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city: Jacksonville Xtra
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views: Negative People Can Make You Dumb
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cover: Langdon Nation
legal: What To Know If You In A Car Accident - Gordon Nicol
P!NK: The Truth About Love - David Vandygriff
- Dr. Harvey Carr
- Cover Story
city: Orlando Xtra city: Tampa Xtra city: St. Petersburg Xtra travel: Nashville - Joey Amato Publisher/Executive Editor: David Vandygriff publisher@cityxtramag.com Editor In Chief: Louis Suffredini
Creative Designer: Austin Browning designer@rcityxtramag.com Sales Department: sales@cityxtramag.com cityXtra Magazine is published by cityXtra Magazine, LLC. 2941 Plum Street Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 410-9592 www.cityxtramag.com Like us on Facebook/cityxtramag
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ORLANDO Parliament House: 410 Orange Blossom Trail (407) 425-7571 parliamenthouse.com ST. PETERSBURG Flamingo Resort: 4601 34th St. S (727) 321-5000 flamingofla.com Sporters Bar: 187 Dr. MLK St. N (9th St.) (727) 821-1920 TAMPA (Ybor) Bradley’s on 7th: 1510 E 7th Ave (813) 241-2723 Liquid Tampa: 1502 E 7th (813) 248-6104 liquidtampa.com
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JACKSONVILLE
Welcome friends to your very own section of cityXtra Magazine. Within these “city Xtra’s” each month you will find out exactly about upcoming events around your city and some personal news in your local area. In the recent months the Jacksonville LGBT Community rallied around the HRO 2012-296. We must stay the unity in our community has grown and our straight allies continue to grow. This will be a long process for city but one that must we must continue. We can make this city a better place for the future generations. Keep up the great work Jacksonville Committee for Equality and Equality Florida. Now onto the light side of the River City. The events are numerous so you cannot say there is nothing to ever do in Jacksonville. In two short years the LGBT Jacksonville Community has grown, become highly visible, and hosting more events than most can even think about attending. From Pride events, Hollywood stars, famous authors, world class entertainers, the list goes on and on. We are sure you can find something that will get you out of the house on a Saturday these days in the River City. We would like to say thank you to all of our business that support us and get very little reorganization, Blue Fish and Carmine’s gives so much to our community and continues to do so every month. Please visit these two great restaurants and let them know that we appreciate them. September 20 - cityXtra Magazine will host our first Social at The Garage l2692 Post Street, in the King Street District. Every 3 rd Thursday of the month from 7pm-9pm we will host our month social at different locations. October 18, the Social will held at Lola’s 1522 King St. We hope you will join each month in a time to experience some great venues with kindred friends and families in our wonderful River City. October 13 - River City Pride Parade and October 21, 2012 is the River City Pride Festival. For more information please visit rivercitypride.com October 13 - Equality Florida Jacksonville Gala. This year’s honorees
are the Jacksonville Committee for Equality & Jacksonville Civic Counsel. For ticket and information please visit www.eqfl.org/ jacksonvillegala or RSVP to 407.462.9692 October 19 - Metro & cityXtra Magazine presents a PFLAG Scholarship Fundraiser with 6 time Emmy Award Winner Bruce Vilanch. Author Julian Earl Farris will be present for booking signing of latest novel called, “The Sin Warriors.” Please visit cityxtramag.com or metrojax.com for tickets and information. October 26 - JASMYN presents the 5th Annual Teaching Respect For All. Also JASMYN will host the National Coming Out Day Annual Breakfast at UNG on October 10. Please visit jasmyn.org for tickets and information. If you would like for us to post your events please email your information to info@cityxtramag.com no later than the 1 st of the month.
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Written by: Gordon T. Nicol Automobile accidents can be life changing. Accidents involve not only damage to your car, but also more devastating personal injuries. Frequently clients are totally unable to work because of their injuries. Other clients lose time from work or even their jobs. Your pain and suffering can last a lifetime. The impact of the accident is not just felt by you. The accident has an impact on your partner. When you are not able to help take care of your home, your partner has to take on this responsibility. Relationships can end because of the stress. Let’s talk about some of the specifics of what to do and what not to do when you, or your partner, are in an accident. I share this with our readers and clients as my ”accident check list.” Stay calm. If you can, move yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way. You may think the accident is only a fender bender but the damage to your car may be more than just what you can see. Your own injuries may not be obvious at the time. At fault drivers will lie about their names and their contact information in order to avoid paying for the accident or getting a ticket. Protect yourself and call the police. The police will issue a ticket and also obtain the other driver’s full name, address, phone number, license number, and registration. Do not discuss the accident (except with the police). Be sure to make notes of anything the other driver says about the accident. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident or heard the other driver admit that they caused the accident. You can’t “make” witnesses stay at the scene of the accident but you should definitely ask them to help.
Take pictures of your vehicle, contact your insurance company, and write down everything you remember about the collision ASAP. Call for an ambulance or go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Do not be “brave and strong” hoping that the pain will go away. If you need medical care, get it. Know that the other driver’s insurance company will argue that you must not be hurt since you didn’t get medical attention right away. Contact a lawyer to protect yourself. Discuss legal strategies. Discuss how best to fight the insurance company. The insurance company is not your friend – their job is to pay you as little as possible. Next month, I will explain the different types of car insurance and help “navigate” the process. Every legal situation is different. Be sure to seek legal advice as needed.
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Written by: David Vandygriff The fashion-forward pop star Pink is happily married to Carey Hart and nursing her beautiful baby girl, Willow Sage. For all of those inquiring minds, yes Pink is breast feeding. In her voice you can hear joy and happiness as we started our interview. Pink said about her Willow, “Willow has her Daddy’s looks and my attitude. She’s going to rule the world.” We have no doubt with Pink as her mother that Willow will do just that. Pink is no doubt still hilarious! Her new album is due September 18 th of this year. Pink stated, “Some people are worried (my new album)’s going to be a bunch of lullabies. It’s definitely not. I’m more aware of the cursing. It didn’t stop me but I’m aware of it. It’s a very, fun, dancey, rock-and-roll record.” The mother said, "I'm excited. I think the songs are elevated and smart and fun." Pink’s new album is called The Truth About Love. Her first released song on the album is called ‘Blow Me (One Last Kiss).’ Another exciting song for her new album features a duet with Eminem called, ‘Here Comes the Weekend.’ Pink said she asked Eminem about doing a duet and he replied, “F**k yeah!” The signed nothing but closed the deal with a simple handshake. Pink referred to the song as an “alternative club banger.” Another song called ‘True Love’ features the infamous Lily Allen. To finalize this new album Pink replied, “Nate Ruess is also featured on The Truth About Love in a song called ‘Just Me A Reason.’
01 Are We All We Are 02 Blow Me (One Last Kiss) 03 Try 04 Just Give Me A Reason 05 True Love 06 How Come You’re Not Here We asked Pink if her daughter has musical talent and she said, “Willow 07 Slut Like You 08 The Truth About Love played bells on a couple of other songs.” She said that working with 09 Beam Me Up Greg Kurstin was, “amazing and we had an incredible time.” 10 Walk Of Shame th We asked Pink how she thought the her 6 album maybe received by 11 Here Comes The Weekend her fans and she said, “I think you’re really gonna like it ‘cause I really 12 Where Did The Beat Go? like it, and I like it enough for all of us.” She went on sharing, "The moti- 13 The Great Escape vation for this album is love and all of the different shades of it - dark, 14 Chaos P**s (iTunes Exclusive) light, happy, sad, what love can motivate you to do, just all of it. Just 15 Timebomb (iTunes Exclusive) exploring how much it can hurt and how much it can feel good. It's not We must say that here killer performance at the VMA’s 2012 was cheesy." Pink’s Track Listing For “The Truth About Love” AMAZING! We asked Pink about her performance being one the most Check out the official track listing for Pink’s upcoming album, The Truth talked moments of the VMA’s 2012 she said, “Wow I didn’t know that it About Love below. The 13-track album features Pink’s latest hit, “Blow was, that is great, as she laughs.” If the most talked about moment of Me (One Last Kiss)”. Make sure to pre-order your copy on iTunes or the VMA’s 2012 is any indicator, then Pink’s new album The Truth head to Pink’s Store to pre-order your copy of the CD or MP3 album & About Love will be a huge hit. The Truth About Love hits stores Sepget an instant download of “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)”. tember 18th. www.pinkspage.com
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Written by: Dr. Harvey Carr
We all know those "energy drainers." They are the people that seem to have a perpetual cloud hanging over their heads. They have the ability to turn any good news into bad news. They are the people you avoid asking "How are you?" for fear they will give you an answer. They are simply negative people. A report by Minda Zatlin in “Inc.” magazine states that new research in neuroscience demonstrates how negative and critical people affect us. She notes that when we are exposed to too much complaining it can actually make us dumb. Research shows that exposure to 30 minutes or more of negativity actually peels away neurons in the brain's hippocampus, the part of the brain we need for problem solving. "Basically it turns your brain to mush," the article notes, whether we are listening to them intently or passively. Those in leadership positions are always exposed to negative and critical people. It goes with the responsibility. Leaders cannot avoid negative people entirely, but we can incorporate some tactics that will help us deal with the matter more effectively. •Discern the difference between the negative critic and the constructive friends. critic. You really want to hear the latter person. You want to avoid the Make certain the time is well spent. former if at all possible. •Be a positive person. You will attract other positive people. And you may dissuade the negative person from being so negative. One of the greatest dangers a leader faces is to lose his or her focus. Much is expected and demanded of leaders. A constant barrage of negativity can prove to be extremely harmful to the leader and to the •Have a spirit of rejoicing. The Apostle Paul writes this imperative in organization he or she leads. Scripture: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). The mandate is not only to rejoice, but to re- And now we have medical and scientific evidence that shows the detrimental effects of negativity on the brain. It's not a pretty picture. joice at all times. If we are allowing thoughts of rejoicing into our minds, we don't allow the Next time you are confronted with a negative or critical person, conwords of negative persons and critics to enter. sider practicing some of the tactics noted above. You might come away •Avoid negative media. Many leaders are drawn to negative television, radio, print media, and blogs like an onlooker is drawn to a car wreck. We just want to look. Before you begin reading or listening to the negativity next time, just remember that you will walk away dumber.
a happier person. You might come away a better leader. And you might •Choose your friends wisely. Avoid friends who are negative and em- even come away a bit smarter or, at the very least, not any dumber. brace those who are not. You are likely to spend a lot of time with your
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Hosted by comic Langdon Bosarge, Langdon Nation is a high-energy talk show that’s been described by some of its devoted listeners (over 100,000 now) as “eavesdropping on a party” and “like going to brunch with your gay best friend.” What do gay best friends do? They make everything better, of course. And whether it’s politics, entertainment or recent events, Langdon and his band of funny straight friends, The Crew, handle topics and guests with humor and insight, and always spin out the most positive perspective possible. (And there’s usually a bit a naughty innuendo to spice things up, too. Wink.) Being the only podcast with a house band, LA’s popular comedy rock duo The Raging Peanuts, Langdon Nation listeners often find the great discussion getting peppered with break-out songs and improvisational singing. Rounding out the cast are a hot black chick (who just happens to be a Tony winner), a Brit and a guy from Jersey. Regular segments include The G-Spot (focusing on positive news, instead of the usual barrage of negativity), Fabulocity Tips, Booze & News, and the Conspiracy Show. Langdon Nation is popular not only with its large and growing audience, but with celebrities as well; Kelly Rowland, Esai Morales, Reno 911’s Thomas Lennin, The Go-Go’s Jane Weidlin and Heroes’ James Kyson Lee are just of the few of the recent stars to sit on the couch and laugh with Langdon. booking shows and performing at the big name clubs so fast. Alice Ampter of CBS’s The Big Bang Theory has echoed the voices of many stars in saying, “The most fun I’ve ever had being interviewed was on Langdon Nation;” and, the ladies of En Vogue recently said, “We just love this show…and Langdon!” Langdon spoke to us from Champagne Studios in Los Angeles, CA. CX: Using the original 140 character tweet limit… tell us what the hell Langdon Nation is and why we should listen? LN: Oh, my god. My nipples are hurting! Love it! Super-duper high energy talk show. We do interviews. Every single public figure or celebrity I have interview has come away and said that was the most fun they have ever had being interviewed. That has unknowingly become my person signature that I am really thrilled about. People who do like five radio interviews a day or they go over to the grove to be interviewed on Extra by little Mario Lopez.
CX: So how do we get from there to Langdon Nation? LN: I had worked with Gina Grad and she has a show called The Pretty Good Podcast. They had me on as a guest and got great feedback. After I think my fourth appearance, they asked me if I wanted to do a show. I said yes and they wanted a name. I started pulling things out of my ass, which is normally the opposite of what I do, and said “Langdon Nation, everybody’s gay best friend!” A couple of weeks later, just before Thanksgiving of 2009, I was taping my first show. CX: Do you have a show you wish you had never recorded or posted and want to go away? LN: Oh my God! Probably the whole first season! I don’t know. It is hard. We don’t edit on Langdon Nation. A lot of the other shows are edited and heavily produced. . It is basically improv comedy and you can’t necessary control where that crazy train is going to go. Nine times out of ten it lands in a very happy place and it is fabulous. Then there are times when it is like comedy bomb. But I think the listeners know that we try to be really transparent and we will let you see us fall. I am willing to embarrass myself and take a risk in order to try to get that really good joke. When it works it is so great. When you have that one that’s just hilarious and everyone is dying and peeing on themselves. You are like yes, they have wet their pants my job is done.
CX: So maybe that is your new tagline. Langdon Nation, the most fun you will ever have in an interview. LN: We are coming up on our third year and are thinking about a new tagline. We haven’t’ really used it officially, but were thinking about “Saving the world one dirty joke at a time”. Then we had nibbles from E!, Bravo, and Sirius so, we thought crap, maybe we need to clean it up a little. So we are going with, “it’s a party in your iPod”. When people CX: What show do you look back and say that was an amazing show? say why are you doing this? That is my mission statement. LN: There is one more that I really love. It is not necessarily exemplary of all of the other shows. I think it is episode 171, Chasing Light. It was CX: Was there a time when you asked yourself,” Why do I do this?” last summer. I had a real personal turn around with the show. I get that LN: Every f*****g ! I stopped everything else. Outside of my day job, it is a product for people’s entertainment. It is comedy and people want every other waking hour I am trying to get talent for the show, write bits, to laugh, but last summer when all of those young gay boys were comor work to grow the show. mitting suicide, I had a really difficult time preparing for this fabulous CX: Tell us how you got your start? What are your comedy credentials? comedy show in the studio. I felt like I had a sense of duty to talk about it even if people didn’t necessarily want to hear it. Other radio people LN: Oh, comedy credentials. I came out of a vagina and I think that is told me to me to steer clear of politics and news like this and told me really funny not to do it. CX: That was your first coming out, right? CX: So how did it happen? LN: I went to conservatory in NYC at 28 and fell in love with acting. I was nursing days and doing comedy nights in a sketch comedy troupe LN: It was late Saturday night and we tape on Sunday. I had called Circle in the Squirrel. That is when I started to know I was funny. performed that night at the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard and was driving home and just started to cry. I got home and just started CX: So what happened when you went out to LA? working. The co-hosts was set to be a guy known as being an angry LN: When I got here, people I met, kept telling me I should do stand political comic. I didn’t know how that would go over. It wound up being up. I was like, “Oh my God that petrifies me.” I did a TV show called a sweet, powerful, and surprisingly funny show. Since then I, I try to Diagnosis X and played a nurse, go figure. The show closed, so I insert some heart and thought into my comedy and talk about things I decided to try stand up. I took a workshop and that was it. I loved it. I find important as opposed to just celebrity fluff. I’m really proud of that didn’t think I would do so well at stand up. I didn’t realize that I would be foray into a serious topic.
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CX: This has been great. Thank you so much for speaking with us this evening. We really look forward to having your show as a regular feature in CityXtra and getting to know the rest of the crew. LN: Thank you, it has been fun.
Cory and his beautiful friend Mary Pascoe are the talented duo that is The Raging Peanuts, one of Los Angeles’ most popular “underground” bands. But, they won’t be underground for long with their numerous performances at historic LA haunts like the main stage at The Viper Room and live appearances on radio and other popular podcasts. As the house band of Langdon Nation Mary and Cory bring their comedy rock talents to the airwaves, adding to the energy and laughter of the show. They recently released their album, “Ginga Ninja” and they look forward to taking over the world. Michael Rutt is a professional photographer and videographer, often shooting pictures for popular catalogues, fashion outlets and magazines. His dry British humor (and intelligent, quick wit) bring a nice balance to Langdon’s high energy. (He has also saved Langdon’s life many many, many times with his technical and internet prowess. And pints of Guiness.
Let’s meet The Crew ... Cory Pearman is half of the comedy rock band, The Raging Peanuts, and co-host of Langdon Nation. Originally from Colorado, and a professional motor cross racer, he loves being one of the Straight men (in both terms of the word) on the show. He has been in numerous television commercials and many short and feature films, including Rift-- a horror film that recently had is theatrical debut in Beverly Hills. He also plays boozy, wisecracking Chase on the Raging Peanuts' web series "Rockstars”! J. Nicole Brooks is an actor, playwright and an actual winner of the 12010 Tony Award for her work with Looking Glass theater in Chicago. She hails from the Southside Chicago, where the women are smart, the men are good looking, and the children pick pocket. Brooks is an award-winning actor, as well (LA Ovation Award Best Actress, and the Ruby Dee Best Actress Black Theatre Alliance Award.) and the most upstanding woman you will ever meet. She has freckles. She enjoys long walks on the beach, hates angel hair pasta, and wishes 18th century terms like "Tom Foolery" were used more often. For more monkey jizz visit her at http://doctaslick.blogspot.com White Power.
Tony Santiago is a sound engineer and video & film editor, currently working for Donald Trump Productions and DIYTV. Originally from New Jersey, Tony brings his wisecracks with lots of testosterone and his vast library of everyone’s favorite music.
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ORLANDO
Welcome to our Orlando readers. In this section of cityXtra Magazine each month you will find events and local news bites. We look forward to meeting each one of you at our Official Launch Party which is being planned for November 2012. Now let’s get to the events Orlando. September is big kick-off month for Orlando. September 22, 2012 Pulse Orlando hosts Roxxxy Andrews “Once Upon a Time Birthday Bash.” Special guest Trinity Taylor as the Evil Queen. September 22 - the Annual Headdress Ball: Twisted…..An Evening Under the Rainbow takes place at the Hilton Orlando. A must attend annual event for LGBT Community Member. For more information please visit www.headdressball.org
Now in the good sportsmanship of sister cities, Revolution will host Orlando vs Tampa on September 27, 2012, with special guest Kitana Gemini, Kai’Ja Adonis, Naomi Wynters, and Chyna Nicole. Oh by the way did we mention $1 drinks 8p-11p. It is the battle royal of Central Florida. Orlando Pride happens October 5-7, 2012. Many great entertainers and events are planned in true tradition and style that only Orlando Pride can pull off. As a proud sponsor of this year’s Orlando Pride we wish everyone a gay time. For more information you can visit www.orlandopride.org. Happy Pride Orlando!
Also don’t forget to vote on November 6. Joe Saunders, Equality Florida Field Director, has won is primary and will be on the ballot for Florida House District 49. Let’s make history Orlando and help elect another openly gay candidate to the house in 2012. For more information please visit www.votejoesaunders.com.
October 6 - the Parliament House will host the famous Debbie Gibson during Orlando Pride. If you haven’t seen this gay-icon in concert, this is a must see for gay or lesbian. For more information please visit www.parlimenthouse.com.
If you would like for us to post your event please email detailed information to info@cityxtramag.com. If you are interested in advertising or setting-up a distribution point you can contact our office at 904.410.9592.
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First, we would like to welcome our Tampa Bay to the cityXtra Magazine family. We are proud and honored to expending into your city. Look out for our official launch party to happen in October 2012. Now to the highlights of what is going on in Tampa Bay. First, Tampa City Council has asked the cities legal department to seek various options for expanding equal protections to couples with domestic partnerships registered in other cities and counties. The theory would be similar to a city recognizing a marriage licenses of a couple that lived in a different city our country. We must remind everyone that Tampa was the first city to enact a domestic partnership register in the State of Florida. Proving once more that Tampa is a trend setter for the state.
If you want to see one of the HOTTEST male news anchors, then catch Anderson Cooper at the Starz on September 23. For information you can visit www.myqmunity.com. September 21 - the 2012 TIGLFF Launch Party starts at 6:30 pm at the Tampa Museum of Art. For full details of this year’s Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Fest visit www.myqmunity.com. This year features Jane Castor, Tampa Chief of Police, Mr. St. Pete Pride, Silent Auction, Katherine Nevets as Bette Midler, with wacky props and great fun. September 27—L Train is hosting Wordier Than Thou: A Storytelling Open Mic Event. They'll feature a handful of local writers with an open mic period, where anyone can sign up to read, sandwiched in between them. And unlike most open mics around, which tend to be geared towards poetry and music, this one will focus on writing in its longer form. So come on down and read your latest short story, or maybe read an excerpt from the tell-all memoir you're working on or that never-ending novel. Heck, you can even come down and read from your diary. Just keep the haikus and limericks -- though we appreciate the artistry -- at home. September 25— Faith Family United Church of Christ. Proceeds benefit
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Neighborly Care Network & Faith Family UCC For more information and to register call 727-573-9444 ext# 3160 Lots of prizes! Hole in One Contest! October 10 - GZA LIVE at the Ritz Ybor. GZA LIVE at The RITZ Ybor. Tickets onsale online at www.theritzybor.com or at The RITZ Ybor BoxOffice open every Wednesday thru Saturday from 1pm to 6pm & on the day of show. Call (813) 248-9210 or e-mail tickets@theritzybor.com for more information. if you have any events you would life for us to post please email detailed information to info@cityxtramag.com Feel free to contact our advertising office at 904 410 9492 our info@cityxtramag.com for rates and/or distribution set-up. We look forward to meeting each of you and featuring a local writer from the Tampa Bay area in our October 15th of cityXtra Magazine www.cityxtramag.com
ST. PETERSBURG
Florida's leading gay and lesbian vacation destination on the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Petersburg region comprises a downtown fringing Tampa Bay that's undergone a significant renaissance as well as a string of eclectic - and often historic - waterfront communities from quaint Pass-A-Grille to artsy Gulfport to the tony resort of Clearwater Beach. Host each June to St. Petersburg Gay Pride, the largest in the state, the area is home to a diverse mix of gay-Friendly lodging choices, from grand hotels to elegant B&Bs, plus Florida's largest gay resort. This no-frills, formerly mainstream hotel was transformed in 2009 into Florida's largest gay resort and entertainment complex. The Flamingo has 130 rooms - they're quite basic and dated, and unfortunately not as well maintained as they could be, but they're dirt-cheap and have free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and safes. The Flamingo's primary draw is for social butterflies - there's a huge, nicely landscaped pool and three different bars, plus a restaurant. From happy hours to pool parties to Sunday Tdances, there's always a lot going on. The Flamingo is a 10-minute drive south of downtown and from the beaches, just off I-275. You need a car to get around the area.
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Written by: Joey Amato Creative, diverse, friendly and welcoming are words often used to describe Nashville. It has long been a destination rich in culture, music and food and is quickly becoming one of the premier LGBT destinations in the country. As the largest city in Tennessee, Nashville is home to dozens of arts organizations, historical landmarks, James Beard awardwinning restaurants and fabulous entertainment and nightlife venues. Nashville is also the headquarters of the state’s largest HIV/AIDS organization, Nashville CARES, numerous gay sports leagues, the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce and the Oasis Center, an organization designed to support and educate LGBT youth. While in Nashville be sure to visit some of the city’s premier LGBTfriendly cultural attractions, most notably the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. In the past year, the Warhol Live exhibit as well as To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum have all exhibited at the Frist. This summer, the museum will premier “Creation Story: Gees Bend Quilts and the Art of Thornton Dial.” History buffs should head straight to the Parthenon in Centennial Park. This exact replica of the Athens original, also houses a 42-foot tall statue of goddess Athena, the tallest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere.
Touring the city is sure to make you hungry and luckily there are new culinary hotspots popping up everywhere in Nashville. Favorites among gay locals include Virago, Kayne Prime, Watermark and City House, owned by James Beard award-winning chef Tandy Wilson. In If you desire, try to catch a performance by the Nashville Ballet. Since its founding in 1986, the group has grown to become the largest profes- addition, GQ Magazine recently voted The Catbird Seat, one of the best new restaurants in sional ballet company in Tennessee, presenting a varied repertoire of America. classical ballet and contemporary works. The company is now comprised of 22 professional dancers from around the world. Don’t forget to say hello to Top Chef Arnold Myint at one of his wonderful dining establishments which include PM, Cha Chah, and Suzy Another LGBT-friendly highlight is the glorious Cheekwood Botanical Gardens Wong’s House of Yum, the latter conveniently located on Church & Museum, a 55-acre botanical garden Street, adjacent to one of Nashville hippest gay bars, Tribe. and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate. Enjoy a brisk Nashville morning strolling with your partner through Cheekwood’s beautifully manicured gardens and admiring the culture and heritage of one of Nashville’s most prominent families. Those yearning for music history should head to the Country Music Hall of Fameand Museum located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The $37 million facility features more than 40,000 square feet of country music artifacts and archives in addition to a full service restaurant. The Hall of Fame is currently exhibiting The Bakersfield Sound: Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and California Country which tells the story of the stars, sidemen and songwriters who created and popularized a new kind of country music in mid-20th century America. Just a short walk away is the famous Ryman Auditorium. Referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman is a National Historic Landmark and has hosted musicians from Chris Isaak and James Brown to Patsy Cline and Bruce Springsteen. The Ryman recently received Pollstar Magazine’s coveted “Theater of the Year” award again for the fourth time in the past decade.
In recent years, Church Street has become Nashville’s gay mecca. In addition to Tribe and Suzy Wong’s, the street is also home to Play Dance Bar, Canvas and Blue Gene’s as well as Out Central, Nashville’s LGBT community center. A few minutes down the road are Stirrup, Trax and Blue Genes, three neighborhood bars offering great drink specials. Just across the bridge from downtown, the neighborhood of East Nashville has been known as “the gayborhood” and offers tons of dining and nightlife venues to fit every taste. Two of the most popular LGBT destinations are Lipstick Lounge and Mad Donna’s. Mad Donna’s is the best place in town to play a game of drag bingo while dining on wonderful cuisine, while Lipstick Lounge offers karaoke and live entertainment throughout the week and is a favorite among the ladies. After a long day of sightseeing, check into the beautiful Hutton Hotel. Located in Midtown, this swanky property features an urban-chic sophistication not seen at many hotels in the city. Rooms are lavishly appointed with luxurious linens, flat-screen televisions and granite flooring. A state-of-the-art fitness facility and in-room spa services are available to all guests.
Nashville is truly a magical place that people can’t comprehend until they see it for themselves. So put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots A vacation to Nashville would not be and head on down to Music City USA. For more information, go to complete without a visit to the Grand Ole visitmusiccity.com Opry, country music’s longest running OUT Destinations is part of OUTreach Public Relations, a company specializing in LGBT marketshow. The show brings together an ining. Founded by Joey Amato in 2012, OUTreach PR has quickly become one of the most sought credible mix of talent to a live audience after companies for celebrities, corporations and non-profit organizations looking to target the ever and affluent LGBT consumer. For more information, please three times per week. Superstars includ- growing visit www.outreachpublicrelations.com. ing Vince Gill, Keith Urban, and Reba McEntire as well as new acts such as The Band Perry and Luke Bryan have all graced the Opry stage.
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