cityXtra (CXN Magazine) January 2012 by Jax Gay Magazine

Photography by Cedric Terrell

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CONTENTS VOL. 4, ISSUE 5

14 16

Legal Corner Religious Corner

PROFILE 08

IN EVERY ISSUE

Frank Adair aka Blossom O’Toole

DOWN TO BUSINESS 03 10 16 20

Content Over $1800 FREE Cash Legal Corner: Reasons You Need A Lawyer Religious Corner: Unwrapping the Gift

COVER STORY 13

DJ Chord Bezerra: Washington DC

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE GAY TIMES LEGAL MATTERS Can’t wait for the next issue? Get a sneak preview. Subscribe to feeds on our website, cityXtraMagazine.com, and visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Google+

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JACKSONVILLE #616: 616 Park St. (904) 358-6969 Boot Rack: 4751 Lenox Blvd. (904) 384-7090 bootrack.com

Club Jax: 1939 Hendricks Ave. (904) 398-7451 clubjax.com Hamburger Mary’s: 3333-1 Beach Blvd. (904) 551-2048 hamburgermarys.com/jax Incahoots: 711 Edison Ave. (904) 353-6316 Park Place: 931 King St. (904) 389-6616 Metro: 859 Willow Branch Ave. (904) 388-7192 metrojax.com The Norm: 2952 Roosevelt (904) 384-0029

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nightlife

Bo’s Club: 201 5th Ave. N. (Jax Beach) (904) 246-9874 bosclub.com

cityXtra cityXtra Magazine Staff Publisher: David Vandygriff publisher@cityxtramagazine.com Executive Editor: Louis Suffredini editor@cityxtramagazine.com Creative Designer: Shane Johnson info@cityxtramagazine.com Director of Sales: Carlos Martinez sales@cityxtramagazine.com cityXtra News Magazine is published by GLBT Advertising Inc. 2941 Plum Street Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 410-9592 Jacksonville Office (321) 426-0296 Orlando Office www.cityxtramagazine.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

FROM OUR READERS What our readers tell us cityXtra readers occasionally write to us or make comments online about our website, print magazine, and e-edition. Here are the latest things they have to say:

““Thank you for the Wine List in your November Issue. Please include more info such as this in future Issues.”

Dr. Harvey Carr, Christ Church of Peace Joey Amato, OUT Reach Public Relations Dr. Doug Massengill, University of Lola Chicago Sebastion Fortino, Project Manager

Contributing Writers David Vandygriff, Mamie Joshlin, Joey Amato, Sebastion Fortino, Dr. Harvey Carr, Atty. Gordon Nicol, Greg Henchar, Michael Smith

DEADLINE FOR FEB 15th ISSUE IS FEB 5th COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Cedric Terrell cityXtra Magazine is published 12 times per year. Reprints are available. Contact of contributing advertisers does not reflect the opinions of the publisher. Advertisers have proofed respective articles, and content is assumed true and correct. cityXtra is not responsible for the business dealings of its advertisers. cityXtra is for information purposes only. cityXtra Magazine (TM). All rights reserved. The contents of this publication, including articles, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Address changes should be submitted via e-mail to subscriptions@cityxtramagazine.com. Send story ideas and requests for article reprints to pubisher@cityxtramagazine.com or call 904.410.9592 Jacksonville Office or 321.426.0296 Orlando Office.

Got a great story to tell? We want to hear from you! We are always on the lookout for great candidates to profile for our Cover Story. Want to nominate yourself or someone you know let us know!

Comments or questions? Do you have comments about articles you’ve read or want to read? Good or bad, we’d like to hear from you. You can comment on articles online, or send your thoughts to the editor at editor@cityxtramagazine.com. Follow us on Facebook to receive info on upcoming events and up-to-date news. Facebook: cityxtramag

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FRANK ADAIR: Blossom O’Toole Written By: Michael Brayson

As the day comes to a close the news we all dreaded was announced. Frank Adair aka Blossom O’Toole passed on January 14, 2014 at 1:45 pm EST. You see Blossom was not your typical female impersonator. He/She was more of a

dear lost friend I have to stop and reflect upon Blossom’s many talents. He would make you laugh, walk barefoot on the stage, scoot across the dance floor, smile and the OMG the laugh! He entertained us, was our friend, a member of our community & family, and a retired Navy Master Chief. No matter your age Blossom or Frank always had a story to tell you and made you feel important. His smile from across the bar and uncanning comedic ways to lighten the mood will truly be missed by all. May you rest in peace our dear friend and God speed! Send Richard & Mike our best and you girls have a drag show that only heaven can host. Till we meet again, go and rest now my friend. Please if you do one thing today hug your friends & families and make amends for a broken friendship. Time is simply too short and precious!!!

comedian that wanted to make people laugh and have a good time. He was a kind soul that would flirt with every cute chicken that walked through the door. Frank was your typical 70 something year old that cared less about what people thought than your 21 year old would. He loved his poker and dear friend Jim, Founder of Faces in St Louis. When these two were together be ready for some heavy GOOD OLD Days conversations. I had the pleasure many times to talk with both and exchange stores of the Good Old Days. Oh what a time that was. I rather enjoyed those times I spent with them two. It could be a busy Saturday night at the club and they would tell the tells that would make you long for the Gay Days of past yester year. The days when clubs were packed, people flirted, NO GRINDER, no cell phone distractions, but rather a time when people had real conversations and YES hooked up. As I sit here once again writing a story about a 8

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OVER $1800 FREE CASH Written By: Kaye Taylor

Who says there’s no such thing you input your account informaas a free lunch? tion and then their website helps Every year businesses give you track your investments, away thousands of dollars in free credit card balances and money and gift cards as a way of promoting their websites/ products. We’ve put together a list of 16 of them who will give you a ridiculous $1,810.25 in free cash right now. Some of them are as simple as filling out a form and some of them take a bit more effort, but you can easily knock out all of them in a couple of hours.

Without further ado, here are the 16 companies giving out free money right now…. 1. Look at Your Budget on PersonalCapital.com – FREE $10.00 PersonalCapital.com, a portfolio management site, will give you $10 just to open a free account! For those of you who aren’t familiar with PC, their site reminds me a lot of Mint.com. Basically, 10

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2. Trade Stocks at MotifInvesting.com – FREE $100.25 Motif Investing is unique among online brokers, because instead of picking individual stocks, you invest in a cluster of stocks (usually 20 to 30) from a similar field. Sort of like a mutual fund, but the motifs range from Clean changes to your checking/ Energy, to Republican Compasavings accounts. nies, to Healthy and Tasty, to Here’s how to grab the $10… Obamacare. Basically any interest you have or trend you’d like 1. Sign up for PersonalCapi- to invest in can be found on Motal.com using my referral tif… link. The bonus is paid out via Paypal, so my advice is to Even, better they’re giving away signup for Personal Capital us- a ton of cash right now. If you open a new account and make ing your Paypal email address. 3. Add your financial account(s) one trade, you’ll earn $50. Make to your Personal Capital 3 trades, and you’ll earn dashboard. You must link at $75. Make 5 trades, and you’ll least one account in order to get earn $150! Now Motif charges $9.95 for the bonus. 4. Wait 30 days. Unfortunately, each trade you make, so after this bonus takes up to a month making 5 trades, you’ll still be to pay out, but it’s free money so netting $100.25 in extra cash. That’s like getting all of can I really complain? your transaction fees free AND Update 11/15/2013: This bonus earning $100 extra. Sweet! has just changed. Instead of For the remainder of FREE getting a free $10, they are CASH visit our website at now giving away $20 to Habi- www.cxnmagazine.com and tat for Humanity for each per- click the ARTICLE tab. son that joins.

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DJ CHORD BEZERRA: WASHTINGON DC Written By: David W. Vandygriff & Kim Johnson

DJ Chord Bezerra has become one of D.C.’s most popular, and increasingly prominent DJ’s by Metroweekly. H, e was voted 1st Runner Up as Best DJ by the Washington City Paper and in 2010 he was awarded the title of “Best DJ” by the Washington Blade. He is now a regular rotation at some of DC’s hottest clubs and parties including Town Danceboutique, La Boum Brunch, and Cobalt. His eclectic spinning style spans many different genres from hip hop to EDM. “The ultimate goal,” he says, “is connecting with people and getting them to dance.” With a following as diverse as the city he lives in, Chord has the skill to do just that. We recently had the chance to catch-up with DJ Chord and gain a little more insight into his many talents.

music with us last night. For a town full of guys who work hard at stressful jobs, your music provides us the joy that we want (and deserve) at the end of the week. It was one of the kindest things anyone has ever said to me. It was amazing to see how you can connect with people CXN: What do you personally musically. It was one the best compliments I could get. consider to be the incisive moments in your artistic career? CXN: What are currently your DJ Chord: In the beginning of main challenges as a DJ? this year my grandmother DJ Chord: I think one of the passed away. It was a really biggest challenges these days is hard time for me. I had big gig trying to develop a sound that just days after the funeral. I stands out but is also accessible. wasn’t sure how I was going to People come out and want to get through it but I thought it dance to music they know but would be a great way to honor they also don’t want to go to a her. She loved music and loved club to hear some one’s iPod to dance. The next day I re- playlist. I try to find the right balceived a message: …. thanks for ance of sounds that will not only having the spirit to share your get you dancing and singing but CXN: When did you start DJing also keep you interested and - and what or who were your excited for what’s next. It’s a early passions and influences? moving target. DJ Chord: Music has always CXN: What is it about DJing, been a significant part of my life. compared to, say, producing I can remember going into my your own music, which makes it first gay club in 1999. I had interesting for you? never experienced anything like DJ Chord: I pride myself on that. The music, the lights and of being more of curator than a procourse the boys. There was ducer. I love listening to a song such energy on the dance floor. and saying, “I want to find the This was on a college night and I best mix of that.” I comb the web wasn’t 21 yet but at that time I looking and listening to somedidn’t need any alcohol. I would times hundreds of mixes until I dance all night by myself having find the one that works for me. I the best time of my life. I’m sure love the hunt. A producer would I looked like an idiot up there on want to create that sound from my own but it didn’t matter to scratch and I admire that, but 12

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me. I was lost in the sound. Since then music has been a huge influence in my life. I created mix tapes for friends and would play music where I could but it wasn’t until 10 years later that I got my first break as a professional DJ. I was hooked. There was no going back.

DJ CHORD BEZERRA: WASHINGTON DC Continued

that isn’t my strength at this time. My strength is curating a unique musical environment from what those producers create.

for a second before disappearing, but then there are songs like Whitney Huston’s “Your Love is My Love.” That song is almost CXN: What do you usually start 16 years old and still gets me moving the same way it did with when preparing for a set? DJ Chord: I create bucket lists. when I first heard it. The buckets are full of songs CXN: Is there a criteria other with similar energy. The rest is than pure subjectivity, for selectup to the crowd. You are there to ing what to play at a gig? build a relationship with them. If DJ Chord: You have to do your they aren’t feeling something homework and get to know the you need to be able to transition people. I would love to think they to a different energy quickly. are just coming just for me but That read of the crowd is such more than likely they are coming an important but unpredictable for an environment and it’s up to element. You can prepare for me to take up a level. You want hours but sometimes you just to take people on a journey. You have to go with the flow. start with what people know and CXN: How important is building then add then slowly start levela real relationship with the music ing up to some more directional songs. By the end of the night you're playing for your own apthe crowd should feel they not proach? only danced to what they know DJ Chord: It’s so important for but also heard some new tracks you to love the music you’re playing. If I don’t enjoy what you they want to get to know more. are playing it shows… one way or another. If you look up and the DJ doesn’t look like he is having the time of his life then something is off. I sing, dance and generally act a fool when I’m playing. It builds a trust with the people dancing. CXN: There's so much music out there, is it even possible to build meaningful long-term relationships with a particular track or album? DJ Chord: Sure there is a lot of fluff out there that burns bright

CXN: Do you feel a crowd is actually able to appreciate the intricacies of complex DJing, if they don't actually know what, precisely, is happening behind the decks? DJ Chord: It’s a magic show. They shouldn’t have to know how it is done to appreciate the show. My goal is not to show off my technical skills. My goal is to make them dance. Sure there are moments when you can exercise your skill but ultimately they know a good DJ is behind

the decks when they are dancing till close. CXN: Do you believe in the possibility of "reading an audience"

– and how do you put it into practice? Reading an audience is such an important part of the night. You have to scan the crowd and see how people are reacting. Who is there? What are they doing? Who is dancing? What are they responding to? DJ Chord: DJing done right is collaboration with the audience. They are sharing the experience with you. It’s like sex for the first time. You’re feeling them out and they are feeling you out. You try this, you try that. How do they respond? What energy are they giving off? You figure out what works and build and build and build on that. cityXtraMagazine.COM

DJ CHORD BEZERRA: WASHINGTON DC Continued CXN: What makes a strong transition from one track to the next from your point of view and how do you see the relative importance of establishing a flow versus creating tension through suspenseful breaks in continuity? DJ Chord: This all depends on where you are taking the night. DJs aren’t thinking just going from one song to the next. They are thinking of multi song build. Sometimes you want one song to flow into the other seamlessly. Then there are moments when a hard stop followed by silence just can’t be beat.

DJ Chord: This all comes down to your interaction with the crowd. Anyone can play one song to the next. How well you read the crowd will determine how well your music transcends from that moment to an experience.

space is, do you have a lighting guy, is he paying attention to what is going on? Don’t get me started on lighting. Next to the music the lighting is so important and often overlooked. There is a reason major venues and large parties focus so much on their CXN: DJs that just press play on lighting system. It can easily make or break a song or a build. their laptop may have given technology a bad name, but without technology, there'd be no DJing in the first place. What's your perspective on the relationship and the balance between technological advances, music and the art of DJing? DJ Chord: Sure, the easy access to DJ technology has produced an army of laptop DJs, including myself. Hell, my mom could do it if I gave her the right program. Most anyone reading this probably knows 3 or 4 DJs. This certainly makes it harder to get work but on the flip side it makes good DJs stand out all the more. DJing is more than a song, more than program, more than a transition… it’s about creating energy and feeling. No tech can do that and anyone that doesn’t understand that won’t go too far.

CXN: Please recommend two DJs to our readers which you feel deserve their attention. DJ Chord: I’ll highlight two of my favorites from different genres. First is Hard Rock Sofa. An amazing Russian EDM team. Heavy on vocals and lots of

CXN: How do you see the relationship between music and the space it is performed at? CXN: In which way are you acDJ Chord: It’s very important. tively trying to create an experi- Some places lend themselves to ence that is more than just certain sounds. You have to see stringing together a few excellent where the bar is, where the records? dance floor is at, how big the

great reference to music new and old. I love running into these guys. Lots of build and breaks. Second would be new favorite of mine. Danny Verde is both an amazing producer and DJ. He has a great house sound and remixes kill it.

CXN: A strong set can truly be more than the sum of its parts. How, do you feel, is the music transformed in the hands of a DJ? DJ Chord: A good DJ will turn a moment into an experience and night into a journey.

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LEGAL CORNER: REASONS You Need a Lawyer Written By: Gordon T. Nicol, Atty

A lawyer is a resource when you are working to protect your future, your assets, your business and your family. Below are reasons you should protect yourself and consult an attorney. Every legal case involves emotional and legal arguments on both sides. Emotionally, it is upsetting to have negative and oftentimes downright nasty comments from the other side. A lot of times the other side will not only make hurtful comments but will try to destroy you emotionally and financially. Sometimes they will work to get you fired or hurt you by taking the kids away. Your time in front of the Judge is limited – your lawyer will help you identify the most important facts of your case. Keep in mind that every legal case also involves legal arguments on both sides. Your lawyer will research and submit to the Judge the governing laws, cases, and statutes which legally support your case. Your lawyer must present legal authority through a legal argument that supports the facts in your case. If you are hurt on the job it is critical that you get professional help asap. This applies to both medical care and legal help. There are critical deadlines –reporting, medical, and legal - that affect whether you can even pursue your case. Keep in mind that there are different requirements whether your employer 16

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is even required to provide worker’s compensation insurance. A number of employers will lie and tell you that they don’t have worker’s compensation coverage. Employers will also lie and tell you that they’ll “take care of it.” An injury can have a life time effect on your employment, your income, and your retirement. It is crucial to consult with a lawyer to know your rights.

closed. If your car is repossessed by the bank it will be sold at auction. When the car is sold for less than is owed, the bank will sue you for the difference. An even bigger bill happens when your home is foreclosed by the bank and is sold at auction. When you are sued, you have a limited time to respond to the lawsuit. Don’t make the mistake of writing a letter to the court. A lawsuit is more than both sides writing If you are hurt in a car accident this back and forth to each other. A letis also time sensitive. In a car acci- ter does not protect you. dent there are medical deadlines. If When you have been charged with a you don’t go to the hospital or a felony or a misdemeanor this can doctor soon enough you are per- have a real impact on job applications manently “cut off” from medical and renting a place to live. This can care. Your lawyer will help you with have an impact for years and years critical deadlines so that you do not after you were charged. When an lose your legal right to be compen- employer can choose between any sated for your injuries and your number of qualified applicants they bills. are more likely to choose someone A common question is how best to without a criminal history. The legal protect yourself financially. Your process involves sealing or expunglawyer can specifically advise you ing the felony charges or the misdeon how best to protect yourself meanor charges. Different laws apply from losing your assets from a law- to different crimes and different sensuit. A trust takes care of your tences. Not every misdemeanor or loved ones by protecting them fi- felony can be resolved by sealing or nancially. Be sure to consult with expunging your record. Your lawyer your lawyer for your specific con- can explain the different legal steps required for each of the different apcerns. proaches. If you are overwhelmed with bills, be sure to discuss your finances Gordon T. Nicol, Attorney at Law Your Jacksonville Lawyer with your lawyer early. Don’t make Parkway, Suite 108 the mistake of waiting for a credit 7545 Centurion Jacksonville, FL 32256 card lawsuit or a garnishment. E-mail : helpDon’t make the mistake of waiting desk@yourjacksonvillelawyer.com Ph : 904-384-4911 to be sued when your car is rerepossessed or your home is fore-

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RELIGIOUS CORNER: Unwrapping the Gift Written By: Dr. Harvey Carr

The gift arrived and I excitedly started opening it. As soon as I tore off the wrapping paper, there was another layer of paper. When I tried to get beneath that layer, I saw a note—WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW TO OPEN. What’s up with that? Welcome to another year. We unwrap it a day at a time—a daily gift of 24 hours. As much as I want to know what’s ahead, I can’t. Today is the only day I can have—until tomorrow. 2013 was the final year for several incredibly special people in my world. Cancer took some of their lives, stroke took some and AIDS took some others but it never robbed any of them of their real purpose for living. Even though they were still quite young, as I refer to anyone younger than 100 years of age, they died incredibly wealthy. Not monetary wealth, but rich in all the relation-

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ships they had—loving families and many close friends, but none closer than Jesus. Their legacies include years of investing their love into others. That’s the kind of investment with the greatest returns—joy now and peace forevermore. So as I unwrap another layer from my gift of 2014, I want to remember to invest wisely each day.

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