visit them. Further on up the road is Amarillo, located in the heart visits, I stayed a luxurious hotels on the strip, however The next day, I packed up my suitcase and headed of the Texas Panhandle. Since I did a little too much party- this time I wanted to experience something different, so I back out on the open road, next stop, Oklahoma City. ing in OKC the night before, I decided to visit some cul- chose the wonderful Blue Moon Hotel. The boutique prop- OKC, as the locals call it, is not a destination one would tural attractions in Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch is a public erty boasts 45 rooms and suites and is a clothing optional initially think would be very gay friendly, however after do- art installation and sculpture park which was created in hotel complete with a jacuzzi grotto, perfect for the cool ing a bit of research, I actually found a gay resort fairly 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels, Vegas nights. close to the interstate. and consists of junk Cadillac automobiles, representing My two-room suite was beautifully appointed with luxu- Habana Inn is the largest gay resort in the Southwest a number of evolutions of the car line most notably the rious linens, a modern seating area, walk-in closet, and and offers visitors 170 hotel rooms, two swimming pools, birth and death of the defining feature of mid 20th century unobstructed views of the pool and sun deck. two nightclubs, a restaurant, piano bar, and gift shop, Cadillac’s, the tailfins. The automobiles, which were pro- Blue Moon also features a full steam room, video all conveniently located within the same complex. After duced between 1949 and 1963, are all half-buried nose- room, complimentary continental breakfast, and wi-fi in checking into my room, I decided to go for dinner at Gush- first in the ground, at an angle corresponding to that of the addition to a spa which offers a variety of skin care and Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. waxing treatments. Everything is bigger in Texas and visitors The atmosphere at Blue Moon is vibrant and fun, how- Oklahoma City beckons! to Amarillo must stop at The Big Texan. The ever if you are looking to hit up a show on the strip, I iconic restaurant, located along the historic recommend Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana, performing at the Route 66, is a legend within its own right. Aria Resort & Casino. Zarkana has been described as an The restaurant and lodging complex has “acrobatic rock experience that blends circus arts with the been featured on major cable television net- surreal to create a world where physical virtuosity rubs works and has even been the target of Adam shoulders with the strange.” Richman’s “Man vs. Food” for its 72-ounce The show was the perfect way to end a fabulous trip steak challenge. across America, one which I will surely never forget. Be sure A few hours further west is Albuquerque, to keep a look out for a new all-male revue show named New Mexico. The Nob Hill neighborhood, “Men of the Strip,” opening in Vegas, later this year. t located on the old Route 66 site, is the lo- OUT Destinations is part of OUTreach Public Relations cal gayborhood. There you will find a strip of (Outreachpublicrelations.com). Founded by Joey Amato in gay clubs and bars, perfect for dancing, bar- 2012, OUTreach PR serves celebrities, corporations, and hopping, or people watching.Although listed non-profit organizations looking to target LGBT consumers.

22 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com An Independent Voice for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community & Transgender Bisexual Gay, Lesbian, the for Voice Independent An

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BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 23 piece of the weekend is the International The members of The ShipMates Club of in Chicago over the Memorial Day week- Mr. Leather 2013 Contest where over 50 Baltimore are already getting excited about end and you can finish your leather filled contestants will compete in the Super Bowl the Baltimore Pride Parade on Saturday, summer with the International LeatherSIR/ of leather contest. Join me as I cheer on June 15. Not only will they be heading up Leatherboy 2013 and International Com- Mr. Maryland Leather 2013 Bob Rose as he the parade again this year, but starting at 9 munity Bootblack 2013 Contest over the represents our local community. Maryland p.m. on June 15 they will be hosting a bar Labor Day weekend (August 29-Septem- will also be well represented at the judg- night at Leon’s Leather Lounge. It should ber 2) in Dallas, Texas. The Crowne Plaza es’ table with the selection of Baltimore’s be quite the night to party and show a little Market Center is the host hotel with rooms own “Hooker” Rik Newton-Treadway as a leather pride! available at just $85 a night. This big week- judge. The contest this year will be held at It will be a full weekend of parties as end in the Lone Star State will include the Slip into Some the Vic Theater in Lakeview, on the edge the ShipMates present Keelhaul 2013 at contest, formal leather dinner, victory par- of Boystown. It will be a big weekend full of Camp Ramblewood in Darlington, Mary- ty, uniform party, Just Off Main Street Fair, Leather this cocktail parties, the IML 2013 Victory Cel- land on August 2-4. The full weekend and over 40 educational workshops. Make ebration at the House of Blues, the popular which includes your cabin, meals, cocktail your reservations now at Ilsb-icbb.com. Summer! Black and Blue Ball at Excalibur, and the parties, and the ShipMates 39th Anniver- You will have a big time in Dallas! enormous Leather Mart. It is not too late sary Dinner is just $225 if purchased be- So, here it is only the middle of April to join me. Go to go to Imrl.com and make fore May 1st. ($250 after). You don’t have and I am already dreaming of summer. Another summer will soon be here. In fact, reservations. to be a member of a leather club to enjoy Most people never think of leather in the with the recent hot spell it feels as if it has Coming right before IML on May 17- Keelhaul. Everyone is invited to this party. summertime. Hot weather doesn’t stop already arrived. As the days turn warmer, 19 the Twilight Guard of New York will be Go to Shipmatesclub.com to join the fun! the Leather Community. I say bring on I am once again reminded of a Memo- hosting their first leather weekend event in You can start your summer with the the heat! It is time to unpack my summer rial Day weekend in the early 1980s. Back Cherry Grove, Fire Island, which they are International Mr. Leather 2013 Contest leather. t when the Gallery Bar on Maryland Avenue calling: “Pop Goes the Cherry!” I am al- in Baltimore was a serious dress-code ways very surprised how many local folks leather bar, two leather men showed up in have never been to Fire Island, New York. full white leather outfits. They created quite It is amazing! The Belvedere Guest House a stir in the days when leather men only alone is worth the trip. What better time to wore black leath- go than dur- er. When asked ing a leather what the hell they weekend? were wearing, For just $150 they had a very you will get simple reply. It five meals, was their “sum- cocktail par- mer leather.” The ties, and will crowd roared. It have a ball! was quite an ex- Excelsior, pensive joke, but MC will host I still remember a Friday night that moment from bar night at that summer long the Ice Pal- ago. As the sum- ace which mer of 2013 ap- will include a proaches it is Master/ Slave time to unpack Auction for that “summer charity. On leather” and once Saturday the again welcome 13th Annual another season Mr. Fire Is- in the sun. land Leather As it has Contest will keep the been for the past Maryland ambassadors to IML 34 years, Chi- crowd enter- cago will be the tained. All the place to be over the Memorial Day week- details can be found at Twilightguard.org. end on May 24- May 27 as the city host Chicago and Fire Island are both a the 35th International Mr. Leather Contest. big part of our history, but on May 10-12 a What started as a contest that brought in a little history will come to Baltimore as the few hundred leather folks has turned into GLCCB at 241 West Chase Street host the largest leather event on the planet as the Carter/ Johnson Leather Library. This thousands of leather people from around traveling exhibit includes “thousands of the world will descend on the Windy City. leather, fetish, SM, kink, and alternative Although this year’s host hotel (the Mar- books, magazines, posters, art, ephemera, riott Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile) and memorabilia.” Plus lectures and round is almost full, blocks of rooms have been table discussions are also planned. Learn added at four nearby hotels. The center- more at Leatherlibrary.org.

24 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com BAR GUIDE

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND BALTIMORE, MARYLAND MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA

Club 1722 The Quest The Club 1722 North Charles Street 3607 Fleet St. 5268 Williamsport Pike 410-727-7431 4 1 0 - 5 6 3 - 2 6 1 7 M a r tinsburg, WV 25404 www.club1722.com 304-274-6080 The Rowan Tree Club Bunns 1633 S. Charles Street 608 W. Lexington St. 410-468-0550 REHOBOTH BEACH, DELAWARE 410-234-2866 www.therowantree.net Big Sissies Bar & Grill 37385 Rehoboth Ave Drinkery Triple LLL Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 203-207 W Read St. 227 W. Chase Street 302-226-7600 410-225-3100 410-539-4806 Frogg Pond The Gallery PW's Sports Bar & Grill 3 S. 1st St 1735 Maryland Ave. 9855 Washington Blvd. N. Suite N Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 410-539-6965 Laurel, MD 20723 302-227-2234 301-498-4840 HIPPO www.pwsplace.com 1 West Eager St. Double L 410-576-0018 622 Rehoboth Ave www.clubhippo.com HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 302-227-0818 Grand Central Stallions 1001-1003 N. Charles St 706 N 3rd St Blue Moon 410-752-7133 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 35 Baltimore Ave www.centralstationpub.com (717)232-3060 R e h o b o t h B e a c h , D E www.stallionsclub.com 302-227-6515 www.bluemoonrehoboth.com Jays on Read 225 W. Read Street Bar 704 410-225-0188 704 N 3rd St Cloud9 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 234 Rehoboth Avenue (717)234-4228 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Leon’s 870 Park Ave 302-226-1999 410-539-4993 Liquid 891 Inc 891 Eisenhower Blvd The Purple Parrot Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 247 Rehoboth Ave Mixer’s 6037 Belair Rd (717)939-3590 R e h o b o t h B e a c h , D E 1 9 9 7 1 410-599-1952 www.liquid891.com 302-226-1139

Station North Arts Cafe The Brownstone Lounge Rigby’s Bar & Grill Gallery 412 Forester Street 404 Rehoboth Avenue 1816 North Charles Street Harrisburg, PA 17102-1714 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 410-625-6440 717-234-7009 302-227-6080 www.stationnortharts.com www.rigbysbarandgrill.com SPRING GROVE, PENNSYLVANIA The Lodge Lounge & Dance Iguana Grill Club 52 Baltimore Ave Altland's RancH Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 21614 National Pike 8505 Orchard Rd 302-227-0948 Boonsboro, MD 21713 Spring Grove, PA 17362 www.iguanagrill.com 301-591-4434 717-225-4479

BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 25 April 21

April 18-19 Theatre Project Presents CCBC Essex Ageless Grace Presents Celebrating Dance Through the Years This annual concert presented by Dance Baltimore that features performances by DANCE COMPANY CELEBRATES SPRING dancers in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.In a discipline filled with young, flexible The Community College of Baltimore County Dance Company will present its dancers, it isn’t often that seniors have the opportunity or invitation to take to the annual spring dance concert. A highlight of the concert will be a new work for the stage and offer their own expressions of life throughout movement. Leg extensions company created by Guest Artist Melanie George of American University, has cre- may not be as high as they used to be but the senior dancers stand on solid ground ated "Jazz Is...The Manifesto" explores and celebrates what George believes to be with emotion, creativity wisdom, and knowledge guiding their performance, evident the core elements of jazz dance: earthliness, percussiveness, pedestrianism, synco- in every step on stage. Dancers in this year’s Ageless Grace production are both pation, improvisation, musicality and community. It's not a definition of jazz dance, former professional dancers as well as “community” dancers who perform for fun in it's a manifesto. Works by CCBC Dance full-time and adjunct faculty, and student more recreational forms. Location Baltimore Theatre Project 45 West Preston Street choreographers will be showcased also. Show time 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, in Tickets for Ageless Grace are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and $10 for seniors the B Building Theatre at CCBC Essex, 7201 Rossville Blvd. in Rosedale. Tickets, and students. Box Office 410-752-8558 For more information call 443.470.9084 $8 general admission and $5 for seniors, students, CCBC faculty and staff are avail- Show Time 6 p.m. able from the box Office (443-840-ARTS)

May 4

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS April 19 – May 20 Presents LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO The sight of large male bodies stuffed into tutus while delicately balancing en pointe The Gallery at CCBC Catonsville is just the beginning of the fun of watching Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Presents better known as “The Trocks.” These talented dancers, playing both male and female Breaking Ground roles, bring an entertaining evening of classical ballet with a hilarious twist. . This The Gallery at CCBC Catonsville will open its newest exhibit, Breaking Ground, performance is the final event of the season at the Center for the Arts. The program this Friday, The exhibit features the work of artist and CCBC Assistant Professor features “ChopEniana,” an “abstract” classical ballet without narrative structure and defined characters, set to music by Chopin. The evening also features “Go for Baroc- Sharon Trumbull completed during her sabbatical. A reception in her honor will be co,” a piece set to Bach, inspired by works by Balanchine; as well as “Walpurgis held opening day, April 19, from 6- 8 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and Night,” a piece inspired by the Bolshoi Ballet’s revered work, “Valpurgeyeva Noch,” open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday set to music by Charles Gounod. The company will also perform a pas de deux or a and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The Gallery is closed on Sundays. Q modern work, to be announced. Tickets for LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE Building at CCBC Catonsville, 800 S. Rolling Road. For additional information, MONTE CARLO are $24, $40 and $48. Visit the box office (open Tuesday through call 443-840-4246 or contact Nicole Buckingham Kern at 443-840-4326. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu.

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Call 410-244-6780 to list your business in the Professional Services directory. BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com t 27 DON’T MISS THIS “GORGEOUS HEAD-RUSH OF A MUSICAL!” -Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

BROADWAY musical the groundbreaking Alyssa DiPalma (Whatsername) and Alex Nee (Johnny) in AMERICAN IDIOT (Photo by Turner Rouse, Jr.) Alyssa DiPalma (Whatsername) and Alex Nee (Johnny) in AMERICAN IDIOT (Photo by Turner ON SALE NOW! MAY 7 - 12 • HIPPODROME THEATRE 410.547.SEAT • BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com • Hippodrome Box Office (Mon-Fri, 11AM-3PM) Groups 10+ Save! Call 866.577.7469

AMERICAN IDIOT contains adult content and strong language. Due to the nature of live entertainment; performances, prices, dates, times and artists are subject to change. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. Tickets are subject to additional fees. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

28 t BALTIMORE OUTLOUD April 19, 2013 • baltimoreoutloud.com