www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003 • Q1
CYMK Q_COVERstory Suzanne Vega: American Maverick With a New Greatest Hits CD, a Radio Show and a Documentary in the Works, this Storytelling Musician Shows She’s an Original By Mary Damiano now being filmed. She has been busy raising that she had been abused by her father, and the maverick, oddball, weirdo composers, Arts & Entertainment Editor her eight-year-old daughter, Ruby, and, of she was in the hospital and she was finally the alternatives of the classical world that you No one is more surprised by the course, writing songs. able to tell the doctor what happened to her don’t usually get to hear. Sometimes the music successful 20-year career of Suzanne Vega Suzanne Vega will perform at the Broward because she heard “Luka” on the radio back needs some explanation to understand what than Suzanne Vega herself. Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, May when she was a teenager. it is you’re listening to. Each show is an hour, The folky, singing storyteller never 20. She recently spoke with The Express each show has a theme, so you get to hear a would have believed that a shy kid who about her career, her songs and how What’s that like for you, knowing that wide range of composers under one umbrella couldn’t sing very well would not only motherhood has influenced her music. a song you’ve written has affected someone’s for each show. It’s been great fun. become a successful performer but usher in life like that? an era of more acoustic, complex music, Mary Damiano: Why did you choose this On the one hand, it moves me deeply to It sounds like a great way to expose paving the way for Tracy Chapman, Shawn moment for a retrospective? feel that I’ve written something that connects people to music they wouldn’t normally get Colvin and just about any woman who’s Suzanne Vega: I probably would have with someone on that level. On the other to hear. played Lilith Fair. had a retrospective even if my contract were hand, the very need to write the song still Not just the music, but the thinking and From her first hit, “Luka,” about an not up with A&M Records, but the fact is, keeps me as upset as I was to write the song the personality behind it, the reasons behind abused child, it was evident that Vega was my contract is up after 19 years, which strikes to begin with. I wish it weren’t necessary to it, the anecdotes—it’s wonderful to make different from the saccharine pop that me as a good time to look back and see what have to write about it. the connection between someone’s personal permeated the record charts. When she work I’ve done. I like retrospectives, and the life and how they express themselves. followed that with the catchy, easy-going fact is that they asked me if I would do one. You strike me as the kind of person who white girl’s rap of “Tom’s Diner,” Vega I’d have done it 10 years ago if they’d asked. is a writer at heart and uses music to convey And now you’re going to be the subject solidified her position as a quirky woman with that writing. Is that a fair assessment? of a documentary, so people are going get to something to say. How has your music changed over the Yeah, I think it is. It’s where I’m most see that about you. Vega has just released her first greatest years? comfortable. I’ve learned over the years, the Yes, to some degree. I think there’s hits collection, Retrospective: The Best of It’s gotten a bit freer. It’s got more hard way, how to sing—mostly by standing always some element a bit hidden that may Suzanne Vega. In addition to her latest CD, confidence, I think. The productions have on a stage and doing it, whereas writing was not be revealed to the camera. We’ll see. Vega hosts American Mavericks, a radio changed, but basically it still comes down to something I started doing from the time I We’re in the middle of it, and we don’t really show on National Public Radio showcasing the voice and the guitar and the story I’m could read, practically. I was five or six when know how it’s going to end. It’s been an oddball American classical composers. She telling. I started writing poems and other things. interesting process so far. The cameras is also the subject of a new documentary, followed me around through the setting up of You do seem to be the consummate I like this quote from you: “If you had the retrospective, through the photo shoots, storyteller and you’ve put stories to said in high school that this kid who doing all the press. I’m part of a program music that one wouldn’t think of technically couldn’t sing and wasn’t called Principal for a Day, so I would go to a being a song, like “Luka.” I outgoing would have a 20-year career as a school and talk to children and they would read that you still get performer and pop songwriter, nobody would ask me questions, and they filmed that too. letters about that song. have believed you.” Not only letters, I gave it up for awhile after I graduated How has being a mom changed your but people come from high school because I wasn’t sure of writing? and talk to me. my ability to perform. I think people think of It’s made it a little more straightforward. Just last week, a a performer as Maria Callas or pop singers— It’s still not the easiest stuff in the world to young woman the ability to get out there and really push listen to and understand, but it’s become more came up and and sell whatever it is you’re selling. I always of a straight line than the usual world of told me had a different angle on it. metaphors and inner images. There’s something about having a child that makes Why do you think you managed to break your life very practical. You don’t have time through when music was so pop and to lie around thinking. You have to get up, performance oriented? make sure your child is dressed and fed and Some of it was sheer determination and on the school bus. It changes your years of going back to the stage, going back perspective. She’s an interesting child. When to performing in front of audiences, the I started to sing to her, I noticed that she liked determination of my first manager, and some melody a lot more than lyrics, so I was aware of it was that you get a time in your life when more of what would hold her attention. In the things line up a certain way. If you get a break beginning she didn’t really care about lyrics, and you have people who can deal with it, unless they were farm animals—songs which you just go. I have very few of. So in that way, she had her influence in what she responds to. What or who has influenced your music and writing most over the years? Is Ruby expressing an interest in Probably the image of Leonard Cohen. I music? say the image of Leonard Cohen as much as Yeah, she’s terrific at it. She plays piano. his music because he’s someone I felt I could At one time she was thinking about writing emulate. I suppose everyone who is a songs, but wanted me to show her how to do songwriter wants to be Bob Dylan, but he’s it. She was very annoyed with me that I got a sort of charisma and he appeared at a couldn’t really teach her. But she has technical time in music that no one can duplicate. abilities that I don’t even begin to have. I’m Leonard Cohen is always there, always very curious to see what she’s going to do present but writes under the radar. He never with herself. I think she really loves writing. I goes away. And I also like his humor, his think that’s where her passion is. melancholy and the way he dresses. Even though I was a teenage girl and he was What’s next for you? probably in his 30s when I discovered him, I I’m hoping to take some time off in the still identified with some aspects of his fall and write a bunch of stuff and finish a lot personality. of songs that I’ve started. I feel a real drive to do that. I feel like I’ve done the retrospective, And his “Suzanne” is such a beautiful and now I need to start looking toward the song. future. That’s where my energy will go. Yes, that’s true too. It’s time to regroup? Tell me about American Mavericks. Yeah, and rethink everything and finish, It’s about American classical composers just move forward. There are about 20 to 30 from 1770 all the way to Phillip Glass. It’s all songs that I really need to get cracking on.
Suzanne Vega will perform at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, May 20, at 8pm. Tickets are $30. For tickets and more information, call 954.462.0222.
Q2 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003
CYMK www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003 • Q3
CYMK Naked_Curiosity By D. Scott-Bush Sooner or Later? What Is the Sexual Shelf Life of a Gay Man
“How soon is too soon to have sex?” and cranky.” Paul asked. “I waited two weeks, one time,” Xander I was taken aback. “Sex” and “too soon” recalled. “And the guy I was dating broke are not words that men—especially gay up with me because he thought my being men—tend to use in the same phrase. restrained was an indication that I wasn’t Paul was in a quandary, and I was being interested.” drawn into the dilemma. It wasn’t a case of “The longest I’ve waited has been three sex-for-sport pacing parameters. Paul was dates,” Ed volunteered. “After that, I lose beginning to date a new man and was trying interest if we’re not screwing.” to determine how long to wait before bringing Do we run the risk of having our sexual sex into the equation. shelf life expire if we postpone the passion? Since I first started having sex, I’ve been Lester referenced the mythology predominantly a serial monogamist. That’s surrounding the third date. “Supposedly, if not to say that I haven’t had assorted tricks, you made it to that one, you were likely to through the years. It’s just that some degree continue seeing each other. Perhaps, that’s of dating was usually part of my intimate why it’s okay to have sex, then. It’s like relationships. When a beau and I switched insurance,” he speculated. Then, from holding hands to gripping other brandishing his wit, he added, “In general, I appendages depended on how successfully think one should wait till after the movie.” I wrestled with my inner dichotomy of good Martin and I had a series of brief boy and rebellious slut. A number of times, I conversations, before we had sex. Our bits recall rationalizing that dinner, a movie and of banter couldn’t be construed to be dating, dessert could actually be considered three though, so the first time we got together we dates. And three dates was a sufficient period really got together. What proved beneficial for civilized adults to wait before humping for our relationship was that we went to like feral forest creatures. opposite ends of the country the morning Paul’s inquiry compelled me to pose the after our initial night of wham-bam bliss. “how-soon-is-too-soon” question to a group Obviously, that’s not always possible with of friends. nascent relationships. But our daily, long- “They should wait until the zipper goes distance phone calls gave us a chance to get down,” Brian suggested. Brian’s skill at to know each other. We learned all those unzipping two flies at the same time was of things that usually get glossed over during particular value, in light of his gratification the frenzied fornication phase that marks the guidelines. beginning of most gay relationships. “As long as it takes to find the condoms I’m not sure we’d have lasted more than and lube,” Carlos interjected. a few weeks if we hadn’t built the foundation “No waiting, here. Who’s next?” Sam of non-sexual bonding that has sustained us teased. through the years. “How fast can you bend over? Pete My friend and bowling teammate, John, probed. “I don’t want to wait any longer acknowledges that a lot of the waiting than that.” question depends on the people involved. Lance offered the decidedly pessimistic He believes that if there is a hint that a serious, perspective of a perpetually-single man: “I committed relationship could develop, it’s always prepare, plan and hope to sleep with best to stick to dating for a while. He sees Mr. Lucky on the first date, because I figure critical value in the two people getting to I may never see him again.” know each other on an intellectual and For a gay man, one in the hand is, indeed, emotional basis before moving into the carnal better than two in the bush. But should realm. “Let sex be the natural outgrowth of a seizing the opportunity to get it while we can relationship based on commitment, honesty, outweigh concerns about how sex changes friendship and love.” the dynamic of a potential relationship? That’s the kind of relationship John is My friend, Jay, usually rapid-fire ready seeking. It’s what Paul wants, too. with a quick quip was in a more reflective mode on this topic. “I’m either a slut, right away, or I wait so long that I become a D. Scott-Bush’s work appears throughout ‘girlfriend.’ The whole idea makes me anxious the country. E-mail may be directed to [email protected].
Q4 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003
CYMK www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003 • Q5
CYMK When Marketing a Business, Everything Matters Local Gay Couple’s Company Offers Wide Range of Services By Karen Friedman is turned down for this coverage, even if Business Correspondent they have full-blown AIDS. You don’t apply Often, coming up with a great idea is for coverage, instead you enroll.” the easy part; it is selling the idea or product Everything Matters decided to market that frustrates many entrepreneurs and Pinnacle, as well as to sell its product. They businesses. A company that knows how to believe this product is quite relevant to the successfully market a product is exactly GLBT community, since up to 10 people per what Jason Rodgers and James Hazel had household can be covered with one in mind when they established Everything account. Matters. They also believe the community will Everything Matters, a collaboration of benefit here in South Florida, where many many years of experience and knowledge, people work in the service industry and do is the newest venture for the couple, who not have access to affordable health have been domestic partners for 30 years. coverage. After falling in love with South Florida When a company wants to offer its during vacations here, in December 2002 product to the GLBT community, Everything they moved from Connecticut to Fort Matters believes it offers better service than
Lauderdale and created Everything Matters. File Photo a mainstream marketing firm. “I think that “Everything Matters is an all-purpose, we understand the community and that the full-service marketing company,” Rodgers “Everything Matters is an all-purpose, full-service marketing company,” Jason community cuts across every demographic Rodgers says. “So we can do consultancy with people who need to know how to do says. “We can do consultancy with people a marketing plan or business plan to raise capital. We can also do the full launch of and, therefore, we don’t deal in who need to know how to do a marketing a product or the direct selling.” stereotypes,” Rodgers says. “I think that plan or business plan to raise capital. We mainstream marketing firms often market by can also do the full launch of a product or they wanted to focus on the needs of the departments of Visa and MasterCard. Hazel stereotypes and by pandering to the GLBT the direct selling.” GLBT community. Most recently they have was the head of marketing with the nation’s community.” In addition to marketing services, developed a domestic-partnership package. second largest paper manufacturer. With accounts already ranging from Rodgers has drawn on his background as “The package is for partners with or without “Between the two of us, we have managed healthcare to artwork, Rodgers said, an attorney to add to the possibilities of what children.,” Rodgers says. “It provides all of to put together a good set of skills,” Rodgers “Everything Matters only takes products Everything Matters can offer its clientele. the paperwork that you need to protect says, “and we have a partner back in that we believe in. My ideal client or business “We also offer documentation services,” he yourselves and all of the things that we don’t Connecticut who is really an extreme expert is someone who says, ‘I’m stuck. I have says. “There are a lot of forms that either think about but we really should.” in direct marketing.” something that I think is great, but I don’t businesses or consumers don’t need an The ability to provide all of these Based on these credentials, Everything know what to do with it.’” attorney to do. We can help complete those services is a result of Rodgers’ and Hazel’s Matters was hired to be the marketing forms.” many years of experience in the business company for Pinnacle Choice, a healthcare Everything Matters is located at 100 th When they decided to establish community. In addition to practicing law, company. “Pinnacle is not insurance; it is SE 8 Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more Everything Matters, Rodgers and Hazel knew Rodgers was an executive with the marketing health discount,” Rodgers explains. “No one information, call 954.763.6850.
6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003
CYMK www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003 • Q7
CYMK Q_MOVIEreview Sexy and Flirty, Down With Love Is a Winner Homage to 1960s Sex Comedies a Delight By Mary Damiano with him, and thereby exposing her whole theory as a Arts & Entertainment Editor fraud and discrediting her. You know that saying, “They don’t make’em like David Hyde Pierce was born to play Catcher’s that anymore”? Well, they do now. fussy and frustrated editor, the “Tony Randall role” of Down With Love is a valentine to a certain time the film. And speaking of Randall, he even has a guest in movies, when the world was on the brink of a shot as an Old World publishing giant. sexual revolution and Hollywood wanted to see The other star of Down With Love is the look of how far they could push the envelope and still it. The clothes, the sets, the colors are all straight out make a family film. of an early ’60s movie, except with an extra kicky flair. Just as Far From Heaven was a perfect This is also as gay a movie as you can get without reproduction of a 1950s melodrama, Down With it actually being about anything gay. Everyone is Love is a perfect reproduction of a Doris Day-Rock always dressed to the nines and completely “done,” Hudson sex comedy. They even do the famous split apartments are all lush and fabu—everything is over screen shots, albeit with an Austin Powers-style racy the top, and it works. There’s even footage of Judy twist. Garland singing the film’s title song, and a music Reminiscent of Sex and the Single Girl, Renee video featuring Zellweger and McGregor over the Zellweger plays Barbara Novack, a feminist who writes credits. a book called Down With Love, a manifesto that tells Flirty, playful and frothy, Down With Love has a women to stop falling in love and just have sex the way sense of humor and a constant wink to the audience. men do—a la carte. If they do this, according to Novack, One of the film’s best moments is when Zellweger they’ll achieve equality in the workplace and presumably delivers an exhausting monologue in one shot, with take over the world. no cuts. It’s an amazing and hysterical scene. Ewan McGregor is Catcher Block, a James Bond- Down With Love is great fun. Older audiences style star writer for a Manhattan men’s magazine. He who remember those old movies will get the joke, while embarks on a plan to write an expose on Novack, by younger audiences will love the kitschy retro-ness of pretending to be an astronaut, making her fall in love it all. Doris and Rock would be proud. Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor Q_DININGguide Advertise_954-568-1880
Q8 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003
CYMK Q_THEATERreview Pageant Wins the Award for Laughs Musical Comedy in West Palm Beach Is a Queen-Size Spoof
By Mary Damiano Cast of Pageant Arts & Entertainment Editor In the spirit of Pageant, the musical comedy currently playing at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts in West Palm Beach, I thought I would give out a few awards of my own: The Award for Most Kooky Kitsch in a Single Show: Pageant, the beauty contest spoof featuring an all-male cast vying for the title of Miss Glamouresse, and the job of spokesmodel for the Glamouresse beauty product line. From the kicky pink, turquoise and purple set to the delightfully cheesy master of ceremonies, Pageant is retro fun all the way. Most Ironic Moment: Watching the contestants dance and sing, “We’re natural born females…” The David Copperfield Award for Best Illusion: The six contestants. You watch them dance and jump and bounce and think, ‘My, what proud, perky bosoms they have. How do they keep them in place?’ The Light in the Loafers—I Mean— Light on Their Feet Award: All six contestants, for walking in heels and making it look like they’re walking on air. Best Entrance (Tie): Miss Texas’ (Paul Whelihan) pony-riding trot dance in her salute to the Lone Star state and Miss West Coast’s (Eduardo Rioseco) womb-walk in her interpretive dance, “The Seven Stages of Me.” Best Evening Gown: The dip-dye green Photo by Mort Kaye drape-front spangled number worn by Miss Cavalier, who proves that vanity thy name is Best Five O’Clock Shadow: Definitely Deep South. man by hardly wearing the same color shirt a tie between all six contestants. Pageant runs through June 1 at the The Disco Duck Award for Oddest for more than five minutes. His most fab The Best Sour Grapes Moment: When Cuillo Centre for the Arts, 201 Clematis Outfit (Tie): The silver and black jacket worn outfit, however, is his chartreuse suit and the winner is crowned and takes her runway St., West Palm Beach. Showtimes are by master of ceremonies Frankie Cavalier pink shirt and tie ensemble, in which he walk, another contestant protests and throws Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday (Wayne Legette), which makes him look like resembles a grinning Easter egg. a very un-beauty queen hissy fit. at 7pm, with matinees Saturday and a walking, talking disco ball, and his futuristic, The Good Lord Wants Me to be a Star Most Entertained: The audience of Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $37- silver star costume, which is so blinding you Award: Bible-thumping Miss Bible Belt (Bill Pageant, a crowd-pleasing show full of $39.50. For more information and to might have to close your eyes. Perlach), who sports a shiny Jesus pin and funny songs, campy clothes and laugh-out- purchase tickets, call 561.835.9226. Most Costume Changes: Frankie perpetual stars in her eyes. loud moments. The Ties that Bind Jacqueline Laggy, Lisa Morgan and Andy Rogow ‘Apron Strings’ Celebrates Motherhood By Mary Damiano mother copes or forgives, what a woman goes Arts & Entertainment Editor through to bring life into the world and how In Apron Strings, currently playing at she gets through it when that life is taken the Hollywood Playhouse, playwright away. Michael McKeever looks at motherhood The only short that doesn’t work, from six different angles. especially within the theme set forth, is Pregnancy, loss, coping, forgiveness “Unsinkable,” which introduces the audience and indifference are all covered in the six one- to the stupidest, most selfish people ever, a act plays strung together by a common wealthy couple on the deck of the Titanic theme. In the final play, “Peter, Paula, Mom who refuse to believe that the ship is sinking. and Mary,” there’s even a visitation from the The only link to motherhood here is the mother of all mothers. mother’s indifference to her children, so much The scenes are entertaining, and the so that she can’t remember her youngest four actors play all their roles well. child’s name. “Unsinkable” makes another The opening short, “Knowing Best,” is point, and in that way it’s quite clever. It just one of the best, a twist on a mother’s reaction doesn’t belong here. to her daughter’s coming out declaration. Lisa Morgan really gets to show her “Act of Confession” takes place in a versatility in five different roles. Morgan is confessional, where a devoted son begs a adept at both drama and comedy, but she priest for absolution. In “Francine, Saved shines most with physical comedy and From Drowning,” a young wealthy Southern understatement. Jacqueline Laggy is a woman smokes, drinks and whines her way radiant ingénue, and Patrick Armshaw is most through her final days of pregnancy. “Objects believable in his dramatic role as a guilt-ridden in the Rearview Mirror” is the most powerful son. Andy Rogow, artistic director of the short, as a divorced couple deal with the Hollywood Playhouse, steps into several violent death of their teenage son. roles believably. Each of these one-act plays celebrates Apron Strings is a nice theatrical some aspect of motherhood—the way a diversion.
Apron Strings runs through May 25 at the Hollywood Playhouse, 2640 Washington St., Hollywood. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm, Wednesday and Sunday at 2pm. Call 954.922.0404 for ticket information. www.ExpressGayNews.com www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003 • Q9
CYMK Q_CULTURALcalendar
Monday, May 19: Author Discussion— Receive a special show discount in Business Without Really Trying—The Stage Door St on the Riverwalk in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Christine Kling will discuss her murder mystery, www.HomeShowSpecials.com. Broward County Theatre, 8036 W Sample Rd., Coral Springs. 12 - 4pm. Free. Complete with music, dancing, arts Surface Tension, at 7pm during a Water Taxi tour Convention Center 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. $8. 954.344.7765. and crafts, children’s area and charitable raffles. of Fort Lauderdale’s New River, where part of the 305.667.9299. Through Sunday, June 15: Little Shop of 954.527.0627 or www.fiestafortlauderdale.com. book takes place. Meeting place is Bubier Park, 32 Friday – Tuesday, May 23 - 27: Rootsans Horrors—The classic musical based on the 1960 E. Las Olas Blvd., downtown Fort Lauderdale. Call Culture Festival—Caribbean Music Festival, in Roger Corman film. Actors’ Playhouse at the Art Exhibitions 954.357.7560 to reserve a seat. South Miami. 11am - 11pm. North Miami Avenue Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. Through Friday, May 30: Miniature Tuesday, May 20: New Voices: Authors With between 54th Street and 62nd Street. Free. http:// 305.444.9293. Books—An exhibit by the Miniature Book Society Irrepressible Appetites—Irrepressible Appetites is rootsandcultureinc.org or 305.576.0355. Monday, May 19: Much Ado About will be on display on the second floor of the Broward an anthology of food-related stories and poems with Saturday, May 24: Absolute Fighting Nothing—Shakespeare’s comedy is brought to life County Main Library, 100 S Andrews Ave., Fort recipes. Presented by the Florida Center for the Championships—Mixed martial arts competition. with captivating music, creative staging and colorful Lauderdale. 954.357.8692. Book at 7pm at the Main Library, 100 S. Andrews 7pm at the War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th costumes. Joseph Caleb Auditorium, 5400 NW 22nd Through Sunday, June 15: My Reality: Ave., Fort Lauderdale. St., Fort Lauderdale. 954.828.5380. Ave., Miami. 305.636.2350. Contemporary Art and the Culture of Japanese Wednesday, May 21: Luncheon Meeting— Saturday, May 24: Green Market—Fresh Friday & Saturday, May 23 & 24: Les Animation—This exhibit investigates the influence The Cities of Oakland Park and Wilton Manors fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. 9am – 3pm at Miserables—8pm at the Broward Center, 201 of Japanese animation on modern art. Norton Chamber of Commerce meets at noon at Sushi- Anniversary Park, 20th Avenue and Hollywood Blvd. Southwest Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. $10. Museum of Art in West Palm beach. 561.832.5196. Thai, 3341 N. Federal Hwy., Oakland Park. This 954.921.3388. Saturday, May 24: South Broward Through Friday, July 20: Postcard month’s topic is Forward Thinking: The Art and Sunday, May 31: WIN Gay and Lesbian Ballet—South Broward Ballet Company presents Exhibit—Modernism for the Masses: Artist- Science of Business Development and is presented SunCruz Casino—Includes, cruise, buffet, Peter & the Wolf and Act 3 of Sleeping Beauty. designed Postcards from the Collection of by J. Heider, D.D.S. Open to all interested business entertainment and free drinks while gambling. Principal dancers Samuel Beckman and Rafael Anthony Guneratne is on display in the Bienes persons. $15. Contact Mike Levy at 954.568.7755 7:30pm - 1 am. Cruise leaves from dock next to Ferreras. 2pm & 8pm at Hollywood Central Center for the Literary Arts on the sixth floor with any questions. Martha’s Restaurant in Dania Beach. $12.95 for Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe St. in of the Broward County Main Library, 100 S Wednesday, May 21: Free Vision WIN members and $14.95 for non-members. Hollywood. 954.924.8175. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. Free. Screenings—Vision screenings, 10am – 2pm and 954.961.7176. 954.357.8692. presentations by doctors with Q & A, 3 - 5pm at Music May 14-June 20: Form, Fashion and the AARLCC, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Live Theatre and Dance Tuesday, May 20: Suzanne Vega—A Photography—Opening and runway fashion show For more information call 954.357.7555 or Through Sunday, May 18: Blood Brothers— talented folksy singer/songwriter/musician whose will be held Thursday, May 29, 6-10pm. Open to 954.625.2812. Winner of a Critic’s Circle Award for Best New clear sound, haunting lyrics, and rich rhythms cross members of ArtServe. For more information or to Thursday - Sunday, May 22 - 25: Global Musical and nominated for six Tonys, this haunting from folk to pop. $30. Broward Center, 201 participate, please call 954.462.9191. Free. Hip Hop Conference and Festival—Miami Light musical written by Willy Russell is an intriguing Southwest Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. Project celebrates the global Hip Hop movement rags-to-riches story about twins who are separated Wednesday & Thursday, May 21 & 22: with four days of film screenings, panel discussions, Radio at birth. Friday and Saturday, 8pm and Sunday, 2pm. Johnny Mathis—Mathis performs his greatest hits master classes and performances at Eden Roc Resort The Norm Kent Show—Interviews and $30 Evenings/$28 Matinees. The Shores Performing at 8pm at the Broward Center, 201 Southwest Fifth & Spa in Miami Beach. $80. commentary with Norm Kent, weekday mornings Arts Theater, 9806 NE 2nd Ave. Free Parking. Ave. 954.462.0222. www.miamilightproject.com or 305.576.4350. at 8am on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is 305.751.0562, www.shorestheatre.org. Friday, May 23: Earth, Wind & Fire—8pm Friday, May 23: Predatory Community 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com Through Sunday, May 25: The Foreigner— at Mizner Park Amphitheater, Boca Raton. Lending Forum—Changes in Florida law aim to Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts This Off-Broadway comedy is at the Stage Door’s 561.962.4109, www.miznerpark.org. crack down on predatory lenders who target those this gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday 26th St. Theatre, 1444 NE 26th St. in Wilton Friday, May 23: The Fabulones—’60s – who can least afford to lose money. Florida mornings at 7:25am on PARTY 93.1 FM. Manors. 954.344.7765. ’80s music from 6 – 9pm at Hollywood Beach Department of Financial Services’ Chief Financial www.Party931.com. Through Sunday, May 25: Apron Strings— Theater, located at Johnson St. and the Broadwalk. Officer Tom Gallagher will speak. 1 - 3pm in the Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show The joys, hysteria and ironies of motherhood are 954. 921.3404. Free. auditorium of the Broward County Main Library, dedicated to creating a better understanding between lovingly examined in six one-act plays by award- Saturday, May 24: Tropical Nights—Salsa 100 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. the straight and gay communities, with hostess Rene winning playwright Michael McKeever. Hollywood star Victor Manuelle comes to the Broward Center, Saturday, May 24: Saber M.C. Bar Bray. Sundays from 6 – 8pm on WTAN 1340 AM. Playhouse, 2640 Washington St. in Hollywood. 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. This Tropical Nights Night—Military theme party, 10pm - midnight at Live, worldwide broadcast at 954.922.0404. concert features pre-show entertainment and a Jackhammer, 1727 North Andrews Square (behind www.TampaBayGay.com/BTG. 1.800.263.8559. Through Sunday, June 1: Agatha happy hour with specialty-themed drinks in the the GLCC). [email protected]. Christie’s The Mousetrap—The world’s longest- Peck Courtyard or theater lobby. Note: This is a Friday – Monday, May 23 - 26: Fort running murder mystery celebrates its 50th Spanish language concert. 954.462.0222. Television Lauderdale Home Design and Remodeling Anniversary. Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW 9th Sunday, May 25: Fiesta! Fort SoFla Q TV—Television for the alternative Show—See the latest home products and services St., Delray Beach. 561-272-1281, Ext 4. Lauderdale—A Latin jazz brunch showcasing lifestyle. For information call 305.534.3975 or visit both inside and out. Open to the trade and public. Through Sunday, June 15: How to Succeed Hispanic culture at Esplanade Park, Southwest 2nd www.soflaqtv.com.
Q10 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003
CYMK Pumping It Up with Maximum_Volume New Album Releases
Queer as Folk: The Third Season The Ultimate Diva Collection: ‘The Diva Series’ (Tommy Boy) (Verve) Queer as Folk, in addition to Before diva became one of the most becoming one of the most successful cable overused words in the English language, series ever, has become a cottage industry. before it was applied to every pop From merchandise to DVDs to soundtrack princess to warble her way to the top of music, if it’s Queer, it will sell. the charts, being a diva really meant The soundtrack for the third season something. It carried with it an aura of of Queer as Folk covers familiar ground— cool and sophistication, talent and the techno dance sounds heard inside elegance. Babylon, the club featured on the show. Those elements are embodied on Mixed by Chris Cox of the duo the brand-new compilation CD, The Thunderpuss, Disc One features dance Ultimate Diva Collection. Sarah tunes by Tina Arena, Yoko Ono, Gioia and Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Kristine W., among others, reworked by Nina Simone, Natalie Cole—now here the real stars of the club scene, DJs Danny Tenaglia, Junior Vasquez and Peter are some ladies who know how to wrap their voices around a song. Rauhofer. It’s a good selection and will surely conjure up images of the bad boys of There isn’t a song on this CD that isn’t gorgeous, but standouts include Babylon bumping nasties. Dinah Washington’s sweet, lilting “Teach Me Tonight” and Etta James’ grooving Where this soundtrack breaks new ground is in the second disc, which features “Sunday Kind of Love.” Shirley Horn puts a jazz spin on the big band classic music used in scenes outside Babylon. Matthew Good’s haunting love song “Come Dance With Me,” while Astrud Gilberto’s “Fly Me to the Moon” has that “Weapon,” is one of the best songs on the CD. “Loretta Young Silks” by Sneaker sultry ’60s Brazilian beat. Gilberto’s song is also featured on the soundtrack for Pimps starts out with electronica but pays off with great lyrics and a rock feel. “Infra the new comedy Down With Love. Riot” by The Soundtrack of Our Lives has a great punk edge, while “Lover’s Spit” by One of the real rediscovered gems on The Ultimate Diva Collection is Broken Social Scene is reminiscent of one of those nonsensical Oasis songs—and I Blossom Dearie. While some of the other songstresses are timeless yet definitely mean that as a compliment. of another time, Dearie’s “Someone To Watch Over Me” is the soul of simplicity, The centerpiece of Disc Two is “Rough Boys” by Pete Townshend. While the and her voice sounds as if were recorded yesterday. other selections are more about mood and sensuality, “Rough Boys” is 100 percent This is a marvelous CD, a welcome edition to any collection. Now if we could hard-driving, good-timing rock and roll. It positively crackles with the heat of raw only get Britney, Christina and Jennifer to give a listen. It couldn’t hurt. sex. Its inclusion on Queer as Folk and on this soundtrack should help a new generation discover a primo gay anthem. — Mary Damiano — Mary Damiano www.ExpressGayNews.com
www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003 • Q11
CYMK Pet Connection Expressions Happy Memories ‘Hard-Luck Bird’ Thrived with Proper Nurturing By Gina Spadafori
When Patrick, my little Senegal parrot, died a couple of years ago, I missed him like crazy. He had been a hard-luck bird, a sick, feather-picked mess who’d been given up by people who had not been able to cope with the expense and time involved with his many health problems. But even as sick as he was, and as let down by humans as he must have felt, he stepped onto my hand the first time I offered it, and caught my eye with a look of fearless intelligence. I knew at that moment he would come home with me. My Birds for Dummies co-author, avian veterinarian Dr. Brian Speer, examined Patrick thoroughly and ran some diagnostic tests. Then he had me work on the basics of good husbandry, including a healthy balanced diet. My own special contribution: lots of attention and affection, along with exercise and training. Patrick’s health improved dramatically. He still had a gimpy leg and still picked himself People who don’t have parrots don’t understand how much intelligence is packed into those relatively small, lightweight and handsomely aerodynamic bodies. FIle Photo bald in a small spot now and then, but the seizures stopped. Over the months, it was parrot requires. groups, and its services are free to those who indeed cancerous. Would you please let them apparent by his looks and his attitude that Late last year, I sold my home and bought are offering the animals and to those who are know so they can get the help they need? he was feeling fine, maybe for the first time in another. I fell in love with the new place for looking for a pet to adopt. Even better: If you —Brian Putty, DVM, Fair Oaks, California his life. Even better: His personality bloomed its large yard and the creek-side acreage that adopt a dog or cat from Petfinder, you’ll be A: Thanks for checking in, Dr. Putty. along with his new set of feathers. ran behind the property—perfect for eligible for two months of free veterinary Your note is a good reminder why it’s People who don’t have parrots don’t exercising my dogs. But the first time I looked medical coverage from Pethealth, a company always important to see a veterinarian for understand how much intelligence is packed at the house, I saw something more: a perfect that offers health insurance for pets in most proper diagnosis and treatment of an into those relatively small, lightweight and spot for a bird cage. In the corner of the den states and in Canada. animal’s health problems. Too many times handsomely aerodynamic bodies. They see was a freestanding wood stove, set on a tiled people turn to the Web or other sources the beautiful colors of the birds, or they are base that extended to the ceiling. The Scoop to save them the time or money of seeing a amused by those individual birds who can Floor to ceiling tile! Could there be any Springtime is when we all think of veterinarian. mimic human speech. But people who love surface more perfect when it comes to bird gardening. If you’re putting in some new Problem is, most pet lovers aren’t trained parrots know they are so much more (which mess? plants, don’t forget to include a few your to recognize symptoms of disease, and they is why I cringe when I see these intelligent The stove is gone now, and the tiled pets will enjoy. Carrots are favored by many may be missing the most important ones. beings used as “decor” in a hotel lobby or a space where it was is now open—and dogs, and make a great substitute for Sometimes, there’s no harm done and the restaurant). waiting. I’ve looked at cages, and I’ve commercial treats for overweight pups. Catnip problem resolves itself; other times, Other people see parrots as low- thought about birds. It’s still a massive is a natural for cats, but also consider valerian, diagnosing a pet’s illness without the hands- maintenance pets: Throw ’em in a cage, feed commitment, and I don’t want to make it another herb that makes kitties dance with on advice of a good veterinarian can put an ’em, and you’re done. In fact, they are more without being as certain as I can be. I know joy. Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and other animal in grave danger. demanding than most other pets, and if not the species I don’t want—the best of the rodents will enjoy any leafy vegetable you I would rather see my veterinarian a cared for properly—and sometimes even if talkers, the worst of the screamers—and I’ve plant. And as for parrots, what’s good for dozen times for something that turns out cared for properly—will make themselves narrowed the field down to low-key parrots you is great for your bird. The fresher the to be nothing, rather than miss the one sick. Parrots need to be socialized. They’re that best suit my personality—including the better! time when the problem turns out to be easily bored, very noisy and more than any Senegal, just like Patrick. Questions from the Pack serious. Better safe than sorry is always a other pet I can think of, they’re messy almost I think about Patrick a lot these days, Q: The people who wrote to you recently good rule to follow when it comes to your beyond belief. and I miss him still. But what he taught me with the “sort of adopted” cat might also pet’s health. When Patrick’s health problems caught about parrots will never die, and some day consider, from the crusty ears they described, up to him again and he died, I spent weeks soon one of these special beings will brighten that their stray could have precancerous Gina Spadafori is the award-winning catching up with the places he’d managed to my life again. lesions, sunburning and possibly even author of Dogs for Dummies, Cats for fling food and poop. And it was this effort, squamous cell carcinoma. This is particularly Dummies and Birds for Dummies. She more than anything else, that led me to Pets on the Web likely if the cat is white. is also affiliated with the Veterinary donate his cage to the SPCA rummage sale Petfinder.com is one of my favorite I’m very sure you have encountered this, Information Network Inc., an and decide that the parrot chapter in my life places to send people who are looking to and would know that the kitty needs an international online service for veterinary was closed. I just didn’t think I had the time adopt a pet. The website showcases animals aggressive approach, including biopsy and professionals. E-mail her at or energy for the decades of commitment a from more than 5,000 shelters and rescue generous amputation to save the cat if it is [email protected].
Q12 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • May 19, 2003
CYMK