David Atlanta Issue 35 by David Magazine

2.6.13 #35

FUN AND FRISKY IDEAS FOR

VALENTINE’S GIFTS AND DRINKS

TaMMie Brown Takes Over Burkhart’s for Valentine’s Day

fun.’s Jack Antonoff Talks LGBT Activism, Being Straight with ‘Lesbian Chemicals’

Rossum +Emmy ‘Flashdance’

‘The Wise Kids’

February 10, 2013 • 6-9 PM Valentine's Cocktail Party Specialty Cocktails from Ketel One Hors d’oeuvres by Bridge Catering Music by DJ Mike Pope

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m o r f e t o r o N t i A the Ed 2.6.13 Issue #35

STAFF MANAGEMENT David Thompson Publisher | david@davidatanta.com Elijah Sarkesian Editor in Chief elijah@davidatanta.com Joe Ragsdale Art Director ragsdale@davidatanta.com Bob Gunby Sales Director | bob@davidatanta.com Joseph Brownell Lead Editor/Social Media Coordinator joseph@davidatanta.com

EDITORIAL Rian Ashlei Chris Azzopardi Sam Gabel Van Gower Emma Harger Richard Marshall Clayton Morey Sam Peng Dustin Shelby Brent Star Taylor Trimble Lucas Witherspoon

SALES Steve Tyrrell steve@davidatanta.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Laurie Edward Rory Evans John Hollier

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Conflicted Over Celebrities “Coming Out”

ver the past few weeks, multiple celebrities have “come out” following years of speculation. There’s Jodie Foster at the Golden Globes, for example. Within a day, Victor Garber also confirmed that he’s gay. Most recently, Jim Nabors publicly acknowledged that he’s gay (and married, to boot). Really, they’re following in the footsteps of some other relatively high-profile outings from the past few years. Anderson Cooper, Zachary Quinto, Jim Parsons and Matt Bomer are just some of the high-profile individuals who have publicly come out, and they all have done it in fairly low-key fashion (Foster excepted). We’re a long way past the time where coming out involved major magazine coverage or major interviews, like Ellen or Lance Bass. Part of me is glad we’re getting to this point. While I’d like to personally think of myself as unique, there’s something comforting about feeling less ostracized by society at large. I remember when I came out at 18, scared to death about the potential rejection I faced, and I’m grateful for a culture where less people have to feel that same sense of dread. Maybe that’s why sometimes I’m conflicted when certain figures come out. It’s great that Jodie Foster decided to acknowledge that she’s a lesbian. Can you imagine, though, the impact that might have had 20 years ago? Even today, it feels like we rarely have someone who’s not a white man come out as gay. Foster coming out would’ve been huge years ago. Now, Foster’s decision to come out feels…safe. I have a similar sense of frustration with Jim Nabors. He claims that he’s not an activist, which is why he won’t get into the same-sex marriage debate, even as he’s taking advantage of new state laws in Washington. I hope that he changes his mind, because he has a unique platform to reach out to people who may oppose same-sex marriage.. Until that point, I’ll hope that others will have the courage to do what Foster and Nabors haven’t and won’t do.

Elijah Sarkesian The content of this Publication is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the Magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through this Publication meets your specific requirements. The Publication is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The Magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to the Publication, including but not limited to articles, advertisement, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of this Publication may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the Publisher. Unauthorized use of this Publication may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in the Publication is strictly at your own risk.

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TOC

2.6.13 Issue #35

Cover > Valentine’s Drinks Valentine’s Gifts fun.’s Jack Antonoff TaMMie Brown

14 16 22 28

Feature > Emmy Rossum 40 ‘The Wise Kids’ 46 ‘Flashdance’ 50

Seen@ > Jungle 10 Amsterdam 30

The Rest > WTF!?!? Tidbits 12 the Scene 34 Bartab 36 Datebook 37 Protect Your Monster 54 Fairyscopes 58 Classifieds 59 Bitch, Please! 62

COVER: PHOTOGRAPHY Timoteo Ocampo CREATIVE DIRECTION Marius Cigaral MODEL Anthony Romero Briefs by CellBlock 13, available locally at Boy Next Door and online at cellblock13.net 8 // davidatlanta.com

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@DavidAtlantaGA // 11

all children have a fundamental human right to keep all their genitalia and to decide for themselves if anything gets cut off.” The company clarified that they don’t use actual foreskins, but rather “they use foreskin fibroblast — a piece of human skin used as a culture to grow other skin or cells.” I honestly didn’t think this face cream could sound any less appealing, but SkinMedica managed to do it. I think I’ll stick to using uncut dicks in the old-fashioned way.

By Lucas Witherspoon

In other foreskin-related news, Taylor Swift reportedly called it off with Harry Styles because he “kissed like a snail” and she didn’t approve of his foreskin. Somebody come get this bitch. It’s Harry Styles! He could have a dick like a snail (though he’s by all accounts very wellendowed—not helping!) and I’d still go down on him. I think we’ve all known these types of girls: the kind that’s so attractive that she has her pick of gorgeous guys, but breaks of with them because they have a misshapen mole or an ingrown hair. What Taylor fails to realize is that if she were still back at her home in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, she’d probably be working as a bank teller dating some basic douche she knew in high school. Appreciate what you have, girl (or at least send them my way)!

n Sunday’s episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kim and Kourtney get into a conversation about Kim’s remedy for her psoriasis, which she was diagnosed with in 2011, which is apparently breast milk, a cure she “read [about] online.” Ever the vision of modesty, Kourtney then proceeds to whip out her tit and squirt Kim with her breast milk “fresh from the boob, prompting Kim to let out a string of, “Ew!”s. For someone whose entire career is based on being on the Lena Dunham was on Alec Baldwin’s podcast (of course receiving in of white substances, she seems unnecessar- he has a podcast), Here’s the Thing, where she expressed ily abject to being hit with breast milk. her disappointment in Rihanna’s reconciliation with Chris Brown: “She left Barbados, she’s had this amazing career, New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees, and Boyz II Men she’s won a Grammy. She’s talented. And then she gets are all going on tour together, which they’re calling The back together with Chris Brown and posts a million pictures Package. Unless it involves them flashing their packages, I [on Instagram] of them smoking marijuana together on a think I’d rather save my money, get drunk, and throw on 98 bed. And it cracks my heart in half in a way that makes me Degrees’ greatest hits album. There’s just something kind feel like I’m 95 years old.” It may have cracked Lena’s heart of sad about seeing grown men reliving their pop star days in half, but it’s at least an upgrade from Rihanna having her and participating in synchronized dancing. It’s more like a skull cracked (for now). has-been convention than a concert. LeAnn Rimes is still talking about her relationship with A county in Ireland is considering a measure that would Eddie Cibrian, the guy she stole from my personal queen, allow “moderate” drunk-driving. A country full of gingers, Brandi Glanville, and divulged to Entertainment Tonight heavy drinkers, and now this? Let’s pack it up, Lohan, time that he gets laid constantly: “[Sex is] whatever time. Any to move to Ireland. time of the day. Whenever he wants it.” He might be an internally disgusting person for constantly cheating on Queen Speaking of the Kardashians, Teen Mom’s Jenelle Evans Glanville… but let’s be honest, the exterior is still aaaaall has been busier than one. In the span of nine days, she’s good. He could meet me in any back alley in L.A. and I’d announced her second pregnancy, filed charges against her straight up pull a Divine Brown. husband of a few weeks for hitting her, and live-tweeted an alleged miscarriage. Fuck the Kardashians, this is more like Lohan-meets-out-of-control-teens-on-Maury. I wouldn’t ever wish a miscarriage on anyone, but if it had to happen to someone, there are few people more unstably irresponsible. Glen Callender, founder of the Canadian Foreskin Awareness Project (yes, that’s a real thing), is planning to protest Oprah for her longtime use of a $150-a-jar SkinMedica face cream that contains discarded foreskins: “I would like Oprah to come to her senses and realize that 12 // davidatlanta.com

BRING ON THE

Champagnes and Corresponding Foods for a Perfect Valentine’s Meal

BUBBLY L

By Rian Ashlei

et’s talk bubbles. Since Valentine’s Day is a celebration and Champagne of all the wine styles in the world works best with the widest array of foods (it’s a constant palette cleaner due to the astringency of the bubbles), it should certainly be your top choice for wines to drink on National Nookie Day. So boys, please put down the lemony madness they call Veuve Cliquot. I know this sounds blasphemous and you’re thinking I’m a fool but I judge my Champs by one rule and one rule only: will this wine still be yummy if it isn’t ice cold, but just cool or room temperature> Have you ever tasted Veuve that wasn’t ice cold? It’s not a pretty sight. Champs should drink wonderfully like the great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes they are made from, whether it’s icy cold or just cool.

So instead of Veuve, pick up less expensive just as pretty Laurent-Perrier ($34.99). Its dry, juicy citrus flavor profile makes it a killer Champagne for the price. I’ve gotten spoiled off Grower Champagnes for sure (it just means the juice in the bottle was actually grown by the producer; most big Champagne houses buy their juice from other winemakers and doctor it up to make it taste the same every year… what a shame) but Laurent-Perrier still manages to leave some semblance of the grape character in my glass and with the good citrus flavors like mandarin oranges and grapefruit (not lemons). Try it with something fatty like salmon; the acid and minerality will cut through it like a blade. Then there’s a repeat offender from last year’s list: Alma Negra ($16.99), a sparkling Rose Malbec from Argentina. Think candied strawberries and biscuits. Think super fresh with a lasting finish. And it’s a salmon pink color, which is totally fitting for Nookie Day. It’s very dry so once again, you can pair it with an array of highly spiced dishes or meats high in fat. 14 // davidatlanta.com

I am personally spending my duckets on Nookie Day and going for the gusto: my favorite Champagne, my end all, be all— Pehu Simonet Blanc de Noir ($65.99). The incredible wine comes in the most Godawful bottle I’ve ever seen, but has the best juice I’ve ever swallowed. It’s all about the creamy, very fruit forward citrus wonders. The nose is gorgeous, the light pinkish color opulent and bright and you can drink it with anything. I’d try roasted chicken or fish, you might even be able to get away with pork or a mild roasted red meat or a lover.

And if you must drink a dessert wine, please buy a Moscato d’Asti. If that region is not specified on the bottle, put it down. It will be a cold syrupy mess. Gross. A good Moscato should remind you of fresh orchard peaches, not sour apples and syrup. It should be delicate and light, soft and spritzed and good with cake.

If you’re not eating and you’re just trying to get straight to the point, these two off dry choices work great because that slightly sweet character makes them a great apéritif or dessert partner. My favorite under-$20 sparkling is a Blanc de Noirs (a white wine made from a red grape) from New Mexico called Gruet ($15.99). They have a Rose and a Brut but I have found that when it comes to cupcake dining, the Blanc de Noirs impresses every time. All my chicks love it and my boys! The bubbles are soft but firm enough to support the weight of all that sugar; oh and there will be sugar.

Of course, you know where you can find all of these wines, and many more: at Ansley Wine Merchants. Just be careful. If you come on a Saturday, Michelle will be there and you’ll be walking out with a $300 magnum.

@DavidAtlantaGA // 15

Cupid Ain’t

Stupid Valentine’s Gifts That’ll Getcha Some by Mikey Rox

hristmas just ended, but there’s another giftbuying season right around the corner. The best thing about Valentine’s Day, however, is that it really is the thought that counts. (People lie about that at Christmastime, ya know.)

Image3D Viewers

Give your boo a blast from the past this Valentine’s Day with a View-Masterstyle viewer and reel from To help you pick the perfect gift for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day, here’s our list of fun and frisky ideas that Image3D. Pick and choose from your favorite photos they’ll love to unwrap. to create a custom reel that will preserve seven of your most memorable images in just a few clicks. After you’ve selected the winning pics, you can edit them online and add 3-D captions that will appear on the final thumbnails. An option also is available to have viewers imprinted with text to commemorate the special occasion and year. Viewer colors include classic red, black, blue, and white. ($24.95; image3D.com)

School of Wash Custom Fragrance Bear My Secrets Teddy Bear

What’s that smell? Whatever you want it to Don’t let this cuddly couture teddy bear fool you. Inside its be when you replace your plush tummy are all the ingredients you’ll need for a night partner’s store-bought of passion, including candles, satin rose petals, edible love fragrance with a custom dust, a body massager, warming love oil, lube, and a feather concoction of pleasall nestled neatly within a small satin bag. To get to the conant aromas from School tents, your main squeeze will have to use an included key on of Wash. The combinations are endless with fresh the heart-shaped lock. Bear My Secrets bears are available scents like Christmas tree, cucumber, lavender vain girl and boy versions, identified by a purple headband or nilla, and mojito, which are paired with essential oils bowtie, respectively. ($96.69; bearmysecrets.com) that include anise, lemongrass, and rosemary, among 16 // davidatlanta.com

many other options. Sow and Sow Man Pick-A-Scent handmade perfumes and colognes are available for men and women, and come in 1 oz., 2.5 oz., 4 oz., and 8 oz. personalized aluminum spritzers. ($9$16.50; schoolofwash.com)

Mastrad Ceramic Chocolate Fondue Set

Homoquotables Greeting Cards

Melt your partner’s heart and a heaping helping of ooey-gooey chocolate with the Ceramic Chocolate Fondue Set from Mastrad Skip the Hallmarks this Orka. The set comes with year and say “I Love You” everything you’ll need to feed each other sweet treats, with Homoquotables, artistic greeting cards including a fondue pot, warming stand, four fondue forks (just in case you want to share with friends), and for gay couples in love. a candle. Don’t be afraid to get creative, either – this Memorable and historic quotes about love – from chocolate fondue set works just as well in the dining room as it does in the boom-boom room. ($17.99; shopvisionaries that run the gamut from Helen Keller to mastrad.com) Trey Parker and Matt Stone – are paired with elegant and romantic original black-and-white images of same-sex couples just like you. Homoquotables is the brainchild of Colorado-based designer Dan McLellan, who shares his life with his husband Michael and their two kids. ($3; homoquotables.com)

Proposition Love Jewelry

JUARA Skincare Romancing the Candlenut Kit Rub-a-dub-dub, hop in the tub! You and your lover can enjoy the ultimate in luxurious and relaxing one-on-one time with JUARA Skincare’s Romancing the Candlenut Kit, a skin-softening four-piece ritual that takes a sexy soak from ordinary to extraordinary. Inspired by the beauty secrets of Bali and infused with velvety candlenut oil, this elegant kit includes candlenut soap, body polish, body crème, and perfume oil that will whisk you away to your own private paradise. ($30; juaraskincare.com)

If you’re thinking about popping the question this Valentine’s Day, consider a set of enGAYgement rings from Proposition Love Fine Jewelry, which features a line of eclectic bands inspired by gay rights and marriage equality. All the rings in the Prop Love collection are made of high-quality materials, including 14K white and yellow gold, platinum, and diamonds, and a portion of the proceeds from each ring is donated to pro-equality organizations. Engraving options also are available. Jewelry designer Sam Street, who married his partner Jonathan in San Francisco in 2008, founded Proposition Love in 2011. ($275-$3,210; propositionlove.com)

FreeBeneath Robes Encourage your lovebug to slip into something more comfortable for your romantic nights at home with The Original FreeBeneath, a stylish new take on the classic bathrobe. Instead of a cloth belt to close @DavidAtlantaGA // 17

the robe like on conventional versions, The Original FreeBeneath is a pullover robe that allows wearers to let it all hang loose while staying confident that they’re completely covered up. FreeBeneath robes comes in a variety of fabrics and colors, and in the two years since the family-owned company’s launch they’ve gained a robust celeb following and interest from some of the world’s top spas and resorts. ($79-$129; freebeneath.com)

including solids, stripes, plaids, and gingham. If you’ve got a guy who likes to look great even in the items that most people won’t see, Pengallan are the perfect present – that you can both enjoy. ($80; pengallan.com)

Lovoka Liqueur Put a cork in the wine this year and reach for something with a bit more punch. Lovoka, the first 60-proof liqueur to debut in the United States, is made from the finest triple-distilled vodka and delicately infused with a rich, buttery caramel essence. Liquid gold, you might even say. Lovoka is divine on the rocks, mixed with after-dinner coffee, or poured all over your partner. Bottoms up. ($27.99; lovokausa.com)

Adult Loaded Questions Turn your couples’ V-Day celebration into a night of unexpected admissions with Adult Loaded Questions, the irreverent and off-the-wall board game that features 300 suggestively silly questions. Your party guests will get a kick out of queries like: “What is a sure sign you are dating a psycho?”; “If you were an adult film star, what would be your screen name?”; and “What television show would you watch if it included full nudity?” By the time the game is over, you’ll all be a little bit closer – for better or worse. ($24.99; familyandpartygames.com)

Out Colors Jewelry Not ready to put a ring on it? Take your time, and in the meantime consider another piece of sentimenPengallan Slim-Fit Boxers tal jewelry from Out Colors. This gay-owned online jeweler features an array of pendants, bracelets, necklaces, and watches that can Skip the requisite skimpy skivvies and opt for more be personalized with your favorite photos. For those who flattering, freeing underwear to gift this Valentine’s Day. aren’t partial to jewelry, Out Colors also offers a wide Pengallan Slim-Fit Boxers feature a flat-front waist, contoured seat design to counteract the ‘riding up’ effect, selection of other keepsakes, including apparel; crystal side vents on the outseam of each leg for greater mobility accessories; and home-art items like woven tapestries, canvases, matte-finish posters, and wall murals. ($9.95and range of motion, and a button closure in the front – $2,771.95; outcolors.com) truly as close as you’ll get to a bespoke boxer without a tailor. There are 10 dapper styles from which to choose, 18 // davidatlanta.com

@DavidAtlantaGA // 19

Love Is Art Love By Robot T-Shirts Make that hot nerd in your life swoon over the geek-chic Love By Robot tee that features an adorable android who proudly wears his heart on his cold, steely chest. Tees are available for men and women and come in grey or glow-in-the-dark black. ($25; lovebyrobot.com)

20 // davidatlanta.com

Take a pass on the limited-edition prints this year and pursue a more personalized route with a Love is Art kit. Each kit is equipped with all the materials youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to make an abstract expressionistic masterpiece with your partner in the most intimate way possible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; using your bodies. When the piece is complete, it can be stretched, framed, and hung on the wall as a reminder of your love and commitment to one another for years to come. Kits are available in myriad themes (like wedding or equality) and colors to match your dĂŠcor. ($60-$110; loveisartkit.com)

@DavidAtlantaGA // 21

fun. Not Just for

Guitarist Jack Antonoff on LGBT activism, the band’s Ally Coalition and being straight with ‘lesbian chemicals’ BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

22 // davidatlanta.com

f Nate Ruess, Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost have taught us anything, it’s this: You can be fun. and still stand up for something serious.

The breakout single that sent the New York-based band’s sophomore album, Some Nights, soaring, “We Are Young” entered the pop-culture zeitgeist almost overnight with commercial spots and a Glee rendition. Their ubiquitous earworms gave them a platform, and they stood on it and told the world – time and time again, during sold-out shows and in online essays – how they support equal rights.

rights or work comp rights. Connecting all the dots is a huge thing and the difference between people being like, “Yeah, I think gay people should be equal” versus really making a big deal out of it and really thinking about it when they vote. The reason for the band speaking out is, if you have any sort of stage or soapbox in 2013 in America – and really anywhere in the world – you should be using that to discuss human rights and all people being treated equal. So as a celebrity you have a responsibility to speak up?

In this interview with Jack Antonoff, the 28-year-old guitarist talks about being drawn to the gay community’s “inspiring” ways of uniting in the face of oppression, the stigma of being a straight man who doesn’t care about the fight and how he loves Lena Dunham like a lesbian.

Absolutely. It’s a really weird life. Public figures deserve privacy. They don’t deserve to be thrown into the fire just because they have an audience. I mean, we’re out here because we’re artists, we’re songwriters. What I do is what I am and I would understand if someone only wanted to put out what they’re there to put out. But it’s just one of those You’re one of the gay community’s biggest supcomplicated generations. Ten or 15 years ago it was a little porters, and you’ve been very outspoken about different because at that point we were only X amount of it. When and why did gay issues become so years away from a learning curve of not really understanding important to you? what was going on. But now, in 2013, we have all the information and we’ve seen the effects of homophobia and we’ve I wish there was a great story or a poetic answer, but I just seen the effects of denying citizens rights. It’s just a time don’t know how anyone could not be outspoken and enraged where I don’t think any of us have the luxury to not stand up. with any violation of human rights. If the government decided tomorrow to strip Jews or African Americans of certain As a straight ally in the fight for gay rights, what rights, no one would say, “How did you get involved with effect do you think you have on the gay rights Jews’ human rights, blah blah blah?” It would just be this movement that you wouldn’t if you were gay? universal violation that we would all be up in arms about. But the issue of gay, bisexual and trans rights, the discriminaIt’s all about the power we each have based on who we are tion is so ingrained in us that it’s this slow-moving process and where we come from. Obviously, LGBTQ people have of people realizing how shameful it is, the way we treat our the power that comes with being oppressed. Those who citizens. Anyone who is even remotely cognizant is speaking are denied rights have the most inspiring voice in fighting up and fighting for equal rights. for them. But beyond that, there is a distinct power that comes with being a person who is not denied rights but still It’s hard for some people to understand that you cares and will fight for them as if they were their own rights. don’t have to be gay to care about gay people. Is Furthermore, being someone who others presume wouldn’t that the case for you and the band? care, or even opposes gay rights, gives you an even greater power in speaking up for gay rights. One-hundred percent. That’s the big thing: We’re less concerned with the Westboro Baptist Church than we are with just the average American who has a good heart and is pretty smart but isn’t completely educated on the issues, and if this person knew everything would stand up and fight. I think most Americans have no issue with homosexuality or gay people. They just think, “Oh, they have civil unions; we have marriage – what’s the difference? Who cares.” They don’t realize that 1,000-plus rights are denied. They don’t think of adoption @DavidAtlantaGA // 23

There is stigma that comes along with being straight – like we don’t care. Being straight and standing up for gay rights is a statement that says “this is everyone’s issue.” We are not all free unless we are all free. Just because I was born into the elite class of straight Americans who have maximum rights does not mean that I won’t fight as if it were me being denied human rights. If fun. were a band 30 years ago and had come out in favor of gay rights, you probably would have jeopardized your career. What does it say about this time in our lives that you’re able to stand up and still maintain a significant fan base? We get asked, “If you guys are gonna be political, do you worry you’ll be offending people who are coming to your shows?” And the answer for us is, “Well, if anyone has a problem with us, then they’re homophobic and hateful and we’re glad to not have them come to our shows.” (Laughs) It’s an amazing time, and I think with the way the Internet works, it’s easy to think that there’s a lot more hate than there is. Obviously we only hear the most disgusting stories and, as they should, the horror stories inspire change. But what we’ve learned from touring and being outspoken in the press about this is that there is great support – and even where there isn’t great support, there is a hunger for knowledge. We set up booths at our shows and it’s not like people are coming up slamming their fists down and being like, “Stop redefining the family.” We never get that. We get people coming up and saying, “I don’t really know why this issue matters.” 24 // davidatlanta.com

Will you bring the booth on the current tour? And how about The Ally Coalition that the band and your sister, Rachel, recently formed – is that coming with you, as well? The Ally Coalition, or TAC as we call it, will be with us for the foreseeable future. We’ve always done a lot with the issue and then we realized that if we had a big umbrella to funnel all this under, we could do so much more. So we started The Ally Coalition, which is a nonprofit. And it’s kind of boundless. On this tour, we’re really going to be getting into homeless gay youth in different cities. We’ll be working with different shelters. What’s really cool about TAC is it has given us the opportunity to participate in all the different aspects of what comes along with human rights, and there are a lot of sub issues. We’re just trying to focus on different areas on different tours. A dollar from every ticket goes to The Ally Coalition and then that money gets funneled out to the coalition and what we do, and then a decent portion we donate to different gay groups. You’re on the road through the rest of the year. How does fun. have fun on the road? We’re really square. Our definition of fun at this point is just taking care of ourselves. We all get great joy out of not eating disgusting food, getting a lot of sleep and going to the movies. But our schedules have been so completely insane, so the great enjoyment aside from playing – which is the greatest joy of all – is just trying to be like a normal person out there and not like you’re on Mars. There are a lot of queer people who look at “We Are Young” as an anthem of liberation and indi-

viduality. How does it feel knowing you’ve written the theme song for a new generation of not just youth but queer youth?

two awkward/clunky people together is that their awkward/ clunky world seems like a normal world. And I think that’s something that’s nice about our relationship.

That’s just the coolest thing I’ve ever heard, because it’s always subcultures – it’s always people who are oppressed – that are the most vibrant. That’s part of the reason why I feel so drawn to the gay community in general – the very fact that there’s an opposition in general that creates an amazing community within the gay community. You can’t really find that anywhere else. It’s inspiring.

I could picture you two dancing to Robyn in her bedroom, though.

Were any of the songs on Some Nights written with the gay community in mind?

I’ve been dancing to Robyn since Body Talk came out. Anyone who has ears should be dancing to Robyn. (Laughs) Both of you are gay magnets, and for different reasons. You’ve been said to have a lot of lesbian friends, actually. I do.

Not initially and not directly, besides “One Foot,” which talks about being in the closet and the church and the offensive things that come out of there. But these are songs about feeling separate and about feeling pushed aside and feeling down on yourself and pushing on. That’s the theme of the album. That’s the idea of all of it: carrying on and moving on. “Carry On” speaks to the same issues that gay people go through, which is a lot of the same issues that a lot of people go through. It’s just on a different scale. It’s about having other people treat you like you’re less than and finding a way to move on.

If you were to compete in a gay-off with Lena, who would win?

It would be a really epic tie. We both have so many wonderful gay people in our lives. People identify with other people for different reasons, and I personally am really comfortable around lesbians because, in some ways, we view women the same way. I’ve never really identified with the way a typical alpha-male views women. It’s always an awkward forum for me to hang out with another guy and talk about girls, because I can’t really find a way to fit in. I’ve never really had I don’t have to tell you this, but this next album will those big macho alpha qualities. be a crucial one for you. You have six Grammy nominations to live up to. What’s your game plan So a lot of my lesbian friends have this way that they talk for the third album? about women, and in the way they connect with them I just feel a little bit more comfortable. Which kind of makes (Laughs) We haven’t really begun yet, because we have this me think that maybe I’m a straight man with, like, lesbian theory. We’ve all been at this for, like, 12 years (in different chemicals. I think you can be a man who loves a woman but bands) and there’s always this crazy hunger to work on new love someone the way a gay man loves another man or a material. When you work on new material while you’re out woman loves a woman. promoting your current album, it becomes like this inside joke – we’re out there playing and imagining a new song that (we’re) not sharing with our audience. So we made a conscious effort to stay in Some Nights mode because if we thought too much about the future or worked too much on new songs, it would be like making out with the person you’re with and imagining someone else. We’d be cheating on our audience. That might sound pathetic, but the point is, we’re playing our biggest shows ever, people are really excited over this album and we’re gonna deliver best if we stay here. We always work really well in the moment, and the next album will be no exception. Because I’m a gay man, I can’t end this interview without asking you if your relationship with Lena Dunham is anything like an episode of her show, Girls. (Laughs) No – there’s nothing awkward or clunky about our relationship. I think what probably happens when you put @DavidAtlantaGA // 25

@DavidAtlantaGA // 27

Hey there

Pootsie Wootsers! RuPaul’s Drag Race alum TaMMie Brown heading to Atlanta By Van Gower

photos: Dusti Cunningham

e gays are a lucky bunch. We get to claim drag queens as our own, and the best part is that we have the sense of humor to fully appreciate the personas and the wild-and-wooly humor that these tart-tongued divas continually serve up. So no matter what some haters may say, we love us some drag queens and can never get enough. And we really love TaMMie Brown. Brown – who was born Keith Glen Schubert in Corpus Christi, Texas – already had an impressive resume behind her when she made a delightful, standout spectacle of herself as a contestant on season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Although Brown was later eliminated on RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race, she’s proven that a little elimination is good for the soul. The girl is still workin’ hard and makin’ it look easy, with a recording career and a regular schedule of performances in some of Southern California’s hottest clubs and eateries. Now Brown is getting ready to pack her bags and head to Hotlanta for a Feb. 14-15 appearance at Burkhart’s. David Atlanta got up close and personal with TaMMie Brown for an exclusive interview, and we must say that the experience

28 // davidatlanta.com

tickled our fancy in places where we love to get tickled. At what age did little Keith Glen Schubert realize he was destined to be a drag performer? In the womb, Pootsie! I would hear my mother play the Talking Heads, and I knew I was destined for specialness. That and her rhinestone gowns! Have you always performed exclusively in drag? Yes. In fact, I am working on a new character, TaMMie Brown as “Schubert” the Amada Lear of Long Beach! Tell me about how and when TaMMie Brown was born. TaMMie Brown was born to combat a coven of evil drag queens that would not let me lip sync to Donna Summer’s “I’m a Rainbow.” You have a particularly old-Hollywood aura of

glamour around your drag persona. What inspired that? Is the classic Hollywood era nearest and dearest to your heart? My Grannie! She was a foot model and quite the dancer back in the ‘40s!

You were featured on the first season of the show and eliminated on season two, yet here you are still going strong with a solid career. Are there any experiences or lessons you learned being on the show’s launch that have helped mold you since then?

You’re also known for your irreverent, saucy sense Don’t worry about the snags because even the best dress can of humor. Is it easy to balance classic glamour and have a flaw. And Pootsie, you know you’re not throwing out your comedic attitude? that Armani dress! Or in other words, don’t worry about first place. Don’t worry about the haters. Worry about putting your Yes, because I can find the humor in berets! work out there on the internet! Good or bad, put it out there. Period. From where did you draw the inspiration for that kind of balance? You’re now coming to Atlanta where you’ll star in a show at Burkhart’s Pub. Coincidentally, this is Tina “Tootsie” Turner, Jackie “Beans” Beat, Lady “Bunky” RuPaul’s hometown. Is this actually your first visit Bunny, Tammy “Winehouse” Wynette. Lately, Tammy’s voice to Atlanta? What are you most looking forward to and glam ‘70s style have been tickling my fancy! as a visitor? You’re a native Texas girl. Was Planet Texas an especially tough place to grow up and be yourself, or was it a case of “what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger?”

I’m looking for some sweet ice tea, and some good time, old-fashioned Southern hospitality that you all are known for! I know it’s a cliché, but I believe that sometimes old-fashioned is better.

In Planet Texas, my fellow townspeople always defended me against what I call the Hollerfags – the boys and girls who felt the need to verbally attack me every day. The saying is true: most people there have “a heart as big as Texas,” with a queen to boot, in me!

What can folks expect to see and hear at your Burkhart’s show? Will it be naughty, nice, or a little of both?

You’ve released a debut EP, “Popcorn,” and now your second, “Hot Skunx,” is in the works. Are there any music superstars who have influenced your own music, or do you prefer to keep it uniquely TaMMie? I’ve adopted [the belief that] this life is an experience and it comes out through your music.

My clam will get happy and my love piñata will get hit by many sticks! And if you want to know whet that means, check out my YouTube videos or my albums and singles on iTunes! Kisses and pantyhose wishes! See you at Burkhart’s! TaMMie Brown appears at Burkhart’s Feb. 14-15. Facebook: facebook.com/tammie.brown.73113 Twitter: @thetammiebrown Web: tammiebrown.net

How did you apply to be on “RuPaul’s Drag Race?” Did you do or say anything unique or outrageous to stand out from the crowd? I imagine the competition just to get in was cutthroat. My creative partner Rod Barroso, aka “Buster Brown” of TaMMie and Buster records, submitted a Hollywood-glam pic of mine and RuPaul loved it! I would recommend to any drag queen, take all of your artistic influences, shake them in the bag of your mind, and spill them into an image that captures the essence of who your inner drag artist is! The cow eats the cabbage, so to speak. @DavidAtlantaGA // 29

30 // davidatlanta.com

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Le Buzz 585 Franklin Rd. SE Marietta, GA

Brushtrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

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Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave. SE

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Bartab

MONDAY

BLAKE’S Game Night - Brain Freeze Trivia & Family Feud back to back 11:30pm BURKHART’S Blue Monday Karaoke w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm COCKPIT Big Red Cup All Day, specials EAGLE Music Videos with Scotty FELIX’S Free Pool FRIENDS DJ opens at 2pm Gilbert’s Half Priced Entrees 5-11PM HERETIC Play w/ Eddie 4pm-11pm HIDEAWAY $2.50 Domestic Beer hobnob Date Night 19.95 3 course dinner for two 5-11PM JUNGLE Stars of the Century Show 11pm MODEL T Monday Night Madness 9pm OSCAR’S Midtown Martini Club 4pm. Service Industry Night 9pm TRIPP’S Monday Night Madness 9pm WOOF’S Texas Hold ‘Em Poker 8pm

TUESDAY

BLAKE’S POP! Karaoke with Princess Charles & Suzanne Gleeson 11pm BURKHART’S Trivia Tuesday Karaoke w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm COCKPIT 80s Party 9pm, specials 5-8pm EAGLE Tuesdays w/ Tony FELIX’S Smirnoff Martini Night FRIENDS Let’s Make a Deal 6pm Gilbert’s Industry Night (complementary pizza after 10pm) HERETIC 2-Step Tuesday, dance till 11pm HIDEAWAY TEAM Trivia w/ Will 9pm HOBNOB Trivia 8:30 JUNGLE Camp with Ruby Redd 8pm MIXX Piano with David Reeb at 8pm MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 9:30pm OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday 8pm SWINGING RICHARDS 1/2 Price cover TRIPP’S Ladies Night 9pm WOOF’S Industry Day Free Wii 5pm

WEDNESDAY

BLAKE’S 5-9pm Doug’s party pop hits, The “Lust and Bust Show”11 pm BURKHART’S Humpday Karaoke w/ Darlene Majewski 11:30pm COCKPIT Balls Deep Karaoke 10pm EAGLE Underwear Night with Tony Friends Team Trivia 8pm Gilbert’s Karaoke 10pm-2am heretic 25¢ Keystone Light ,No Cover! hideaway Trivia w/ Will 9pm jungle All-Stars Competition with Phoenix 10pm model t Karaoke 10pm oscar’s ReBooT Retro 8pm 36 // davidatlanta.com

got an upcoming event? calendar@davidatlanta.com

swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP Room tripp’s Free Taco Bar 5pm xcess ultra lounge Raquell Lord’s Talent Show @ 10:30pm, Sophia Mcintosh & Fab 5 +1 @11:30pm, 18+ woof’s Food Special, Trivia 8pm

THURSDAY

blake’s Texas Hold’Em Poker 7pm, Shawnna Factor Show 11pm - $5.00 burgers all day BURKHART’S Twisted Thursday w/ Phoenix 11:30pm cockpit Dirty Boy Bingo w/ Ruby Redd eagle Balls Deep Karaoke w/ Mikey felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm friends Girls Who Like Girls Meet Girls Gilbert’s Wine tasting 6-10pm heretic 3 Legged Cowboy Night 9pm hideaway Service Industry Night hobnob Live Music 8-11PM jungle Sing For Your Life with Barry Brandon 8pm mIXX Mens Night with Aaron & Matt at 6 pm model t Party-Time 9pm oscar’s Kickin It w/ Kyle 8pm swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP & Entry tripp’s Spotlight Karaoke 9pm xcess ultra lounge Turnt Up Thursday woof’s Food Special, Country Music 7pm

FRIDAY

10th & piedmont Live DJ 10 PM blake’s 5-9pm TGIF, Charlie’s Angels w/ Charlie Brown 11pm BURKHART’S Fab Five w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s eagle DJ Dance Party friends Happy Times with Kelly & Ken heretic no cover B4 11pm hideaway After Work Martini Madness jungle The Other Show with Edie Cheezburger 9:30pm; Jungle POP 11pm mixx Grown & Sexy Dance 10pm model t Saturday Night Live 9pm oscar’s 80’s Retro Vidz 8pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review, $10 tripp’s Afternoon Delights 4pm woof’s Atlanta’s Best Social Night 6pm

SATURDAY

10th & piedmont Live DJ 10 PM blake’s opens 1pm, Daring Divas 11pm BURKHART’S Extravaganza w/ Shavonna B. Brooks 11:30pm cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s

eagle DJ Dance Party felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm friends Afternoon Party with D.J. Noon - 6pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm heretic Varies: Club Night or 3 Legged Cowboy Night - 10pm jungle Foreplay with Lily White 9:30pm; Club Night, Various Guest DJ’s mixx Guest DJ’s Dance 10pm model t Sunday Dinner 3:30pm oscar’s Total Request Videos 8pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review $10 tripp’s Afternoon Cookout 3pm xcess ultra lounge 25+ FREE til 12am woof’s Game Day All Day

SUNDAY

10th & piedmont Bellini Brunch 11 AM & T-Dance 4 PM blake’s Open at 1pm - High Energy Music & Video w/ Bill Berdeaux & Daryl Cox BURKHART’S Armorettes Drag Show club rush Hip Hop w DJ Truz, no cover cockpit PBR Beer Bust felix’s Bloody Marys & Mimosas friends Smirnoff B Mary Bar 12:30pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm and Karaoke 6-11:30pm hideaway Bloody Mary Bar 12:30pm HOBNOB Brunch - $15.00 - Bottomless Mimosas 11 AM-3PM plus 1/2 price wings 4-11PM Jungle The Day After with Knomie Moore 12-3pm; Sweet T with Bubba Dee and Wild Cherry Sucret 7pm las margaritas All You Can Eat til 3pm mixx Old School Sunday Dance 7pm model t Sunday Dinner w Ron 3:30pm tripp’s Buffet 3pm; Karaoke pm woof’s Bloody Mary bar, PBR special

Datebook

theRundown HRC Peach Bowl

Feb. 9 • 3 p.m. • Midtown Bowl (1936 Piedmont Circle NE)

HRC Atlanta brings their annual Peach Bowl to Midtown Bowl. Registration opens at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit hrc.org/ peachbowl

Miss Gutterball Pageant Feb. 9 • 6 p.m. • Jungle (2115 Faulkner Rd.)

The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament hosts what promises to be a fun, campy pageant. For more information, visit jungleclubatlanta.com.

MARDI GRAS MADNESS Looking for a fun way to spend your Mardi Gras on Feb. 12? Several bars are throwing special events to celebrate! The Hideaway is throwing their Big Balls Party, beginning at 9 p.m., with a special appearance by the Smirnoff Boys at 10:30 p.m. If you’re over on Ponce, stop by Friends or The Model T for their Mardi Gras parties. Felix’s and Blake’s, meanwhile, are extending their Mardi Gras celebrations all the way back to Feb. 7 with a number of different parties each night, leading up to Fat Tuesday. Felix’s series of events culminates in a benefit night featuring Ruby Redd, while Blake’s will feature dancers from Swinging Richards on multiple nights.

ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Double Feature: The Invisible Men and Undressing Israel Feb. 8 • 11:55 a.m. • Regal Atlantic Station (261 19th St. NW) The Invisible Men is a documentary about three gay Palestinian men who flee to Israel with the hopes of being able to live freely in their national and sexual identities. Undressing Israel: Gay Men in the Promised Land is a documentary about the gay community in Israel, where LGBT rights are considered the most progressive in the Middle East.

Joe Papp in Five Acts

Feb. 10 • 11:25 a.m. • Lefont Sandy Springs (5920 Roswell Rd., C-103) Joe Papp in Five Acts is a documentary spotlighting the life and times of Joseph Papp, whose mission was to democratize American theater. The film includes scenes from his stage works, plus testimonials from luminaries like Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, James Earl Jones and Meryl Streep.

Koch

Feb. 10 • 7:50 p.m. • Lefont Sandy Springs (5920 Roswell Rd., C-103) Koch is a documentary about Ed Koch, the former mayor of New York City. In Koch, the man himself is interviewed as he talks about family, faith, corruption, politics and his own personal sexual identity. Koch will also be shown three times on Feb. 12 at 2:50 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 1:40 p.m. at Lefont Sandy Springs.

Chili Cook Out and Rugby Fest Feb. 10 • 2 p.m. • Mixx (1492 Piedmont Ave. NE)

The Atlanta Bucks host this social event, where guests can meet team members, as well as taste and vote on the best chili. For more information, visit facebook.com/ atlantabucks.

Love on the Rocks

Feb. 10 • 6 p.m. • Room & Board (1170 Howell Mill Rd. NW)

This Joining Hearts benefit brings DJ Mike Pope in to spin for the Valentine’s-themed cocktail party. For more information, visit joininghearts.org.

Global Ecstasy in Food and Movement Feb. 10 • 8 p.m. • Philip Rush Center (1530 DeKalb Ave.) Velvet Lips LLC presents this event, which focuses on learning about (and sampling) aphrodisiacs from around the world. For more information, visit velvetlipsllc.com.

New Faces

Feb. 10 • 9 p.m. • Friends (736 Ponce de Leon Ave.)

Join host Regina Simms and star Aqualencia Litré as Friends presents several up-andcoming drag performers. For more information, visit friendsonponce-atl.com.

PALS Bingo

Feb. 13 • 7:30 p.m. • Jungle (2115 Faulkner Rd.)

Bubba Dee hosts the monthly event, which features a special theme this month - “Love for Sale.” For more information, visit palsatlanta.org.

Love Sucks!

Feb. 13 • 11 p.m. • Heretic (2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd.)

Wade Lohan and Celeste Holmes host this special event, which features cabaret, live performances, special guests, and the sounds of DJ Lydia Prim. Doors open at 9 p.m. For more information, visit hereticatlanta.com. @DavidAtlantaGA // 37

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EMMY’S S E N T I M E N TA L J O U R N E Y Emmy Rossum Talks About Her New Album, Busy Career and More By Emma Harger

mmy Rossum is a busy woman, to say the least. Between the release of her new album Sentimental Journey, her role on the Showtime hit Shameless, her work with YouthAIDS, the upcoming movie Beautiful Creatures and following her favorite sports team, she has a lot on her plate, but she manages to keep it all together.

“It was very, very cold...and it was really fun,” she said about that experience. Sentimental Journey is a concept album with 12 tracks of standards from the 1920s to the 1960s, each song corresponding to a month of the year.

“I’m from New York, so we multitask. We ride the subway “It’s one of the concepts that I originally started with about and at the same time, we’re heating up an enchilada and, a year ago when I was coming up with the idea for the reat the same time, we’re taking a business call,” she said. cord,” she said. “I thought, well, you know, there are usually about 12 songs on a record and, obviously, there are 12 months of the year, so what if this record was kind of Sentimental Journey, which came out on Jan. 29, is like a musical journey through a year? Each month would something she had been thinking up for a long time. It’s the second album for the musically-gifted Rossum, who reflect a different song as you were going through the track listing. So I started thinking about holidays and months that started singing with the Metropolitan Opera Children’s go together, like April and April Fool’s. Then I came up with Chorus when she was just seven years old. Her first album, Inside Out, came out in 2007—the year when she the idea of [how] the song was either going to be “These also sang at the Lighting of the Macy’s Great Tree here in Foolish Things” or “I’m a Fool to Love You.” It’s kind of a Atlanta. little bit of a concept record in that way.” 40 // davidatlanta.com

Her favorite song on the album is “(I’ll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time,” representing the month of May. Rossum picked this song because her mom sang it to her as a lullaby, just as her grandma sang it to her mother when she was little. Just getting the idea for Sentimental Journey to come together took some time, though. Rossum had to change record labels and dream up the idea for what she wanted to sing. “I wanted to do something that was kind of true to my roots and the music that I grew up with and grew up loving listening to. It’s still the music I listen to in my own house when I’m having a dinner party or relaxing,” she said. “I kind of pulled together this collection of standards that are some of my favorites and recorded them in three days with a bunch of my friends.” She hopes to tour in support of Sentimental Journey in the future and see how people respond to the album.

When Rossum isn’t acting or singing, she’s also an activist for many different causes. She’s marched against California’s Proposition 8 and is an ambassador for YouthAIDS. “That’s a kind of charity that’s always been important to me and so I go around and talk about safe sex and getting tested in high schools and colleges...I think that we need to fix the way we talk about safe sex and sex education in general,” she said, recalling an inaccurate sex ed lecture she got at her high school. Being a native New Yorker, Rossum is also a fan of the New York Knicks. “I’ve loved them since I was a kid. But, I live in L.A. now, so I guess I watch the Lakers if they’re on, but I really do love the Knicks.” So, aside from massive multitasking, how does she manage to keep all of these big things—the singing, the acting, the activism, the sports—together? It’s easy: “I don’t drink a lot of caffeine and I try to take one thing at a time.”

In addition to her singing career, Rossum plays Fiona Gallagher on Showtime’s hit show Shameless. Fiona basically has to run the house as the oldest of six children, a brood that includes Ian, a gay teenager played by Cameron Monaghan. Ian’s sexuality and conflicts over his desire to join the military have been the focus of some of the show’s storylines. “Ian, played by Cameron Monaghan, was in a relationship in our first season with an older guy and came out to the family and we’ve kind of embraced him in our family. But, we do live in kind of a rough neighborhood, so he has a beard of a girlfriend but is actually now dating her brother secretly, so it’s all very complicated,” Rossum explained. “I like how they show it on the show because I think it breaks the preconceived notions and stereotypes of what a young gay kid is in Chicago. So, I think that he does an amazing job with that storyline.” Rossum is also in the movie Beautiful Creatures, which comes out on Feb. 14. It’s based on a series of young adult novels by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, centering on a family of witches in the South who prefer to be called casters. The family is split between light and dark, but Rossum’s character Ridley Duchannes is one of the dark casters. “My character’s a shape-shifter and she likes to dress up and change her look. A lot of those looks are modeled after Old Hollywood movie stars like Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth, so it was fun for me to dress up and play all of that and do it a little bit camp,” Rossum said. @DavidAtlantaGA // 41

Director and writer (and actor) Stephen Cone discusses his refreshing film By Joseph Brownell

ver the past several years there has been an assembly line production of coming-of-age films. Few are done well with most resulting in being laden with clichés. The Wise Kids, written and directed by Stephen Cone, is the rare film that engages audiences with its honest portrayal of the complexities that imbue the conflict between faith and identity.

opportunity to grow up in the church and realized how multi-dimensional even people who are conservative Christians are,” Cone admitted. “[Conservative Christians] often get lumped into one category and they are just as complex and struggling as the rest of the planet. Since I knew them as people, I guess that’s why they are presented as three dimensional people in the film.”

The Wise Kids, set in Charleston, SC, follows a set of characters struggling with their relationships with God and with each other amidst their ever changing adolescent landscape. Sound cliché? Cone’s ability to deliver a script and film that examines these characters from a humanistic point of view devoid of judgment allows The Wise Kids to bypass cliché and coast successfully into the land of affecting filmmaking.

Gay films can also lump themselves into one category when tackling the sensitive issues of faith and sexuality. The Wise Kids succeeds in its refusal to fit that mold and come down on either side of the argument- a decision that Cone admits wasn’t conscious but integral to his storytelling process.

“We’re in such a period of transition more so than any other point in history,” Cone stated “It seems we’re in a Tim (Tyler Ross) spends his senior year grappling with his very chaotic—in a good way—transition where beliefs Christianity and sexuality. Tim’s struggles are comare changing, church structures are changing and pounded by his friend Laura’s (Allison Torem) adamant peoples’ attitudes about sexuality are changing. It would belief that he can’t be both and a delicate moment with have been reductive for the movie to come down either Austin (Stephen Cone), the (married) musical director at side because our culture and our society are not currently Tim’s church. There’s also Brea (Molly Kunz) struggling living on one side or the other.” with her belief in God and honesty with her best friend and Elizabeth, amazingly portrayed by Sadieh Rafai (who While still riding the critical acclaim from The Wise Kids, Cone admits to writing the part for), whose unflinching Cone is hard at work on another film called Black Box. turn as Austin’s wife is one of the film’s many highlights. “People assume it’s about an airplane,” Cone joked. Since Cone writes and makes what he knows it’s not surprise While The Wise Kids is purely a fictional piece of art, that his upcoming feature harkens back to his college Cone’s childhood provided a great deal of the material to theater days. Want more of Cone? Wait for Black Box. work with. “I grew up going to Southern Baptist church “There’s moments in Black Box that are more directly basically three times a week for the first 18 years of autobiographical than The Wise Kids.” Either way, it’d be my life,” Cone shared. “Every character in this movie is a wise move to keep your eye on this writer/director/actor based in some way shape or form based on at least one for the future. person that I knew growing of. The spirit of it is certainly autobiographical.” The Wise Kids was released on DVD January 8th from Wolfe Video. You can pick up a copy at Brushstrokes The film’s successful characterization also stems from or rent online now. Cone’s familiarity with his subject matter. “I had an 46 // davidatlanta.com

N O E V I L

! E G A T S

FEBRUARY 5-10 • THE FOX THEATRE FoxAtlTix.com/Flashdance • 855-ATL-TIXX 48 // davidatlanta.com

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‘Flashdance: The Musical’ Makes a Splash at the Fox

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By Nicholas Grant

hen the film Flashdance premiered 30 years ago, audiences were captivated by the story of a Pittsburgh girl named Alex who, during the day, works as a steel welder and at night transforms into an exotic dancer – all while dreaming of a better life to study classical dance. Even more though, people went crazy for the film’s soundtrack which featured hits like “Maniac” and the Academy Award winning “Flashdance…What a Feeling.” Now audiences are finding a new love for the classic story and memorable music in Flashdance: The Musical, which comes to Atlanta for a stint at the Fox Theater February 5th through the 10th.

How is the story of Flashdance relevant to audiences now?

Flashdance: The Musical features both hit songs from the film and original pieces written specifically for the stage adaptation. The show was first seen in 2008 overseas in London, which was followed by a tour across the United Kingdom. The current North American tour, which premiered in Pittsburg where the story takes place, is a precursor for a possible Broadway run later this year.

How you think a gay audience will connect with the story?

Flashdance is definitely relevant today for the simple fact that anyone with a dream of any sort will relate to Alex’s story! Anyone that is struggling to find their path in life and is having to battle rejection of any kind will need to see this plot unfold. Anyone that is scared to love themselves on the level that will push them toward success needs to see this production! And anyone that simply LOVES the magic of theatre, awesome talent, and needs to laugh MUST come see Flashdance: The Musical!

This show couldn’t get any sexier; so all my gay homies are loving it! Tom Hedley, who wrote the screenplay and created the show has masterminded this world of song and dance on a level so the excitement that’s involved in watching the show just makes you yearn for more no matter who you are! Also, the ways in which Sergio DeQuina Moore, a native of Houston, Texas, plays Kiki Trujillo directed and choreographed is so specific and so in the stage show. Kiki is another exotic dancer that glammed out that one is automatically connected from befriends Alex during the show, and DeQuina plays her the start! As an African-American woman, I can certainly to the tilt with belty gusto and moves that both dazzle relate to the underdog fighting for that dream that often and hypnotize. Recently we were able to catch up with seems unattainable and I’m sure to our gay audience that Dequina to ask her about why audiences, after 30 years, story is one to easily connect to, as well! Trust me, the continue to love the music and the story of Flashdance. gay community will love Flashdance: The Musical! How do you think Flashdance: The Musical is strengthened by using some preexisting popular music and some original music as opposed to all original songs? Robbie Roth and Robert Cary did such a fantastic job bridging the two together. The audience gets to hear the sweetest new tunes that brilliantly tell the story, some of which feel like radio tunes themselves! And then they get to hear songs that already live in their bodies like “Maniac” “Gloria” “Manhunt” “I Love Rock & Roll” and “What a Feeling”, and everyone loves a familiar hit record! How have audiences in different cities reacted to the show as a whole? The responses have been exactly what we all hoped for: audiences have left the theatre feeling inspired and ready for new challenges, they love the singing and the dancing, they can’t believe the muscular bodies that overtake the stage every night. They fall in love with our two leads Alex (Emily Padgett) and Nick (Matthew Hydzik) because their love story is just too sweet and their voices are magnificent!

Flashdance: The Musical plays the Fox Theatre Feb. 5-10. For more information visit flashdancethemusical.com. @DavidAtlantaGA // 51

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fairyscopes ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Try to install a second

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): It’s a great

or two of delay between your thoughts and your words this week—you may need it! Self-editing is especially important when communication is on everyone’s minds, like it is now.

time to take care of stuff around the house. Your selfsufficiency is peaking, so you should be able to tie up loose ends and make sure that everything is ready for spring cleaning!

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Legal agreements are

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Your mental powers are still quite potent, and you should have all the info you need to start making big plans. Work, romance, travel—it all adds up to something that should work out perfectly.

especially murky right now, so try to stay away from them! You may have to sign one or two papers, but keep it to a minimum unless you have rock-solid advice to do otherwise.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): You’re happy where you are—and most likely, you’re meeting lots of new people! Your amazing social energy is a shining beacon to most, and you almost certainly end up with a new friend if you want one.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Your position may not be as strong as you think it is, so try not to ask for big favors this week, especially around the workplace. Things should settle down pretty soon, but until then, take care of the basics.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): You may feel like you’re in over your head lately—your projects are all just a bit overcomplicated! Call in reinforcements or ask for clarification soon, as you need some additional info.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): You feel

LEO (July 23 – August 22): You may question your commitment to some big new project or program, but that’s all par for the course. It’s a good time for you to deal with people who can challenge you in all the right ways.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Something

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): You need to deal with people who are ignoring the small details in favor of a big picture that can’t come to life without some serious work. You need to inspire them to focus on the small stuff.

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Try not to worry

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much better about your connections with friends. You may be able to fix a rift that is growing between two or more of them, but you need to make sure that you’re taking care of your own business, too!

doesn’t feel right to you recently, but it’s only because you’re not seeing everything. Look more deeply and you are sure to pick up at least one major clue. Making sense of it takes inspiration.

so much about how much you know—things are actually going pretty well for you! It’s a good time for you to step out and take bold action without fearing the consequences.

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Dear tops, please control your orgasms. Sincerely, unsatisfied bottoms. To the bear dancing with your shirt off who knocked my drink out of my hand and kept going, sorry for accidentally setting your back hair on fire with my lighter.

If you are gonna bitch about meth dealers destroying the LGBT community, you could at least put the pipe down, take your quarter, and leave. Ignorance, intolerance, and hypocrisy destroy communities—meth just gives idiots like you the balls to bitch about it between hits.

Why is everyone on Scruff “happily partnered”? Get off and let the single girls have a chance, selfish. 62 // davidatlanta.com

How shallow are you if you judge someone by their looks or what they drive? A man with retirement plans is more attractive than one living paycheck to paycheck.

Can we talk about the fact that David Atlanta picked the lightestskinned black guy for the MLK cover? I don’t want Prince Charming, I want some dick. Look, man, I only text you every day so I don’t feel bad about fucking your brains out on my couch twice a week.

The people that call themselves “local celebrities” make me laugh. Like, what are you really famous for, dude?

Drag queens that expect to be tipped should be fired. Sometimes you’re just not worth my dollar, sweetie!

If someone blocks you on Facebook, should you stop texting them? Wait, no—that’s Grindr. *This page reflects the bitchiness of the community not David Atlanta or its publisher (although we’re bitchy too!)