www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003 • Q1
CYMK Q_COVERstory Captivating Colors and Beauty on Canvas Miami-Based Artist Noel Creates Spectacular Visions with His Painting
By Andy Zeffer Miami. Corporate commissions have visitors Features Editor to view his murals in hotels such as the Ritz A passion for art runs in artist Noel’s Plaza Hotel in Miami and The Paradise Point veins. Born in Cuba to a family involved in Hotel in San Diego. A club in Boston hired the arts, he began ballet training with The him to do a portrait of legendary entertainer Escuela Provincial de Ballet de la Habana at Eartha Kitt, and his work has been featured the age of four. From there, he moved on to on the cover of book covers for Argentinean La Escuela Nacional de Arte de la Habana author Alicia Borinsky. His status as an artist Cubanacan, where he continued his dance also qualified him to serve on the Fine Arts training while simultaneously studying Board of the City of Miami Beach from 1994 painting. After finishing his training, he to 1997. began a career as a professional dancer, He has contributed his talents to help traveling throughout Europe and the many charitable causes as well. Absolut Americas. While dancing, he put his other Vodka commissioned him to create a talents to work designing sets and costumes. commemorative poster for the Design Noel retired from dancing in 1986 and Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS began concentrating on a career as a painter. (www.DIFFA.org). The city of Miami Beach Since then his career has flourished. Using commissioned him create five flamingos for bold and dramatic colors, Noel creates an installation benefiting the Red Cross and beautiful god and goddess-like human forms AIDS charities. He created the images for in his paintings. His dancing background AIDS Walk Miami 2000. Perhaps most comes through in the sweeping and graceful memorable is the beautiful piece he created poses of his subjects. His work also reflects for the White Party Week in 1999 titled a love for the art deco and cubist styles, both “Sueno Blanco,” which graced posters, CDs of which are right at home in Miami. and invitations. “A major influence for me is Tamara De As a dancer, Noel traveled extensively, Lempicka,” Noel says. “I love her work. Even and now as a painter, he is on the road again. though it is not the same—I never imitate— “I don’t take vacations,” he says. she has been an influence in my work from “Travel is always related to exhibits, which the beginning.” is not a bad thing. I love it. You get feedback But Noel’s strongest inspiration is his from people of all lifestyles and points of background as a dancer. He says because of view no matter where they are.” his theatrical roots, he sees the painting as a The busy artist has much on his plate Noel stage, and builds around his characters. right now. In addition to working on two A close look at the former ballet star’s commissions for private collectors, he is work reveals a steady change from his earlier preparing for a summer show at Passions pieces to his latest work. For example, many Gallery in Provincetown. He is also of his angles and forms have softened a bit. collaborating with fellow Miami artist Romero Noel explains that as an artist, one’s personal Brito for a show in October, which will feature life very much affects their professional life. eight paintings. And The City of Miami Beach As he began to change, his paintings has approached him again for another evolved and changed with him. display, but this time it will entail painting a “I like to change it,” he says. “I never beach ball rather than a Flamingo. stick with one thing for too long. Everything He is never content to bask in past I paint has to excite me. I have to feel it.” glories. “I don’t concentrate on what I’ve Success has brought Noel exhibits in done so much, but what I’m going to do,” galleries from Boston to Provincetown to Noel says.
To find out more about Noel and his work, visit www.StudiodNoel.com.
Q2 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003
CYMK Q_Art&style Getting Glamorous with Glitterace Eye-Catching Furniture Gleams its Way into Homes and Stores By Andy Zeffer history and art tour company in Manhattan. Features Editor Due to the unfortunate aftermath of 9/11, he When taking a look at the fabulously moved to South Florida last year. glimmering furniture of Glitterace, one can’t The two inventive and visionary minds help but think of a beautiful Technicolor came together one evening with the idea of Hollywood Musical. It is no wonder that the fusing together glitter and furniture. They partners behind the company, Andrew Luc began with used geometric pieces, stripping Carter and Gunter Maislinger, mention the them and adding glossy paint and lines of Hollywood films of Norma Shearer or the “Rat glitter. The results were amazing and unlike Pack” in fantastic 1950s Vegas when anything they had seen before. From there, describing their creations. Marie Antoinette they completely covered the pieces, resulting would have flipped her in works that can light powder white wig over the up a whole room. luxurious works of art. The pair now work It is no surprise that with a manufacturer to both men have an artistic fulfill the large demand background. Carter, a native for their product. They New Yorker, has studied at use mostly para, strong Traphagen and F.I.T. He tropical wood and solid has done everything from oak. Black-on-black designing his own clothing enamel or dark brown Luc & Gunter line in New York’s East wood shades coupled Village to working on 7th with brilliant glitter in homes, so I’d say it’s a sophisticated crowd Details on Alton Road will begin to carry their Avenue. He recently moved royal blue, hot pink, with refined taste.” work next week. The partners say they to South Beach from New black and white Maislinger also stresses the glamour of received a good response at the recent Gay York this past May. complete the look. the pieces, and the aspect that there is Life Expo April 5-6 in Miami. They spoke with Maislinger hails from So what kind of something new about it. He notes that two men who want to sell their furniture in the gorgeous Baroque city person is the Glitterace women especially love the half table with Fort Lauderdale. They also talked with South of Salzburg, Austria, which customer? mirror. As a make-up table, it is reminiscent Beach painter Noel, tossing around the idea might explain his taste for “It seems people of one found in a movie legend’s dressing of creating glitter frames. opulent surroundings. that have a modern room. Carter and Maislinger see a sparkling Moving to New York in the taste,” Maislinger says. “When you have it at home and light a future for Glitterace. mid-’80s, he created a “Also people with a candle on top, the affect is beautiful,” successful line of men’s sense of adventure, Maislinger says. “It makes you feel so good For more information about Glitterace sweater carried by over 100 usually fun and exciting to see the flickers and glimmers reflecting furniture, call 305.538.7798 or send retailers. His entrepreneurial people. The pieces go from the pieces.” e-mail to [email protected]. skills even led him to start a well in big beautiful The well-known home interior store
www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003 • Q3
CYMK Q4 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003
CYMK Q_MOVIEpreview Sexy ‘Biker’ Revs Up the Music World DJ Eddie Baez Wows Dance Fans with New Album By Andy Zeffer in a loft above his mechanics workshop, the In October 2000, he released his first full- Features Editor perfect venue to perfect his skills. length compilation mix from Logic Records, DJ Eddie Baez is one busy guy, having Occasionally he would take a small gig, Eddie Baez Volume 1. His remixed songs just finished his new album, Eddie Baez II. welcoming any opportunity to find an have consistently charted in the This is one man who is used to traveling, audience and gain experience. Billboard Top 10, including Miss playing clubs all over the country. His current Hard work led to weekly gigs at The Jane’s “It’s A Fine Day,” Whitney career is a far cry from his days as a Super Club and at Save the Robots, a Houston’s “Love will Save the motorcycle mechanic, a job he did for 10 years notorious after-hours Lower East Side club. Day,” Sandra Bernhardt’s “On before getting into the club scene. Baez cites playing at Save the Robots as an the Runway” and even Demi “I just loved going to the clubs and especially invaluable experience, due to the Moore’s “Gift of Love.” As a hearing the music,” Baez says. mixed crowds of black and white, straight matter of fact, he has The journey began in the early ’90s. The and gay. For years, late-night partiers flocked achieved number one six New Yorker had just moved from Brooklyn to one of the only early morning spots. times with Toni Braxton’s to Manhattan and was frequenting all the But the big turning point came on New “I Don’t Want To,” hot dance spots, including The Red Zone, Year’s Eve 1997, when Beaz was chosen over Kristine W’s “Sweet Sound Factory and Garage. Baez says it was 2,000 other DJs to take the coveted booth at Mercy Me,” Hannah like being a kid in a candy store, being New York City’s Sound Factory. He Jones’ “You Only captivated by the crowd and powerful dance immediately gained a huge following, have to Say You music. Among his favorite DJs were wowing crowds with his hard mix of New Love Me,” Joi legendary mix-masters Frankie Knuckles and York style tribal and vocal house. When New Cardwell’s “Run to Junior Vasquez. Baez soon told himself he York nightclub king Peter Gatien saw the large You” and Jocelyn could do the same thing. Selling his following Baez amassed, he offered the up- Enriques’ “A Little DJ Eddie Baez motorcycles and using the money to buy and-comer sub-residency at Limelight and a Bit of Ecstasy.” turntables, he never looked back. Asked Friday night residency at the piece de And now he whether or not his former biker-boy image resistance of all New York clubs, the Tunnel. presents Eddie Baez helps his career, Baez is very humble about Baez describes his time at the tunnel as Volume II to the fans. Baez is it. pure magic. “The space, the crowd, the excited about his work on this latest effort, “It comes up every now and then,” he vibe—everything just came together, and which includes collaborations with various says casually. with it came opportunity,” he says. “It really artists such as Andrea Tafuri and Amy . Like every other aspiring DJ, Baez paid expanded my audience beyond New York and Ramirez. gay audience wherever I go. And I cross over his dues by starting out at the bottom and even the U.S. It literally put me on the map as No doubt Baez’s dark good looks and to the straight audience in New York at working his way up. His first step was to a DJ.” sexy smoldering image add to his mystique Tunnel. There is such a mixed crowd there. I enroll at classes at Manhattan’s Center for As a result, the super DJ now books as an artist. The DJ describes himself as enjoy a good-looking man as much as I enjoy Media Arts, focusing on music gigs from Miami to San Francisco to Japan. bisexual, and currently single. a good-looking girl.” programming. While attending classes, he One of his favorite places to play at the “My sexuality has not been a problem And dance fans everywhere enjoy this moonlighted by throwing parties for friends moment is The Factory in Los Angeles. at all,” he says. “I play for a predominantly biker-turned-DJ’s music.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003 • Q5
CYMK Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest
Mama Harvey Is raspy-voiced Harvey Fierstein on his way to becoming America’s favorite mom? The creator of Torch Song Trilogy, who can currently be seen on Broadway playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, is hitting the sitcom trail. Fierstein is set to star in a new ABC show as the mother of a blue-collar domestic comedy. The show is the brainchild of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the out geniuses behind Chicago and The award-winning TV biopic of Judy Garland, Me and My Shadows: Life With Judy Garland. Zadan and Meron are looking for a writer for the show, and plan to shoot the pilot in late summer, after Fierstein finishes his Hairspray gig. Funny Pages A new book is giving cartoon fans a look at how some favorite shows came into being. Harvey Fierstein Makin’ Toons, by Allan Neuwirth, details how many animated characters came to life, including the good old gang of King of the Hill, SpongeBob Squarepants, Roger Rabbit, The Simpsons and Ren & Stimpy. The book is jam-packed with previously unreleased sketches, models sheets and photos. Ooh, how about a new reality series on the Cartoon Network—”Behind the Toons.” Each episode can take an in-depth look at a beloved cartoon, from the first drawn line to the finished project. Would that be exciting, boys and girls? Madonna’s Android Encounter Madonna has some big fans from Down Under, in the form of the Australian comedy band The Androids. The wacky group has just released an infectious, funny song called “Do It With Madonna” that’s been getting some great airplay here in the States. In the song, The Androids praise the talents of Christina, Britney and Pink, but dismiss them as little girls. But when they come to Madonna, they proclaim: I’d love to do it with Madonna/She’s what a woman should be. The Aussie lads also express their desire to see a little girl-on-girl action when they extol the virtues of Kylie and wonder if they could get Kylie to do it with Madonna. In other Madonna news, the Will & Grace episode featuring Madonna will air April 24. It seems that producers of the sitcom had been after Madonna for years, but it was only after plying her with her favorite roses and promising that she could play a real character and not herself did the Material Girl agree. In the episode, Madonna will play Karen’s The Androids Love Madonna (Megan Mullally’s) loopy roommate. Mr. Martini Tuesdays Hits the Big 4-0 Edison Farrow, founder of the Traveling Tuesday Martini Night, will celebrate his 40th birthday at his own event Tuesday, April 15, at the Delano Hotel in South Beach. Farrow founded Martini Nights as a way for gay professionals to socialize. The event, which features a specialty martini of the week and is held at a different location each time, caught on and is now attended by hundreds of people. Farrow, a bartender and performer, has become one of SoBe’s most famous hosts. For more information, check out www.SoBeSocialClub.com. Local Boys Make Good Hunting for Herschell, the dark comedy which was shot exclusively in South Florida—mainly Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach—using all local talent, has been nominated for the Best Narrative Feature Award by the Bare Bones Film Festival in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The film was produced by Express Senior Editor Michael James and directed by Robert Hooker, artistic director of Fort Lauderdale’s Sol Theatre. Jarrod Canepa of Wilton Manors wrote the script and co-starred in the film. Did Rosie Bomb at GLAAD Dinner? A recent speech by Rosie O’Donnell at a fundraising dinner for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has highlighted the issue of whether it’s appropriate for celebrities to voice their opinions on the war in Iraq at events that have nothing to do with global politics. In its April 9 edition, the New York Post reported that O’Donnell was booed when she started criticizing President Bush during her speech at the GLAAD fundraiser. According to reports, O’Donnell defended director Michael Moore’s anti-war Oscar speech, blasted Bush and complained that the war is “killing Iraqi women and children.” But “eyewitness accounts” of the audience’s reaction differ. The Post quotes an unnamed source (“our spywitness”) as saying, “Rosie received some polite cheering, but there were audible boos from the crowd.” The source added, “Most people just stared down and rearranged their napkins waiting for her to finish. When she wrapped up, the audience was notably and awkwardly less enthusiastic than at her entrance.” But GLAAD representative Scott Seomin told a different story. “There was a standing ovation when Rosie got on stage,” Seomin told the Post. “I was in the wings and did not hear any booing during [the speech], and several people did stand when she left the stage. “Rosie is an icon in the gay and lesbian community. Her remarks about the war were surprising to us at GLAAD, but we support free speech,” he added.
Q6 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003
CYMK Q_ARTfeature Artist Has ‘Green Thumb’ for Floral Photography Physics Background Helps Houston Harness Energy of Natural World By Phil LaPadula “Physics has an abstract aspect to it,” April. Managing Editor Houston explains. “It’s about natural forces The library is located at 1717 N. The Doug Houston photography and the interaction of objects. My mind Andrews Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more exhibit at the Stonewall Library brings to mind works in imagery.” information, call 954.763.8565. the work of Robert Mapplethorpe—without Houston won an award the whips and chains. Mapplethorpe, who is for “Best in the Show for Color best known for his graphic nude photographs Photography” at the New York including some SM images, was also a master State Fair, a prestigious event of “sensual” floral art. Houston seems to that is very selective in possess the same “green thumb” for floral approving entries. photography. The only picture with a “It’s very flattering when people make figure in the Stonewall exhibit the comparison to Mapplethorpe,” Houston shows a young man in a says, noting that another artist who has “semi-natural state” with influenced his work is Georgia O’Keefe. flowers in his hair. “We Although photographs of flowers are happened to be at a weekend often referred to as “still lifes,” Houston has campout, and he had picked managed to instill a mood-inducing energy some flowers. So I asked him into his work. For example, in his photo to put them in his hair, and he _____, the rainbow flag he has constructed posed for me,” Houston says, from flowers appears to be flapping in the adding that he would like to breeze. try more portraits in the His use of natural lighting against dark future. backgrounds gives the work its vibrancy. Houston hopes to create Houston takes the flowers outside and shoots a “mood of relaxation” with them against a black screen. “The natural his work. “Flowers are great lighting brings out the colors,” he says. for that,” he says. “They’re “Sometimes an overcast day can be the best very seductive; nature made because there’s not too much contrast.” them to be seductive. Houston’s knack for harnessing the “It’s all about energy of the natural world stems from his composition and what physics background. He has a Ph.D. in feelings it evokes.” physics from Pennsylvania State University Sponsored by and currently teaches physics at a magnet ArtsUnited—a local nonprofit group that school in Broward County. He worked as an promotes gay and lesbian artists—the Doug engineer in New York before moving to South Houston exhibit can be seen at Stonewall Doug Houston Florida seven years ago. Library and Archives through the end of
www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003 • Q7
CYMK Q_INTERNETnews Gaywatch: A gay preteen in “Oliver Beene”
By Christine Champagne To Gewirtz’s knowledge, Michael is the Taylor Emerson Gay.com youngest gay character we’ve ever seen on More than a few gay men see a network television series. Not surprisingly, themselves in Michael, the colorful 12-year- it was hard to find an actor for the role. Some old played by Taylor Emerson (who is 13) on parents weren’t comfortable with the role, the Fox sitcom Oliver Beene. Michael, whose and many kids who did audition “were acting passions include Judy Garland, is obviously stereotypically gay, and that was horrible,” gay—though he doesn’t necessarily know Gewirtz says. “Then we met Taylor. He loves that. “He just knows he is different from other the character, and he’s endearing without kids,” says Howard Gewirtz, the show’s necessarily falling into the stereotype.” creator and executive producer. But it can’t be denied that Oliver Gewirtz based Oliver Beene on his own Beene does milk some gay stereotypes to upbringing. Set in 1962 in Rego Park, Queens, get laughs: Michael has a flair for fashion the show centers on the title character (Grant (how many 12-year-olds wear ascots?), Rosenmeyer), an 11-year-old misfit with a calls his friends “honey” and fusses over quirky family: dentist dad (Grant Shaud of his little dog. “To some extent, I do think Murphy Brown fame), homemaker mom we get some jokes out of somewhat (Wendy Makkena) and girl-crazy brother Ted embracing a stereotype,” Gewirtz (Andrew Lawrence). concedes. “But I think Taylor, who is such Michael is Oliver’s best friend. Like a good actor, puts a bit of a twist on it.” everyone else around him—except for So far, fans of the show—gay and Michael’s dad (Greg Wrangler), who clearly straight—connect with Michael, according has suspicions—Oliver is unaware of his to Gewirtz. “There is no more sympathetic buddy’s sexual orientation. But, Gewirtz character on the show,” he says, adding that notes, “Oliver is occasionally confused that Michael gets a lot of positive feedback. Michael doesn’t see why Oliver’s true love, This is looking way into the future, of Bonnie [Amy Castle], is even attractive.” course, but how does Gewirtz picture Michael So why did Gewirtz—who is straight— as an adult? (One episode contained a flash- include a gay kid on the show? “When I was forward to the future, in which Michael and writing the pilot, I tried to stay true to some his male partner happily cooed over their people I knew growing up.” While writing adopted child.) “I think that you can’t be the best-friend character, Gewirtz says, “I gay in a heterosexual culture and not come realized my real best friend was as dull as up against walls,” Gewirtz says. “That would dirt. Then I remembered a friend of mine in be impossible. Certainly, the future for elementary school who was clearly gay. He Michael is not going to be completely came out in high school.” Combining those smooth. But I like to think that Michael will memories with recollections of another “more become a self-realized, self-accepting gay flamboyant” friend from his teenage years, man.” Gewirtz fashioned Michael.
Q_DININGguide Advertise_954-568-1880
Q8 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003
CYMK Q_CULTURALevents Wednesday, April 16: Oakland Park and Live Theatre and Dance Wilton Manors Chamber of Commerce Through Sunday, April 20: Barefoot in the Luncheon Meeting—All interested business Park—Neil Simon’s hilarious play is at Stage Door persons are invited to attend a noon meeting at Theatre, 8036 W Sample Rd., Coral Springs. Simply Delish, 2287 Wilton Dr. Special guest Dr. 954.344.7765. Cynthia A. Hardy, optometrist, speaks on “The Through Sunday, May 25: The Foreigner— Miracle of Corneal Refractive Therapy.” $15. This off-Broadway comedy is at the Stage Door’s 954.568.7755. 26th St. Theatre, 1444 NE 26th St. in Wilton Thursday, April 17: Sister Speak Open Manors. 954.344.7765. Mic—All women are invited to share their poetry, Tuesday - Sunday, April 15 - 27: Contact— lyrics, music and performance art. Five dollars for A musical without singers? A dance play? A dancical? supporters and $3 for performers. All money collected This dazzling evening consists of three stories set goes to a women’s organization. www.sisterspeak.org, in present day New York, each about people in the 954.772.0324. wild pursuit of love, brilliantly told through music Friday, April 18: The Bunny Ball—There and dance. Broward Center, 201 Southwest Fifth will be Playboy Bunnies and an Easter egg hunt with Ave. 954.462.0222. $500 in cash and prizes. Doors open at 9pm, no April 19 & May 10: Queer Mates—A comedic cover before 10pm. Glamorous Go-Go girls and play about coming out. Written and directed by exclusive VIP room. Proper attire requested. Tease is Robby Kendall. $14 in advance, $18 at the door. located at Steel, 5922 S. Dixie Hwy. in Miami. ArtServe Auditorium, 1350 E Sunrise Blvd., 954.288.8691, 305.495.6969, www.ultra-events.com 954.462.9191. For Tickets call 954.525.7703 or or www.pandoraevents.com. visit [email protected]. Saturday, April 19: Drag King Wednesday, April 23: Ellen Degeneres Competition—Put on your tie and come out for Here and Now—8pm at the Kravis Center for the some serious Gender Bending fun at the Second Annual Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm She King Drag King Competition with Mo B. Dick. Beach. www.kravis.org or 561.832.SHOW. Contestants from South Florida, Tampa, Tallahassee Friday, May 9: Margaret Cho—7:30pm at and Gainesville compete for $1,000 in cash and prizes Broward Center, 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. and the title “She King 2003.” Doors open at 8pm, 954.462.0222. show starts at 9pm at the Sea Monster, 2 S. New River Dr., Fort Lauderdale. 18 and over are welcome. For information visit www.ultra-events.com. To Music compete call Alison at 954.288.8691. Monday, April 14: Trust Company—7pm Saturday, April 19: Inspirational Poetry at the Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy, Ft. Café—A program of live performance art including Lauderdale. 954.564.1074. music, spoken word, poetry and visual art in honor Tuesday, April 15: The Bechet-Spanier of National Poetry Month. 7pm at the Main Library, Tribute—Swing & Jazz Preservation concert series. 100 S Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are 7:30pm at Spanish River Church, 2400 NW Yamato $10 and available through Illuminations Bookstore, Road, Boca Raton. 561.994.5000. 305.624.4991. For information call 954.357.7464 Saturday, April 19: Mandy Patinkin in or 305.653.9783. Mammaloshen—Patinkin performs comedy and Saturday, April 19: Writing the Short songs about Jewish history in this musical concert. Story—Christine Jackson presents a workshop 8pm at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 focused on how writers can develop and blend elements Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs. 954.344.5990. of character, plot and setting to create a short story. Friday, April 25: Alana Davis—Alana has $40 in advance, $45 at the door. 10am at the Main won widespread acclaim for her smart, soulful songs Library, 100 S Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale. and her earthy, sensuous voice. $25. Broward Center, 954.357.7401. 201 Southwest Fifth Ave. 954.462.0222. Saturday, April 19: Rediscovering Healing Energies—This workshop is presented by Broward Art Exhibitions County Libraries from 1 - 5pm. Call 954.357.7348 Through Sunday, May 4: The Sideshow of for location and information. the Absurd—A multimedia installation by Denver- Saturday, April 19: Green Market—Fresh based artist Pamela Joseph. Her work references fruits, vegetables, flowers, etc. 9am – 3pm at the visual culture of the traveling carnival while Anniversary Park, 20th Ave. & Hollywood Blvd. exploring contemporary notions of femaleness and 954.921.3388. female power. The Gallery at the Art and Culture Friday, April 25 through Sunday, May 4: Center, 1650 Harrison St., Hollywood, Fifth Annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film 954.921.3274. www.artandculturecenter.org. Festival—Tickets are on sale now at Through Friday, July 20: Postcard www.MGLFF.com and 305.534.9924. Exhibit—Modernism for the Masses: Artist- Sunday, April 27: 9th Annual WIN Charity designed Postcards from the Collection of Anthony Golf Tournament—Trophies, raffles, prizes, Guneratne is on display in the Bienes Center for auction and a catered buffet. Proceeds to Benefit the Literary Arts on the sixth floor of the Broward Kids in Distress & WIN. 7:30am registration and County Main Library, 100 S Andrews Ave., Ft. 8am shotgun start at Carolina Club, 3011 N Rock Lauderdale. Free. 954.357.8692. Island Rd., Margate. $65/WIN members, $75/ nonmembers and $25/buffet only. www.womeninnetwork.com/events.htm. Radio Saturday, May 17: 2003 Cattle Barons’ The Norm Kent Show—Interviews and Ball—Saddle up for the Fight Against Cancer at the commentary with Norm Kent, weekday mornings 2003 Cattle Barons’ Ball in the Penthouse of the at 8am on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is new Bank of America Building at Las Olas City Centre. 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com Featuring rootin’ tootin’ gourmet western fare, high- Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts end live and hush auctions, Texas two steppin’, games this gay and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday and many surprises. Dress up or down. For mornings at 7:25am on PARTY 93.1 FM. information, tickets or reserved tables, call Jacqueline www.Party931.com. Harrington at 954.564.0880 ext. 123. Saturday, May 31: Arthritis Walk— Television Currently recruiting teams and sponsors. Food, SoFla Q TV—Television for the alternative prizes, health fair and entertainment. 7am lifestyle. For information call 305.534.3975 or visit registration and 8am walk. 3.1- and 1-mile courses. www.soflaqtv.com. 954.726.6707.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003 • Q9
CYMK Need_Wood By Woody Miller Sex Buddies Have Short Shelf-Life By Charlene Lichtenstein For the week of 4/14/03 Cuddly Venus “squares” hard-hearted Saturn. leading us into delicious temptation and rapping our knuckles with a ruler afterwards. This sado- Hey Woody! knew he was falling for you and sensed you masochistic tango may do the trick for some of us, but for the rest here’s I had a great fuck buddy. We saw each wanted to use him like a dishrag. a piece of advice; Choose your desserts wisely. other every week or so, and fucked each But enough maybes. Fuck buddies are other to insensibility. I liked him, but never like a pint of fresh milk: They have a short ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20) thought we had enough in common for things shelf life. That phone call you wrote about? Let actions speak louder and prouder than words. Do good gay deeds behind to go further. That was fine with me, although That was the sound of your fuck buddy the scene and don’t jump to take credit. With Saturn, anything you say could be held against you. There are better things than words to be held I sometimes got the feeling he might have relationship reaching the expiration date. against you, gay Ram. wanted more. Finally we spent a whole night together. Hey, Woody! TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) It was sweet to cuddle, and to wake up before Do you believe in Aphrodisiacs? I’ve Friendships may require more attention than usual, queer Bull. It may be that dawn and do it again. Then I didn’t hear from heard that all kinds of stuff can bring lust to your current social circles do not mesh with your values and personal aspirations. If that is so, Saturn recommends that you either change your him for weeks. Finally he calls. It’s Sunday your heart and your date to his knees. Do tune or your randy band. morning. I’m puttering around drinking oysters do it? Does anything? coffee and watering my plants. He says, —Ready to swallow GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) “What are you doing? Why don’t you come Pink Twins go their merry way in their career, oblivious to the lurking hungry pinstripped sharks. Lunch is served when stern Saturn squares over here and suck my cock?” I say, “I have Dear Ready: guileless Venus. Sometimes we need a dose of reality to get us back on the to take a shower, but I’ll be there in 45 Ancient Romans believed that foods right track, stronger than ever. minutes.” Then he says, “I was only kidding.” worked as aphrodisiacs if they were “warm We proceed to have a nice chat, in the middle and moist” and also “windy.” Yes, they CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 23) of which he says, “Somebody’s on the other believed that if you farted it would inflate the The more you learn, the less you feel you know. Drink from the well of knowledge even if it makes you intellectually tipsy, queer Crab. How else line, I’ll call you back in a minute.” penis and cause an erection. will you achieve affirmation and a strong sense of self? Just remember not That was three weeks ago. I miss having Right. If farting all the time caused hard- to drink and drive. sex with him and I’m confused about why it ons, my editor would be a walking dildo. LEO (JULY 24 - AUGUST 23) ended. Why do you think he pulled the plug? Oysters got their reputation as a sexual Just when you thought it was safe to jump in that hormonal hot tub, Venus —Miss the bang-bang kick-start because of their resemblance to the square Saturn throws in ice cubes. Proud Lions need to balance the yin and female anatomy. I know. Barf. I can hear all yang. You’ll entice a few hot prospects into the water and use body warmth Dear Bang-bang: the seafood forks held by gay men clanging to keep the tub raging hot. I could tell you it was this or that, but down on their plates. VIRGO (AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23) then I’d be eliminating the other thousand “Aphrodisiac” came from a Greek Queer Virgins are betwixt when sweet Venus collides meanie Saturn. Which possibilities. It could be a boyfriend he never Goddess of Love named Woody. Or is it needs your attention more - business or personal relationships? Pay told you about, an ex-boyfriend who just Aphrodite? I forget. Anyway, WebMD, the attention to the small details and don’t trade love for money (unless of moved back, meeting someone he wanted to most respected medical website on the course you’re into that kind of thing). get serious with. But the most likely scenario Internet, said, “Alcohol is one of the only LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23) is that he walked by a mirror as he was talking things known for ages as an aphrodisiac that Even energetic gay Libras feel a little weary when lovely Venus squares to you and he just lost track of why he called. has any real effect on sexual desire. A little diabolical Saturn. But Saturn is simply handing you a roadmap so you can There’s a formula that might help you alcohol can dissolve inhibitions and put you find the shortest route. The secret is to plan an escapade with someone understand the nature of your relationship in the mood.” verrrry energetic. with him: Fuck Buddy = Sex Toy. Like any But as MacBeth said, “It increases the SCORPIO (OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22) child, gay men can only play with the same desire, but it takes away the performance.” Romantic Venus knows no limits and parties with reckless abandon while toy for so long before they get tired of it. Liquor doesn’t make you horny or Saturn hands you ear plugs, a house robe and fuzzy slippers. It is advisable Basically, the formula contains a stick of potent; it just dissolves inhibitions, a for proud Scorps to cool their ardor and allow saner minds to prevail. That dynamite. Maybe the fuse got lit, and you completely different thing. Remember, a little is, until next week! got the detonating phone call. goes a long way. Three and a half drinks for SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 22) Another possibility: When he spent that a 150-pound man and they’ll call you stud. Proud Archers may be trying to balance partnerships with family tender night you got humanized and, oh dear, Four drinks and they’ll call dud. expectations - now to no avail. If they are unwilling to accept you for who there went the erotic illusion. You went from you are, Saturn gives you the green light to do what is necessary to attain happiness. Heck, make it a lavender light. cum bucket to actual person, bringing up an intimacy that scared him. Need Wood? Ask woody how to CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 20) Maybe he cut himself off because he spice up your sex life. E-mail him at If work becomes more of a burden than usual, blame it on compliant Venus [email protected]. square implacable Saturn. Who wants to work when the inner artist cries for attention? Pink Caps must speak up if they want time to emote and create. What’s your motivation? AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19) Aqueerians should get the party bill in advance or at least count the empty bottles at the end of the evening. At any rate, you may find that fun costs much more than anticipated. Oh what the heck; keep partying until you get it right! PISCES (FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20) Mystical Venus squares uncompromising Saturn and motivates all Guppies to heed the motto; “To thine own self be true and others will simply have to adjust.” Solid Saturn puts you in the drivers seat. Rev up your engine and clear a path for yourself.
© 2003 MADAM LICHTENSTEIN, LLC., All Rights Reserved.For Entertainment Purposes Only. Check out her site www.AccessNewAge.com/Stargayzer for egreetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. Her book “HerScopes; A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.
Q10 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003
CYMK Pumping It Up with Maximum_Volume New Album Releases Celine Dion: ‘One Heart’ Cher: ‘The Very Best of Cher’ (Epic) (Rhino) Just when many were ready to dismiss Celine Dion as a saccharine The legend that is Cher has chanteuse specializing in sappy serenades, the Vegas headliner has released proven critics wrong time after time. One Heart, a danceable, upbeat CD that shows a new side to the Canadian Love her or not, not a soul can argue songbird. the woman is a legend, with her sold- Celine and her team have done an excellent job repackaging her for a new out and extended farewell tour generation, while still keeping older, diehard fans happy. It was a brilliant placing her among the top highest choice to record the Roy Orbison classic “I Drove All Night,” a passionate, paid entertainers this past year. Her soaring song full of sex and urgency. So what if it was used in a car commercial countless incarnations and before this record was released? It doesn’t detract from the power of Celine’s successful forays in the world of disco-pop driven vocal. music, television, motion pictures “In His Touch” is a sweet love song with enough heart and simplicity to and stage have put her in a category keep Celine’s fans singing along, and would be an excellent follow-up single apart from any other performer out to “I Drove All Night.” The song even has some nifty wind sound effects there. Over four decades of recording that would help make a great video—I can just see the goddess Celine with her long, billowing dress rustling in the has ensured her a solid chunk of hits, wind—or at least a really killer wind machine. most of which are featured on this 21-track retrospective disc. The title track is bouncy, perhaps a little too bouncy, but Celine is right back emoting up a storm with “Stand Listeners are treated to endearing, youthful and classic duets with By Your Side.” The provocatively titled “Naked” is another winner, with really strong guitar work. Sonny Bono. Namely “I Got You Babe,” “The Beat goes On” and the lesser One Heart showcases the popular singer’s talent in a new way, making her more accessible to more people. remembered but equally catchy “All I Really Want To Do.” It is fascinating Most of all, it shows that Celine Dion is not easily dismissed. to hear and listen to her powerful, raw voice in the early years. It was no —Mary Damiano wonder the two hit it big time; the public had probably never heard such a distinct alto in their lives. Dressy Bessy: ‘Little Music’ The flashy and fantastically trashy hits from her variety show days are included as well. “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves,” “Half-Breed” and (Kindercore Records) “Dark Lady” are more than just songs. They are like fables unfolding and Little Music is a contradictory title for this CD. On the one hand, the 13 put to music for adults. Her brief disco phase is showcased with “Take Me tracks add up to a scant 35 minutes of music—very little music indeed. On the Home.” other hand, the music, a pounding, incessant beat, overshadows the vocals on When listening to latter-day MTV standards like “Turn Back Time” every song—too much music if you ask me. and “I Found Someone,” it is hard to believe it was more than 10 years ago From what can be heard of the vocals, the singers’ voices don’t offer a lot that Cher strutted her superb figure so scandalously bare aboard a battle of promise. Voices fall flat more often than not and have a sweet but nasal ship. And her crowning comeback triumph of “Believe,” almost unheard of quality to them. The lyrics, consequently, are difficult to understand and lost for a female performer to attain at such a level, is the first song on the in a haze of amateur guitar work. album. From the sound of this CD, Dressy Bessy comes off as the kind of local In fact, Cher has had so many hits that a number of prominent ones are band a club hires to warm up the crowd before the headline act. They might sadly missing from this collection, such as “We All Sleep Alone,” “Love garner a modicum of polite applause and a passing sympathetic respect, but are and Understanding,” “Walking in Memphis” and “The Way of Love.” On easily forgotten. “The Way of Love” her voice sounds most deliciously mannish of all her Probably the best song on the CD is “Sunny,” mainly because it sounds tunes. But fans have plenty of the outrageously cool icon to keep themselves like the result of a crack party attended by the Partridge family and the Brady kids. busy with on this CD. The Very Best of Cher is an essential for any collection. Reado While the band takes a punk/new wave approach to their songs, they end up sounding like schoolgirls trying to —Andy Zeffer create grrl rock. Dressy Bessy may be trying to recreate a classic garage band with Little Music, but this music should have stayed in the garage. —Mary Damiano
www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003 • Q11
CYMK Guest Column Expressions Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Addiction
Help Is Available for Out-of-Control Libidos By Paul Harris They spend countless hours online in Fort Lauderdale. He has been working relationship with himself. “A relationship going from chatroom to chatroom looking to in this field for 16 years and currently 50 with someone else is not possible until I meet up with a total stranger for meaningless to 60 percent of his clients are gay men. have good relationship with myself,” he sex that leaves them unsatisfied. Or they may He is both a certified sex therapist and a told The Express. be habitués of bathhouses or “bookstores,” certified sex addiction therapist. He Why do some people have problems where they cruise for anonymous sex, suggested three specific criteria to judge in this area while others do not? Dennis’s sometimes with multiple partners in a session. whether you (or someone you know) has take is that as a child he was “battered Or they hang around restrooms (“tearooms”) “crossed the line” from someone with a with ideas that I was not worth loving. As or parks looking to meet someone where, healthy attitude regarding sex to an addict. a result I looked elsewhere for validation apart from the “thrill of the hunt,” there is 1. A person “crosses the line” between and self-esteem.” also the possibility of being beaten up by a sexual health and addiction when sex While Dennis has been in sexual queer-basher or even arrested by the police starts to interrupt rather than enhance recovery for five years, Kurt, in his early for breaking some city or county ordnance. relations with friends, family, work, home and alcoholic.” 40s, is a newcomer with a little over a month In many ways, they are the least everyday life. Many people who suffer from one of attending meetings. In his professional life, understood addicts in the modern world— 2. Sexual addiction is about being out of addiction are prone to others. The recovering he is involved in the financial side of sex addicts. Sometimes the figures of fun, control, and unmanageable rather than alcoholic or drug addict who has a “slip” retirement planning. He describes the first rarely taken very seriously, sex addicts exploring one’s sexuality and defining often goes on the sexual “rampage” as well. weeks as having been challenging, anxious oftentimes lead rather desperate lives finding preferences along with likes and dislikes. Dennis described feeling petrified the and enlightening as he has been “in little physical or emotional satisfaction. 3. Sex addiction is the preoccupation first time that he ever went to an SLAA withdrawal.” It’s been amazing to see how The other evening The Express met with and the pursuit of sexually compulsive meeting.” I felt uncomfortable and didn’t go out of control my behaviors were. Every free with a few members of Sex and Love Addicts behaviors. Sexual addictive behavior tends back for several months. However, my moment seemed to be spent online, or Anonymous here in Fort Lauderdale. The to escalate in frequency and intensity, and addictive behavior became more and more thinking or obsessing, or planning sexual group is based upon the 12 steps and interferes with normal daily living. Instead of an issue and I found my way back to the encounters. I was totally preoccupied.” traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. They bringing the person closer to being in tune rooms.” He describes his “recovery” as Currently, Kurt is pursuing 30 days totally meet twice a week at the GLCC, where they with his own thoughts and feelings, it drives beginning when he created boundaries for abstaining from sex. offer each other mutual support as they try him away from himself. himself. The first was that he decided to to lead sexual sober lives. One of the leading lights of the Fort stay away from bathhouses. Then he decided FIRST is based at the Recovery The obvious question to ask is, when Lauderdale group of Sex and Love Addicts that anonymous sex was his “bottom line” Center, 803 NE 4th Ave. in Fort does someone cross the line from having a Anonymous is Dennis. He described how — by which he means behavior that he Lauderdale. Call 954.463.6563. They healthy, life-affirming attitude about sex (and he would go to a bathhouse in Philadelphia chooses that is unacceptable for him. Today, can also be contacted by e-mail at sexuality) to becoming an addict. For the “have several sexual encounters with men I he has decided that his bottom line is not to [email protected]. answer to this question I went to John considered quite ‘hot,’ but leave feeling have sex outside of a loving relationship. Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous Jamieson, who runs the Florida Institute for empty and lonely. I recognized that my sexual For Dennis, and for others that I spoke meets at the GLCC twice a week on Recovery and Sexual Therapy (FIRST) here behavior was addictive as a recovering with, the point is first to be in a healthy Sundays and Tuesdays at 8pm.
Q12 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • April 14, 2003
CYMK