www.ExpressGayNews.com • June 30, 2003 • Q1 CYMK Q_COVERstory High on Becstasy Becky Baeling Is an Overnight Success—24 years in the Making By Mary Damiano Becstasy on the world. Baeling has been involved with pride Arts & Entertainment Editor South Florida will get a chance to see celebrations for years in New York and In one respect, Becstasy, the debut CD Baeling in action when she performs at the Chicago. “My experiences as a performer by dance artist Becky Baeling, is self-titled. Party 93.1 Fourth of July Blast, Friday, July 4, have been overwhelmingly amazing,” she While recording the album, Baeling was at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove. The free says. “The support and the love that comes having a conversation with her producer. “I event runs from 5pm until midnight. from all of my gay supporters—it’s like family. have a problem containing my emotions, Baeling has felt a strong connection to I’ve found that at these gay prides, all of the good and bad,” Baeling says. “They seem to the gay community, even before she became a participants and the audience members just sort of pull out of my body.” The producer darling of the dance floor. “You can tell by my become my partners in crime. They’re so told her that he thought she embodied the pictures that it’s Pride Day every day in my involved when I’m performing that they’re word “ecstasy,” and dubbed her “Becstasy.” life, because I wear crazy clothes every day,” almost like the other actors in a show.” “I knew that had to be the name of my she says, laughing. “My boyfriend is actually Baeling says she’s seen a change in gay album,” she says. “My album is basically a lesbian trapped in a man’s body. Somehow pride events over the years. “They’re the conduit of the emotions that flow through the sex is great and everything works out.” growing, and getting more support from the all of us.” She also credits her parents taste in cities and more support from radio stations Baeling’s effervescence shines through music for her gay-friendly streak. “My and endorsements, which is great,” she says. in every photograph, and her strong, rich parents’ album collection rival any gay man’s While Baeling’s focus now is on voice is not what you’d expect from a petite collection—all Air Supply, Sonny and Cher, supporting and promoting Becstasy, she blonde with such perky good looks. But while Donna Summer—if they weren’t from the also plans to tour and play as many gay her face makes promises, her voice delivers. Midwest, they’d be getting in drag on the pride events as possible. At the end Although Baeling has been in show weekends,” Baeling says. of July, she will embark on a radio business most of her life, the last six months Baeling recently played a Cher tribute club tour to support her upcoming have been a whirlwind. Her first hit, “If You show in New York where she performed single, a cover of Belinda Love Me,” was featured on the Global Hits “Dark Lady.” “What other song can you meet Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on 2003 album, and debuted at number nine on some woman, get your horoscope told, find Earth.” She is also interested the Billboard Dance Chart. She also did the out she’s sleeping with your husband and in doing more acting, but vocals for “I’m Gonna Fly,” which was kill her? And all in three and a half minutes,” only in regards to included on The Guru soundtrack. She made Baeling asks. supporting her music. her television debut last month when she Earlier this year, Baeling headlined New “I really have found appeared with Brian McKnight on Summer Jersey Pride along with Sophie B. Hawkins my calling with dance Music Mania 2003 on Fox, on which they and Suzanne Westenhoefer. “It was pouring music,” Baeling says. sang a duet of the Chicago classic “Saturday rain, and I had on this feather shirt and little “I’m planning on Becky Baeling will perform at the Party 93.1 Fourth of in the Park.” “Getaway,” the latest hit from black shorts, so I made all the lesbians get making music until I’m July Blast, Friday, July 4, at Peacock Park in Coconut her the new album, is in the Top 10 and on stage and dance with me,” Baeling recalls. 80 and on a veranda Grove. For more information on Becky Baeling, visit shooting up the dance chart. Becky Baeling “I said, ‘I’m in the rain in feathers. I need sipping mimosas in BeckyBaeling.com. is poised to unleash her own brand of help here,’” Baeling says. Miami.” Q2 • www.ExpressGayNews.com • June 30, 2003 CYMK Q_CULTURALcalendar Tuesday, July 1: Deepening Your Spiritual Friday, July 4: Fourth of July Along the Friday, July 4: Tribute to Korean War Friday, July 25: Not Your Average Bedtime Practice through Reading and Writing—This new Coast—Giant sandcastle displays, sand castle building Veterans—10am at Hollywood Central Performing Story—Come to this co-gender open mic where weekly group is led by Lori Cardona and C. competitions, musical entertainment and fireworks Arts Center, 1770 Monroe St. in Hollywood. Ted local writers read their sexiest stuff. Listen to the Silverstone. Participants read and discuss spiritually display. 8am - 10pm on Fort Lauderdale Beach across Nicholas: 954.938.5145. hottest writing in town or share your own work. oriented material and then enjoy writing exercises from East Las Olas Boulevard and A1A. Admission Saturday, July 5: Red, White, Boots & Writers are accepted on a first come basis. Pre- for expanding creativity, inspiration, motivation and Parking are Free. 954.828.5346 or Boxers—Wear your best red, white, and blue boxers! register at [email protected]. Free. 8pm and fun. 7-9pm at 2200 N.E. 26th St., Wilton 954.828.5813. Country dance lessons from professional instructor at Pride Factory, 845 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Manors (The New Alliance Building). Fee: donation. Friday, July 4: Deerfield Beach and “outlaw,” Declan Cordova at 6pm. Open Lauderdale, 954-845-6600. 954.632.0605. Celebration—Family friendly concert and dancing 7:30pm. Round Up, 19 N. Federal Hwy., Saturday, Nov. 22: Expanding Horizons— Tuesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: Hispanic fireworks on Deerfield Beach. Fireworks 8pm. Free. Dania Beach. www.theoutlawz.biz. Save the date for the 7th Annual Recognition Dinner Immigrants Maintaining Their Culture Through 954.480.4333. Saturday, July 5: Cruisin’ the Boulevard— benefiting the Gay and Lesbian Foundation of South Music and Dance—First and second generation Friday, July 4: Pompano Beach Hollywood car show. Bring your street rods, bikes, Florida (GLFSF). Dr. John Graves, Marleine Bastien Latin American immigrants are invited to discuss Celebration—National Anthem and fireworks. vintage cars, etc. 6 – 10pm at Young Circle Park, and Damian Pardo will be honored. Special guest culture-related books and to learn and enjoy many 8:45pm along the quarter-mile area of public beach U.S.1 and Hollywood Boulevard. 954.474.7997. honoree to be announced. 6:30pm at the Westin types of Latin dancing. 6 - 7pm at the Hallandale from Atlantic and Pompano Beach boulevards to Saturday, July 12: The Wizard of Oz—See Diplomat Resort & Spa, 3555 South Ocean Drive, Beach Branch Library, 300 S. Federal Highway, A1A. Free. 954-786-4111. the magic and color of The Wizard of Oz on the big Hollywood. $185 per person includes cocktail Hallandale Beach. 954.457.1750. Friday, July 4: Children’s Carnival, screen. Come dressed as your favorite Oz character reception and dinner. For tickets and information, Wednesday, July 2: Salute to Seniors Concert and Fireworks—Kids rides and family and you could win a prize. Screening One for kids/ please call 305.572.1841 or visit www.glfsf.org. Seminar—Broward residents, 60-plus, are welcome activities, concert featuring Paris with Valerie Z, families: 1pm costume parade, 1:30pm matinee for Advance Ticket Sales—The Sisterhood of to participate in a day of food, fun and learning. A and fireworks. Carnival 5:30pm, concert 7:30pm families. $5/kids, $10/Adults. Screening Two for Congregation Etz Chaim is now selling tickets to its continental breakfast and lunch will be served. and fireworks 9pm. Plantation Central Park Ball adults: 8pm costume parade, 8:30pm screening. 2003-2004 Broadway Season. Tale of the Allergist’s 9:30am – 2pm at the Hollywood Beach Culture & Fields, 9151 N.W. Second St., Plantation. $20 includes beverage or cocktail. Benefits the Wife (Nov. 15); Kiss Me Kate (Jan. 8); Thoroughly Community Center, 1301 S. Ocean Dr. Free. Pre- 954.452.2510. Shores Performing Arts Theater, 9806 N.E. 2nd Modern Millie (Jan. 15); West Side Story (Feb. 8); registration required: 954.714.3456. Friday, July 4: America’s Birthday Bash— Ave., Miami Shores. For reservations call: Miami City Ballet Program IV (March 20); The Wednesday, July 2: Women in Network Live music, food, drinks, arts and crafts, a laser 305.751.0562. Full Monty (April 1); Mamma Mia (April 15); and General Meeting—7pm at the Italian American show and a fireworks display. Live entertainment Saturday, July 19 - Fabulous ’50s Sock Hop! The Producers (May 13 and 16). For tickets and Civic League, 2310 N.E. 7th Ave., Wilton Manors. on two stages including performances by Roberto — ’50s nostalgia and fun starts at 7:30pm in the information call Joyce Edelson at 954.718.5800. Members free, non-members $5.