www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q1 Q_COVERstory Linda Eder: Down-to-Earth Star with a Heavenly Voice Singing Sensation to Perform at Broward Center on Halloween By Mary Damiano Eder went on the television talent show Star on Star Search, and while the experience gave Jake, live in suburban New York. She puts her Arts & Entertainment Editor Search. Eder was a hit, even though the show’s her career a big boost, Star Search was family first—she will only work a set number When Linda Eder agreed to perform at premise—being judged—was nerve-wracking. important to Eder for a more personal reason: of days each month, and she won’t tour, Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort “The performing is bad enough if you’re It was where she met talent consultant and preferring to fly home between concerts. On Lauderdale on Friday, Oct. 31, the significance nervous, but to compete and to be judged while composer Frank Wildhorn, the man whose rare occasions, she will perform three nights in of the date slipped her mind. you’re competing is not comfortable at all,” music would define Eder’s career and who a row, but usually limits it to two. “I’d rather fly “I wasn’t thinking Halloween,” she says. Eder says. “Fortunately I never had to lose.” would become her husband. out for a single show or a two-nighter and “I’m bummed because I can’t take Jake trick- Eder recognizes that Star Search was a At the time they met, Wildhorn was then fly back because I don’t want to be gone or-treating.” sort of precursor to American Idol, a show working on a musical version of the story of that long,” she says. Jake traveled with Eder While Eder may be disappointed that she she appreciates but doesn’t agree with. “It’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In Eder, he saw the when he was a baby, and she recalls can’t spend that night with her 4-year-old son, much more entertaining for audiences, but it’s perfect person to play Lucy, the nightclub breastfeeding during intermissions. fans can be assured that Eder’s heart will be in based on cruelty, which I don’t like,” she says. singer who falls under the spell of both Jekyll In addition to her career and family, Eder her performance. Linda Eder believes in giving “It’s hard enough to get up there and do that, and Hyde. After a national tour, Jekyll & likes to paint and draw, and considered her all to whatever she does, whether it’s and they’re also going after such young Hyde—and Linda Eder—opened on Broadway becoming an artist before pursuing singing. singing to a sold-out house or being a wife people. These kids aren’t prepared for what in April 1997. Broadway barely knew what hit She loves home improvement projects and and mom. The Halloween concert is a perfect they’re going through. The psychological it. does everything she can, she says, except the illustration of Eder’s life: Suburban mom by damage that Simon is inflicting on these people Eder was an immediate success and things she absolutely can’t do. She also loves day, glamorous star by night. But Eder has is terrible. I like the fact that it’s opened some received glowing reviews for her role in the horses. Eder has four horses and is grooming managed not only to integrate those two sides doors for these people, but a lot of other show, which ran for four years. In 1998, she one for dressage, a discipline that requires a of her life but also to enjoy a soaring career people have paid a price.” and Wildhorn married. Their personal and lot of training between rider and horse. while putting her family first. Eder enjoyed a 13-week undefeated run professional collaboration has become an Eder plans to return to Broadway with “The one side of me is so average and inspiration for both of them. Camille Claudel, a musical based on the life normal,” Eder says. “It just so happens that I “What he likes the best is really what I of the French sculptress at the turn of the 20th have a talent that I was able to get up there sing the best, so in that sense, musically, it’s a century in France. Claudel’s own talents were and hone, and I really enjoy it, and something marriage made in heaven,” she says. “He can overshadowed by that of her lover, Auguste kind of clicks and comes alive in front of the help me by giving me these great original songs, Rodin. audience. That’s my job. But I’m not your and I can help him by being able to interpret The show recently enjoyed a run at the entertainer mentality. I’m too ordinary, I guess.” them and bringing something to them.” Goodspeed Theatre in Connecticut. “It’s very This ordinary woman has had But there are drawbacks to living with the operatic in it’s scope,” Eder says. “We’re extraordinary success. Eder has just released person you work with. “Frank can work 24/7, hoping to get there for this season, which her second album of the year, Storybook, a and I can do anything but work,” Eder says. “I would mean previews around April.” diverse collection of songs ranging from her have a million interests and am not anywhere Eder would love to expand her career to composer husband’s big band-tinged numbers near as motivated or ambitious as he is.” include film and wants to one day make a to Broadway showstoppers to classic ballads. Eder gained exposure outside of New romantic comedy. She would also like to do In February, she released Broadway My Way, York when Rosie O’Donnell and Kathy Lee more acting, and take on a straight role in a a collection of Eder’s favorite songs from the Gifford each attended one of her Carnegie play that doesn’t involve singing. Great White Way. She’s an in-demand Hall concerts. Both talk show hosts For now, though, Linda Eder continues performer with the luxury of deciding just how raved about Eder on air, and then to excel at juggling her roles as entertainer with often she will work. And she’s currently invited her to be a guest on their being a wife and mother. And her career so far working on a new Broadway show, based on shows. Those appearances gained has taught her to keep her priorities straight. the life of French sculptress Camille Claudel. Eder lots of new fans, including “I was very ambitious when I was Eder grew up in Minnesota, and at the many in the gay community, younger, but I’ve reached a level of success age of 8, she decided she wanted to be a singer. whose support she appreciates. I’d never dreamed of, and realized quickly that The catalyst of Eder’s decision was seeing “If you’re a singer, what you want that kind of thing isn’t what makes you happy,” Judy Garland do “Over the Rainbow” in The is to know you’re being Eder says. “Now my challenge is to balance it Wizard of Oz. Eder still looks up to Garland. appreciated, and there’s no and find time. People always ask what I want. I “She’s an idol, and it’s not just her voice, denying that for whatever reason, just want more time.” it’s her performing style, her give-it-all- gay fans are very vocal and you-got kind of a thing,” she says. appreciative, and they let you know After winning a beauty pageant it,”she says. Linda Eder will perform at Broward at 16, Eder graduated high school For all of her success, this Center for the Performing Arts on and hit the nightclub circuit. After Broadway baby is a homebody at Friday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. For more about seven years of touring, heart. Eder, Wildhorn and their son, information, call 954.522.0222.
Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q3 Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Is Better than Ever Second Annual Madrigal Feast Captivates Audience in Old English Castle Setting Lighting was dim and cozy, lending an air of discussions, was filled with a mostly male to purchase tickets. Ross Carson of the Gay Men’s Chorus intimacy to this big event. The chorus crowd eager for Leddick to read passages Dining by Design is a wonderful annual members donned period costumes, some from the book and detail his experiences event that takes place this Thursday, Oct. quite elaborate, for the show, and served a writing the book. Sprinkled throughout the 23, at the Moore Building in Miami’s Design delicious dinner catered by Costello’s, to the discussion were Leddick’s own pearls of District. Hundreds of guests will be served a several hundred people who attended. wisdom about life: In order to live your life to gourmet dinner at elaborate three- The evening had all the trimmings—an the fullest you have to go for it, whatever dimensional tables created by 50 different enthusiastic and campy royal court, the that “it” is to you, and his belief that in renowned and award-winning designers. presentation of the food preceded by a relationships, compatibility is overrated but Dining by Design raises money for various whimsical take on the taxidermy boar’s head being nuts about the other person is crucial. AIDS service organizations, including from last year, an amusing play in which a Passion is the overriding philosophy of Mother’s Voices, United to End AIDS South jester and a jester-wannabe squared off in a Leddick’s life—passion for who you are and Florida and Episcopal AIDS Ministries. In contest that was part Gong Show and part what you do and who you’re with—and addition to the dinner event, Grass, a club in Laugh-In. But the centerpiece, of course, was that’s the spirit he conveyed to the audience the Design District, is hosting the Bubble the performance of the chorus, who sang at last week. It’s a lesson we can all learn and Blast, a way for the hip set to enjoy the fun various times throughout the evening and practice more in our lives. By the way, a full and help a good cause. A mere $25 gets you then assembled for a concert after the meal. production of Leddick’s latest musical, an hour of free-flowing Taittinger champagne Perhaps I say it after every show, but it’s Secrets of the Chorus, will be staged at the and dancing to the sounds of DJ Shlomi. The always the truth—the guys never sounded Shores Performing Arts Theatre Dec. 4-7. Moore Building is located at the corner of better. Their voices are so clear and so strong NE 40th Street and NE Second Avenue in and blend so beautifully, and coupled with Picks of the Week Miami. For more information about both Fabulous Feast of Song the sheer joy with which they sing, they make Start celebrating Halloween early at events, call 954.522.1883. every performance a night to remember. Their The words that kept going through my Scared S**tless, where writers will read their holiday concert, Seasons of Love, is coming mind as I enjoyed the Ft. Lauderdale Gay scariest tales this Saturday night, 8 p.m. at November Cover Girl up Dec. 20. Don’t miss it. Men’s Chorus Madrigal Feast II last week Pride Factory. The evening is presented by My birthday is next month, and I were “polished” and “tight.” I’ve had the Lavender Writes and hosted by Michael consider it an early birthday present to see pleasure of watching this wonderful chorus The Secret to a Fulfilled James, producer of the dark horror comedy, ravishing Angelina Jolie gazing out from the blossom and grow in the past few years, Life Hunting for Herschell. covers of about half a dozen November especially under the guidance of artistic Witty raconteur, author and performer Also this week, catch the world premiere magazine covers, including Biography and director Todd Wiley, and their Madrigal Feast David Leddick kept a large crowd at the of Running with Scissors, the latest work by Redbook. The lovely Ms. Jolie is back with show, held Saturday night, Oct. 11, at Broward County Main Library enthralled last prolific playwright and former Q cover boy her second film of the year, Beyond Borders, Religious Science Fort Lauderdale, was Wednesday as he discussed his new book, Michael McKeever. Running with Scissors which opens this Friday, Oct. 24, at theatres evidence of all their hard work. The Secret Lives of Married Men. For the is about a man who learns to live life to the all over the place. In it, Angelina plays a The great hall—which I once described, book, Leddick interviewed about 40 gay men fullest when he’s confronted by Death, who wealthy British wife whose life and values infamously it seems, as resembling a ski who are or have been married to women, and happens to be a guy named Wally. Running change when she falls in love with a doctor lodge—was decked out in crests and detailed the reasons behind their choices. with Scissors debuts Friday, Oct. 24, at the who helps those in war-ravaged countries. banners and stone facades to turn this The Bienes Center at the library, known for Florida Stage Theatre in Manalapan. Call Epic, war-torn romance, Angelina style—I modern structure into an old English castle. hosting wonderful workshops and book 561.5835.34 or 800.514.3837 for more info and can’t wait.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q5 Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest Baseball Pro Fesses Up to Gay Porn Past It seems as though college students in Japan are as broke as their U.S. counterparts. Both BaseballAmerica.com and The Cleveland Plain Dealer have reported that Cleveland Indians minor league pitcher Kazuhito Tadano has confessed to appearing in a pornographic video in which he took part in a homosexual act. Supposedly Tadano was Japan’s top amateur pitcher last year at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. His bright future took a dark turn when a Japanese tabloid printed pictures of him from the movie. The tabloid hit the stands right before the draft, and no Japanese professional team selected him. Prominent sports agents say that in the Asian market Tadano would have been the first or second pick and would have signed for between $2 million and $2.5 million. Instead, the Indians signed him for a $67,000 minor-league contract, after several American major league teams passed on him as well. At least his teammates have been supportive of him after he told his story to them back in April. Tadano, who says he is heterosexual, told teammates that he appeared in the movie as a 19-year-old freshman because he needed the money. General Manager Mark Shapiro says Tadano is talented enough to join the Indians’ pitching staff next season.
Chase Hunter Returns to Falcon in ‘Drenched’ Local porn legend Chase Hunter is back in “top” form in Falcon’s newest release Drenched. The hot blond Fort Lauderdale daddy joins a gorgeous all-star cast in breathtaking Hawaii for the two-part extravaganza. Chase is partnered with Lane Fuller in the first segment and smooth blond boy Trent Atkins in the second. Renowned porn powerhouse Chichi LaRue directs Drenched. If that’s not enough for Chase Hunter fans, he will also appear in Falcon’s next release, Tommy’s Tales, which comes out Nov. 5. In Tommy’s Tales, Chase tops Tommy Brandt.
FLUFF Comes to South Florida Some self-described local filmmakers, writers, outcasts, rejects and their supporters are seething mad, and they’re not going to take it anymore. They have united to create The Fort Lauderdale Underground Film Festival to provide an Chase Hunter outlet to what they think is an underserved population. The requirement for entering the festival is simple: Hopefuls must be able to show at least one rejection letter from another film festival. Audience viewers will decide some of the winners while a celebrity panel will determine top awards. Local filmmakers Michael James, Erynn Dalton, John Cavanaugh, and Jarrod Canepa were inspired to start FLUFF after being snubbed by more established film festivals.
Pink Puckers Up for Kristanna Rock star Pink caused a sensation at The World Music Awards in Monaco this past week with some very hot public affection with Terminator 3 actress Kristanna Loken. At an exclusive after-party, the two smoldering blondes were seen making out hot and heavily on the dance floor. Then they headed for a dimly lit booth, where they continued to be intimate, one step way from tearing each others clothing off. The two sexy stars left together around 5 a.m. While Kristanna says that “kissing girls is more fun than kissing men,” Pink told reporters that she still loves the guys. Pink better watch out though, it seems a close circle of lesbian friends, including Linda Perry, would love nothing more than for a major babe like Pink to join their ranks.
Randal’s ‘Red Riding Hood’ Randal Kleiser, the openly gay director of Grease and The Blue Lagoon, shared something special with his friend, Express writer Andy Zeffer. Kleiser is directing a version of Little Red Riding Hood starring Joey Fatone of N’Sync and Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Seen in a photo sent to Zeffer from the director is Fatone crouching on the left, while Kleiser directs him on the right. Standing in the middle is the young actress who plays Red. Expect to hear more about this project in these pages soon.
Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q7 Q_THEATERreview GableStage Tackles Tough Subject with The Goat Albee Play Goes to Extremes to Make a Point about Relationships and Society’s Taboos By Mary Damiano kinds of relationships—including them. As Stevie, his wife, Laura Turnbull his own sense of moral outrage. Rich Arts & Entertainment Editor homosexuality and miscegenation—and still turns in another fine performance. The only Simone’s stylish stonewalled set gives a hint Edward Albee has never shied away have all the themes and dialogue make sense. false note is the petulance her character to the chill that overtakes this warm family. form pushing people’s buttons, but he’s really That is not to equate bestiality with those displays when she methodically trashes the The Goat or Who Is Sylvia is a powerful gone to extremes with his latest play, The other relationships, as Rick Santorum so couple’s apartment. Such repeated actions play, at times funny, at times heart wrenching, Goat or Who Is Sylvia, which is making its infamously did, or to advocate the tolerance are out of place for such a strong woman. but always food for thought. Florida premiere at the GableStage Theatre of bestiality, but rather to drive home the fact As Martin and Stevie’s son, Billy, Ryan The Goat or Who Is Sylvia runs in Coral Gables. that people can’t help who they connect with Ciprio is a little out of his league with these through Nov. 9 at the GableStage The play, which won the Tony powerhouse professionals. He has one or Theatre, 1200 Anastasia Ave. at the Award for Best Play in 2002 centers on two nice moments, but that’s about it. Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. For Martin, a man whose life is shaken Stephen Neal does a fine job as the character more information and to purchase when he has an affair with a goat. Yep, who turns out to be the play’s villain, Ross, a tickets, call 305.445.1119. bestiality—not your usual Broadway man who betrays his best friend to soothe fodder, but Albee deserves credit for not only making the subject matter work, but with making the story engrossing and thought-provoking. Martin, played by Bob Rogerson, is a man with a great life. He’s not thrilled about just celebrating the big 5-0, but everything else in his life is great. He’s Bob Rogerson, Laura Turnbull, Ryan Ciprio and got a terrific, loving wife, a smart, gay Stephen Neal in Edwards Albee’s The Goat or Who is Sylvia? directed by Joseph Adler son, and a thriving and award-winning career as an architect. But Rogerson has also or who they fall in love with—The Goat just formed a unique relationship with a goat he makes these points in an extreme way. It also calls Sylvia, and when his secret is revealed to makes the audience care and feel for someone those closest to him, it threatens to destroy they might otherwise vilify. Martin is actually everything else in his life. quite a courageous character—he has the The thing that Albee does so brilliantly in nerve to confide his secret while most people this play is that he details an unseemly situation would keep it hidden. that makes people squirm and uses it as a The cast at the GableStage make these symbol of other things that have made people points beautifully. Bob Rogerson skillfully squirm. Martin’s affair with the goat becomes portrays Martin’s conflicted yet steadfast an extreme examination of other relationships devotion to his secret lover, so skillfully that that have gone against society’s mores and anyone would have a hard time not people’s sensibilities. It’s easy, when Martin sympathizing with him. He balances that and the other characters are discussing the devotion with his love for his family, and the hows and whys of the affair to substitute other pain of knowing how his actions have hurt
Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q9 Q_CULTURALevents
Through Friday, Oct. 31: Hispanic Live Theatre and Dance Heritage Festival—Among the top 10 Hispanic Advance Ticket Sales—The Sisterhood of festivals in the nation, events showcase outdoor Congregation Etz Chaim is selling tickets to its music, food festivals, sporting events, National 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Kiss Me Kate (Jan. competitions and more. Various locations. For 8); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side information visit www.hispanicfestival.com, email Story (Feb. 8); Miami City Ballet Program IV (March [email protected] or call 305.541.5023. 20); The Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April Monday, Oct. 20: Jammin’—Bring your 15); and The Producers (May 13 and 16). For instruments and voices to this music circle. 7:30 – tickets and information call Joyce Edelson at 9:30 p.m. at Pride Factory, 845 N. Federal Hwy., 954.718.5800. Fort Lauderdale. 954.463.6600. Through Sunday, Oct. 26: Mrs. Warren’s Wednesday, Oct. 22: Breast Cancer Profession—This play by George Bernard Shaw is Treatment Today and in the Future—Dr. Charles about Vivie Warren, whose world is shattered when Vogel, an international expert in the field of breast she discovers the awful truth about her fortunate cancer, will discuss state-of-the-art treatment life. On the Boards Theatre, 56 N. Federal Hwy., options. He is the founder and medical director of Dania Beach. 954.924.6278. the Cancer Research Network, a non-profit research Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25: The organization that conducts clinical trials in breast Wizard of Oz—This updated script offers fun filled, cancer and provides a research infrastructure where humorous interaction as well as upbeat energetic new and promising therapies can be made available musical numbers. Broward Center, 201 Southwest to patients. 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the Broward County Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. 954.462.0222. Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Friday - Sunday, Oct. 24 - 26: Miami City For additional information, please call Ballet—Program I. Broward Center, 201 Southwest 954.357.7443. Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. Thursday, Oct. 23: NightCAP—This benefit for the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Inc. is at Tavern on the Greenery, Music 301 Yamato Rd., Boca Raton. 6 – 8 p.m. Features Thursday, Oct. 23: MTV Video Music hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and raffle drawing. $10 per Awards Latinoamerica—9 p.m. at the Jackie person. 561.472.3022 est. 234. Gleason Theatre, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Thursday, Oct. 23: Queer Eye and Rocky Beach. 305.673.7300. Horror—The Pride factory is showing Queer Eye Thursday, Oct. 23: Freakers Ball—8 p.m. for the Straight Guy at 7 p.m. and Rocky Horror at Florida Atlantic University Auditorium, 777 Glades Picture Show at 8pm. 845 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Road, Boca Raton. 561.297.3758. Lauderdale. 954.463.6600. Through Saturday, Oct. 25: Festival Friday, Oct. 24: Congregation Etz Chaim Miami—The University of Miami continues the Men’s Club - The Men’s Club is meeting for dinner tradition of offering an impressive array of at 6:30pm and then going to services. Dinner is at outstanding artists and an extraordinary variety of Thai Angel, 1672 E. Oakland Pk. Blvd., Fort programming. All concerts are at the University of Lauderdale. Please RSVP to Miami’s Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Dr., Coral Gables. [email protected] or call 954.564.9232. For tickets and information, call 305.284.4940. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25: Used www.music.miami.edu. Book Fair—10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the second floor Saturday, Oct. 25: Cher—The rescheduled of the Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Farewell Tour is at 7:30 p.m. at Office Depot Lauderdale. All items half price. For more Center, 2555 Panthers Dr., Sunrise. 954.835.8000. information on the book fair, call 954.357.5960. Saturday, Oct. 25: Love 94’s Jazz Saturday, Oct. 25: Rare Book Road Harvest—Featuring Tower of Power and the Greg Show—The public is invited to bring rare, old or Adams Band. 4 p.m. at The Deering Estate, 16701 unusual books (limit of three per person) for an S.W. 72nd Ave., Miami. TicketMaster. appraisal and evaluation by Rob Hittel , a professional book appraiser. Free. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Exhibitions at the Broward County Main Library, 100 S. Andrews Through Sunday, Nov. 23: Saint Peter and Ave., Fort Lauderdale. 954.357.7486. the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes—The largest Sunday, Oct. 26: Tea Dance Fundraiser— Vatican collection to tour North America. Seven 4 p.m. at Kashmir nightclub, 1651 S. Congress Ave., days a week 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesdays until 9 p.m. West Palm Beach. $10. Procedes benefit the at the Museum of Art, 1 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach Lauderdale. www.MuseumOfArt.org, 877.787.7711. County. 561.472.3022. Through Dec. 6: Unidentified Objects— Sunday, Oct. 26: Concert with Four Photographic exhibition of a limited series by Ali at Pianos to Benefit Sunshine Cathedral—Four the CW Gallery. Greatly know for his erotic nudes, of South Florida’s finest accomplished pianists will Ali’s work is often featured in both local and national present an outstanding musical program on four publications. Above Jade Lounge, 1766 Bay Rd., glorious Concert Grand pianos in an intimate and Miami Beach. acoustically dynamic setting. 8 p.m. at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Reserved seating tickets are $20. Radio For tickets and information call the Broward Center The Norm Kent Show—Live from the at 954.462.0222, or the Sunshine Cathedral at Floridian Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews 954.462.2004. For tickets and information call the and commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday Broward Center at 954.462.0222, or the Sunshine mornings, 8 – 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The Cathedral at 954.462.2004. Call-In Line is 1.866.432.1400. Sunday, Nov. 2: South Florida Dance for www.NormKentShow.com. Life—Save the Date for the American Red Cross of Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show Greater Miami & The Keys South Florida’s Dance dedicated to creating a better understanding between for Life. 7pm at the Gusman Center for the the straight and gay communities, with host Rene Performing Arts, 174 E. Flagler St., Downtown Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8pm on WTAN 1340 AM. Miami. Featured performers include: Maximum Live, worldwide broadcast at Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Dance, www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. Ballet Florida Principal Dancers, and Ife-Ile Afro- Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts this Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble. For tickets and gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday information call 877.877.7677 or visit mornings at 7:25 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 FM. www.tixops.com. www.Party931.com.
Q10 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases
Donna Summer: ‘The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer’ (UTV Records) Whenever I hear a Donna Summer song, I’m back in high school—getting ready for a Friday night football game at my school, McArthur High, as Y-100 blasts “MacArthur Park,” or cruising the strip during Spring Break to “Hot Stuff” and “Bad Girls” or imitating the orgasmic moans of “Love to Love You Baby” before knowing what orgasmic moans were really all about. There are certain artists who symbolize an era, and Donna Summer is one of them. Summer defined the second half of the 1970s, when disco was all the rage and you weren’t anyone unless you had a closet full of qiana clothes that looked great under the swirling light of the mirrored ball. The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer is a two-disc set that recalls those years. The songs sound just as good as ever, and they have the added bonus of taking you back to that certain place and time in your life, before cell phones, before computers, before lots of things that have made life a lot more complicated. There is a joy in these songs, a carefree attitude that it would be nice to recapture. Each one is about going out, having fun and living in the moment. There is another cool thing about this CD: You really get to appreciate the power of the partnership between Donna Summer and producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. Their songs together are slick, gorgeous productions—sure, the thumping beat is nonstop, but there are horns and strings swirling around Donna’s voice—they’re really orchestrated and lush, something you just don’t get on many dance songs these days. The first disc features all Donna’s hits, while the second features extended mixes. The song selection is terrific. I love the inclusion of Donna’s duet with Barbra Streisand, “No More Tears.” Remember the cover of the single jacket, that photo of the two of them back to back and naked from the shoulders up? And there’s the fabulous, unadulterated joy of “Dim all the Lights” and the anthematic “Last Dance.” Remember that moment in that kooky Love Boat-style movie Thank God It’s Friday when Donna takes her shot and becomes a singing sensation? You will when you hear “Last Dance.” Donna fans will be most intrigued by two new recordings, “That’s the Way” and “I Will Live for Love,” which exhibit a modernized take on the classic sound. My only gripe is that only the single version of “MacArthur Park” is featured, not the full-length version from Donna’s live album, but that’s a personal thing. On the other hand, I found myself appreciating Donna’s version of Barry Manilow’s “Could It Be Magic” and that’s saying a lot considering what a Manilow purist I am. The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer will not only take you on a journey through Donna Summer’s career but also your own past. Enjoy the trip. —Mary Damiano
Various Artists: ‘Bi the People: A Compilation of Bisexual Artists & Friends’ (Violent Yodel Records) Bi the People is a compilation CD put together by South Carolina-based Skott Freedman, a bisexual singer and activist who decided that perhaps not enough attention was being paid to the B in GLBT. The resulting CD is a fun, upbeat collection of a wide range of songs, some never before released, by a diverse group of artists. The CD acts as a benefit as well—proceeds go to the Bisexual Foundation, a nonprofit organization in San Diego. You can’t help but love a CD that gets Melissa Ferrick, Jill Sobule, Rachael Sage and Ashley MacIssac together in one place. Bi the People opens with the fun and infectious “I Saw a Cop” by Jill Sobule, a sexy, rockabilly story about the sting of a speeding ticket eased by a sexy lady cop. Female duo Bitch & Animal get a whole lot of their chests in their rap- infused spoken word odyssey “Secret Candy,” while Freedman contributes his acoustic ballad “The Price You Paid.” Tom Robinson’s seductive “BoyGirl” drips with animal magnetism and raw sex, and is one of the highlights of the CD. American Idol’s Jim Verraros’s “I Want You” and Erin Hamilton’s popular “I Got the Music in Me” will satisfy dance urges, while Rachael Sage offers a good deal of food for thought in “What If.” Ashley MacIsaac enthralls with his fiddle on “Sleepy Maggie,” but alas, the hunky Canadian leaves the singing to someone else. Pansy Division gets in a garage band state of mind with the funny “Luv Luv Luv.” Australian songstress Laya Fisher closes out the CD with her high-energy illustration of bisexuality, “Dick and Jane”: Today you’ll have Dick/Tomorrow you’ll have Jane/Sex is sex/We’re all one and the same. Amen to that. —Mary Damiano
DJ Keoki: ‘Kill the DJ’ (Hypnotic Records) Openly gay DJ Keoki mashes it up on his new disc Kill the DJ. But if you have a taste for new wave and alternative music, you won’t want to kill Keoki. Instead, you’ll be thanking him for dance-floor twists of such classic new wave songs as “The Walk” (The Cure), “She Sells Sanctuary” (The Cult), “Blue Monday” (New Order), “She’s Lost Control” (Joy Division) and “Sex Dwarf” (Soft Cell). Those titles and groups alone give the listener an idea of the flashback journey Keoki brings his listeners along. A few mainstream nuggets such as Rod Stewart’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy” and “Made For Loving You” by Kiss are thrown in for good measure. This album is fun, the perfect fit for a raunchy and wild party. Listening to it you can’t help but envision yourself tearing through Europe during a summer in the mid-80s, complete with spritzed up hair and acid washed jeans. —Andy Zeffer
www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003 Q11 Q12 www.ExpressGayNews.com • October 20, 2003