from the editor Hello again, readers! I can't believe this is the fifth issue already. Time flies when you're having fun and all of us on the Hotspots Central team are having fun giving youapublicationtoreadandtoenjoy. I was happy to receive a lot of great feedback on last month's issue! In particular, people had lots to say about our interview with Hillary Clinton. We were the first local LGBT magazine in the country to speak to her this election cycle. It was a huge honor and I'm glad the featurewassowell-received! This month we had the chance to interview one of country music's biggest stars, Dolly Parton. At 70 years young, she is embarking on her first major North American arena tour in 25 years! She has positively impacted my life and I know she has done the same for manyofyou. Ihopeyoulikeourexclusive! Also in this issue are a number of features, which we think you will love. As I said before, this magazine can't succeed without you. Please let me know what you think:mike@hotspotsmedia.com.
Central Florida Edition November, 2016
Publisher/Marketing Director Peter Clark Peter@HotspotsMedia.com
Vice-President Peter Jackson PeterJ@hotspotsmedia.com
Associate Publisher Scott Holland Scott@HotspotsMedia.com
Editor Mike Halterman Mike@HotspotsMedia.com
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Art Director Maria Espinal Maria@HotspotsMedia.com
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Mike Halterman Editor, Hotspots Central
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Hotspots Central is published by HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE OF FLORIDA at 5090 N.E. 12th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinion of HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE or any of its staff. Publication of the name or photos of any living person or organization in articles or advertising in HOTSPOTS MAGAZINE is not to be constructed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organizations. All copy, text, display, photos and illustration in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures, and testimonials of any living person, and Hotspots Magazine may lawfully publish and cause such to be made. Advertisers automatically agree by summiting said ad to indemnify and save blameless the publisher from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature out of the publication. The deadline for Hotspots Central is the 20th of every month at 5pm. In the event that an ad is excepted after deadline, the advertiser agrees by submitting such an ad to indemnify and save blameless the publisher from any andallliability,lossandexpenseofanynaturethatarisefromanyerrorthatmaybemadeinsaidad. Allrightsreserved. Reproductioninpartorinwholeofthispublicationwithoutwrittenpermission isstrictlyprohibited. Hotspotsisaregisteredtrademark.
on the inside
Central Florida Edition November, 2016
Exclusive Interview “This time I really wanted to display a huge range of silhouettes and I wanted to tell stories with my looks.”
• • • • • •
content:
From the Editor Backstage Genre Latino Hit List Need Wood Small Business Spotlight What’s Hot Central Florida
this month’s features:
hot shots
Tampa Pride Parliament House Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
• Amazing Race Orlando • Dave Koz • Dolly Parton • Ru Paul’s Drag Race All Stars eeAlaska • “The Curious Incident of The Dog eein The Night-Time”
What’s
HOT
...everything you need to plan your month
hot shots photos by mike halterman & russ martin
Tampa Pride Launch Party
Meet and greet celebrity chefs at one amazing culinary experience!
Enjoy all-day open bar, lite bites & meet our incredible entertainers
NOVEMBER 12 WE CELEBRATE OUR DIVERSITY WE HONOR LOST FRIENDS WE HEAL ORLANDO We invite the entire LGBTQ community and allies to join together at Lake Eola and unite our city like never before.
WWW.COMEOUTWITHPRIDE.COM/HOTSPOTS
pride parade • entertainment • fireworks • festival & marketplace • family-friendly activities
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Dolly Parton's impressive vocals and charming demeanor have earned her the undying love of millions upon millions of fans the world over. The mosthonored female country performer of all time, she has had a record 25 singles reach #1 on the Billboard country music charts, and an equal number of gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums. The talented singer and actress has won over so many people in the LGBT community in particular, due to her carefree nature and her buxomblondebeauty. In August she released her 43rd solo studio album, called Pure & Simple. I had a chance to listen to the album when it was released and the tracks envelop you in a warm hug, which, in my mind, most Dolly Parton songs do. Now she is promoting the album on her "Pure & Simple" Tour, which is her first major U.S. and Canadian tour in 25 years. She will be performing at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Saturday,
November 26 at 7:30 p.m. Not only will she be regaling audiences with her signature grace and wit, but you'll have the chance to hear some gems that haven't been performed live in a very long time, so it's a show you shouldn't miss. Tickets can be bought by going to amaliearena.com. It was such a great honor to have the chance to speak to Dolly Parton in this exclusive interviewforHotspotsCentral.
Welcome to Florida! What are some of the things you love the most about the Sunshine State? Growing up in the Smoky Mountains, I always thought
going to Florida was the most glamorous thing you could do. As soon as I started having some success, I would pack up anybody who would go and head down to the beaches. The wildlife is so beautiful, the landscape is some of the prettiest in the country, the people there are great, and the foodisspectacular!
This will be your first major arena tour in 25 years. How have things changed in your life and how have you felt the world has changed in this timeframe? Well, Lord, everything has changed in the last 25 years! My life has changed a lot, and also
“I know that [the Pulse tragedy] has hit the LGBTQ community really hard and I just want them to know they aren't alone... We have to stand up to hate and violence and spread love and compassion.�
Hotspots Exclusive Interview by Mike Halterman Photos courtesy of Dolly Parton/Webster PR
stayed very much the same. I have always loved to tour and I consider myself to be a work horse. My goal in touring has always been to share my music with the fans and that part stays the same no matter how much timegoesby.
Many local drag queens, such as Joey Brooks and Leigh Shannon, have idolized you for decades and have even performed your songs dressed and made-up as you. How does it feel when you notice drag queens paying homage to you? Would you welcome their attendance in drag at your shows? Absolutely! I love Dolly drag queens! I always said if I hadn't been born a girl I would have been a drag queen. Just lookatme! Seriously though, I believe that imitation is the highest form of flattery and I love seeing all their creativity. I once entered a Dolly lookalike contest and long time ago and lost to a drag queen! When I see lots of queens at my shows I always give them a special hello by singing "Jolene" with a few clever word choices. Iloveallofthem.
Tell us about your upcoming November 26 show at Amalie Arena. For people who may not have seen you in concert in a while, or for first-timers, what should Tampa audiences expect? My "Pure & Simple" Tour really is just that, pure and simple. This is an intimate show in an arena setting but it really works. I get to tell the stories behind my new songs and share some of the old ones. It's been really fun playing this type of show to so many peopleandconnectingattheheart.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
I had a chance to listen to your album Pure & Simple and I thought it was exquisite. What was it like to formulate and record these songs? Do you have a favorite?
Well, asking a songwriter to pick their favorite songs is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child. I can't do it. I love them all. When I started writing this album, I was exploring love in all of its different colors. Passionate love, young love, cheating love, and everything in between.
You've released 43 albums so far in your career. In that time, do you think it has been easier to work as a solo female artist in the music industry? Are difficulties still present?
There isn't anything easy about working in the entertainment industry. Especially when you are a woman like me. Ihave been told to change my looks, the things I say, and the songs I write, from the beginning. I feel like I have held true to myself and never sacrificed who I really am. A lot of women in the industry will find that people will want to change everything about them, but you have to be true to yourself. I think I have been really lucky to do what I've done for so long and I am grateful that my fans have walked this road with me.
Can you tell us about some of the younger or up-andcoming acts that you're listening to and enjoying today?
I just finished working on a project with Pentatonix and WHOA, those kids are talented! They are so mesmerizing in their harmonies. I love everything they are doing. There are so many talented new stars that it is hard to pick a few.
The film "Coat of Many Colors" was a big success for NBC last year. Were you happy with how it was received? Will you be working with NBC on any other future projects?
“It was such a huge success that we started working on a sequel almost immediately. We will be releasing the follow up to that story around Christmastime...I can't wait for everyone to see ['Christmas of Many Colors'].�
I was so very honored to be able to bring that movie to life with NBC. It was one of the things I am most proud of. It was such a huge success that we started working on a sequel almost immediately. We will be releasing the follow up to that story around Christmastime, called "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love". I even got a part in this one! I get to play the painted lady. She is who I patterned my look off of when I was a kid. The whole project is very near and dear to my heart and I can't wait for everyonetoseeit.
I know quite a few people are clamoring for a "9 to 5" reunion on Netflix's "Grace & Frankie". How do you feel about such an idea? Will audiences ever get to see the "9 to 5" ladies acting in the same production again? We are talking about it and trying to figure out a way to make it work. I don't know anything yet but I do lovetheshow!Wewilljusthavetowaitandsee.
One thing people love about you is that you exude high levels of self-confidence. What is your special secret to feeling, looking and being fabulous? Well, first of all, thank you! The answer is God. I put all my faith in God and [that faith] gives me confidence and strength every day. I know that God made me just as He wanted to and I just have to be the best me I can be. We are all God's little children. As far as looking good, I've got good makeup, good lightingandgooddoctors. Hahahaha!
A lot of your fans will be coming to Tampa from Orlando to attend your concert in November. As we all move forward in the months after the Pulse shooting, are there any special words you'd like to say to them? What happened at the Pulse nightclub was such an enormous tragedy. I know that it has hit the LGBTQ community really hard and I just want them to know they aren't alone. There is still light, hope and happiness out there. We have to stand up to hate andviolenceandspreadloveandcompassion.
For more on Dolly Parton, visit dollyparton.com. Follow her on social media: twitter.com/Dolly_Parton and facebook.com/DollyParton. "Pure & Simple" is available for purchase now on the RCA Nashville label. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
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what’s hot everything you need to know
to plan your month!
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have a great november
Hello, Hotspots Central readers! Welcome once again to the What's Hot column, where we keep you in the loop with lots of important nightlife events in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and points in between. We're also your connection to many activities and events organized by local LGBT service organizations and chambers of commerce. Want to know What's Hot in November? Readmoreandfindout!
Thursday November 3: Tonight is Gay Bowling Night at
Tuesday November 1:
special discount for new bowlers! Be prepared for the fabulous Gay Bowling drag show at midnight, featuring Jocelyn Summers, Monica Moore and Jaeda Fuentes! Dunedin Lanes is located at 405 Patricia Ave. inDunedin.
The Hope and Help Center of Central Florida is requesting your help! Each Thanksgiving, they donate food baskets to people in need, and they are accepting donations from the community now. Items requested include whole turkeys, tins of coffee, boxed stuffing, canned vegetables andfruit,cannedgravyandcranberry sauce, and more. For more information,contactKristinaMineoat (407)645-2577,ext. 112.
Dunedin Lanes! It costs $10 for unlimited cosmic bowling from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., and there is a
Friday November 4: Yeehaw! This weekend is Gay Rodeo Weekend at the Flamingo Resort. The Florida Georgia Rodeo Association is present for
the entire weekend. DJ Aleta will be spinning on Friday and Saturday, and DJ Reagan will be providing the soundtrack for the Sunday tea dance. Visit flamingofla.com for the entire lineup, and call (727) 321-5000 if youwanttoreservearoom! Southern Nights Tampa hosts the NeiBEARhood Takeover party TIMBER!, which doubles as a birthday party for bartender Tim! Get there at 9 p.m. The evening will feature music from DJ and p ro d u c e r A l ex Fer b e y r e . Hamburger Mary's Pub House will be sponsoring a sexy lumberjack costumecontestat1a.m.
Parliament House's Footlight T heatr e presents T he Animatronicans, a show written by Jeff Jones and directed by Michael Wanzie. Find out what happens after EPCOT's attractions close! This show will play Fridays and Saturdays through November 19, with showtimes at 8 p.m. To buy your tickets, visit phouse.ticketleap.com.
(321) 319-0600 to reserve your table for an hour before either show because Leigh and her friends always pack the audiencesin! Liquid Tampa welcomes a special guest performer, Max from RuPaul's Drag Race season seven! The show will begin at
Monday November 7:
Iman will be hosting the Mr. and Miss Gulf Coast Wessland Pageant this evening at Flamingo Resort in
Saturday November 5:
Metro Wellness and Community Centers welcomes transgender peopleandalliesforthisyear's trans There will be a
pride celebrations!
midnight and will be hosted by and TeMonet. Tickets will be $10 at the door and $20 for VIP entry, which includes a meet and greet. Visit liquidtampa.com formoreinformation!
Conundrum
wholedayofactivitiesfrom9a.m. to 9p.m. attheflagshipcenter,located at 3251 3rd Avenue N. in St. Petersburg. For more information a n d t o re g i s t e r , v i s i t metrotampabay.org/trans-pride.
Sunday November 6:
St. Petersburg. There will be special performances by Alexis Mateo, Anita Waistline, and others. Registration is at 2 p.m. and the pageant begins at 7 p.m. For m o re i n fo r m at i o n , v i s i t flamingofla.com.
Tuesday November 8:
Tim Evanicki and Darcel Stevens will be presenting an election night watch party at Parliament House Orlando, featuring host Randy
Parliament House, The Center and Hunks Orlando present the second annual Babes Who Brunch event,
Leigh Shannon's Illusions in Revue show brings the best of celebrity impersonationdirectto Hamburger Mary's Orlando, and this month's performances are special! Join Leigh (as Bette Midler) and her friends as they serve you Stevie, Cher, Reba, Patti...the list goes on and on! Showtimes are at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; be sure to call
Rainbow!
which will be held at Parliament House this afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. The event beneficiary is The Center and its HIV prevention program. Enjoy a brunch buffet and performances by Central Florida's greatest drag performers! Addison Taylor and Chantel Reshae host. For t i c k e t s , v i s i t www.eventbrite.com/e/babeswho-brunch-tickets28579741777
Randy will provide hilarious election night commentary as well as some live performances of his election parody songs that went viral on YouTube. The party will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $29, and can be bought in advance by goingtophouse.ticketleap.com. The employees of Pulse Orlando, in conjunction with
Orlando International Fashion Week and Fierce Entertainment Management, will be hosting a fashion show at 7 p.m. at I-Drive 360, home of The Coca-Cola Orlando
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
Eye. Tickets are $40 and proceeds benefit the One Pulse Foundation. Each ticket also includes a pass to board The Orlando Eye. To purchase your ticket, visit orlandointernationalfashionweek .com.
Friday November 11: This year's Florida Leather & Fetish Pride starts today and will be held all this weekend at the Clarion Inn
and Suites
in Clearwater. Run passes are still available by the day and for the whole weekend. For more information, visit floridaleathernfetishpride.com. The Grand Ol' Gal of the South, Carmella Marcella Garcia, will headline shows at Southern Nights Orlando for two nights: tonight and tomorrow night! See her with the Southern Nights cast this evening at 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., and
participating in the Marriott Pride Marketplace, and The Most Colorful Parade will kick off at 4 p.m. along an extended route, which stretches around Lake Eola and into downtown Orlando. SunTrust's VIP Experience will include an air-conditioned tent, an open bar and light bites in the afternoon and evening. Tickets a re s t i l l o n s a l e at comeoutwithpride.com. Also, keep your eye out for Taste of Pride, and the fireworks display to end this beautiful day at 9 p.m.! Entertainment and Taste of Pride chef lineups are still being f i n a l i z e d ; v i s i t comeoutwithpride.com for the latestinformation! Just in time for Orlando Pride, Parliament House will be hosting an LGBT Music and Arts Festival, which begins today and will go on
tomorrow as well. 150+ vendors, 20+ bands, food trucks, classes, demonstrations, and more are available for audiences to enjoy. To learn more, go to lgbtfest.com.
Sunday November 13:
City Side
tomorrow at 11:30 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/southernnights orlando.
Saturday November 12: The rescheduled Come Out
with Pride Orlando willbeheldtoday from noon to 9 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. Over 100 vendors will be
in Tampa hosts their monthly Softball Sunday cookout fromnoonto4p.m. today,andon the second Sunday of every month. If you wear your City Side team jersey or shirt, talk to your bartender and learn about what thatentitlesyouto! The Ultra Lounge in Cocoa will be hosting their community Thanksgiving dinner tonight at 7
p.m., followed by gay bingo at 8 p.m.! They will supply the turkey, and you can bring a side dish. Enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with your other family! To learn more, call(321)690-0096.
Tuesday November 15: Southern Nights Orlando will be hosting
turnabout,
their third annual with all tips donated
directly to The Barber Fund. Doors open at 8 p.m. and showtime is at 9. There is a $5 suggested donation for cover, which will also be donated to The Barber Fund. To l e a r n m o r e , v i s i t barberfund.org. Hamburger Mary's Tampa will be hosting a charity bingo night, which will benefit Tampa Pride's holiday fun run (coming up on December 11). Bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. and all proceeds will go to the fun run. Call ahead and reserve your table for 6:30: (813) 241-6279.
W e d n e s d a y November 16: Tampa Bay AIDS
decoration of the Grand Central District!Theyrequest volunteers (at
Walk and ASAP are the recipients of
least 24) to hang new holiday lights between 16th and 31st Streets on Central Avenue. Volunteers can enjoy free breakfast at Punky's after the job is done! Please bring tall ladders if you have them. If you can help, let the people at Punky's know by
this week's charity bingo, which will be held at Punky's Bar and Grill in St. Petersburg this evening.
TherewillbeanAIDSWalkkick-off party beginning at 5 p.m., and then bingo starts at 8:30 p.m., hosted by Felicia Fox. $10 covers all the games played and all proceeds are donated to the aforementioned event and o rg a n i z at i o n . F o r m o re information, call Rachel Lewis at (727)523-3419.
Thursday November 17: Teleport back to the '80s tonight at 8 p.m. with your favorite bartenders at BarCodes Orlando!
They will be playing your favorite '80s songs, mixed in with classic TV clips and commercials. Whether you identify as a Krystle, an Alexis, or even a Dominique, there's room foryouatthebaratBarCodes.
Saturday November
Punky's Bar and Grill
in St. Petersburg is helping with the
19:
calling (727) 201-4712. Meet up with the volunteers at the restaurantat9a.m.
Monday November 21: The Miss Gay Orlando pageant takes place tonight at Parliament House Orlando! Brooke Lynn Hytes, the current titleholder, will pass on the crown to her successor at this event. The winner will receive $1000 in cash, and the contestants will compete in the categories of talent, evening
gown and swimwear. For more information, call Darcel Stevens at (407)252-8129.
Friday November 25: If you're out and about shopping on Black Friday, keep the
Flamingo Resort's Christmas toy benefit in mind. They are collecting toys this entire month and in the run-up to the event on
December 10. You can drop your new toy purchases at the FlamingoResort'sfrontdesk. After you're done visiting with yourfamily,visit Bradley's on 7th in Tampa for fun drag shows featuring Joey Brooks, Esme
Russell, and special guests! Joey, Esme and the gang present two completely different shows, one at 11:30p.m. and one at 1:15 a.m. Check back tomorrow and see even more unique illusions! Remember, Bradley's never chargescover!
Happy Thanksgiving! Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
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The final episode of Ru Paul's Drag Race begins with the Top 4 chatting until Michelle Visage comes into the workroom and tells them what the last challenge will be. The Girls will be forming an all-star super group, and each one needs to write own rap lyrics to Ru Paul’s bitch track…”Read You Wrote You,” then head over to the studio to lay down vocals with AB Soto. Afterwards they will each make a guest appearance on Ru Paul's podcast “What's the T.” Finally they will work with choreographer Travis Wahl. The super group makes its world premiere on the main stage.
Afterthepremiere,Ruasksthegirlswhytheyshouldwinratherthantheir competitors. They all have good answers, but Alaska and Katya kill it as they use their senses of humor. The judges deliberate and then tell the th contestants the queen in 4 place is Roxxxy Andrews. The other 3 queens need to lip synh for their legacy. In the end, the winner of RuPaul'sDragRaceAllStarsSeason2is…..Alaska! It was a pleasure to sit down with Alaska 18 hours after her win for this exclusiveHotspotsinterview.
How has your life changed since you were on Drag Race the first time? Geez, I have a job now, and I get to be a working artist doing this crazy thing called drag. I am really grateful for the opportunity I have been giventodothat.
What has been some of your favorite cities to visit as a RuPaul alumni? I love Portland, Austin, Tampa, and I loved the entire country of Brazil. Everywhere I go I am made to feel welcome and I love working with the dragqueensinanycityIgoto.
How exciting was it to get called back for All Stars? Oh, it was amazing. Anytime RuPaul calls I am going to answer. I
by Scott Holland dreamed about it, but when I got the call it was very exciting and thenimmediatelyterrifying.
Did you consider not coming back to All Stars? There was no choice. I know there are a lot of deciding factors for somequeensbutIhadtodoit.
How did you prepare differently for All Stars than you did the first time on the show? In season 5, I was just trying to go there and survive. This time I really wanted to display a huge range of silhouettes and I wanted to tell stories with my looks. All of the All Stars have been doing drag so much since our seasons that we were able to hone our craft. This is thebeststagetododragon.
If you couldn't win, who would you have wanted to and why? Iwouldn'twantanyoneelsetowin….maybeTrixie. (Author’sNote:whenI reminded Alaska that Trixie wasn't on All Stars, she responded with: “Exactly”).
How hard was it to keep the secret? I found out not that much before you found out. The hard part was not tellinganyonethatImadethetop. Igotreallygoodatlying.
What's the first thing you are going to do with the $100,000? Iwanttobuy100,000slicesofpizza.
What's ahead? I just put out a new album and it's very exciting as its very ‘drag music.’ Also, please come out and see me when I am in your city as I will be travelingallovertheworld.
Anything else you would like to say? I would like to say black lives matter, women deserve equal pay and DonaldTrumpcannotbePresident.
For more information on Alaska, go to: Alaskathunderfuck.com or catch her on Social Media at: Twitter.com/Alaska5000, or Instagram.com/theonlyalaska5000 Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
hot shots photos by mike halterman & tony fowler
Parliament House Bear Bust Weekend
The Award-Winning Play “The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time” Comes to Central Florida!
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The acclaimed National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is the most awardwinning show of the year! Honored with five Tony Awards including Best Play, this "dazzling" (Associated Press) adaptation by Tony and Olivier Award winner Simon Stephens brings Mark Haddon's internationally best-selling novel to thrilling life. Two-time Tony Award winner Marianne Elliott (WarHorse)directs. A year and a half ago, my boyfriend Oscar and I went to Baltimore with Ian (Hotspots' South Florida editor) and his now-hubby Alan. Since we were already on the East Coast, we decided to go to New York for a few days to visit my family. Since we were in New York,we hadto see
a show, and since I am a native New Yorker I had to buy my tickets at TKTS in Times Square. I decided we should see a play, as most of the musicals come to Florida, and I hadn't seen a good play in quite some time. Since they had tickets for Curious and I heard good things about it, those are the tickets we purchased. When we got to the theater and sat in our seats, there was a slight obstruction from the lights
and I was worried that it may affect my viewing of the play, but once the play started I never noticed the lights again. As a matter of fact, my eyes were gluedtothestage. I saw my first show at 18, and immediately got addicted; theater became my love. I cannot count how many shows I saw through college on student tickets, and afterwards on TKTS tickets, and Curious is one of the best shows I haveeverexperienced.
“...I had seen hundreds of shows and nothing could be better than this.” We watched the Tonys, and sure enough, we watched them receive their awards for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play.
by Scott Holland
The Tony Awards were five days after we saw Curious, and as we were leaving the theater I told Oscar that Curious would win Best Play and Best Actor in a Play. He turned to me and asked how I knew this since I hadn't seen any of the other shows or performances that were nominated, and I responded by saying, “Although I hadn't seen the rest, I had seen hundreds of shows and nothing could be better than this.” We watched the Tonys, and sure enough, we watched them receive their
awards for Best Play and Best ActorinaPlay. I was so excited when I heard that Curious was coming to Florida and I urge everyone to makethisamust-see. The story centers on fifteenyear-old Christopher, who has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but illequipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering
discovery and a journey that will changehislifeforever. Called “one of the most fully immersive shows ever to wallop Broadway” by The New York Times, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a record-breaking theatrical phenomenon that simply must notbemissed. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time plays the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando from Tuesday, November 1 through Sunday, November 6, and at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa from Tuesday, November 8 through Sunday, November13.
For more information, or to p u r c h a s e t i c ke t s , g o t o D r P h i l l i p s C e n t e r. o r g o r StrazCenter.org. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
Central Florida Hosts
by mike halterman
Two Equality Florida Fundraisers: The Greater Orlando Gala & The Suncoast Celebration
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Equality Florida, the state's largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group, would like to cordially invite you and your friends to two important Central Florida fundraisers. First, Equality Florida hosts the Greater Orlando Gala at the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando) on Friday, November 4 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Then, two weekends later on Sunday, November 20, the Suncoast Celebration will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Michael's on East restaurant (1212 S. East Ave.,Sarasota).
GREATER ORLANDO GALA At the Greater Orlando Gala, attendees can expect delicious hors d'oeuvres, open bars, a silent art auction, live music by the Silkee Smoove Band, and exciting entertainment. Out actor and LGBTactivistWilsonCruzwillserve as the celebrity host for the gala, where he will introduce Equality Florida co-founder and CEO Nadine Smith. Smith will give her “State of the State� address, outlining Equality Florida's successesinthispastyearandhow we move forward after the Pulse tragedy to secure equal rights for allFloridians.
The theme of this year's Gala is "Honor Them With Action", as the Central Florida community comes together to remember the 49 lives lost at Pulse on June 12, and to work diligently to ensure equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Equality Florida believes working toward this goal will be a true "lasting memorial" to the people who lost their lives that fatefulnight. The awards which will be presented at the Greater Orlando Gala are "Service and Leadership Awards". The first set of service and leadership
awards will be given to "Orlando's LGBTQ and Latino second responders." These include Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, MBA Orlando, Zebra Coalition, Two Spirit Health Services, Proyecto Somos Orlando, The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. "In the aftermath of
Pulse, these organizations and individuals showed incredible leadership and bravery. They immediately sprang into action to do whatever needed to be done, to meet the needs of our community and to help us heal," Equality Florida said of these people and groups who heeded thecallforleadershipandunity. Another service and leadership award will be given to Orlando Health. "As Orlando's only level one trauma center, and only two blocks from Pulse, Orlando Health was the epicenter of the critical care for victims of the Pulse shooting," Equality Florida said. "The staff at Orlando Health saved lives a n d s h o w e d i n c re d i b l e bravery...Recently, Orlando Health, along with Florida Hospital, announced that they would forgive the medical bills of victimsofthePulsetragedy." Finally,aserviceandleadership award will be given to the greater Orlando community. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange
County Mayor Teresa Jacobs will accept the award on behalf of the community. "In the days, weeks and months following the Pulse tragedy, the Greater Orlando community showed the entire world our true colors. We showed thatwearestrong,weareinclusive, wearelove,"EqualityFloridasaid. Tickets to the gala are $100 per person, or $50 per person with a valid student ID. Sponsorship opportunitiesarealsoavailablefor people and organizations starting at $500. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please call (407) 462-9692. To buy your tickets, visit eqfl.org. You will not receive a paper ticket; your name will be held at the door the night of the event for verification purposes instead. SUNCOAST CELEBRATION At the Suncoast Celebration, attendees will enjoy music by DJ Jamaal Day, hors d'oeuvres, open bars, decor in the "magical enchanted forest" style, and a program that includes a “State of
the State� address by Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith. The Voice for Equality Award will be presented to Dr. Nancy L. Wilson, Global Moderator at Metropolitan CommunityChurches. Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy L. Wilson became Global Moderator of M e t ro p o l i t a n C o m m u n i t y Churches in 2005 after the retirement of MCC Founder Rev. Elder Troy Perry. She is the worldwide leader of the LGBTaffirming MCC church group, which offers a spiritual outlet for LGBT Christians who have felt ignored or spurned by other houses of worship. President Obama named Rev. Wilson to the Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in 2011. She has been named one of 50 "powerful religious leaders making change in the world" by The Huffington Post and was also the first openly gay clergy member to participate in the President's Inaugural Prayer Service at Washington D.C.'s NationalCathedral. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door. For more information, visit eqfl.org/suncoastcelebration
Hotspots Media Group is proud to support Equality Florida at a number of gala events across the state each year. For more information on both fundraisers, visit eqfl.org. Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
small business spotlight by mike halterman
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If you're looking for leather and nylon harnesses, cuffs, and other leatheraccessoriesintheOrlando area, you'll find only one store in the area that sells all these items exclusively, and that's GOBEARR Gear. You may have seen some of GOBEARR's merchandise at various parties and festivals across Central Florida over the past two years. Owner Rafael Lamas, who found himself very happy with customer demand, opened GOBEARR's first-ever storefront in September. It is located at 2430 E. Robinson St. in Orlando'sMilkDistrict. Lamas prides himself on quality workmanship, which is evident in every custom piece he designs for sale. This attention to detail and to quality products have kept his customers happy, and he feels that positive wordof-mouth from his loyal clients are the best compliments a businessownercanreceive.
I spoke with Rafael Lamas about the GOBEARR product line and the GOBEARR Gear store in this exclusive interview for HotspotsCentral.
We've seen you around at lots of events. Where have people recognized you before? We've been at Parliament House for a lot of events, such as the Bear Bust. We also sell our merchandise at Sawmill Resort, and at parties in Ybor City, so we go over to the Tampa Bay area as well. People in Tampa Bay can see us at Florida Leather and Fetish Pride, which will be coming up at Clarion Inn and Suites in Clearwater from November 1113, and also at Hibernation at Sawmill, as well as Southern Nights Tampa's upcoming NeiBEARHoodTakeover.
What would you say to someone who might be a little shy as a firsttimebuyer?
I would be welcoming. I'd encourage them to try on anything they like, and that way they can figure out not only what looks the best on them, but what feels the best. I want to help them figure out which pieces are right forthem.
Why do you like leather? I love the way it feels, and more importantly I love the way I feel when I'm wearing it. I feel like leather makes me a little more confident, and it definitely grabs people'sattention.
Tell us about the different pieces you have for sale. Harnesses are the main pieces that I design, but we offer a lot more than that. We also offer leather jockstraps, cuffs, arm bands, and collars. I make everything myself, so with the knowledge I have, I can work with customers for pieces they have
been envisioning in their minds. I'm also starting to work on Roman-style leather kilts and leather vests, and I have my eye on expanding the product line. Since I make everything myself, thiswilltakealittlebitoftime.
What are some of the compliments you've received from satisfied customers? TheylovethequalityoftheleatherI use, and they like the work I do. They are particularly impressed with the materials I use (polyurethane and nylon in addition to leather), as well as some of the colors I incorporate into my designs. My work is really important to me and I stand by it: if anyone is unhappy for any reason, they are more than welcome to bring the product back and we can find something they will like. I haven't had that happen yet, which I'mproudof,butifiteveroccurs,Iwill makeitright.
come by the shop. Try what you want on -- I really encourage people to try things on, because it's important that you're comfortable -- and I guarantee you will find something that is "just for you". Most importantly I would say "enjoy yourself". My goal is for everyone to have an enjoyable experience finding the pieces and accessories that are forthem.
GOBEARR Gear Store hours: Monday through Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m. The store can be open for customers by appointmentfrom9a.m. to3p.m. on those same days. For more information, call Rafael Lamas directly at (407) 913-5536 or visit gobearrgear.com.
For people who may just now be introduced to GOBEARR Gear, what would you say to them to get them to check everything out? If you see us at an event, come on over. If you can stop by the shop,
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
by mike halterman
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“The Amazing Race Orlando� Gives Back to the Community! November 5, 2016
The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida ("The Center") is bringing back one of Central Florida's fun community activities, and in the process the participants can make a difference as well. On November 5, the latest installment of "The Amazing Race Orlando", basedontheEmmyAward-winning CBS series, will take place in The CityBeautiful. Here's how you can participate: the teams of two pledge to raise at least $1500 from their friends and colleagues. TheCenterwillevengive teams website space so donors can find their favorites and donate directlytothem. 100%ofthemoney raised by this event will be given to businesses around Pulse nightclub, which were all affected in the aftermath, when roads such as Orange Avenue, Esther Street and KaleyStreetwereclosedtotraffic. To register, visit the Amazing Race Orlando registration page at
tinyurl.com/amazingraceorlando. Now, here's what to expect: If you're a participant, you will meet atasecretlocationat8a.m. Then, the participants will receive their Amazing Race T-shirts and backpacks, which they must wear throughout the race. At 8:55, they
will be handed their first clue envelope, which will give them a riddle which they must decipher to gototheirfirstlocation. Fromthere, they will be led on a course of 21 different tasks before getting to the finish line. To participate, quick thinking is key, because cars and cell phones are banned during the competition. The winning team will receive a grand prize yet to be determined. (To give you an idea of how big the prize is, the last Amazing Race Orlando winners received a balcony suite on a Holland America cruise). There will also be a prize given to the team that raised the most money in the runuptotherace. For more information on The GLBTCommunityCenterofCentral Florida, visit thecenterorlando.org. Any questions about The Amazing Race Orlando can be asked by calling(407)228-8272.
backstage by mike halterman
Central Florida
&
Arts Entertainment
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Hello, and welcome once again to"Backstage."Novemberisoneof myfavoritemonthsoftheyear,not just because it's my birth month, butalsobecausetherearesomany funconcertsandshowstosee. We have quite the range of performers coming, from drag queen comedians to Christmas-themed concerts to the "Barefoot Contessa"! Those are only just a few,solet'sgetrighttoitsoyou'rein the know about what's coming up thismonth.
Tue. Nov. 1:
Bianca Del Rio
wowed audiences in season six of RuPaul's Drag Race, and her first nationwide comedy tour sold out from coast to coast (including right here in Florida!). You'll get your chance to experience her unique brand of
insult comedy that is sure to leave you in stitches! She will be performing at The Plaza Live in Orlando, one of her many stops on the Not Today, Satan! tour. (8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.; $37.50;plazaliveorlando.org)
Wed. Nov. 2: Publix (where shopping is a pleasure!) brought the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten, to Central Florida
earlier this year, and the good newsisshewillbereturningtothe area, this time with sponsor Williams-Sonoma! Ina will regale audiences with stories of her best dinner parties, secrets to her favorite recipes, and even some tidbits about her popular TV show in an engaging Q&A at the Straz Center in Tampa. (7:30 p.m.; starts at $45, strazcenter.org)
Wed. Nov. 2-Sun. Nov. 6: This is your last chanceto see the local production of “Assassins,� the Stephen Sondheim dark musical comedy, as it enters its final week at freeFall Theatre Company (6099 Central Avenue,
stand-up tour, called "Picking Up the Pieces", to The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Nov. 11 and Hard Rock Live Orlando on Nov. 13. (8 p.m. at the Mahaffey and 9 p.m. at Hard Rock; $35$65; themahaffey.com and hardrock.com/live/locations/ orlando)
Sat. Nov. 12: Up-and-coming
St. Petersburg). Learn about the men and women who tried to end the lives of five U.S. presidents, and also glimpse into the minds of the four men who were successful in doing so. Sponsored by Marion Rich and Sylvia Rusche. (7 and 8 p.m. showtimes with 2 p.m. weekend matinees; $25-$37; freefalltheatre.com)
singer/songwriter Elle King has turned some heads by the way she seamlessly combines rock, pop, country, R&B and soul into her repertoire. The Grammynominated artist, who has already sent "Ex's and Oh's" into the Billboard top ten, will be performing at Jannus Live in St. Petersburg as part of her The Ministry tour. Watch out for a
Fri. Nov. 11 & Sun. Nov. 13:
Tracy Morgan isaworld-renowned funnyman who has received praise from critics for his roles on NBC's Saturday Night Live as well as 30 Rock, receiving an Emmy Award nomination for his role as "Tracy Jordan" in the latter program. He brings his newest
surprise wedding (not Elle's!) during the show! Paul Cauthen will also perform as her supporting act. (7 p.m.; $24; ticketmaster.com)
The Ritz Ybor in Tampa.
(10 p.m.;
$15;theritzybor.com)
Tue. Nov. 14-Wed. Nov. 15: Canadian indie pop duo -and noted LGBT advocates --
Tegan and Sara will be promoting their latest album, Love You to Death, with two tour dates in Central Florida: one at The Beacham in Orlando, and at The Ritz Ybor in Tampa the next night. The talented sisters will be performing their greatest hits and also songs from their current offering, such as "Boyfriend" and "Stop Desire." (7 p.m. at The Beacham and 8 p.m. at The Ritz Ybor; $31-$51; thebeacham.com and theritzybor.com)
Wed. Nov. 15 & Fri. Nov. 17: Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse
Tyson
has become a viral sensation of sorts due to his insightful and humorous commentary, combining his love
Sat. Nov. 12: Last time
Kristian Nairn, the openly gay star of HBO's Game of Thrones, was in Central Florida DJing on his Rave of Thrones tour, he told Hotspots that he loved to see music fans and TV fans coming together and partying as one, with his music as the unifier. Fans of dance music and "Hodor" alike can see him again as he spins his newest DJ set at Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
of star formations, dwarf galaxies and the structure of the Milky Way with pop culture topics such as the films Star Wars and Frozen. You can hear him draw parallels between our universe and classic films as he brings a spirited talk and Q&A to the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando (Nov. 15) and the Straz Center in Tampa (Nov. 17). (7:30 p.m. bothnights;startsat$45;VIP meet and greet options available; d r p h i l l i p s c e n t e r . o rg a n d strazcenter.org)
Thu. Nov. 16: It's been eleven years since Carrie Underwood won the title of American Idol, and since then she has become one of the show's biggest success stories, being named the Academy of Country Music's Female Vocalist of the Year, winning seven Grammy Awards, and selling tens of millions of albums. Shebringshersongbook to Amalie Arena in Tampa as part of her Storyteller Tour: Stories in the Round. Easton Corbin and The Swon Brothers will open for
Carrie. (7 p.m.; $46.25 and $76.25;amaliearena.com)
Thu. Nov. 17, Fri. Nov. 18 & Sun. Nov. 20: It simply doesn't feel like the holiday season in Florida until Mannheim Steamroller comes to town! Their Christmas tour, produced by Chip Davis, will bring an all-new show to Florida,
in honor of the group's 30 years since releasing their debut Christmas album, and 40 years since releasing their first Fresh Aire album. They will be performingatthe Lakeland Center (Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m.), the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota (Nov. 18, 8 p.m.) and the King Center in Melbourne (Nov. 20, 4 p.m.). (tickets start at $55 for Lakeland; $71 for Sarasota and $45.50 for M e l b o u r n e ; lakelandcenter.com, vanwezel.org,kingcenter.com)
emotional response to the tragic June 12 shooting in Orlando. Central Florida audiences can hear her sing her greatest hits as well as some holiday standards as she makes three stops on the "Melissa Etheridge's Holiday Trio" tour. She will perform at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, and The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg,
Sat. Nov. 26: Florida native
Daniel Tosh,
host of Comedy
Central's Tosh.0, will be hosting the sixth annual Tosh Saves the World Charity Show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. Listen to Tosh's his latest stand-up comedy as he brings his A-game to the Suncoast, as will opening act comedians Todd Glass, Greg Hahn and Eddie Gossling. Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to various charities. (7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; $79.83; vanwezel.org)
Sun. Nov. 27, Wed. Nov. 30 & Thu. Dec. 1: Singersongwriter Melissa Etheridge has won two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for her music. She recently penned "Pulse", an
in that order. (7 p.m. Van Wezel, 7:30 p.m. Peabody and Mahaffey; starts at $45; vanwezel.org, peabodyauditorium.org and themahaffey.com)
Wed. Nov. 30: As a wise lady named Linda Richman once said, "Her voice is like buttah!" The legendary Barbra Streisand, the only recording artist to achieve number-one albums across six decades, will embark on a limited tour of the United States as she presents to audiences "The Music...The Mem'ries...The Magic!" Hear her sing all of your favorites ("The Way We Were" is mine!), as well as standards from her recent album "ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway", at Amalie Arena in Tampa. (8 p.m.; startsat$99;amaliearena.com)
genre latino hit list
con scrappy pérez
¡intenta no gritar!
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He tenido la más interesante conversación con un amigo mío el otro día. Me orientó sobre varios fetiches que algunas personas practican y se decidió a contarme acerca de todo esto a las 9AM…delante de la gente…en la iglesia…ya no somos amigos. En serio, me quedé muy intrigado y tan impresionado por un montón de cosas que muchos de ustedes pueden ser expertos. Nunca he sido muy aventurero. Para mí, el cambio a la mano izquierdacuandoestoyteniendoun momento de “diversión personal" esunaemoción. Una de las cosas de las que hablamos es el hacer #2 sobre alguien o que se nos hagan caca encima. Obviamente, le dije que eso era lo más asqueroso que he
“...¿qué es lo que quieres decir con que querías ser un esclavo de alguien? oído(siofendoaalguien,lespido disculpas y le sugiero que se duchen con más regularidad que otros…y busquen a Jesús). "No te quejes hasta que lo intentes", me dijo. ¿En serio?! Yo ya me hice en los pantalones en el pasado no me trajo nada más que incomodidad y vergüenza. También, fue la última vez que fui invitado a unaboda. Él también me explicó acerca del concepto de "dueño/esclavo" y me dijo que una vez estaba en entrenamiento para ser un esclavo sexual. "¿Entrenamiento?" - le dije: "¿te están enseñando a sentar y te dan una galletita si lo haces bien? Y ¿qué es lo que quieres decir con que querías ser un esclavo de alguien?! ¿Tú no eres Haitiano?" Me
imaginé que es una relación que se asemeja a la familia Clinton con Hillary sosteniendo el látigo, por supuesto. Entonces él me mostró un video de alguien masturbándose dentro una taza de fruta recién cortada, para que la otra persona se la coma con esa capa de "jugo de hacer bebés”. Estos fetiches son cada vez más extraños y más complicados a medida que pasan los años. No sólosetratadetenerbuenaluzen nuestro dormitorio. Ahora tienes que poner plástico en toda tu habitaciónhaciendoqueparezca una escena de Dexter antes de cometerunasesinato. Hablando de cosas de miedo… como usted bien sabe, Halloween ya está por llegar. He ido a Halloween Horror Nights en
Universal Studios en Orlando dos veces ya, pero el verdadero temor es ir a un parque de Disney y pagar más de $100 por una taquilla de entrada. En cuanto a disfraces de Halloween vaya, no tengo ni idea de lo que voy a ser este año! Pensé en vestirme con ropa normal y decirle a la gente que soy un hombrelobo. Sipreguntanporqué notengopeloportodomicuerpoo colmillos, les digo que no hay luna llenaesanoche. Quizás pueda tener un amigo para formar un equipo conmigo y hacer un doble concepto como uno ir de Donald Trump y el otro como su peluca o un mapa de México sosteniendo un rifle a su cabeza. O quizás me puedo vestir como un hippie en un viaje de alucinógenos mientras mi amigo se viste como el unicornio que nadie puede ver más que él. Las opcionessonilimitadas. Independientemente de cómo Ud. se vista o dónde usted decida celebrar esto, recuerde deandarconcuidadoy,¡tenerun tiempomaravilloso!
aroused by doing #2 on someone or being pooped on. They call that scatting (not the singing, unfortunately. Unless someone goes to the bathroom on your face as they go “do da di badi badi bada”!) Obviously, I told him how gross that was (if I offend anyone I apologize and I suggest you shower more regularly than others…and seek Jesus). “Don't knock it until you try it” – he said to me. Seriously?! I have crapped on myself before and that brought me nothing but discomfort and embarrassment. Also, that was the last time I was ever invited to a wedding.
Try Not to Scream I had the most interesting conversation with a friend of mine the other day. He was instructing me on several fetishes that some people practice and he decided to tell me about all of this at 9AM…in front of people…in church…we are no longer friends. Seriously though, I was very intrigued and so impressed by a lot of things many of you may be experts on. I have never been that a d v e n t u r o u s . To m e , switching to the left hand when I'm having a “personal fun time” is a thrill. One of the things we talked about was people getting
He also explained to me about the concept of a “Master/Slave” relationship and told me he once was in training to be a sex slave. “Training?!” – I said to him – “Like he taught you how to sit and gave you a cookie? And what do you mean you wanted to become a slave?! Aren't you Black?!” I figured it to be a relationship that resembles the Clinton family with Hilary holding the whip of course. Then he showed me a video of someone masturbating inside a cup of freshly cut fruit so the other person eats it with that layer of “baby juice” on it. These fetishes are getting
weirder and more complicated as years pass. It's not just about making sure we have the right lighting in our bedroom anymore. Now you have to put plastic all over your room making it look like a scene from Dexter before he commits a murder. Speaking of scary stuff… as you're well aware, Halloween is almost upon us. I have been to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando twice already, but the real fear is going to a Disney park and paying over $100 for a one-day ticket. As far as Halloween costumes go, I have no idea what I am going to dress up as! I thought of just wearing regular clothes and tell people I'm a werewolf. If they ask why I don't have hair all over my body or fangs, I'll just say there is no full moon that night. Then I thought of painting my face and body in green like the Frankenstein monster with a recycling tattoo on my arm and tell people I'm going green this year. Perhaps I can have a friend to team up with me and do a dual concept like one going as Donald Trump and the other one as his hairpiece or a map of Mexico holding a riffle to his head. Or one dressed up as Chef Ramsey from Hell's Kitchen and the other one as an overflowing swear jar. Or one of us could be an old lady and the other one can be a LifeAlert button. Or perhaps I can dress up as a hippie with a bong and tripping on hallucinogens while my friend dresses up as the unicorn that no one else can see but me. The options are limitless. Regardless of what you decide to dress up as or where you decide to celebrate this, remember to be safe and have a great time!
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
Hotspots Exclusive Interview by Mike Halterman
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Saxophonist Dave Koz is no stranger to the Sunshine State -- he recently performed with Barry Manilow when Manilow's "One Last Time" tour stopped in Orlando this past February, and he has chosen the Sunshine State as the place to start his famed Christmas tours for many years. The ninetime Grammy nominee will debut his nineteenth annual Christmas tour on November 25, when he plays the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. Four days later, he will play for audiences atRuthEckerdHallinClearwater. Joining him on this tour are South African singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler, R&B singer Kenny Lattimore, and singer and songwriter Valerie Simpson (one-half of the legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson). Tickets are available for purchase now by going to vanwezel.org and rutheckerdhall.com. Performances will also take placeinFortPierce,Miami,NaplesandJacksonville. I had a chance to sit down and speak to Dave Koz about the tour and his love of music in this exclusive interviewforHotspotsCentral.
As you remember, I had the chance to meet you when you were opening for Barry Manilow in Orlando. What was it like to join him on his last tour? It was a dream come true for me, getting the chance to spend time with him and to share the stage with him. He's a music mentor, a life mentor, and a great
photos by Irvan Risnandar
friend to me. I loved the chance to perform with him and also to just tour with him and talk about life. Just being around him was a huge influence on me. He's made a massive impact on music in the past fortyplus years, so I felt like I was a sponge. I was just soakingupalltheknowledgeandtakingitallin. Iwas veryappreciativeofthewholeexperience.
In the time since you were here last, the Pulse shooting shook Florida to the core. How did you feel when you heard the news, and how do you feel now? I remember the feeling I first had, and it was, "How could this happen after all the progress we've made at home and worldwide?" I thought we were going in the right direction. We had a Supreme Court which ruled in favor of marriage equality. People of a certain age remember not-so-pleasant times -- I'm in my 50s -- and all of us got to see barriers come crashing down, thanks to the work that our LGBT community has done for so long. This tragedy underscoredthefactthat we havealotofworkleftto do. Butitwasheartwarmingtoseehowpeoplecame together and support our community -- even people who aren't gay -- and it made me feel really strong andhopefulforthefuture.
Your first six Christmas tour dates are in Florida. What are some of the things you like most about the Sunshine State? We'vestartedourtourhereformanyyears,Ithinkclose to ten. I like that it's usually warm, and it can be a little
strange to go from sand and palm trees into a concert venue and sing about snow and sleighs, but we love startingourtourhere. Florida is a very special place because the audiences are so passionate there. Not just forjazz,butforallmusic. We have three popular R&B vocalists on tour this year: there's Kenny Lattimore, who is very easy on the eyes; Jonathan Butler, who is my brother from another mother; and Valerie Simpson, who is joining us for theveryfirsttime. Valerieand her late husband were staff writers for Motown and gave us some of the most iconic songs in contemporary music. Plus she kicks ass in the vocal department, so I'm very excited to perform with her. This show will be really goodthisyear.
How will this year's Christmas show appeal to audiences? Well, Christmas music has a way of comforting people. I like to call it "musical comfort food."Peoplewanttohearthe music that makes us feel good, and that's what we offer, both vocally and instrumentally. Especially after the divisive year that we've witnessed this year, I think the country needs some healing. Hopefully we will be able to see some of that healing take place as we endtheyear,andit'smyhope that the Christmas show will be able to bring people together.
Hotspots Central Florida HotSpotsCentral.LGBT
“Your readers will love the cruise because it's such an inclusive environment. People from all different walks of life come together to enjoy music, because it's such a uniting force.�
Some of our readers may not know that you organize and host a yearly music cruise.Tellusalittlebitaboutthat. Your readers will love the cruise because it's such an inclusive environment. People from all different walks of life come together to enjoy music, because it'ssuchaunitingforce. Everyone becomes fast friends. There's also no "backstage" with our shows; all of the 50-60 musicians and artists mingle with the audience and it's one big happy family. The 2018 cruise coming
up is exciting; we'll start in Copenhagen and we'll be visiting Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg and Tallinn. The experience is a feast for the senses. People can learn more aboutitatdavekozcruise.com.
What would you say to people who are currently working to make their dreams come true in the music industry? Continue to follow your passion. It's an exciting yet terrifying time to be in the music industry, because all the rules are out the
window. If you have something to say and a unique way of saying it, you can build a global audience just by putting your music online. People have become stars without record companies and agencies, the "old way of doing things." It's hard work though, so if you're willing to put in the time and make your way in today's "DIY music business", then there are more chances for performers than ever before. It's a great time tobemakingmusic.
For more info, visit davekoz.com.
need wood by woody miller
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Hey, Woody! I've got a pet peeve I thought you might want to tackle. It's deepthroating! It seems the majority of gay men have somewhat learned this technique but not as a continuing part of a stroke. Instead, they take the penis down their throat, and then STOP! They hold it down as long as they can hold their breath, and only then continue the motion that brings pleasure to the recipient. I wish men would consider what a good sexual technique is and what a parlor trick is. When men masturbate, do they simply grab their penis with both hands motionless? NO! They move their hands up and down continuously. It's the motion that brings pleasure, not just the contact. Tell them to stop slowing the momentum down, Woody! —Got something caught in their throat DearGot: You're complaining about guys who deep-throat? You probably came out of the womb complaining abouttheback-lighting. Here's advice #1: Never complain when somebody can deep-throat you. Complainwhentheycan't. Advice #2: When somebody's doing something you don't like, don't b-tch. Request. Asin:“Wow,thatfeels great,butitfeelsbetterwhenyoudon't stop the motion.” Grab his ears and gently show him how to swallow the
sword without nicking his throat or stoppingthemo'. Your partners aren't the problem, guy. You are. You seem to think that your partners should know what you like before you tell them. Here's a hint: You can't move a man's mouth down your shaft through telekinesis. Why are you so unwilling to tell your partnerswhatyoulike?
Hey, Woody! I have a strange problem. Sometimes when I c-m, I cry. I'm not sad, but the tears come anyway. It doesn't happen all the time but I've run off a few promising dates because they thought I had “issues.” It's not like I blubber or anything, but it's noticeable. The thing is, it'll happen even with a trick I don't ever want to see again. What can I do to stop this? —Reaching for the c-m towel AND the Kleenex DearReaching: You're breaking my mom's first rule: Don't cry over spilled milk. Though I don't think she had you
inmindwhenshesaidit. There's nothing wrong with you. In fact, I think it's rather sweet. In addition to a physical release during climax, there's also an emotional release. There are men, for instance who convulse with laughter after they c-m. Nothing strikes them funny; it's just the way their mind-body connectionreactstotherelease. Like my boyfriend's moods, sexual response is multiphasic. Energy builds from excitement (the first stirrings) to resolution (the last dribble). By the time you're ready to “pop,” all that built-up energy gets released in different ways. For you, it's crying. For others, it is laughing. For my boyfriend, a compulsive need to brush his hair. Crying may be your body's way of saying “Thanks, I needed that.” Be grateful. That kind of emotional juicedoesn'tcomeoften. As for scaring off partners, just treat it lightly. If they think you're crying because you're falling for them, just say “Don't flatter yourself,IcrywhenIbeatoff.”
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