METROSOURCE NY - AUG/SEP 2022 by Metrosource

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your

healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP ASPIRING are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0008 01/22

#1 PRESCRIBED

HIV TREATMENT * *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/28/2021.

DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. ONE SMALL PILL, ONCE A DAY Pill shown not actual size (15 mm x 8 mm) | Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

Scan to see Dimitri’s story.

TAKE CARE

OF NUMBER

ONE

PUBLISHER Bent Share Entertainment, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman COPY EDITOR James Delyea CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A Reyes

EDITOR’S LETTER

THIS SUMMER

MARKETING DIRECTOR Christopher Jackson FEATURE WRITER Alexander Rodriguez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ben Rimalower

I HOPE YOU ARE ALL ENJOYING PRIDE

Good health also includes our mental well-

SEASON AND THE WARM DAYS OF SUMMER.

being. Ever notice that life’s everyday curveballs

CONNECTING WITH FRIENDS AT NEW VENUES

seem quite manageable when we’re in a happy

AND OUTDOOR FESTIVALS, SPLASHING IN THE

mood? After a good night’s sleep or a phone

POOL, OUTDOOR GRILLING IN THE EVENING

call with a close friend, don’t you feel so much

– what’s not to love about summertime. While

better?

some of our nation’s biggest Pride events are held

We have highlighted six apps and books for

in June, there are still plenty of major LGBTQ+

this year’s wellness roundup. So, check out some

festivities coming up. Maybe a good time to plan

of these resources and relax your way into the

a weekend adventure?

final months of summer.

VIEWS

NATIONAL DISPLAY ADVERTISING

Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com

If you’re passionate about human rights and equality, like me, these times of extreme divisive• Provincetown, MA

ness in our country can take a toll on one’s spirit.

Provincetown Carnival - Aug 13-20 • New Orleans, LA

A few things you may want to keep in mind to maintain an even keel.

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• While we can influence, some things are simply out of our control – sometimes you

Vegas Gay Pride - Oct 7-9 • Palm Springs, CA

just have to turn off the news, relax and • Natural endorphins released during exercise reduces stress – spend some time each day on a physical activity you enjoy.

And what better time than to focus on

• Surround yourself by positive people

health and wellbeing. Many of us are still shed-

– the effect on one’s mental state is

ding those 2020-2021 ‘shelter-in-place pounds’

immeasurable when the air is filled with

and building new fitness habits. We’ve included

good vibes.

features in this issue to give you some ideas and

• Ask for help when you need it – you

inspiration to begin, or continue, an active physi-

just might be pleasantly surprised at how

cal regimen.

others will rise to the occasion.

Some sage advice offered in our feature interview with reality star and fitness guru, David Barta, in this issue:

I hope you find yourself relaxing outdoors and soaking up the summer fun while you peruse this issue of Metrosource. May you find

“Make small changes that are comfortable

joy and inspiration from the people and places

and applicable in your day-to-day life. Person-

in our LGBTQ+ community featured this month.

ally, I lost 25 pounds in the last two months due

Wishing you health

to primarily portion control and making

and happiness,

sure I walked 10,000 steps every single day.” - David Barta AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

Los Angeles 6475 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., #438 Long Beach, CA 90803 New York 511 Avenue of the Americas, #901 New York, NY 10011 800.818.0480 info@metrosource.com

breathe.

Palm Springs Pride – Nov 4-5

Eric Rosen Jeffrey James Keyes Megan Venzin Michael Westman Steve Gottfried

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Subscriptions: One year (6 issues): $24.95; 12 issues: $39.95. Reproduction of any article, listing or advertisement without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The people, businesses and organizations appearing in Metrosource are supportive of the gay community. Mention of any person, business or organization is not a reflection of their sexual orientation. ©2021 Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Advertisers in Metrosource acknowledge that they do business in the spirit of cooperation, fairness and service, maintaining a high level of integrity and responsibility. Providers of products or services are fully and solely responsible for same as advertised. Metrosource assumes no responsibility or liability for improper or negligent business practices by advertisers. The appearance of any person, model, business or organization in this publication, by name, advertisement or photograph is not an indication of sexual orientation. Advertisers and their agencies assume all responsibility and legal liability for the content of their advertisements in Metrosource. Publisher assumes no liability for safe-keeping or return of unsolicited art, manuscripts or other materials. Metrosource reserves the right to edit all material for clarity, length and content. All contents are copyright Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved. Content may only be reproduced with written permission from Bent Share Entertainment, LLC. Metrosource assumes no liability for any claims or representations contained anywhere in this magazine and reserve the right to cancel or refuse advertising at publisher’s discretion.

@metrosource @MetrosourceMagazine @metrosourcemag

METROSOURCE.COM

CONTENTS

August/September 2022 | VOLUME 33, NO. 4

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF MONÉT X CHANGE • DAVID BARTA PHOTO BY GABRIEL ERVIN • PHOTO COURTESY OF IAN PAGET • PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHNNY MATHIS • ROB ANDERSON PHOTOS BY MAX BRONNER

22 16 10 DAVID BARTA IS KEEPING IT FLUID

S HARING HIS LIGHT:

IAN PAGET

22 MONÉT X CHANGE

OVERSHARING

T HE LYRICAL LIFE OF

JOHNNY MATHIS

T IKTOK’S FUNNY MAN:

ROB ANDERSON

COVER: Monét X Change Photo by Steven Simione METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

DEPARTMENTS

August/September 2022 | VOLUME 33, NO. 4

48 CULTURE 7 THE SCOPE Betty Who goes BIG! Plus Art, Musicals and It Is All About Me!

TRAVEL 32 All You Need Is Love A Boutique Music Festival Located on Sacred California Ground

48 Old School Meets New School

HEALTH 28 Find Your Appy Place Six Apps and Books for Wellness

for Autumn in Boston

VIEWS 4 EDITOR’S LETTER Take Care of Number One This Summer

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF LOVE MACHINE • PHOTO COURTESY OF MOULINE ROUGE! THE MUSCIAL • BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN PHOTO BY KYLE KLEIN

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

THESCOPE

LISTEN

BIG! BETTY WHO AVAILABLE OCTOBER 14, 2022 IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT AUSTRALIANAMERICAN POP TRAILBLAZER BETTY WHO, IT’S THAT SHE IS A SURVIVOR. BORN JESSICA NEWHAM IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, THE CLASSICALLY TRAINED SINGER, DANCER, AND

MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST

HAS

EXPERIENCED

PRACTICALLY EVERY DIMENSION OF POP CULTURAL

CULTURE

2014 single “Somebody Loves You,” soundtracking Netflix’s Queer Eye reboot with “All Things,” forming deep ties with foundations like GLAAD and the Trevor Project and becoming an LGBTQ+ icon due to her infectious, always-inclusive artistry. Moving from the rigid major-label machinery to rediscovering her power as an independent artist, Betty Who is primed to kick off her latest, most triumphant chapter on her upcoming album BIG!, out October 14th. She has also just made her TV hosting debuting with Prime Video’s new reality dating series, The One That Got Away, which premiered June 24th. New single “She Can Dance” is out now and a limited-edition autographed version of BIG! is available exclusively at Amazon. The standard CD and Vinyl are available for preorder now. Directed by Aerin Moreno (Madison Beer, Sofi Tukker), the aqua-tinged“She Can Dance”video sees Betty Who come into her own. There’s no elaborate backdrop, just Betty and a crew of talented dancers. Moreno’s vision places all the emphasis on the singer’s story and infectious dance moves. “She Can Dance” is about as autobiographical as I could get,” Betty says about the single. “I knew making this album that the stories had to be true, that it had to feel scary and more vulnerable than ever. So, without further ado, I present to you a retelling of the facts of my life as I see them. She was never perfect, but at least she tried and had a great time along the way. I hope “She Can Dance” makes you feel like YOU can dance through the trying times.” Betty Who’s upcoming LP, BIG!, is primed to be just that, BIG. 2022 ushers in a new era for Betty as an artist. After taking a hiatus during the pandemic to self-reflect and record, her sound is more refined and in tune with her inner world than ever before. Last month, Betty Who performed on both The Late Late Show with James Corden and Good Morning America. Visit https://bettywho.lnk.to/BIG.

THESCOPE

VISIBILITY: going viral on the bombastic strength of

METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

VISIT

MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN

(2 COLUMBUS CIRCLE, NEW YORK CITY) QUEER MAXIMALISM X MACHINE DAZZLE OPENS SEPTEMBER 10, 2022

THE MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN (MAD) WILL PRESENT QUEER MAXIMALISM X MACHINE DAZZLE, THE FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE GENRE-DEFYING ARTIST MATTHEW FLOWER (US, B. 1972), BETTER KNOWN AS MACHINE DAZZLE. A provocateur commanding

CULTURE

THESCOPE

an expanding repertoire of stagecraft, design, performance, and music, Machine Dazzle is a virtuoso practitioner of queer maximalism’s aesthetic language of gay liberation. On view from September 10, 2022, through February 19, 2023, the exhibition brings together more than 80 of the artist’s creations for stage, spectacles, and street theater, alongside a variety of environments, ephemera, material samples, photography, and video. Together, they chronicle the metamorphosis of Flower, a closeted suburban kid from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, into“Machine Dazzle,”the queer experimental theater genius. Installed on two floors of the Museum, the multimedia exhibition culminates with the first public installation of the more than two dozen tour-deforce costumes created by the artist for himself and his long-time collaborator Taylor Mac to wear in the queer performance art concert production, Taylor Mac’s A 24-Decade History of Popular Music (2016), a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. “Since its founding, the Museum of Arts and Design has been a home for artists who have reimagined and radically subverted traditional craft techniques in search of more authentic self-expression,” said exhibition curator Elissa Auther. Photo by Gregory Kramer

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL NATIONAL TOUR THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2023 POP THE CHAMPAGNE, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL IS THE WINNER OF 10 TONY AWARDS® — INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL – AND NOW TOURING NATIONWIDE. Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping

excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind. Visit www.moulinrougemusical.com/us-tour/home/.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

EXPERIENCE

IT IS ALL ABOUT ME! BREAKING CYCLES AND LOVING WHO I AM

READ

BY STACIA M. SIMS AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM

IN HER THIRTIES, STACIA SIMS EMBARKED ON AN INTENSE JOURNEY TOWARD SELF-DISCOVERY WHEN HER THERAPIST POSED A SIMPLE QUESTION: “What

does love mean?” Unable to articulate an answer, Sims suddenly realized what had been blocking her path toward healing. “That was my first realization that I had never been taught or shown unconditional love. Not by my parents and not by the world,”she wrote in the prologue to her new book, It Is All About Me! Breaking Cycles and Loving Who I Am. In this collection of true stories about her life, Sims unpacks the impact of an upbringing in a narcissistic family where love had to be earned, her true self had to be hidden and generational cycles needed to be broken. Her journey led her to the realization that what happened in her past doesn’t define her present or her future, and it is her aim with this book to show readers that, with the right mindset and guidance, this can be their truth, too. “Being true to yourself can sometimes make others uncomfortable,” Stacia said.“But another person’s discomfort should not become your burden to resolve. Stop carrying other people’s baggage.” It Is All About Me! is loaded with insights on what real, authentic love means and how to embrace one’s true self. “If you find your life revolving around others’ expectations or desires, it’s time to allow your journey to be about you for a change,”Sims added.

WATCH

UNCOUPLED (NETFLIX) FROM EMMY AWARD-WINNING CO-CREATORS DARREN STAR AND JEFFREY RICHMAN COMES A SPARKLING NEW ROM-COM SUMMER SERIES, UNCOUPLED. A STORY ABOUT HEARTBREAK, HEALING, AND ALL THE HUMOR WE FIND ALONG THE WAY. Michael Lawson (Neil Patrick

Harris) seems to have it all figured out. He’s a successful New York City real estate agent with a great career, a supportive family, close friends, and a loving relationship with his partner of 17 years, Colin (Tuc Watkins). But when Colin unexpectedly moves out on the eve of his 50th birthday, Michael is completely blindsided. Overnight, he must confront two nightmares: losing the man he thought was his soulmate, and suddenly finding himself a single gay man in his mid-forties in New York City. Also Staring Tisha Campbell, Brooks Ashmanskas, Emerson Brooks, and Marcia Gay Harden. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, Darren Star Productions, Jeffrey Richman Productions, and Jax Media. Visit www.netflix.com/uncoupled.

METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

DAVID BARTA IS KEEPING IT FLUID BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ FORGET WHAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT REALITY TV HOTTIE DAVID BARTA. Despite his appearances on Fox’s Paradise

Hotel, Crackle TV’s Men of West Hollywood, and, most recently, MTV’s Ex on the Beach, what you see is NOT what you get, and David is ready to shed his reality TV persona and live life according to his own editing. After years of special focus on David’s sexuality – by gay fans wanting him to be gay and reality TV producers trying to make it a point of discussion – David came out as pansexual on national TV and revealed his crush on fellow cast member Mike Mulderrig. Though the setting on Ex on the Beach plays towards meme-worthy oneliners and drink-throwing antics, his revelation was anything but TV fodder, he chose a path at that fork in the road, from which there would be no return, cameras or not.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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PAGE 10,11,13,14: PHOTOS BY DAVID VILLALVA

I am not a fan of labels in any area of life quite honestly. Going on TV with a man who I was attracted to and knew I would be involved with on the show to one degree or another, it was apparent that I would need to give some sort of definition to my sexual orientation. I prefer the term “sexually fluid” to identify myself because I have discovered that is the pattern by which I find myself attracted to and interacting with people. I’ve known that my attraction to other people was not gender-exclusive for about two years now, and realized I was in fact attracted to all genders and I had deeper attractions to people based on their personalities and energies as opposed to gender. I don’t know who I’ll end up getting married to or what gender they identify with, but I do know I will fall in love for who they are, not what’s in their pants. The road to his sexual evolution is a long one. Raised in a conservative household, he was destined to live a heteronormative life. A Southern California native, he was being groomed for a life in baseball. Extremely talented on the field, as a senior in high school he was talking to six MLB teams with the 2016 First-Year MLB draft in sight when his life would change forever. While throwing a bullpen for the Chicago Cubs Scouting Bureau, he felt a pop in his elbow. This incident would create a domino effect, starting with his inability to participate in the MLB draft, through his Tommy John Surgery (ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction) and being pulled out of games during his short-lived collegiate baseball career at Loyola Marymount University, to his ultimate diagnosis with permanent ulnar nerve damage. His baseball career was over, the years of literal blood, sweat, and tears would not be enough. What would follow was a period of bittersweet self-awareness. I struggled with depression and a premature identity crisis following the year of my baseball career ending. At the time, I was still twenty years old and attending Loyola Marymount University as a junior studying psychology, which isn’t an easy time in general. What kept me growing and moving forward during this time was a great desire to find a new passion

MY ATTRACTION TO OTHER PEOPLE TRULY LIES IN THEIR ENERGY AND PERSONALITY AS OPPOSED TO GENDER.” and purpose for my life. During my junior year of college, I got a job as a sales advisor at a local 24 Hour Fitness in Burbank and saw personal trainers moving and operating in the gym which sparked my fragile, defensive ego at the time making me think, “I could do that better than they could, easily.”Working out had always been a safe space for me where I could create a positive habit that would make my body look and feel better at the same time. This is what started what has now been my career for the last five years. Immediately after my final baseball injury, I felt a strange combination of both peace and fear. I was at peace knowing that I finally had my answer

of whether I would ever fully recover physically and play to the best of my potential again or not (obviously the latter), and in fear because I had never had to imagine a life of my own that didn’t involve, or even completely revolve around playing baseball. I realized at the moment of my careerending injury that I didn’t know anything about myself, other than the sport I had formerly played. David’s fitness journey would lead to commercial modeling after a college friend would get him signed to an agency. Little did he know that reality TV would be the next stop on his ever-changing path. In pursuit of trying to feel comfortable and confident in my body after the last two years of baseball surgeries METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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out what I wanted to do with my life. After Paradise Hotel, I was introduced to other reality TV stars who became friends of mine and empowered me to fully be myself whether that be my personality, sexuality, or what have you. Up until then the only friends I had in my life were those that I made from church, and from playing baseball who I clearly could not be fully myself around. I can attribute most of my personal growth journey to the group of friends and mentors I met from being involved in the reality TV world. Part of this group from the reality TV universe would be a number of personalities from the LGBTQ community. His world was opening up and his idea of the “norm” was being challenged. I learned the LGBTQ community is a great community of love and acceptance. Coming from a religious background, I was painted a picture of seeing the LGBTQ community as something to fear, and something to avoid. Little known to the religious community, some people and members

of the LGBTQ community are the most honest and genuine people you’ll find. This closeness that he shared with our community would bring his sexuality into question. Is he, or isn’t he? Media interviews, social media comments, and alleged Grindr sightings would add fuel to the fire as David skillfully crafted his responses. When the trailers for the current season of MTV’s Ex on the Beach hit, they centered around David’s first on-screen, male kiss. Was it a joke? Was it a dare? Was it just for clickbait? Initially brought on the show to face two of his female exes, what was he doing? David did not come out as gay, he did not come out as bi, but rather, as pansexual. What does that mean to him, personally? I’ve learned that my attraction to other people truly lies in their energy and personality as opposed to gender. My pansexuality has helped me not limit myself when meeting new people to view them as “dateable” or “notdateable” at first glance based on any given factors, but to approach people and life with a more open view and not putting myself or my love life in any given parameters.

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY GABRIEL ERVIN

and a short spurt of being pre-diabetic, modeling seemed like a great step in the right direction. I began to post more modeling and quite frankly “thirst trap” pictures on social media which sparked growth in followers, and soon I started to get different reality dating shows reaching out to me. I had gotten far in casting for one dating show when a casting producer from Paradise Hotel messaged me on Instagram asking me to come audition for their show which was set to begin in three weeks. My interview went well, and the team told me they were ready to ship me off to Mexico to film, and that was the beginning of my reality TV career. Painted as the goody-two-shoes of the show, he was presented as the college virgin with old-fashioned morals and a conservative way of life. Part television fabrication, part playing a role David had been born into, his sexual evolution was just beginning. Since first appearing on reality TV, ALOT has changed. When I first came on to reality TV, I was still in college, freshly NOT a virgin, and still figuring

I WILL FALL IN LOVE FOR WHO THEY ARE, NOT WHAT’S IN THEIR PANTS.”

METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

How did his conservative friends and family react? I have definitely had a mixed pool of responses from friends and exes about coming out. Some people have responded exactly how I thought they would, and others have quite frankly shocked me. Some of my exes were completely supportive, and some claimed to be disgusted. Some of my friends said that they already knew I was sexually fluid without having to say, and some did not believe that I was telling the truth. Whether good or bad responses to my coming out, the opinions around me have not changed or held back my growth in learning more about myself. In addition to the mixed reactions from his circle, the gay community had its own opinions. David was not coming out as pansexual and then heading to social media with a boyfriend in hand or taking the stages at Pride events. Was he pandering to our community? I would say that 99.9% of the responses I got from coming out were positive and encouraging from both people I did and did not know. But, in any publicly shared announcement (especially on reality TV) there were a few haters who accused me of faking my fluidity for attention or to forward my career. Based on what merit, I am not sure. My sexuality and my life are my stories to tell at the end of the day. I don’t want to fit into any mold other than the one I create for myself in my life. Am I attracted to all genders in different ways? Absolutely. How will that manifest and play out in my life? I’m not sure. All I know is that I am truly my own individual person and any mold or plan I had for myself growing up is no longer the case. David’s statement on sexuality, his kissing scenes on television, his shirtless billboards, and booty-centric posts on social media are very different from the baseball star image from the past. How has his conservative family dealt with his evolution? I’m not gonna lie, my family has disagreed with many decisions in my life post-baseball career. If my parents had it their way, I would still be living with them at home working as an accountant or some other “safe” 9-5 desk job

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

and following in their footsteps. With a lot of my decisions and areas in my life, my family does not agree with me 100%, but they support me as their son whether they understand it or not. Though reality TV gave him the avenue to express himself and his story publicly and gain a global fan base, he is shedding his reality TV persona to focus on his fitness training and modeling career. To his followers on social media, he has always been very open and candid about his personal fitness struggles. He shares his weight gains and losses, fatigue, and plateaus equally, highlighting the perseverance and commitment that are needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. What his fans and fitness clients love is his absolute candor when it comes to being grumpy from eating salads or getting ready for a 5:30am workout. He is the reality of life beyond reality TV. As part of the LGBTQ community, I’ve personally felt more comfortable in my own skin now more than ever. Of course, being recently single has sparked me to step my game up but being publicly fluid has helped me set less hardcore expectations for myself and love myself no matter what. He has been a source of inspiration for those of us who have gained some unwanted pounds during COVID.You don’t need to be a fitness star; you just have to try making small adjustments. My best advice is to make small sustainable changes in your life. Take more steps throughout the day. Drink

two more cups of water. Eat half of that big dinner plate. My advice to both my regular clients and anyone else is the same. If you care about something or want something, make small changes that are comfortable and applicable in your day-to-day life. Personally, I lost 25 pounds in the last two months due to primarily portion control and making sure I walked 10,000 steps every single day. From Paradise Hotel to the Ex on the Beach, has he finally found true love? At this point in time, I just got out of a year-long relationship and am really trying to focus on recovering from that mentally and emotionally because I don’t have the resources to add anyone to my life at the moment. Additionally, I’ve never felt as motivated in my line of work as I do now and am wholeheartedly pursuing that. The word “pride” has certainly come to mean very different things to David over the years. This year, he is able to join the community’s Pride season with a confident idea of his place in it, ready for whatever the future brings. His Pride message this year? Be yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you how to live, who to live, or who you are. Screw labels, boundaries, and expectations. Be yourself and let your light shine differently than anyone else’s. ■ You can follow David on IG: @theRealDBart_

IAN SHARING HIS LIGHT:

PAGET (@IANPAGET_) OFFICIAL TIKTOK

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ IAN PAGET JOINED TIKTOK A LITTLE OVER TWO YEARS AGO, AND ALREADY HE’S BEEN NAMED PEOPLE MAGAZINE’S SEXIEST GUY ON TIKTOK, WAS A DEBUT NOMINEE FOR GLAAD’S TIKTOK QUEER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AND HAS AMASSED OVER 2.5 MILLION FOLLOWERS ON TIKTOK. With a wide variety of content ranging from dances, bloopers, intimate chats about his life, and sponsored posts, to the occasional thirst trap, at the heart of everything he does is his commitment to authenticity. His very public relationship that helped solidify his place in the social media world eventually become a very public breakup. Instead of shying away from the reality beyond the lens, he used the experience to get real and bring some sincerity to the TikTok world. In honor of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month, he took to the press and opened up about the mental health struggles that have started to affect social media personalities. He talked very candidly about how we, as a society, can be better and help those going through strife without overstepping boundaries. Breaking through the smoke and mirrors of TikTok, he is sharing the real Ian, and fans from the LGBTQ community and beyond are stanning.

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I AM THE SAME ZANY GUY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA AS I AM AROUND MY FRIENDS.”

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An entertainer from his youth, being a content creator is just one of the hats he wears. His true passion for music and acting has taken him from Broadway to film and television. His colorful career was born out of a colorful childhood. Born in England, he was raised by a Honduran mother, went to French grade school, and was given career insight and motivation by his father, who knew a bit about the business. How could he not be a performer? I owe it to my parents for sure. I have been lucky enough to have the life experiences I’ve had. Being exposed to so many diverse cultures since I was a baby was HUGE for my self-esteem and is a big part of who I am. I love that I grew up in a house where three languages were spoken. French with my sister and Spanish with Mum and of course English with my dad. Both my parents sacrificed a lot to help me achieve my goals - from sending us to a lycee in London, to finding dance classes, swimming lessons, you name it. My parents knew that exposing us to those activities would only enrich our childhood. Also, my mom taught me so much about loving the people around me and accepting yourself, flaws, and all. That’s my disposition in life - lifting those around me. Watching people win at life brings me the most joy. Studying his craft at an early age gave him the tools he carries to this day, whether on stage, filming a scene, or creating a TikTok. Nothing happens overnight, nobody just becomes a viral sensation. There’s hard work at the foundation of every one of Ian’s successes. I learned about discipline in the arts. I learned the importance of studying your craft and working every day towards mastering that craft and making your dreams a reality. At the age of 12, his family moved to Miami, where he was accepted into the New World School of the Arts’ acting program. After that, New York was calling where he attended Marymount Manhattan College to further his acting studies. Immediately after graduating, he was cast in the first of three Broadway shows. He has performed in Leap of Faith, Soul Doctor, and Mamma Mia, with Mamma Mia marking his Broadway debut.

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Opening night was a flurry with his parents and an early acting coach in the audience. What has he learned? I learned how to manage the eight-show per week schedule, which is NO JOKE. Working in theater is so rewarding and comes with discipline. Keeping in shape and being on that schedule is athlete status. I don’t think people realize how much of your day starts before you even show up to the theater. I also learned the hard work it takes to really lean into a role and give it your all for an audience to enjoy themselves and hopefully have an experience to remember. Keeping in shape and being on that [theatre] schedule is athlete status. With his current success as an influencer, would he ever go back to Broadway? I do miss it. I mean there is NOTHING like performing in front of a live audience. I’ve been wanting to do a version of the play COCK by Mike Bartlett, so that would be a dream show to bring me back. He has made appearances on Saturday Night Live, One Life to Live, Dancing with the Stars, Mozart in the Jungle, Lip Sync Battle, the Rock of Ages film, and more. As a professionally trained singer, dancer, and actor with years of doing the work, what is his take on the current trend of casting influencers in on-screen roles? The subject has become a hot topic with pushback from the trained acting world. I love it. I’ve been lucky enough to watch some of my friends around me break through and showcase their talents in a way that may have not happened prior to social media. The opportunities it is creating for us are unique, particularly in the LGBTQ community. There is something very beautiful about seeing someone you know or follow absolutely killing it and shining. Is Ian afraid of now being stereotyped by casting directors because of his TikTok fame? With a list of professional credits, is he now seen as the TikTok guy? I don’t think so. At one point, I was concerned I might be typecast for certain roles based on my previous work or being ‘Ian from TikTok’ but we live

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in a multi-hyphenate world these days, and if anything, it just means more eyes are on me, which is good. So, I continue to take classes, practice my passions, and audition for roles I think will challenge me. As an actor, Ian has understood the dichotomy that exists between presenting a performer “front”to an audience that may be in contradiction of what is going on in his personal life. Ian’s consummate experience has given him that insight whereas novice influencers struggle with losing their identity or health for their audience. There is a component of being ‘on’ because at the end of the day being an influencer (or content creator) is a job. But for me personally, I am the same zany guy in front of the camera as I am around my friends. That is what makes it fun for me … I am being my genuine self and the fact that people enjoy and connect to that is very special. The world is opening up about mental health. Whereas previous generations brushed dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental illness under the carpet, there is a new energy in society and in the media where it is ok to talk about mental health issues, it is ok to share your stories and struggles, it is okay to ask for help. With suicides on the rise from the isolation of COVID, within our LGBTQ community, and in the influencer community, mental health must now be dealt with. Does Ian think social media and the sharing of stories and content have helped spread mental health awareness? A little bit yes and also a little bit no. Social media for sure gives everyone a voice and a POV to talk about and share anything they desire. The more we normalize talking about our mental health and that it is a part of everyone’s daily life, the better it is for people to know they are not alone. There is a support network there. Especially in our community when so many of us in our formative teenage years struggled with accepting ourselves, you never know what sharing your story could mean for someone else. On the flip side, there is an element of social media that is about curating the best image of yourself and showcasing all your highlights. While that is awesome, being open and genuine is what can make the platforms a more authentic experience - to have conversations, learn, grow, and be inspired. And laugh at cute babies and puppies. METROSOURCE.COM

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It was only a matter of a couple of months into his relationship before Ian started making TikToks with his then-boyfriend. Even in the non-influencer world, there is that anxiety and awkward questioning on when it is appropriate to add your significant other to your socials. Wasn’t Ian trepidatious? When we blew up, it was all an accident and was me just being dumb and having fun. But like anything, when it turns into your “job,” it becomes “work.” That was something I hadn’t anticipated affecting me as much as it did. There were certainly conversations about how much and what we share, but ultimately it came down to living in the moment and doing what felt right at the time. Even if I didn’t feel like it, we made content because it was fun and rewarding. What other people think of me, or my relationship isn’t any of my business, and letting go of that care factor has been the most rewarding.

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Fans were devasted when the couple broke up. Not being able to work through the breakup in private, Ian and his ex felt they owed it to their fans to address it the same way they started - in front of their fans. Our relationship had become public, and for us to continue being authentic and true to ourselves we needed to be open and honest. I personally took away from it the support people gave us and the care they showed for us both. Breakups are a part of life, possibly one of the worst parts, but it’s a reality we need to deal with and not feel ashamed of. One of the first times Ian realized his videos were going viral was during a visit to Nantucket Island where a sales associate ran out of the Vineyard Vines to ask for a photo. His first fan run-in! And even as an experienced entertainer and self-marketer, there was no clear path to follow to be a TikTok star. Any advice? Cut to a few years ago and I never would have thought I’d be where I am now. My

first ‘viral video’ was me rambling about hydrangeas – groundbreaking, I know. While there is an algorithm and it exists to keep people seeing content that they may be more interested in, there is also a huge element of luck/chance. Why does a short video about hydrangeas and focusing on your blooming get millions of views but then a video I put a lot of effort into for work purposes sometimes not? To me, it is the relatable content that draws me in and are my most successful videos. Understanding that other people out there may think the same (or differently) about something creates connections and invites a unique perspective. In terms of making it a job and making money, absolutely anyone can do it. Whether it is more affiliate marketing or building an audience to then work with brands you love, my advice would be to find your niche and lean into it.

I was saying to a new friend recently that I want to shift to making more content of my life and what I enjoy, like when I’m on vacation or even just at home cooking - not just sponsored content. It comes in waves though and I find that while I want to share more of that, I also like to live in the moment and put my phone away. Striking that balance is one of my goals for this year and I’m looking forward to making some great memories and hopefully being able to share them in a way that doesn’t feel like a chore. Any follower of Ian’s also knows he is a foodie. Balancing his love of food with being in front of the camera also has its challenges. As an actor, it’s not unusual to be hyperaware of looks and body, but then add being gay on top of that, then add being at the mercy of keyboard warriors on social media, how does Ian deal with it?

I’d be lying if I said I’ve never dealt with body image issues. I think we all have and can relate to having those days where you feel great about yourself and others where you don’t. Particularly in the gay community the emphasis on body image can be intense and I’m by no means able to shut it all out and pretend I don’t care. What I’ve learned in the more recent years, especially during the pandemic, is to focus on being fit and healthy - less on the way I look and more on the way I feel. Next up, Ian will be seen in Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt, executive produced, and first episode directed by Kerry Washington. With the allure of Broadway, his continued growth on TikTok, and with his ultimate passion for acting, how does he know what to focus on? I balance where I put my energy. I’m in acting class every week, I’m

making videos when I feel inspired, and I’m auditioning for film and TV all the while surrounding myself with an amazing group of friends. I’m honestly living my dream. Is it Ian’s cute dance moves that make him popular on TikTok? Is it his random thoughts to the camera that grow his viewers? Is it his shirtless videos that cause a sensation? Is it his candid moments where he is present and sharing the good and bad from his life? It’s probably a bit of everything … but at its core, its authentically Ian. His Pride message this season? Honestly … Do good, be good, and have fun! And to all my LGBTQ+ youths: Contribute to the world. Make the weird art. Share your light because the world needs it. ■

You can follow Ian on IG: @IanPaget METROSOURCE.COM

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THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY STEVEN SIMIONE

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MONÉT X CHANGE MAY HAVE BEEN VOTED MISS CONGENIALITY FOR RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 10, but gentility and manners aside, she has plenty to say and is taking it on the road with drag sister Bob the Drag Queen for their Sibling Rivalry tour. Be afraid. Be very afraid. BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

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world of opera, training at Westminster Choir College, and performing roles in The Magic Flute and La Boheme. The world of opera did not just help her gain a voice but would help in her coming out and ultimately lead to the world of drag. Opera was like my gateway to coming out because opera was so dramatic. I would use that opportunity to bring wigs and corsets and heels home. And to my mom, it was part of a production and I used that as a way of coming out. And once an opera girl, always an opera girl. She’s not done. I didn’t really leave opera. I just took a break. Honey, she’s coming back to opera. After college rehearsing, I would practice for hours and hours a day by myself in a room and it was a lot. Drag allowed me to be a little more with people and presented more

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF MONÉT X CHANGE

Quickly becoming a fan favorite for her lewks, quick wit, and kitchen sponge couture, she has returned to the Drag Race universe for All Stars, guest lip sync assassinations, and tours, and has expanded her brand as an entertainer to not only include drag and reality TV, but consummate podcaster and recording artist. Her bigger-than-life personality and cutting, dry humor started at an early age. I was very talkative. I was always in trouble for talking. I was definitely the class clown. I would always get in trouble and would always call my house. My mom’s dying wish (well, she is still alive) was for me to stop talking in class and for the teacher would stop calling her at home. Born a Brooklyn girl, she was raised in Saint Lucia, later moving to the Bronx and literally finding her voice (she’s a bass!) in the

opportunities at the time. But I love operas, was my first musical love and I’ve never left. Just took a little nap. The first exposure Monét had to drag was when Drag Race alum Peppermint came to host an event at Monét’s school called The Student Drag Ball, a moment memorialized in a photo shared with a story during Monét’s one-person show. With the pageantry and on-stage skills learned through opera, Monét would make her drag debut. Did she nail it? No, no, no. I mean, no. I mean, yes, yes, no. My first drag performance was at Saliva Tuesdays at the Ritz and in New York City where it’s very customary to do mixes. So, I did a mix of Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls)” into Ella Fitzgerald’s “Stormy Weather” into some other song. It made absolutely no sense. I looked crazy, but I had a really good time doing it and I knew I wanted to do more. I am very grateful for New York City, for learning to do drag there. I was able to see lots of great drag queens like Peppermint, Candis Cayne, Bianca Del Rio, and really see what they did and saw how they were able to win over a room of drunk, homosexuals with their charm, wit, and personality. And I think I have learned to do that in my career as well. Monét would go on to win her first drag pageant at the sixth annual Gay Caribbean USA Pageant in 2014, representing Saint Lucia. It would still take a few years and a few audition tapes to get to Drag Race. I actually auditioned five times before I got on the show. My first time was for Season 6, and it was terrible. I maybe had two wigs and I was living in Portland at the time. But to trick them into thinking I had all this drag, I borrowed a lot from a friend who was in the Portland Opera with me. I borrowed her costumes and wigs and pretended like they were mine. So, my first tape was really bad. Season 7 was a little better and Season 8 was even better. I really thought I was going to get on Season 9. But then Season 10, was the crème de la crème. Filming her debut season of Drag Race was a learning experience. Fans instantly connected to her energy and even in the guise of her alter ego, she maintains a genuine level of

I’M NOT SOMEONE WHO GETS IN DRAG AND BECOMES A CHARACTER. I AM PRETTY MUCH THE SAME IN AND OUT OF DRAG.”

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the show hitting the circuit this September. People are thinking it’s going to be Bob and me coming on stage and just sitting down doing a podcast. No, it is like a full, full show. We have dancers. We have choreography. Bob might do a back flip. I might bring the splits out again. I’ve not done them since the pandemic, but I might be putting some splits back in my repertoire. So, we are going to give them a full show and podcast. It’s going to be crazy. Does Monét get into shenanigans on the road? I’m very well behaved. You never see anything about me because I haven’t done anything. And what does Monét think she and Bob have taught each other through their friendship? I’ve taught him beauty. Well, he’s still learning. [Laughs] I think I’ve taught Bob a little humility. Bob can be a bit of a showboat, but he has seen someone like myself who can do something well, but not have to put it in everyone’s face. And from Bob, I have learned how to perform. Honestly, I would go to see Bob pretty much every Monday night at his gig at Barracuda, and I learned a lot about how to entertain from him. With the high exposure of Drag Race and our current attack on the drag world from national conservatives, does she think queens need to use their voice for activism? I believe no one has to be an activist. If that’s your calling and you want to do that, sure. If your calling is to be an activist, you have a lot to say, then go ahead, go for it. But I think sometimes social media people feel pressure to be activists and they have to speak out or else. No. Not everyone is good at that, and that’s okay. Like if that’s your thing, you want to do it. Sure. But you don’t have to be. There is no doubt that Monét has taken the spotlight since that first performance at The Ritz. She has successfully established her brand outside of the Drag Race world and now with the success of the podcast, is she worried about saying too much with cancel culture continually standing by? I mean I speak honestly and sometimes I even apologize afterward if I feel I’ve said something wrong. But I don’t believe in censoring myself in order to spare feelings. Everyone has a politically incorrect thought come into their head and not everything deserves to be on Twitter. But I don’t ever censor myself from speaking out publicly about something because I’m afraid of the backlash. Along those lines, she has something to say about the backlash the drag community has received for reading to kids in libraries. We don’t like kids. I don’t like children. We

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sincerity and truthfulness in everything she does. She is not playing a role, she just IS Monét. I learned that Kevin aka Monét has a lot to offer the world. And there is no reason to try to go on TV to be someone else that you’re not. The reason you’re cast is because you’re you, that’s what they want to see. So, my first season I felt that from day one. And every time I have gone on, I felt the same way. It has always led to a good result. I’m not someone who puts on a drag persona. I’m not someone who gets in drag and becomes a character. I am pretty much the same in and out of drag. There are still differences, but for the most part, the same person. Since Drag Race she has traveled the world with her one-person show, released music that demands repeating, appeared in music videos for Madonna and Todrick Hall, taken part in numerous web series, and crossed into mainstream media for shows like CBS This Morning, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Bachelorette, and even The View. I love The View. It’s my favorite show. I watch it at least three or four times a week. (Being on it) was great. Whoopi was amazing, Sarah and Sunny were amazing. Every time I’ve gone though, I’ve missed Joy. I’ve never met Joy in real life. I’m kind of upset about that. Joy is avoiding me. In 2018, Monét joined forces with Bob the Drag Queen for the podcast Sibling Rivalry. With their candid opinions about everything, infectious humor, and ability to read each other for filth in a loving way, the podcast has become a hit. Often asked if they are indeed related, they have become family. Bonding over the inability to style wigs and through conversations amid the many miles driven when one of them actually owned a car in New York City, their friendship goes beyond the Drag Race world and into real life. They may drop in on each other unannounced, borrow gowns and even a Roomba that may never be returned, or offer each other sisterly life advice. This has become a winning match for their audiences. I think my personality and Bob’s mesh very well. Where he’s weak, I’m strong, and vice versa. I think there’s a really good level of honesty in our friendship, which helps it grow and not to allow things to fester. Bob and I overshare, we overshare on this podcast too much. [Laughs] The good, bad, and the ugly. I think people like to listen to that. They like to hear people putting their real lives out there. I think that’s why reality TV is so successful. So, when you can just stick it in your car, instead of watching The Kardashians, you can listen to Monét talk about her first hookup after Drag Race, which gave her chlamydia in Belfast. Like, bitch, you are tuning in! The nation may not be ready for their live version of

EVERYONE HAS A POLITICALLY INCORRECT THOUGHT COME INTO THEIR HEAD. I DON’T EVER CENSOR MYSELF.”

don’t want to be by them. Okay. So why the uproar? So, we will read to them, sure, we will be nice to them, but I don’t want no kids. I don’t want to be by no kids! [Laughs] Drag is now a mainstream topic. It is now being talked about as a political issue. There are more and more iterations of Drag Race coming out every season. Straight people are now doing drag. Is drag becoming too commercial? I don’t think drag is at risk of becoming too commercial. I think is a booming industry and there is nothing else like it. You’re going to see a lot of people coming into it and trying to figure out other, different spaces in drag. But I feel the quote, unquote mainstream of drag was bound to happen at some point, but you still have the die-hards who would be doing it still in the darkest part of the club. And that’s the beauty of drag, in my opinion. With the growing success of Drag Race also comes growing egos and hyper drama from some of the cast members. There seems to be an increased number of social media feuds commenting on each other’s abilities or lewks. Fans have gotten wrapped up in the Twitter drama and glitter-laden feuds. Monét’s take? I don’t think it’s drag specific. I think it’s in any industry. But when you do these competition shows, there are lots of egos involved, especially in drag. There are many things for people to pick apart - your face, your fashions - and sometimes a little comment will hit the wrong person the wrong way, and they got to let you know, you know? But it’s all humans, not just drag queens. When asked about what she would be doing if she hadn’t followed a career in entertainment, she was actually speechless. There is nothing else. Entertainment is her blood, music is her soul, and drag is her art. You can meet Monét on the road for Sibling Rivalry, listen to the podcast (they insist on recording according to schedule rain or shine), or catch her pop-ins to the Drag Race world. Beyond the witty comebacks, her message to her fans is sincere. My message to my fans is peace and love. I know that sounds really corny, but with everything going on, peace and love, but radicalized. Let these bitches know - Tweet about it, post about it - let people know and let your voice be heard. Let them know that this mess is not okay. Period. ■

You can follow Monét on IG: @MonetXChange Check out Sibling Rivalry at www.siblingrivalrypodcast.com METROSOURCE.COM

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HEALTH BODY

FIND YOUR APPY PLACE SIX APPS AND BOOKS FOR WELLNESS BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

CALM www.calm.com $69.99/annually or $399.99 for life Calm, the leading mental wellness brand, is known as the top app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation. The app offers hundreds of hours of original audio content including sleep stories, soundscapes, meditations, music, and more. The app recently hosted the “Calmest Day of Pride’’ on June 15 providing the LGBTQIA+ community with an alter-

WE’RE GIVING YOU A PEEK INTO MEDITATION APPS, DIGITAL HEALTH

native way to celebrate Pride. Lower your stress level by kickstarting

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your morning with meditations and anxiety boosters like their Morn-

YEAR’S WELLNESS ROUNDUP. With the ongoing pandemic, threat of

ing Coffee playlist, Mindful Walking meditation, Daily Jay wisdom by

monkeypox and meningitis outbreaks, mass shootings and ominous politicians attempting to take away our rights, it’s important to take a holistic approach and find time for self-care. Rather than just looking at books we took a closer look at popular apps like Calm, Headspace, Noom and HealthTap and two great coffee table books to change your outlook and mindset in these complicated times. Relax, take a deep breath, and arm yourselves with resources that will send you off on a balanced note the rest of the summer.

Jay Shetty, or shake things up with the Daily Move by Mel Mah. Each audio track is relatively short and manageable so you can “choose your own adventure” with the many offerings of this extraordinary app. Don’t just start your day with Calm. The New York Times recently referred to Calm as “The App That Tucks Me In at Night.” Popular sleep stories include Tom Hiddleston reading Winnie The Pooh, Harry Styles’ “Dream With Me”, and Matthew McConaughey’s “Wonder.”With over 100 million downloads and a 4.8-star rating from the Apple App Store Calm is definitely here to stay.

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CRYSTALS By Sadie Kadlec Published by DK www.dk.com $30 Interested in crystals but don’t know where to begin? Kadlec’s remarkable book, which doubles as our favorite new coffee table book, is a lavishly illustrated encyclopedia of over 200 crystals. In addition to the formal directory which provides clear information regarding how to use them and what they can add to your life, Crystals provides details regarding how to choose and care for your crystals. Beyonce might charge her crystals in a full moon, but Kadlec offers a variety of additional ways that might serve you and your unique collection. Kadlec, a spiritual muse and mentor, founded Mineral Muse, a crystalcentric empowering offering “as a way to encourage people to cultivate a more sincere relationship with the earth and themselves.” Interested in learning more? Book a session with the author virtually or in person in NYC. Offerings include Mind Alchemy, Mineral Alchemy, and Reiki. In her foreword, the author says, “Each of us has our own unique connection to the energies that surround us, and crystals are one of those many energetic forces that we gravitate toward for support, inspiration, and connection. What we may feel, or come to understand, through our relationship with the crystals will always be filtered through our experiences, so it only represents a slice of awareness.” Some unique crystals we discovered through the book include fuchsite, orange selenite, cuprite, shattuckite, rainbow moonstone, blue tiger’s eye, and pegmatite. What’s in your creativity grid? Pick up the book to discover more.

HEADSPACE www.headspace.com $69.99 annual You might have caught John Legend’s sexy Headspace ad during the 2022 Super Bowl in which he states, “I’m Going to Let You Sleep With Me,” which announced the new Headspace Sleepcast, narrated by Legend. Headspace was created with one mission in mind: to improve the health and happiness of the world. Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. Over 70 million members tune in for high quality meditations by gurus like Andy Puddicombe, Dora Kamau, Eve Lewis, Kessonga Giscombe, and Samantha Snowden. Headspace is part of Headspace Health, the world’s most accessible, comprehensive provider of mental health and well-being care. Headspace Health also consists of Headspace for Work and Ginger, who partner with over 2,500 companies and health plans to provide access to meditation, mindfulness, coaching, therapy, and psychiatry to their members and employees. Are you a chronic worrier? Learn how to move forward with less stress in their 10-day meditation course. Try Headspace for two weeks, then it’s $69.99 annually. As John Legend notes in his commercial,“Sweet dreams, lovers.”

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HEALTHTAP www.healthtap.com $45 every 3 months HealthTap believes everyone deserves easy, affordable primary care. This app is designed to connect people with medical professionals for online doctor visits, with or without insurance. Noted as one of the leading mobile programs, HealthTap offers both primary care and 24/7 urgent care with board-certified telemedicine doctors. Online doctors in their medical group are U.S.-based and ready to meet and address your needs. Membership, at just $0.49/day includes your personal doctor backed by a whole network of care. Members can choose their own doctor and schedule an appointment for just $39 (or copay) per visit or $59 (or copay) for a more urgent visit within minutes. “Not only is primary care a key to improving public health, but it also represents a significant business opportunity for HealthTap,” said Sean Mehra, HealthTap co-founder and chief executive officer. “With more than 82 million Americans lacking a primary care doctor, we have a very large population in need of our robust telemedicine service.”As a bonus, subscribers can also text with their primary care doctor at any

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time for no additional charge.

HOW TO DO HARD THINGS: Actual Real-life Advice on Friends, Love, Career, Well-being, Mindset, and More By Veronica Dearly Published by DK www.dk.com $16.99 Illustrator Veronica Dearly combines her insight, humor, and creativity in this adorable visual journey into the parts of life that leave us lost for words. With a nod to the Wheel of Life coaching tool, Dearly digs into fitness, career, love, spirituality, family, money, fun, friends, and even preparing for change. In her book she notes,“Life is hard. It’s also pretty magical, it’s full of ups, downs, loop-the-loops, and then, like a roller coaster, it’s suddenly over and you have to get off. And that’s life. What a ride.” The book is, at times, laugh out loud funny, gripping, emotional, and poignant. I found it chock full of inspiration and helpful reminders. Just when things get real there is an adorable illustration like a cute worm saying, “Oh Crap.” Feel free to sharpen your #2 pencil because there are worksheets, tables, scales, and places to reflect and take notes. It’s so rare to find a book so full of wisdom that you can actively engage with. It’s a great gift for that friend who might be stuck, going through something difficult, or just in need of a little inspiration. Pick up a copy for yourself and someone you love.

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A BOUTIQUE MUSIC FESTIVAL LOCATED ON SACRED CALIFORNIA GROUND REVEALS THAT AT THE HEART OF EVERY HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS AN OPEN-MINDED COMMUNITY THAT ACCEPTS OTHERS 32

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BY MEGAN VENZIN THERE IS SOMETHING HEALING ABOUT THE DESERT. THE UNFILTERED SUNSHINE, THE DRY HEAT AND THE OTHERWORLDLY TERRAIN, ALL HAVE A WAY OF RESETTING THE MIND AND SOOTHING THE SOUL.

Perhaps that is why a small community of open-minded nomads have set up shop around Jacumba Hot Springs, California – home of Temple Peak, a sacred landmark for the local Kumayaay Indians, who have long marveled at its ancient story-telling petroglyphs and enigmatic beauty. At its base, trailers and RVs fill in the wide-open spaces surrounding DeAnza Springs Resort, a destination where those who prefer a naturalistic lifestyle go to get away for a weekend, or often stay a while. “Take off your clothes, girl!” one woman calls to us from the retreat’s modest pool deck before letting out a hearty laugh. Admittedly we are dressed head-to-toe, on a fierce hunt for a spot with reliable Wi-Fi, and therefore aren’t quite “proper” for the occasion. We are in town for a three-day music and wellness event, which is set to take place on these unique grounds, which for the other 362 days a year serve as a nude haven for those who prefer to bare all.

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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

The friendly heckler introduces herself as Deborah. She’s here for a few days with some friends, but at the moment, she’s solo and soaking wet, smoking a freshly lit cigarette and minding the instructions of a nearby sign that reads “Clothing Free Zone” in big bold letters. The beads of water that run down her naked body are quite literally the only thing she’s wearing at present. She seems happy. “You know, my uncle was a nudist and he lived until he was 93,” she shares unprovoked. “It’s something about the lifestyle. You just feel free. There is less stress. That’s gotta be good for you.”We chat a bit longer about the nearby boulder formation that presides over the community, like a powerful presence that has watched the world change around it for centuries upon centuries.“It’s a very spiritual place,” she adds. Deborah isn’t here for the festival like the 1,000 or so other attendees who’ve set up camp nearby for a weekend filled with DJ sets, organic eats and wellness workshops, but she shares the same brand of open-mind. (She may have wandered over at some point or another though, and if she did, we’re certain she had a good time.) The celebration is called Love Machine, and it launched in 2021 just as the world was waking up from COVID-imposed lockdowns. In November of last year, it served as a place for artists, music lovers and health-focused adventurers to reconnect in a place where the rules are sparse, and the vibes are high. “It’s intimate, so you get to know everyone here – and let me tell you the love spreads fast,” says Nick Trikakis, a house music producer who also heads up the media team for the boutique festival. He’s not wrong, within our first day of wandering between the two stages we’ve repeatedly encountered the same familiar faces with whom we’ll share our three-day journey. There’s the couple who outfitted their couch into a motorized vehicle, the tie-dye donning jokester with wristbands covering his right arm, signaling the long string of parties that preceded this one, the independent resin artist whose creations sparkle in the sun, and the impeccably dressed massage therapists who rain biodegradable glitter everywhere they walk. Add them to the former Wall Street traders, the Hollywood production assistants, the tech kids, and the traveling street food chefs, and you’ve got a good glimpse of exactly who trekked it almost as far as Tijuana for good times. METROSOURCE.COM

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Daylight hours are for kicking back, either by the Oasis Stage which has its own splashy aquatic viewing platform (a must for those 88 degree days), or up at the Hilltop Sanctuary where Insta-famous yogis and wellness thought leaders teach courses with titles like Intro to Tantric Expansion and Therapeutic Flying Flow, a class that pulls from a type of acro-yoga lineage in which partners work together to take flight and build shapes reminiscent of those seen on stage during Cirque du Soleil performances. The endless views alone lend a breathtaking experience but incorporate a little breath and movement and the results are simply transcendental. Among the most transformative offerings is the pranayama sound bath, led by accomplished circus performer, musician, yogi, aerialist, fire performer, and sound healer, John Beck. “Most people turn to sound baths with a goal in mind: to relieve stress or reach clarity on an issue that’s constantly bothering them,” Love Machine Founder, Ryan Spalding tells us ahead of our visit with Beck.“That said, you will get the most out of a sound bath when you can identify a clear intention as your goal for this type of sonic therapy. By creating this awareness, you will allow yourself to drop in deeper to the session.” As such, we arrive filled with determination. Beck’s presence is warm and lifted, but we soon learn, this grounded nature comes from years of pain. He chronicles his story on Saturday afternoon as students gather beneath a colorful canopy for a powerful breathwork session. Beck details a complicated childhood defined by family rifts and substance abuse. When ties with his biological relatives became severed, he was taken in by two men who treated him like their own son. “The love these two had for each other was so pure, and so real, it was unlike anything I’d ever experienced,” he shares with an air of reverence in his voice. Their unadulterated compassion and radical acceptance led him toward a livelihood where he too could help others. During this exposition of sorts, he introduces an activity that invites us to drop any defenses we may have had before walking up the mountainside. One by one, souls find themselves in another’s arms, where we align our hearts and exchange our energies. With each partner, we take three long, deep synchronized breaths, feeling their backs rise slowly beneath our hands. After a few goes, any sense of awkwardness has subsided, leaving us feeling fully AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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relaxed and utterly connected. And that’s probably for the best, because what comes next is intense. “You’re going to want to lay on your back for this,” Beck instructs the group, shortly after revealing that this type of breath work helps him access a euphoric state that goes beyond what he found in the drugs that strained his relationship with himself and those around him. He alludes to some of the more visible benefits while he’s at it.“Look at me. I’m 53 years old. This stuff WORKS,” he says, letting out a huge chuckle. It’s hard to know if what he’s saying is true, but he’s convinced us that the claim is genuine (this guy doesn’t look a day past his 30s). The next 15 minutes are like a roller coaster — and we can’t say that our guru didn’t warn us.“If you need to laugh, laugh,” he offers. “If you need to cry, cry. Do what you’ve got to do.”Okay, well, here goes. The music of Tibetan quartz singing bowls, Nepalese gongs, wind chimes and bells begin to cut through the air, adding a new layer of potency to the mind-opening exercise. Soon, we’re caught in a flurry of rapid inhalations and exhalations. We eventually hit a rhythm that manifests itself physically in the form of tingling hands and feet, and at one point our hands involuntarily assume the shape of the lotus mudra. With eyes closed we

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pause to reset our breath, and that’s when we feel a sturdy hand on our shoulder followed by the words, “You doing okay?” A comforting squeeze from Beck gets us back in the groove and sure enough a few tears squeeze out from the corners of our eyes. You know what? It feet great! On our way to a similar hilltop jaunt we meet Resy Clement, a DJ and producer known to many as REsy. Earlier in the day she unleashed a soulful set tinted with tribal drums and upbeat house selections. Now she’s playing the role of attendee herself.

“Sick lineup, all natural foods, juices and elixirs, incredible landscape? Yes! My kind of fest,” she says with a smile, revealing the many reasons she was excited to perform at Love Machine for the first time. She hits on some of the more cathartic aspects too. “Communing through music, dancing and other intentional body movement fosters freedom and creativity,” she adds. Currently on her own plastic and alcohol-free journey, REsy embodies so much of what’s to love about this group. “Fellowship is very important to the soul,” she continues. “I believe in

laughter and connecting with my community as medicine.”Her positive attitude makes us all the more amped for our evening. After the daytime activities break, it’s time to gear up for the main party. When the moon rises, the stony venue transforms into an allnight dance party, complete with festival level production and lighting designed to dance across the textured rocks in ways that illuminate how mystical our backdrop truly is. This touch adds dramatic dimension to extended sets from acts like West Coast house legend Doc Martin and Innervision label boss, Âme. The sounds are rich and progressive, and despite the fact that temperatures drop some 30 degrees after the sun goes down, we manage to keep cozy with the help of fellow dancers and a whole lot of faux fur, which apparently is the unspoken after hours dress code of this far-out event (quite opposite from some of the more“natural” looks that define sunnier afternoons). Synths and heavy bass provide a different type of sound bath that is life-giving all the same. And we did we mention, it slaps? The vibe shift after nightfall is palpable, but the rejuvenating qualities of the event remain constant. The cogs that run this Love Machine are the people - the artists and the wellness experts, sure - but also the forward-thinking community of Jacumba Hot Springs who so generously share their slice of heaven with the music lovers who come to dance themselves clean under a star-scattered sky. When playa hero David Homme unleashes his signature Bubbles and Bass sunrise set early Monday morning the feeling of comradery is strong. Revelers tip back bottles of Champagne and take their final victory lap, sharing hugs with new friends they have met that weekend – with the spirits that keep this Machine running strong. It makes us think back to our new friend Debra, and her wise uncle, the man who made it to 93 by embodying a lifestyle that erred on the sides of wild and free. We peek around in hopes we might be able to share with her a heartfelt goodbye, but it is cold, and Debra knows better. Even though we are in heat-tech and leggings, we’re sure she’d be proud. After all, the metaphorical drapes are down, our hearts are open, and even after fizzy drinks our minds are clear. So, it is possible to stay young forever – you just have to strip off a few layers. Want to become part of the Love Machine? Visit www.lovemachine.live to learn more about upcoming installments. ■ METROSOURCE.COM

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BEING IN SHOW BUSINESS, EVERYBODY SAYS, AH THAT’S OKAY. EVERYBODY’S A LITTLE BIT GAY.”

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THE LYRICAL LIFE OF

JOHNNY MATHIS BY STEVE GOTTFRIED

“CHANCES ARE,” “IT’S NOT FOR ME TO SAY,” “MISTY,” THREE SONGS THAT ARE IMMORTALIZED IN THE GRAMMY HALL OF FAME, SONGS THAT FORGED AN INDELIBLE IMPRINT ON OUR MUSICAL HERITAGE BY JOHNNY MATHIS. Like other musical icons whose voices are instantly recogniz-

able, Mathis’ songs are notable for his distinctive sound, perfect pitch and sonorous vocals which seem to envelop you in a warm embrace. A national treasure at 86, Mathis exudes the kind of innocent exuberance of a man who seems more focused on gratitude for his many blessings than he is impressed with his own fame and vaunted status as the renowned voice of romance. Instead, he is a man who is deeply appreciative of the opportunities he was afforded from a young age and the people who came before him who paved the way. The son of domestic worker parents, Mathis scored his first recording contract by age 19. His path to stardom seems almost preordained, but this is part of the mystique of a man whose artistry and creative instincts are intertwined in a seemingly effortless way.

During our recent interview, Mathis reflects on his music, his upbringing, how he came to terms with his sexual orientation during an era where it was not socially acceptable, and the things that kept him grounded and healthy in mind, body and spirit. Throughout our interview Johnny talked often and lovingly about his parents, particularly his father. One anecdote which seems almost too poetic to be true is how his father bought an upright piano for $25 when Johnny was a child. When he couldn’t fit it through the front door of their modest

apartment, his father took it apart and reassembled it himself. My father, God bless him, was my best pal. He is the reason I sing. He had seven kids, he and my mom. We used to drive around in the car all over San Francisco after he’d come home from work. We met a lot of different people who were appearing in nightclubs and what have you. And years later, they’d remember me. Oh yeah, I remember you, Johnny. You and your dad came in to see me. Lots of good memories.

While Johnny’s father taught him to sing as a young boy, Johnny explains that his father never sang above a whisper. Which is interesting given Johnny’s often delicate unforced phrasing. One of the more surprising things to come out of our interview was that when Johnny first listened to recordings of himself on a tape recorder, he did not like what he heard. I got a chance to hear myself sing at an early age because we had a little recording device. And I would listen and try to correct myself because I always had sort of a high voice for a male. I thought I sounded like a girl and I hated it. I wanted to sound more like Billy Eckstein or some of these wonderful baritones. But it paid off later on in life. Talk about an understatement. Mathis would go on to record 73 studio albums, 18 of which achieved Gold status, six of which earned Platinum status. He credits his father with having the foresight to encourage him to train with a vocal coach at an early age. Someone who Johnny credits with being responsible for his successful career. METROSOURCE.COM

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My father said we have to find a voice teacher for you. And fortunately, I met this wonderful lady named Connie Cox. She was a wonderful voice teacher and she’s the one that I owe my career to because she took me on. I had no money, so I ran errands for her to pay for my voice lessons. I sat and I listened to her teach her students, which is when I really learned all about the technique of voice production. She taught me to sing in a manner without harming my vocal cords and that was a blessing for me. You’ve had some incredible duet partners over the years. Women whose voices blended seamlessly with your own, people like Deniece Williams, Jane Olivor, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick and Barbra Streisand. If you had to choose one, who would be your favorite? Oh gosh, my girlfriends will kill

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me if I didn’t mention them. I like them all for different reasons. And of course, they themselves are fantastic entertainers and musicians. It’s just fun to be with them and to try different approaches to different songs. I think the one that’s closest to me is Dionne Warwick. Dionne and I have been pals for a thousand years. She lives right down the street from me. But of course, I loved singing with Barbra Streisand. I even sang with Lena Horne. She was the first movie star singer that I knew and listened to. What was it like recording with Barbra Streisand? She was very professional. She told me years and years ago that I was one of the reasons that she was singing. And I was very flattered of course. We became good pals and did a lot of performances together.

She told me years ago that I was one of the reasons that she was singing. And I was very flattered. One quote that has been attributed to Streisand: “There are a number of good singers, a smaller handful of truly great singers, and then there’s Johnny Mathis.” And in a Facebook post from 2015, Streisand wrote:“I saw Johnny Mathis on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 15 years old. He was mesmerizing. Singing a duet with him was a dream come true!” Can you tell me about your process in the recording studio? The songs that you’re so famous for, were you able to record them very quickly, like in one or two takes? Or did they take long to get it just right?

Oh, all of the above. You go in and you try something. I’d say nine times out of ten, it works. Sometimes, people in the hierarchy of the record company will suggest that maybe we could sell a lot of records if you sing this or you sing that. Their suggestions are usually driven by what’s worked in the past. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. But it’s fun to try all that stuff ‘cause you never know. I have one thought in mind when I sing. And it’s all about, is it a good song or not. And many times, I’ve sung songs that they suggested, and I didn’t particularly like the song, but it became a big hit. You just don’t know everything, but you have to have an open mind about it all.

Though Johnny was born in Texas, his family moved to San Francisco when he was four. The move from Texas to San Francisco would prove fortuitous given the cosmopolitan nature of the city with a thriving music scene and a relatively progressive attitude toward homosexuality, at least compared to Texas. I was running around from the time I was 12 or 13 years old with some of my golfing buddies. And we would stop in at these nightclubs and music joints. I had a buddy of mine who was a horn player. His name was Virgil Gonzales. Virgil and I had a little band, and we would sneak into the nightclubs locally and practice in the afternoon when nobody was there. And then occasionally we would hang around and beg them to let us come in and see people like Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, some of the great jazz musicians in the world. I was very fortunate to be brought up in that area. Since you and your father were so close, were you open to him about being gay? Or was

that something that was not discussed. My dad, I saw him and some of his hunting buddies kissing and hugging, so it seemed very natural to me. And so it was like, “yeah, Pop, I do it too.” It’s no big deal. Being in show business, everybody says, ah that’s okay. Everybody’s a little bit gay. So, your father was very open-minded. Absolutely. I understand both of your parents were domestic workers, correct? Yes. Once you started making a great living at a fairly young age, how did it feel to be able to give them the kind of life that they could have only dreamed of? It was the joy of my life. We were raised in a little basement flat and there were seven of us children and we often had relatives that were passing through, and my dad would take them in. They would be sleeping on the floor and what METROSOURCE.COM

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[BARBARA STREISAND] TOLD ME YEARS AGO THAT I WAS ONE OF THE REASONS THAT SHE WAS SINGING. AND I WAS VERY FLATTERED.”

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have you. My dad was one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met. From the time I was a little kid, I learned what it was like to share the opportunities you have that other people don’t. And that was a great learning process for me. Despite having an accepting and loving family, the deeply ingrained societal pressures inhibited Johnny from being able to freely experience relationships with men. For someone whose music is so closely identified with romance, it seems particularly poignant that he himself was unable to fully experience it in his own personal life. In those days, being gay was not commonplace. People didn’t think very highly of it. And so, I was kind of a loner. I couldn’t really associate with people because I knew the way I felt sexually. I was afraid that somebody would find out and I wouldn’t be able to pursue my life as a singer because of that. In those days, you didn’t talk about it and people thought it was strange or weird or crazy or something. But I eventually talked to my dad about it. And he said, everything’s cool, son, don’t worry about it. Go about your life, God loves you. And once I got that into my head, I relaxed and said, okay, maybe I’m a little different than most people. But as long as my dad doesn’t mind, I’m okay. Johnny also talked about how the years he spent living outside the United States played an important role in his outlook and coming to terms with his sexuality. I was fortunate enough to spend a number of years in Europe early on in my career. I lived in England, France and Germany. I learned a lot of things that you can’t know if you don’t travel. I became very understanding about things that people thought were not de rigueur or something of that nature. It was a real godsend. I began to like myself and know the important thing was that I didn’t harm anybody. I made my dad very very proud of me because he’s the reason I sing. And as long as I do just that, go about my business, don’t do any bad things to people, I’m okay. Were there any other closeted celebrities during the era that you came of age that you were on good terms with? Thousands. Girls, boys, all of ‘em. Later on in life, I found out. But you know,

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things change, society changes. Everything’s cool. What was it like? I imagine at that time a lot of these clubs were almost like speakeasies. Did you go to some of those clubs where you were granted a certain degree of anonymity? You name it, I did it. Mathis recalls the positive impact of his travels abroad as his career took off and how liberating it was to see others embracing their sexuality. I cannot tell you what a joy it was at a young age, because I started traveling when I was 18 years old all over the world. I met all these people involved in show business – actors, performers, dancers, singers. They were all absolutely embracing in every respect. I felt comfortable and relaxed and at ease about every aspect of my life because of these people whom I admired. It was a revelation for a young person like myself and I became very relaxed and found out that about half of them felt the same way that I did about their personal life or sexual life. Here I am at this age in my life, still healthy and mentally straight with the God in my life. I’ve been more or less religious all my life and made my association with Jesus and God. I used to go to church and talk to my ministers about being gay and being in the public. And they would remind me that Jesus loves you no matter what. I know you also had a brief struggle with addiction. I had a little run-in with drugs. But after hearing myself while recording, I said, whoa, I can’t do that anymore. It was a process. Fortunately, it didn’t hamper my success or my career. When you start getting successful as a performer, everybody knows every little nuance about you that comes out. And I didn’t want to embarrass my dad. Mathis still performs regularly (38 concerts a year) and is an avid golfer. He also works out with a trainer 5 days a week, starting at 5am. He talked about the relationship between his active lifestyle and his health and his music. I’ve been involved in athletics all my life, just as much as my music. And the two of them went hand in hand. I competed in track and field as a high jumper and a hurdler. I would be remiss not to set the record

straight to compensate for Mathis’ modesty. Not only was he a competitive track and field athlete, but he attended San Francisco State College on an athletic scholarship and was offered the chance to try out for the U.S. Olympic team in 1956. But as fate would have it, he was offered a recording contract with Columbia Records that same year and decided to pursue a career in music. We’re living in such divided times. Music has a way of bringing people together. Has your relationship with your fans evolved over the years? I embrace everybody. I get opportunities to do good things, or to help people in so many ways. And over the years, some of the best things that I’ve ever done were not at all concerned with my music but embracing people who come to me. People who come to my performances and want to meet me and talk to me personally and privately. It’s not only put me at ease about my own way of life but being able to give them some sort of compassion when they come to me – because music is so personal. And I tell you, I’m at a happy place in my life. Johnny also spoke about his friendship with one of America’s pre-eminent composers Cole Porter who was famously gay despite being married to a woman.

One of my favorite people in the world was Cole Porter. He was an invalid most of his life. But he was one of the greatest songwriters of all time. And he was very kind to me at an early age. I think I was about 12 or 13 years old when I met him. He had to be wheeled around in a wheelchair. I went on to record so many of his songs and I felt so blessed to know him on a personal level. Things like that have kept me progressing in life and realizing that I wasn’t the only one who went through all these traumatic things in life. Johnny Mathis’ rendition of “A Time for Us” from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 movie Romeo and Juliet has always been a song I found hauntingly beautiful. The lyrics spoke directly to the forbidden love between two lovers from feuding families. With lyrics like“A time for us, someday there’ll be, when chains are torn by courage, born of a love that’s free,”I was curious to know if, as a gay man, the lyrics held a special meaning for him when he recorded that song. I never equated it to me personally. My singing always encompassed everybody. I didn’t sing for one section of the world or one type of person. I sang for everybody. And that’s what it’s all about as far as music is concerned. Finding what’s universal to all people. That’s what music does. ■ METROSOURCE.COM

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ROB ANDERSON TIKTOK’S FUNNY MAN:

(@HEARTTHROBERT)

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ IN TODAY’S HEIGHTENED POLITICAL AND SOCIAL UNREST, WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE (OR A LOT) OF HUMOR WHEN IT COMES TO SOCIAL MEDIA. Challenging norms and combating stereotypes

through comedy is content creator Rob Anderson’s forte. From marketing positions at Grindr, Uber, and the infatuation to his status as a popular influencer with 2+ million social media followers and growing, he is exploring LGBTQ+ plus issues with sass, sarcasm, style … and skin. He is building bridges with mainstream media and his fan base far exceeds the LGBTQ community - his comedy has been covered by Good Morning America, NPR, and more. His series Gay Science has gone tirelessly viral, covering such hard-hitting topics as gay men’s obsession with iced coffee, why gay men are terrible drivers, and how gay men have problems sitting in chairs properly. His success has partnered him with the Oscars, Kim Petras, and numerous other brands, and his children’s book take on the Fergie NBA National Anthem debacle has made him a best-selling author. But who is the man beyond the lens?

Despite the myriad of interviews with him and extensive coverage focused on his content, his personal life and growing up hasn’t really taken the spotlight. Let’s just say the button pusher you see today was not created overnight. As a kid, he was both the class clown and a drama club groupie, and a definite troublemaker. I wasn’t a rule follower. I was suspended from school a lot and had many detentions. I really was getting in trouble all the time because I was just always pushing the boundaries. They come up with so many dumb rules when you’re a kid and you say to yourself, why do I have to do that? Why? My mom had nine heart attacks when I was a kid. There wasn’t one big aha moment for Rob that would propel him into the entertainment field. He did not follow a guidebook; he was making up it as he went along. Life after high school would lay the foundation for a very convoluted journey to influencer fame.

I know performers and entertainers can understand and relate to being pulled into so many different directions in your head. I love being behind the camera. I love writing. I love singing. I love performing. I love board games. I just love so many different things. So, I went to Chicago after I graduated to get into improv and find my people to help create something funny. That is where I started to get into entertainment. But I’m not connected to entertainment at all, my family is just a standard family from the suburbs. Trying to find my way in was the biggest challenge because if you don’t have the connections, you just have to figure it out. It was during this early time away from home when Rob would also gain the confidence to come out, not to pomp and circumstance, but to a simple phone call. I was 21, living out of the house, and slowly coming out to friends and my

family. My mom is an Italian woman who is just filled with drama, and she is very theatrical and I didn’t want it to be this big thing because, for me, it really wasn’t. I am low key. So, I did not want to tell her in person because I knew that she would want to sit down and like make it a day of drama … I couldn’t do that. I called her on the phone, and I told her I liked boys. She still is not happy about that to this day because she wanted to have that moment, but it wasn’t for her. It was not her moment. It was my moment, and I did not want one. So that is my coming out story. It is really low key. Right after college, Rob got his first industry job. It was, in his words,“a crappy job as a construction journalist.”This would be one of many jobs that Rob would work through, not knowing that social media fame was waiting in the wings. It was 2008 after the subprime mortgage crisis. Jobs were scarce and they were paying $19,000 a year, so that’s what I took after college, which was my first professional job. I actually don’t like to think about it too often - oh, that was a rough spot. I moved to Grindr after that, and I was doing marketing for them and I thought, “oh, this is cool, this feels like a real job.” Through his various marketing jobs, he would add a bit of comedic flair to his projects. While at Uber, he placed fake Skymall magazines in cars on April Fool’s Day. With life often coming full circle, Rob recently served as the narrator for Postmates’ (owned by Uber) “bottom-friendly menu” ad campaign for this year’s Pride. He would also learn how to market METROSOURCE.COM

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and create content on social media platforms, most notably on TikTok. He was building his arsenal to make a brand for himself, by his own rules. When the pandemic hit, he started posting relatable, personal content, and he quickly became a viral sensation. I did improv in Chicago for like seven or eight years and I had improvisers reach out to me that I worked with then saying, “Hey, my friends are sending me this. This is so cool that this is all happening!” That was the moment when it wasn’t just gay people sending me things, when I had beyond that, like comedians, a further reach. He hasn’t slowed down and this Pride season, he added music to the mix. Titled“Nothing for You,”it is the first song that Rob has ever written, co-writing it with consummate musicians Sam Creighton and Will Jay with producer Zach Djurich. His approach to music is the same as with comedy - push the envelope. What has become a viral bop for Pride has turned the idea of a Pride anthem upside down. The tonguein-cheek lyrics of the video simply state that if a guy was hot enough, they can take away all basic rights and ideals that our community holds dear. It’s a sarcastic take on the limitations and restrictions taking place around the nation … but hey, gay guys love hot guys, isn’t that what really matters? 100% of the proceeds are donated to For the Gworls, an organization that helps Black transgender people pay for rent and gender-affirming surgeries. Many influencers cannot quite make that jump to music effectively, was Rob scared of releasing it? I was so excited to do it because it is something that I’m good at. But I haven’t been dancing or singing in a lot of my videos because they must feel right to me. But this was how I wanted it to be - a well-produced single that sounded like a pop song that you would hear on the radio. But if you listen to the lyrics, they are so stupid. You think, wait, what is he saying? Like what, wait what? But then you want to keep listening to it and you find yourself singing the words in disbelief. The music video is great, and I was very excited for people to see it. The video is great indeed. Rob’s personality jumps off the screen and there is plenty of skin to keep your eyes happy. As much as there is a focus on Rob’s comedy in his content, there is an equal fandom for Rob’s chiseled jaw and muscled body. He’s funny AND a hottie? With

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the attention on his body, has Rob suffered from body image issues, knowing that the gay community can be extremely hard on others based on looks? I went through enough body issues in my twenties, with some unhealthy habits, trying to be something that people would find to be the most attractive. When I had moved into my thirties I stepped away from comedy. I also stepped away from a lot of things I was doing and just found something new in New York. This allowed me to come into my own. I had this sense of confidence that things were going to work out for me, and I was going to get my body together. Once I had that mental shift, I stopped caring about what people thought of me and my body. What is interesting is everyone is insecure about their own bodies. Whether he wanted to or not, Rob has become a spokesperson for the LGBTQ community. Not only are the issues he has covered in Gay Science being talked about beyond our circle on national television, but he has become a bona fide influencer with followers and clicks growing by the day. Does he feel the pressure to become an activist and change the tone of his material? That is a really good question. I am, in my own way, an activist. And I think any attention my videos get, that I get, is related to the type of content I make, which is funny. It does serve a purpose, sometimes. It doesn’t always have to. Sometimes I can just make something totally stupid if I want to. But if there is some message in it, like in a lot of Gay Science episodes, that’s who I am. So, when I have interviews or I meet people, that is why it’s happening. I wouldn’t necessarily change and switch and be this hard activist with a serious tone. Those people exist and they do what they do really well. I’m going to do what I do well. And now, Rob’s content is enjoying life beyond the lens. Rob has been touring the States with a live version of his work - over an hour of original music, sketches, and a collection of explicit personal stories that are not appropriate for the internet. For Rob, the tour is about going back to his roots. Well, I am a theater person. I am a live performer. It is what I have been doing most of my life. I had not stepped on a stage for five years until I started doing

EVERYONE IS INSECURE ABOUT THEIR OWN BODIES.” my show and I realized how fun it is to be in front of a room of people and have that connection. It is such a great, wonderful thing. And now it’s especially awesome because the people in these rooms are not just people the comedy club has pulled in and been like, “there’s a random show, come see it.”These are the people who know and like me and the things I make. They are coming to see me and now I’m doing what I do well for them. It’s just this wonderful combination. I wanted to go to every city, but it is my first tour, so we are trying to pick main spots. But I really want to go to literally every city to just to see my people! With this rise in stardom, what is happening in Rob’s love and dating life? Is it hard to date when people are expecting to spend time with the TikTok star? I have been single for three or four years. When content creating and TikTok began for me, I’ve since been so obsessed. It’s what I’ve wanted to do for so long, so I am really focused on it. I really haven’t given myself an opportunity to go on dates or actively try to date because I know I wouldn’t necessarily want a partner at this moment. But hook-ups have been fun. [Laughs] Definitely, people come up to me at bars and clubs and they’ll recognize me and say hi. It’s actually been a very awesome experience. Because of the things I post, I get comments like, “Oh my God, when you had that one joke in this one video, that was so funny.” It is nice when people mention specific things I do in my content and we get to converse, and not always, “Hey, I want to hook up with you.” Rob’s Pride message to his fans is incredibly Rob - Rob the TikToker, Rob the comedian, Rob the best-selling author, Rob the heartthrob: Stop shopping at Zara. Y’all shop at Zara too much. It’s too much, too much. You gotta back off from Zara, everybody. I guess there goes Rob’s TikTok endorsement from Zara! ■

You can follow Rob on IG: @HeartThrobAnderson

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Boston Public Garden. Photo by MRNY (below)

OLD SCHOOL MEETS NEW SCHOOL FOR

AUTUMN IN BOSTON BY MARK A. THOMPSON

FOR EVERYONE WHO WENT TO SCHOOL IN BOSTON AND TREATED THE CITY LIKE A CAMPUS, A RETURN TO THE HUB CAN FEEL LIKE AN ALUMNI REUNION: EVERYTHING IS THE SAME AND YET EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED. A walk around the old neighborhood, turn a dif-

ferent corner, you keep running into your youth, partially because Boston remains forever young. With more than 40 colleges and universities in the metropolitan area, there’s an endless stream of students and an ongoing hustle in the Hub.

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Boston Athenaeum, Second Floor. Photo courtesy of the Boston Athenaeum.

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Boston Public Garden. Photo by Kyle Klein. (below)

Boston Public Library with Rainbow Flags. Photo by GBCVB

My godfather was a Bostonian who grew up on the back side of Beacon Hill, and to his mind, Boston was always enjoying a renaissance, a word he pronounced to highlight its French derivation, with an emphasis on rebirth. And speaking of a renaissance, remember when the Ritz-Carlton Boston was where you went to meet your grandmother or your socialite aunt when they came to town and invited you for tea? Housed in that imposing 18-story building alongside the Public Garden, the Ritz-Carlton Boston was the most

redoubtable hotel in America, notable for its impeccable service and waitstaff in white tie. A profusion of fresh flowers in the lobby, culinary arts by Escoffier in the dining room - and everywhere, pinkies up. Everyone partied there, ever since its 1927 opening during the Roaring Twenties. The hotel’s guest register read like an extension of Who’s Who. Tennessee Williams revised A Streetcar Named Desire while in residence. Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote music in their suite. Count Basie and Duke Ellington played on the rooftop.

Well, as the French say, plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose - and in keeping with Boston’s youthful spirit, that beloved hotel, one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks has been reborn as The Newbury Boston. To the delight of locals and Boston Brahmins, the bones and the pedigree have been retained amidst a multi-year restoration that has transformed this grande dame into a vibrant, white-hot hotel. With interiors by Champalimaud Design and Jeffrey Beers International, as well as a new entrance onto Newbury Street, the 286-room luxury property welcomes guests into a jewel-toned lobby with black marble floors. Fireplaces have been reclaimed and a private Library Lounge for hotel guests has been outfitted in emerald green and cobalt blue velvet. A shimmering porcelain chandelier mirrors the leaves of a gingko tree, a symbol of the hotel’s longevity. Accents of red pay homage to Winston Churchill, a guest for whom the hotel reupholstered his suite in his favorite color. Most pleasing for tipplers, the hotel’s Street Bar has become a sleek and elegant speakeasy serving classic cocktails, including the signature martini. Back in the day, the Roof at the Ritz was home to big bands like Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, the Count, and Duke. The kind of place where Auntie Mame would grab hold of your shoulders and remind you that life is a banquet. If you’re fortunate enough to arrive at The Newbury Boston during the ‘blue hour,’ then take the elevator straight to the rooftop where Contessa reigns. You should know that Contessa is made for entrances, and fortunately, there are two: one for hotel residents, another for guests. No matter your point of entry, you’re guaranteed a sense of arrival at this rooftop restaurant that feels like an amalgam of a Gucci fashion shoot and a film by Fellini. With breathtaking views over the city and a cast of characters that reminds you how cosmopolitan Boston truly is, Contessa recreates “la dolce vita” that defined Rome’s Via Veneto during the heyday of the jet set and the paparazzi. Opened by Major Food Group, the masterminds behind numerous Manhattan, Vegas, and Hong Kong hotspots, Contessa reclaims this Boston rooftop that was so popular during the Big Band era. With a glass roof and retractable panels for al fresco dining, the grand trattoria evokes a conservatory in the sky that is as alluring in the sunshine as it is during the night. Regardless of when you sink into Contessa’s embrace, an order of squash carpaccio is all but mandatory, as is the signature Crema de Boston, a revamped Boston cream pie that layers custard and chocolate ganache with whipped Italian mascarpone, all blanketed in chocolate shavings. METROSOURCE.COM

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For a post-prandial constitution, nothing beats the Public Garden, which is right outside The Newbury’s front door. The nation’s first public botanical garden was established in 1837, right alongside Boston Common which was created in 1634 as America’s first public park. Surrounded by a Victorian castiron fence, the garden includes a six-acre pond where the swan boats have operated for over a century. No visit to the Garden is complete without paying respect to the bronze ducklings inspired by Robert McCloskey’s famous children’s book Make Way for Ducklings. For those in search of additional greenspaces, Boston’s Emerald Necklace is a series of nine parks comprising 1,100 acres, all connected by parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. At the top of the Common, directly across from the Massachusetts State House stands a bronze that author Henry James termed “real perfection.”Dedicated to the abolitionist Robert Gould Shaw, the memorial was completed in 1897 by the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens who worked for 14 years to render the faces of every soldier, all of whom are Black. Just beyond the State House beckon the signature red doors of 10½ Beacon Street, home of the Boston Athenaeum. Founded in 1807, the Athenaeum quickly became the center of intellectual life in Boston and one of the largest libraries in the States. As a student in Boston, I often frequented the Fifth Floor Reading Room where, in fits and starts, I wrote a graduate thesis while gazing down onto the Old Granary Burial Ground where lie the bones of Paul Revere, Crispus Attucks, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and other Revolutionary-era heroes. With more than half a million volumes, the Athenaeum’s collection includes the personal library of George Washington, as well as paintings and sculptures by Houdon, John Singer Sargent, Polly Thayer, Bradley Phillips, and numerous other notable artists. Day passes and visitor tours are offered for guests, and memberships are available for bibliophiles who seek one of Boston’s most pleasing sanctuaries. Due in large part to its many colleges and universities, Boston has been a cultural hub for artists and intellectuals throughout its history. During the latter part of the 19th century, the heiress Isabella Stewart Gardner built a Venetian palazzo along the Fenway in which to exhibit her art collection. Now known as the Gardner, the museum offers exhibitions and AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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Contessa. Photo by Douglas Friedman (below)

The Newbury, The Library. Photo by Nikolas Koenig

musical events that recall Gardner’s literary salons which attracted Boston’s cognoscenti and became hugely influential in shaping the city’s museum collections. In a nod to Gardner’s aesthetic vision for the city, the Newbury has amassed its own diverse collection of artworks which are exhibited throughout the hotel. Works by the great portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh hang in the hotel’s Library Lounge. Curated by the owners of the Schoolhouse Gallery in Provincetown, the Newbury’s collection features many local and New England artists whose work highlights the hotel’s cultural and architectural connection to the city. The vision of The Newbury as a 21st century salon for the arts continues in the guest rooms, 90 of which are luxury suites, and all of which feature original art. Wood-burning fireplaces are featured in more than 40 suites, as well as a wet bar or a cocktail trolley,

thereby making it perfectly sensible to remain swaddled in the Frette bathrobes and slippers, martini in hand. Further temptations await in the marble bathroom with walk-in rainforest shower and Byredo toiletries. Designed to replicate a residential ambiance, The Newbury’s guest rooms and suites feature window nooks and cloak closets, as well as Nespesso Vertuo espresso machines. Twice daily housekeeping is highlighted by an evening turndown service that includes eyeglass cleaning cloths and bespoke book markers for nightstand novels. And yes, naturally, there’s a 24-hour Fitness Center, should you feel the need - although for that matter, the Public Garden never closes and there’s always the possibility of a ghost ride with Paul Revere. Call it a rebirth or a renaissance, Boston continues to burn with the incandescent glow of youth. ■

VEGAN COOKING CLASSES

NEW YORK

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Roam in

Color and

Various Dates in August Institute of Culinary Education Brookfield Place @ 225 Liberty St. New York, NY Become a master of nutritious recipes with some help from the city’s best gourmet chefs. Since 1975, the Institute of Culinary Education has offered classes to both professional and aspiring at home chefs. Whether you’re looking to tackle an unruly take-out habit, or show off at your next dinner party, the school’s vegan cooking classes should give you a leg up (and plenty of dairy-free brownie points). August’s diverse selection of classes cover every tasting course from elegant vegan cupcakes to nut milk and cheese starters, as well as burgers that rock and bowls that heal. Sign up and reinforce your commitment to a more wholesome lifestyle. Register for classes at www.recreational.ice.edu/Home/HealthSupp

Quin Eng

TURN MOVEMENT INTO MEDICINE

WARM UP 2022: SUMMER FRIDAYS

BY MEGAN VENZIN

August 12, 19, 26 MoMA PS1 22-25 Jackson Avenue @ 46th Avenue Long Island City, NY Don’t scoot off for that Fire Island weekend too fast, because MoMA PS1’s beloved daytime dance parties are back for the first time since 2019! Now taking place from 5pm to 9pm on Fridays in August, the museum’s courtyard is sure to be as lively as ever as art enthusiasts and music fans convene amongst a newlycommissioned outdoor installation. While this year’s performers haven’t been announced just yet, former acts include Lizzo, Skrillex, Sophie, A-Trak, Baauer, Thom Yorke and countless others. And when you need a break from the boogie, head inside to peek at this season’s exhibitions including The Queensbridge Photo Collective,“Still, Like Air I’ll Rise,”“Poncili Creacion: No gods only flowers,”“Life Between Buildings,”“Growing Abolition” and Deana Lawson. Grab a bite from Mina’s and sip on delicious craft cocktails. These parties bring some of the summer’s best vibes. Admission to the museum includes access to all Warm Up events, and is free for NYC residents who present a valid zip code. Learn more about this season’s series and the exhibitions on display at www.moma.org

ARE YOU FEELING STAGNANT IN YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY? IF THE ANSWER IS YES, TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT NEW YORK CITY IS A GREAT PLACE TO HAVE THAT PROBLEM! From cooking classes

to daytime dance parties to stimulating art exhibitions, there are endless activities and events in store, all of which are thoughtfully designed to light your path toward healthier living. So come on! Get up! It’s time to start moving! Gather your crew and partake in these high-energy offerings to cash in on that much needed mental and physical boost you so deserve.

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Charle

DAYBREAKER August and September dates TBD Various locations New York, NY Wake up and dance! Known for their invigorating yoga classes, impressive DJ lineups and picturesque locations, Daybreaker’s monthly events are the gold standard for sunrise raving. Kicking off bright and early, this trendy, wellness-fueled dance party gives attendees a chance to begin their day mindfully in the company of lush beats and positive partygoers. Past installments have taken place on river cruises, high atop The Edge at Hudson Yards, and across the sprawling rooftop at the William Vale Hotel, just to name a few. AM dance parties don’t work with your schedule? That’s okay! You can check out a number of Daybreaker’s meditation sessions and fitness classes online at your leisure, too. Sign up to be alerted when August and September events go on sale, or start getting fit at home at www.Daybreaker.com

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TO JRPHO

by @A

JERSEY CITY PRIDE FESTIVAL

Photo by

Mercedes

Mehling

August 27 Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza (Off the Grove St. PATH stop) Jersey City, NJ Need another hit of Pride? Your LGBTQ+ neighbors right across the Hudson have you covered! Take the PATH train to the 21st anniversary celebration of Jersey City’s Pride Festival on August 27th. It all starts with the Equality March from City Hall to the main stage where attendees can indulge in a day of drag, dancing and partying in the streets. Check out Jersey City’s best eats and artisan vendors while you’re at it, and pop into Six26 Lounge and Rooftop or Pint for a drink. These two queer local hot spots are sure to keep things rainbow bright, inside and out. Discover which businesses and performers are participating in this year’s festivities at www.jerseycitypride.com

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September 2 - 4 Randall’s Island New York, NY The wild ones are out of the cage again for Electric Zoo’s biggest installment yet! New York City’s premier electronic music festival returns to Randall’s Island over Labor Day weekend and is bringing with it dozens of the world’s most in-demand acts and stage takeovers from scene titans like the three-deck wizard, Carl Cox, world bass producer CloZee and bass-house innovator, Jauz, and that’s only scratching the surface. Organizers are giving attendees exactly what they want at the 2022 edition, which features a diverse lineup with more house and techno than prior years, as well as a special headlining performance from “Animals” producer, Martin Garrix, who was the most requested artist in a recent survey. For a fabulously queer performance, don’t miss Wreckno during the Odyzey takeover on Sunday. Their fast-paced rhymes and next level wubs have quickly made them an undisputed tour de force of bass music. Grab single day tickets or weekend passes at https://electriczoo.com/

NEW YORK

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ELECTRIC ZOO 3.0

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: Alive Co

LIFE OF A NEURON Through September 6 ARTECHOUSE NYC @ Chelsea Market 439 W 15th St New York, NY It’s been a tough couple of years, and we all deserve a break. Speaking of which, have you been working on your mental health? Get up and close and personal with the processes that take place within that magnificent human brain of yours at Life of a Neuron, a new immersive, interactive exhibition at ARTECHOUSE NYC featuring installations from some of the world’s leading multidisciplinary artists including Synthestruct, Akiko Yamashita, fuse, Gil Castro, and Server Demirtas. Life of a Neuron is the result of a long-term collaborative partnership with the Society for Neuroscience, and thanks to this partnership guests can explore the narrative of their neurons to find out what makes every person on the planet so wonderfully unique. Arrive early to kick off a day of sightseeing in Chelsea, or show up after hours (7-9pm) for discounted admission and special prices on craft cocktails at the RxBar. Either way, we hope you leave feeling a little lighter – the mind is a magical thing! Get into that noggin of yours when you buy tickets at www.artechouse.com

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BETTYE LAVETTE September 9 City Winery Main Stage 25 11th Ave New York, NY It’s rare to share space with a vocalist as stirring as Bettye LaVette, who the New York Times once called “one of the great soul interpreters of her generation.” Since the age of 16, LaVette has been shaking airwaves with her powerful tones and emotive performances, touring alongside masters like Otis Redding and racking up releases on iconic labels from Motown to Atlantic. A proud inductee of the Blues Hall of Fame, Lavette’s legacy continues to wow audiences today – in fact, the sample from her massive 1960s hit “Let Me Down Easy” recently became the cornerstone of ODESZA’s fourth studio album, The Last Goodbye. On September 9th, catch her on the main stage at City Winery – heralded as one of country’s best listening rooms – to see why she’s maintained her reputation as one of the industry’s finest. Plus, music like Bettye’s is good for the soul, and we all know a fine red wine packs in a lot of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Sounds like a perfectly balanced night out to us. Get tickets to see the living legend at www.citywinery.com

ph A. Rosen

. Photo by Jose Bettye LaVette

ALL DAY I DREAM September 18 Brooklyn Mirage 140 Stewart Ave Brooklyn, NY Say so long to summer at Lee Burridge’s beloved clubadjacent day party, All Day I Dream. The fall edition descends upon this season’s newly renovated Brooklyn Mirage, home to a one-of-a-kind 200-foot long and 30foot tall video wall that, thanks to its 30 million pixels, is as crisp as the sound that flows from the venue’s state-ofthe-art sound system. Expect sets from the house pioneer himself as well as other ADID favorites as they unleash a soundtrack that spins unfiltered bliss into hazy memories. Be sure to swing by the Mirage’s impressive food court for a selection of upscale eats ranging from grass-fed burgers to lobster grilled cheeses and fresh juices. Trust when we say this is a day you’ll dream about for weeks after. Get tickets at www.avant-gardner.com

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Bryan Kw

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PROVIDENCE BEAMS WITH PRIDE FOR ALL BY MARK A. THOMPSON ON A PLANET WHERE MORE THAN 70 COUNTRIES OUTLAW YOUR VERY EXISTENCE AND CRIMINALIZE YOUR BEING, where states in your own nation ban books about you and

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prohibit the mention of you in public schools, it’s heartening to find a sanctuary that honors the principles of liberty and equality upon which the United States was founded. Sometimes it’s the littlest state that lights the way for the rest of us and that’s especially true when you remember that Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, was a refugee fleeing persecution.

Downtown Providence. Photo courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB.

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Providence Art Club. Photo courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB. (below)

La Gondola on Providence River. Photo courtesy of MRNY

Providence has been a haven for independent thinkers and social outcasts ever since 1636 when Rhode Island became the first secular government established in North America. It was “Rogues’ Island” that enacted the first anti-slavery legislation in 1652, and Roger Williams who sought equal treatment for Native Americans. For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, Providence can feel like a slice of utopian pizza: all the right ingredients in balance, perfectly baked,

served hot and delicious. Some of the first things you notice in Providence are the street murals: a glorious gallimaufry of colorful characters whose faces beam down on you in public spaces and welcome you to the Renaissance City. Thanks in large part to The Avenue Concept, the city’s public art is a celebration of the people whose stories foster dialogue about our evolving role on the planet and our interactions with each other.

In keeping with the city’s beneficent spirit, The Beatrice Hotel welcomes guests with a wallsized mural of Queen Bea, the radiant Beatrice Temkin whose bright smile reflects the brandnew hotel’s gracious hospitality. A philanthropist whose society column was read by nearly everyone in Rhode Island, Temkin was a fundraiser for AIDS Project Rhode Island and various other causes - and the 47-room luxury hotel named in her honor is a testament to Queen Bea’s casual elegance and enviable sprezzatura. Housed in the former National Exchange Bank Building from 1844, the Beatrice features highceilinged rooms finished with herringbone floors and beds dressed with Mascioni linens from Milan. Guests can work out their mind, body, and soul by ordering up in-room fit kits and Bea’s Book Bags. A rainforest shower is large enough for two (or three), and the heated toilet offers numerous bidet settings alongside a heated towel rack and bathroom speakers. There’s also a Nespresso coffee machine, but it’s far more likely that you’ll be tempted by Bellini, the hotel’s in-house restaurant operated by the 4th generation of the Cipriani family. Evenings at the Bea start at Bellini Rooftop, the private members club available also to hotel guests, where craft cocktails complement spectacular sunset vistas over downtown Providence. Located off the hotel lobby with an additional street entrance, Bellini Providence opens into a sleekly elegant dining room of marble and polished woods and Italian design. Upon crossing the threshold, you might feel as if you’ve tripped into a restaurant along Roma’s Via Veneto circa 1960. Bellini’s menu beautifully showcases Providence’s Italian heritage and maritime prowess, and the artfully plated food is served by a crackerjack staff of young professionals. A private dining room paneled in polished wood is perfect for clandestine trysts or anniversary celebrations. Bellini’s meringue cake earns rave reviews from foodies, so save room for dessert. For years, Providence has reaped the rewards of successive graduating classes at Johnson & Wales University. Founded in 1914 by two visionary women, the university has grown to become the world’s largest source of culinary graduates. Consequently, Providence has more chefs per capita than any other American city, and the benefits are evident at restaurants such as Res American Bistro where the three owners, Ryan, Evan, and Stephen (hence Res) oversee a theatrical dining experience in a historic building a few blocks from the Providence Performing Arts Center. On their must-try list is the lobster tempura and ocean risotto which are both sublime. METROSOURCE.COM

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Home to more than half a dozen colleges and universities, including Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence benefits from a cosmopolitan population of students, intellectuals, and artists whose presence is felt throughout the year at institutions such as RISD Museum with its superlative collection of over 100,000 artworks, and Providence Art Club, the second oldest art club in the States. Founded in 1880, Providence Art Club is instantly recognizable for its Fleur-de-Lys Studios, a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts architecture that faces onto Thomas Street in College Hill. Readers of H.P. Lovecraft will recognize the setting for his 1926 horror story The Call of Cthulhu. Equally entrancing for bibliophiles and fans of horror fiction is the Providence Athenaeum where Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe wandered the stacks of one of the nation’s oldest members’ libraries. To better understand why Providence has been designated the Renaissance City, consider that the city sits at the convergence of no less than four rivers which are spanned by numerous walkable bridges - but it is the presence of gondolas and gondolieri that perpetuate the city’s European vibe. One of Providence’s most beloved attractions, La Gondola Providence has been rowing locals and visitors for decades in a fleet of three authentic gondolas. Owner“Marcello” Haynes is a gifted gondolier, possessed of a beautiful voice that breaks into Venetian songs beneath the bridges. For a truly romantic evening, pack a picnic hamper with a bottle of Bellini’s house champagne by Cipriani and book a gondola ride during WaterFire season. First created in 1994, WaterFire has become Providence’s signature event and a symbol of the city’s renaissance. The multi-sensory public art installation and festival attracts more than 40,000 visitors at each of the season’s illuminations. A team of 160 volunteers help fuel the eighty braziers that float above the water for a communal ceremony that winds along the waterway and reflects the city’s inclusiveness. In keeping with Providence’s LGBTQ+ bona fides, the city became the first state capital to elect an openly gay mayor, David Cicilline, who served from 2003-2011 before becoming the fourth openly gay AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

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“Still Here” mural by Gaia in Downtown Providence. Photo courtesy of MRNY. (below)

Bellini Providence. Photo courtesy of The Beatrice Hotel

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Dining Room at Bellini Providence (below)

The Beatrice Hotel Corner King Room

Lobby of The Beatrice Hotel

member of the U.S. House of Representatives. And speaking of out, loud, and proud, Rhode Island Pride and its annual PrideFest Celebration features more than 250

organizations and over 100,000 visitors in a celebratory festival that includes New England’s only nighttime Pride parade. Roger Williams would be beaming with Pride. ■

BY BEN RIMALOWER

THERE ARE A LOT OF FROZEN DRINKS LEFT TO SIP, BUT IT SEEMS SAFE TO CONCLUDE THAT THIS SUMMER’S BIG BROADWAY NEWS WILL BE LEA MICHELE REPLACING BEANIE FELDSTEIN IN FUNNY GIRL (AUGUST WILSON THEATRE, OPEN ENDED). As of this

writing, the casting has not yet been confirmed, but just about everyone seems to think it’s happening. It’s funny how life works out sometimes. Just last year, Michele seemed on the verge of cancellation after reports of her nasty behavior on the set of Glee. There was little excitement among theater people for someone they considered so basic to follow in Barbra Streisand’s hallowed footsteps. Feldstein, on the other hand, was a bright light among young performers, racking up impressive film and television roles while preparing to transition from supporting Bette Midler in Hello, Dolly! to carrying her own show in Funny Girl. Some of us had our concerns that Beanie, though talented, had demonstrated neither the galvanizing stage force nor the gargantuan voice needed to succeed as Fanny Brice. And wouldn’t anyone

in the role - even someone lavishly blessed with those particular gifts (say, Jessie Mueller or Lady Gaga, for example) - inevitably be kneecapped by comparisons to Babs? It seemed a guaranteed flop no matter who got the gig. Sure enough, Beanie fared poorly, and she limps away from this disappointment without a Tony nomination and with diminished momentum for her future Broadway endeavors. Yet out of this darkness, Lea Michele may be reborn. The endless speculation about her casting has only fanned the flames of interest. People who might have sneered at the Glee gal a couple of years ago will now flock to see her. While her Fanny might once have been deemed an embarrassing lightweight substitute for Streisand, she’ll now seem stellar compared to Feldstein. We will marvel as her rangy, versatile voice easily encompasses the score, nod approvingly as she lands each laugh line squarely on the nose, and sigh in satisfaction as she delivers a facsimile of the character concept we all internalized the first time we saw the movie. I will be first in line. METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

THERE ARE

NEW SHOWS THIS SUMMER TOO!

Everybody’s favorite movie from the year 2000, Almost Famous (Barrymore Theatre, previews September 13), gets the musical treatment from Next to Normal’s Pulitzer Prize winning composer Tom Kitt in collaboration with original filmmaker Cameron Crowe. The sexy, young cast includes CW hunk Chris Wood and Solea Pfeiffer (City Center’s Evita) in the roles created onscreen by Billy Crudup and Kate Hudson. Tom Stoppard’s latest London triumph, Leopoldstadt (Longacre Theatre, previews September 14), comes to Broadway, once again directed by Patrick Marber. The American cast includes such popular actors as David Krumholtz, Caissie Levy, Seth Numrich, and Brandon Uranowitz.. 1969’s Tony winning Best Musical, 1776 (American Airlines Theatre, previews September 16), is back with a twist. Diane Paulus and Jeffrey L. Page’s groundbreaking production casts what’s traditionally been an all-white, all male sausage factory fest on our founding fathers with a racially diverse group of female, nonbinary and trans actor-singers. I recently watched the 1972 film adaptation (featuring most of the original cast) and was delighted. Cannot wait for this. Broadway gets its first Black Willy Loman in a traditional, but no less exciting, production of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman (Hudson Theatre, previews September 19), starring Wendell Pierce (The Wire), Sharon D. Clark (Caroline, or Change), and André De Shields. August Wilson’s classic, The Piano Lesson (St. James Theatre, previews September 19), returns starring Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), and John David Washington (BlacKkKlansman). LaTanya Richardson Jackson directs. Suzan-Lori Parks’ 2002 Pulitzer Prize winner, Topdog/Underdog (Golden Theatre, previews September 27), is the final Broadway show to load in this summer. It stars Yahya AbdulMateen II (Watchmen, Straight Outta Compton) and Corey Hawkins (Six Degrees of Separation) and is directed by Kenny Leon. I loved the original production so much and am very excited to see this.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

Kinky Boots cast (courtesy photo)

Leopoldstadt cast (courtesy photo)

Off-Broadway has big, commercial shoes to fill with the downsized remount of Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s 2013 hit, Kinky Boots (Stage 42, previews July 26). Original director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell is back with his original design team, so this one looks pretty sure to please anyone who would’ve enjoyed it the first time. And the tickets will be cheaper! If you’re not sure how you feel about any of those shows or maybe you wanna play it by ear, how about popping in on Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis (Daryl Roth Theatre, previews August 12).You never know what you will experience–and perhaps you never will… [maniacal laugh]

The Piano Lesson Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Corey Hawkins (courtesy photo)

Drew Gehling in Almost Famous. Photo by Neal Preston

Wendell Pierce and Sharon D Clarke in Death of a Salesman. Photo by Robbie Jack Getty

Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis (courtesy photo)

The Piano Lesson cast (courtesy photo)

Mehry Eslaminia, Brooke Simpson, Allison Briner Dardenne, Liz Mikel, Joanna Glushak and Lulu Picart in 1776 photo by Evan Zimmerman

METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

John Clarence Stewart

CABARET

OR MAYBE IT’S HOT OUT AND YOU JUST WANT TO SEE PEOPLE BELT OUT SOME NUMBERS WITHOUT ALL THE OTHER STUFF.

JOE’S PUB • Liza Paul & Bahia Watson: Mashup Ting! September 15 - September 17 • Bridget Everett and The Tender Moments September 26 - September 28 • Murray Hill: Let’s Call It A Comeback! September 29 - September 30

Bridget Everett and The Tender Moments

CITY WINERY • Chrissy Metz August 13 • Travis Moser with Special Guest Judy Kaye August 22 • Loudon Wainwright III August 30

Isaac Mizrahi

Travis Moser Ann Morrison

FEINSTEIN’S/54 BELOW • Melissa Errico with Billy Stritch: Swing Lessons August 4 - 6 • Isaac Mizrahi August 10 - 13 • Ann Morrison: Merrily From Center Stage August 19 - 20 • John Clarence Stewart August 24 - 26 • John Lloyd Young: Mostly Soul: Beloved Hits From Motown To Broadway August 27 - September 1

Loudon Wainwright III

Murray Hill Melissa Errico & Billy Stritch

Chrissy Metz

John Lloyd Young

Liza Paul & Bahia Watson

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

P-TOWN OF COURSE,

Tina Burner

PILGRIM HOUSE • Karen Mason August 15 - 16 • Matteo Lane August 20 - 22 • Miss Coco Peru August 28-September 6 • Tina Burner through September 8 • Miss Richfield 1981 through September 17

TO REALLY ENJOY LIVE PERFORMANCES THIS TIME OF YEAR, THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE PROVINCETOWN, WHERE THE BREEZE IS COOL, THE BABES ARE HOT, THE CHOWDER IS WHITE, AND THE FLAGS ARE RAINBOW. Karen Mason

Matteo Lane Ginger Minj

BIRDLAND • Karen Mason: 30… and Counting August 8 • Julie Benko Beloved Funny Girl standby celebrates album release August 29

Miss Coco Peru

Max von THE ART HOUSE Essen • Ginger Minj through September 3 •Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway - Broadway the Calla-way August 5 - 6 • Lillias White with Seth Rudetsky August 12 - 13 • Marilyn Maye August 23 - September 3 • Mauricio Martinez 8/23 - 24 Mauricio • Max von Essen Martinez August 25 - 26 • Beth Malone September 30 - October 1

Julie Benko

CLUB CUMMING • Daniel Nolen and I are still on our bullsh*t every Monday at 8pm. Don’t miss Cast Offs live or our series on Broadway Podcast Network, where we spill all the tea.

Miss Richfield 1981

John McDaniels & Eden Espinosa

POST OFFICE CAFÉ • Paige Turner through September 10 • Edie through September 4 • Mike Flanagan & Sheree Marcelle

THE CROWN & ANCHOR • Showgirls Mondays at 9pm • Varla Jean Merman’s Ready to Blow Tuesdays - Saturdays at 9pm • Dina Martina Wednesdays - Sundays at 7:30pm

(Alternating Whitney and Adele tributes)

Edie

Dina Martina Varla Jean Merman

Sundays • Todd Buonopane & Michael Buchanan August 16 - 17 • Seth Sikes: Broadway Babes August 23 - 24 • John McDaniel’s Broadway with Eden Espinosa September 22 - 24 with Sam Harris September 29 - October 1 with Lee Roy Reams Mike Flanagan & October 6 - 8 Sheree Marcelle

METROSOURCE.COM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

NEW YORK BAR SOURCE CHELSEA

HARDWARE

BARRACUDA

This Chelsea lounge features cool music, cute crowds, wild drag shows, and talent competitions hosted on the tiny stage in the rear. Rumor has it RuPaul visited to “scout” Bob the Drag Queen at this classic watering hole. 275 W. 22nd St. at Eighth Ave., NYC 212-645-8613

BOXERS CHELSEA

A big gay sports bar outfitted with flat screens broadcasting all manner of games, multiple counters, pool tables and a smoking patio out back. A long bar faces a pizza oven dispensing mouth-watering pies to munch on while watching “the game”. Hottest bartenders in town? See for yourself! 37 W. 20th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves., NYC 212-624-5942. boxersnyc.com

THE EAGLE

This dark and cruisy leather bar to end all leather bars boasts a great rooftop deck and some of the sexiest, burliest guys in NYC. 554 W. 28th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves., NYC 646-473-1866. eagle-ny.com

GYM

At this popular after work sports bar, a team of plasma-screen TVs broadcasting the hottest games, a pool table, and a basement dugout. Who are those cuties behind the bar? Pop in to get to know them (Admit it, you already follow them on IG). 167 Eighth Ave. between 18th and 19th Sts., NYC 212-337-2439. gymsportsbar.com

EAST VILLAGE/LOWER EAST SIDE THE BOILER ROOM

A throwback to the days when the East Village was a haven for the punky and funky, this dark and comfy no-frills lounge is popular with the college set, attitude-free, and rocks with an eclectic mix of music and scruffy pool players. 86 E. 4th St. at Second Ave., NYC 212-254-7536

OSCAR WILDE

Acclaimed mixologist Johnny Swet sets the scene at this clever cocktail lounge. Ironically situated at the former headquarters of NYC’s Bureau of Prohibition, this glorious tribute to Ireland’s great writer is the gastropub to end all gastropubs. Marvel at relics such as their Belgian piano from the late 1890s, antique clocks, and intriguing bronze statues celebrating the late great Portrait of a Dorian Gray scribe. 45 W. 27th St. at Sixth Avenue., NYC 212-213-3066. oscarwildenyc.com

REBAR

Sexy Chelsea hangout where G Lounge (may she rest in peace) used to be. This neighborhood bar has a masculine industrial décor, a hot staff, and draws all kinds of men (especially local muscle bears) and boasts not distractions – sports, porn, dancers or otherwise. Their concept is simple: people meeting people. 225 W. 19th St. between Seventh and Eighth Aves., NYC 212-929-1085. rebarchelsea.com

EAST VILLAGE CLUB CUMMING

Willkommen, Bienvenu, New York! Alan Cumming opened the swank new East Village performance-based club, and everyone’s invited. Cumming teamed up with Benjamin Maisani, Darren Dryden and Daniel Nardicio for this sassy adventure. Think backstage of an actual Berlin Cabaret where anything goes. Drag Race viewing parties, Drink & Draw, knitting (yes, knitting), and Cabaret (of course!) 505 E. 6th St. between Aves. A and B, NYC 212-777-2555. clubcummingnyc.com

THE COCK

Longtime late-night haven for naughty go-go boys and those in search of debauched shenanigans. Late nights are the infamous and the ever-popular Monday nights culls an elite yet shameless crowd of naughty boys and nightlife glitterati. 29 Second Ave. between First and Second Sts., NYC. thecockbar.com

NOWHERE

Ultra-mellow East Villager with distressed rustic décor, a pool table and what may be the smallest back room ever. 322 E. 14th St. between First and Second Aves., NYC 212-477-4744. nowherebarnyc.com

PHOENIX

The typically crowded Phoenix holds video games, a pool table, a jukebox, and a diverse crowd in an exposed-brick space as uncomplicated as its vibe. Daily Happy Hour runs from 4-8 and Saturday nights Wrecked party brings all kinds of cute boys (& Queens) to the East Village. 447 E. 13th St. at Ave. A., NYC 212-477-9979. phoenixbarnyc.com

HELL’S KITCHEN/MIDTOWN WEST ATLAS SOCIAL CLUB

Josh Wood, Benjamin Maisani, Pablo Raimondi, and Asi Mazar hit a home run with the starry opening of the Hell’s Kitchen hotspot. When celebs like Andy Cohen, Anderson Cooper, and Cher start making cameos the neighborhood definitely takes a closer look. 753 9th Ave. between 50th and 51st Sts., NYC 212-262-8527.

FAIRYTAIL LOUNGE

Glittery centaurs and other enchanted-forest motifs distinguish this cozy lounge in way-west H.K. Theme parties, specialty cocktails and guest DJs add interest. 500 W. 48th St. between Tenth and Eleventh Aves., NYC 646-648-3897

FLAMING SADDLES

When they’re not mixing up vodka sodas in glass steins, bartenders jump up on the bar to do choreographed boot-scootin’ to Achy Breaky-type tunes at this one-of-a-kind Hell’s Kitchen tavern. Red saloon décor and a small selection of down-home nibbles add to the authentic Western feel – call it Coyote Pretty. 793 Ninth Ave. at 53rd St., NYC 212-713-0481. flamingsaddles.com/nyc

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

Cheap drinks are poured at the front bar and fun tunes are spun for the rear dance floor at this easy-breezy neighborhood haunt. In the summer, a garage door swings up, letting the scene spill onto the street. When DJs aren’t doing their thing, live performers like Shequida, Lagoona Bloo, Brita Filter, Boudoir Lefleur & Kimmi Moore hit the stage. Opens at noon daily. 697 Tenth Ave between 47th and 48th Sts., NYC 212-924-9885. hardware-bar.com

HUSH

Missing Therapy? Hush! There’s a naughty new bar in town and there’s never been a better time to check it out. Well, if you stop by before 9:00 p.m. you can get $3 off all drinks. The space is cute, hennies. We’ll see you on the dancefloor. 348 W. 52nd St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves. NYC hushhk.com

INDUSTRY

HENRIETTA HUDSON

Jam-packed lesbian club/lounge with a multicultural crowd that’s gay-boy friendly. 438 Hudson St. at Morton St., NYC 212-924-3347.henriettahudson.com

JULIUS’

Once the Village’s oldest continuously operating bar went gay in the 1950s, it would go on to become the city’s oldest gay bar. On a normal night, it’s a comfy place for cheap drinks, burgers, and fries, but once a month, the party Mattachine turns it into a crowded, rowdy dance affair with excellent vinyl music. 159 W. 10th St. at Waverly Pl., NYC 212-243-1928. juliusbarny.com

MARIE’S CRISIS

Old-school sing-alongs are on tap at this long-running piano bar. There’s no fuss and no frills at this late-night theater queen hot spot. Stop in and “sing out, Louise!” 59 Grove St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-243-9323. mariescrisis.us

The owners of Barracuda and Elmo opened this capacious venue features couch-filled nooks, a game room with a pool table and an industrial design that’s a nod to its parking-garage past. Holly Dae, Egypt, Pixie Aventura, and Kizha Carr shake things up on a weekly basis at this popular hotspot. 355 W. 52nd St. between Eighth and Ninth Aves., NYC 646-476-2747. industry-bar.com

THE MONSTER

THE Q NYC

You’ll either be singing to retro dance tracks or laughing at the antics of drag queens at this longtime West Villager. Ms. Vodka Stinger’s B-Movie Mondays are always worth a stop. Show starts at 8:30 sharp. 8 Christopher St. at Sixth Ave., NYC 212-929-9291. piecesbar.com

Alan Picus and Frankie Sharp joined forces with Billy Porter, Zachary Quinto, Charlie Carver, and Jake Shears to open one of the most epic nightlife spaces in NYC. Think four floors right smack in one of the biggest gayborhoods in the world. Pop in any night of the week and dance you’re a** off. 795 8th Ave. between 48th and 49th Sts., NYC theqnyc.com

RISE BAR

Kings of NYC nightlife royalty joined forces for a tres fabuleux yet unpretentious Hell’s Kitchen watering hole right in the middle of everything. Dance all night every Friday and Saturday, you deserve a little R&R, don’t you? 859 9th Avenue., NYC 646-892-3313. risebarnyc.com

THE RITZ BAR & LOUNGE

A Sheridan Square stalwart where fabulous guys and dolls sing along to their show tunes upstairs while legendary DJs play to the fun crowd downstairs. 80 Grove St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-924-3558 Open Mon-Fri, 4pm-4am; Sat & Sun, 2pm-4am.

PIECES

ROCKBAR

For boys who prefer fur over sheen, there’s this butched-up bar with a fistpumping soundtrack and cheap drinks. Things get steadily burlier and beefier as the night goes on…attend one ROCKSTRAP and you’ll be more than hooked. If you’re on GROWLr there’s a good chance your notifications will start to flutter inside. 185 Christopher St. at Weehawken St., NYC. rockbarnyc.com

STONEWALL

This upscale boy boîte boasts plenty of places to perch on multiple levels inside and outside — although the kickin’ sound system makes it hard to settle down. 369 W. 46th St. at Ninth Ave., NYC 212-333-2554.

Daddies, faux thugs, and girls who like girls rule the roost at this two-story birthplace of gay pride. Every night of the week offers a different theme, from drag-hosted game shows to karaoke to beer blasts. 53 Christopher St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-488-2705. thestonewallinnnyc.com

THE SPOT

TY’S

Happy Hour happens every day until 9:00 p.m. at The Spot. Pop in for weekly parties and catch local nightlife celebs like Ariana Trenta, Brenda Dharling, Pissi Myles, and more. Looking for Drag Brunch? Look no further! Seating happens at 12:15 and 2:30 every Sunday. Bring your dollars! 599 10th Avenue, NYC thespotbarnyc.com

EAST SIDE THE TOOL BOX

This two-level dive bar hosts dance parties with a DJ and cute go-go boys on Friday and Saturday nights on the main floor, while the downstairs is a cozier lounge. 1742 Second Ave., between 90th and 91st Sts., NYC 212348-1288. thetoolboxnyc.com

This Ye Olde Boy Bar serves a loyal and friendly Christopher Street clientele — young, old and everything in between. NYPD and Firemen especially welcome. 114 Christopher St. between Bleecker and Hudson Sts., NYC 212-741-9641. tys.nyc

OUTER BOROUGHS & BEYOND 3 DOLLAR BILL

Self-declared as “Brooklyn’s Premiere Queer Bar & Performance Venue”, 3 Dollar Bill is known for their legendary parties and literally brining all the fine boys & gurls to the yard. They are the largest queer venue in Brooklyn and ready for your visit. Go ahead & live your life at 3 Dollar Bill (but be sure to look cute!) 260 Meserole St. Brooklyn 3dollarbillbk.com

THE TOWNHOUSE

ALBATROSS

UNCLE CHARLIE’S

C’MON EVERYBODY

This effervescent lounge, tucked on top of an unassuming store on a quiet block, boasts a patio and piano room, which hosts live entertainment. 139 E. 45th St. between Third and Lexington Aves., NYC 212-661-9097. unclecharliesnyc.com

Popular Brooklyn Queer space, known for great cocktails, fun parties, and hot live music shows. C’mon Everybody is a queer owned and operated bar and independent venue that was founded by the desire to amplify the underserved creative voices of the LGBTQ/QTPOC people (and allies). 325 Franklin Ave. Brooklyn cmoneverybody.com

UPPER WEST SIDE

FRIEND’S TAVERN

Two levels of mature gents and their younger fans humming along to dance tracks and swaying to songs from Chicago and everything in the Jerry Herman oeuvre. 236 E. 58th St. between Second and Third Aves., NYC 212-754-4649.

SUITE

This adorable lounge attracts Columbia gays with their leopard-print lamps, cozy leather banquettes and the occasional drag star entertaining on the small stage. 992 Amsterdam Ave. between 109th and 110th Sts., NYC 212-222-4600. suitenyc.com

UPTOWN ALIBI LOUNGE

This popular Harlem bar & lounge is a great spot for after work. Everybody need an alibi, right? Choose from their selection of specialty cocktails and order a little nibble, while you’re at it. 2376 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. at 139th St., NYC 917-472-7789.

WEST VILLAGE CUBBYHOLE

Called home by the local lesbian crowd (though a few boys are usually thrown in for good measure), this small, unpretentious West Village bar features a capricious décor that’s heavy on the fish. 281 W. 12th St. at Fourth St., NYC 212-243-9041. cubbyholebar.com

THE DUPLEX

Homey Astoria bar with a pool table and jukebox. Sultry bartender/host Dean Dante heats things up with his now legendary parties where everyone has a chance to explore their fantasies. 36-19 24th Ave. at 38th St., Astoria, NYC 718-204-9045. albatrossastoria.com

This bar seduces the large Latino gay community with theme nights and daily drink specials. 78-11 Roosevelt Ave. at 78th St., Jackson Heights, Queens 718-397-7256. friendstavern.net.

GOOD JUDY

Good Judy is a lounge, dance floor, piano bar, patio, and home for Queers + allies to join together in unity and solidarity. Meet your Good Judy for happy hour and plan on closing the joint! 563 5th Avenue, Brooklyn goodjudybk.com

ICON ASTORIA

Fasten your seatbelts because you’re in for an unexpected ride at this hot NYC bar nestled into the backyard of Astoria. Beefcake dancers and NYC nightlife legends flock to this unassuming watering hole for great beats, impressive drag performances, and all-around friendly faces. 31-84 33rd Street., Astoria, NY 347-808-7592. iconastoria.com

GINGER’S

Especially popular with lesbians, this long and dark bar has a popular jukebox and an outdoor garden. 363 Fifth Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn 718788-0924

METROPOLITAN

This B-burg bar is comfy and cozy with a fireplace, jukebox, and a sprawling warm-weather patio. 559 Lorimer St. at Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn NYC 718-599-4444. metropolitanbarny.com

MUSIC BOX

The Duplex is the city’s oldest continuing cabaret/piano bar. Downstairs, the staff performs in between bouts of serving. Upstairs is a more traditional boy bar and an intimate room that books cabaret acts. 61 Christopher St. at Seventh Ave. South, NYC 212-255-5438. theduplex.com

Fun neighborhood bar great if you’re in Jackson Heights and looking for a pint or a little fun. 40-08 74th St. at Roosevelt Ave. 718-457-5306

THE HANGAR

Sexy mixed Williamsburg cocktail bar with a great happy hour and fun weekly entertainment. Looking for Mr. Right, Mr. Right for tonight or just a fun gurls night out? They’ve got you covered. 63 Montrose Ave., Brooklyn, NYC 347-987-3101. therosemontnyc.com

Neighborhood guy’s guy bar that attracts a diverse crowd grooving to classic gay tunes. 115 Christopher St. between Bleecker and Hudson Sts., NYC 212-627-2044

THE ROSEMONT NYC

NEW YORK DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING – COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY

ACCOUNTING

ARCHITECTURE

Dikman, Bernard L., C.P.A. 37 W 20th St, Ste 703, NYC �� 212 929-4299

Woloshen, Robert A. CPA 29 W 15th St, Ste 1 NYC �� 212 843-3486 www.rawcpa.com

ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture-NYC

80 Fifth Ave, Ste 906 NYC �� 212 874-0898 www.acupuncture-nyc.com

ADOPTION SERVICES Friends in Adoption

NYC �� 800 982-3678 www.friendsinadoption.org

AESTHETIC SERVICES Advanced Dermatology Associates

200 Central Park South #107 NYC �� 212 262-2500 NYC �� 212 246-0800 www.adv-derm.com

Lexington Plastic Surgeons

113 E 39th St, NYC �� 646 374-2410 www.try.lexingtonplasticsurgeons.com/metrosource

Sexual Health Men

290 Madison Ave 6th Fl NYC �� 973 493-7607 www.sexualhealthmen.com Stoller, Roy B., D.O.

515 Madison Ave, Ste 1205 NYC �� 212 920-4499 www.hairdoctornyc.com

Torre, Martin B. RA AIA Architecture + Planning PLLC 605 E 14th St, #8 NYC �� 646 257-9081

Li-Lac Chocolates West Village: 40 8th Ave, NYC Greenwich Village: 162 Bleecker St, NYC Grand Central: 43rd & Lexington, NYC Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave, NYC Industry City: 68 35th St, Brooklyn NYC ��212 924-2280 www.li-lacchocolates.com

ATTORNEYS

Paul Evans Catering

David Stern Architecture www.davidsternarchitecture.com

Bing, Steven E.

276 5th Ave, Ste 1008 NYC �� 212 286-1666

20 W 20th St NYC ��212 321-1822 NYC ��212 243-4494 www.paulevanscatering.com

Chianese & Reilly Law, P.C.

CLOTHING

122 E 42nd St, Ste 3900 NYC �� 212 953-6447 100 Merrick Rd, Ste 103E Rockville Centre, NY �� 516 599-2020 www.awclawyer.com

Aziz, Michael, M.D., FRSM

Midtown Integrative Medicine 509 Madison Ave @ 53rd St, Ste 1111 NYC �� 212 906-9111 www.michaelazizmd.com

Dave’s New York

581 Ave of the Americas, NYC Toll Free ��800 543-8558 www.davesnewyork.com

Chou, Luna, Esq. NYC �� 212 226-2610 www.lunachoulaw.com

Jackson Boutique

Goldman, Jeffrey E., Esq 501 Fifth Ave #1900 NYC �� 212 983-8999 NYC �� 212 949-5085 www.jgoldmanlaw.com

CONTRACTORS/CONSTRUCTION

Law Offices of Thomas Sciacca, PLLC

COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY

44 Wall St, 12th Fl NYC �� 212 495-0317 www.sciaccalaw.com Long & Associates NYC �� 212 360-0394 www.landapllc.com Parker | Waichman LLP 6 Harbor Park Dr. Nationwide �� 800 JUST-CALL www.yourlawyer.com

ALLERGIES

CATERING

Tesler, Richard, Esq. 41 W 72nd St NYC �� 212 362-6961

www.jacksonboutiquenyc.com

ABS Design & Construction

NYC ��212 731-0642 www.abs-construction-nyc.com

Angers, Marc E., M.A. Oxon, L.C.S.W./L.P.

Licensed Psychoanalyst, NCPsyA NYC ��917 678-7929

Barneson, Jeff, LCSW

119 Washington Place NYC ��212 252-2314 www.jeffbarneson.com

Blatter, Andrew, LCSW

NYC ��917 442-5213 www.andrewblatter.com

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NEW YORK DIRECTORY COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY – DENTISTS Bloom Psychotherapy NYC 19 W 34th St, PH NYC. ��347 921-0431 www.nycbloomtherapy.com

Campbell, Robert D., LCSW Psychotherapy for Individuals & Couples NYC �� 646 783-8155 www.robertdcampbell.com Davies, Ann Conant, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.

COUNSELING/SUBURBAN

DENTISTS

Kingan, Peter L., Ph.D.

Babushkin, Howard, D.D.S., L.L.C.

31 Oak St Patchogue, NY ��631 447-6425

DATING SERVICES SEE ALSO INTRODUCTION SERVICES

ManMate

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ManMate Dinners For 8

Dicker, Phyllis D., L.C.S.W., A.C.S.W., B.C.D.

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525 West End Ave #1G, NYC �� 212 874-2880 www.manhattanoasisdentistry.com

Cassidy, J.R., D.D.S.

West 10th Dental P.C. 45 W 10th St NYC ��212 982-5883 www.west10thdental.com

De Bonis, William B., D.D.S.

World Wide Plaza Dental Associates 370 W 50th St NYC ��212 333-2650 www.wwpdental.com

Factor, Rhonda J., PhD 85 5th Ave, Ste 912 NYC ��347 834-6057 www.rhondafactorphd.com

Jarratt, Kent, L.C.S.W. 19 W 34th St, NYC �� 212 947-7111, ext 119 Oceanport, NJ ��917 686-6179 www.kentjarratt.com

Johnson, Thomas E., L.C.S.W. Chelsea ��212 645-3952

Kingan, Peter L., Ph.D. 99 University Pl, 4th Fl NYC ��917 428-2431

Koetting, Michael E., L.C.S.W. NYC ��212 741-2606 www.koettingpsychotherapy.com

VILL AGE APOTHECARY T H E C O M M U N I T Y P H A R M AC Y T H AT C A R E S

McFadden, Stephen, LCSW SEP 435 W 23rd St NYC ��212 627-8419 www.smcfadden.com

Nelson, Joshua, Ph.D. 71 W 23rd St, Ste 1115 NYC ��646 512-0043 www.jnelsonphd.com Rayhill, Daniel, Ph.D. 276 Fifth Ave #1101 NYC ��212 683-2454

Ross, Steven, LSCW

Union Square ��917 406-7900 www.stevenrosstherapy.com

Schuetz, Volker, PsyD

for your

1133 Broadway #913 NYC ��212 470-9024 www.nychangemanagement.com

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Schwartz, Alan, M.D., Psychiatrist

fOR OTC PuRCHAsEs & nEw CusTOmERs OnLY. LImIT 1 PER CusTOmER

West Village/Chelsea NYC ��212 727-0923

Tallent, Marc, Ph.D.

51 Fifth Ave NYC ��212 645-5795 http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/33692

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2022

METROSOURCE.COM

Store HourS: Mon - Fri 8aM - 8pM • Sat 9aM - 6pM • Sun 10aM - 5pM 346 Bleecker St • Greenwich VillaGe, nY 10014 • VillaGeapothecarY.com

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NEW YORK DIRECTORY DENTIST (CONTINUED) – HAIR REMOVAL Lew, Spencer, D.D.S.

30 E 40th St #706 NYC ��212 286-1717 www.nycdental.com

LuxDen Dental Center

2579 E 17th St, Ste 11 Brooklyn ��718 382-3444 www.luxden.com

Rosa, John D., D.D.S., P.C. 40 Newport Parkway, Ste P-1 Jersey City, NJ �� 201 626-2700 Sengos, Demetrios, D.D.S.

West 10th Dental P.C. 45 W 10th St NYC ��212 982-5883 www.west10thdental.com

OMNI Aesthetic MD

Eviatar, Joseph, M.D., F.A.C.S. 5 W 19th St NYC ��212 257-0007 www.omniaestheticmd.com

EMPLOYMENT

New York Life/NYLIFE Securities

Marlon J. Altoe 420 Lexington Ave, 15th Fl NYC �� 646 227-8605 Cell �� 646 761-4372 www.newyorklife.com/agent/maltoe

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

Peloso-Barnes, Julia A., CFP, CPM, CRPC Purchase, NY ��914 225-6391 www.advisor.morganstanley.com/the-pelosobarnes-group

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

FITNESS/GYMS/PERSONAL TRAINERS

1700 Stadium Way LA ��213 847-LAFD www.joinlafd.org 700 E Temple St, B-38 LA ��866 444-LAPD www.joinlapd.com

EVENT PLANNING & EVENT SPACE/RENTALS

Mercedes Club

550 W 54th St NYC ��212 265-1111 www.themercedesclub.com

METROSOURCE NY - AUG/SEP 2022

Articles inside

THE LYRICAL LIFE OF

SHARING HIS LIGHT

MONÉT X CHANGE

DAVID BARTA