A n A nnuAl C elebrAtion to S upport A tlAntA ’ S lGbtQ Y outh Join Us for an Evening of Food, Drink and Entertainment with special appearances by
Courtney Act Pandora Boxx of RuPaul’s Drag Race Enjoy the beats and playlist of DJ Vicki Powell all evening long!
Saturday, July 11, 2015 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
MaSon Fine art Dress Code: Your whitest whites General Admission: $50 in advance • $60 at the door VIP Admission: $125 /WhitePartyATL /Whiteparty_ATL Purchase tickets and find out more at
www.whitepartyatlanta.org
Attendees must be 21 or over.
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DRT Media Group Inc. 1874 Piedmont Ave., Suite 370-C Atlanta, GA 30324 404.418.8901
MANAGEMENT David Thompson Publisher david@davidatlanta.com William Duffee-Braun Sales and Development Director william@davidatlanta.com Jonathan Bugg Editorial Director jonathan@davidatlanta.com Joe Ragsdale Art Director ragsdale@davidatlanta.com
TODRICK HALL
YouTube celebrity and soon to be MTV reality show star, Todrick Hall is coming to Atlanta this weekend. We talked to Todrick about his upcoming show, Todlerz Ball, the reality of reality TV, and growing up gay in a small town.
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BEBE ZAHARA BENET
The first RuPaul’s Drag Race winner is coming to Augusta for Pride this weekend. We chatted with BeBe about her life since the show, her upcoming performance, and we also got the dirt from her on this season’s RPDR.
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ATLANTA GAY MUSICIANS
We have all the details for Augusta Pride. All the parties, parades, and performers. We even give you an in depth look at American Idol season 7 finalist, the gorgeous and talented David Hernandez who will be performing on the main stage.
Being an out and proud LGBTQ musician in this town isn’t easy. You can be judged on so much more than the music you’re making. These artists are facing prejudice face on, and taking the Atlanta music scene by the proverbial balls.
At community distribution points across the city
Russ Youngblood Senior Sales Representative russ@davidatlanta.com Steve Tyrrell steve@davidatlanta.com John Strika john@davidatlanta.com
NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908-232-2021
CONTRIBUTORS
AUGUSTA PRIDE
SALES
online
At DavidAtlanta.com
Broque Cummings Tony Gowell Jesse Hancock Jason Mietelski Jeffery Silvey Bryan Tillman Gregg Wynn
DISTRIBUTION Lateasha Hall Christopher Dixon
social
At facebook.com/DavidAtlantaMagazine and twitter.com/DavidAtlantaGA
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. 6 | 6.24.15
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datebook
where to go and what to do this week
OLD FOURTH WARD PARK ARTS FESTIVAL O4W has become a hotbed for artist, musicians, and free thinkers. Take advantage of the surrounding creativity this weekend and view works from glass blowers, jewelers, painters, and leather craftsmen; hear live music; and munch on food truck fare from around the city. Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, June 28 • 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. • Historic Fourth Ward Park (680 Dallas St. NE) • oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com
SOUTHERN FRIED QUEER PRIDE Maybe you’re looking for a Pride that’s a little more specific. Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) is a queer and trans Pride festival in Atlanta celebrating the robust and vivid Southern queer community that exist amidst the Bible Belt, without all the “corporate and capitalist additives that taint modern-day Pride festivals across the nation.” Friday, June 26 – Sunday, June 28 • Various venues across Atlanta • southernfriedqueerpride.com
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INDIGO GIRLS
ATLANTA GAY MEN’S CHORUS
101 GAY WEDDINGS
For over two decades the Indigo Girls have been creating music that speaks from the heart, to our hearts. The duo of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have now released 13 albums of breezy and lyrically adroit folk-rock, first emerging in the late 1980s alongside fellow Georgians REM, and are readying the release of a new record in 2015.
To close out their 34th season the AGMC is presenting their “Men in the Mirror Concert.” Doing away with flashy costumes and choreography, this concert is more musically focused. With a tight group of only 40 (about 100 is the normal roster), the music performed has been specifically chosen because it lends itself to a male chorus.
The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, in conjunction with celebrity Chef Art Smith, will be hosting potentially up to 101 Gay Weddings in the Garden here at the hotel. This is a free event for couples, along with their friends and family, to attend whether they want to renew vows, make the commitment, or if the Supreme Court rules prior, take the plunge and get married!
Friday, June 26 • 8 p.m. • Chastain Park Amphitheatre (4469 Stella Dr. NW) • chastain.parkamphitheatre.com
Friday, June 26 • 8 p.m. • Druid Hills Sunday, June 28 • 2 – 5 p.m. • Presbyterian church (1026 Ponce De InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Leon Ave. NE) • voicesofnote.org/agmc (3315 Peachtree Rd.) • atlantapride.org
davidatlanta.com | 13
P R I VAT E E V E N T AT
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JULY 25
6:30PM UNTIL DUSK
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Visit sixflags.com/overgeorgia and enter PROMO CODE: PRIDE
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18th Annual East Point Possums Show
photos: Russ Youngblood
Seen@
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Femme Fatale at Burkhart’s
photos: Russ Youngblood
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Working with David Atlanta this past year, has opened my eyes to so many new facets of our community, and definitively firms my opinion that Atlanta Pride is a top notch event. It’s kind of like a trade show for our outlying brothers and sisters, that don’t make it into the city very often. Last year was my first time being at the Aquarium kick-off party, and it was filled with so much positive energy, that it’s no wonder that it’s the official kickoff event each year. I had a fantastic time handing out copies of the Pride issue of David Atlanta; as party-goers left to continue their weekend celebrations. Seeing all the thousands of smiles, and laughs between families and friends made it an experience I’ll never forget. Maybe it was all the booze served inside (I’m not judging, I was hammered myself), but moments like that...are what make me want to continue being involved in our community. In fact, many, many years ago, I served as President of our GLBT organization at MTSU. Who doesn’t love an arrest record? And, also served as a collegiate liaison to Nashville Pride. I was part of all the usual rabble rousing and college politics, that we’re stereotyped for; and had an amazing time doing it. But like all great creative successes, our time and energies shift to be supportive of the things that mean the most to us. So, as I began working on my relationship I’m Obsessed with the celebration of Pride in our American and career, my involvement in campus organizations and Communities. Having spent a glorious long weekend at Nashville Pride lessened. GayDays in Disney, I was reminded that my ten-year absence from this twenty-five year event was seriously overdue. Now that those things in my life are in line with my objectives, I make sure that I do my best to be a positive and active I went into it, with the usual nostalgia of fun times had in years part of the Atlanta community. From playing in the Hotlanta past, but came out blissfully recharged. Probably from all the Softball League, to writing my crazy thoughts down for you small children I ate, cause it’s hard to wear a smile amongst to read in my Obsessed column. the millions of stroller bumps. My goal, and there are always many, is to make fans of More importantly, I came back with the Pride of seeing an the magazine think a little differently about all the fads ocean of GLBT families celebrating together, at the happiest that everyone ‘binge obsesses’ about. Things will always place on Earth. come and go, as they’re deemed fashionable. That’s what makes for lasting entertainment, and it will always be true. I promise you, the view of hundreds and hundreds of ‘red shirts’ down Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom, is something But what needs to last the longest, is your Pride. Pride of who everyone should see...at least once in their lifetime. Allegedly, you are, Pride of where you came from, and lastly...Pride of my eyes leaked some. There were no witnesses, and we all where you’re going. know that sweat and sunscreen are a terrible mix. So, Obsessed readers...where is your Pride journey going? The other amazing Pride celebrations occurring all over I’d love to hear about your most memorable Pride moments. America, in honor of the horrific Stonewall Riots, are just as Let me know!! important to immerse ourselves in; as are our every day responsibilities. I’ve been to several, and they’re all unique and Tony Gowell special. That’s what makes us ‘Merica! And I love it. Tony Gowell is a bi-weekly columnist, exclusively writing Each year, I of course look forward to our own Pride celebrafor David Atlanta. Contact him at obsessed@davidattions here in Atlanta. I know all of the staff at David Atlanta lanta.com with your latest obsessions. If you’re half way obsesses over every detail, as does the amazing Pride interesting, he might write about it, and if he doesn’t… Committee; to bring Atlanta an event, for all to remember. The better luck next time! goal, of course, is to hope everyone participates and supports that Atlanta truly has THE best Pride celebration.
It all Begins with Pride
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davidatlanta.com | 23
community
Favorite TV Binge? Orange is the New Black Favorite restaurant in Atlanta? “Lips” of course! What do you love most about Atlanta’s gay community? Their dedication to making Atlanta a better place for everyone. And the support they have been to me and the causes I have been a part of. Favorite neighborhood? Facebook If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would it be?
David Hero:
Bubba D. Licious THIS MONTH’S DAVID HERO IS A TIRELESS FUNDRAISER AND PERFORMER. YOU CAN FIND HERE AT MOST ANY P.A.L.S. EVENT, OR TAKING THE STAGE AT LIPS. BUT HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW THE REAL BUBBA D. LICIOUS. If you don’t know Bubba D. Licious (a.k.a. Jim Marks) then you have to have been living under a rock. Currently employed by famed drag restaurant Lips, Bubba has been a fixture not only in Atlanta Camp Drag, but also in our local charities since 1989. Bubba D. Licious has participated in HIV/AIDS and other fund raising events & causes that have grossed more than $4.2 million for local and national organizations & the GLBT community. What charities are you involved in right now?
John F. Kennedy Favorite song right now?
Now & always . . . “Looking for a City” Haven House, Jerusalem House, AID What chore do you absolutely hate Atlanta, AIDS Memorial Quilt, Project doing? Open Hand, Someone Cares, St. Mark UMC, Atlanta Pride, HRC, GA Equality, Housekeeping! Dining Out for Life, ARCA, Emory Hope Clinic and many others. What would you name the autobiog raphy of your life? How did you get started on your philanthropic path? “Why Me, Lord?” I began playing in HSL on the Armory If you could learn to do anything, softball team spring of 1989, and then what would it be? auditioned for and was selected to the Armorette cast in June of that year. Time Travel What would you like to see in the future for your charities? That the mission be followed and that their needs be reached to care for those in need. How can David readers help you achieve those goals?
Watch each month as David Atlanta Magazine unveils a new hero. These community members have shown Atlanta what they do to enhance the city in which we live. If you have a suggestion for a recipient of the But over the past 26 years, I have been Both! I love dogs, but I really love my cat, David Hero Award please email jonainvolved with AIDS Treatment Initiative, “MuMu”! than@davidatlanta.com. Support the organizations and their special events with your time, your abilities, and your money. Donate! Donate! Donate! P.A.L.S. (Pets Are Loving Support) and P.A.L.S. Bingo – as the host for 19 years. Dogs or cats?
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davidatlanta.com | 25
community
Augusta Pride Celebrates with soul and sexiness:
David Hernandez
by Jason Mietelski
I
t’s PRIDE month in the USA, and time to gear up for celebrations across the country! Augusta kicks off its 6th official PRIDE festival weekend on Friday, June 26 with the city’s largest outdoor dance party, “Beats on Broad”. The city will be converting the Augusta Common, 836 Reynolds Street, into an enormous dance floor where everyone can fly their colors and show off their latest dance moves. Nightclub style lighting and sound provided by Tracer Audio and DJ KAOS spinning late into the night will catapult festival goers into the hottest PRIDE weekend in June. Food and beverages will be offered for sale in the park and admission is $5 for ages 13 and up. On Sunday, the mood will shift to steamy when throngs of speedo clad hunks get oiled up for fun in the sun at the “Ain’t Misbehavin’” pool party @ the Parliament Resort Pool. Make sure to bring your sunscreen, tanning oil and naughty intentions as this is going to be one hot event. There’s a $20 cover unless you arrive before noon. The Parliament Resort bills itself as the world’s largest all male gay resort, so make your reservations (p-house. com) now to ensure a weekend of seamless excitement. At night you can stop in at The Edge Nightclub, 1258 Gordon Hwy, or Club Argos @ Walton Way, for a night
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of booty shaking; or if you’re in the mood to unwind with cocktails and conversation, stop in The Capri Lounge, Augusta’s only retro piano bar, located at 1238 Gordon Highway. Following the parade, which begins Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m. on Broad Street and wraps up at noon @ The Augusta Common, there will be stellar performances by original Ru Paul’s Drag Race cast member Victoria “Porkchop” Parker; Bebe Zahara Benet, 1st winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race; Grammy jazz/pop/ dance/R&B singer Maxine Nightingale; Chainsaw Mascara; She & She; and False Flag. Then there’s American Idol season 7 finalist, the gorgeous and talented David Hernandez, who began singing and performing at age six. David broke out onto the Idol stage by wooing the judges in his audition with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”. He also made headlines when the producers of American Idol discovered that he’d been a nude dancer at Dick’s Cabaret, a gay strip club in Phoenix, Arizona. The Idol producers, known to be less than forgiving when their traditionally “wholesome” image was on the line, decided to let David keep performing and building his fan base. I was lucky to have gotten a quick interview with David before the festivities begin, and here’s what he had to say:
Bebe Zahara Benet
Victoria “Porkchop” Parker
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DA: What are you currently working on? DH: I’m releasing a new single called “WTF”, produced by Printz Board of The Black Eyed Peas, which should be released by the time this article is out. The entire album is slated for some time this year, but we’ll see how the single does first. DA: What does it mean for you to perform at Augusta Pride? DH: It means a lot to be part of a festival that celebrates people and who they are! The energy at Prides is always so palpable that it blows you away! I think because everyone there has been through discrimination at some point in their lives, they’re more willing to show up and support each other. It’s a beautiful thing. DA: You do realize that being so cute and all that many eyes will be on you at Pride? How will this affect your performance and vibe during the celebration? David Atlanta: What was it like performing on DH: HAHAHA! Well I appreciate the compliment, thank you! I don’t American Idol? think it will affect my performance. Like always, I just hope to bring energy to the day and that people appreciate a good performance David Hernandez: It was one of the coolest experiences ever. I’d and vocal. always wanted to try out for it but never had the guts to, until my manager at the time thought it would be a good idea—so I just DA: What inspires you, as a man and an artist? went for it. It was like a boot camp for singers. I’d never worked so hard or been exposed to Hollywood like that. It was a whirlwind DH: Truth, real live emotion, and passion. I’m inspired by authenticthat I can only recollect when looking at pictures because it all hap- ity and people conveying their emotions openly. I also love new cities: they provide new experiences and the chance to be re-inspired pened so fast! by its people and surroundings. DA: Did performing as an exotic dancer help you overcome any stage fright on American Idol? DA: Have you, through your music and visibility, positively impacted the lives of LGBT youth? DH: Hahaha! I’ve never been asked this question before! I mean, who knows? Maybe…it certainly takes a semi-confident person to DH: I hope so. I wrote a song called “I Am Who I Am” that’s now dance for strangers. It was about the money for me, though. I had available on iTunes and will be selling at the festival—it’s autobiostudent loans to pay and was completely supporting myself. I don’t graphical and talks about growing up poor with a single mother who regret it one bit. And at the end of the day, I answer only to God. did everything she could to make ends meet. Much like in the LGBT community, people judged me and my family for not having much, DA: Do you believe sexuality was a factor in being the 12th but the story is about perseverance and saying, “It’s the same old me, and that’s who I’ll always be,” no matter what anyone else says finalist on Idol? or does. DH: Who’s to say? I think it’s a sad world where anyone would speculate about someone’s sexuality and not vote for them because DA: Seeing anyone special? Details? of it. Whether you’re gay, straight, bi or transgendered, you should be judged on your talent and who you are as a person. Someone’s DH: Ugh, sadly no. I was, but that fizzled out really quick. I’m free sexuality is just a small portion of who they are. And times were as a bird! different as well. People are more accepting of differences now. DA: Can we expect a David Hernandez cameo in Atlanta DA: What are your musical influences? any time soon? Perhaps at our Pride celebration in October? DH: Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Brian McKnight, and Peabo DH: If you want me there, let’s talk! I’d be more than happy to come Bryson, to name a few. back for ATL Pride! Hotlanta!!! DA: How has music shaped you as a person?
More information on David’s upcoming performances and music is available at www.DavidHernandezOfficial.com.
DH: I don’t know who I’d be without it. From singing to songwriting: it’s who I am as a person. Music’s always been in my life. I For information regarding Augusta Pride events, including can honestly say I couldn’t have gotten through some things in life “Pride Night Out”, the “Ain’t Misbehavin’ Pool Party”, restaurants and nightlife, visit www.prideaugusta.org. without music. 28 | 6.24.15
drag
Bebe Zahara Benet Savage Beauty Meets Glamour by Chris Azzopardi
B
ebe Zahara Benet is larger than life. The original Next Drag Superstar legend has conquered the globe more than once since claiming her crown. Currently working on her new live show, Queendom, Bebe caught David Atlanta up on all the goings on of her crazy life, including the deets on the new show, her thoughts on this season and seasons past of Drag Race and what she has in store for her headline appearance at Augusta Pride.
BeBe: Yeah, the show’s called Queendom, and it’s me in concert. It’s me with my live band, live singers and dancers and different aerial acts and fire blowers and all that crazy stuff. DA: Oh, wow, sounds like a full production!
BeBe: It’s definitely a full production. It’s my very first live production in Minnesota. I do a lot of live stuff in New York City. Since this is where I started, this is where I started David Atlanta: Hi Bebe! How are you today? my drag career, I thought it was very important to come and do that showcase here, and obviously create my own space BeBe Zahara Benet: Hey! I’m well! I have a big show coming over in Minnesota. up, a huge live show with a band and all that stuff. I’ve been in rehearsal. I was moving all the different pieces together to DA: What’s life has been like for you the past six years make it happen. Tired because of that, but excited at the same since your debut on Drag Race? time, so it’s all good. BeBe: It’s been exciting. It’s been trying. It’s been a mixture of so many things. It’s been challenging in the sense, not to other DA: The show is called Queendom, is that right?
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people, but more about myself, being able to challenge myself to take my craft to another level and being able to venture in other spaces that I never ventured in. I always tell people that Drag Race gives you a platform. But Drag Race does not create your career. Yeah, you have to take that platform, and then you have to take and increase that career for yourself. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past year. After Drag Race, I moved to New York City. I moved to NYC because I wanted to launch myself as a live act, because what a lot of people do not know is that I actually am a singer, and music has to be in such a strong foundation of what I do.
BeBe: You know what? Back in my country when I was growing up, I knew I was going to be some sort of star, I really was. I did know, because I knew I loved to entertain. I didn’t know it was going to be through music, dance, fashion or through hair. I just knew that I was so involved with the art. Obviously, back in Cameroon, I never had the opportunity to explore whatever that side of me was. I had the opportunity of traveling to Paris to be in a fashion show, and doing a little modeling gig where I had to take the place of some of the models that never showed up for a show.
I actually was put in drag, but it wasn’t drag. I would call it anDA: Did you get your start in the music industry before drogyny. However, my very first drag, full on drag experience or after Drag Race? was in Minnesota. I went to the Gay 90s where they have the biggest drag show in the city, and was watching these enterBeBe: Just to give you a little history, when I was back in my tainers perform and I thought, “This is what I am supposed to be home country, our way of performing was me being in the church doing,” because everything came to life. choir and being able to do a lot of church productions. Then, as I was getting older I became a choir director. I did that for a long, One of the entertainers working there introduced me to Cyndi long time. When I moved to this country and obviously discov- Lauper, who was preparing for a show and needed an accomered the art of drag, the first thing I realized was all of the drag panying entertainer. For some reason, I was casted to be that entertainers I got to see were lip syncing, everybody was lip entertainer. Then the rest is history. syncing music. I was like, “Oh, what am I going to do with my music? What am I going to do? Drag is what I want to do, it’s DA: What can the audience expect from you in Augusta? what I want to use as my art form, but I don’t see anybody using their voices to sing. I don’t want to sound like a woman, I just BeBe: What else are they going to expect apart from being want to sound like me.” fabulous, darling? I don’t think I’ve ever done Augusta Pride, so it’s going to be exciting. I’m excited to meet the people, I’m exEven prior to Drag Race, I was already in the studio, and I was cited to perform. I haven’t decided exactly what I am going to do, already recording material. I didn’t even know Drag Race was but anything I do is going to be fabulous. You should just expect even in the universe. I had already started working and worked fabulousness, yeah. with some producers and stuff, and so when Drag Race happened, it was that platform that said, “Okay, now this is a good DA: So what does gay pride really mean to you? way to launch that music, live part of my thing.” Don’t get me wrong, I don’t stop lip syncing, because I still feel like there is BeBe: I don’t even know if it means anything to me, you know an art in lip syncing. what I’m saying? I feel like when it comes to the gay community or when it comes to anything LGBT, the struggles are still there. DA: It’s refreshing to hear that you’re in tune with your Pride doesn’t necessarily solve the issues, but I know the one voice. Especially in the past few seasons, a few girls thing that it does, it brings so many different fragments of the have come out who are actually really great singers, like community together. Courtney Act, Adore Delano, and Willam Belli. Do you see drag leaning towards the musical-oriented? BeBe: Girls like Courtney Act, that’s what I was talking about, about having the opportunity of showcasing those that actually sing, not those that just come out and feel like they’re part of the machine and they have to release a single, but no, but those that actually sing, that have a real voice. Unfortunately, our season did not really cater to showcasing that part of the craft. When people would come to New York City, and see my live show, they would be expecting BeBe to do this fabulous lip sync drag show. Then they’re so blown away, because it’s a live band, it’s live music, it’s live singers giving you four-part harmonies, and they’re like, “Oh my gosh.” That’s what made me stay for six years in New York City, being sold out all the time with my live shows, is because the music is music. They are not parodies, it’s just music. I take pop culture songs, put a worldly twist to them and people love it! DA: Did you get your start in drag before you moved to the US? davidatlanta.com | 31
someone’s license away from them, so I’m excited for those entertainers. Did I think it was the best season? No, I don’t think that. I don’t think this season was the best season that Drag Race has had. I feel like after you have listened, after you have traveled to so many places, you’ve traveled around the country and world, and you have met amazing entertainers, one will always wonder why those amazing entertainers do not even get the opportunity to be in a show that can elevate that platform that they need so that they can spread their wings and fly as a beautiful bird. No, it lost its spark. That’s what it did, it lost its spark. The thing is, I’ve done a lot of interviews with Queendom coming out, and people ask me, they say, “Would you have ever done the other seasons if you had the opportunity instead of season one,” and I said, “No.” I said, “I am very, very, very blessed that I had the opportunity to be in season one and be able to start a trend, or not even a trend, start a journey, an adventure.” Season one did not have to be overproduced. People could still be their authentic selves, people could be their authentic brands, whether you liked them or not. People could still be authentic in what they did, and that gave us those ratings to be able to create all these other seasons that have come up. DA: Wondering about your personal life. Are you seeing anybody, is there a man in your life? BeBe: Oh my gosh. First of all, I am keeping that personal life locked, and locked. Let’s just say this: I’m happy. DA: Happy. I like that. That’s all anyone can ask for. What makes BeBe, BeBe today compared to the beginning? I like the aspect of togetherness. I like the aspect of celebration. I like the aspect of coming back and reminding each other that this is still a community, and it’s a community that still needs a lot of work. So, it’s very important to create opportunities where all these different communities can come together and create that fluidity. It’s a reiteration of do not forget what the struggles are. That’s the beauty of the pride festivities. DA: No, I agree with you a hundred percent, because in the gay community, we do walk a fine line between pride events, celebrating, and honoring those who come before us and all the work we have to do and not letting it become one big party, one big drink fest. BeBe: I’ve done a lot of pride, I don’t think the younger generation gets the fact that there is a struggle, there is a fight, there’s still so much to be done. I think they look at it as a time they can go out and party until they can’t party anymore. Sometimes it saddens me when I don’t feel like they get why this started in the first place. Do you know what I mean? DA: I do. Playing off of that, with Drag Race season seven, a lot of younger girls were not very experienced. What were your thoughts on this season? BeBe: I am excited for the entertainers who had the opportunity to get on this season and be contestants. You can never take 32 | 6.24.15
BeBe: I think my inspiration, it’s from so many things, and so many people, and so many experiences. I don’t know if it’s one particular thing, or one particular person, or one particular sound if it comes to music, or one particular style or passion. I always tell people when they ask me, “What is your brand,” I say, “My brand is savage beauty meets glamour.” I fuse savage beauty and glamour together, even in my sound. Even with my style of music, I mix a lot of my heritage with a lot of pop culture. When it comes to my fashion, I mix a lot of my tribal sense of fashion with old Hollywood glamour. All of these come from, it could be icons that I look up to, or it could be me walking down the street and I see something that I’m inspired by. I derive my inspirations from so many different topics. DA: What else is coming down the pipe for BeBe this year? BeBe: Prior to even being a drag entertainer and creating the BeBe Zahara Benet brand, I was working as an event/wedding planner then I discovered the art form of drag, and I was like, “I’m going to put you on hold.” After doing what I do, producing my own shows, I’m trying to consolidate everything now in one business and get back to that. In the fall, I will be launching my own company Rebel Entertainment, and basically we will be creating fantasy experiences, so people can also bring their over the top fantasies to life. That’s going to be my major, major project alongside with me doing my life experiences.
davidatlanta.com | 33
IT’S NOT ALL DR Gay Musicians of Note by Jonathan Bugg
Atlanta is a hotbed of musical talent. At almost any moment, there is a musical performance to be found. Atlanta is one of those cities that draws from everything. We draw talent and creative juices from every one of our neighboring towns, heck, the world!
LUCAS MIRE
AMBER TAYLOR
Starting with open mics at Smith’s Olde Bar and Eddie’s Attic, gay singer/songwriter Lucas Mire has been kicking it around the Atlanta music scene for almost 14 years. He’s released four full-length CDs in various styles. Most recently a pop album, Heyday last Fall. Mire’s music is lyrically driven and melodic with an introspective edge. People say his sound is akin to Darren Hayes, David Gray, and Everything But the Girl.
Led by main songwriter Amber Taylor, The Sexual Side Effects defy easy categorization, seamlessly combining elements of ‘80s post-punk and New Wave with modern pop and indie, served with a healthy splash of space-rock psychedelia. “I’m always trying to capture that memorable sound, like that hook that’s always in the air, almost like I’m a vessel for something greater than myself” explains Amber. “I won’t say God, but it’s almost like that.”
“I can be a person who gets a little stuck in the past -- unproductive nostalgia, I call it,” Miré says with a chuckle. “In 5 or 10 years, no matter what’s going on now, I realized I’ll look back and see how much beauty and perfection are in my days despite life’s challenges, losses and setbacks. For me, the idea of Heyday is about realizing that each day can be your best if you look at it that way.” lucasmire.com 34 | 6.24.15
JEFFEREY JOHNSON
Forming almost a year ago hard rock/ metal band, Filthy Rebel put a new spin on their genre with the addition of front man, Jefferey Johnson. His bluesy, powerful vocals pushed the band into their current blend of hard and soft. “I was in another band around town and my guitarist had seen my old band,” explains Jefferey. “He contacted me like a year later and said he wanted me to front boss band. I have had Filthy Rebel tattooed on my back for years and they found out about it and wanted to “Being trans is a weird thing. There is a lot of call the band that.” the challenges women face with sexism in in the world, and it also has another dimen- Being gay in Filthy Rebel has never been sion when there are people who know your an issue for Jefferey, “they love me and business, and don’t understand. However love the fact that a gay man is treating up there is an overwhelming amount of people rock n’ roll.” who are supportive, progressive, and epithetic. It’s a relief to know that humanity has filthyrebel.com come a long with, well, its humanity.” thesexualsideeffects.com
RAG IN ATLANTA Being an LGBTQ musician can sometimes be a difficult road. You potentially face prejudice, and people that will judge you not on your merits or talent, but on your sexual/gender identity. However these Atlanta musicians
DYLAN MICHAEL Moving to Atlanta from Columbus in 2009, Dylan Michael has been involved in the music scene for years. After releasing his debut album Vandalized, he realized his heart wasn’t in pop, but rather rock music. So he collected four musicians to create the band, Dylan Michael & The Family. They perform all over the Southeast with a signature blend of scrappy rock sound, with hints of blues, classic rock and modern day pop.
have integrated themselves into the industry and proven to critics and fans alike that their talent and skill will always shine brighter than their sexual/gender identity.
CHARLI LONDON
Latasha Nicole Collier better known as Charli London was born in Monterey, California. Known to be a bit of a rebel and a little misunderstood, standing out in a crowd was never a hard for London. Being a Singer/song writer/producer and guitarist sets her apart from many artists. “Being apart of every aspect of your music ensures your creativity and you depending on no one,” says London. Fusing hip-hop and rock in a fresh innovative way, along with her tight bars “When I started,” states Dylan, “I put my- and raspy vocals, she brings a sound self into a box of ‘gay musician’. That was that cannot be emulated. probably the biggest roadblock. Once I figured out that gay was what I am and not “Being a lesbian has affected my career who I am, things started making sense. in a positive way,” Charli gushes. “I If the music’s good, the music’s good. It get so much support from the gay comdoesn’t matter if you’re gay, straight, munity. My fan base is so broad if you whatever.” come to any of my shows your liable to see musicians, strippers, and bikers too. Facebook.com/DMandTheFamily I find friends everywhere I go.”
ZACH HAHN LLiving in the O4W, Zach Hahn (AKA, Kid Abra) is a full time audio engineer, producer, and composer working with gay & gay ally artists to promote the “gay agenda”. Currently his focus is on hip hop artist, Ripparachie. Together they have found success with “Whats the T?” which went viral on World Star Hip Hop. “One of the biggest frustrations of being gay in the industry” states Zach, “is giving a voice to the people who don’t support your lifestyle.” “I spend a lot of time networking and helping up and coming gay musicians in Atlanta. I am a strong believer in local musicians and independent artists. I work with mostly rappers, but I have a lot of EDM friends and have been coproducing & mixing a few alt rock bands as well.”
davidatlanta.com | 35
TODR It’s Toddlez Turnt by Gregg Wynn
Q
uadruple Threat they call him. Singer-songwriter, actor, director, and choreographer, Todrick Hall is about to claim The Summer of 2015 as his very own. Just five years after being voted off American Idol, the 30-year old phenom embarks on his Toddlerz Ball, tagging 21 cities across the country, including Atlanta on July 28th. In August, his self-titled reality show debuts on MTV. When you’re shooting for the stars, it seems the skies are limitless. YouTube delivers Hall a steadily growing flock of fans, lovingly be-named Toddlerz. His channel currently has over 1.5-million subscribers and the cheekily clever videos posted there have received over 209-million views. He proves himself a master of multi-pane videography in “4 Beyonce”, in which he covers the diva’s entire songbook of 70-plus tunes in just four breathless minutes, and “The Evolution of Disney”, where he chronicles all 75 years of the studio’s musicals, from Steamboat Willie straight through to Frozen. I spoke with Todrick Hall immediately after the San Diego opening night of his tour Toddlerz Ball. David Atlanta: Your career is literally exploding right now. Forbes magazine even named you to their “30 Under 30” list last year. How does it feel to experience this stunning rise to prominence? Todrick Hall: It’s hard to put into words how I feel. It’s insane for a person from a small farm community in Texas. I’m experiencing things I never thought I was going to experience. It feels surreal and I’m just super flattered that people care enough about my videos and my creativity to support me. DA: What was it like growing up in the rural community of Plainview, Texas?
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RICK HALL TH: I basically grew up as an only child and it was awesome to have a place where I could come home and have nothing to do but sit in my own backyard and come up with things I could do on my own or reenact the Disney Christmas parade or whatever. So that was an awesome experience for me. But it was difficult, because I was growing up an African-American child in a family of people who were all athletes and they’re all football fans and basketball players. I was the first person in my family line who decided to do things in the arts and it was very difficult for my family to understand why, not only doing it, but also why my mom was supporting me doing it. Luckily, I had a teacher in elementary school who found me and she was the one who introduced me to the arts. When you grow up in a town like Plainview, Texas you don’t even know that Broadway exists. I had never even heard of Broadway. I didn’t know what it was.
TH: I wouldn’t take any of that back. I’m so glad that everything happened the way that it did. Because with me getting eliminated from that show and looking at the statistics of how many people come back out and have another opportunity in the limelight, and for success, the likelihood of that happening has statistically not been very high for people who’ve been contestants, especially semi-finalists on the show. It lit a fire under me. The producers kept saying to us, “You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than you would to make it this far in this competition.” So, I asked myself, “What are the odds of getting struck by lightning twice? That’s very rare.”
I just decided that every single day I was going to wake-up and do something towards reaching my goals. Also, I decided that whatever I was going to do I’d rather be one-hundred percent DA: You’re going to be arriving in Atlanta during Gay true to who I was. Pride Month. So, it makes sense for you to tell us about your coming-out experiences. DA: You have become a YouTube sensation and many of your videos, like Alice in WeHo Land, Beauty and TH: For me, it was kind of simple. I was really, really close to the Beat Boots, Cinderonce, and How the Grinch my mom. She and I had an amazing relationship my entire life Stole Crenshaw, have their roots in children’s stories. growing up. But when I came out, it was very difficult for us. My Why is that? mom loved me. But, she was raised in that area with all those religious influences. So, it was tough for her to understand what was happening to me. But, she did the best job she possibly could and as a family we worked through it. And now, she’s so understanding. I’m in a relationship right now and she’s so supportive of it. It’s awesome to see the entire family come full circle and be supportive. DA: How does being an out gay man affect your work and your career? TH: It’s difficult. You know, when I was on American Idol, we kept getting a lot of influence from the producers of the show to make sure we’re appealing to middle America. People kept saying that, “Appeal to middle America. Appeal to middle America.” I didn’t know what that meant. I was always so nervous to be myself on the show. I was really super concerned about how I looked when I was waving or what my responses were going to be. Eventually, I had to take a moment and say, “I could be eliminated from the show.” I was upset because I don’t feel like I ever showed who I truly was while I was on the show. I felt like I was being like a really calmed-down, subdued version of myself on the show and trying to be what I thought America wanted me to be. DA: It’s been five years since your American Idol experience. Looking back on it now, what’s your view of that whole thing? davidatlanta.com | 41
TH: I think that I’ve always been super, super influenced by all those fairy tale stories I grew up watching. I like to consider myself a kindred spirit to Michael Jackson. He was always so excited and intrigued by the story of Peter Pan. He never wanted to grow up. I just loved all those fairy tale fantasies when I was growing up. I imagined myself being a character in the Wizard of Oz and that somehow someday I would escape that living room in Texas, which was my Kansas, to find some way to find some place that was more colorful and accepting. I’m not sure if I want to click my heels and go back home yet. I’m not sure if that’s ahead in my career. But who knows?
DA: MTV will be premiering your reality show, Todrick, on August 31st at 10 p.m., the night right after the Video Music Awards. That’s an amazing timeslot. What can viewers look forward to?
My life is like a fairy tale. My whole house is decorated like a fairy tale. I love incorporating modern things with things from fairy tales and opening people’s eyes to look at the world in a whole different light. I think there’s something really cool about that.
TH: Oh, wow. They’re going to be blown away! We’ve worked so hard. We work hard on all of our videos. But, we really stepped it up for the MTV show. We were able to create eight amazing videos that I think the people are going to love. They will get to see the kind of things it takes to become a YouTuber.
tour with a show called Twerk Du Soleil. It was a bunch of funny, out-of-the-box crazy numbers. But, this year, the show is a lot more magical. We do the Wizard of Ahhhs. We do Cinderfella. We do 4 Beyonce. It’s a lot more of the Disney numbers and the fairy tale numbers that people love on my YouTube channel that they didn’t see last year.
DA: The visuals in your recent video Mickey Minaj were It was very important to keep my street credibility with the stunning. The queens in Atlanta will want to know who YouTube community and we keep the videos on YouTube. You did your hair and make-up? don’t actually see the entire video on the episode. But, you get to see enough that it’s a payoff. Then you can go to YouTube and TH: Well, the place that actually did a lot of RuPaul’s wigs is a see the final video at the end of every single episode. You can wig shop on Hollywood Boulevard that is just amazing. It’s like to meet my fans and the people that helped create the videos. a little gem hidden in the middle of all the chaos of Hollywood Boulevard. They make the most amazing wigs. And Lipstick Nick I think it’s going to inspire a lot of people across the country to [Nicole Faulkner], who also happens to be a main character on either pick up a camera and start making ther own YouTube vidmy MTV show, she’s the one that did all of the different make- eos, creating their own brands, and building their own team and up. She did them so fast. She’s so ridiculously talented. I’m just empire online, or I think it with inspire a creative fire in people so proud to know her and have her part of our team. who have a passion about anything they may have put on the back burner because they didn’t believe in themselves enough. DA: You’re going to bringing your live show, Toddlerz I think our show is definitely going to show people every single Ball, to Atlanta on June 28th. What can your fans expect week that it is possible and it can be done. during that show? For the full interview go to davidatalanta.com TH: We just opened the show last night and it was incredibly Todrick Hall presents Toddlerz Ball Sunday, June 28 at 7 received. Everyone can expect to see colorful costumes. They p.m. Agnes Scott College - Presser Hall (141 East College can expect to see a lot of choreography. Last year, we went on Ave.) Tickets at www.EventBrite.com 42 | 6.24.15
music
Ultimate Pride Playlist (Without Being Too Stereotypical or Clichéd) by DJ Marc J Cubs
H
appy Pride, boys and girls! All around the country, as you know, people are out and about celebrating their Pride! In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, June is the official month of pride for the LGBT community. Even though every day should be a Pride Day for you, June is set aside as a month for anyone and everyone to come out and be PROUD of who you are... Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Straight, Polka Dotted... Whoever! Even though Atlanta’s Pride is in October, we can still celebrate with the other cities until ours rolls along. So let’s party, have a good time, and celebrate with some Pride-tastic songs! I’ve compiled a list of songs (both oldies and new ones) that will help get you in the mood. Warning: I’ve avoided putting many of the “clichéd” Pride Anthems on this list because I want a fresh batch for the younger generations and to be honest... I don’t think I can listen to any more Cher.
“FINALLY” – CECE PENISTON
Thanks to The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert this song has been cemented as a Pride Anthem! Who wouldathunkit that Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving could pull off drag. If you like more of a modern club remix to the track, check out Danny Verde’s version… it’s amazing.
“CALL YOUR GIRLFRIEND” – ROBYN I absolutely love Robyn. She’s my little Swedish Fish. The lyrics are a modern day, love triangle story (haven’t we all been there before). And the video is a one shot thrill of her getting down with her bad self. If you haven’t seen the video of Taran Killam (from SNL) do a side-by-side dance comparison to her music video, you haven’t lived yet.
“WAITING FOR TONIGHT” – JENNIFER LOPEZ
Lasers. Check! Booty. Check! Remember the whole Y2K thing? And how it was going to be the end of the world. Yeah, that was a bust. But thankfully, 1999 produced this timeless Pride Anthem. I can play this song every night at the club and will literally have people rush to the dance floor to get their J.Lo on. 44 | 6.24.15
㐀吀䠀 䨀唀䰀夀 匀唀倀䔀刀䠀䔀刀伀 匀䄀䰀唀吀䔀℀
䌀伀伀䬀伀唀吀 䘀刀伀䴀 㐀倀䴀 ⴀ 㠀倀䴀 䘀䤀刀䔀圀伀刀䬀匀 䌀伀唀刀吀䔀匀夀 䄀一匀䰀䔀夀 䐀刀䤀嘀䤀一䜀 䌀䰀唀䈀 䬀䤀䰀䰀䔀刀 䬀䤀一䜀 䬀䄀刀䄀伀䬀䔀 眀⼀ 吀夀䰀䔀刀 䬀䤀一䜀
㔀㐀㐀 倀椀攀搀洀漀渀琀 䄀瘀攀渀甀攀 ∠ 䄀琀氀愀渀琀愀Ⰰ 䜀攀漀爀最椀愀 ㌀ ㌀㈀㐀 ∠ ⠀㐀 㐀⤀ 㠀㜀㐀ⴀ㠀㈀㐀㜀 嘀椀猀椀琀 甀猀 漀渀 琀栀攀 眀攀戀 愀琀 愀琀氀愀渀琀愀栀椀搀攀愀眀愀礀⸀挀漀洀 ∠ 䄀渀猀氀攀礀 䴀愀氀氀 戀攀栀椀渀搀 倀甀戀氀椀砀
“HAPPINESS” – ALEXIS JORDAN (WIDEBOYS REMIX)
“LET’S HAVE A KIKI” – THE SCISSOR SISTERS
This song was probably THE most requested song whenever I DJ’d a few years ago that I never even heard of. And after hearing it for the first time, I understood why. The lyrics are uplifting without being too Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful”. You should always be proud of yourself and know that you have an amazing inner strength.
Ok. So… it might be a bit played out and it hasn’t quite reached the length of time when it becomes a classic. But in a few years, “WINGS” – LITTLE MIX “Let’s Have a Kiki” will be fresh enough in our minds to remem- That’s right folks… you better ber but long enough to forget that every drag queen played the listen to your Mama. With lyrshit out of this song. Lock the doors tight! ics like, “Mama told me not to waste my life / She said spread your wings my little butterfly / “FIREWORK” – KATY PERRY Don’t let what they say keep I hate to put this song on this you up at night / And they can’t list but gahdamit it’s such an detain you / ‘Cause wings are inspiring song… despite silly made to fly” THIS is a true Pride lyrics about plastic bags flying Anthem. The beat is amazoff in the air. It was either this ing and all of the little divas in song or “Roar” so… yeah, the this group can sing. If you don’t lesser of two evils I guess. know who Little Mix is, do yourself a favor and look the group up. You’ll thank me later.
“CLOSER” – TEGAN AND SARA
Both openly proud lesbians, the sisters know all about that gay life. The song starts off slow but once those synths kick in… HUNTY YES! I guarantee that you will not be able to NOT dance around when this song comes on during Pride.
“I REALLY DON’T CARE” – DEMI LOVATO Ok so this song HAS to be on this list. It’s mandatory. Why is it mandatory you ask? SHE SHOT THE VIDEO FOR THIS AT L.A. PRIDE LAST YEAR! Demi definitely loves the gays and the “GET OUTTA MY WAY” – KYLIE MINOGUE gays love her… granted most of #thefeels I get whenever this song comes on. Kylie is my the gays have never heard of her Madonna. She’s my Beyonce. I will always and forever support but they love her nonetheless. her and “Get Outta My Way” is THE ultimate Pride Anthem. Screw the haters – just do you. If you want to hear an amazing mashup of this and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”, look up “Get BONUS TRACK: “BORN THIS WAY” – LADY GAGA Outta My Teenage Dream”. Obviously. 46 | 6.24.15
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Seen@
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Backstreet Reunion at Jungle
photos: Jason Mietelski
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Seen@
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Britney Bash at Atlanta Eagle
photos: Russ Youngblood
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kyle’s bed & breakfast
Website - www.kylecomics.com 58 | 6.24.15
E-Mail - KylesBnB@aol.com
by Greg Fox
davidatlanta.com | 59
F1 B1 Amsterdam Ave.
NE tA ve .
Piedmont Park
D6
dm
on
D2
Pi e
Juniper St. NE
West Peachtree St. NW
D5 D8 D1 D4 B2
Ave. NE Piedmont
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D3 D7
NE
Charles Allen Dr. NE
9th St. NE
B3 Peachtree St. NE
West Peachtree St. NW
S1
Spring St. NW
H1
Ponce De Leon Pl. NE
10th St. NE
e D r.
10th St. NE
Monro
Spring St. NW
14th St. NE
Monroe Dr. NE
the scene
4th St. NE
C1
B5
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
Midtown Bars
B1 Amsterdam
502 Amsterdam Ave NE
B2 Blake's
227 10th St NE
B3 Bulldogs
893 Peachtree St NE B4 Friends 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE B5 The Model T 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
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Dining D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6
10th & Piedmont 991 Piedmont Ave NE Einstein's 1077 Juniper St NE F.R.O.G.S 931 Monroe Cir NE G’s Midtown 219 10th St NE Henry’s 132 10th St NE Joe's on Juniper 1049 Juniper St NE
B4
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
D7 La Hacienda
900 Monroe Dr NE D8 Ten Atlanta 990 Piedmont Ave NE
Clubs
C1 Atlanta Eagle
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Hair/Beauty H1 Helmet
970 Piedmont Ave NE
Fitness
F1 Urban Body Fitness
500 Amsterdam Ave NE
Spa/Bath S1 Flex Spa
76 4th St NW Billiards/Darts Dancers Drag Leather Non-Smoking Area Patio
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2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd B2 Opus 1 1086 Alco St NE B3 Tripps 1931 Piedmont Cir NE B4 Woof's 2425 Piedmont Rd NE
Dining
D1 Las Margaritas 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd D2 Roxx 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd
Clubs
2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2115 Faulkner Rd NE
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B1 Burkhart's
Retail
Bars Retail
R1 Barking Leather 2585 Chantilly Dr R2 Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd
Fitness
B2 B3 B4
1492 Piedmont Ave NE Felix's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave NE Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave NE Oscar's 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
F1 Gravity Fitness
B5
Spa/Bath
Not Shown
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
S1 Club Eros
2219 Faulkner Rd NE
S2 The Den
2135 Liddell Dr NE
S3 Manifest 4 U
2103 Faulkner Rd NE
Bars Faces Lounge 138 Powers Ferry Rd SE Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave SE My Sister's Room 1271 Glenwood Ave SE Sister Louisa’s Church 466 Edgewood Ave SE Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Dr NW
D1 Cowtippers
1600 Piedmont Ave NE
R1 Boy Next Door
1447 Piedmont Ave NE
R2 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Hair/Beauty H1 Bubbles Salon
1579 Monroe Dr NE
Dining Lips Atlanta 3011 Buford Hwy NE Club Club Rush 2715 Buford Hwy NE Spa/Bath Qi Clay Sauna 130 Buford Hwy A-107
davidatlanta.com | 61
bartab
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Monday
Friday
10TH & PIEDMONT Half Price Wine Bottles BLAKE’S Ru Pauls Drag Race 9pm • Trivia at 10pm. $250 Cash/Prizes • LGBT Kickball Host Bar 7pm-? BURKHART’S Blue Monday Karaoke with Darlene at 10PM EAGLE Music Videos with Scotty FELIX’S Free Pool All Day FRIENDS Texas Hold’em 8 pm G’S Half Price Wine Bottles HIDEAWAY Industry Night 1/2 Off Well, Domestic, & Wine JUNGLE Stars of the Century Show 11:30pm MODEL T Monday Night Madness 8pm OSCAR’S Service Industry Night with Eric SWINGING RICHARDS Hip-Hop Night, Sponsored by Hennessy 8:30pm
10TH & PIEDMONT Half Price Happy Hour Menu 5-7pm, Last Friday Swank by Bellisima BLAKE’S TGIF with Doug & Lateasha 3-9pm • “Deadly Vixens” Drag Show 11pm • Bill Berdeaux Spins Street Level • Mike Pope Spins Upstairs BURKHART’S FEMME FATALE with Destiny Brooks and Justice Taylor at 11PM CLUB RUSH “Got Leche” Free entry until 11pm 18 & up - Open until 4am EAGLE DJ Dance Party FELIX’S Pour It On Me Rock Party w/DJ Darlene and our Sexy Shot Bois10pm FRIENDS Happy Time Friday Kelly & Ken 6 pm G’S Friday Night Dance Party with DJ Ryan Baker 10PM HERETIC PUMP featuring Atlanta’s hottest deejays - Occasional special events. No cover b4 11 HIDEAWAY $5 Smirnoff drinks & Martinis DJ Marc J. Cubs @10pm in back room JUNGLE The Other Show with Edie Cheezburger 9:30pm LIPS ATLANTA Glitz & Glamour Las Vegas Style MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 9pm OSCAR’S Music Video Night SWINGING RICHARDS T-Shirt Review,$10 TEN ATLANTA Music & Videos by DJ Daryl Cox 10pm
Tuesday 10TH & PIEDMONT Shareable Tuesdays: 3 - course dinner for 2 for $25 BLAKE’S Latin Night with Guest DJ’s • 1/2 Priced Menu ‘til Midnight BURKHART’S DRAG-EOKE with Angelica D’Paige at 10PM CLUB RUSH “Tipsy Tuesday” 18 & up - Open until 4am FELIX’S Karaoke with Darlene - 10pm G’S Industry Night, Terror Tuesdays HIDEAWAY Game night: Poker and blackjack 7:30 Trivia with Jason Walker 8:30 LAS MARGARITAS Cuban Night - $12.95 All You Can Eat Cuban Buffet & $5 Mojitos MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 7pm OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday with Chad- 8 pm SWINGING RICHARDS 1/2 Price cover
Wednesday BLAKE’S Party Pop Hits with Doug 3-9pm • “Voyeur Wednesday” • Male Dancers 11pm - 1am BURKHART’S HUMPDAY KARAOKE with Darlene at 10PM FELIX’S Wild Out Wednesday w/Nicole Paige Brooks, Mychelle LaCroix DuPree & Mo’Dest Volgare - 11pm FRIENDS Hump Night with Regina Simms G’S Sing For Your Supper Karaoke with DJ Audio Prism 10PM HERETIC Pig Dance Black Out Party DJ Stan Jackson 10pm-3am NO COVER HIDEAWAY Beauty and the beat! Ruby Redd Charity Bingo @8:30 free to play. karaoke W/ Tyler @ 11:00 $ 3.00 well drinks all day long JUNGLE Drag Wars - doors open at 9 and show starts at 10 - $250 Cash Prize based on audience applause LIPS ATLANTA Bitchy Bingo MODEL T Wonderful Wednesdays 7pm
Thursday BLAKE’S Texas Hold em Poker 7pm “I - Candy” Street level with Shawnna Brooks 11pm BURKHART’S DANCEFLOOR DIVAS with Phoenix (RuPaul’s Drag Race s3) at 11:30PM EAGLE Balls Deep Karaoke w/ Mikey FACES LOUNGE The All Star Cabaret Drag Show & Karaoke FELIX’S Killer King Karaoke w/Tyler King - 10pm FRIENDS Texas Hold’em 8pm; Ladies Night 10 pm G’S Game Night with Brent Star 9PM HERETIC 3 Legged Cowboy Night 9pm Free dance lessons 8-9pm. No cover. HIDEAWAY Hot Mic’ Comedy w/ Ian Aber at 10pm followed by Karaoke at 11:30. Draft Beer Special LAS MARGARITAS Dirty South Trivia $5 Smirnoff & Cuervo Drinks. House Cash Prizes & $5 Wings LIPS ATLANTA Dinner with the Divas MODEL T Pre-Weekend Party! 7pm OSCAR’S Twisted Thursday with Eric SWINGING RICHARDS 2-4-1 VIP & Entry 62 | 6.24.15
Saturday 10TH & PIEDMONT Bottomless Mimosa Brunch BLAKE’S #TheBritandTheTit 1-9pm • “Glitter Bomb” w Edie Cheezburger, Shavonna Brooks • Shane V. Spins ‘til Close BURKHART’S SYNERGY with Shawnna Brooks and Monica Van Pelt at 11PM CAMPAGNOLO Legendary Musician Robert Ray on the piano 10pm-1am EAGLE DJ Dance Party FELIX’S Superstar Karaoke w/Diva Darlene and our Sexy Shot Bois - 10pm FRIENDS Free Pool with Bryan 2-6 pm; Let’s Make A Deal with Ken 6-10 pm G’S Bottomless Mimosa Brunch HERETIC Varies. EARLY COUNTRY (8pm-12:30am) & LATE NIGHT DANCE with Billboard DJ MIKE POPE @12:30-close. No cover except special events. HIDEAWAY $2.50 All Well Drinks JUNGLE Fantasy Girls 9pm; Club Night, Various Guest DJ’s LIPS ATLANTA Glitz & Glamour Las Vegas Style MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 3pm OSCAR’S DJ Christopher Kind SWINGING RICHARDS T-Shirt Review $10 TEN ATLANTA Music & Videos by DJ Rob Reum 10pm
Sunday 10TH & PIEDMONT Bellini Brunch | Flashback Showgirls with Angelica D’Paige BLAKE’S Open at 1pm - Bloody Marys w Robin, • Texas Hold em Poker 2pm Upstairs • CellBlock Sunday Drag Show wLateasha 8:pm • High Energy with DJ Rod Llaneza ‘til Close BURKHART’S Tossed Salad hosted by Brigitte Bidet - Music & Drinks 8pm - Showtime 9pm CLUB RUSH Hip Hop and R&B - 18 & up - Open until 4am FELIX’S Bloody Mary & Mimosa’s All Day FRIENDS DJ hosts Sunday Delights 2 pm-closing G’S Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, Karaoke with DJ Audio Prism HIDEAWAY $3.50 wells the Armorettes @8:00 LIPS ATLANTA Gospel Brunch w/ Bubba D. Licious LAS MARGARITAS Papi’s $17.95 Unlimited Brunch & Choice of Mimosas, Sangrias, Bloody Maria’s, & Mojitos MODEL T Karaoke for a Cause 8pm TEN ATLANTA Brunch 11am & music by DJ Rob Reum inside and DJ Robert Ansley on the patio 4pm
NOW HIRING COUNTRY DJ
Contact Alan at Heretic 404.325.3061 or hereticatlanta@aol.com
FULL BODY MASSAGE by Walter @ 404-872-5671 (8th St. @Monroe Dr.) Only $40..Shave too License No. MT003122
davidatlanta.com | 63
advice
MyShineyHiney.com sells the kits in four different colors for only $19.99. The scented cleansing creams and whitening cream retail at $12.99 and $24.99 respectively. Tell them Dom sent you. For the mere cost of an Andy Jackson, BOB, you can keep your ass attractive and ready for action anytime. Dear Dom, I’m suddenly getting wasted too quick. My usual drink is vodka & 7up. I recently started diet soda and now I’m getting drunk way faster than before. Last weekend, a friend even had to drive me home. What’s going on? Pooped Out Partier
Dear Dom,
Every Single Question... Every Single Answer Dear Dom,
Your enemy is diet soda, POP. What you lose in calories, you gain in intoxication. A study from Northern Kentucky University compared the blood alcohol concentrations between drinkers that used regular sugary soda mixers to those who drank diet soda mixers. Diet drinkers had a BAC up to 18% higher after 40 minutes. The body apparently thinks of sugary sodas as food, which slows the emptying of the stomach. “Artificially sweetened alcohol mixers do not really elevate alcohol intoxication,” says study coauthor Dennis Thombs. “Rather, the lack of sugar simply allows the rate of alcohol absorption to occur without hinderance.” Nevertheless, all carbonated beverages, POP, do cause alcohol to be absorbed more quickly. Your better bet is with grapefruit, cranberry, or orange juices when getting juiced.
I can’t get my hole clean enough. My boyfriend is a Dear Dom, take-charge top that likes to ravage my ass whenever he wishes. I try to keep myself ready, but he says that My boyfriend hates my farts. We were in the car when I let one rip. “That is so rude!,” he coughed. “You I’m a dirty bitch. What can I do? should be a gentleman and hold it until you can get to a bathroom.” He really hurt my feelings. I think he’s Big Ol’ Bottom being a jerk. What do you think, Dom? Nobody likes to play when the backyard is muddy, BOB. Douching alone won’t wash away all the soil. My Shiney Hiney is a new hy- Fouling Up My Emotions giene product line that’s recently hit the market. Its centerpiece is a cone-shaped brush that snaps onto a flexible handle, which Everybody enjoys their own brand of gas, FUME. You’re only dopermits the user to acheive a truly thorough tush cleaning. ing what comes naturally. Your dude’s a dick. My Shiney Hiney kits each included one applicator handle with conical-bristled brush, two additional interchangable brush heads, one fingertip brush, and a suction cup holder for storage. You can use any soap you wish. However, the line also offers three scented cleansing creams (passion fruit, lemon verbena, citrus ginger), and an intimate area whitening cream. The brushes come in soft or medium firmness. Lodazal, our handsome office intern from Peru, volunteered his butt for My Shiney Hiney product testing. “The medium brush was a little too much for my culo,” he reports. “The soft bristles...ah, muy bueno.” He tested the citrus ginger cleansing cream, and we noticed the freshness. The whitening cream was also effective on his dusky pucker; an improvement the entire office enjoyed. 64 | 6.24.15
Here’s your revenge: The next time your snuggled in bed together and you’ve got a fart coming on; let ‘er rip, then pull the covers over his head. Sure to get his attention, it’s called the ol’ Dutch Oven. Fantastisch!
Dom
Advice columnist Dominic has been there and done that with most everything. He gives a new low to all levels of depravity. He’s heard every question and every answer. Give him a try, email DearDom@davidatlanta.com. Warning: Advice given in this column is intended for entertainment and novelty purposes. Please proceed at your own risk.
davidatlanta.com | 65
fairyscopes ARIES (Mar. 20 – Apr. 19):
LIBRA (Sep. 23 – Oct. 22):
TAURUS (Apr. 20 – May 20):
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21):
GEMINI (May 21- Jun. 20):
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 – Dec. 20):
CANCER (Jun. 21- Jul. 22):
CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 – Jan. 19):
LEO (Jul. 23 – Aug. 22):
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18):
VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sep. 22):
PISCES (Feb. 19 – Mar. 19):
If something has been bothering you, now is a good time to work it out. Your excellent communicative ability will be even stronger with this week’s energy. Whoever you have to deal with, you will find the words to effectively communicate your thoughts and feelings.
You can be quiet and reclusive when it comes to expressing feelings. This week may be the exception. The aspects can bring real strength to your communication abilities. You’d be wise to seize the opportunity. Take steps to express your feelings by initiating conversations.
When did you last spend real quality time with your family - not counting regular chores? If it’s been a while, now is a good time to do it. If you’re single, consider visiting a parent or sibling. Communication is accentuated today. Make the most of this by encouraging a bond with loved ones.
How do you preserve your family history? Do you keep mementos in a box, display heirlooms, or make scrapbooks–or is it all on social media? Take steps to record and save precious memories from your family as well as those you hold dear. Don’t forget your own history, too.
Overdue apologies can be made this week. It isn’t easy to admit you’re wrong, but the planetary aspects can boost your courage. Rather than stew with regret, meet with the person to make amends. Regardless of any discomfort, you will definitely find that you feel a lot better afterward.
Your dreams are more than just random firings of neurons. They can indicate unresolved issues, stress, deep desires, and lost memories. They can prove instrumental to understanding yourself and solving problems. Examine your recent dreams. See if there’s something you need to recognize. 66 | 6.24.15
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If you’ve been tired lately, it may be due to stress. This week’s aspects bring an added energy to communication. It would be wise to talk about some of the stress. Worry, anxiety, and fear are huge drains on physical and emotional health. Exercise can alleviate some of these.
It’s a good week to express your thoughts and feelings. Whether it’s a loved one who’d appreciate affectionate words or a colleague who requires instruction, communication will come more easily than usual. You have a practical nature. Consider this as you go about your day.
Spread goodwill and affection. It’s been a while since you let people know that you care about and appreciate them. Cards, phone calls, letters, flowers, and hugs are ways to express your feelings. Consider surprising someone with lunch, or making something special for a friend.
If a problem comes your way, look for the simplest solution. Not every problem is complicated. Often the most obvious answer is the best one. Try to keep your emotions out of problems that require calculation and thought. They can obscure the view of what’s right in front of you.
It’s a good week to speak your mind. Not that you generally have much trouble with this. But even you can face situations where you feel intimidated and hesitant to speak up. Not this week. There aren’t going to be any circumstances you can’t handle.
Expect a boost to your communication skills this week. If you often experience difficulty expressing your true feelings, this will be a welcome change for you. Consider talking things over with anyone you have unresolved issues with. It’s times like these that you need to take advantage of.
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Bitch
S E S S I O N
SEND US YOUR BITCHES! Text 404.969.BTCH, tweet @BitchSessionATL or email bitch@davidatlanta.com *This page reflects the bitchiness of the community not David Atlanta or its publisher (although we’re bitchy too!)
If guys were smart, they’d forget the nightclubs and watch the supermarket for gay guys who buy frozen dinners and cat food.
Queen, if your going to be wearing practically nothing in your performance, learn how to tape your junk. It looks like your smuggling drugs across the border in your chocho.
To that bartender who doesn’t know how to make a drink to save his life and depends upon his looks to get him by: learn your fucking job!
Drama queen/actor makes her return to Facebook. She needs an audience. Surprise! Surprise!
Idea for new drama series: Atlanta couple comes to Gay Memorial Day. Circuit party scuffle. Fight. Unfriend. One drives back. Other flies. They make up that night. Come back the next day. Unfriend everyone else because “everyone else has drama!” Has this been done?
Please, have yet another drink. It takes skill to trip over flat surfaces in a bar.
68 | 6.24.15
So what if you finished paying for college, you obviously couldn’t buy yourself some class.
I may not be the man that everyone wants, but at least I’m not the man that everyone’s had.
We need to demand respect from the city and insist we have use of the park for gay pride during Gay Pride Month. Their reasons for denial are no longer valid.
Remember…it’s only embarrassing if you care what people think.