MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

www.mirrorballs.info July 2009

Pride Home Burning Man Warren Rogers Summer Reads What makes SuperMartXe so super?

Under the covers with Colton Ford

MIRRORBALLS July 2009 Publisher: Nhamo Editor: TheCygnet South African Correspondent: Exit Newspaper

Cover Photo & Design: JamTrash (www.jamtrash.com) Contributors: Richard, James, Colin Swan, Philip Tsaras, Colin Richards, John Rushton, James Myhre, Bruce, James M, Nicholas McInerny, Bruce Walker, Stephen Piel Suiger

Š Copyright, MIRRORBALLS 2009. No Part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrievable system, or transmitted by any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Advertisers are reminded of their obligations under the 1984 Trade Protection Act. Advertisers are responsible for the content of their copy under the terms of the Act. The appearance or mention of any establishment, product, individual or organisation within this publication, should not be taken as an endorsement by the publishers of the same unless otherwise stated. The appearance, mention or likeness of any individual or organisation within this magazine should not be construed as an indication of either the sexual preference or political persuasion of the same, unless otherwise stated.

Contributions are welcomed on the understanding that any unsolicited manuscripts that they may be published without further correspondence, with a fee (if applicable) paid at standard rates as specified by MIRRORBALLS. Work cannot be returned to the author unless agreed by the publisher.

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

a film by Yann Arthus-Bertrand Words: Richard ; Images: Yann Arthus-Bertrand

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

HOME is not so much a film, as a photographic project brought to vividly to life for the screen. It is a visual feast with an important message to share. This is no Hollywood blockbuster, but it certainly packs a punch with stunning imagery, haunting soundtrack and a message so important, I believe everyone should set aside 90 minutes of their time to watch it.

•Our main energy sources are not sustainable •Species extinctions are escalating •Ice caps and glaciers are melting •Weather patterns are changing

And yet in the developed and developing The film tells us beautiful yet harsh world, we continue on a path that will truths. The message is intense, scary and surely lead to our own destruction. profound. Described by one of its creators as “An opera of the world”, the HOME asks you to face the problem and film aims to raise awareness of global ask; ecology and of mans impact upon the “What can I do?” planet.

“What can WE do? th Officially launched on the 5 June 2009, shot in 54 countries at over 120 “What will YOU do?” locations, there were 217 days of filming over a period of 18 months. Currently it But Home is not ultimately about doom has been translated into 14 languages and gloom; it is about celebrating in and was launched simultaneously on the glorious Technicolor the diversity and Internet and broadcast in 87 countries, beauty of the planet. It argues that this is and with nearly 2 million viewings on You not a time for pessimism, but a time for Tube, all the numbers are as impressive action – at all levels – government, as the finished work. business, and individuals all acting together. Solutions are available, but The films creator Yann Arthus-Bertrand there seems to be no will or desire to says that “in the last 50 years man has break the status quo. It hopes that it can altered the planet more completely than be a stimulus for action. Maybe we as at any other time”, and yet as a species individuals we can be inspired by HOME. we plough on regardless, ultimately Perhaps we should begin to exercise our endangering ourselves, because we are democratic rights and tell our politicians just to blind to see the obvious signs that that there are votes in this issue, and as we are ultimately endangering ourselves concerned citizens of the planet we and putting our survival in jeopardy. demand to see some real change.

•Half of the world’s forests have disappeared

In December this year the world’s governments meet in Copenhagen for

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

COP – the Conference of the Parties. In Copenhagen they will try to work out how as a planet we can save ourselves. The hope is that if you lock enough politicians up in a big enough room for long enough, like the room full of monkeys that will eventually type Shakespeare, that they will come to some agreement about how the world should tackle climate change.

The fact is that we need to replace the Kyoto protocol, which has encouraged greenhouse gas reduction over the last 10 years, but which hasn’t been radical enough to reduce the planets emissions in any significant manner, to prevent catastrophic global warming.

beginning to make real changes. Send your local politicians the link to the film, and follow up a couple of weeks later asking them for their thoughts.

“What will YOU do?”

Watch the film and realise that you are both part of the problem and part of the solution. Tell all your friends to watch the film, and

At 90 minutes, HOME is an intense viewing experience, so much so, don’t be afraid to stop it half way through to let your senses process everything you have seen. Share your experience with friends and introduce colleagues and families to Before attending this event, I think all the the film. politicians, journalists, academics, lobbyists and hanger-on’s should be I dread to think what this film would have made to watch this film and should not be been like if Hollywood had made it, allowed to leave the auditorium until they probably some bizarre combination of can answer a short questionnaire about March of the Penguins, The Day After the facts and figures contained within the Tomorrow and Die Hard (1,2,3 and 4). film. But this is just a flight of fantasy, but Instead HOME is about us, it’s about our there is something we can do by following planet and how we treat it. It isn’t always the “So What” questions that the film comfortable to watch, but it rewards us asks us to consider. by stimulating both our senses and our minds, and not many Hollywood So what? blockbusters can claim to do both of those things!

“What can I do?”

I can watch the film, absorb its beauty and Find out more about Yann Arthusmarvel at what a wonderful planet we live Bertrand and the not for profit on. Reflect on what damage I cause and organisation he has founded at try to find ways to minimise my impacts. http://www.goodplanet.org/en/ “What can WE do?

We need to ensure that our politicians understand that Copenhagen represents Watch HOME at: www.home-2009.com humanities best and last real hope for

Jump In MIRRORBALLS is so much more than just a magazine, i t is an attitude, a way of life, its also a rich and growing online community.

Sign up on our website to gain access to photo galleries, event guides, behind-the-scenes video and much, much more.

We think you’ll get a kick out of it!

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MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

PRIDE Words: John Rushton, The Life Alchemist / MB1 www.johnrushton.com

The dictionary definitions of “pride” show just what a difference an attitude can make to the self same word. Definition (a) “the happy satisfied feeling somebody experiences when having or achieving something special that other people admire”, and (b) “a haughty attitude shown by someone who believes, often unjustifiably, that he or she is better than others”. We all to some degree have aspects of pride within us, about our own family, country or achievements, or our garden for the work we’ve done to it, or whatever it happens to be, it’s very personal and what we may be proud of others may think it nondescript, dull or not interesting, it’s all very subjective.

daughters from decent families who are real people not just invisible names and definitely not outcasts of society.

But what are gay people proud of that’s the real question. By default they have nothing to be ashamed about, they are human beings like their brothers and sisters, function the same way, and contribute to society too in a whole manner of different ways especially in the field of creative arts, where they seem to excel. So what is it or why is it that “Pride” is celebrated almost globally from Rio to New York to London To Sydney to Moscow to South Africa, you name it, there’s a “pride” of some description.

Of course the world by and large has Of course there are other moved on from the days when “gay” connotations of the word Pride today, people were just a fascination and it’s the symbol used for the gay everyone was presumed to wear drag community that’s brandished around at home and talk with lisps, mince the world as an almost universal down the road and live in some avant antonym in that it was formed from guard house or flat. With few the negative backlash of years gone exceptions gay people are by as a demonstration of solidity and indistinguishable from anyone else, something that was here and now and their lives reflect a commonality represented the millions of sons and between them of the ‘self’, they share

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

their thoughts and feelings and ideals just as any kind of community would do including people such as ‘football supporters’ or even those affiliated to political parties, it’s the commonality that holds them together and gives them a higher degree of camaraderie of understanding and gives it all gravitas and meaning and purpose and this is fundamentally what “Pride” is all about.

global institutions want to be seen to be joining in as the “pink pound or dollar or euro” are very sizeable in terms of spending power and revenues. Revenue and spending from almost any gay community is above the national average in any country, such is their ability to ‘see’ life slightly differently and enjoy what there is. Of course everything in life isn’t just black and white, but the endless permutations of shades and textures “Pride” isn’t something arrogant, represent under the Pride banner the even if it tends to be flamboyant, it’s diversity of a community that can give not something to hide behind, it’s not as good as it gets, no matter who you a cover up for anger or division, it’s are or what you do, all welcome. How just an outward expression in our “free we live our lives individually is down to world” of a sizeable part of the us, but race, creed, religion, colour, population sharing for a brief moment shape size etc are no barriers as to something that gives them that “feel who you are in your own community. good” factor once a year. It’s no We don’t live in a perfect world, but it different is essence from the Saint doesn’t mean we have to respond to Patricks Day – the Irish celebrations or the ill begotten few whom because the Scottish “hogmanay” festivals in they don’t like something want to ban New Year or the summer West Indian it.

Carnivals. We celebrate Christmas, we celebrate independence days, in fact Life evolves, and to celebrate along when one looks around the world with others an aspect of one’s life, celebrations are the “norm” for something that has proven its value dozens of communities once a year to and worth within the world can only be get together and share with others life for the better. It affirms who gay on their terms but without any strings people are regardless of those that nor conditions, it’s a case of this is it cannot see beyond their own noses world come and share who we are. and give nothing to society except negativity. Pride is becoming a “world The inner warmth and fun of “Pride” event” like motor racing is, regardless always abounds and whilst it’s of where or when it’s staged. It has a becoming like everything else a very population and it has an audience, commercial concern, many of the Pride is a success of its own making.

www.vertu.com

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

BURNING Words and Images: Nicholas McInerny

Every year a festival takes place in Nevada, USA. A hundred miles North from Reno, two hundred and fifty miles from San Francisco there is a vast and remote Playa – a dried out lake bed. It is called BLACK ROCK DESERT. Beginning on the last Monday in August and ending a week later on Labor day, over 50,000 people gather in this place. Together they create BLACK ROCK CITY. On Saturday the main event takes place from which the festival derives its name – BURNING MAN. A wood and neon effigy packed with fireworks slowly raises his hands to the stars and explodes in a million points of light before being burnt to the ground. The city erupts in celebration and lament. Two days later nearly everyone has gone, left BLACK ROCK CITY to return to the ‘default’ world.

Within weeks even the last human traces will have disappeared, our presence totally eradicated, scorched away in the dust and heat. The Play is empty again.

Each year BURNING MAN has a theme. I first went in 2004 for VAULT OF HEAVEN, then again in 2006 for HOPE AND FEAR and most recently in 2008 for THE AMERICAN DREAM, with my partner, Mikhael. What attracted me was both its extreme demands and fantastic possibilities. Two key principles are RADICAL SELF RELIANCE and RADICAL SELF EXPRESSION. The first principle meant you had to come with all your provisions – nothing is provided on site apart from the Porta Potties – and be prepared for temperatures that soared during the day and plummeted at night. Dust storms up to 70 miles an hour regularly raged – and on the rare occasions it rained the Playa surface turned into wet concrete. Everyone who attends the Festival has their Playa ‘moment’ when they just want to crawl into their tent and go home. Even the ticket carries the warning – ‘By attending this event you are voluntarily risking serious injury and/or death’? How thrilling is that?

The Second Principle is a call for universal tolerance. BURNING MAN asks you – if you were able to do anything you wanted, express yourself in whatever way you wish, explore a part of your personality – sexual, social, creative – and take full responsibility for it – what would you choose? This challenge is everywhere at

MAN

Lust in the Dust

BURNING MAN, and hugely liberating. As you leap onto a fast moving Art Car or clamber over an art structure, or cycle out into the middle of the playa, the cry goes up ‘Safety Third!’ – and you are making a decision that has to balance personal risk against duty to others. And every day you are invited to take part in small pieces of theatre – whether it’s to attend an interview to Adopt a Garden Gnome, or to go to a cocktail party at the Ashram Galactica, a fully furnished Hotel, or volunteer to deliver Pizzas randomly for Pizza Sluts, the City Pizzeria or perhaps watch two contestants battle it out in a fully recreated Thunder Dome. Once I was buying stamps at the Post Office, when I had an old 1970’s copy of Playboy thrust into my hands and told to go offer it to a leather clad dominatrix walking past – overcoming my natural inhibition felt like a significant breakthrough, as well as embodying another BURNING MAN principle - DON’T SPECTATE, PARTICIPATE. Because of that nobody cares what you do – the CEO of Google and all the Apple Valley Kids come down to play with radical Queens from the Bay Area and Old Revolutionaries from the East Coast – they simply enjoy you for who you are. Key to that is one of the other principles – GIFTING. GIFTING ‘is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional.

Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value’ It’s difficult to overestimate quite how profoundly this changes the nature of personal relationships over the course of the week – denied the narrow roles of buyer/seller we not only find ourselves thinking of each other differently – but also ourselves.

At night BLACK ROCK CITY is transformed into another world altogether. It emerges like Atlantis from the depths of the ocean, all glitter and noise – one minute a Wild West Frontier town re-imagined by Mad Max, the next a Fellini Film, then something out of Tim Burton, all gothic deliciousness. Around the Esplanade, the main avenue which faces the effigy of the Man, Clubs pump out their music, as Art cars sail over the playa lit up like distant liners, echoing to the sound of laughter. It’s an Adult Playground equipped with Hollywood

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Technology – all powered by a fascinating combination of American hedonism pursued with a puritan’s zeal. And whilst there dedicated Gay Camps – AVALON village is one, and also the infamous JIFFY LUBE cruising area (motto – ‘GET IN, GET OFF, GET OUT’) – the whole city hums with an amazing erotic energy because everyone is relaxed and confident. As I said to Mikhael – ‘Sexy is as Sexy does’.

There is also an extraordinary intensity to this celebration of the fragility of life. After the burning of the man on Saturday, there follows a completely different event on the Sunday. The Temple of Remembrance, a three story structure based on a Buddhist Temple, has been the repository of messages left by Black Rock City Citizens to those they have loved and lost in any number of ways – death, negligence, betrayal, misunderstanding. During the week it slowly becomes a kind of collective memory and altar to atonement. On the Sunday night it is burnt to the ground. Over 40,000 people sit and watch this event in absolute silence, as fire devils swirl into the night sky. It is a truly unforgettable experience.

For me attending the BURNING MAN Festival has marked important stages in my own personal journey – emotional, spiritual, sexual - and each time I return exhausted but inspired. Like all extraordinary experiences, the challenge is how to integrate it into daily life – but increasingly I have found this easier. As a dear friend once put it so memorably – ‘At the end of August can you think of a better ticket to anywhere else on the planet?’

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Books and other stuff we like Recommended Reads for Summer Selected by James

Rounding up books to recommend makes Of the prose, let’s start with the real me feel like a shepherd or a game-keeper. youngster on the list. Richard Milward’s There’s plenty out there, and, with this, the first books review article for

second novel, Ten Storey Love Song, is a great big block of prose without

MirrorBalls I thought I’d scatter some paragraph breaks, recent publishing and other books freshly the nature of which re-printed and let you cherry-pick your impels you to power way through your leisure reading for July. through its All the books on the list gave me pleasure narrative. Milward in the last month, though some noticeably more than others.

deftly provides links from one character or action

In drama, there’s plenty on to excite, and the Edinburgh Festival is about to give us

or point-of-view to another – the

all a new swath of plays and comedy gigs, inventiveness is but of recent published scripts you might dizzying and find yourself drawn in to the life of people dazzling – while also in Afghanistan and the problems of our current military situation in that country

digging deep in to the behaviour of

through The Great Game, a collection of thirteen shortish plays by leading playwrights, including Richard Bean,

those he observes and dissects. The story links the inhabitant of a tower block in Middlesbrough and takes us on a ride

David Edgar, Stephen Jeffreys, Abi Morgan, Simon Stephens, and Colin

through art, drugs, sex, sexual dysfunction, paedophilia, violence, more

Teevan. These plays were staged at the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, London, in April and we have them in print from the

drugs, an art exhibition in London with a gay gallery owner (also on drugs) for good measure, drug-induced psychosis,

very useful publishing house, Oberon.

The scripts betray something of the

and more. Milward’s style is the epitome of experimental cool. You can see the

documentary impulse behind the project debt to Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting – but these are not ‘verbatim’ accounts of which Milward openly admits in his trials, such as the Tricycle has specialised writer’s blurb for faber – but Milward is his in over the years.

own (young) man. The great trick of the novel is that once you are hooked it is very difficult to stop reading. There are

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

no convenient paragraph breaks or Breslau finds himself kicked out of Yale chapter breaks at which you can pause to aged 14 when his doctorate on the pop on the kettle or contemplate doing something else, so once you’re in, you’re

doomed Romantic poet Chatterton goes nowhere and dragged in to a daft scheme

in. I can’t say how the story ends but its style remains exciting right to the last line. There’s verve and bravura aplenty,

to make money by manufacturing bricks out of shit in the southern Iraqi province of Coproliabad – you won’t find this place

great characters, heroically disastrous sex – including a bout of diarrhoea mid-

on a map. What you will find in Kaufman’s writing though is a straining for effect. I

chat-up on the dance floor leading to some smelly intercourse – and some lyrical descriptions of the creative

couldn’t quite relax in to the idiom and the chapters are so short and the plot so contrivedly episodic that the back-to-

process and the countryside. If you enjoy front nature of the narrative in which we all this (I’m thinking the prose – not the find the hero locked in a prison in Assama, thought of having sex with someone afflicted with diarrhoea) you can return to Milward’s debut novel, Apples, of

the capital of Coproliabad (the people of Assama are, predictably enough, Assos).

We spend a long part of the novel finding

2007.

out how he got in there, and no sooner do we know than he is miraculously sprung

Switching to the opposite end of the spectrum you have Millard Kaufman’s

and the novel ends with a nuclear-sized bang. Along the way there are diverting scenes but I never felt the whole piece

debut novel, Bowl of Cherries (2007),

took off. It may be that the pick-and-mix feel was not what I was in the mood for

published when Kaufman was a sprightly 90. Kaufman

but I found the constant breaks and shifts in narrative point-of-view to be an irritation rather than a virtue. There is,

was a marine in WWII, was nominated twice

however, a stand-out description of an attempt to get a stallion to cover a mare

for Oscars for his screenplays during a long career in

which ends in tears. That Kaufman’s book is very obviously an allegory for the shittiness of the west’s intervention in

Hollywood, and was co- Iraq almost goes without saying. Heck – creator of the shortan Israeli army Colonel (the narrator’s sighted Mr Magoo.

Somehow, his literary agent having died, he found himself in the hands of the hip

long-lost father) turns up towards the end armed with righteous madness, lest we be in any doubt as to the nature of the

youngsters at McSweeney’s (led by Dave satire at play.

Eggers), and so his comic creation Judd

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

John Brandon’s debut Arkansas (2008) is a

of 1962. Rafael Sabatini’s Captain Blood (1922) is

fine piece of writing with elements of the

worth the price for its rollicking depiction of life in

hard-boiled American thriller and the crime noir, and there is a more

the Caribbean at the time of the Monmouth rebellion of 1685 – it’s a historical

thoughtful and comical element to its voice.

novel the plot of which must have percolated

The men of Brandon’s America are dissatisfied with life

through to the makers of the first of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies

and, as a result, find themselves in a world

(though not the latter two mish-mash messes), with

where guns and the disposal of bodies become the norm. Here, again, lost parents and dysfunctional families

the hero, Captain Peter Blood, wrongfully sentenced to death for treason and transported to a slave plantation from

feature and the characters at the core of the novel have to make their own way

which he escapes to make his moody and flamboyant

through life without received trajectories way around the or likely fates. It’s a quirky and beautifully waters of the written book.

Spanish Main Of the other prose I’ve listed for you to

engaging in ferocious sea

take a stab at after work or on holiday I’d highlight Ballard’s dystopian The Drought (1965) and

battles, swashing through duels,

Christopher’s The Death of Grass

avoiding traps, and redeeming

(1956). Both of these are prophetic tellings of the failure

himself when war is declared on the French.

of modern society and the people who

On the comic side, the

cope when things go badly wrong. If you like the Christopher

Wodehouses listed are two of this summer’s re-printings from Everyman of a complete edition in smart hardback

you could also try his The World in Winter

bindings with attractive dust-jackets illustrated by Andrzej Klimowski. These

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

are beautiful books that will look good on the shelf and are great reads. Nobody

Choice. I loved the ever-changing rhythms and pulses of the poems, the

quite matches the comic silliness of shifting vocabulary choices and the deft Wodehouse and these two books bracket chimings and hardnesses in the sounds the start and later period of his career.

I’ve listed you a deal of poetry, some of it

he manages. Try Owen Sheers and see what you make of his gorgeous way with anecdote and sound. The McNeillie,

from well-known writers – Heaney with Once, is a lovely memoir, rich in imagery his latest ‘translation’ and Muldoon with a and dense with a love of place, by a writer beautiful series of poems matched with photographs by Norman McBeath. For people who like wellproduced books and want to spend time

and literature editor for OUP who has been publishing from his own press – the Clutag Press – and is about to take up a Professorship at Exeter University. If you like McNeillie’s memoir you’ll want to hear

pausing over words about his other writings which I’ll keep for and image in a future edition. synthesis the poems and the black and white photographs

The other stuff – go see at the cinema: ‘The Hangover’ (filthy and funny with

resonate wonderfully.

Heaney’s work is a

some great dialogue) ‘Star Trek’ ‘Synecdoche NY’

curious piece: translating

‘Terminator: Salvation’

Henryson’s And, presumably everyone has their renaissance Scottish ticket booked for Rufus Wainwright’s poetry is a favour that seems strangely opera première, Prima Donna, at the less impressive than his Beowulf – the language and the structure of the

Palace Theatre, Manchester, from the 10 July. The Met in NY turned it down

Henryson feels familiar enough that Heaney’s poetry sits alongside it in the nature of a crib rather than a true

because the libretto is in French. No problem. Good news for Manchester.

imagining, but there’s undeniable eloquence and power in his rendition of

That’s it for July. Shout back with what works for you, and what you’d rather hear

the Scots. Of the other poetry, you have about. a mixture of established voices and some new young writers. D’Aguiar is a great writer and this new volume has been well received and is a Poetry Book society

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

The books Prose J. G. Ballard, The Drought (1965; flamingo, 2001) John Brandon, Arkansas (McSweeney’s, 2008) John Christopher, The Death of Grass (1956; Penguin 2009) ------, The World in Winter (1962) Millard Kaufman, Bowl of Cherries (McSweeney’s, 2007) Richard Milward, Ten Storey Love Song (faber, 2009) Dan Rhodes, Don’t Tell Me the Truth About Love (Fourth Estate, 2001) Rafael Sabatini, Captain Blood (1922; Vintage, 2009) Wells Tower, Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned (Granta, 2009) P. G. Wodehouse, The Man With Two Left Feet (1917; Everyman, 2009) ------, Barmy in Wonderland (1952; Everyman, 2009)

Drama script Richard Bean (& 12 others), The Great Game (Oberon, 2009)

Poetry / memoir Fred D’Aguiar, Continental Shelf (Carcanet, 2009) Jen Hadfield, Nigh-No-Place (Bloodaxe, 2008) Katharine Kilalea, One Eye’d Leigh (Carcanet, 2009) Andrew McNeillie, Once (Seren, 2009) Paul Muldoon, Plan B (Enitharmon, 2009) Owen Sheers, Skirrid Hill (Seren, 2005) Kathryn Simmonds, Sunday at the Skin Laundrette (Seren, 2008) Seamus Heaney / Robert Henryson, The Testament of Cresseid & Seven Fables (faber, 2009)

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

LOGAN PRESENTS......

Interview: Nhamo, Photos: Chris Jepson

Launched in November 2008 and attracting capacity crowds every time SuperMartXe London started big, and just keeps getting bigger. We sat down with Logan, the club’s promoter and visionary to find out how he managed to create South London’s most popular monthly party.

MIRRORBALLS: WHAT IS SUPERMARTXE? WHEN DID YOU FIRST START CLUB PROMOTION? Logan: SuperMartXe initially got its start in Madrid. After a year or so of building a new super brand they opened up a night in Ibiza, and the popularity of this refreshingly creative night exploded, giving the brand an opportunity to fill the world’s largest club, Privilege, all summer long. Through their rapid success, I found their style to be cutting-edge and young spirited and I knew I wanted to import this new party gem to London.

Directly after the successful summer season, SuperMartXé and I signed and plans began for the launch of SuperMartXé London at the end of November.

Building the right structure for business was my biggest priority. Taking the right position in the London gay scene, and working with the best is of huge importance.

MB: WHERE ARE YOUR CLUBS BASED AND WHY THOSE AREAS? Our London event is based at the magnificent Coronet Theater in Elephant & Castle. Becoming one of South London’s most stylish venues, this 2000 + capacity and gigantic main room gives the space a lot character that most other clubs are lacking - that feeling of togetherness. On a less glamorous note, with plenty of toilets, an ever-growing coatroom, and within a 2-minute walk from the tube station, this larger than life venue has plenty of space yet to be discovered!

MB: FOR YOU, WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF MAKING A GOOD CLUB NIGHT? Good club nights are made by fusing many important elements together such as music, creative entertainment, ambience, and passion.

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MUSIC: We have a very strict music policy – it’s got to be top-notch quality.

SuperMartXé is known for their pumping Spanish Balearic house beats. Their resident DJ’s all spin a similar style adding their own unique twist. Nearly every resident DJ on the team also produces their tracks played during the night giving them a creditable notoriety. Every event features one famed Spanish resident alongside London’s own creative DJ giants. And don't forget, we’re also showcasing the best PA’s clubbing has to offer!

THE SHOW: At every event you can expect the best of entertainment from around the globe. We will stop at nothing to give the unexpected and to reinvent every show. Swedish pop princess Therese will be joining the team once again on the 4th of July with a full cast of stunning boy and girl gogos, beefy strippers, and the most over the top production in London.

THE CROWD: Pulling in the right mix of people is very important. SuperMartXé London targets the most sexy boys, beautiful girls, straight-gay, whoever is looking to have a good night out. Keeping a buzzing audience isn’t always an easy task, but SuperMartXé London pulls out all the stops to keep that energy flowing.

MB: HOW DO YOU GET AN EVENT ORGANIZED AND HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS? Organizing and promoting are the two main tasks in building the event itself. From the organizational aspect, having a good team with a balance of both creativity and structure is key. Sometimes our creativity runs wild and needs a bit of structure to keep the business moving. We organize the events by contracting the Djs and artists, selecting a theme to build on, design and plan staging & effects, bring it all together, and make the party happen!

We promote all of our events both online, print, and personal contact. From Facebook to bar hopping, we feel it is essential to go out and know your audience and what they like.

MB: YOU ARE BEST KNOWN FOR THE PARTY SUPERMARTXE IN LONDON. ARE THERE OTHER FUTURE EVENTS OR THEMES YOU ARE LOOKING INTO DEVELOPING? Mara and I launched a night at the beginning of May called “HYPE” Limited Edition. It was a new concept, different to that of SuperMartXé, as it focused more on the music and the element of live artists. The talented Rebeka Brown and a maestro on the violin, Micah, tore the roof off the Coronet with their amazing performances.

The party was a great success and there have been many inquiries for future dates, but at the moment nothing has been nailed down yet. Who knows what all 2009 has in store for the Logan presents team…

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MB: SUPERMARTXE HAS COVERED MANY COSMOPOLITAN EVENTS RANGING FROM PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL TALENTS TO NEW DANCERS WHO DECIDES WHAT YOU PROMOTE AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PUT THE LAUNCH PARTY TOGETHER? SuperMartXé being a sub-brand or branch of the masterbrand in Madrid, we try to keep our events in coordination with the party’s philosophy and over-all style, but clearly tailor our unique touches and themes to every production. I hire the dancers and musical talents. I look for the best choreographers, podium dancers, and live vocal artists to keep the quality of every production the best possible.

The Launch Party back in November took us 5 weeks to build. With the brand pushing us to open our doors, and the Christmas holiday moving closer, we were very limited in time to make the first event as big as possible! Mara, Samantha and I worked our butts off, and it was worth every drop of sweat.

MB: HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP THE ATTENDANCE OF YOUR EVENTS TO BE SO HIGH AND THE QUALITY SO GOOD? I feel that attendance directly reflects the quality of the previous events.

SuperMartXé London continues to grow in numbers because clubbers know what they are getting for their money. There is always the element of surprise with every theme and every production, but most can be guaranteed the music will be amazing, the shows will be amazing and the crowd will be the best looking in town.

MB: WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS WITH SUPERMARTXÉ LONDON? Our future plans with our London branch are to keep the quality high and the people happy. We enjoy building a big night out in London and we are very grateful to be blessed with this opportunity to do so.

is held at: The Coronet Theatre 26-28 New Kent Road London SE1 6TJ www.supermartxelondon.com

Now available from the MIRRORBALLS shop. www.mirrorballs.info

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Words: Bill Coleman Three simple words. Three words that, when taken together, can—depending on one’s own proclivities—conjure up opposing images in the mind: naughty or nice, salacious or modest, dangerous or safe. Now, take these same three words and make them the title of the new album by singer-turned porn star-turned singer Colton Ford and the brain activity intensifies.

“Under the Covers” is the second full-length album from Ford. Sure, the title winkingly refers to Ford’s adult film past. But it’s also an apt reference to the album’s main focus: songs made famous by others. Indeed, and like numerous artists before him, Ford has recorded a collection of songs that sound, at once, wholly familiar and wonderfully fresh.

In addition to speaking to Ford in a very real and personal way, the tracks that comprise “Under the Covers” made a significant impact when they were originally released, and will be immediately familiar to a wide listening audience—even though someone other than the original artist is singing them. Explains Ford, “Adding my interpretation to these songs gives a new perspective to these classic tunes, enabling me to show different sides of my vocal ability.”

Ford continues, “When you are covering a hit track, if you can retain the integrity of the original and bring your own style to it in the process, you can reveal something to the listener about you as an artist that perhaps they haven’t heard before. This album is also a friendly reminder of just how great these songs were and still are.”

“Under the Covers” covers much musical ground and time. At 32-years-old, Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” (re-imagined here as an interlude) is the oldest song in the collection. It is seamlessly situated between R.E.M.’s alternative rock hit “Losing My Religion” and Babyface’s R&B charttopper “It’s no Crime.”

Elsewhere, Ford takes on Britney Spears’ “Trouble” (a bonus track on the pop star’s latest album, “Circus”), which leads into an a cappella snippet of R. Kelly’s “It Seems Like You’re Ready,” followed by the house music anthem/R&B jam, “Follow Me.”

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Each of Ford’s cover versions showcases a singer who is deftly bridging the gap between then and now. Nowhere is this more evident than on his re-workings of Robyn’s “With Every Heartbeat,” Sade’s “By Your Side,” Alicia Keys’ “No One” and Nirvana’s “Lithium.” In Ford’s hands, “With Every Heartbeat” retains its sublime electro-pop foundation, while “By Your Side” and “No One” take glorious side trips to Spain and Jamaica, respectively. Ford injects the Nirvana classic with ample dance-rock attitude—and even manages to pay homage to Ram Jam’s top 20 hit “Black Betty” (released the same year as Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”) along the way.

Throughout, the beats remain feisty and the rhythms taut, with Ford’s soulful vocals upfront and center. Quentin Harris, who helmed Ford’s debut album, 2008’s “Tug of War,” is but one producer featured on “Under the Covers.” A decidedly collaborative project, “Under the Covers” also spotlights the production skills of Matthias “Matty” Heilbronn, Craig C., Whatever Whatever (aka Justin Strauss and Bryan Bette), Lost Daze, Count De Money and others.

For Ford, there is a difference between singing songs made famous by other artists and singing his own original music. However, he clearly states, “When I’m singing, I’m singing. I feel what it is that I’m singing about, and when I sing a song, it’s my interpretation of the song, whether I wrote it or not. Now, writing a song adds another layer for me. It’s like you’re giving birth to something, and are responsible for it’s development and growth. That’s an awesome process.”

Ford lives—and loves—to sing. Whether he’s written the track or not, he can only interpret a song the way he feels it. That said, Ford acknowledges that he simply felt his way through the recording process of “Under the Covers.” He didn’t think about how he would arrange the vocals before going into the studio. Instead, he let the recording process unfold organically.

Growing up, Ford listened to mix of R&B (Rufus and Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, the Commodores, Anita Baker, Sarah Vaughn, Smokey Robinson, Al Green) pop (Olivia Newton-John, Cyndi Lauper, Tom Tom Club, Thompson Twins) and rock (Boston, the Police, Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac). He also managed to find time for Manhattan Transfer.

Ford’s fondness for words and melodies and singing paved the way to a young Ford participating in dinner theater revues while still in college. A short stint with Jon St. James’ production company (responsible for pop-dance hits by Stacy Q and others) in the mid-’80s provided Ford with the necessary tools to take a giant step

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

forward. By the late-’80s, Ford had signed a production deal with the company coowned by hit-making songwriter Denise Rich.

In the early-’90s, Ford was confirmed to be the featured male vocalist on Frankie Knuckles’ second studio album, 1995’s “Welcome to the Real World.” In the end, conflicts at the label (Virgin Records) prevented this from happening, and female singer Adeva became the album’s featured singer. Virgin then offered Ford a solo album deal. Unfortunately, this album never saw the light of day.

Through the twists and turns—and ups and downs—of his recording career, Ford never stopped writing songs. In 2002, filming began for the documentary “Naked Fame,” which followed Ford’s transition from porn star to singer. Ford’s dance track, “Everything,” anchored the film, offering viewers the ins and outs of a onetime porn star making the jump—or in Ford’s case, returning—to the world of music. Ford’s single with Pepper MaShay, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” also became a Billboard Top 10 hit.

Ford’s non-X rated acting skills also made their way to TV. Playing the role of Sheriff Trout, Ford appears in all three seasons of here! TV’s on-going campy gay vampire show, “The Lair.” Ford has also had cameos in the films “Another Gay Sequel” and Madonna and Rupert Everett’s “The Next Big Thing.” And in addition to his own numerous music videos, Ford starred in the video of Cyndi Lauper’s “Into the Nightlife.” Yes, he also performed on select dates of the Lauper-helmed True Colors 2008 Tour.

Now, for those who remain unable to get beyond Ford’s porn star past to focus on his singing present (can you say “skeptic”?), Ford has a few words: “I can’t control how people feel about me, my past and my music. I have always sung and created music, so I just continue to do what I’ve always done. My main concern is to make music that I feel and that I’m proud of. The rest is out of my control. I know that there are some people who aren’t going to be able to see beyond my porn persona, and that’s OK.” Pausing for a moment, he adds, “I feel, however, that there are far more people out there who are interested in hearing what I can do musically, and are able to look beyond that part of my past. Those are the people I’m looking to reach. I’m doing what I love to do, so at the end of the day, I can say that I’m following my heart and living my dream. Isn’t that what we all want for ourselves?

Mission Malawi www.missionmalawi.co.uk

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

The Benefits of PsychoSensual Massage A Genuine Therapeutic Treatment

By Colin Richards, qualified Therapeutic and Sports masseur.

Why do we love to be touched? Is it Primal?

The need intimate touch is primal; for millennia man, maybe even before he had the powers of speech, more than likely used touch as a form of group communication. By nature we are a tribal species, we need each other to survive, for the first 10 or so years of our lives we are extremely vulnerable we need others to protect us, feed and care for us and it is through touch we are re assured that we belong to the group, we that we are safe. It identifies our place in the group hierarchy.

Natures example, the Bonobo monkey shares 98% of our genetic makeup and is regarded as the closest primate to the human being and sex and intimate touch is the key to the social life of the Bonobo. For them it is is a major part of their group dynamic, therefore it is not so difficult to believe that the natural state of the human being is very similar. As studied by Frans B.M.de Wall and reported in March 1995 issue of the Scientific American.

“The diversity of erotic contacts in bonobos includes sporadic oral sex, massage of another individual's genitals and intense tongue-kissing. Lest this leave the impression of a pathologically oversexed species, I must add, based on hundreds of hours of watching bonobos, that their sexual activity is rather casual and relaxed. It appears to be a completely natural part of their group life. Like people, bonobos engage in sex only occasionally, not continuously”.

Bonobo Sex and Society by Frans B. M. de Waal http://www.primates.com/bonobos/ bonobosexsoc.html

The benefits of PsychoSensual Massage and why.

Make time: For many of us life is “all about the other” and not ourselves. We have been persuaded that to care for ourselves is self indulgent even selfish, that to ensure our position within society we must look after everyone else’s needs first and only when we believe that they are satisfied can we care for ourselvesbut does this ever happen? If we are all caring for the other then can we ever be satisfied ourselves. Instead of living our lives 95% for others we should aim for at least 60/40 and taking a regular massage is well invested time, closing the door on the rest of the world and focussing on the SELF. Safe relaxing non judgemental environment The quiet relaxed environment of the massage room and a warm friendly manner of the masseur gives a feeling of safety that will reduce sub conscious psychological warning systems ( often linked to childhood conditioning) and as we begin to relax so the levels of anxiety decrease encouraging our bodies to relax Openness and understanding: Giving a clear description of the massage process and explaining its level of sensuality will continue to reduce the anxiety.

Understanding our motivation for wanting the massage, being able to be honest with our fantasies, fears and needs without feeling judged all go to help us feel able to let go and receive.

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A journey from tension and stress through arousal and orgasm to ultimate relaxation A PshycoSensual Massage should be given slowly and seductively, with the masseur taking the client on a 4 part journey from the state of tension they often arrive in through relaxation and arousal to the orgasmic high and eventual fulfilment. Each phase of the massage has its particular focus and motivation.

Stage 1 Sensual Therapeutic phase Stage 2 Gentle Arousal phase Stage 3 Sensual Arousal phase Stage 4 Erotic and Orgasmic phase.

Sensual Therapeutic Phase The Sensual Therapeutic phase lasts about 20 minutes and is focussed on the shoulders and back of the upper body. The aim is to encourage the client into a further relaxed state. With the use of light touch, feathers and soft caring touch combined with more

traditional deep tissue muscle work causes the client to further to “let go”. The combination of soft strokes with stronger deeper massage generates a confidence within the client and a genuine feeling of being cared for. This is followed by gentle teasing of the more intimate areas of the body making the skins sensory preceptors to send signals to the brain, the brain responds by stimulating the body’s para sympathetic nervous system (relax and rest mode) and the massage progresses in to the Gentle Arousal Phase.

Gentle Arousal phase By now the client is usually well on the sensual journey, still aware of what is taking place but beginning to “drift away” losing themselves to the sensations of the massage. Further exploration into the intimate crevices of the body namely the neck, armpits, groin and pelvic areas are all stimulated. Arousal begins to increase usually causing erection (men) and lubrication (women) accompanied by deeper breathing and some involuntary movements of the body. The skin becomes more sensitive as body contact between the masseur and client increases. And the brain begins to drifts in and out of awareness.

The Sensual Arousal phase During this phase direct contact with the genitals takes place, in the male the Penis (now erect), Scrotum and in women the outer lips of the Vagina and areas around the Groin and Anus are lightly touched and massaged.

Careful notice is taken not to take the client to orgasm but to hold them at a high level of arousal then falling back to relaxation and back again to high arousal, this is done several times. During this phase in the massage the client is encouraged to be self focussed enjoying the stimulation and to not worry about their “performance” or the “other” however for some physical contact with the masseur preferred and since when an

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“intimate connection” is made arousal can increase considerably.

Orgasm to Relaxation The male sexual response cycle consists of excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

The first 3 phases of this massage cover the first two elements of this cycle. During this phase of the massage the body and mind becomes paradoxically, both deeply relaxed and highly aroused, this contradictory state causes the bodies’ nervous system to oscillate between its sympathetic and para sympathetic modes as the mind focuses on the sensations of the final ascent to orgasm.

At the pinnacle of orgasm control is given over to the primal response of orgasm and in men ejaculation) the muscles tense, the breathing increases, often the client becomes more verbal emitting pleasurable moans. Orgasms are usually a combination of peripheral (genital or extra-genital) stimulation and a mental “letting go.” Neurologically speaking, it is accepted that the pathways for ejaculation and orgasm are under a tonic inhibitory influence, and that the release of this inhibition is cerebrally influenced.

Without this release, the normal orgasmic and ejaculatory reflexes cannot be expressed.With the final orgasmic rush comes a massive release of energy, triggering the immediate after effect of relaxation when the male body, immediately following ejaculation, falls back into the deep state of resolution. The body relaxes and encouraged by stroking of the head and scalp the body quickly falls in to “rest, relax and re cooperate mode. With the drifting into a deep state of sub conscious even light sleep.

Next month: PsychoSensual Massage as a therapy to help men identify and remedy sexual performance issues and sexual anxieties.

About Colin Richards: Colin qualified as a Therapeutic and Sports masseur in 1995, having trained under the Association of Natural Medicines. He worked for several years as resident masseur at The Eldon Osteopathic Clinic in Devon. It was in 2005 that he moved to London to establish Massage 33. His aim was to put into practice his personal philosophy and belief that sensual (tantric) massage, if given as a professional therapeutic treatment, could be proved to be beneficial for those experiencing lack of intimacy or sexual challenges in their personal lives and not just regarded as a pseudo spiritual sexual massage. Soon his philosophy was proven right as increasingly clients who came to him with a variety of needs found the treatment not only very fulfilling but also beneficial and often acted as a catalyst to make change in their personal lives. Consequently and to enhance his skills and provide a more professional and informed support, in 2006 Colin trained as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.

Since then he has continued to develop his philosophy by combining his body work skills with established and proven psychosexual techniques. With this further knowledge and the invaluable experience of seeing more than 2500 clients over the past 3 years, he developed the massage and in 2008 rebranded Massage 33 to M33 offering a new style of massage; PsychoSensual massage to help men, women and couples of all sexualities with physiological or psychological issues that challenge their intimate lives.

Colin is now training others the principals and techniques of PsychoSensual Massage and his vision for the future is to create an “Intimacy Centre” A clinic for Psychosexual and Relationship therapy with integrating Sensual Treatments with Psychosexual Counselling.

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MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

www.barigoddard.co.uk +44 7907 998418

RISQUÉ BUSINESS

MIRRORBALLS recently sat down and sipped cocktails with South African clubbing

legend, Bruce Walker. We chatted about his club and clubbing in general in South Africa.

WHAT IS RISQUÉ WHEN DID YOU FIRST START CLUB PROMOTION AND CLUB OWNING? Risque is a trendy club in the north of Jhb with a pool area and 2 dance floors one inside and one outside. I started working a clubs when I was at school...I worked at the door at a club called Mrs Henderson’s and the first club I was a partner in was The Embassy in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

WHERE ARE YOU CLUBS BASED AND WHY THOSE AREAS? I have two clubs here. Risqué Johannesburg and Boksburg. The Johannesburg one is in the North of the city. We are there as it has safe parking and near most areas where the people stay. We chose Boksburg as there was a need for a club in the area. There lots of Drags there.

WHAT, FOR YOU, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF MAKING A GOOD CLUB NIGHT? Well to me it must be relaxed and not many restrictions people must come and escape from the world for the time they are there and all I have to do is give a safe environment and good staff and vibe like dancers and music.

HOW DO YOU GET AN EVENT ORGANIZED AND HOW DO YOU PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS? First will think of a party ...i.e. Dr and Nurses Wel then make the ad for our web and for facebook and flyers and for the local gay newspaper and for the other gay

websites. What we will need like decor and extras to make the theme better. That it in a nut shell but lots of smaller things that are just as important to help promote the event.

YOU ARE BEST KNOWN FOR CLUBS RISQUÉ. ARE THERE OTHER FUTURE CLUBBING EVENTS OR THEMES ARE YOU LOOKING INTO DEVELOPING? I have had many other clubs that have been around for some time but had to move out of the inner city. I think we need a gay area that can developed and be a hub in South Africa like restaurants bookshops and doctors, decor and gay related things like bars, clubs heath spars etc.

RISQUÉ HAS COVERED MANY COSMOPOLITAN EVENTS RANGING FROM LAUNCH OF NEW PRODUCTS LIKE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS TO COLOGNES WHO DECIDES WHAT YOU PROMOTES AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PUT THE LAUNCH PARTY TOGETHER Well I will help promote anything owned and run by gay people as we are a small community and need to work together on this. Can take up to a year but most take about 2 months.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO KEEP THE ATTENDANCE OF YOUR EVENTS TO BE SO HIGH AND THE QUALITY SO GOOD? Well it ís mostly the people who come there that make sure that the party is good if it was not they would stay away and we would not grow...Listen what the people want and give it to them.

WHAT ARE THE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR 2010 WHEN SOUTH AFRICA IS HOSTING THE WORLD CUP FOOTBALL? I don’t think the world cup will have such a big effect on us...the rugby world cup did not make that huge effect on us. (Had a club and bar then). We will have a few people coming to party and will be out there advertising on all the gay media and gay websites, where and what we do but.... SA tourism and FIFA want far too much for us to promote a gay event think they priced us out.

spirit energie conviction

www.verve-london.com

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

HEIN’S LEATHER A South African icon goes international Words: James Myhre, SALeathermen Organistion: Photoa: HybridImages

Leather as lifestyle. It’s a term that readily conjures images of places like the Warmoesstraat in Amsterdam, Fugger Strasse in Berlin, Vauxhall in London, or San Francisco’s South of Market District.

In South Africa, that distinction could very well go to the town of Botrivier in the Western Cape, an otherwise sleepy little hamlet situated amid a cluster of wine farms and boasting a single supermarket and turn-of-the-century hotel.

“The award was meant to honor those who contributed to our community, increasing both awareness and visibility.

Hein’s Leather is, without question, the very embodiment of that.”

Founded in 1996 by Hein Kruger, the company is best known for its bespoke leather gear, as well as its extensive range of portable dungeon/playroom equipment. Utilizing the finest, locally tanned skins and custom-designed steel But for nearly fifteen years now, Botrivier fittings, Kruger has made of career out of has also been home to the country’s ensuring the kind of tailored fit one would premiere fetish leather producer, Hein’s generally associated with Savile Row. Leather, a company whose growing “Personally I hate gear that doesn’t fit like renown extends well beyond Africa’s a second skin,” says Kruger. “Pants that borders to the likes of Amsterdam, Berlin, don’t accentuate the butt, or waistcoats London, and San Francisco. that gape at the shoulders. Some say With an ever-expanding roster of that you can’t guarantee a custom fit international clients, Hein’s Leather has with mail-order gear, but we’ve proven become more than just a symbol of South over the years that you can.”

African leather, but a vital link between In fact, Hein’s Leather’s measurement the local community and the association chart would likely put many Savile Row of leather fraternities overseas. It’s one tailors to shame. And to Kruger, whose of the main reasons why Hein’s Leather shop is literally draped in finely grained was chosen to present the “Community hides, leather itself is more than just a Spirit Award” at the country’s first Mr. fabric or medium; it’s an outright SAleathermen competition in May – an philosophy. event conceived to bring the first African contestant to the International Mr. “Leather is not like cotton or wool that Leather (IML) contest in 2010. you wear,” insists Kruger. “It’s a living thing. You don’t so much ‘wear’ it as “As the oldest fetish leather being a part of it and it being a part of you. manufacturer in South Africa, there was Many leather makers don’t understand really only one choice,” says James this and it shows in their work. It becomes Myhre of the SAleathermen organization. fashion rather than fetish.”

The decision to start a fetish leather company was one that was forged out of necessity for Kruger. Unable to source quality gear from overseas, he fashioned his first outfit – a leather waistcoat, harness, cap, and a pair of chaps – literally by hand.

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

“While I knew how to sew, my experience was really limited to things like woodworking and welding,” says Kruger.

“I did a trial run using unbleached linen and when I got the patterns right, I started cutting the leather and assembling the gear, piece by piece. I didn’t even have any equipment at the time, so all the stitching had to be done by hand. It took forever!”

But Kruger’s designs immediately caught the attention of Cape Town’s leather crowd and orders soon began pouring in.

Equipping himself with a industrial sewing machine, Kruger gradually grew the business, expanding his catalog and capitalizing on the ever-expanding word of mouth.

Overseas buyers soon began expressing interest in Kruger’s gear, as well – not only because of the immaculate quality and worksmanship, but the price. With the dip in the national currency that began back in the mid-80s, Kruger’s custom designs soon became an outright bargain to foreign consumers. His foray into portable playroom equipment gained him even greater attention, with an Amsterdam-based distributor selling his exclusive, poprtrable sling frame throughout parts of Europe.

Things have only been on the upswing since.

“I had a passion for something that started as a need and soon became a lifestyle,” says Kruger with ready grin.

“I’m constantly inventing and perfecting what I create, only placing my official stamp on things when I feel they live up to

the Hein’s Leather standard. And I’ve had a great time doing it.”

Flash forward to June 2009 as Mister Marcus, the beloved leather columnist of San Francisco’s Bay Area Reporter, announces Tertius van Niekerk as the winner of the Hein’s Leather Community Spirit Award in his nationally distributed column. To some, it might have just been a mention. To Kruger, it was a calling.

“Five years ago, no one would have paid attention to what was happening in South Africa,” says Kruger. “So to have someone of Mister Marcus’s caliber recognizing Tertius, recognizing us, is simply beyond words. It makes me feel like it’s time to join the rest of the world.”

And Hein’s Leather is set to do just that, with new distributorship agreements being forged in the U.K. and plans afoot to participate in SAleathermen’s IML 2010 campaign. Add to that an expanded women’s range and new copyrighted furniture designs and you have what many would agree is a formula for success.

“What I love about Hein is that it’s not just a business to him,” says Myhre. “He lives his passion daily and won’t be shaken from his course for all the money in the world. I truly believe that.”

If passion and dedication are, indeed, at the heart of the leather lifestyle, then Kruger is not only “living the life.” He’s living it in high style.

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Coming soon....

Leather

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Pride in Plain Sight An Interview with International Mr. Leather 2005 Michael Egdes Words: James Myhre, Photo: Mister Marcus “When was that moment in your life when you truly believed yourself to be a leatherman?”

It wasn’t the first question I had planned to ask Michael Egdes—the South African-born businessman and activist who in 2005 won the holy grail of all leather titles, International Mr. Leather (IML)—but it was certain to be the most telling. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet and interview a number of leather celebrities and, from experience, it’s usually the question that separates the men from the, urm… leathermen. (It’s akin to what I call the “Gene Hackman factor”—a reference to Hackman’s declaration that he never considered himself an “actor” until after he won the Oscar in 1971.)

So while I waited as Egdes thoughtfully mulled his response, I somehow already knew the answer.

“About five minutes before I went onstage for my first competition,” Egdes admits, “one that I never had even the slightest intention of entering.” It was 2004 and Egdes, in a triad relationship at the time, was informed by his two partners that they had entered him as a contestant in the Mr. Ramrod competition. Despite having terrible stage fright and not even the slightest clue as to what a Leather contest entailed, Egdes dove in, chaps first, and won by a wide margin. Shortly after, the ruggedly handsome Fort Lauderdale-resident would be approached to compete in the 2005 International Mr. Leather competition in Chicago, and the rest, as they say, is history.

For the uninitiated, IML was founded in Chicago back in 1979 and is today considered the pinnacle of all leather competitions, drawing contestants from across the globe, all vying for the coveted title. With the greatest emphasis placed on community leadership and activism, IML has become one of the most respected and influential LGBT institutions, bringing greater awareness to such far-ranging issues as gender equality, HIV, gay marriage, and crystal met abuse.

“So when I was asked to be a contestant,” says Egdes, “I immediately undertook to educate myself—reading everything I could; speaking with as many people about specific fetishes or what it meant to be living the BDSM lifestyle—until I felt knowledgeable enough to truly represent the title.”

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MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

A clear leader from the very first round, Egdes easily cinched the title with his winning speech http://www.oregonleatherhistory.org/iml2005-EgdesSpeech.html, reciting the first poem ever given in IML history. Attendees still recall the absolute silence that followed his speech; a silence that gave way to a deafening and heartfelt standing ovation.

But it was more than just a year-long “education” that brought Egdes to IML. The son of a former mayor (and of the founders) of Sandton City, as a well a mother who independently served as the city’s mayor, Egdes was raised in politically vibrant home environment. At the age of 14, he served as National Youth Leader for the Progression Federal Party or PFP (the party that would eventually evolve into today’s Democratic Alliance). By 1978, at the age of 18, Egdes would spearhead what would the country’s very first multi-party roundtable entitled “Where Do You Stand?”, which included members of every political party, as well as the then-Bishop Desmond Tutu.

After his stint in the military, in which Egdes was openly—almost defiantly—gay (“Even then, I found no need to apologize for myself’), Egdes studied at Wits University, while freelancing as a journalist for several publications, including his own weekly column in The Star newspaper. And then 1980, at the age of 21, Egdes decided to take a year off to travel through parts of Europe and the U.S..

“I found the U.S. particularly exciting at the time,” recalls Egdes. Socially and politically, it really struck a chord with me. People actually had civil rights and enjoyed a significant level of freedom relative to the oppressive conditions back home. And that sense of freedom really appealed to me.” Emigrating to the U.S. a few years later, Egdes landed a job as a medical copywriter in New York City, a place he would happily call home for the next five years.

It was during this time that Egdes first became exposed to New York’s burgeoning leather scene, particularly at bars like The Eagle and The Spike, and the now-infamous Mineshaft. And while instinctively drawn to the brave, new sexual frontiers he found in-and-around the West Village and Meatpacking District, Egdes somehow knew that his leather/BDSM interests far preceded his move there.

“Well before I even knew what ‘gay” was,” says Egdes, “I remember an inviting a friend over at the age of 14. I don’t remember exactly what led to what, but I ended up tickle torturing him and tying up. And even then I knew that I liked it.”

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So in many ways, from his earliest memories of adolescence to his win at IML, Egdes has completed an emotional circle, allowing him to examine not only who he was as a leatherman, but who he was as both a gay man and activist.

“Going into ILM, I had no particularly goals in mind,” says Egdes. “But when I actually won the title, I decided to gather everything I learned and try to do something positive with it.” And true to his word, Egdes would become one the most politically active IML titleholders ever, traveling to 35 cities in the course of a year, spreading the word of tolerance, health, community cooperation, and, above all else, pride in our Leather heritage.

“We (as Leathermen) still have so much more to accomplish before we can truly take our place at the table,” says Egdes. “Despite the fact that our community has been the vanguard of many of our most significant battles for civil rights, we are still largely marginalized by the broader LGBT community. But as far back as the Stonewall Riots in 1969, it was the Leathermen and drag queens who fought in the streets and spearheaded the gay liberation movement. That, alone, is reason to be proud.”

Egdes hopes to bring a similar sense of pride to South Africa as an advisor to the Mr. SAleathermen Competition, which held its premiere event on May 29th, bestowing the title “Mr. SAleathermen 2009” to Jaco Lourens of Cape Town.

Lourens, a co-founder of the not-for-profit Dibanani AIDS Project www.dibanani.org, was selected from a field of nine finalists from across South Africa. It was a choice that Egdes fully endorsed, adamant now that Lourens be entered as the continent’s first official entry in IML 2010.

“Jaco is not only a great choice and an amazing guy, he has the unique opportunity of becoming an influential and benevolent voice for change,” Egdes says. “By uniting and inspiring the community, he can harness its power and demonstrate that Leathermen have a vital role to play not only in South Africa’s LGBT community, but across the international spectrum.”

Lofty aspirations or genuine inspiration? From the man who leaped from obscurity in a single year to become the one of the most celebrated figures on the world Leather stage, Egdes can somehow make even the loftiest of aspirations seem all the more attainable.

James Myhre is a writer and a founding member of SAleathermen.

For more information about the Mr. SAleathermen Competition, visit www.saleathermen.org.za.

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Warren Rogers Interview: Nhamo Images: Jamtrash

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS: Hi Warren.

Warren Rogers: Hi MB: Where are you from ?

WR: Originally from Liverpool but now based in London and Essex.

MB: Why did you decide to become an actor?

WR: I was approached by an agent, I was rather suspicious about it all, but to be fair he got me 3 films within one month! Since then its been great, I have worked in Europe and so far I have completed about 8 films with a few more lined up already.

MB: In which type of films do you like to act?

WR: So far have only done duos, but would love a group scene, loads of sexy guys all playing around. Also did some face to camera work for one film and got great feedback as told had confidence and presence. I'm open to offers for any film work really.

MB: Which film productions companies have you worked with so far?

WR: Seal productions, XXX, Gay TV, Fetish Lad, Guyz Studio, and currently I am talking to Treasure Island about doing something for them.

MB: How did you get into dancing?

I was invited over as part of a promotional group of porn stars to launch a new club out in Gran Canaria, the owner really liked some of us and we ended up performing on stage for the audience, which went down really well, so we were asked to do it each night we were there. That has led to some other offers in Europe too.

Where else have you danced ?

I love dancing and go clubbing often. Have been offered club jobs and now and then do some go-go work for clubs in Ibiza and Europe. I do get asked now just to attend new events and hand out stuff too.

So finally, what are your future plans for your career?

To enjoy it and be in control of it really. I'm very much a believer in whatever happens is meant to be, so work with it and see where it takes me. Love the fact that so many people in the media have taken to me, I think I fall into a different category of guys, slightly older, with a more mature approach but confident about myself and my body, and people really like that. So I will just keep on doing what people ask and see where I end up? The world,as they say, is my oyster, and I love oysters!

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Daddy Rides Around the World June has been a very exciting and productive month. It started with a weekend in Hong Kong. I left London at 11pm on Thursday June 4th and was back by 5am on Monday June 7th, losing a day on the way out, but retrieving it on the way back. I was meeting porn star Ross Hurston, who was flying from Manchester, at Hong Kong airport, from where we were to go to the Pacific Island hotel, where our client would be waiting.

I hadn’t met Ross before, but we’d chatted on the phone, and we had time to compare notes and get to know each other a little in the taxi from the airport.

It was clear very early on, that I had met a kindred spirit and that we would be able to work well together. Our client (I’ll call him Mr C from now on) was waiting to make sure everything at] the hotel was in order, and to check that we were happy with our rooms. He was keen to get to know us a little better from the word go. I’ll leave it to your imagination, what that entailed, but suffice it to say that Ross has a spectacular butt! After our “meet and greet” session, Mr C took us up to the Peak for dinner, at a restaurant which afforded fabulous views of the city at night. Dinner was enlivened by the appearance of a cockroach, which flew onto our table. It could have come from anywhere, but the maitre d’ insisted on replacing our entire meal.

Conversation was easy and interesting, Mr C turning out to be the perfect host.

We took the venerable Peak tram back down to the city, after which Mr C went home, and Ross and I, both of us exhausted from the long journey, went straight to our respective rooms for some well needed sleep.

Mr C was kind enough to let us have a lie in on Saturday morning, so we had a leisurely breakfast, before being collected for a spot of sightseeing; Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, where I bought a silk dressing gown for my sister-in-law, and the area around Hollywood road, where most of the antique dealers are found, and which is also home to the Man Mo temple, one of the oldest buildings in HK. Not that that is saying much. I found it puzzling that the Chinese, who have a long and noble history, should show so little interest in anything that is old. Unless a building is brand, spanking new, then it is seen to have little or no worth. Maybe, after all, it is a good way to be, and we in Europe cling too much to our past and our history. It’s an interesting conundrum.

At about 3 in the afternoon we returned to the hotel where we continued to fulfil our obligations. Obviously I can’t give too much away, but Mr C enjoyed himself enormously, saying that it was like having his own, personal porn film, with him as director. After the “film”, Mr

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

C took us to a restaurant on the mainland, perched right on the quay side, its (exterior) décor Spartan in the extreme, we were the only Europeans there. The menu was in Chinese, and none of the staff seemed to speak English, so it was just as well that Mr C was with us to steer us through the menu and show us how one picked out what one wanted to eat, from the tanks where the fish and shellfish, all still alive, were on display. We allowed Mr C to do all the ordering, as, to be honest, I didn’t even know what most of the fish were, though I did recognize the largest prawns I’d ever seen. Every dish that came to our table was, without exception, delicious. After dinner, Mr C told us he wanted an early night and dropped us back on Hong Kong island, so that we could sample some of the night life. Avoiding a bar, which appeared to be bursting at the seams with drunk Australians, we made our way to Volume, one of the few gay bars in Hong Kong. Fairly quiet at 11pm, when we got there, it soon filled up and was absolutely rammed by midnight. It would seem that Volume was the place people went for a preparty, before going on to Propaganda, Hong Kong’s main dance club.

However, still exhausted from

travelling, we decided to give it a miss and go back to the hotel for some sleep.

The next day Mr C came back to the hotel to take care of our bills and say goodbye, and Ross and I spent the rest of the day lounging by the hotel pool before making our way to the airport, preparatory to flying back to the UK. The rest of June has been taken up with the writing and recording of my new single “Let Your Daddy Ride”. This is an idea I’ve had for some time, and it is good that I have finally found the right people to collaborate with and to bring this dream to reality. We are not quite there yet. It’s very important to get exactly the right sound and we are still working on getting right, but we hope to be releasing it very soon. Aside from recording the song, we also have to film the accompanying video. All in all, a very busy time ahead.

My other project is the launch of a new range of leather wear.

July will also see the release of my new movie “Abandon”, available from www.hotoldermale.com.

Keep watching my site www.gregmitchell.co.uk for updates on these and other projects.

Greg xx

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

ANDREW JAMES Interview: Nhamo

MIRRORBALLS: Where are you from ?

Andrew James: I grew up outside of Boston, just accross the New Hampshire border. It was actually quite rural, we had a woods behind the house that went on for five miles.

MB: Why did you decide to be come an actor ?

AJ: I decided to start doing films to get myself out of my safety zone. I have been an Information Technology Manager for years, and very shy in person, this puts me out in front of people and is much more interactive.

MB: In what type of films do you prefer to act ?

AJ: I have enjoyed working with Lucas Entertainment. The director MrPam is a fabulous woman who keeps things hot. It is fun to work when there is a real sense of eroticism in the scene.

MB: Which other films companies have you worked with?

AJ: I have done some online scenes for DominicFord.com, TreasureIslandVideo.com (solo only) and I have worked with PumpHouse Media and Spunk Video.

MB: How did you get into dancing?

AJ: The first time I danced at an event, was when I was living in Albany, New York. A group of my friends and I had created a group to open an Arts Center, It had a gallery and space for readings. At the opening of the Center My best friend Shannon and I Danced in the front window of the arts space. Having GoGo dancers at street level was enough to get our opening the front page of the local paper.

MB: How did you get to dance at the Madrid event?

AJ: I was contacted by the publisher of MIRRORBALLS - LO L He asked to make an appearance. I think he found my travel ad on GayRomeo.com MB: What are your future plans with your career?

AJ I am currently talking to the casting director for the next Bruce LaBruce project, I hope to be in the Film "LA Zombie" that will be filming at the end of the summer.

MB: Thanks for your time.

AJ: You are welcome.

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Images: Stephen Piel Suiger Contact: info@mirrorballs.info

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

MIRRORBALLS - July 2009

Edinburgh www.21stcenturykilts.com