www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q1 Q_COVERstory Did Someone Say Strip? ‘Chelsea Boys’ Hit the Big Time with a New Book of a real-life narrative.” Chelsea Boys creators Neuwirth also points out the Allan Neuwirth and Glen Hanson visual evolution of Chelsea Boys. “As we got more complex in our storytelling, we simplified the visuals. If you tell a story well, and tell it simply, and layer it with depth and emotion, it’s received Neither artist can choose a favorite better.” character; Hanson and Neuwirth feel a certain As the popularity of Chelsea kinship with each one. “Each of the characters Boys has grown over the years, so address a different part of myself, so it’s kind have both artists solo careers. of asking what part of myself is my favorite,” Hanson has won awards for his Hanson says. “My heart lies with Nathan, my work, which has appeared in head lies with Sky and my ego lies most with Entertainment Weekly, Soiree, because he’s a performer.” Cosmopolitan, GQ, The New York “Nathan lets us express our opinions, Times, and on MTV, Comedy Soiree lets us get our sarcastic side out and Central and VH1. His character Sky lets us get our altruistic qualities out,” designs have also appeared on the Neuwirth says. “Really, the three of them serve animated shows Daria, Beetlejuice as mouthpieces for different aspects of our and Freaky Stories. He also does personalities.” erotic beefcake illustrations and Hanson and Neuwirth are proud that has his own line of sexy greeting they’ve been able to go beyond the standard cards, which he does under his comic strip fluff and jokes and tackle some By Mary Damiano gay roommates, Jewish everyman Nathan, pseudonym, G-Man. real issues. Hanson particularly liked the Arts & Entertainment Editor hunky artist Sky and soulful diva Soiree. The Earlier this year, Neuwirth saw storylines focusing on Soiree and his estranged When Glen Hanson and Allan Neuwirth strip is the continuing story of their lives and publication of his own book, Makin’ Toons, father, as well as how the characters dealt with first began their comic strip Chelsea Boys, quests to find true love and to make their which gives a look inside the creations and the Sept. 11 attacks. they never imagined the strip would be so dreams come true. The strip first began creators of popular animated shows and Both writers would like to see Chelsea popular five years later. appearing in New York’s Next magazine in films. Neuwirth has worked on lots of Boys go beyond a comic strip. They’re keeping “If you had told either of us up front 1998, and is now syndicated on Web sites popular shows, including Dragon Tales, their options open for a Chelsea Boys cartoon, about what kind of commitment it would and in publications in the United States, Steven Spielberg’s Toonsylvania, and a live action film, TV show or even a stage take, how many sunny days I would have to Canada and the United Kingdom. Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss, which won play. “We can certainly keep doing the strip witness from inside my apartment, we The book is only the tip of a him a nomination for a Writer’s Guild award. for years, but creatively, for us, I think we’re probably wouldn’t have done it,” Hanson merchandising iceberg for Chelsea Boys. He has also written comedy bits for Regis looking for the next challenge and the next says. Greeting cards will be released next month, Philbin and performed voiceovers for medium,” Hanson says. Chelsea Boys devotees can be grateful and in October, the strip is having its first cartoons and animated commercials. For now, Hanson and Neuwirth are proud that no one ever gave Hanson and Neuwirth art exhibit at the Leslie-Lohman Gay Art With such busy careers, it’s amazing that they’ve had the chance to present the a glimpse into the future. Five years after its Foundation Gallery in New York, where fans that they even have time to do Chelsea Boys. world with a positive and realistic view of gay inception, Chelsea Boys is not only a popular can purchase original Chelsea Boys artwork. According to Neuwirth, each strip takes life. “Our greatest return has been the bi-weekly strip running in dozens of gay Hanson and Neuwirth originally teamed about four days to produce. For several years, opportunity to have a forum and speak our publications, but also a soft-cover book, up to produce an animated short, Think Pink. they worked together in New York, minds as gay men, as artists, and then to have which was released this month by Alyson They created Chelsea Boys as a way of swapping ideas, acting out their plots and an audience for what we think.” Hanson says. Books. The book is a collection of all the garnering interest and securing financing for creating each new installment. But when Neuwirth cites the massive fan mail they strips—some in color, which is a real treat Think Pink. The strip was such a success, Hanson moved to California, they had to receive as proof that Chelsea Boys has reached for readers used to seeing the strip only in Think Pink fell by the wayside, and Nathan, adapt to a new way of doing things. Neuwirth many people in many ways. “It’s very black and white—and includes a new Sky and Soiree became gay household says that being on different coasts has not gratifying to know that what you’re doing is installment, a Chelsea Boys fairy tale called names. hindered their creative process. being appreciated and maybe causing “Sky Blue and the 7 Dwarfs.” The book also One of the things Hanson enjoyed about “It’s really not that hard,” Neuwirth discussion,” he says. “Not everyone always features a funny intro by Hanson and putting the book together was the says. “We really know how the other thinks. agrees with what we say, but it means that Neuwirth, with early sketches and answers opportunity to look back on all the strips and It’s come down to shorthand, and it’s gotten we’re provoking thought, and that’s great.” to their most frequently asked questions— see how they’ve evolved. “We started off easier and easier to create as time’s gone on. no, they’re not a couple; yes, they both write with something that was very light and very We almost become two quivering brains in and draw the strip; no, the characters aren’t comedy-based,” Hanson says. “Our bell jars communicating telepathically.” based on themselves or their friends. “We characters didn’t have the depth they have Technology also makes it easy to create the Chelsea Boys appears in The didn’t want to just put together a book now.” strip, and Hanson and Neuwirth are Express regularly. For more compiling our strips,” Neuwirth says. “We Neuwirth concurs. “It started out more frequently on the phone together with information on Chelsea Boys, visit wanted to give the readers more.” sitcom than what it evolved into,” he says. headsets, acting out the plot over the phone, www.chelseaboys.com. Chelsea Boys follows the lives of three “It went from a joke-oriented project to more and typing and scanning back and forth.
Q2 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q_ENTERTAININGnews Calendar Boys Abound to Help Keep Hot Dates Blue Door’s New Calendars Feature Couples, Erotic T-Shirt Pics From Staff Reports marketing director. Asked routines for numerous exercise and The BlueDoorCollection.com has which calendar was his fitness magazines and books. Cities announced the release of its new sensual line favorite, Hallock responded that will be featured in the Blue of calendars. As always, these include the that his favorite calendar this Door Collection 2004 Calendar classic Men 2004 and Erotica 2004 year is the Couples calendar. Tour include New York, Los calendars, but this year, the limited edition “It is a tribute to the most Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta Couples, Men In Tees and Rob Sager intimate and loving moments and San Diego. calendars have been added to the lineup. that couples share, both in and Vino, BlueDoorCollection.com’s “We are always excited to receive out of the bedroom,” he said. exclusive photographer, began his helpful e-mails from our clients about what “The pictures in the calendar career in the early 1980s, they would like to see us bring to the table give you an uplifting feeling producing and directing in upcoming years,” said Craig Gould, that true love is truly commercials, artistic videos and BlueDoorCollection.com’s president. “We possible.” photographs, which were used on like to offer a variety of products, as you In the tradition of last television for major cruise lines, as will see from our fresh yearly product year’s overwhelmingly well as for travel and vacation offerings. But our clients have successful Underwear destinations throughout the United overwhelmingly requested that the classic Calendar, The Blue Door States and the Caribbean. During Men and Erotica calendars be kept in the Collection presents Men In this period, he became fascinated forefront of our product line each year.” Tees. “We chose to create a with the creative aspects of still The work of the Blue Door Collection Men In Tees calendar because photography. After experimenting is distributed all over the world. Currently, we felt that nothing would be with different subjects, Vino, the entire product line, including greeting as sensual as the image of a whose parents were born in Italy, cards, posters and photo magnets, can be hot man wearing a wet T-shirt decided to go back to his roots. He seen all over North and South America, the that softens yet augments definition and Door Collection’s art director, Jay Beaupré. made several trips to Italy where he studied United Kingdom, Western Europe, Australia sexuality at the same time,” stated Product “It’s really a team effort,” Beaupré said. and absorbed the strength, symmetry and and even in Singapore. Development Designer Frank Angeletti. “We have a lot of fun running through ideas elegance portrayed by the statues and “The demand for high-quality art Angeletti was responsible for the design for calendar concepts and designing the paintings. photography based products has grown each layout of the 2004 line of calendars and product, but it takes a lot of work and thrown- Vino returned to America with a vision year,” said Joshua Hallock, Blue Door’s worked under the design expertise of Blue out ideas to get to the final product that you of his own. In 1998 he felt ready to begin see on the shelves and online.” his career, experimenting with a range of Rob Sager, a featured model on covers looks, styles and images while constantly and magazine spreads that appear on testing new models and developing his own newsstands worldwide, was selected by Vino imagination and artistry. for the 2004 namesake calendar. Sager has Vino’s images have appeared on over been featured in Men’s Workout, American 2000 magazine pages and covers since 1998. Health and Fitness, Physical Magazine, Iron His published work includes fashion Man, Muscle and Fitness, American Health assignments and advertisements, as well as and Fitness, Nutrition Express and Men’s covers for books and magazines including Workout, to name just a few. The Exercise For Men, Advocate, Out, Genre, BlueDoorCollection.com namesake Our World (UK) and Instinct. calendar competition began this year with Last year, Vino was commissioned to Blue Door Collection cover model Larry shoot four book covers for Kensington Ogle being featured in the Collection of Publications, the largest publishing house of Innocence calendar. gay and lesbian literature. Most recently, in “We received such an overwhelming June of 2003, world renowned Blue response to the calendar, that we just had to Magazine from Australia featured 10 of keep the tradition going,” Hallock said. Vino’s most sensual images of couples in “Ray [Vino] was such a blast to work their special “Photographers Around the with,” said Men 2004 cover model Lance World” edition. LaMar. “I am so excited that I was selected Raymond Vino’s images can be viewed as the cover model on the new Raymond throughout his personal Web site at Vino Men 2004 calendar, and I look forward www.RaymondVino.com as well as to touring with the Blue Door Collection to www.BlueDoorCollection.com, which both promote the product line.” LaMar’s portfolio contain a vast amount of his photographic includes many print advertisement features work. for companies such as Ford, New Holland, For more information, or to view the BodyBody Wear (Stephen Sandler), 2004 line of calendars, visit Pfaltzgraph as well as covers and workout www.BlueDoorCollection.com.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q3 Q_THEATERreviews Heartbeats Wows at the Caldwell Musical Details the Frustrations of Turning 50 By Mary Damiano and uncertainty of her sex appeal. Arts & Entertainment Editor The musical numbers in Heartbeats, A heartbeat is the tick tock of life’s written mostly by Amanda McBroom, range clock, each beat stretching into the pulsing from poignant to boisterous, with upbeat and rhythm of life, and creating a different seamless harmonies. “Ship in a Bottle” is soundtrack for each of us. especially lovely, as sung by Stephanie That concept is illustrated beautifully in Lynge, who plays Annie’s younger self. Heartbeats, the musical currently playing at Lynge is also very funny in her roles as the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton. Annie’s daughter and co-worker. Heartbeats tells the story of Annie, a Lourelene Snedeker is excellent as Midwestern housewife who’s approaching Annie. Snedeker is a popular local actress both a milestone and turning point in her life. with a flair for making every role she plays Annie is facing 50 and she’s not happy uniquely her own, and Annie is no exception. about it, but there are a lot of things Annie is As Annie’s husband Steve, Martin Vidnovic unhappy with, such as her husband of 30 embodies a man unable to understand that years, who barely knows she’s there and his marriage is in trouble, but desperate to takes her for granted. Then there’s her rediscover the life he and Annie once knew. daughter Jennifer, who just got matching Benjamin Schrader provides a nice bit tattoos with live-in boyfriend Rocky. And of eye candy in one of his roles, as a caged let’s not forget son Jeff, who’d rather tell go-go dancer, and as Steve’s younger self, Mom he’s running off to marry an Eskimo he exudes tenderness. than tell her he might flunk out of college. Heartbeats is capped off with In short, Annie’s not really happy with her McBroom’s most famous song, “The Rose,” life, and she takes the days approaching her which became Bette Midler’s signature song. birthday to reflect on how she got to this It provides an appropriate coda to this point in her life and on what it all means. wonderful musical. Throughout Heartbeats, Annie Heartbeats reflects on her younger self—her runs through Oct. 5 at the adventures with her wild best friend, being Caldwell Theatre, 7873 N. Federal 14 and meeting the man she would marry. Hwy., Boca Raton. Tickets are $29 and These memories are juxtaposed against $37.50. To purchase tickets, call Annie’s reality—her staid predictable life 561.241.7432. On the Edge of Awesome ‘Cassandra’ and ‘White Liars’ Ring True at Edge Theater By Peter Aymonin human nature. Entertainment Correspondent Vicchiollo trumps his interpretation of Five complex characters, four talented Jack in Cassandra, with his reading of Tom, actors, two insightful plays and one simple in White Liars. As Tom, lead singer for the stage are the key ingredients of the Edge rock band White Liars, Vicchiollo must Theatre’s most recent recipe for success. create two entirely different, yet believable, Cassandra, written and directed by Jim British accents. He does a stellar job melding Tommaney, presents a them into his character. prophetic tale of two Vicchiollo is entirely present day South Beach believable—even when lovers, Jack and Cassie. it is no longer possible to Each must, in his or her believe anyone or own way, ignore a tragic anything. prophecy in order to live Steve Cohen, cast as a blissful life. Margie Tom’s manager Frank, Ricke’s portrayal of hemorrhages inner pain Cassie delicately balances and angst while the supernatural convincing audiences of knowledge of a the truth. His obsessions prophetess with an all- over Tom’s possible too-human desire to relationship with Frank’s extend happiness, love Margie Ricke and Christopher own girlfriend leads him Cassandra and life. She exudes Vicchiollo star in in desperation to a confidence and poise. Christopher fortuneteller. Vicchiollo personifies a likeable “every- Miki Edelman, superbly cast as the man” in his portrayal of Jack. His character fortuneteller Baroness Sophie Lemberg, is believable, even in his ultimate disbelief— owns her character. A practitioner of which brings unexpected results. superior stagecraft, Edelman deftly Between plays, a cleverly hidden wall illuminates a complex and introspective transforms the stage from a one-room South Baroness. Shaffer says much through the Beach apartment into a two-room Baroness as she muddles through the lies of astrologer’s parlor in a small, seedy, British life—drinking gin from a teacup. Eventually seaside town. she comes to realize a truism, announcing, White Liars, written by Peter Shaffer “There is great truth in the lies we tell one and directed by Tommaney, presents an another and ourselves.” astute picture of the extent to which White Liars offers truth while deception often permeates our lives. A tale Cassandra offers prophecy; combined at the of truth and lies set in 1968, this play EdgeWhite Theatre, Liars they and offer Cassandra a prophetic glimpse run transcends time. It unravels the many layers intothrough local theater’sOct. 18 at future. the Edge Theatre at of dishonesty and double-dealing between Piccadilly Gardens, 35 NE 40th St. in three disparate characters thrown together by Miami’s Design District. Tickets are fate and fatalism. An amalgamation of $15, $12 for seniors and students. For deception and duplicity, White Liars clearly more information, call 305-531-6083 or shows Shaffer as a perspicuous observer of e-mail [email protected].
Q4 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q_CULTURAL COCKTAIL By Mary Damiano New Club Has a Plan to Make Lesbian Movies a Success Producer Urges Women to Support Women’s Films Arts in Fort Lauderdale. For a complete list of nominees and info on purchasing tickets to the ceremony, visit www.CarbonellAwards.org.
Lavender Footlights One thing that never ceases to amaze me about South Florida is the wealth of local talent we have. Case in point: The Lavender Footlights Play Festival, which featured staged readings of gay and lesbian plays and took place at the Shores Performing Arts Theatre on Sept. 13 and 14. This two-day event, presented by those wonderful folks at Creative Arts Enterprises, offered theatre lovers staged readings of gay- and lesbian-themed plays by gay and lesbian playwrights. Because the new theatre season has not kicked Lesbian First Weekend in at many theatres, the talent that Film Club participated in this festival was Now here’s an interesting concept— impressive—Rich Simone, Kay Brady, a club that aims at securing the success of Harriet Oser, Stephen Anthony, Andres underdog, lesbian-themed movies. Alexi, Michael McKeever—to name just Knowing that good box office numbers a few. during the opening weekend are critical Unfortunately, the public did not come to the success of a movie, producer Orly out to support the festival the way the theatre Ravid has taken matters into her own community did. Perhaps they were unsure hands. Ravid has formed the Lesbian First of the staged reading concept. Well, let me Weekend Film Club to encourage tell you, these readings were done in such a audiences to go to see lesbian-themed way that you’d be hard-pressed to find movies. Those who sign up for the online someone in the audience who missed the club will receive reminders as to when scenery, costumes or trappings of a full target films are opening. Then, members production. The readings were staged so that are encouraged to see the film in the first audiences could use their imaginations three days of its release. Ravid hopes to more, and, perhaps most importantly, be compile 500,000 names on her list, and exposed to more wonderful work in two with that many names, if everyone did go days than would have been possible with to a certain film and bring a friend, it full productions. The producers are planning would send a message to Hollywood that a second festival for next year, so you’ll women’s movies can be just as successful have another chance for this unique in theatres as men’s gay films. I know from experience. women directors whom I’ve interviewed over the years that they are constantly told Vampire Lesbians Of by producers and distributors that lesbians Sodom don’t go to the movies, and that perception The Sol Theatre has a smash hit on its makes it difficult for lesbian filmmakers to hands with its production of Vampire get the financing they need to make their Lesbians of Sodom—the show has sold out films. The Lesbian First Weekend Film Club every single performance—so its being held is a simple idea, but one that could work, if over. The upcoming available dates for the everyone bands together and just goes to the campy comedy are Fridays, Sept. 26 and movies. The club will launch with the Gina Oct. 3, at 8 p.m. and Saturdays, Sept. 27 Gershon movie Prey for Rock and Roll, and Oct. 4, at 11p.m. The Sol’s production which opens at the end of October. To join of Vampire Lesbians is a terrific show, full the list, visit of hilarity and high camp that you can really www.LesbianFirstWeekendFilmClub.com. sink your teeth into. Don’t miss it. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit Carbonell Awards www.soltheatre.com and call The nominations for the 28th annual 954.525.6555. Carbonell Awards, which honor South Florida theatre, have been announced. Floyd Will & Grace Return Collins, a musical at the Actor’s Playhouse Be in front of the TV or have those about a man trapped in a cave, received the VCRs ready at 8:45 p.m. this Thursday most nominations with 12, followed by night, Sept. 25, when NBC airs the season Fortunes Fool, a Russian comedy from premiere of Will & Grace. When we last Florida Stage. Former Q cover boy, prolific left the Fab Foursome, Grace was afraid actor and playwright Michael McKeever husband Leo was about to have an affair, received two nominations in the “Best New Jack and Will woke up in bed together, and Work” category, one for his acting family Karen had fallen overboard from her yacht comedy Open Season, and one for A Town and had been rescued by a Russian ship Like Irving, which details the hate murder hauling vodka. To see how it all works out, of a gay man in a small town. Nilo Cruz, tune in Thursday at 8:45 for this special who won a Pulitzer Prize for his play Anna super-sized episode. Also, Dylan and the Tropics, which was commissioned McDermott, the former star of The Practice, by the New Theatre in Coral Gables, will will appear on Will & Grace as Will’s love be given a special recognition award. The interest in the Oct. 30 episode. The character Carbonell Awards ceremony will be held is scheduled as a one-shot deal at the Monday, Nov. 10, at the Amaturo Theatre moment, but could be expanded if audience at the Broward Center for the Performing response is good.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q5 Heard It Through the Gayvine Queers, Quotes and Quips of Interest
Barney’s Boyfriend Is No ‘Friend’ Rep. Barney Frank’s (D-Mass.) boyfriend wrote a letter recently to Bill Thomas, columnist for the Washington, D.C. newspaper The Hill, taking exception with the terminology Thomas used in a recent column. Sergio Pombo, an investment officer with the World Bank, did not appreciate Thomas referring to him as Frank’s “friend” in print, and asked that Thomas use the term “spouse” or “partner.” A recent story on Frank in the Boston Globe gives further insight into Frank and Pombo’s relationship: They’ve been together for five years, after running into each other at the gym; they don’t like to cook and either go out to eat or go the frozen food route; and they wouldn’t get married even if Massachusetts allows gay marriage, because they each have their own health benefits and as a Colombian, Pombo does not have to pay U.S. taxes. By the way, Frank prefers the term “boyfriend” when referring to Pomba.
Singapore: New Gay Mecca? Homosexual acts are still against the law in Singapore, but that’s not stopping the country from courting the pink dollar. Singapore is becoming a new gay destination with shops, saunas, clubs and parties catering to gay tourists. Although gay natives must still be discreet about their orientation, Singapore is set on cashing in on the millions of gay dollars spent by visitors to Asia every year, and has usurped Thailand as a gay entertainment epicenter. Case in point: While Thailand is clamping down on entertainment and forcing bars and clubs to close at 2 a.m., Singapore is embracing its club scene and allowing many clubs to stay open around the clock. And then there’s the Nation party, held on the eve of Thailand’s national holiday in August, which is quickly becoming Asia’s answer to Mardi Gras. But Thailand is moving toward tolerance too, and has announced this year that gay people can work in civil service.
Jane’s World Debuts in Print The comics page has gotten its first lesbian lead character. Jane’s World, a popular online strip, debuted Sept. 21 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for a trial eight- week run. Jane’s World is about a lesbian and lovable loser with a straight male roommate. The strip is written by Paige Braddock of Northern California, who says her strip appeals to both gay and straight audiences because the humor comes from the characters, and the plots don’t simply focus on being gay. Jane’s World has been described as surreal, twisted and delightful by various media watchers. For more info on Jane’s World, visit www.JanesWorldComics.com.
Classic Rocker Janis Ian and Girlfriend Get Hitched Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Janis Ian, the talent behind hits such as “Society’s Child” and “At Seventeen” made headlines when she and her partner Patricia Snyder got married in Canada this past month. Ian, 52, had previously been married to a Portuguese businessman before meeting Snyder in 1989. According to Ian, she and Snyder had once registered as domestic partners in Provincetown, Mass., but never went through with a ceremony. Ian Janis Ian and Patricia Snyder figured if it didn’t give them any rights there was no point. But when the opportunity to get married opened up in Canada, the Nashville residents leapt at the idea Wearing loud Hawaiian shirts, the couple took their vows at a wedding chapel in Toronto City hall surrounded by a few close friends. The Express spoke with the folk singer’s publicist, Tamara Saviano, who said she has not heard how the wedding went but said Ian had been looking forward to it immensely. Saviano also let us know how busy Ian is with three new projects. A double-live CD, Working Without A Net, is scheduled for release by Oh Boy Records on Oct. 7. Soon afterward, in early 2004, Ian will release her first studio album in four years, Billie’s Bones. The album will feature a duet with country music legend Dolly Parton. The two singer-songwriters are great admirers of each other. As if that weren’t enough to keep her busy, noted science fiction publisher DAW released Stars: Stories Based on the Lyrics of Janis Ian earlier this month. To find out more about Janis Ian check out her Web site at www.janisian.com.
Chamberlain Comes Clean About Crush on Paul Newman Richard Chamberlain is telling all, including details of a secret Hollywood crush. Chamberlain worked with Paul Newman on the 1974 disaster film The Towering Inferno, which boasted a massive cast of stars such as Steve McQueen, William Holden, Faye Dunaway and others. While on Larry King Live recently to promote his tell-all autobiography Shattered Love, Chamberlain confessed to his sexual attraction for Newman, joking that “If he’d invited me [home], I would have gone.” Of course, Chamberlain remained professional, keeping his feelings to himself and keeping his sexuality and career apart. Too bad! One would be hard pressed to imagine a hotter couple than these two blue-eyed Hollywood hunks together.
Q6 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q7 Q_CONCERTpreview It’s Cho Time! Margaret Cho’s Back in Town at the Jackie Gleason By Andy Zeffer Cho is a favorite in South Florida, where her Features Editor shows regularly pack in the crowds. Tour producer The sassy, foxy and always irreverent Bill Silva told The Express: “The tour has gone Margaret Cho hits Miami Beach with her great. Fort Lauderdale sold out earlier this year, as “Revolution Tour” at The Jackie Gleason. An did most of the spring tour. Margaret’s popularity after-party at Rain, 323 23rd Street in Miami has obviously increased as ticket sales in repeat Beach’s fashionable Arts District, will follow the markets were up a minimum of 20 percent per show. Those with Cho Concert ticket stubs receive market, sometimes as much as 50 percent. In a year reduced admission to the soiree and two-for-one in which most performers are struggling to get drinks until 11 p.m. Revelers are in store for crowds, this is truly a remarkable tribute to her special guest appearances and the music of up- unique brand of life’s insights and how she and-coming circuit sensation DJ Pride in the main charismatically twists, turns and slays with them.” room. As if that’s not enough, DJ Alex Miranda will mix it up in the red room with hip-hop, old For Margaret Cho Revolution Tour tickets, school and Latin sounds. Doors open at 10 p.m., please visit ticketmaster.com or call and the cover is $8 before 11 p.m. and $10 after 305.358.5885 or 954.523.3309. For more tour 11. You must be 21 and over to enter. information visit www.margaretcho.com.
Q8 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q_FASHIONprofile Bringing Out the Best in Beach Bums Aussiebum Swimwear Offers Revealing Looks from Down Under By Andy Zeffer the dunes were glued to the generous bulge Ashby to bring his creations to our Features Editor outlined beneath the translucent and clinging shores. I first noticed Aussiebum because of the nylon. Yet despite the revealing quality of Part of what makes Aussiebum so gorgeous studs that grace their Aussiebum’s designs, the suits maintain a masculine is the fit. They have a brief and advertisements. Let’s quality that is entirely revealing cut, but unlike a tight or just say the models in masculine. constricting bikini or thong, they hang at the Australian Aussiebum is the the crotch like a pair of boxers. The suit swimwear line make brainchild of Australian grips snug across the buttocks as well Abercrombie’s ads surfer Sean Ashby. The while not giving the wearer “wedgies” look like the teacup beautiful sun-kissed boys or crawling between the cheeks. Models ride at Disneyland. down under have long range from snug to classic and loose Aussiebum again worn the brief suit, which (which my friend Jeff preferred his tool came to my attention are commonly referred to to hang in). Braver guys can venture for this past summer as “Aussie cossies.” lighter colors, which when wet leave little while in Provincetown. My well-endowed When Ashby had trouble finding a simple to the imagination. (and very aware of the fact) friend Jeff chose pair he had been wearing for years, he And then there are those ads. Dan a translucent light blue and white Aussiebum decided to create one of his own, and Canbrera of the company’s North swimsuit to show off his God-given attribute. Aussiebum was born. Before long the ripped American office in Miami says the When Jeff came out of the surf all wet, little and pumped bodies of Australian beach models are all authentic Australian was left to the imagination, and all eyes on bums were buying them. His success led lifeguards. The company also sponsors many rowing events where athletes model the suits as well. Gazing at the catalogue may tempt you to buy a one- way ticket to Sydney. The chiseled faces and rock-hard bodies of these mates grab the attention of even the most jaded and more, promise to be just as sexy. media worn folks out there. But he notes that in South Florida, Next in line for Aussiebum is a line of guys are less prudish, most likely due to underwear and surf shorts, which should do the Latin and South American influence, well in the North American market. making it the perfect place to strut around “European and Australian guys have in an Aussiebum suit. always been more into the diver style of swim trunks,” says Canbrera, who ventures A free catalog of Aussiebum is to add that North American men are less available by calling 800.901.2871, visit comfortable in their sexuality. The board www.aussiebum.com to ride the sexy shorts, while covering the body significantly wave from the land of kangaroos.
www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q9 Q_CULTURALevents Events dates by popular demand. Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 p.m. Admission: general/$20, students/ Tuesday, Sept. 23: Bilingual Book Discussion— $15 and seniors/$12. Sol Theatre Project, 1140 N. Laura Restrepo’s The Angel of Galilea, 7 p.m. at the Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale. Reservations Required. South Regional/BCC Library, 7300 Pines Blvd., 954.525.6555 or www.soltheatre.com. Pembroke Pines. Wednesday, Sept. 24: Small Business Celebration—Free programs designed for the small Music business community and future business entrepreneurs. Through Saturday, Oct. 25: Festival Miami— Includes breakfast, a business networking reception and The University of Miami continues the tradition of classes on importing and exporting and finance. 9:30 offering an impressive array of outstanding artists and a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on the fifth floor at the Main Library, an extraordinary variety of programming. All concerts 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. For more are at the University of Miami’s Gusman Hall, 1314 information, call 954.357.7565 or 954.357.8068 or visit Miller Dr., Coral Gables. For tickets and information www.browardlibrary.org/sbrc. call 305.284.4940. www.music.miami.edu. Thursday, Sept. 25: Metes & Bounds— Wednesday, Sept. 24: No Matter What – Discussion and book signing with gay author Jay Quinn. Classic Rock/Pop at the Hollywood Beach Theater, In this unusual coming-of-age novel, author Jay Quinn Johnson Street and the Broadwalk. 7 – 9 p.m., weather surveys the expanding emotional and sexual boundaries permitting. Free. 954.921.3404. of Matt, an 18-year-old surfer in coastal North Carolina. Thursday, Sept. 25: Mercedes Sosa—8 p.m. at 7:30 p.m. at Borders, 2240 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Jackie Gleason Theatre, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Lauderdale. 954.566.6335. Beach. 305.673.7300. Thursday, Sept. 25: 15th Annual Swing for Friday, Sept. 26: Take Action Tour 2003— Seniors Golf Tournament—8 a.m. shotgun at Benefits 1-800-Suicide. 7 p.m. at Star Bar Patio, 100 Arrowhead Golf & Sports Club, 8201 S.W. 24th Street, S.W. 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954.727.0950. Davie. $90/single golfer or $360/foursome. Includes Friday, Sept. 26: Slightly Stoopid—7:30 p.m. green fees, cart, lunch, a shirt and a gift bag. Proceeds at Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy, Fort benefit the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. Lauderdale, 954.564.1074. For information please call Brian Pinto at 954.714.3456, Friday, Sept. 26: Kid Rock—8 p.m. at American ext. 216. Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami, Thursday, Sept. 25: The Revolution Will Not 305.960.8500.whats up bro Be Televised will be presented by Antonio Padrino, of Saturday, Sept. 27: David Lee Roth—8 p.m. at the Consulate General of Venezuela in Miami, at 7 p.m. Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, 1801 N.E. 6th St., at the South Regional/BCC Library. This documentary Pompano Beach. For information and tickets call depicts the overthrow and return to power of President 954.946.2402. Hugo Chavez of Venezuela in a coup in 2002. Saturday, Sept. 27: Elton John—8 p.m. at Saturday, Sept. 27: Shores Theater Dog Days American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Film Festival—What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 2 305.960.8500. p.m. screening, $5/kids, $7/adults and 7 p.m. screening, $20/all. 9806 N.E. Second Ave., Miami Shores. Exhibitions 305.751.0562 or [email protected]. Through Tuesday, Jan. 12: Frank Lloyd Sunday, Nov. 2: South Florida Dance for Life— Wright Exhibition—Frank Lloyd Wright: An Save the Date for the American Red Cross of Greater Exhibition of Books, Artifacts and Art from the Miami & The Keys South Florida’s Dance for Life. 7 Collection of Donald Singer will be on display in the p.m. at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Bienes Center for the Literary Arts on the sixth floor of 174 E. Flagler St., Downtown Miami. Featured the Broward County Main Library. For information visit performers include: Maximum Dance Company, Miami www.broward.org/bienes or call 954.357.8692. Contemporary Dance, Ballet Florida Principal Dancers, Through Sunday, Nov. 23: Saint Peter and the and Ife-Ile Afro-Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble. Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes—The largest For tickets and information call 877.877.7677 or visit Vatican collection to tour North America. Seven days www.tixops.com. a week, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Tuesdays until 9pm at the Saturday, Nov. 22: Expanding Horizons—Save Museum of Art, 1 Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. the date for the Seventh Annual Recognition Dinner www.MuseumOfArt.org or 877.787.7711. benefiting the Gay and Lesbian Foundation of South Florida. Dr. John Graves, Marleine Bastien, and Damian Radio Pardo will be honored. Special guest honoree to be The Norm Kent Show—Live from the Floridian announced. 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Diplomat Resort Restaurant on E. Las Olas Blvd., interviews and & Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood. $185 per commentary with Norm Kent. Weekday mornings, 8 – person includes cocktail reception and dinner. For 9 a.m. on WFTL 1400 AM. The Call-In Line is tickets and information, please call 305.572.1841 or 1.866.432.1400. www.NormKentShow.com visit www.glfsf.org. Bridging the Gap—Call-in talk radio show dedicated to creating a better understanding between Live Theatre and Dance the straight and gay communities, with host Rene Bray. Through Sunday, Oct. 5: True West—This Sundays from 6 – 8 p.m. on WTAN 1340 AM. Live, comedy by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Sam worldwide broadcast at www.TampaBayGay.com/ Shepard tells the story of two brothers: Austin, a BTG. 1.800.263.8559. Hollywood screenwriter, and Lee, a small-time Issues Over the Rainbow—MarkyG hosts this gay criminal. Thursdays - Saturdays, 8pm; Saturdays and and lesbian early morning talk show. Sunday mornings Sundays, 3pm. $23/adults, $17/seniors and $13/ at 7:25 a.m. on PARTY 93.1 FM. www.Party931.com. students. American Heritage Center for the Arts, 12200 Michael Martini Hour— “Let’s stir the pot … W. Broward Blvd., Building 3000. 954.577.8243 or and get to the bottom of the issues!” Gay talk radio, www.mosaictheatre.com. Thursdays, 6 – 7 p.m. on WPBR 1340 AM or on the Through Sunday, Oct. 26: Barnum—This Internet at www.talk1340.com. evening of circus and musical theatre brings the magic Outright Radio—David Gilmore hosts this radio of P.T. Barnum to life. Stage Door Theatre, 8036 W. show about gay life in America. Saturdays at 3 p.m. on Sample Rd., Coral Springs. 954.344.7765. WLRN 91.3 FM. Friday, Sept. 26: Margaret Cho—8 p.m. at Jackie Gleason Theatre, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Television Beach. 305.673.7300. SoFla Q TV—Television for the alternative Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27 and Oct lifestyle. For information call 305.534.3975 or visit 3 and 4: Vampire Lesbians of Sodom—Extended play www.soflaqtv.com.
Q10 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Maximum_Volume Pumping It Up with New Album Releases
Rachael Sage: ‘Public Record’ (Mpress Records) It’s a sad state of affairs when a talent like Rachael Sage isn’t a household name. Sage possesses a haunting voice, which she uses to sing the poetic and insightful lyrics she writes. She also plays a mean piano and produces her own material. Oh, and did I mention she started her own record company? Sage is a true musical renaissance woman, a songwriter and musician who captivates with every word, every note, every nuance. She combines musical genres on Public Record, but does it in such a way that each one becomes her own. Sage brings more of her improvisational live style to Public Record. She composed the opening track, “What If,” on the spot in the recording studio and did the sensuous, spiritual song in one take. On “Bravedancing,” Sage weaves a tapestry of romance with her piano and lyrics. “Sara’s Song” is an insightful song about star-crossed love. A jazzy atmosphere is conjured up by “Back to Freedom,” in which she takes inventory of her lover’s body. Just close your eyes and let Sage’s breathy, seductive voice wash over you. Public Record is a remarkable CD, a collection of songs drenched with intimacy and longing. It’s a great CD to get to know this talented artist. Believe me, one listen and you’ll be hooked. —Mary Damiano
Rufus Wainwright: ‘Want One’ (Dreamworks) Canadian troubadour Rufus Wainwright’s latest CD, Want One, is a wistful mix of theatricality and textured rhythms that harkens to a bygone time, when the world was less complex. Wainwright comes off as the kind of guy who would have been more at home in another century. There’s an elegance about him that’s both charming and out of place in the modern world, and this attitude is reflected in his songs. Throughout Want One, one wonders if it’s possible for the melancholy Wainwright to ever be happy. His artist’s eye only seems to see the heartbreak and sadness in the world, not any of the joy. That’s not to say that Want One is a downer. On the contrary, it’s an insightful, thought-provoking collection. He’s just one of those guys who just seems too sensitive for the real world. This old-fashioned quality is illustrated in “Vibrate,” a haunting song of misplaced love and desperation that showcases Wainwright’s otherworldly vocals. Another song, “14th Street,” calls to mind an old-time music hall, while “Oh, What a World,” has a hurdy- gurdy sound that illustrates the life-is-a-circus message of the song. “Movies of Myself” is an up-tempo track and is as close to a happy song as Wainwright ever gets. Layered vocals make “Vicious World” shine. Rufus Wainwright and Want One are impossible to categorize, but that’s a good thing. It’s not often that a CD this original comes along. —Mary Damiano
Jeff Buckley: ‘Live at Sin-e’ (Columbia) There is something all together haunting and melancholy about Jeff Buckley’s life, music and untimely death. When listening to Live at Sin-e, one is whisked back to a different time, the height of the grunge era. For those familiar with the East Village landmark Sin-e, the avant-garde performance café brings to mind struggling artists and musicians, almost like characters out of the Broadway musical Rent. It was here where Jeff Buckley first began building a fan base, and where he seems entirely at home. One need only listen to him banter with the audience between songs, as though he were entertaining friends in his living room. “I like your sandals,” Buckley casually says to someone in the crowd with his boyish voice.
He is clear and soulful on such tunes as the Billie Holiday classic “Strange Fruit.” He is at his most haunting in a splendid cover of “Calling You,” the Academy Award nominated song from the cult classic film Baghdad Café. Original tunes performed live at this time later appeared on his critically acclaimed album Grace. His somber selection betrays those grunge years of yesterday when Jeff Buckley’s career began to flourish. Sadly, the world will never know what else was to come from this talented musician, who drowned tragically at age 31. —Andy Zeffer
www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003 Q11 Q12 www.ExpressGayNews.com • September 22, 2003