David Atlanta Magazine - Issue 48

5.8.13 #48

STEEL RESTAURANT

CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

In the Kitchen with ‘Chopped’ Champ

Ria Pell ‘Iron Chef’ Contender

TYSON WONG OPHASO

Spices Up King & I

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m o r f e t o r N o t i A the Ed 5.8.13 Issue #48

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

EDITORIAL Rian Ashlei Chris Azzopardi Sam Gabel Van Gower Emma Harger Dylan Michael Dustin Shelby Brent Star Taylor Trimble Lucas Witherspoon

SALES Steve Tyrrell steve@davidatanta.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Vandreena Cotton Brian Hughes

WEB / SOCIAL MEDIA Dylan Michael

DISTRIBUTION Lateasha Hall

TECH SUPPORT

Jamie Scarbrough

DRT Media Group Inc. 404.418.8901 CONTACT Advertising sales@davidatlanta.com Classifieds classifieds@davidatlanta.com Editor / Press Releases press@davidatlanta.com Calendar Listings calendar@davidatlanta.com Bitch Column bitch@davidatanta.com

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Why Jason Collins Matters

W

ell, it’s happened. This past week, former Atlanta Hawks player Jason Collins became the first active male athlete in a major American sport (basketball, in this case) to come out as gay.

Cue the outpouring of support from the LGBT community and its supporters. Also, cue the death threats and talks about being an abomination from the usual corral of bigots.

The latter group is why Collins’ decision to come out is so important.

In spite of all the progress our community’s made over the past few years and decades, there are still parts of our society opposed not just to our civil rights, but to our very existence. These same individuals, more often than not, tend to harbor narrow stereotypes about what it means to be gay.

For most of these individuals, Collins being gay won’t shift their thinking on gays in any sort of positive direction. For some people who are somewhere on the proverbial fence, though, this may be the thing to nudge them off. Like it or not, athletics and masculinity are seriously intertwined in this country, and having a pro athlete who’s also gay may seriously shake up some preconceived notions.

Now that we have one active male athlete out, let’s hope it doesn’t take too long for more to follow Collins’ lead.

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.

TOC

5.8.13 Issue #48

Cover > Ria Pell Steel Restaurant

18 22

Feature > Tyson Wong Ophaso 26 Spank! 42 Ballet’s Nite Out 48

Seen@ > Hideaway 12 Cockpit 30 Heretic 58

The Rest > Untucked with Brent Star 14 the Scene 34 Bartab 36 Datebook 37 Fairyscopes 56 Classifieds 57 Bitch, Please!

60

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18

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Terry Hackworth, MSN APRN, Nurse Practitioner

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My tucked up moments…

W

hile I’m always interviewing other drag entertainers in this city, I keep forgetting to take a moment (every three or four months) to talk about the damn things that I do…and how it connects with the rest of the wonderful “gay/drag” scene in this wonderful place we call the ATL.

Cassidine and local comedian Ben Palmer, both regular guest performers—to boldly parade around the park carrying large protest looking signs. Tanyla fit right in with the art festival wearing her colorful beaded gown sporting a cornucopia of stones, while Ben wore my collar beaded tuxedo jacket. I wore my catsuit that included a lingering tale waving in the back. In my mind I was a sexy pussycat, but in reality I looked more like I belong on a bag of Cheetos. Coincidentally, standing next to each other, Ben looked more like my circus ring leader. I guess it was perfect because everyone bombarded us with their camera phones, wanting to pose with us! Of course, a few of the folks were confused. Yeah, this one kid reading our signs was like “ No ‘WHAT’ Animals?!?”).

In no particular order, I would like to start off with me hosting my weekly Tuesday night adult trivia show at Joe’s on Juniper (8 p.m.). In between one of the questions, all of us on the patio heard a loud whistle! For a split second, I thought the Nazi soldiers were coming. No such luck; it was Baton Bob. Bob is definitely no Hitler, but for his few moments there, he took over! Wearing his signature tutu and that parade hat in all its fabulous glory, the brilliant Bob whistled his way to the center of the Well, I’m out of space, until next time, always be you… patio and twirled for the gods! The customers ate it up. because you were created for a reason!

Next I want to talk about my moment at Jayne O’Conner’s “Hydeatl presents PUSH”, a unique monthly Gong Showesque talent show (and they actually gong you if you go over your time! Child, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t hit that last juicy note of your song, when your time runs out, all the crowd hear from that point on is gong!). The theme changes monthly. April’s theme was Insanity, and I won!

(Wait a minute…)

I also met a newcomer to the drag scene who I thought did pretty good on the mic with her jokes and live singing.

Her name is Cayenne Rouge (and Lord, I mistakenly kept calling her “cayenne pepper”). She sang the old classic, “I’ll Drink to That”, and I did. (Burp.) Their next show is June 8 at The Music Room.

And of course I must talk about my “moment” in Piedmont’s annual, super popular Dogwood Festival.

To advertise and promote my “No Live Animals Variety Show” (Thursdays at The Laughing Skull), I grabbed a couple of entertainers—drag entertainer Tanyla 14 // davidatlanta.com

Brent Star’s Performance Schedule: Mondays—Cowtippers (Bingo) 8pm Tuesdays—Joe’s on Juniper (Adult Trivia) 8pm Thursdays---The Laughing Skull (“No Live Animals Variety Show”) 10:30pm

Spring Break Parking Lot Party!

• dj joey all day!

• atlanta sisters of perpetual indulgence • raising money for mister & The sisters grant fund!

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Tickets available at Ticketmaster and the Woodruff Arts Center box office.

NEW ALBUM “ ELECTRIC” AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE JULY 16 2013

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a i R

IN THE KITCHEN WITH

Chef Pell Dishes on Food and Fun photos: Robin Henson

W

By Van Gower

After you won on Chopped, you planned to take a holiday in Denmark with your wife and family, then to devote your energies to “re-energize” Ria’s Bluebird. Can you tell us what some of your plans for that are? Is the Bluebird going to stay the same tried-and-true icon that its fans have come to love, or are some major changes Pell is the mastermind behind the venerable, retro-chic Atlanta possibly in the works? eatery Ria’s Bluebird that’s equally popular with gays or straights, button-down squares or edgy tattooed hipsters, and To be honest, my partner Kiki and I haven’t had a chance longtime customers or the newly introduced. Sauced Atlanta, to escape to Denmark. We are trying to coordinate with her other smash restaurant, closed its doors late last year. our families and the weather up there, but rest assured, plenty of Facebook documentation will follow. As far as David Atlanta caught up with Pell to find out what it’s like to fluffing the Bluebird, we’ll start this spring with an upcook on national TV and what’s next on her plate. dated lunch menu and just some slight alterations to the classics Atlantans have come to enjoy for nearly 13 years.

In the official press release that announced Not changing any buttermilk pancakes or the brisket Sauced Atlanta’s closing last December, you breakfast, so no worries folks! stated “We’ve got no regrets here, because we’ve grown so much over the past 4 years, and hope You’d stated you have no regrets about closing to continue to serve delicious food wherever our Sauced’s doors and selling the property to chef hearts take us.” It may be premature to ask now, Bruce Logue, who plans a new restaurant in but have you started thinking about where that the space. But was it a totally easy decision, or may be? was it more difficult than that, given how widely loved Sauced has been since its opening?

Well, we have started looking at different properties around town, also in Brooklyn for that matter. We most likely will I believe closing any endeavor is difficult, seeing how be committing to a second location for Bluebird this year, if much time and hard work you’ve committed to it. It was my wanderlust doesn’t get the best of me. This is my first definitely not easy selling Sauced to Bruce, abandoning substantial break from cooking since I was 15 years old, and I our awesome regular clientele or breaking up our staff have to say that home life and travel are outstanding ways of family of three years. As a restaurateur, sometimes you twiddling your thumbs. have to trade one business for another or switch gears, hen acclaimed Atlanta chef Ria Pell was declared the victor last year on Food Network’s hit cooking competition show Chopped, a national audience was introduced to the smiling, tattooed lesbian whose trademark cap is almost as iconic as her mouth-watering culinary delights.

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always searching for a good product for the public to sink their teeth into, never forgetting their ever-changing appetite.

Point. Food is fun; I enjoy the spaces we create being a bit whimsical and playful. We try and make folks comfortable, serve a great meal, provide a little ambiance, and leave the customer with a good feeling at the end of the day. You just can’t take yourself too seriously in the service industry world.

What was your most nerve-wracking moment during your day of the competition? With so many of the competition programs, it seems from a viewer’s standpoint that the dramatic Atlanta is, of course, very fortunate to have tension is amped up in a lot of the proceedings. such a large LGBT-owned business community, especially so in the restaurant scene.

The first 20 minutes of being on set was tremendously Pardon the pun, but do you have a great difficult. The production coordinator was explaining sense of pride in being a highly respected where all the ingredients and where cooking equipment part of that community? was located, and she might as well have been speaking another language. It went in one ear and out the other. In I love me some gays! I also am honored that so hindsight, perhaps I should have held one ear closed with many different folks of our community enjoy our my hand to capture some information. The tension is ex- businesses. I feel that my staff enjoys a great bit of actly as it appears on Chopped; I was actually nauseous freedom to express themselves and that the Bluebird from nerves for the first three hours of filming. is a great forum for people of all backgrounds to meet at the table.

Conversely, was there a moment when you were totally confident that you had the winning Are there any ways in which you’ve not chalspot in the bag? lenged yourself professionally that you’d love to try now?

I thought that my eggplant dish went rather well and was excited for the plating presentation. I couldn’t see my op- Interior decorating or designing restaurants would ponent from Las Vegas from my station, so I didn’t know be great. I’d like to improve my gardening skills and till judging time what he brought to the plate. Never really perhaps get some hens for the hen house. [I’m] also thought I had it in the bag until they lifted the cover and it thinking on converting a shipping container into our wasn’t my dessert dish that got chopped. guest bedroom. Maybe start an ‘80s hardcore punk cover band?

Speaking as someone who is fairly cookingchallenged, I couldn’t imagine myself being in Ria’s Bluebird is located at 421 Memorial Drive the studio and being presented with a basket SE. For more information on Ria’s Bluebird, visit containing mystery ingredients, then having to riasbluebird.com or call 404-521-3737. whip up dishes on the fly. But although you’re a professional chef, did you secretly panic inside a little bit each time you looked in the baskets?

No question about it. It was almost a full-blown panic attack, start to finish.

You’ve gifted Atlanta with two very unique, eclectic – dare I say quirky, if that’s accurate – restaurants in Ria’s Bluebird and Sauced. They’ve each had their own individual thematic qualities. What inspires you to keep that fun factor front and center in every venture you undertake?

Actually three, if you count our BBQ restaurant Patio Daddy-O in East @DavidAtlantaGA // 19

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Steel Restaurant and Lounge Brings Pan-Asian Dining to Atlanta

B

By Clayton Morey

ringing a unique take on the cuisines of Asia to the Midtown dining scene for the last five years, Steel Restaurant and Lounge has proven to be deft at providing a unique and enjoyable pan-Asian dining experience. I recently had the opportunity to enjoy some highlights from their expansive menu and to meet the man responsible for creating this one of a kind Midtown destination, Chuck Kneeland.

Kneeland, a Dallas transplant, brought the Steel concept to Atlanta in 2006 after reviving what was a struggling restaurant into a thriving and successful enterprise.

Kneeland—a seasoned veteran in the hospitality industry with years of experience at groups such as Brinker International—brings a polish and professionalism that is palpable as soon as you meet him.

Steel Restaurant and Lounge occupies one corner of Plaza Midtown on West Peachtree. The interior is a commanding yet cozy space created by Atlanta restaurant design maven Bill Johnston of Johnston Studios. Modern elements of sleek concrete and polished steel mix effortlessly with Asian elements and warm well-polished wood accents. Huge square steel lamps with rectangular cut outs that hang from the celling are reminiscent of Japanese lanterns.

While the space certainly has an Asian sensibility, it’s not at all stereotypical or overdone. The private dining room features a one-of-a-kind wine wall that showcases Steel’s expansive wine selection and offers Steel a place to host all sorts of private events ranging from rehearsal dinners to corporate meetings.

Steel’s Indo-Chine menu brings together influences and flavors from all over Asia. Dishes from Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand are featured, alongside more mainstream Chinese and Japanese offerings. The sushi selection is world class.

The finest and freshest selection of fish and seafood are artfully presented. If it’s busy, you should be prepared to wait; this kind of perfection takes time to create.

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Steel also brings its distinctive culinary creations to customers with a full catering menu to make private events as enjoyable and unique as dining at Steel.

As Steel prepares to celebrate its fifth year in business in Atlanta, they are planning an anniversary party to showcase their amazing and varied creations. The party theme “A Night in Asia” will be a journey through each of the different styles of food Steel has to offer, with multiple stations—each featuring the cuisine from a different region. Scheduled for early June, look for more information about this event on their website (or in David Atlanta) soon.

Steel Restaurant and Lounge has become a pillar of the Midtown dining landscape and has plans to continue to do so for many years to come. Always reinventing itself and responding to the needs and uniqueness of its patrons and neighborhood has made Steel an undisputed success. Its motto of “Never Settle” is clearly a mantra to which we can all aspire.

Steel Restaurant and Lounge is located at 950 West Peachtree Street, Suite 255. For more information on Menu highlights include the Crispy Duck Egg Rolls with the restaurant, including their upcoming “A Night a plum dipping sauce and a Sea Salt and Chili Pepper in Asia” party, visit steelatlanta.com or call 404477-6111. For more restaurant reviews from Clayton Calamari with paper-thin slices of fiery jalapeno and Morey, visit davidatlanta.com or feedinfrank.com.

Serrano peppers with a duo of dipping sauces. The house signature steamed Sea Bass is marinated in Miso and Sake. The delicate and flakey fish is served in a Miso and wasabi broth with grilled asparagus spears. For a unique addition to your dining experience, try the Japanese Hot Rocks: Beef Tenderloin or fresh Ahi Tuna Seared tableside on super-heated river rocks.

The main attraction at Steel, however, is undoubtedly the sushi selection. Classic sushi offerings are complimented by a selection of the less conventional Steel specialty rolls such as the Cowboy Roll, which replaces the raw fish with seared beef tenderloin.

To accompany the culinary creations at Steel its beverage program features a globally influenced cocktail menu that changes with the seasons, as well as a respectable Sake Selection and a world-class wine list.

All of this is watched over and delivered to you by a gracious and welcoming staff of servers and bartenders that are well-educated on all that Steel has to offer. @DavidAtlantaGA // 23

Steve Litman & Fox Events Present

WEdnESdAy, JunE 26 SymPhOny hALL On sale at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office and Ticketmaster

@DavidAtlantaGA // 25

Tyson Wong Ophaso Brings World-Class Skills to Atlanta’s King & I Thai Cuisine

By Dylan Michael

T

ucked away in a small corner in Ansley Mall, King & I Thai Cuisine is easy to miss in the midst of all the bars surrounding it—Burkhart’s, Mixx, Oscar’s and Felix’s all share the same parking lot. Trust me, though— it’s not a restaurant you want to miss.

King & I is a hidden little gem in the Midtown Atlanta community. They have been open since 1980, originally owned and operated by “Auntie” who after 32 years, decided to move back to her home country. Now it is run by world-renowned chef Tyson Wong Ophaso. We took a closer look inside King & I and why it’s been so successful for the past 33 years.

Food fanatics may already be aware of chef Tyson Wong Ophaso. In 2008, he competed on the show Iron Chef America against Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. He ultimately lost 53–44, which is still very impressive. He also taught homemaking guru Martha Stewart and rapper Ludacris (crazy combination, huh?) how to create origami on her show in 2008.

the Brasserie, he was hired as corporate chef by Domaine Restaurant Group in California.

From California spice markets, we jump ahead a few years to a food truck in Philly. While living in Philadelphia, he was part owner and operator of “Tyson Bees”, the popular food truck. After several disagreements with his partner Cliff Asvadejpakdee, and the three others with whom they launched the operation, he decided to leave.

“It’s been a lot of back and forth, like a ping-pong table,” Ophaso told the Philadelphia Citypaper. The truck is still there, but without Ophaso or Asvadejpakdee.

Ophaso has been on television sets all over the country on various local programs, even going as far as to show audiences how to make a Thanksgiving meal with an Asian flair.

The King & I menu boasts so many amazingly appetizing entrees, you won’t know which one to pick. Boasting what the restaurant calls “the most authentic Thai in Atlanta”, the King & I is definitely not a restaurant to be looked over. What are you waiting for?

It hasn’t always been fun and games for Chef Tyson, however. In 2007, he was the chef at the popular King & I Thai Cuisine is located at 1510 Piedmont Ave. Chinatown Brasserie in New York City, where he was assaulted in front of his own restaurant by three drunks. For more information, including menus, visit No charges were ever filed by his employers. After leaving kingandiatlanta.com or call 404-892-7743.

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10th & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave. NE

14 Cowtippers

27 Las Margaritas

40 Tripps

2

Amsterdam 502 Amsterdam Ave. NE

15 Daiquiri Factory

28 Manifest 4 U

41 Urban Body Fitness

3

Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

16 Einstein's

29 Mixx

42 Woof's

4

BJ Roosters 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd.

17 F.R.O.G.S

30 Oscar's

43 XS Ultra Lounge

5

Blake's 227 10th St. NE

18 Felix's

31 Opus 1

6

Bliss 2284 Cheshire Bridge Rd.

19 Flex Spa

32 Roxx

7

Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave. NE

20 Friends

33 Sam's Hair Salon

Le Buzz 585 Franklin Rd. SE Marietta, GA

8

Brushstrokes 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE

21 Gatsby's

34 Southern Nights

Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave. SE

9

Bubbles Salon 1579 Monroe Dr. NE

22 Gilbert's

35 Ten Atlanta

My Sister's Room 1271 Glenwood Ave. SE

10 Bulldogs

23 Heretic

36 The Den

Rush Lounge 2715 Buford Hwy. NE

11 Burkhart's

24 Hobnob

37 The Fifth Ivory

Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave. SE

12 Capulets

25 Joe's on Juniper

38 The Hideaway

Swinging Richard's 1400 Northside Dr. NW

13 Club Eros

26 Jungle

39 The Model T

The Bar Fitness 908 Bowen St. NW

893 Peachtree St. NE 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE 2219 Faulkner Rd. NE

1600 Piedmont Ave. NE 889 W. Peachtree Str. NW 1077 Juniper St. NE 931 Monroe Cir. NE 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE 76 4th St. NW

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1086 Alco St. NE 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd.

736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE 931 Monroe Dr. NE 219 10th St. NE

2000 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 990 Piedmont Ave. Ne

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 1551 Piedmont Ave. NE 1049 Juniper Str. NE 2115 Faulkner Rd. NE

2135 Liddell Dr. NE 794 Juniper Str. NE 1544 Piedmont Ave. NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Bar/Cocktails

Retail

Dining

Billiards/Darts

Dancing

Dancers

Non-Smoking

Leather

Hair/Beauty

Fitness

Drag

Baths/Spa

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@DavidAtlantaGA // 35

Bartab

got an upcoming event? calendar@davidatlanta.com

MONDAY

model t Party with Elvis - 9 pm oscar’s Ruby Redd’s After Party - 10 pm BLAKE’S RuPaul at 9pm - Game Night swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP Room Trivia/Family Feud 11pm ten atlanta Drag-a-maki w/ Kitty BURKHART’S Blue Monday Karaoke w/ LeClaw 8:30pm Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm tripp’s Free Taco Bar 5pm COCKPIT Big Red Cup All Day, specials xcess ultra lounge Raquell Lord’s EAGLE Music Videos with Scotty Talent Show 10:30pm, Sophia Mcintosh & FELIX’S Free Pool Fab 5 +1 11:30pm, 18+ FRIENDS Manic Mondays DJ opens - 2 pm woof’s Food Special, Trivia 8pm HERETIC Play w/ Eddie 4pm-11pm HIDEAWAY $2.50 Domestic Beer JUNGLE Stars of the Century Show 11pm blake’s Texas Hold’Em Poker 7pm, “Guys MODEL T Monday Night Madness Free & Dolls” with Shawnna Brooks. 11pm Pool - 10pm - 2am BURKHART’S Twisted Thursday w/ OSCAR’S Midtown Martini Club - 4 pm | Phoenix 11:30pm Service Industry Night - 9 pm cockpit Dirty Boy Bingo w/ Ruby Redd swinging richards Hip-Hop Night, eagle Balls Deep Karaoke w/ Mikey Sponsored by Hennessy 6:30pm felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm ten atlanta Poker Night TRIPP’S Monday Nite Madness w/ Tana 9pm friends Where Girls would like Girls meet Girls with Regina Simms 8 pm WOOF’S Texas Hold ‘Em Poker 8pm Gilbert’s Wine tasting 6-10pm heretic 3 Legged Cowboy Night 9pm hideaway Service Industry Night BLAKE’S POP! Karaoke with Sasie Monroe jungle Members Only with Evah and Suzanne Gleeson 11pm Destruction 10pm BURKHART’S Trivia Tuesday Karaoke w/ mIXX Gentlemen Cocktails with Aaron & Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm Matt at 6pm club rush “Tipsy Tuesday” 18 & up model t Party Time with Michael - 9 pm Open until 4am oscar’s The Charlie Brown Show - 10 pm COCKPIT 80s Party 9pm, specials 5-8pm swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP & Entry EAGLE Tuesdays w/ Tony xcess ultra lounge Turnt Up Thursday FELIX’S Smirnoff Martini Night woof’s Food Special, Country Music 7pm FRIENDS Let’s Make A Deal with Ken 6 pm Gilbert’s Industry Night (complementary pizza after 10pm) HERETIC 2-Step Tuesday, dance till 11pm 10th & piedmont Live DJ 10 PM blake’s 5-9pm TGIF, Charlie’s Angels w/ HIDEAWAY Trivia with Wil 9 pm Charlie Brown 11pm JUNGLE Camp with Ruby Redd 8pm BURKHART’S Fab Five w/ Angelica MIXX Piano with David Reeb at 8pm D’Paige 11:30pm MODEL T Wii Tuesday Afternoons 2pm club rush “Got Leche” Free entry until 9pm $2.50 beer / $3.0 well vodka 11pm 18 & up - Open until 4am OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday - 8 pm cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s SWINGING RICHARDS 1/2 Price cover eagle DJ Dance Party WOOF’S Industry Day Free Wii 5pm friends Happy Time Friday Kelly & Ken 6 pm heretic No cover B4 11pm hideaway Kick Back Fridays!

BLAKE’S 5-9pm Doug’s party pop hits, jungle The Other Show with Edie CheezMen of Swinging Richards 11pm-1am burger 9:30pm; Jungle POP 11pm BURKHART’S Humpday Karaoke w/ mixx Ron’s End of the Week Party 4pm | Darlene Majewski 11:30pm Grown & Sexy Dance 10 pm COCKPIT Balls Deep Karaoke 10pm model t Friday Bagels - 10 am | Texas EAGLE Underwear Night with Tony Holdem Poker 8 pm Friends Trivia with “Boom Boom” 8 pm oscar’s Spotlight Karaoke at 9pm Gilbert’s Karaoke 10pm-2am swinging richards T-Shirt Review,$10 heretic No Cover! ten atlanta Music by George Greenlee hideaway 1/2 Price Beer tripp’s Afternoon Delights 4pm jungle Dragamaniacs with Nicole Paige woof’s Atlanta’s Best Social Night 6pm Brooks and Phoenix 10pm

THURSDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

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SATURDAY

10th & piedmont Live DJ 10 PM blake’s Open at 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 Free Pool and Cheap beer with DJ! 2 pm - 6 pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm heretic Varies: Club Night or 3 Legged Cowboy Night - 10pm hideaway Open at 12:30pm! Saturday Night Party jungle Foreplay with Lily White 9:30pm; Club Night, Various Guest DJ’s mixx Guest DJ’s Dance 10pm model t Texas Holdem Poker - 3 pm | Party with the M&M Boiz - 9 pm oscar’s Spotlight Karaoke at 9pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review $10 ten atlanta Music by George Greenlee 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 and R&B - 18 & up Open until 4am cockpit PBR Beer Bust felix’s Bloody Marys & Mimosas friends DJ’s Smirnoff B Mary Bar “A Garden in a Glass” - 12:30 pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm and Karaoke 6-11:30pm hideaway Atlanta’s Favorite Bloody Mary Bar! 12:30 pm 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 with Ron 3:30 pm oscar’s Sunday Fun-day ten atlanta Music by George Greenlee tripp’s Buffet of Goodness - 3 pm | Karaoke - 7 pm woof’s Bloody Mary bar, PBR special

Datebook

Atlanta City Council Protest The zoning proposal for Cheshire Bridge Road that’s been discussed in Atlanta’s LGBT community for month comes up for a vote on Thursday, May 9. For those not in the loop, the proposal would shutter and/or force the relocation of adult businesses such as Bliss and Southern Nights. Upstart organization Queer Up! Atlanta—self-described as “a collective of young, queer activists-in-the-making committed to dismantling the oppressive forces of heterosexist ideologies, uplifting marginalized communi-TEAs and the intersections that arise—all with a Southern twang—while unapologetically throwing glitter in the faces of the normative, y’all!”—is heading up a protest at the meeting at Atlanta City Hall, beginning at 5 p.m., to voice their disapproval.

theRundown PALS Bingo

May 8 • 7:30 p.m. • Jungle (2115 Faulkner Rd. NE)

PALS hosts their monthly Bingo game at Jungle. This month’s theme? Safari. And no, that’s not the Apple browser. For more information, visit palsatlanta.org.

SAGE Atlanta Meeting May 9 • 11 a.m. • Phillip Rush Center (1530 DeKalb Ave.)

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly meeting. For more information, visit sageatl.org.

Fourth Tuesday Happy Hour May 10 • 6 p.m. • Mixx (1492 Piedmont Ave. NE)

Fourth Tuesday, the lesbian social group, hosts its monthly Happy Hour. For more information, visit facebook.com/fourthtuesdayatlanta.

101 Dalmatians Photo Shoot, Take 2

May 11 • 11 a.m. • Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Drive)

In Theatres This Week An adaptation of a famous literary work by a director known more for his artistic chutzpah than box office success screams for an Oscartimed release, not a release as part of a kickoff to the biggest moneymaking part of Hollywood’s year. With an immersive 3D experience and a soundtrack produced by Jay-Z, though, maybe summer is in fact the best time for The Great Gatsby to come to the screen. Let’s face it—director Baz Luhrmann’s biggest hits, Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge!, aren’t exactly sleepy little dramas.

“Heroes + Villains” photographer Philip Bonneau is looking to gather at least 101 models for a shoot inspired by 101 Dalmatians. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/283978838403748/.

Gnomes in the Hood

May 11 • 4 p.m. • Cabbagetown Clay and Glass Works (588 Woodward Ave.)

Cabbagetown Clay and Glass Works and Garden*Hood are hosting Gnomes in the Hood. For more information, visit ccgworks. wordpress.com.

Also in Theatres: Peeples: When Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) crashes the Peeples family reunion to ask for daughter Grace’s (Kerry Washington) hand in marriage, he finds himself in for a dysfunctional weekend.

Midnight’s Children: Opening exclusively at Regal Tara. At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, as India becomes independent of Great Britain, two newborn babies from different classes are switched in a Bombay hospital. As they grow older, their lives become intertwined.

Based on the novel by Salman Rushdie.

Jeff Chu Live

May 15 • 6 p.m. • Martha Brown UMC (468 Moreland Ave. SE)

Jeff Chu will be reading from his book, Does Jesus Really Love Me?: A Gay Christian’s Pilgrimage in Search of God in America. For more information, visit marthabrown.org. @DavidAtlantaGA // 37

Fif ty s e d a h S of

k n Hu NT A R G AS L O H C

BY NI

42 // davidatlanta.com

F

rom May 14–19, at The Buckhead Theatre, Fifty Shades of Grey will come to life on stage in a hilarious new musical titled Spank! Even though this production is not associated with, nor authorized by E.L. James (the author of the hugely popular books) this show will give fans of the three books a real life glimpse into the fantastically complicated and sexual world of wealthy men and the women who they dominate and are dominated by.

The deliciously sexy star of the show is Gabe Bowling (who would have any avid reader dropping their books after seeing his sculpted abs and tight leather pants.) Gabe is a musician at heart (including his solo project, Gabe vs.

The Sad Kids) but has appeared in film and productions around the country. Most recently he finished a run with the Tony Award nominated Million Dollar Quartet, starring as Carl Perkins.

Why do you think Fifty Shades of Grey made such an impact on our society?

It’s an escape from the day to day drudgery that domesticated life can be for some people. People love to have a naughty little secret. It’s just a book. You can put a cover on it, read it while your waiting for your kid to be done with gymnastics, laying next to your sleeping husband, at work, wherever, and whenever. It takes you away to some place exciting.

How does it make you feel to be playing such a sexual character, and how do you feel about having both women and men seeing you as a sex symbol?

It’s easy playing a character that’s always thinking about sex. I’m a male. I’ve been playing this character since I was 13. As far as being viewed in a sexual light is Gabe recently took a few moments out of his busy sched- concerned, I love it. Come on, who wouldn’t? I’m playing ule to share his thoughts about what it’s like to be nearly a person that the audience already has thoughts and naked night after night for people all over the country. feelings about. Naughty thoughts and sexy feelings. I just have to show up and be that freaky billionaire they Why do you think Fifty Shades of Grey is ripe already love. for musical parody?

Is there any part of your actual persona that There is nothing more ripe for parody than a unique pop you bring to this character? culture phenomenon. A bondage and S&M novel written by an everyday housewife that outsells Harry Potter Yes. I’ll leave it at that. Wink. by a few million? Id say you’d be hard pressed to find something more qualified to parody. Now add music.

What do you find to be the challenges of this Everything’s better with music. show and role?

Will audiences who are completely unfamiliar with the story of Fifty Shades of Grey connect with the story, and why?

Honestly. It’s not challenging. It’s just pure fun.

Sometimes I don’t sleep enough on the road, city to city. I have to watch what I eat and workout cause I’m spending a decent part of my evenings scantily clad. But I Absolutely. Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn just came and enjoy traveling and feel better when I take care of myself saw us at a date in California. They gushed that they were anyway. so entertained the entire two hours. Neither of them had read the book. If that’s not proof that this show stands on Are there any mishaps or funny stories that it’s own, I don’t know what would be. It’s really filled with have come from rehearsing/performing this all kinds of pop culture references and stellar comedy show? writing. Definitely a hit for anyone and everyone—except the kids.

I slipped on my Batman cape. I was wearing only a pair of underwear and a cape trying to dance sexy. Comedy gold.

Is this role and show something that is outside of your comfort zone?

Spank! takes place at The Buckhead Theatre May 14 – 19. Tickets ($29.75/$39.75) are on sale now and can A billionaire with strange sexual proclivities who flies a be purchased at ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000 and helicopter, owns a hover craft, and plays a mean guitar? the Buckhead Theatre box office.

I’m basically playing myself. Seriously it’s the most fun I’ve ever had on stage during business hours. Not outside Get there early for pre-show drinks including a spemy comfort zone in the slightest. Other than the stripping cialty Spank! cocktail, then stay after the show for a of course. That took some getting used to. photo with the seductive star himself, and meet the entire cast. @DavidAtlantaGA // 43

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For the first time ever, Atlanta audiences will have the opportunity to witness one of the biggest sensations in modern dance—the centerpiece duet from British choreographer Matthew Bourne’s Tony Award-winning Swan Lake. Swan Lake took home three Tony Awards in 1999, including Best Costume Design (Lez Brotherston), Best Choreographer (Bourne) and Best Director of a Musical (Bourne.)

Ballet’s

Nite Out

By Nicholas Grant

F

or its 2012-2013 season finale, Atlanta Ballet explores the theme of love through both classic and innovative choreography. Highlighting the athleticism and passion of Atlanta Ballet’s dancers, these performances find new meaning in the world’s greatest love stories. Love Stories will feature the Atlanta Ballet premiere of “Requiem for a Rose” by choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and the return of “Prayer of Touch” by Atlanta Ballet’s new resident choreographer Helen Pickett. The program will also feature the White Swan pas de deux from choreographer Matthew Bourne’s revolutionary male version of Swan Lake—regarded as a modern day classic since its world premiere in 1995.

Bourne, who is widely praised as the UK’s most popular and successful choreographer, debuted the almost allmale Swan Lake in 1995—eschewing tradition and turning the ballet world on its head. The ballet has toured steadily since, playing to more people than any other ballet in modern stage history. It’s the longest running ballet on Broadway, and in 2011 it reached an even broader audience when it was released in select theaters as a 3D movie.

Bourne’s avant-garde interpretation of Swan Lake tells the timeless story of ill-fated, forbidden love with dynamic modern day flair. New York Times dance critic Gia Kourlas described the ballet as “a painterly exploration of desire told through dance.” The ballet was called “a miracle” in a Time Out New York review.

For Atlanta’s premiere, the White Swan pas de deux will be performed by guest artists Domenico Luciano and Dominic Walsh of Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre (DWDT) in Houston, TX. DWDT first performed the duet in 2009 and is the only company outside of Bourne’s own that has been permitted to perform the work. “Experiences like these are what we live for at Atlanta Ballet,” said John McFall, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is a Since Atlanta Ballet’s production of Dracula earlier this choreographic masterpiece. It’s astoundingly inventive and season, the tradition of having a Nite Out at the Ballet quite simply genius, and we are lucky to have the chance to for LGBT audience members has been a high point for present a moment of this work to our audiences. We look each production. The event was the brainchild of Brian Wallenberg, a former Atlanta Ballet company member and forward to this opening the door to bring more of Bourne’s work to Atlanta.” current Social Media Coordinator and Videographer for the ballet, when he was performing in Dracula. A number of his friends decided to attend one of the performances Love Stories runs for four performances Mother’s Day together, and Nite Out was born. For Love Stories, Nite weekend, Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12, at the Out will take place at the 8 p.m. performance on May 11. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. To purchase tickets, visit atlantaballet.com or call 404-892-3303. For a special discount “This Nite Out is particularly special because we are on tickets for Nite Out, audience members can enter the presenting the duet from Matthew Borune’s most male Swan Lake,” says Wallenberg. “We have invited the only code “OutLoud” on check out or mention when calling for company that has permission to perform the piece in the tickets. Following the 8 p.m. performance on Saturday, May 11, there will be an informal gathering of Nite Out patrons at United States.”

Cinco restaurant located at 2851 Akers Mill Rd. 48 // davidatlanta.com

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fairyscopes ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Getting ahead depends on self-discipline, attention to details and questions of skill. Subtle hints from superiors can save you a lot of grief. The Golden Rule may not alleviate confusion in your relationships, but it will make it more manageable.

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Would a fleeting, tawdry affair make you feel cheap and used?

That could be half the fun. Keep your eyes open and your mind clear. If you do get swept off your feet, you will have to pick up the mess.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Worrying about your

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): Pressure

career doesn’t help, but list real concerns and look for practical answers. “Helpful” friends will offer hundreds of ideas. A few of those are actually very good. A relaxing time out would help you restore clarity.

at work is largely in your own head. Largely. Plan longterm strategies, and remember that they will have to be flexible. Burning off energy with some friends will help you from being a pain to your colleagues.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): Sexual frustration is about quality, not quantity. The need for emotional depth and commitment may surprise you. If partnered, you’re overdue for a good talk. If single, discuss it with someone whose wisdom you respect or write your feelings down.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): Do your best work and let it speak for itself. You don’t need to prove anything, especially to family members. When those nagging voices fill your brain, identify where they come from and you can get rid of them.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): It’s too easy to obsess

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Even

on minutiae. Better to clear out garbage and clutter.

Your partner or another good friend will be glad to help you decide what needs to go. Let a sibling get saddled with the family keepsakes.

if things have been going well lately, be very careful with your money. A deal that sounds too good to be true is. Set aside a little for an impulsive indulgence. If you can’t say anything nice, go chat with Virgo.

LEO (July 23 – August 22): Being sensitive to

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): Check out

others will help you get ahead, but don’t give away the store; keep terms and boundaries clear. Confusion too easily feeds into arguments. Keeping a critical eye on your own human and material resources can fend off trouble.

an art show with something very new and different, or rent the most outré movie you can find. It could inspire a new look, but test it with a very trusted friend before you take it public!

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): A mad, passionate fling may leave you spinning and wanting more.

It’s not love, so keep your expectations in check. Your wicked tongue is a potent weapon. Be careful where you aim that thing!

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Be careful that the only secrets you reveal are your own. Even then the deep personal insights you’re gaining should be kept private. Well, mostly. You may find earning power in skills you haven’t appreciated.

56 // davidatlanta.com

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58 // davidatlanta.com

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The Grindr Queens of Atlanta will eventually have to migrate elsewhere once they’ve run out of people to hook up with, right? Or is that just wishful thinking?

Whose dick do you have to suck to join a flag football team? Wait, don’t answer that.

Somebody tell these bottoms to clean before they entertain.

Serving a poopoo platter is a sure way to end the party. And he thought he got a shitty tip.

Can you put some new people in the Seen@ section? I’m tired of seeing the same old queens.

To the older, probably too fat to be stylish guy who made the “slap the shit” threat at us grownass men who wear Abercrombie or A.E., do tell us what we should wear? Most of us are too young to wear Brooks Brothers, our bodies are too worked-out for Dockers, and we’re too trendy to shop at stores where you can buy furniture!

60 // davidatlanta.com

I walk the fine line between being too smart to be a stripper and too dumb to be anything else.

There’s no “u” in fierce, just “I”.

No, hon.

Nobody put anything in your drink.

Do you know how expensive drugs are?

Just because the roids make your body look like an 18 year old’s doesn’t give you the right to act like one. Be a role model, not a fake model. *This page reflects the bitchiness of the community not David Atlanta or its publisher (although we’re bitchy too!)