18.14 - Reeling by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

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EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Publisher Rick Karlin: Editor

layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc.

advertising Freddie: freddie@boiMAGazineChicago.com Dave: dave@boiMAG.com National, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com

photographerS Eamonn Sexton Ken Brown, KAB Photography

COVER Reeling 32

editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Ace Magyar, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder

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The Chicago GLBT International Film Festival September 18-25

"Blackbird" By Rick Karlin

For more than 30 years, Reeling has showcased the most ground breaking, outstanding, and diverse selection of films from around the world, across all categories, spanning many aspects of the GLBT experience. In Chicago, Reeling has become a, cultural institution, providing an opportunity not only to watch the films that represent the GLBT experience, but also to meet and support the talented filmmakers who often attend the festival, and to experience films that might not otherwise be screened for the general public, and of course to see and be seen.

months, Reeling is now showing many of these films before they are available on DVD or released to theaters nationwide. The opening night screening is always a gala affair, and this year is no different. This year’s opening night film is the incredibly charming, sex-positive comedy “Boy Meets Girl”, which will be preceded by 5:30 p.m. reception at The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport, followed by the film at 7:30 p.m. The red carpet reception will feature the film’s director, Eric Schaeffer and actress Michelle Hendley. Hors d’ouvres from Deleece will be served, champagne and wine will be flowing, as well as beer from Lagunitas Brewing Company. Tickets for the film and pre-reception are $35; tickets for the film only are $15.

Before the festival ends, more than 100 films will have been screened, running the gamut from documentaries, to dramas to musicals. The closing night drama, “Blackbird”, directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (“Punks”, “Noah’s Arc”), stars Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington. After the screening, Polk and Gary LeRoi Gray, one of the film’s actors, will join the after-party celebration The majority of the films will be at Progress Bar. Tickets for the film screened at either the Landmark's Century Centre Cinema or at Chicago and after-party are $25, $15 for the film only. For more information on Filmmakers in Andersonville. By the festival, go to: moving the festival up a couple of http://reelingfilmfestival.org/ boiMAG

BEST OF THE

REELINg fest Anyways", "Heartbeats" and "I Killed My Mother", to his credit, gay Canadian filmmaker/actor Xavier Dolan, doesn’t seem to be able to do anything wrong. His newest movie, "Tom at the Farm", an old-fashioned, erotically charged psychological thriller, shows that Dolan is as adept at creating spinetingling chills as he is at sensitively portraying the story of a transgender person’s journey. In French with subtitles. Sept. 19, 9:30 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema

"Boy Meets Girl" By Gregg Shaprio

There is much to admire about straight writer/director Eric Schaeffer’s new film "Boy Meets Girl." Ricky, “born in the wrong body and the wrong town,” lives at home in Kentucky with her father and younger brother Sam, while she takes hormones and waits to find out if she’s been accepted to the Fashion Institute in New York. Everything in Ricky’s world is upended when local rich girl (and politician’s daughter) Francesca (Alexandra Turshen) comes in for a beverage. The two young women strike up a fast friendship, leading to Ricky telling Francesca about herself by text – while Francesca is sitting right next to her! Francesca, who claims to be saving herself for marriage, is engaged to U.S. Marine David (the stunning Michael Galante). However, David and Ricky have enough of a secret history that it infuriates David when he finds out that Felicia and Ricky are socializing. Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m., Music Box Theater At 25, with films such as "Laurence

The dance in the title of the film adaptation of Don Scime’s stage play "The David Dance" has more than one meaning. Literally, it comes from the time that David’s (playwright Scime who also plays the lead role) thrice-divorced older sister Kate (Antoinette LaVecchia), arranged for a perfect stranger, Chris (the incredible Guy Adkins), to dance with her gay brother at her third wedding. As film adaptations of plays go, "The David Dance" feels stagey, in spite of the fact that the movie has multiple locations, ranging from Buffalo to Brazil. Part of it is the dialogue feels too theatrical. Here’s the unexpected surprise. The late Adkins, who passed away in 2010 at 41, pretty much steals every scene in which he appears. His Chris is the opposite of David, at ease in his skin and immediately likeable. It’s Adkins’ nuanced performance that saves the movie and makes it worth seeing. Sept. 20, 4:45 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema Writer/director J.C. Calciano’s movies, including usually boiMAG

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BEST OF THE

FEST (continued) look great and have a cast of attractive male actors. His latest, "10 Year Plan" is no exception. Calciano’s previous films also tended to sacrifice substance for surface, and that’s where "10 Year Plan" differs from the rest. Faithful (almost to a fault) to the rom-com formula, 10 Year Plan operates on the premise of the pact made by gay best friends Myles (Jack Turner) and Brody (Michael Adam Hamilton) while in their mid-20s. Essentially, a contract is written up on a bar napkin that states if neither is in a committed relationship by their mid-30s, they will become a couple. Realizing that nine years, 10 months and 29 days have passed since they struck their deal, Brody has to act fast to find a suitable mate for his BF. When Myles ends up meeting a guy named Hunter (Adam Bucci) online, Brody is unexpectedly jealous. Then it’s only a matter of time until we reach the sweet, but predictable, finale. Sept. 20, 9:30 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema Ethan Reid’s reverent doc "Peter de Rome – Grandfather of Gay Porn" about late gay porn pioneer Peter de Rome (who died in June 2014), is as

"Ten Year Plan"

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"Peter de Rome

Grandfather of Porn" erotic as it is enlightening. Combining groovy vintage footage, both personal and professional, the doc pays homage to one of the most significant figures in the history of late 20th century pornography. Interview subjects include filmmakers Topher Campbell and Wakefield Poole, film critic John Russell Taylor, Hand In Hand Films’ editor Bob Alvarez and retired porn actor Jake Genesis. Also fascinating are Peter’s connections to Greta Garbo, John Gielgud, Andy Warhol, Madeline Sherwood ("The Flying Nun") and present-day pornographer Kristen Bjorn. Sept. 21,1:15 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema: Wade Gasque’s beautifully rendered "Tiger Orange", a story of gay brothers Chet (Mark Strano, who also co-wrote screenplay with Gasque) and Todd (Frankie Valenti aka porn-star Johnny Hazzard) who different paths in life has the ability to restore a person’s faith in the lost art of gay indie American filmmaking. Set in a rural California town, just north of Los Angeles, Tiger Orange utilizes flashbacks to illustrate the ways the brothers differed as children. As you might imagine, the set-up is rife with conflict. But what gives "Tiger Orange" its roar is the way that the astute and sensitive screenplay handles an array of situations. Sept. 22, 9:15 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema

Gay, Israeli filmmaker Eytan Fox ("Yossi & Jagger", "The Bubble") ventures into Almodovar’s arena with the colorful, sugar-coated coated comedy "Cupcakes". On the night of the UniverSong competition, a group of friends and neighbors – gay schoolteacher Ofer (Ofer Schechter), lesbian singer/songwriter Efrat (Efrat Dor), assistant to the Minister of Culture Dana (Dana Ivgy), blogger Keren (Keren Berger), former beauty queen Yael (Yael Bar-Zohar) and baker Anat (Anat Waxman) – gather together to watch the event on TV. That night, they also end up writing a song together which unexpectedly launches them into the running to represent Israel in the following year’s UniverSong competition. Don’t be surprised if you walk out singing. In Hebrew with subtitles. Sept. 23, 7 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema Recently out actor Ben Wishaw plays Richard, widower of Kai (Andrew Leung), in queer writer/director Hong Khaou’s feature-length debut "Lilting". Together four years, Richard loses his boyfriend when Kai is struck by a car on the way to catch a bus to visit his stubborn and unassimilated mother Junn (Pei pei Cheng) in the sheltered home where she resides in London.

"Lilting"

"Tiger Orange" The performances in "Lilting" are simply awe-inspiring. The writing, while definitely on the tearjerker level, also makes subtle use of humor, giving the characters and the audience the chance to occasionally catch their breath. Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema: "Perfect Cowboy", out actor/writer/ filmmaker Ken Roht’s second full-length feature, is an impressive achievement on a few levels. From the main characters, who are gay fathers in a small town, to the way it kicks religious fanaticism to the curb and the handling of issues ranging from HIV to recovery, Roht reinvigorates independent filmmaking with a cast of virtual unknowns (including himself ), turning in (mostly) strong performances. "Perfect Cowboy" covers a lot of ground, including the negative influence of Christian extremism (see the collapse of Mark’s marriage to Darlene, played by Sienna Beckman), the definition of family, the road to recovery, healing and forgiveness, and the opportunity to begin again. For those reasons alone, "Perfect Cowboy" is recommended viewing. Sept. 25, 9:30 p.m., Landmark Century Cinema Gregg Shapiro’s reviews originally ran on chicagopride.com

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"DAVID BOWIE Is" @ The Museum of Contemporary Art

By Rick Karlin

“David Bowie is” presents the first international exhibition of the extraordinary career of David Bowie and runs through January 4, at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA.) The exhibition focuses on his creative processes and collaborative work with artists and designers, and demonstrates how his work has both influenced and been influenced by wider movements in art, design, music, and theater. The exhibition was organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the MCA is the only U.S. venue for this ground-breaking exhibition.

five decades from the David Bowie Archive. On display are more than 60 stage creations including Ziggy Stardust bodysuits, flamboyant attire for the "Aladdin Sane" tour; and the Union Jack coat designed by Bowie and Alexander McQueen for the Earthling album cover.

“David Bowie is” chronicles his innovative approach to creating albums and touring shows around fictionalized stage personas and narratives. 1972 marked the birth of his most famous creation, Ziggy Stardust, a human manifestation of an alien being.

Alongside these are more personal items such as never-before-seen storyboards, handwritten set lists and lyrics, as well as some of Bowie’s own sketches, musical scores, and writings, revealing the evolution of his creative ideas.

The exhibition examines David Bowie’s creative processes from song writing, recording, and producing, to designing costumes, stage sets, and album artwork. Working within both established art forms and new artistic movements, this section reveals the scope of his inspirations and cultural references from Surrealism, Brechtian theater, and avant-garde mime, to West End musicals, German Expressionism, and Japanese Kabuki performance.

The exhibition offers insight into Bowie’s early years and his first steps towards musical success. Tracing the creative aspirations of the young David Robert Jones (born 1947 in Brixton, London), it shows how he was inspired by innovations in art, theater, music, technology, and youth culture in Britain in the aftermath of World War II.

The exhibition brings together more than 400 objects, including photography, album artwork, handwritten lyrics, and original fashions, set designs, and rare performance material from the past

Tickets to see “David Bowie is” are $25 which also includes general admission to the museum. The MCA has extended hours during the exhibition; Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. boiMAG 13

Motor Mouth Plug Me In By Parker Carr The two top selling plug-in hybrid vehicles on the U.S. market are the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid and the Chevy Volt. Is one better than the other? Let’s look at the facts.

Chevy’s Volt was revolutionary with its unique design when it debuted in 2007 and it sparked a revolution in how automakers built, designed and powered cars. The Volt, building on the success of the Prius, took it one step farther. The Volt is not quite fully electric, it can still travel only 40 to 50 miles on a fully charged battery, which is usually enough for those tooling about the city. The 1.4 liter gasoline powered engine, putting out 85 hp, can act on its own or in conjunction with battery assistance giving the Volt a practical range of over 380 miles. While eco-friendly the Volt can still accelerate when needed. The interior is stylish, almost futuristic, but not very well designed. Seating is cramped with four full-sized adults in the car. The Volt’s low-hanging front airdam is an annoyance, scraping most driveways and speed bumps. On the positive side, the high-tech power train provides a low center of gravity which in conjunction with the low profile fuel efficient tires, helps make turning and cornering a breeze. Aiding in the smooth ride are settings which adjust power output based on driving conditions (such as “mountain” or “sport”).

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It took Honda a surprisingly long time to enter the plug-in hybrid market, but when it did, it did it right. The Accord hybrid plug-in rides just like a standard Accord. The 2.0 liter 141 hp engine and 55 horsepower battery combo operates in three distinct modes. It can run on all electric for up to 13 miles and recharges as the car is on the move as well through regenerative braking. It operates in gas engine only mode when the car is at a steady cruise, while charging the battery.

When you need full blast power with both energy sources offering more than enough power for any situation. With a fully charged battery and a full tank you can travel up to 500 miles. That additional range gives it an edge on the Volt’s smaller gas tank. The Accord also offers more storage space and a bit more shoulder room for four passengers and can even squeeze in an additional passenger in the back seat. The suggested MSRP for a 2014 Volt was $34,185, just a few hundred less than the MSRP of $34,345 for the 2015 Volt, . A 2015 Accord Plug-in Hybrid has an MSRP of $30,095, about $100 more than a new 2014 when it was first introduced. With the 2015 models hitting the showroom floors you can probably knock a few thousand off the price of a new 2014 of either model. Since neither the Volt nor Accord underwent a major redesign for 2015, unless having the newest version is important to you, why not save a few hundred bucks?

FIT TIPS

Tri-Cep Pressdown

By Michael Elder

1. Grab the attachment with an overhand grip.

2. Bring your elbows to

When it comes to arm training, many people seem to focus heavily on bicep training. However, it is every bit as important to include training for the triceps. In fact, this underappreciated muscle group is arguably the workhorse of the upper arm and can add considerable size when trained properly. As the name suggests, the triceps have three muscle heads and all three must be trained in order to have a nicely shaped upper arm. One classic exercise that does just this is the tricep pressdown. This exercise can be done with either a V- bar attachment or a straight bar attachment. Your feet can be parallel or in a slightly staggered stance with one foot slightly forward of the other. Start out lifting light with a rep range of 12-15 and then gradually increase your weight. Once you do start to lift heavy on this exercise, serious mass and size are sure to follow. Try it. Have fun!

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your side and keep them positioned there throughout the set. (If your elbow moves forward or backward, that is sign that your shoulders are trying to assist with the exercise.) 3. Flex forward slightly at your hips, bringing your chest slightly downward toward the floor. This will help to increase your range of motion. 4. Press your arms downward until your elbows are fully locked. 5. Slowly return to the starting position (slightly above 90 degrees). Care should be taken not to raise the attachment so high that your arms are relaxed at the top of the movement. Your triceps should constantly feel engaged. Care should also be taken to not let your elbows leave the side of your body. If they start to veer outward, that is a sign that your chest is trying to assist. Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last fifteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be reached directly through his website: www.MichaelElder.com.

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iMUSIC

Wonder Women

By Gregg Shapiro

It was only a matter of time before Nina Persson, the lead singer of Swedish band The Cardigans (“Lovefool”) and later A Camp, released a solo album as rewarding as Animal Heart. Well-worth the wait, the album gives Persson a chance to exhibit her versatility. On the dramatic “Burning Bridges for Fuel,” Persson proves that she knows her way around a powerballad and infuses it with the proper level of emotion. “Clip Your Wings” is meant for dance-floor strutting, “Jungle” swings subtly and the delicious “Food For The Beast,” with its reference to being “face down on the floor of the discotheque,” has club track written all over it, elevating Persson to full-fledged dance diva. Check out funky track “Catch Me Crying,” the polished retro of “Silver” and “This Is Heavy Metal,” which is heavy in ways you might not expect. Even when she’s rocking out as she does on the exhilarating “Man” or cussing up a storm as she does on the heartbreaking “Near Midnight, Honolulu,” insurgent country goddess Neko Case never loses her torchy twang throughout her latest album, the Grammy-nominated The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You. Case sings the heck out of these songs, causing them to become a part of your being after only one listen – but repeated listens are in order. “Night Still Comes” aches at the “right angle,” the aforementioned “Man” would be a hit

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of the World

single in a perfect world and “Bracing For Sunday,” featuring Steve Berlin’s sax, about “a Friday night girl/bracing for Sunday to come,” might be Case’s queerest statement to date. The striking “Calling Cards” is followed by the graceful rock of “City Swans,” and Case’s cover of Christa Päffgen’s “Afraid” is nothing to fear. An all-star affair, Case is supported by a dazzling array of artists including grand divas Kelly Hogan and Carolyn Mark, as well as Mudhoney’s Steve Turner, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James and Carl Broemel, fellow New Pornographer AC Newman, M. Ward and Howe Gelb. Talk about incredible genes. Halfsisters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones are the daughters of sitar superstar Ravi Shankar. Following in her late father’s footsteps, Anoushka is also a sitarist and composer of renown. Half-sibs Anoushka and Norah team up on a trio of songs on Anoushka’s new album Traces of You, one of the elements contributing to the disc’s more accessible and commercial sound. The three songs, the sad but radiant “The Sun Won’t Set,” the country-influenced title cut and the touching ballad “Unsaid,” are all lovely additions to both women’s portfolios. On the remainder of the disc’s instrumentals, Shankar and producer Nitin Sawhney strike a balance between the contemporary and the traditional.

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spa -tacular Grand Resort & spa

By Rick Karlin

What could be better than a weekend in sunny Fort Lauderdale? How about a spa weekend in sunny Fort Lauderdale? How about a spa weekend at a clothing optional resort located right on the beach in Fort Lauderdale? That’s exactly what awaits at the Grand Resort and Spa Fort Lauderdale’s largest gay owned and operated men’s resort hotel. Located just steps from the beach, it rivals the luxury and style found in most popular boutique hotels. The personal attention is what one might expect at a small B&B. The personal service has been noted by GayTravel.net, “The genuine hospitality of their staff sets them apart from the other boutique hotels.” With its’ own full-service day spa and hair studio, the Grand provides an experience that is unique and indulgent. Out Traveler Magazine declared it, “One of the 10 best luxe gay spas in the U.S.” It was also named a “Top 10” for 2014 by the Travel Channel. The only gay property on this year’s list!

As if that weren’t enough to tempt you, the entire hotel has been remodeled from top to bottom with luxurious rooms, many featuring private patio spaces. Highgrade linens top the luxurious beds. Spa treatments, provided by the attentive staff use the finest botanical products. During a recent stay I was treated to a jack Black salt scrub by the tender hands of Olin Karamon, Mirian Paredas and Paula Puerta provided me with a spa pedicure and a rejuvenating facial, J.D. Greene worked me over with a deep tissue massage, while Brian Coone gave my buddy Allan Kennedy a relaxing Swedish massage. (continued on pg. 29)

spa -tacular

After all that pampering all that was left for us to do was float on rafts in the pool and soak up some rays. Just as the sun started to set, happy hour took over the pool deck, with complimentary wine and sangria and some substantial snacking. We were so mellow that we almost passed on heading over to nearby Wilton Manors to hit the bars and clubs. I said “almost.” We managed to visit a lot of them. If you think Halsted is club central, take a walk down Wilton Dr. There are 24 gay clubs, bars and pubs, not to mention about two dozen more stores, boutiques and restaurants. There’s even a Dairy Queen! You’re sure to feel right at home, especially if you visit Hunter’s (Mark Hunter opened a location in WilMa after selling his Elk Grove Village spot) and ProgressBar, which just opened on the north end of Wilton Dr. A ten-minute drive and we were back at The Grand enjoying those wonderful showers and comfy beds. The next day we enjoyed the complimentary pool side Continental breakfast before heading out to the beach. After cocktail hour by the pool, and some wonderful eye candy by the clothing optional hot tub area.

. . . continued

A stay at Grand Resort is surprisingly affordable, especially if you book a spa/ resort package. Among the packages available, are “Romance by the Sea,” which includes two nights in a junior suite, one bedroom suite, or one bedroom penthouse, champagne or wine upon arrival, gourmet chocolates, two souvenir Grand Resort logo robes and a choice of a 50 minute couples’ massage or a 50 minute couples’ facial. The package, for couples only, ranges in price from $565$674 depending upon room selection. Other package option include the three night “Quick Chill” -$550-$875 (depending on room and single or double occupancy), “Get Pampered Getaway” - $916-$1,678, "Taste of the Spa" $316-$463, and "Beach essentials $537-$807". Prices quoted are in effect through Dec. 22 and include taxes, but not gratuities. The Grand Resort and Spa 539 N. Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 800.818.1211

www.grandresort.net

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Chicago's

in the know ... ON THE GO!

By Sue Deaunym

Under-Served

It turns out that LKH Management will turn Chloe’s into a leather bar and name it after the legendary leather bar, Manhole (which was located where LKH Management’s Hydrate is now.) Hydrate has been holding “Manhole” parties for a while. Guess you can’t keep a great name for a gay leather bar down! “Manhole caters to a crowd that has been under-served in the community, and we believe the time is right to bring the Manhole back to Halsted," said LKH partner Sean Kotwa.

Over-Served

Get out your lederhosen on Saturday, Sept. 27. Scot’s celebrates Oktoberfest with a buck off premium draft beers, $2 Schnapps shots and free big sausages (bratwurst.)... If you just can’t wait for “Night of 100 Drag Queens” head over to Sidetrack on Sept. 23 for a preview party… On Friday Sept. 26 Hydrate hosts “GayGLOW”… Start doing those butt clenches now. Friday, Sept. 26 Crew holds its monthly “Hot Jock” contest…

That’s Show Biz

The Chicago Cabaret Project at Circuit Night Club is going out on a high note. On Friday, Sept. 26 Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen present the final installment of the “Divine Decadence” cabaret series. The show will open with Amy and Freddie in a tribute to Annie Lennox followed by a performance by Coco Peru… That same night Miss Richfield 1981 returns to Hydrate in her new show “Play With My Poodle!!” No need to have to make a choice, because she's at Hydrate the next night as well… “Divas” starring drag performers recreating all the greats plays Oct. 16-18 at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City. Frank Marino, Las Vegas’ longest running headliner and the world’s premiere Joan Rivers impersonator, hosts the show.

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Rush Hours

Touché will hold its 3rd annual “Leather Club Rush Party” on Friday, Sept. 19. Reps and members from Chicago’s 15 local leather/fetish clubs will be so those interested in the club scene can meet with members the clubs and talk about each group’s activities. It’s kind of like fraternity rush parties, except here these guys really know how to wield that paddle… The hook-up site Squirt has launched an ad campaign featuring some of the internet’s hottest porn stars. … It will be a “Dog Day Saturday Afternoon” at Sidetrack on Sept. 27. Bring your pooch (or borrow one, you know that dogs are dude magnets) and get a free special edition Sidetrack dog bandanna (while supplies last) so get there when it starts at 2 p.m.

Community Calendar

In Andersonville, “City Made Fest”, street festival highlights Chicago-made beer, music and products on Sept. 20 and 21…. Monologues AIDS Foundation of Chicago presents “The Black Gay Guys Rock” and evening of spoken word performances in commemoration of National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Baton Show Lounge... The third annual “Operation Do Ask, Do Tell” symposium for GLBT vets, active duty service members, families, friends and health care providers will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Hines V.A. Hospital. Closing Thoughts Poor Chita Rivera, she’s celebrating her 80th birthday with a solo concert on Saturday, Sept. 27. That’s not the sad part, it’s that the concert is at concert at Moraine Valley Community College. Won’t some kind hearted queen bring her down to Halsted Street so we can treat her as she should be honored, by gay men?