The Montrose Star June 3, 2015 by Laura Villagran

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WEDNESDAY

VOL. VI, ISSUE

JUNE 3, 2015

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Vince Gill

By Forest Riggs

is exactly down—and that a good Krewe of ou just can’t keep reformed Krewe ing ing with the newly come to life few years of struggl what’s happen Island. After a Krewe has again on Galveston er, these and gay-friendly Bacchus Texas long-time gay mind you. Howev to regroup, the any more waves, and attempting Galveston needs winewaves. Not that making is and e. harvest, wine and e and most welcom Dionysus, the god of the grape are a are long overdu is that?). There ogy, he was (what mythol ecstasy s of Zeus and In ancient Greek , theater, and religiou One has him son madness, fertility little fun-maker. Demeter, or the of one making, ritual origins Zeus and Perseph es” about the vine; the other, pretty cool. couple of “histori od or all-god is , making him semi-di half-a-g Semele being Mount the mortal way you cut it, accepted into divine. Either youngest to be follows). making him fully was the last and ge version one ans, Dionysus ding on with parenta goddesses, named their Of the 12 Olympi mother (depen and having a mortal their own gods again tied Olympus and , Bacchus was away from having Greek version ic not ones to shy us”. Like in the The Romans, ies, theater, orgasm irth god, “Bacch drinking, festivit own Life-Death-Reb wild and crazy: and all things ed on page 26) few. a (Continu to the grape harvest name vous lust, to parties, and mischie

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 3, 2015

VOL. VI, ISSUE 5

Everything’s Coming Up Rose

THE FRIVOLIST

YOUR GLBT ENTERTAINMENT STARTS HERE!

FOODIE DIARIES

HRH

INDEX Editorial Crossword A Couple of Guys

3 30 31

Bridesmaids actress talks Hollywood discrimination, playing gay and drag-inspired Spy role

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| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Round Trips Starting 4:30pm-11:30pm

Pick - up At Neon Boots, Guava & Tony’s Corner Pocket

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OP-ED

Creep of the Week: Jeb Bush |

By D’anne Witkowski

GOP’s “Big Tent” idea to the entire country. And we’ve seen how well that “Big Tent” strategy has worked for them. Everybody’s supposedly welcome inside, but only the straight, white, male and Christian folks get the real power. Also, Bush is setting up a false comparison here which makes same-sex couples the “bad guys.” If the idea of making a cake or putting together some bouquets that will be used when two people of the same sex pledge their love for each other in front of their friends and family makes you so sick and/or is so offensive to whatever Sky God you worship that you can’t even, then you are the one with the problem. So go ahead and tell the couple, “Nope. Can’t. Gross.” But then don’t act surprised when you end up having to pack up shop because you’ve either violated the law (and, lucky you, it’s not illegal everywhere!) or because your business suffers once the word gets out that you’re a hateful human being. Because you’re clearly in the wrong business if the idea of bringing any joy to a same-sex couple’s life is too much for you. Oh, and no surprise, Bush doesn’t think same-sex couples should even be allowed to get married in the first place. This is the same guy who told Fox News that he would totally invade Iraq all over again if given the chance, so he is full of great ideas! Sadly, he didn’t weigh in on the morality of invading another country based on complete bullshit. My guess is that his feelings on that issue are, um, complicated.

Jeb Bush has “ finally weighed in on

ewsflash: Jeb Bush has finally weighed in on the plight of anti-gay Christian wedding vendors. In an interview with David Brody for “The Brody File,” a Christian Broadcasting Network program, Brody asked Bush about so-called religious freedom laws. Specifically, he asked if Bush was O.K. with vendors like florists and bakers refusing to serve a same-sex couple if serving said couple violated their religious beliefs. “This shouldn’t be this complicated, but gosh it is right now,” Bush responded. Well, Amen to that! I totally agree. Well, almost. I mean, I agree that it shouldn’t be so complicated. The question, “Can I tell homos to get lost because I don’t like homos?” has a simple answer: “Nope.” Of course, that’s not Bush’s answer. His answer was, “Yeah, absolutely, if it’s based on a religious belief.” In other words, it’s okay to tell same-sex couples, “Sorry, hets only,” so long as you blame it on Jesus (or some other non-Christian religion, but let’s be serious here about whom Republicans are interested in protecting). “A big country — a tolerant country — ought to be able to figure out the difference between discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation and forcing someone to participate in a wedding that they find goes against their moral beliefs. We should be able to figure this out. This shouldn’t be this complicated, but gosh it is right now.” It should be noted that “big” and “tolerant” are not the same thing. I think he’s trying to apply the

the plight of anti-gay Christian wedding vendors.

”

Sylvester Turner Hosts LGBT Meet-and-Greet Sunday, June 7th

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

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TOC JUNE 3, 2015 | VOL. VI, ISSUE 5

T his Sunday, State

Representative Sylvester Turner, candidate for Mayor of Houston, will meet with the LGBT community to share his vision for Houston. Turner returns from Austin after fighting off many attempts to roll back protections for LGBT people and many other communities in Texas. He also passed a bill requiring a study of homeless youth—who they are and how to serve them. The bill is awaiting the governor’s signature. Turner will be available to the press.

PFLAG Houston

Announces Diverse Guests for Summer Events

LGBT Meet-and-Greet with Sylvester Turner WHO: Sylvester Turner WHAT: Meet-and-Greet WHERE: F Bar, 202 Tuam Street, Houston, Texas 77006 WHEN: Sunday, June 7, 2015, beginning at 5pm

Cooking with Paula Dream

Cookies and Chicken for Breakfast

Op-Ed.......................................................3 HRH Report............................................ 4 PFLAG News.......................................... 6 What A World........................................ 11 Foodie Diaries....................................... 14 Cooking with Paula Dream.................. 15 Make It Happen with David Lorms...... 17 Gayborhood.......................................... 19 Retro Rewind........................................ 20 Deep Inside Hollywood........................ 21 DJ Spotlight..........................................22 Across the Causeway............................ 25 Hear Me Out....................................... 29 Guide To The Clubs............................. 34 ©2015 MONTROSE STAR All Rights Reserved. The Montrose Star™ Entertainment Newspaper is owned and operated by GLYP Media Services, a Texas minority-certified company founded in 1990. Published alternate Wednesdays. Subscription rates: $52/year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the main office at: Montrose Star|1712 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006

CONTACT US: Ph: 713-942-0084 | Fax: 713-942-0085 TheMontroseStar@gmail.com The entire content of every issue of the Montrose Star is protected under the Federal Copyright Act. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is not permitted without the express written permission from GLYP Media.

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WAIVER: The Montrose Star newspaper reserves the right to refuse any advertising order. Only the publication of an advertisement shall constitute final acceptance of such an order. Ads accepted for publication are presumed to contain information that is true and advertisers are duly authorized to use images and logos shown in their ad. The newspaper is not liable for any ad content nor is Montrose Star responsible for advertisers’ claims or performance.

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June 3, 2015: None as of press time.

| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

News & Features

Jim Ayers Bob Houghton

Johnny Trlica

Music

Rafa Espinosa

Lifestyles

DJ JD Arnold DJ Mark DeLange

Copy Editor

Nancy Ford John Buchanan

Distribution

Scene Writers

Miriam Orihuela Elizabeth Membrillo

Business Dev. Manager

Randall Jobe Production

Nancy Ford

T H E S TA R C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S DJ JD Arnold hails from England, but has been

spinning in the Lone Star State since the 80’s. He has spun records all over Houston, from the Venture N to Rich’s, as well as writing for Billboard Magazine. His dynamic sounds can now be enjoyed at Eagle Houston. Jim Ayres y day is an employee benefits and human

resources writer. By night he turns his creativity toward the local food and restaurant scene. Do you know of a restaurant that needs a review? Info@montrose-star.com.

John Buchanan is originally from Florida but now

calls Houston home for 20+ years. “Proud to be Gay and part of the Community – Your Gay Realtor of Choice!” johnwb214@aol.com

DJ Mark D dubbed the eternal club kid,has been a

nightclub DJ over 20 years; a Billboard Dance DJ/Reporter for 9 years; spun on KRBE Houston radio for 10 years and on XM Satellite Radio/Sirius worldwide for 7 years. He’s owned and operated nightclubs with a special affinity for classic Disco. Credited with breaking new dance music through the use of the mass media.

Nancy Ford has enjoyed a front row seat to the most

remarkable and sparkly Cultural Revolution in the history of mankind. “What a world!” She reflects appropriately. After moving to Houston from Ohio in 1981, Ford became a highly visible player in Texas’ LGBT publishing circles as an editor and contributor to myriad other local and statewide LGBT magazines and newspapers.

Daddy Bob (Bob Houghton) is owner of Black Hawk

Leather, a leather retail store and custom tailor, located at 711 Fairview and inside the Ripcord, Houston. Bob@BlackHawkLeather.com.

Forest Riggs. No stranger to the adventures of life,

Forest bills himself as a “raconteur with a gypsy spirit.” A former educator, public speaker, hospital administrator, counselor and gay B&B owner, he was instrumental in the formation of OutSmart Magazine in the early 1990s. He has written for several newspapers, magazines and other publications. Recently he completed a collection of short stories about his beloved Galveston and is working on a novel. He currently resides on the island where he can be found wasting bait and searching for the meaning of life.

Johnny Trlica hails from Rosenberg, Texas and has

called Houston home for more than 20 years. He has been a Human Resources professional for 6 years and is the editor of The Houston Rainbow Herald. His passion is keeping the battle for equal rights at the forefront of today's headlines and heralding the achievements of the LGBT community.

HRH Report

A GOP First, Rainbow’s End, and Cheap Dates |

By Johnny Trlica

s the Bayou City dries out from record-breaking May rainfalls, rainbows are sprouting out all over as we enter Pride month. June 2015 promises to be an historic period with our first non-Montrose Pride Parade and the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality looming just days away. Here’s what we’ve been reading at the Houston Rainbow Herald, (HRH). First Texas GOP lawmaker for marriage equality Republican lawmakers favoring marriage equality are about as numerous as Houstonians calling for more rain, but we have one here in the Bayou City. Rep. Sarah Davis (R-West University Place) has expressed support for same-sex marriage, becoming the first Republican state lawmaker in Texas history to publicly do so, reports the TexasObserver.com. “Davis, who previously endorsed civil unions, made the comments in an interview about her decision not to sign an anti-gay marriage letter issued by the House Republican Caucus last week,” writes the Observer. “I just don’t agree with the sentiment of the letter,” Davis said. “I don’t feel the need to pass legislation or vote for legislation that prohibits two adults who love each other to be able to be joined in a civil union or marriage. It does not affect my marriage.” Irish gay eyes are smiling Ireland’s LGBT community must feel like they have found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. On Saturday, May 22, the Emerald Isle became the first nation in the universe to legalize same sex marriage by popular vote with 62 percent of the populace approving, report LGBTQNation.com. The marriage equality measure had the backing of every major Irish political party and most of the nation’s leaders. The Catholic Church had come out strongly in opposition to a favorable vote. On a related note, four days after Ireland voters approved same sex marriage, Greenland lawmakers voted 27-0 to extend nuptials to gays and lesbians on the world’s largest island. Lewis scores more endorsements City Council At-Large Position 1 candidate, Lane Lewis, has received another key law enforcement endorsement. Lewis’s long history of advisement and collaboration with local law enforcement has won him the support of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization (HCDO). “On behalf of the HCDO membership we proudly endorse Lane Lewis for Houston City Council at Large Position 1,” said HCDO head Bob Goerlitz. “Lane respects the work of law enforcement and works to bring community and law enforcement together to solve crime and safety issues.” Houston Education Support Personnel Union Local 6315 (HESP), a division of the American Federation of Teachers and AFL-CIO and Teamsters Local Union 988, has also endorsed Lewis, Harris County Democratic Party Chairman.

and was a progressive public official and an LGBT activist before that. Named one of the top 10 mayors in the world by the City Mayors Foundation in 2014 (the only U.S. mayor on the list), Parker was praised for making the city greener and more walkable, and for expanding nondiscrimination protections.” Apple CEO Tim Cook was Number 1 on the list, followed by Ellen DeGeneres (Number 2) and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow (Number 3). Estelle joins Pride Pride Houston announced the entertainment lineup for the 2015 Houston Pride Festival. Estelle, the Grammy-winning singer recently featured on the hit TV series Empire, will headline the gala being held in downtown Houston this year, writes the Houston Chronicle. Current RuPaul’s Drag Race top-three finalist Ginger Minj, New Orleans “Queen of Bounce” Big Freedia, and dance-pop singer Neon Hitch will also perform across two stages at the 37th annual parade and festival on June 27. Estelle may be best known for 2008’s “American Boy” featuring Kanye West, which earned a Grammy for best rap/sung collaboration. She performed recent single “Conqueror” with Jussie Smollett on Empire and at this month’s Billboard Music Awards. HIV-positive cheap dates Enjoying a drink while HIV-positive may be even worse for one’s health than previously thought. HIV meds come with a lot of downsides and a new study from Yale University and the National Institutes for Health shows there may be a new one to worry about: men with HIV are cheap dates, reports HIVPlusMagazine.com. Researchers studied the effects of alcohol on both HIV-positive and HIV-negative men and found that those with HIV who were not virally suppressed were far more sensitive to liquor than those whose HIV was virally suppressed and those men who did not have HIV at all. Believe it I t is not uncommon for singers and actresses to become fashion icons. For that person to be 69 may be a bit unusual, though. Cher posed for the American Fashion House’s Fall 2015 ad campaign, modeling for Marc Jacobs, reports Us Weekly. The gay icon wore a semi-sheer, pleated black dress, topped off by an embellished jacket and finished with gloves.

Making the grade Out Magazine has released its annual Power 50 list again. Houston Mayor Annise Parker comes in at Number 19 on the annual ranking of the most influential LGBT people in America, reports CultureMapHouston.com. She is up two notches from 2014, ranking as the second most powerful politician on the ninth annual list, behind Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who is ranked Number 4. Out writes: “The openly gay mayor of the United States’ fourth largest city has been elected to her post three times,

Cher.

Photo courtesy Us Weekly

PAGE 4

The Houston Rainbow Herald is the Bayou City’s only daily LGBT online news source. For more information, visit www.houstorainbowherald.com.

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| Wednesday June 3, 2015

PFLAG News

PFLAG Houston Announces Diverse Guests for Summer Events |

By Linda Bratsen

Gavel Award from the American Bar Association in recognition of exemplary achievement in educating the public about legal issues. iscussing the spectrum of gender The evening before the July public meetidentity and the dangers of stereotyping, Katrina Stewart, executive director ing, PFLAG Houston is the beneficiary of a of Transgender Education Network of meet-and-greet fundraiser with the couple. Texas (TENT) is the featured speaker at Hosted by Tony Carroll and Bruce Smith, PFLAG Houston’s June public meeting, the fundraiser is scheduled Saturday, July scheduled Sunday, June 14. 11, 7 ‘til 11 p.m. at 3702 Woodhead Street in A former board memHouston. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite. ber of Equality Texas, com/e/pflag-houston Stewart a has been a or www.facebook.com/ passionate community pflaghouston. A speadvocate and educator since 2003. The goal cial promo code and of TENT is to educate reduced ticket prices about gender diverare available for PFLAG Houston members. sity in Texas and to PFLAG’s monthly advocate for policies public meetings begin at and laws that respect 2 p.m. in the Jones Buildgender diversity and expression. ing at St. Paul’s UnitNext, PFLAG Housed Methodist Church, 5501 Main Street. Small ton’s July 12 public meeting features special group discussions, where members and visitors guests Jeff Zarillo and can confidentially share Paul Katami. their individual jourDetermined to marry since 2008, and refusneys, immediately follow the program. One of the ing to accept any options short of full marriage small groups is dedicatequality, Zarillo and Kated to transgender issues, and another is available ami joined the federal for Spanish speakers. lawsuit against ProposiPFLAG Houston tion 8 in California. The invites all family memcourt battle lasted four years and went all the bers, parents and/or way to the U.S. Supreme youth who are having Court. The plaintiffs problems with comwere successful, and on ing-out issues, and June 26, 2013, Proposiwelcomes everyone, Transgender Education Netregardless of religious tion 8 was struck down. work of Texas executive director, affiliation, ethnicity or Zarillo and Katami marKatrina Stewart political persuasion. The ried on June 28, 2013 group is proud of its rich history and the conat Los Angeles City Hall, and continue to share their inspirational journey through tinued contributions of members, and invites numerous public appearances and speaking all to learn more about the organization and engagements throughout the country. join in efforts to create a more diverse, acceptThe couple is featured in the HBO docuing society. For information and support, visit www.pflaghouston.org, or email PFLAG mentary, The Case Against 8, written by Ryan Houston’s hotline at helpline@pflaghouston. White and Ben Cotner, screening in theaters in June. The film is the winner of the Silver org or call 713-467-3524.

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| Wednesday June 3, 2015

THE FRIVOLIST

Summer Style Sheet: Beach-Ready Accessories That Make a Splash SHARK-PRINT SWIMMING TRUNK.

ust because summer is cause to shed the confines of clothing to celebrate the skin you’re in, reality is, we can’t go commando everywhere. For those times that you legally have to cover your bits, here are our picks for summer essentials to keep you looking fly and having fun.

L ike the Republican and Democratic parties, it seems that America is equally divided between two swimwear categories: bulky board shorts or barely-there Speedo-style suits. If you prefer to stay somewhere in the middle, Maui & Sons’ Shark trunks let you show a little leg while leaving the size and shape of your little swimmer to your admirers’ imaginations. pacsun.com

BLUE PINE WATCH.

HEMP DUFFEL BAG.

by Mikey Rox

W atches aren’t worn for practical pur-

poses any more – nowadays we’re all conditioned to check our pockets for the time – but a whimsical hand clock can add that extra _umph_ your outfit might need. Take Swatch’s Blue Pine wristwatch, for instance. It’s like looking out from your private cabana in Fiji, wishing that time would stop altogether (and never start again), making it an ideal conversation piece at a seaside dinner with the new friends you’ve made on vacay. swatch.com

S peaking of duffels, you’ll need to conve-

niently carry all your summer style essentials (and souvenirs!), and the Natural Hemp Novel Duffel from Herschel Supply Co. is both lightweight and heavy duty simultaneously. The natural hemp fabric construction is contrasted by chambray details and features a cotton chambray liner with silver pin detailing. Herschel’s signature shoe pocket also is built in – because it already knows and loves you. herschelsupply.com

Embroidered Hula and Palms Oxford EMBROIDERED HULA AND PALMS OXFORD.

A las, you can’t wear flip-flops and tank tops

everywhere you go from May to September, so it’s best to keep some fancier duds in your duffel. Class up the joint while staying summer-festive in the slim lightweight oxford with embroidered hula and palms from J. Crew, which is easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Dapper button-downs also are available in embroidered anchors and woven pelicans. jcrew.com OLD SKOOL FLAMINGO SNEAKERS.

R ock out with your flock out in the flamingo-print Old Skool sneaks from Vans, inspired by a reissued print from the shoemaker’s archives. Constructed in the Van Doren style, these kicks feature a low-top lace-up with a suede upper, padded tongue and lining, metal eyelets and Vans original Waffle Outsole. Something flamboyant this way comes. vans.com Blue Pine Watch TheMontroseSTAR.com

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3-IN-1 BEACH GAME SET.

S o what if you weren’t invited to play

volleyball with Chip and all his glistening, bare-chested country-club cronies. Make your own fun with three-in-one game sets that offer hours of friendly competition. The Sportcraft combo pack features quickand-easy setup of ladder ball, washer toss and beanbag toss games, all housed in one convenient carrying case. (Besides, you know one of ’em is at least bi, so you’re not completely out for the count.) kmart.com NEON THROWBACK SHORTS.

I f all this talk about “dad bod” lately has

you feeling several sorts of nostalgic, take a trip back in time with the Rooster Tails from Chubbies, rainbow-patterned shorts reminiscent of your pa’s sky’s-out-thighsout weekend wear. Made of everybody’s favorite ’80s fabric – nylon – these fresh vestiges of what once was makes showin’ off your feet trophies all the more Puerto dad-tastic. San Juan, Rico chubbies.com

Montrose STAR

Mini Bluetooth Speaker

MINI BLUETOOTH SPEAKER.

Y ou’ll want to pump up the jams on that

prime piece of real estate you’ve nabbed on the sand – if only to drown out the sound of all those “pretty girls” – and the iBT72 expandable Bluetooth mini speaker from iHome helps you make that beat drop. This compact, accordion-style sound box has two audio sources: wireless streaming from your mobile device or direct line-in via the included cable and any device with a headphone jack. ihome.com

POLARIZED BOLD-COLOR FRAMES.

It’s a crime against fashion to step into those harmful UV rays without a posh pair of polarized glasses, but the Westbrook New York Shades in blue can help keep the style citations at bay. Designed by NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, these funky, chunky wayfarer frames are made from durable acetate and feature five-barrel hinges built to handle summertime wear and tear. jackthreads.com

TROPIC TIME SNAPBACK HATS.

Y ou don’t have to be a sports fan (though it

doesn’t hurt) to appreciate the Tropic Time snapback hats from New Era – full-cap and bill-only floral prints available in MLB and NBA teams. Pick from your favorites or choose one that gels well with your summer style, like the Miami Marlins 9FIFTY cap that’s inherently breezy. newera.com

Polarized Bold-Color Frames

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He splits his time between Manhattan and the Jersey Shore with his dog Jaxon. Connect with Mikey on Twitter @mikeyrox.

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| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Vega Immigration Law Firm

• Dream Act • Immigration • Assault • Unlawful Presence • Auto Accidents • Deportation Waiver • Visas • Wills • Family Petitions • Criminal • Deeds • Drug Offenses • Same Sex • Power of • DWI (DOMA) Attorney ----------------------––––--------------------- • ----------–––---------------------------------326 Erin Street, Houston, Texas 77009 (281) 460-2172 • (713) 370-2711• FAX: (713) 370-2482 www.vegaimmigration.com • info@vegaimmigration.com

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What A World

The night Melissa Etheridge came to my window |

By Nancy Ford

had the craziest dream recently. In it, I was at the local gas station where I always fill up, but this time I was not there for fuel. I was there to interview Melissa Etheridge. The attendants had set up a long work table, complete with a brown folding metal chair for me outside the service bays, and a corded, old-fashioned beige telephone like the one David Letterman had on his desk. Cars drove up, filled up, and drove away as I filled myself up on gas station microwave eggrolls. I needed to wake up. When I finally did awaken, I swear I smelled unleaded. More importantly, I was overflowing with memories that were simultaneously brave and crazy. In real life, not in a dream, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Melissa many times. The first time was in 1994; she was playing with The Eagles at Houston’s massive Rice University Stadium. The year before, ignoring a possibly professional backlash, she had publically come out as lesbian. Instead, she earned the eternal devotion of millions. For my friends and me, she was the best thing since the invention of the sports bra. I would never be the same. We talked again in 1995 prior to another show at the Houston Summit which, oddly enough, is now the reconstituted Joel Osteen mega-church. It seemed like every lesbian within 500 miles filled that 16,000-seat arena that night; Melissa took us all the way to heaven. A decidedly unOsteenish miracle happened that night. I had wanted to invite a woman I was crushing on hard but whom, for a number of reasons, I had chosen to shy away from. Nonetheless, we not only spotted each other in that deep sea of lesbians, we ended up sitting beside each other—by pure chance. Destiny had determined despite 16,000-to-2 odds that my crush and I would be seated next to each other. I know…I didn’t believe it, either. I figured she had traded tickets with someone, so I made her show me the stub. Nope, our seat numbers were concurrent. Somebody bring me some water. Believing something even more divine than Melissa’s music wanted the two of us to be beside each other on a more permanent basis. She and I continued our relationship for a good (well, mostly good) five years. Our romance ended far less mystically than it began, but don’t they always? Despite our best intentions, sometimes the angels would fall. Melissa Etheridge knows about break-ups. The next time she and I talked was in 1999 upon the release of her acclaimed Breakdown. We talked about lost love and heartache, how forever usually isn’t, and how it all conspires to inspire the best art. Ain’t it heavy?

Fast-forward a few years. I next talked with Melissa in Washington DC at the LGBT Millennium March on Washington, in 2000. That march was capped with a concert featuring Melissa, k d lang, George Michael, Elton John, Pet Shop Boys, Garth Brooks, Kathy Najimy, and a host of other queer- and queer-supportive stars at RFK Stadium. They encouraged us to keep pushing for equality, and girded our LGBT loins for the following eight years that would take us into the dark. My last encounter with Melissa was at her surprise appearance at the 2006 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, after she’d defeated breast cancer. She was called at the last minute to sit in for her friend Sheryl Crowe, who had been forced to cancel her gig after she herself was diagnosed. Thousands of lesbian and non-lesbian rockers and kickers wore pink that night not only in celebration of Melissa’s victory over the disease, but also in support of Sheryl’s looming battle. That night, I was seated not by destiny but by design beside a dear, dear friend who had also won the war against the disease. Such precious pain. This month during Pride Month, more than 20 years after Melissa Etheridge and I first talked, the LGBT community is closer than we’ve ever been to the end of a different war. At last, the time has come for the U.S. Supreme Court to determine if marriage equality will be the law of all the land, not just in a few enlightened states. We will never be the same. A couple of Grammy awards, an Oscar, three wives, and a passel of kids later, Melissa celebrated her birthday (53!) last month, but it’s her fans who have received the most enduring gift: the gift of her songs. They were anthems that kept us many of us marching forward during those heady, unforgettable early days of our war for equality. Hopefully, now this war is over. Happy belated birthday, Melissa. If we ever talk again, I will thank you for that gift. Its impact can’t be understated; it inspired and empowered us when we needed it most. And I know millions of lesbians echo that thanks—it’s not like I’m the only one. TheMontroseSTAR.com

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| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Everything’s Coming Up Rose Bridesmaids actress talks Hollywood discrimination, playing gay and drag-inspired Spy role

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Montrose STAR

By Chris Azzopardi

I know lots of queens who’d kill for your Raina hair in this movie. Who was your drag queen consultant? (Laughs) I’m very honored and flattered you say that. As long as I have their approval, I’m done! (The studio) didn’t actually want my hair like that. Paul and I really had to fight for it. We had a specific idea of where she was from and what she looked like – a lot of money, no taste and very Eastern European. Very Marie Antoinette. And it’s a spy film, so style is such an important element of it – even if it’s bad style! I’m glad everyone could agree that bigger is better in this case. How did you convince the studio to see it your way? Once it was all together and we were on camera. It just all came together – the costume, the makeup, everything. And it just needed a little more. She’s quite still as a character, and I think (the hair)… it says a lot! (Laughs) It was the stronger choice! That’s how we convinced them. What did it feel like on top of your head? It felt… good! I mean, it was heavy. It would move a lot too. Oh my goodness. It was constantly shifting because it was so big, and if I was waiting around, it would start to, like, deteriorate. Sarah Love, the hair designer on the film, did a brilliant job, because it was a lot. And how about all those flamboyant costumes you wore? How much fun was it to play dress up? I mean, leopard pants! My leopard pants! And neoprene, which is an interesting fabric. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it...

PAGE 13

screen. What kind of character would intrigue you enough to take on a lesbian role in a film? I would be honored to do something like that. I suppose it would be interesting to play a character who wasn’t defined by that, who just happened to be. Where it’s less of a defining thing and more of just a, “Why does it have to be such a big deal?” Like, why it is such a big deal that women are funny. Same thing. I know we’re not there yet, but for sure, as an artist, I would love to tackle that.

ose Byrne is up to no good again. After driving Kristen Wiig further into cupcake-consuming meltdown mode during 2011’s Bridesmaids, the Australian actress goes full-on diva in Spy, which reunites her with director Paul Feig and co-star Melissa McCarthy. As McCarthy’s dead-serious, fashion-challenged Spy foe, Byrne – also known for roles in Neighbors, Damages and the X-Men movies – stars as the wickedly divine Raina Boyanov. During our recent interview, Byrne talked about how her onscreen bouffant caused a hairy situation with the studio, the disparity between w omen and men in Hollywood films (“It’s discrimination”) and her caveat when it comes to playing gay.

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

Have you had a lot of wig experience prior to this movie? A little bit here and there. It actually wasn’t a wig; it was a piece. It was all my hair, and at the back she had a piece and then that had a big, long tail coming down. I have kind of big hair, so it was a bit of both. Between this movie and Bridesmaids, you really know how to play up the diva role. As an actress, where do you go, and who or what do you riff on, to achieve ultimate divadom? You know, probably RuPaul or someone fabulous like that. That’s a great diva! Or someone like Dame Edna Everage – she’s a fantastic drag character by Barry Humphries, an Australian comedian/actor. (Raina’s) very humorless. And really psychotic, I suppose! I mean, she has no empathy with regard to anybody. Everyone is a servant. Playing real entitlement – sort of beyond entitlement, where she’s like royalty – was an interesting place to start from. (Laughs) Spy demonstrates that women can be as fearless and fierce as men in movies. Do you see this film making a feminist statement? I see it doing a few things. Paul Feig just breaks every convention, and he’s such a lover of women and continues to redefine gender roles in film. You see it in his films, which are really big films with big audiences that are entertaining and appealing. Now, he’s putting Melissa, his muse, in the lead, and the lead antagonist is my character, who is also a woman. What other big films are doing that with budgets of this scale? Not many, if any,

is the answer. So, I take my hat off to him for how much he’s done in the business in a very significant way. You co-founded an all-female production company called The Dollhouse Creative, and you’ve starred in several films that pass the Bechdel Test. Why are films like Spy, films that close the gender gap, important? The statistics are still so dreadful for women in film. Now the ACLU is doing an investigation into it because they’re starting to realize it’s actually discrimination – it’s not just good ol’ fashioned misogyny that everyone’s quietly tolerated for years. The business is sort of the wrong way in the sense that the statistics are just really dreadful for women in terms of speaking parts and paychecks for women. All that stuff that was leaked through the Internet when Sony was hacked – it all speaks for itself. So, it is beyond just misogyny. It’s legitimate discrimination based on gender, which is illegal. Any discrimination is, whether it’s sexuality, race or gender. With that said, do you plan on producing any films that feature lesbian women in lead roles? I hope so! I mean, two of my best friends are gay, a man and a woman – and during my life I’ve been surrounded by people from all different walks of life – so I’d love that. I mean, I just watched all of Transparent in a day and a half. It was the most entertaining and moving piece of work I’ve seen in years. I just thought it was beautiful and brilliant. Though you’ve played lesbian on the Australian TV show Fallen Angels, you’ve never actually been lesbian on the big

Your girl kiss with Halston Sage in Neighbors nabbed you an MTV Movie Award nomination. Can we talk about that kiss? (Laughs) I had a lot of fun! A lot of questions about that. I was very lucky. She’s a gorgeous young belle. How much more aware were you of your lesbian admirers after that kissing scene? Really just when I get interviewed by people, yeah. That’s really the only time it comes up? Yeaaaah. I’m not kidding. (Laughs) From your experience with the LGBT community, why do you think gay men are attracted to strong, empowered women like yourself and Melissa in Spy? Probably because we are both part of groups that have been marginalized in some way. People who are gay and people who are women get generally marginalized just simply based on that, with no other merit added to the equation. I think there’s definitely a bonding over that. Last year you helped bring _Annie_ back to the big screen. What other musicals would you be interested in starring in? I’m not sure if you read the reviews for Annie, but…. (Laughs). It did not get well received. I did, and I didn’t wanna bring those up. But since you did... (Laughs) No plans yet, put it that way. Please tell me that you’ll at least have a cameo in Paul’s all-female Ghostbusters reboot. I know! We’ll see. He’s such a great guy and I’d be a part of anything he does, so absolutely. Who are some ladies in and out of Hollywood who empower you? I admire Glenn Close so much. She’s a dear friend, and she’s just wonderful. An incredible mother, wife and activist, and she does a lot for the mental health industry. She juggles a lot of hats and does it really gracefully. I really admire Glenn. Also: Rosa Parks and Marie Curie – people who have really changed the world.

What’s it like wearing neoprene? It’s weirdly comfortable. A bit like a wetsuit. But yeah – it was a lot of fun. She’s a delectably delicious villainous. Did you feel like a drag queen on set? (Laughs) The shoes are pretty dragish. The shoes were major. They were about 5-inch pumps. Maaajor!

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

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PAGE 14

| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Foodie Diaries

Federal American Grill:

In the chophouse tradition |

By Jim Ayres

cheese, and spicy peppers. Like a Stepford Wife I thought, “I’ll just die if I don’t get that recipe!” parked my car, got out in the pouring Continuing with the Pecan Crusted rain, and walked into Federal American Chicken, I mused “Only my mother served Grill on Shepherd near the Washington jelly with fried chicken. How did they corridor. Exposed brick, brown wood panknow?” Technically this wasn’t fried, but eling, and equally brown wood floors. I told it was crispy and came with a gurgly bluemyself I must have been in 100 Houston restaurants that look exactly like this one. berry jam on top. And if you want the real That’s not necessarily a dig. The look is thing, Federal does a fantastic fried chicken masculine and subdued, very much in the as well. chophouse tradition. Servers are buttoned up I imagine, though, that most of Federal’s in white oxford, jeans, and steakhouse aprons. customers come seeking beef. Their burgMany of them sport the high and tight haircut ers are gargantuan specimens, cooked perfavored by owner Matt Brice, a jovial presfectly to order with just the right amount of ooze to stain your shirt. ence among guests in his dining room. On to the steaks! You’d expect to pay I was there for lunch that day, and was the $42 tariff for a Center Cut Filet with anxious to dig into some substantial grub. I sautéed spinach wasn’t disappointed. and truffle macThanks to an and-cheese. But unusually hectic 510 Shepherd Drive the eight-ounce morning at work, Houston, Texas 77007 Chateauloin with I started with an (713) 863-7777 Lyonnaise potatoes, intensely fruity W W W.T H E F E D E R A L G R I L L . C O M mushrooms and glass of William Hill bordelaise sauce is a Chardonnay, a favordelicious bargain at $22. ite of mine. The wine list is heavy on CaliAside from great food, Federal Amerifornia selections (at all price points), with several European vintages to round out the can Grill is known for its bourbon selection. They offer eight different flights of threechoices. to-five shots of bourbons, whiskeys, and At this point, I must confess: When it comes to wedge salads, I’m boldly flirtatious. scotches. If you prefer your shots one at a Promiscuous, even. I’ll order one anywhere. time, you can choose from over 150 brands. And the Iceberg Wedge here is as good as any If you prefer your spirits mixed, FederI’ve had. Beautifully cold and crisp, it feaal has great spins on some classic cocktails. For instance, the Barrel-Aged Old Fashtures prosciutto, heirloom tomatoes, bleu cheese, and a silky buttermilk dressing. ioned features Buffalo Trace from an oak For a cool and kooky appetizer, try Brice’s barrel right on the roof of the restaurant. Burgers. They’re not cheeseburgers, exactNow, that’s a $20 cocktail, but I’m sure conly, but egg rolls! This is a brilliant idea, very noisseurs will love it. Or try the Honey Badwell executed with a thin, crispy outside ger with Jim Beam Honey Bourbon, lemon, and fresh green apple. and the inside flowing with ground beef,

Federal American Grill

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Montrose STAR

Cooking with Paula Dream

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

PAGE 15

Cookies and Chicken for Breakfast |

By Paula Dream (AKA Kale Haygood)

apart on an ungreased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Let the cookies cool for a couple of minutes before removing from baking dish, then transfer them to a cooling rack. If you don’t have a cooling rack, spread a clean kitchen towel on your counter and transfer to towel.

veryone is in a hurry to get out of the house on your way to work, or just to get to your favorite adult beverage at George Your Country Sports Bar. They say breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Here is your solution to skipping a big breakfast.

Here’s a recipe for a more relaxing Sunday brunch that doesn’t tie you up in the kitchen while friends visiting, talking about what (or who) they did Saturday night. This is also a good make-ahead dish.

ON-THE-GO BREAKFAST ‘COOKIES’’ ½ cup butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 10-12 bacon strips or ½ pound sausage, cooked and crumbled 2 cups cornflakes ½ cup raisins In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar. Add the egg. Stir in your cornflakes, raisins and meat. Drop by rounded tablespoonsful, two-to-three inches

GAY MEN’S (OR WOMEN’S) CHICKEN BRUNCH BAKE

9 slices day-old bread, cubed 3 cups chicken broth 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed ½ cup instant rice, uncooked ½ cup pimentos, sliced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped salt and pepper, to taste 4 eggs, beaten

In large bowl, lightly toss together bread cubes and broth. Add chicken, pimentos, rice, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix well. Transfer to a 13” x 9” greased baking dish, covering with eggs. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about an hour. Allow to set a bit before serving. For a Mexican twist, serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. A real fun dish! And here’s a hint: A rotisserie chicken available at many of our local supermarkets provides the perfect amount of meat for this dish. We do love our meat. Paula Dream (AKA Kale Haygood) owns Beyond Service, a Montrose-based, home-cooking catering company. For more information, call 713-805-4106 or email barrykale@yahoo.com. Paula Dream (AKA Kale Haygood) owns Beyond Service, a Montrose-based, home-cooking catering company. For more information, call 713-805-4106 or email barrykale@ yahoo.com.

2 7 10 Montrose Blvd. Houston, T X 7 7 006

713.526.0202 Order Online www.pepperonis.net Paula Dream, AKA Kale Haygood, owns Beyond Service, a Montrose-based, home-cooking catering company. For more information, call 713-805-4106 or email barrykale@yahoo.com

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PAGE 16

| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

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Montrose STAR

Make It Happen with David Lorms

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

PAGE 17

Still ‘Making it Happen’:

Catching up with former guests | By Sally Adams & David Lorms

Anuj Shah (left), Kelli Johnson, and David Lorms ting up at two in the morning every day was a good idea,” she laughs. “As one of my friends told me, I will only have 18 summers with these little guys.” She is now running and cross-training more and is working her health and wellness business, Arbonne. “My advice to anyone is ‘don’t put chemicals on your skin,’” she advises. She is featured, along with her family, in the Arbonne catalog. “We had a great time in Los Angeles having our photo opportunities,” she says. For more information, email courtneyzavala@me.com or visit www.CourtneyZavalaRomero.Arbonne.com. Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt’s Kelli Johnson. Kelli Johnson of the Harris County District Attorney’s office was an early guest on Make It Happen With David Lorms and was happy to return. In the past year, she lost her bid for Harris County Criminal Court at Law, Position 8, but has no regrets. “I may throw my hat back in the ring once more, but I will think a lot about which position to try for,” she says.

One of her cases is Raul Rodriguez vs. the State of Texas. She won the case, but the court of appeals has reversed the decision and she will try him again in November. The case involves a man who threw a birthday party at his home. Rodriguez, a neighbor, waged war on the karaoke singing. He was armed with a weapon, ammunition, and a video camera and shot three people, killing one. Rodriguez is currently out on bond with limitations and an ankle monitor. “In the DA’s office, we see cases that involve people who shouldn’t have weapons but have them legally,” Johnson said. “Some people just feel more empowered with a gun, but don’t seem to know that it’s illegal to pull out a gun unless you are in fear of deadly harm.” On the lighter side of Johnson’s professional life, she and her business partner, Christina Logan, own Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt in Oak Forest. “I almost skip and whistle when I get to the shop,” she says, adding she loves the fact that it’s a friendly family place with lots of repeat neighborhood customers. Teens

THE M

To learn what was new with some of his previous guests, David Lorms recently brought back three of them from his first year of Make It Happen with David Lorms, an online motivational business radio show that streams live each Wednesday at noon on www.KBRZSports.com. Immigration attorney Anuj Arun Shah. Speaking five languages and carrying many advanced degrees, including one from The Sorbonne in France, Anuj Arun Shah has three big pieces of news. First and foremost, he is now a Board Certified Immigration Specialist, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialists. “I had to jump through a lot of hoops to prove I was worthy of the certification and, of course, take a long and detailed test,” Shah says. “I’m so glad I passed it my first time because I don’t want to go through all of that again!” Shah, a long-time vegan, will launch the podcast and website, Speaking of Vegan. Planning a late May start, he has quite a few contributors including a fellow attorney offering information on Vegan Law. Plus, his sister is the show’s Yoga guru. Additionally, Shah immigration law offices have moved to the North Loop at TC Jester. “I love our new space,” he says. “The building has trees, a pond nearby and we see ducks most days!” For more information, call 713-975-1128, email anuj@shah-law.com or visit www. shaw-law.com or www.speakingofvegan.com. Arbonne’s Courtney Zavala. Former KPRC-TV anchor Courtney Zavala has retired from broadcasting after 20 years in journalism. “A lady approached me at Kroger the other day telling me how much she loved seeing me on TV in the morning. I didn’t have the heart to tell her I had been off the air for six months!” Zavala says. “I just thanked her for watching and shopped on!” Zavala said she loved her work, won many awards in broadcasting, met some great people (and some monsters) along the way, but it was time for a change. “My family and I decided that having a life, enjoying our two boys and not get-

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TROSE ON

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who work at Sweet Frog after school have to keep a certain grade point average and are allowed to be creative, Johnson added. Sweet Frog also caters outside the shop. “We recently catered a surprise afternoon at a medical facility. It was so fun to see stressed-out doctors, nurses, and other staff enjoying a yogurt break with 20 different toppings available to them,” she said. “We have a skirted frog mascot and she was there to serve the yogurt!” Sweet Frog hosts a yogurt mixer for The Oaks Business Association in June. Also coming up in June is the GOOF (Garden Oaks/Oak Forest) Off Summer Block Party. “We’ll have a petting zoo, inflatable sports games, carnival games and crafts for kids and their families,” she said. “It ends with an “adults-only visit” to Plonk! Wine Bar. For more information, visit www.sweetfrog yogurt.com. For GOOF Off booth information, email Elyssa@core-landing.com. Award-winning insurance professional and author David Lorms hosts ‘Make It Happen With David Lorms’, an online motivational business radio show on www.KBRZSports. com live each Wednesday at noon. For more information, visit www.spreaker.com/user/7420120 or www.lormsinsuranceservices.com.

PAGE 18

| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

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Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

PAGE 19

VISIT GALVESTON’S “FAMILY” OF BARS

E.G. Daily: From ‘The Shadows’ to ‘The Voice’ |

23RD Street Station

By JD Arnold

f all the reality talent shows on TV, The Voice is the only one that keeps my attention and has m her club career.

Galveston’s Newest Gay Bar

FRIDAYS • 11 PM DRAG SHOW

Offering a full service, fun, friendly neighborhood hangout with a variety of entertainment

Hosted by Kara Dion with DJ Melle Mel and special guests

MAY 23 • 9 PM

Friday, June 12 Capri Symphony McKnight

Lady Nae hostsSt. theClair’s

KARA DION

Birthday Extravaganza

1ST Buffet MISS ISLAND at 9:30pm & Show at 10:30pm DIVA PAGEANT

Saturdays • 10 PM – DJ Houseman Live Sundays and Thursdays • 9 PM – Karaoke Wednesdays • 9 PM – Country Night Mondays • 9 PM – Hospitality Night

SYMPHONY MCKNIGHT CAPRI

OPEN DAILY 10 AM to 2 AM with drink specials HAPPY HOUR: 10 AM to 9 PM weekly

Fridays 7pm – Dueling Pianos May 11 • 4 •PM –Splash After-Party Saturdays • 7pm-11pm – Live Bands Watch Party May 15 • 7 PM–Bear

Check our website for all of our drink specials and weekly line ups and stay updated with us on Facebook.

St. 25th

KRAVE

St.

23rd St. Station

fic ostof

1706 23rd St. • 409.443.5678 www.23rdstreetstation.com

St.

2416 Postofﬁce • 409.765.6911 www.KraveGalveston.com

23RD ST. STATION 23rd

24th

Krave Galveston

ue Aven

ue Q

Aven 31st

Robert’s Lafitte

St.

Take a trip down the road of musical history Sunday afternoons with DJ JD Arnold’s Dangerous Disco at Eagle Houston Splash LVD (611 Hyde Park). It’s the music where we came into our own! Bring your boogie shoes and get ready to use it up and wear ALL B it out! See you on the dance floor! SEAW

FRIDAYS - COLLEGE NIGHT • 9PM-2AM Featuring Splash Dancers and DJ Alex Charry

COME IN AND BE YOURSELF! Swimming Pool & Patio Open Daily!

SATURDAYS - SPLASH DIVAS DRAG SHOW hosted by Kourtney Paige Van Wales with DJ Melle Mel SUNDAY FUN DAYS • 4PM Drag Bingo hosted by Carmen Can-Too with DJ Debbie Boyd MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS Karaoke with Debbie Boyd

KOURTNEY PAIGE VAN WALES

WEDNESDAYS - Retro Night with DJ Alex THURSDAYS - Euro/College Night with DJ Night Owl

SPLASH BAR

3102 Seawall Blvd • 409.974.4176 www.SplashBarGalveston.com TheMontroseSTAR.com

SUNDAYS VODKA SUNDAYS–$2.25 –$2.25 WELL Well Vodka MONDAYS –$2.25 WELL VODKA & DOMESTIC BEER MONDAYS– $2.25 Wells & Domestic Beer TUESDAYS –KARAOKE AT 9:30 PM TUESDAYS–Karaoke at –WITH 9:30 PMFREE HOTDOGS JUNE POOL PARTY AND DJ ON THE PATIO. SUNDAYS SHOWS–Friday, Saturday & Sunday1-5 PM DAILY SHOT SPECIALS OPEN: Mon-Sat 7 AM 2 AM • Sun 10 AM-2 AM

SMOKERS WELCOME

ROBERT’S LAFITTE 2501 Avenue Q • 409.765.9092 www.RobertsLaﬁtte.com

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PAGE 20

| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Retro Rewind

Morabito: ‘Just shut up and listen’ |

By DJ Mark D

HOSTED BY

PABLO HERNANDEZ DJ C-Rail

MUSIC BY:

DJ ATHENA PATIO PARTY

DJ TIM BAE | YOUTUBE CELEBRITY

Saturday June 27th 2409 GRANT | BAYOUCITYBAR.COM | MON-SAT 7A-2A; SUN 10A-2A

DJ Wrangler | Whiskey Dick's

Hot Country/Western 1. Raise ‘Em Up — Keith Urban 2. A Guy Walks Into a Bar — Tyler Farr 3. Don’t It — Billy Currington 4. Smoke — A Thousand Horses 5. Sippin’ On Fire — Florida Georgia Line 6. Say You Do — Dierks Bentley 7. Wild Child — Kenny Chesney 8. Little Toy Guns — Carrie Underwood 9. Baby Be My Love Song — Easton Corbin 10. Diamond Rings & Old Bar Stools — Tim McGraw

DJ JD Arnold

| Eagle Houston

Club Traxx Top 10

DJ CJ

| Bayou City Bar

Club Play Top 40 1. Worth It — Fifth Harmony (feat. Kid Ink) 2. Runaway (Robbie G Remix) — Galantis 3. Everywhere I Go — DJ Chose 4. Flex — Rich Homie Quan 5. Nasty (Remix) — T-Wayne 6. My Way — Fetty Wap 7. Stopped — BeatKing 8. Cant Deny — Lika Morgan 9. Be The One — Baytek 10. I Bet — Ciara

1. Rise Above The Game (Patterson/Original) — Angel Moraes feat. Neysa Malone 2. Ghosttown (Roger Sanchez) — Madonna 3. Lift (Barry Harris, Phil B, Dirty Disco) — Dirty Disco feat. Debbie Holliday 4. This Feeling (Purple Disco Machine) — L’Tric 5. Beggin’ For Thread (Basement Jaxx) — Banks 6. Take Care Of My Heart (Ragin & Dorr) — Eddie Amador & Ultra Nate 7. The Frenchie Thing — Reboot 8. I’ll Be There (Orig/Yiannis) — Chic 9. Deja Vu — Giorgio Moroder/Sia 10. Fire Under My Feet (Max Sanna/Steve Patron) — Leona Lewis TheMontroseSTAR.com

n the platter this edition of our paper is a good friend and an amazing DJ well known for her cutting edge sound and her true, well-executed, musical journey who has taken dance floors all over the world to new heights: the venerable and legendary Morabito! She’s played at all the major parties and venues that are noteworthy to the scene. Her journey to becoming a DJ began in 1976 when she was interested in becoming a radio DJ. Saving her money and shopping at the local record store, Morabito began amassing a nice record collection. “Eventually, I learned that a radio DJs had program directors and couldn’t choose the music,” she says. “I was disappointed and scratched that idea. Then in 1980 I went to my first dance club, Traxx. I was beyond amazed and fascinated at what I witnessed on the dance floor and in the DJ booth. I knew instantly during that experience that being a club DJ was what I wanted to do.” She focused on that goal and met a local club DJ, who helped her understand the mechanics of being a DJ. “I befriended a DJ in town that I admire, Greg Whitbeck. I asked him if he would teach me how to play records,” she says. “He said, ‘Just hang in the booth, shut up, and listen.’ It was really great advice. It was all about listening to how music was arranged. I’d hang in Greg’s booth for months just being quiet and watching him mix. Eventually I bought another turntable, a mixer and twelve records. That was in October of 1982. I practiced a lot and within months, I got a job at a local lesbian bar called Isis.” She took that gig, honed her skills, and made it into a true career for herself! She’s currently employed all over the country, in great cities like New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, New Orleans, and Atlanta, to name a few. She’s also coming to Houston Eagle on Saturday June 6! There’s a lot of DJs today, and I mean a lot! The true DJs are the ones that don’t need to play radio hit after radio hit to convey a message; the true ones give a journey. The spend their off time constantly combing through the piles of music that come across their desk, looking for just that right record to include in their sets. They express themselves via a certain play style and give the listener that escape that only the union of a dance floor and a good DJ can give. You’ll find this in Morabito. I

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brought her in a number of times when I owned Rich’s back in the early 2000s. Now she’s coming back to town. Very exciting! “For me, DJ’ing is a very spontaneous emotional art form,” she says. “So how I feel inside does indeed show in each performance. It’s really a fascinating dynamic for me. For my entire career, I’ve searched for the key to a perfect performance every time, even though each one is different. It took me a really long time to realize that you can’t reach perfection in every-

thing you do each time. That’s unrealistic, we’re human. Once I accepted that, oddly enough, the better I’ve become.” Throughout her tenure, Morabito gives credit to those that have shaped who she is musically: Robbie Leslie, Terry Sherman and Michael Fierman. “I used to drive from Cleveland, Ohio to New York with a group of friends and we’d go to the Saint. This was in the mid ‘80s. That’s where I’d hear these guys. By 1987, I moved up to New York City with plans to play the Saint. My career started to take shape in about 1993 and the Saint closed in 1987, so that never happened, but many other things did!” When you’re experiencing Morabito, you’ll find her sets can be very diverse. “I love all sorts of music. I love tech house, tribal house, and basically all forms of house music that is well produced, clean, innovative, and interesting.” Come to the Houston Eagle (611 Hyde Park) and experience the musical stylings of Morabito on June 6! Look for me there, too—under the mirror ball!

Montrose STAR

Deep Inside Hollywood

Seasons of Love with Anthony Rapp and Kate Walsh |

By Romeo San Vicente

long this sort of thing can continue unquestioned.

he gay indie film is in a weird place these days. There are more of them than ever, some good and some bad, and yet few of them, regardless of quality, seem to make much impact unless they come front-loaded with well known names in front of or behind the camera. That means it’s all on you, Kate Walsh and Anthony Rapp, best known for Grey’s Anatomy and Rent, respectively; you are the pair who’ll have to carry the weight of Modern Love on your shoulders, and we hope you’re up to the task. The film is from first time feature writer-director Joshua Tunick and it’s a small ensemble comedy starring Walsh and Rapp (as well as Mean Girls alum Jonathan Bennett), and it’s about a group of friends who help out a gay couple when their wedding plans hit the rocks. It starts shooting in June and that ought to put it in position for the 2016 festivals where, fingers crossed, the right people will 1) Like it. 2) Buy it. And 3) Get it out to the world of real audiences.

Three Generations puts trans teen story in spotlight B ritish filmmaker Gaby Dellal, mostly known for her work as a director and actor in the U.K., just found herself in the middle of the deal-making world of the Cannes Film Festival. Her feature, Three Generations was the object of a $6 million buy from The Weinstein Company, who’ll now distribute in the United States. And the story is a timely one: a transgender teenager (Elle Fanning) begins the process of identifying as male, while the young man’s single mother (Naomi Watts) and lesbian grandmother (Susan Sarandon) do what they can to help. It has all the earmarks of a high-quality production, but will it be well received by trans audiences, who’ve become much more vocal lately about the cisgender (non-trans) casting choices employed in most trans stories? That’s the hope. But with the pool of real trans actors growing and their employment on the rise (Orange is The New Black, The Fosters, Transparent), the clock is ticking on how

The O.J. show is coming. You ready? American Crime Story, the new series created by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, and produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, is on its way, filling the void left byGlee and – oh, wait, it’s not a musical? It’s not even occasionally a musical, like that one time when Stevie Nicks guested on American Horror Story? Well… we might still watch it, if only because the first season will be devoted entirely to the O.J. Simpson murder trial and the cast is just oddball enough: Cuba Gooding Jr as Simpson, as well as Sarah Paulson, John Travolta, David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance, Jordana Brewster, Selma Blair, Billy Magnussen, Connie Britton, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Kenneth Choi, Evan Handler and Cheryl Ladd (!), all recreating the Trial of the Century. And when it airs in 2016 we’ll find out if they convinced Travolta to sing something. You know he’d be into it. The Fifth Beatle was gay Brian Epstein was the manager of the Beatles. He discovered them performing in a basement in Liverpool, England, and rode with them on the wave of massive success that followed. Another fact about Epstein: he was gay. And he struggled with that. It was the 1960s, after all, when just being gay was still illegal in America and the United Kingdom. Not exactly an easy life, no matter how much money you had or cultural capital you possessed. At age 32 he died of a drug overdose. A biography in graphic novel form, the acclaimed The Fifth Beatle, by Vivek J. Tiwary, is on bookstore shelves right now, and it has a fan in Simon Cowell, who plans to produce the film version. Tiwary has written a screenplay and will co-produce. And that’s everything right now: no director or stars just yet. So this one will keep developing.

Kate Walsh

Romeo San Vicente’s favorite alien movie is The Man Who Fell To Earth. Or maybe Mac and Me. So hard to pick!

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| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

DJ Spotlight

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

F E A T U R I N G

M U S I C

B Y

611 HYDE PARK | MON-FRI 4P-2A | SAT & SUN NOON-2A

Yvonne Elliman’s ‘Love Pains’ By DJ JD Arnold

982 was a pretty epic year for me as a DJ in Texas. It was a time when I was building my credentials on the Houston club scene. I was also travelling to San Antonio once a month to play at The Bonham Exchange. In the beginning I would stay with Rick Squillante who, at the time, was the manager of the club. Later on they would give me a small apartment on the River Walk that I would pack with my posse from Houston. Rick Squillante was also a brilliant DJ and went on the man the decks at the infamous Stark Club in Dallas. Back in Houston I was working for Jerry Vann at The Parade, a large gay club that was really popular in the early ‘80s. I can remember being there in the daytime when a very young man was practicing on the turntables. He would play the same two records over and over so that he could perfect beat matching between them. His determination paid off and soon we were working together at the Parade and The Mining Company, which was the most popular cruise bar in the city at that time (boy, have things changed!) He also became my roommate and close friend. His name was Eric Puyo and he went on to become a very successful DJ in Los Angeles, even though he lived in New York at the time. I hope at least some of you remember him!

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Jon Mott, Puyo, and I were representing one of our local bars in the gay Pride Parade that year, and we decided to let Puyo do the music for the float. He did a great job and made a ninety-minute cassette that featured just one track. We all loved the track, at least at the beginning of the Parade, but by the end we were ready to strangle Puyo. The track was “Love Pains” by Yvonne Elliman, which is this week’s “Retro Rewind”, and he had created this endless mix using the Disconet and Moby Dick versions. Yvonne Elliman was well known to me as she had appeared in the London cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. She was later signed to RSO the Bee Gees record label just in time for her to be featured on the most famous disco album of them all, Saturday Night Fever. She sang “If I Can’t Have You”, which went on to become a Number One hit on the Billboard pop chart. In 1979, she released the original recording of “Love Pains”, which I would play at my London and Brighton gigs. It was, however, the revamped version that was released on the Moby Dick label in 1982 that really established it as a club favorite. Over the years the song has been recorded by many artists. The most popular version was produced by the Pet Shop Boys and sung by the legendary Liza Minnelli, which was released in 1990. Around the same time Hazel Dean released a version of the song on the PWL label but Liza Minnelli’s version got more attention. I always go back to Yvonne Elliman’s recording, partly because of the memories I associate with it but mostly because it is the best version! It is still a favorite with the Eagle boys on “Dangerous Disco” Sunday nights where we feature classic disco at its best—so don’t hesitate to request it! See you under the mirror ball! A

Montrose STAR

TEXAS UNITED CHARITIES’ 3RD ANNUAL CASINO PARTY

Double downing for a good cause!

ave the date, June 20, 2015, for the 3rd Annual Casino Party fundraising event. Texas United Charities will be having their casino fundraising event at F Bar, located at 202 Tuam St. This charitable event has grown including sponsorships and donations year after year. And this year’s event promises to be a blast. The casino opens from 5 to 9pm with plenty of Black Jack and Texas Hold’em tables for your enjoyment. There will be a silent auction as well as a live auction to bid with the casino winnings. So hold on to those chips and be ready to bid on some wonderful items. One hundred percent of all proceeds will benefit LHI (Lesbian Health Initiative) and L.O.A.F. (Lesbian Over Age Fifty). For more information about the event, donations or becoming a sponsor

please contact: Pattie May, Texas United Charities, (832) 492-5720 or email may_patti@hotmail.com. Texas United Charities has been actively serving the community since its formation in 2012 as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and whose main goal is to raise money for the gay and lesbian community across the State of Texas. TUC supports local charities such as: www.lhihouston.org www.loafhouston.org www.assisthers.org www.montrosecounselingcenter.org

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| Montrose STAR

IN HOUSTON & GALVESTON

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Next2Weeks! WEDNESDAY, June 3

THURSDAY, June 4

FRIDAY, June 5

a Arena Theatre: 20/20 Sale Event, Vince Gill now through June 27 F Bar: Bring It! Open talent competition hosted by Ironica Leigh DaBarge & Chloe Knox, 1st place $150, Runner up $50 a F Bar: Every 1st Wednesday, Jazz Happy Hour with The Diana Foundation, 5:30pm Vince Gill a The Ripcord: Geeks Who Drink, 8pm a F Bar: Every Thursday is TOXIC" at the F, 10pm

JUNE 3 – 17, 2015 SATURDAY, June 6

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY – JUNE 5, 6 & 7

SUNDAY, June 7

a Black Hawk Leather:

WEDNESDAY, June 10 a F Bar: Miss Gay F Bar USofA,

hosted by Aria Crawford. Performances by Adeciya Iman, Miss Gay USofA 2014 and Mayra DeLorenzo, Miss F Bar USofA 2014; with F Divas and F Latin Divas presentations. Haute Couture/registration, 4pm; Interview, 5pm

a Eagle Houston:

a Arena Theatre:

Grammy® Award Winning Gypsy Kings a KRave Galveston: Dueling Pianos, 7pm a South Beach: Invading Houston every Friday, Stripper Circus, feat. carnival games, prizes and more. No cover

THURSDAY, June 11 a F Bar:

Gay Beach Weekend! Book your reservations today.

Gypsy Kings

a The Ripcord: Geeks Who Drink, 8pm

Pool party 1-5pm Free hotdogs

It’s island time!

FRIDAY, June 12

SATURDAY, June 13

SUNDAY, June 14

a 23rd Street Station–Galveston:

Every Thursday is TOXIC at the F, 10pm

a Lafittes–Galveston:

Pig Dance feat. music by Morabito a KRave Galveston: Live Bands, 7-11pm a The Ripcord: NLA bartending on the patio

a Galveston

Lady Nae St. Clair’s Birthday Extravaganza, great food & entertainment, 9:30pm a KRave Galveston: Dueling Pianos, 7pm a The Ripcord: Bayou City PUPS bartending on the patio a South Beach: Invading Houston every Friday, Stripper Circus, feat. carnival games, prizes and more, no cover all night

a Canopy on Montrose:

Brunch of Gays, 1pm a Tony’s Corner Pocket:

Yuri

Flag Day Event & Show for Wounded Warrior Heroes feat. great entertainment & food, 6pm

a Arena Theatre:

Yuri a KRave Galveston: Live Bands, 7-11pm Please confirm your event – Dates and times subject to change without notice.

Since 1981, Legacy Community Health Services has been a constant presence in the lives of LGBT Houstonians. We were there at the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, providing testing and linking clients to care. We are still here now, offering comprehensive medical care. For more than 30 years, Legacy has been a source of comfort for those who traditionally face barriers to care. We are, now and always, constantly here for you. Adult Primary Care HIV/AIDS Testing & Prevention Ryan White Health Care Services STD Screening & Treatment Transgender Specialty Care Women’s Services Body Positive Wellness Nutritional Counseling

1415 California St., Houston, TX 77006 | 832-730-4432

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Dental Care Frost Eye Clinic Behavioral Health Services Vaccination & Immunization Pediatrics The Assistance Fund On-site Pharmacy

LegacyCommunityHealth.org +1 Google+ Also find us on  F Facebook.com & 

30 Hear Me Out

29 HouPaul

“Tori Amos who?”

America’s First Gay President? F FACEBOOK.COM/MONTROSE STAR 

TROSE ON

Simply Max

YOUR GLBT ENTERTAINMENT STARTS HERE!

Weekend

Gay Beach

THE M

Crossword

Section WEDNESDAY JUNE 3, 2015

VOL. VI, ISSUE 5

23rd St. Station’s Tiffany McKnight Capri (with crown) enjoying the Krewe of Bacchus Texas float

2015 June 5,6 & 7

Across the Causeway

Krewe of Bacchus Texas: Alive and well on Galveston Island |

By Forest Riggs

ou just can’t keep a good Krewe down—and that is exactly what’s happening with the newly reformed Krewe of Bacchus Texas on Galveston Island. After a few years of struggling and attempting to regroup, the long-time gay and gay-friendly Krewe has again come to life and is making waves. Not that Galveston needs any more waves, mind you. However, these are long overdue and most welcome. In ancient Greek mythology, he was Dionysus, the god of the grape harvest, wine and winemaking, ritual madness, fertility, theater, and religious ecstasy (what is that?). There are a couple of “histories” about the origins of the little fun-maker. One has him son of Zeus and the mortal Semele, making him semi-divine; the other, Zeus and Persephone or Demeter, making him fully divine. Either way you cut it, being half-a-god or all-god is pretty cool. Of the 12 Olympians, Dionysus was the last and youngest to be accepted into Mount Olympus and having a mortal mother (depending on with parentage version one follows). The Romans, not ones to shy away from having their own gods and goddesses, named their own Life-Death-Rebirth god, “Bacchus”. Like in the Greek version, Bacchus was again tied to the grape harvest and all things wild and crazy: drinking, festivities, theater, orgasmic parties, and mischievous lust, to name a few. (Continued on page 26)

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| Wednesday June 3, 2015

Krewe of Bacchus Texas ( from p25) One of the myths reveals that a powerful goddess, in retaliation to Zeus, sent the Titans to kill and devour Dionysus, leaving nothing but his heart. Apparently the young god-boy was lured away with toys, only to be destroyed. Zeus either implanted the heart in a female or his own hip, again depending on which version you choose, thus giving a second birth or renewal to the Bacchus entity. I recently caught up with Brack Collier and Tony Garcia, both strong Bacchanalian supporters who have over the years created, maintained and stoked the Krewe of Bacchus in Galveston. Krewes have been around as long as there have been Mardi Gras celebrations and folks that keep the party going year after year. The Krewe of Bacchus in New Orleans is world-famous, best known for its elaborate floats, balls, parties, parades, and lascivious mayhem. In the mid-1980s, when George Mitchell felt it was time to bring the Mardi Gras back to Galveston and folks were encouraged to participate, the Krewe of Bacchus was island-born. At that time, Randy Matthews, Tony Garcia and Chuck Terry, and a handful of other talented and freethinking individuals decided the gay and gay-friendly folks of Galveston should have a Krewe and a venue to participate. “It was another event for the gays on the island back then,” Garcia says. There was also the Krewe of Momus and their famous activities that continue and thrive in present-day Mardi Gras Galveston. Not wanting to interfere with the Silk Stocking Ball or the highly popular Banner Party, the Bacchus gang set out to start its own Mardi Gras traditions. “It was not about competition, but rather something to do. We had themed decorations, costumes, silent auctions and raffles— huge parties,” Garcia recalls. “In those days, we did not do the parade, but it came later. Then, for whatever reason or reasons, things came to a halt around 1990 or 1991.” Sometime around 2010, interest in the Krewe found new life as Matthews, Garcia, Tom Herman and Louie Johnson kick started the Krewe of Bacchus Texas. With Galveston Mardi Grad madness growing each year, the men felt there again need to be a place for gays and gay-friendly revelers and way to make it all the more festive. (Get those gays involved!) At one time, Krewe membership climbed to more than sixty. In October 2010, the Krewe held its first ball after Hurricane Ike

Krewe of Bacchus Texas organizers Brack Collier (left) and Tony Garcia at the magnificent Railroad Museum. The following year, a second ball was held at the Lyceum, and with much success. The last ball was held at the Trolley Station on the Strand and was tremendously received. But once again, for whatever reason(s) interest waned and slowly the Bacchus presence began to fade. There were some meetings and discussions regarding the future of the Krewe and what directions to take. Long-time islander Brack Collier was asked to step in and help regroup and develop a new Krewe of Bacchus. And so it was the Krewe of Bacchus Texas was born (or reborn) from a handful of original Krewe members, much like the heart saved by Zeus in the original story of Dionysus/Bacchus rebirth. The new Krewe of Bacchus Texas was set-up as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, and great plans and ambitions. Collier’s main goal since the rebirth has been to create awareness of the new Krewe and increasing the membership. Collier envisions a huge Krewe again, complete with a grand ball that, like the Momus and other balls, will become an island institution. The new Krewe is already making its mark on the island. Two colorful floats appear in several parades each Mardi Gras, as well in as the annual 4th of July parade and, possibly, the Houston Gay Pride parade in June. Another goal of the organization is to someday see a Krewe of Bacchus Texas parade, complete with floats and entries from other cities that join Krewe of Bacchus

TheMontroseSTAR.com

Texas. With Mardi Gras Galveston becoming more and more desired and popular, this goal is certainly achievable, says Collier, the Krewe’s president. “I would love to see our Krewe grow and become synonymous with Mardi Gras Galveston—every year, bigger and better,” Collier adds. Collier and other members are working hard with local bar owners, merchants and other island entities to make the Krewe a success. Splash and Krave’s Steve Kalbaugh and 23rd St. Station’s Todd Farrish have become members and are participating in every way possible to ensure the success of the new Krewe. Networking is helping to get the word out, and the new membership has grown to more than twenty individuals. The Krewe hopes membership will continue to grow as it relies on dues of $50 a year to keep things moving. (Beads and trinkets for all the parades alone cost more than $4000 a year!) Float design, repair, upkeep, and storage add $1800-to-$2000 to the group’s annual expenses. Artists, carpenters, designers and fun-loving folks are encouraged (and needed) to join the Krewe, organizers say. Krewe membership ensures participation in multiple parades, as well as parties, fundraisers and a ball. The Krewe accepts donated items for silent auctions and raffles, as well as monetary donations. So, like the wicked little god Bacchus himself, the Krewe of Bacchus Texas has

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been reborn and is thriving again. Friends have asked how they can “be in a Mardi Gras parade or participate in the fun.” Well, here is your opportunity. Membership does not require Galveston citizenship, or a huge time commitment. There are monthly meetings and socials, as well as special events held around the island. No matter where you are, take the plunge and join the fun! Officially, the Krewe of Bacchus Texas strives to “encourage, foster, promote, cultivate, sponsor, conduct, direct and administer plans, programs, activities relating directly and indirectly to the preservation of Galveston’s history, performing arts, and the community’s unique culture through volunteerism and financial contributions to local Galveston programs which promote the same.” Krewe of Bacchus Texas membership is open to individuals who share the goals and objectives of the organization and offer themselves as advocates for the betterment of the Galveston community through direct volunteering or assisting in fundraising activities to further our cause. To qualify for membership you must be an adult male or female, 21 years of age and above, of good moral character, and willing to support the Krewe’s purpose through active participation in endeavors throughout each year and to serve as a member on one of the Krewe’s committees. Krewe of Bacchus Texas hits the beach! Meet the Krewe of Bacchus and mingle with hundreds of gay beach-goers at the 5th Annual Galveston Gay Beach Weekend at East Beach, featuring a live DJ and entertainment. June 6, 10 a.m. ‘til 2 p.m. For more membership information or to follow the Krewe of Bacchus Texas, check them out on Facebook. A resident of Galveston where he can be found wasting bait and searching for the meaning of life, Forest Riggs recently completed a collection of short stories about his beloved island and is working on a novel. A resident of Galveston where he can be found wasting bait and searching for the meaning of life, Forest Riggs recently completed a collection of short stories about his beloved island and is working on a novel.

Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

PAGE 27

VISIT GALVESTON’S “FAMILY” OF BARS

E.G. Daily: From ‘The Shadows’ to ‘The Voice’ |

23RD Street Station

By JD Arnold

f all the reality talent shows on TV, The Voice is the only one that keeps my attention and has m her club career.

Galveston’s Newest Gay Bar

FRIDAYS • 11 PM DRAG SHOW

Offering a full service, fun, friendly neighborhood hangout with a variety of entertainment

Hosted by Kara Dion with DJ Melle Mel and special guests

MAY 23 • 9 PM

Friday, June 12 Capri Symphony McKnight

Lady Nae hostsSt. theClair’s

KARA DION

Birthday Extravaganza

1ST Buffet MISS ISLAND at 9:30pm & Show at 10:30pm DIVA PAGEANT

Saturdays • 10 PM – DJ Houseman Live Sundays and Thursdays • 9 PM – Karaoke Wednesdays • 9 PM – Country Night Mondays • 9 PM – Hospitality Night

SYMPHONY MCKNIGHT CAPRI

OPEN DAILY 10 AM to 2 AM with drink specials HAPPY HOUR: 10 AM to 9 PM weekly

Fridays 7pm – Dueling Pianos May 11 • 4 •PM –Splash After-Party Saturdays • 7pm-11pm – Live Bands Watch Party May 15 • 7 PM–Bear

Check our website for all of our drink specials and weekly line ups and stay updated with us on Facebook.

St. 25th

KRAVE

St.

23rd St. Station

fic ostof

1706 23rd St. • 409.443.5678 www.23rdstreetstation.com

St.

2416 Postofﬁce • 409.765.6911 www.KraveGalveston.com

23RD ST. STATION 23rd

24th

Krave Galveston

ue Aven

ue Q

Aven 31st

Robert’s Lafitte

St.

FRIDAYS - COLLEGE NIGHT • 9PM-2AM Featuring Splash Dancers and DJ Alex Charry

COME IN AND BE YOURSELF! Swimming Pool & Patio Open Daily!

KOURTNEY PAIGE VAN WALES

WEDNESDAYS - Retro Night with DJ Alex THURSDAYS - Euro/College Night with DJ Night Owl

SPLASH BAR

3102 Seawall Blvd • 409.974.4176 www.SplashBarGalveston.com TheMontroseSTAR.com

SMOKERS WELCOME

ROBERT’S LAFITTE 2501 Avenue Q • 409.765.9092 www.RobertsLaﬁtte.com

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PAGE 28

| Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015

HOUPAUL: ALL THINGS RUPAUL IN HOUSTON v HOUPAUL: ALL THINGS RUPAUL IN HOUSTON!.

Simply Max |

By Mark Kariel

y mid-summer, South Beach will be one of only a few bars around the country to have welcomed all 14 contestants of Season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The next queen to grace our fine city of Houston with their presence is…. (drum roll, please): Max! Max performs one big show at South Beach on Saturday, June 6 with an encore after midnight, followed by an autograph and photo shoot party. Come have your photo taken with this sickening Season 7 queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race! For more information, visit www.sobehouston.com, or call 713-521-0107. South Beach is located at 810 Pacific St. Houston, TX 77006. Max – Saturday, June 6 M ax Malanaphy, known simply as Max, is from Hudson, Wisconsin, part of the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area. At the young age of 22 and tying Violet Chachki for the two youngest queens from You Need to Know about Max: the season, Max is “a starlet on the rise.” 1) She and fellow contestant, Trixie Mattel, During Max’s time at Drag Race, he was the were in a few productions together at the winner of two main challenges. In episode theater department of the University of 3, “ShakesQueer”, the queens were asked Madison. to deliver modern adaptations of Shake2) She is a huge fan of Judy Garland, and speare plays. As a co-winner of the mini-chaleven considered impersonating Judy lenge along with Kennedy Davenport, Max is rather than Sharon on “Snatch Game”. allowed to choose the contestants who will 3) Max is known for her signature gray hair. work alongside him in “Romy and Juliet”. Max chooses Ginger Minj, Jaidynn Diore Fierce, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Miss Fame and Trixie Mattel to be on his team. Max’s team was declared the winner of the challenge, and Max was declared the winner of the challenge for his strong acting abilities and also as a cohesive team leader. As the winner of this challenge, Max received two couture latex creations, provided by Syren Latex. In episode 5, “The DESPY Awards”, the queens each voted in privacy for who they thought was the most worthy queen in several different categories, and then (in pairs) presented an award to whichever queen had polled the most votes in each category. If a queen won an award, they were asked to give an acceptance speech, also. The categories were Sexy, Sexy Drag Queen won by Miss Fame, Most Busted Queen won by Jaidynn Diore Fierce, Shadiest Queen won by Violet Chachki, and Meatiest Tuck won by Katya. Max and Pearl were declared co-winners of the challenge, and each won a custom jewelry package from Fierce Drag Jewels. Fast forward to Episode 7, “Snatch Game”, always the most highly anticipated episode each season. The runway look for this week was “Leather and Lace”. Max chooses Sharon Needles, Season 4 winner, as her celebrity impersonation. Although Max’s runway look is praised and her visual of Sharon is applauded by the judges, she is criticized for her performance in the challenge. Max is forced to lip-sync for her life against fellow contestant, Jaidynn Diore Fierce, a high-energy queen. Following the lip-sync, Max hears those two words a Drag Race queen hopes to never hear: “Sashay away.” As is customary, Max leaves a farewell message for the other queens, written in lipstick on the workroom mirror: “Stay kind. Stay gracious. Stay humble. I love you, darlings. Xx Max.”

THREE THINGS

RU-Minder: As you are reading this, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race will have already been crowned. Good luck to Ginger Minj, Violet Chachki, and Pearl. No matter who Ru picks, you are all fierce and will represent well. Stay tuned for the next edition of MONTROSE STAR for many more upcoming RuPaul’s Drag Race events. TheMontroseSTAR.com

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Hear Me Out

Montrose STAR

| Wednesday June 3, 2015 |

“Tori Amos who?” |

By Chris Azzopardi

y dear friend, then boyfriend, must have been dumbfounded when I – a gay man – uttered these words that, in retrospect, are among the most naive of my life. I rolled my eyes at him as we cruised the interstate, dismissively contorted my face, and swapped the Tori CD out for something else – something that would accord my young, inexperienced ears instant gratification. I was just 20 then. Following a fortunate musical maturation in the years after, I was drawn back to that car ride and the twinkling magic of the Bösendorfer. Over time, I became completely swept up in the mesmeric awe of Tori Amos. Now 32, I’ve curiously wandered through the pianist’s magical musical chasm – I’ve even enjoyed interviewing her many times – and with every fresh project or recently discovered rarity, I’m the one telling that same friend (who’s lately lost touch with Tori) that he is the one missing out.

So, friend, the time has come yet again. _Little Earthquakes_ and _Under the Pink_ have both been newly remastered and flexed beyond the back-to-back albums’ staples. (You know: “Pretty Good Year,” “Baker Baker,” “Crucify” and “Precious Things,” to name a few.) Both double-disc releases glean rarities performed in studio and on stage during each LP’s subsequent era. And no, these reissues aren’t afterthoughts, especially for casual Tori followers. While record labels are infamous for putting out rehashed, “remastered” releases with nil new material to offer, fans can rest assured that Atlantic is mindful of the fact that a legacy artist like Amos deserves legacy treatment. Perhaps the biggest sell for aficionados: The audio gets a noticeable upgrade, making subtle improvements to the original cuts while still preserving their essence. Plus: Eighteen additional songs on Little Earthquakes! Fifteen on Under the Pink! Released during the chanteuse’s golden age, these seminal works

were critical to the singer-songwriter’s repertoire, setting the stage for over 30 years of soul-baring artistic expression. Looking back over those three prolific decades, her debut, Little Earthquakes, endures as her masterwork. To this day, it’s a lifeline to legions of self-actualizing queers who revel in the earnest emotions the then-29year-old Tori confronted. “Me and a Gun” harrowingly detailed her own personal rape-at-knifepoint nightmare. “Crucify” took the piss out of religion. In all her commanding glory and groundbreaking artistry, Amos was

vulnerable and translucent, skewering childhood ideals and wailing her way out of social exile. And she took you with her. The journey would lead to another feelings-fueled outpouring two years later. As she slayed more demons and firmly established herself as an emblem of empowerment, Under the Pink once again expressed a deeply resonant facet of the human condition: the need to love and be loved. No one knows these songs better than Amos, of course. She revisits them within the Under the Pink liner notes on the Deluxe Edition, explaining their emer-

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gence in her own words and offering longtime fans extra insight, a boon for Tori-philes already versed in every album cut and every B-side. Among the B-sides on these packages: Smells like Teen Spirit, where Amos turns Nirvana’s grunge staple into an evocative whirl of piano-guided emotions, and the dizzying, delicate “Here, in My Head.” The latter, included on Under the Pink, is a live version from a 1994 performance in Bristol, and the track – clean and crisp – sounds particularly divine. Included along with stage versions of “Past the Mission” and “The Waitress” is “Winter,” performed the same year in Manchester. Like a whisper in time, it’s just as you remember it: gripping, intimate, rich. “When you gonna make up your mind / When you gonna love you as much as I do.” Simple yet profound, those words, spoken to her by her father, would find a hideaway in my heart despite my resistance to them at such a defiantly young age. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine I resisted them at all. It’s even harder to imagine my life without the truth-baring salvation I’ve come to know as Tori Amos. Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service. Reach him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com.

The M&M with its dark, rich wood and warm atmosphere is welcoming to all. A place for regulars and visitors alike to gather for food, drink and smiling faces. If it’s simply a stout drink at the bar or on the patio, or a generous entrée with full wine service, The M&M is your kind of place.

409-766-7170

2401 Church St. • Galveston, TX TheMontroseSTAR.com

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CROSSWORD QUEERIES America’s First Gay President? Across 1 You bend them in gay bars 7 Shuttlecock 11 Classic two-seaters 14 Lollipop Guild members, e.g. 15 Artist Catherine 16 Alley ___ (basketball play) 17 Lily of 37-Across 18 Rag and Bone author 19 Wilder’s ___ Town 20 Hot and bothered 21 Dumped wife in 37-Across 23 Oscar ___ Renta 25 Sunken passage 26 Come out on the beach 29 Early lesbian newspaper publisher Ben 31 “Diana” singer 32 “That’s incredible!” 33 Classic shirt brand 34 Cousin of Jethro and Jethrine 37 Netflix comedy about wives of guys who dump them for each other 42 Fairy tale bad guy 43 Willingly 44 Wing for Julia Morgan 45 Ethnic acronym 48 Coup target, to Cocteau 49 Letters on stones

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50 Nothing-but-net sounds 53 Fingered 55 Sam of 37-Across 57 Peewee or Della 61 Suffix with boy or girl 62 “Bennifer” of long ago, e.g. 63 Sheen of 37-Across and The West Wing 64 ‘70s sitcom producer 65 Vanity Fair alternative 66 Marc of pop music 67 Get a load of 68 News columnist Lisa 69 Sounds in “The Trolley Song”

Down 1 Caesar’s final reproach 2 Fruit ___ (gay district) 3 British bottoms 4 Made eyes at 5 “You were great last night ...” perhaps 6 IRS info 7 ___ fide 8 Toothpaste sung about during a “Grease” sleepover 9 Kahlo’s husband

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10 Overwhelm with sound 11 Pedestrian that drops trou? 12 Creamy balls 13 Waterfall effect 21 Alexander of Love! Valour! Compassion! 22 Kind of wooden bucket 24 Sally portrayer of Cabaret 26 Pop-up breakfast brand 27 It made people go down on the Titanic 28 Hairy guy, to his date? 30 Mix up 35 Taylor of I Shot Andy Warhol 36 Puppy’s cry 38 Cut out 39 Get along with the group 40 Enjoy E. Lynn Harris 41 In the end 46 Piercing cry 47 Grinding tool 50 Emulates Bruce Hayes 51 Fritter away 52 Arrow shaft 54 Word for skin 56 Rainbow, to some 58 Alfred Douglas’ school 59 Emulate Elton 60 Runs out 63 Britten’s raincoat

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Guide To The Clubs

HOUSTON

n MONTROSE - MIDTOWN

Bayou City Bar & Grill 2409 Grant St, Houston. (713) 522-2867 • bayoucitybar.com. Dance | Food | Patio | Mixed Crocker Bar 2312 Crocker St, Houston (713) 529-3355 Large Deck | Karaoke Eagle Houston 611 Hyde Park (713) 598-4849 • eaglehouston.com. Leather-Levi | Uniform F Bar 202 Tuam St, Houston (713) 522-3227 • fbarhouston.com Dance/Club | Patio | Shows | Mixed George’s Country Sports Bar 617 Fairview Ave, Houston (713) 528-8102 Sports Bar | Pool & Darts | Patio Guava Lamp 570 Waugh Dr, Houston (713) 524-3359 • guavalamphouston.com Video Lounge | Karaoke | Mixed JR’s Bar and Grill & Santa Fe 808 Pacific Ave, Houston. (713) 521-2519 • jrsbarandgrill.com. Videos | Patio | Karaoke | Shows Meteor 2306 Genesee St, Houston (713) 521-0123 • meteorhouston.com. Lounge | Dancers | Club Michael’s Outpost Piano Bar 1419 Richmond Ave, Houston. (713) 520-8446 Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Piano Montrose Mining Company 805 Pacific Ave, Houston (713) 529-7488 Cruise | Levi

n DOWNTOWN / WARDS 1-4

Tony’s Corner Pocket 817 West Dallas Street, Houston. (713) 571-7870 • tonyscornerpocket.com. Neighborhood Bar | Pool | Dancers

n HOUSTON - NORTH SIDE

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon 11410 Hempstead Highway, Houston, TX 77092 • neonbootsclub.com (713) 677-0828

Viviana’s Night Club 4624 Dacoma St, Houston (713) 681-4101 • vivianasniteclub.com Latino | Tejano | Dance

n HOUSTON - SW

Crystal Night Club 6684 SW Fwy, Houston (713) 278- 2582 • crystaltheclub.com Latin Dance | Salsa

n HEIGHTS / WASHINGTON CORRIDOR

13 - The Heights Bar 1537 N. Shepherd Dr, Houston (713) 426-1313. Neighborhood Bar | Patio Pearl Lounge 4216 Washington, Houston 832-740-4933 • pearlhouston.com. Neighborhood Art Bar | Live Music | Women

GALVESTON

23rd Street Station 1706 23rd St, Galveston (409) 621-1808 Neighborhood Bar | Pub KRave Galveston 2416 Post Office St, Galveston (409) 765-6911 Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Shows Robert’s Lafitte 2501 Ave Q, Galveston (409) 765-9092 • galveston.com/robertslafitte Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Cruise | Shows Splash Bar 3102 Seawall, Galveston (409) 974-4176 * Spashbargalveston.com Galveston’s only beach bar | Shows

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AUSTIN

‘Bout Time II 6607 N I-35, Austin TX 78752 (512) 419-9192 • bouttime2.com Neighborhood Bar | Pub Chain Drive 504 Willow st • Austin chain-drive.com Leather | Bear | Neighborhood Bar Lipstick24 606 E. 7th St, Austin (512) 474-2950 • lipstick24austin.com Women | Pub Oilcan Harry’s 211 W. Fourth St, Austin (512) 320-8823 Dance | Pub | 20/30-Somethings Rain on 4th 217 W. Fourth St, Austin (512) 494-1150 • rainon4th.com Dance | House | 20 Something The Iron Bear 121 W. Eighth St, Austin • theironbear.com. Bear | Pub | Scruff

BEAUMONT

The Copa 304 Orleans St, Beaumont (409) 832-4206 Dance/Club | Lounge | Mixed Orleans Street Pub and Patio 650 Orleans St, Beaumont (409) 835-4243 • orleanspub.com Neighborhood Bar | Pub

CORPUS CHRISTI

The Hidden Door 802 S Staples St, Corpus (361) 882-5002 Neighborhood Bar | Pub Seven 512 S Staples St.,Corpus Neighborhood Bar | Pub

Triangle Nite Club 609 McBride Lane. Corpus (361) 289-1442 Neighborhood Bar | Nite Club The Vault Night Club 424 Schatzell, Corpus Neighborhood Bar | Nite Club

SAN ANTONIO

2015 Place 2015 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio (210) 733-3365 | Neighborhood Bar | Lounge | Karaoke Annex 330 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio (210) 223-6957 • theannex-satx.xom Neighborhood Bar | Cruise | Leather Bonham Exchange 411 Bonham St, San Antonio (210) 271-3811 • bonhamexchange.net. Dance | House BRYAN Brenda’s 81 Bar COLLEGE STATION 7811 New Old Laredo Hwy, Halo Bar 121 North Main St, Bryan San Antonio (210) 927-2337 (979) 823-6174. | Dance Club | GLBT Friendly | Pub Electric Company 820 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio (210) 212-6635, Dance | Latin | Lounge Essence Solution from p 28 1010 N. Main Ave, San Antonio (210)223-5418. Neighborhood Bar | Pub Heat 1500 N. Main Ave, San Antonio (210) 227-2600, heatsa.com Dance | Lounge | House One-O-Six 106 Pershing Ave, San Antonio (210) 820-0906 Neighborhood Bar | Pub

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