April 27, 2016 by Next Magazine NY

CONTENTS

APRIL 27, 2016 | VOL 23.45 Joey Kuhn’s beautifully shot picture comes home to the East Village.

THE NEXUS P.14

12 Gay D.D. 13 The Week in Photos 14 What’s Next | MUSIC: Grapefruit Sound Lab 16 What’s Next | STAGE: Seth Sikes

FEATURES 17 Brief Encounter: Christina Bianco 18 #INSTABOI: @SolomonRayMusic 20 Spotlight: Rocco Steele’s 10/7

NEXT STEPS P.17

30 Fitness: Big Gains 32 Dining: Blue Ginger

NEXT WEEK 35 Calendar of Events 40 Bars + Clubs Map

P.18

42 SHOT IN THE DARK

THIS WEEK ON NEXTMAGAZINE.COM + More party pics and event coverage

P.24

ON THE COVER: Jason Ralph and Jonathon Gordon in Those People. Photo Courtesy of: Wolfe Video.

4 APRIL 27, 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICK CAPORASO (Grapefruit Sound Lab), PROJECT PUBLICITY (Christina Bianco), JD FORTE (Salomon Ray), WOLFE VIDEO (Those People)

24 - THOSE PEOPLE

New Odefsey is now available Actual Size (15.4 mm x 7.3 mm)

One small pill contains rilpivirine, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF).

Ask your healthcare provider if ODEFSEY is right for you. To learn more visit ODEFSEY.com

Please see Brief Summary of Patient Information with important warnings on the adjacent pages.

Brief Summary of Patient Information about ODEFSEY ODEFSEY (oh-DEF-see) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. There may be new information about ODEFSEY. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take ODEFSEY or similar medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs – feel dizzy or lightheaded – have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take ODEFSEY. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools) – loss of appetite – nausea – pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time.

• Worsening of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and take ODEFSEY, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking ODEFSEY. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. – Do not run out of ODEFSEY. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your ODEFSEY is all gone. – Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider. – If you stop taking ODEFSEY, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking ODEFSEY. What is ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine that is used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL, or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have a viral load that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment. It is not known if ODEFSEY is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age or who weigh less than 77 lb (35 kg). When used to treat HIV-1 infection, ODEFSEY may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or re-use needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Who should not take ODEFSEY?

Do not take ODEFSEY if you also take a medicine that contains: • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro ®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR ®, Teril®) • dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, BaycadronTM) • dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®) • esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo ®) • lansoprazole (Prevacid®) • omeprazole (Prilosec®, Zegerid®) • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) • pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®) • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125 ®, Phenytek®) • rabeprazole (Aciphex®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • rifapentine (Priftin®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY?

Before taking ODEFSEY, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have liver problems including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney and bone problems • have had depression or suicidal thoughts • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY. Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take ODEFSEY. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in ODEFSEY can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in ODEFSEY can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with ODEFSEY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with ODEFSEY. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with other medicines. How should I take ODEFSEY? • Take ODEFSEY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. ODEFSEY is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection. • Take ODEFSEY 1 time each day with a meal. • Do not change your dose or stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ODEFSEY. • Do not miss a dose of ODEFSEY. • If you take too much ODEFSEY, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. • When your ODEFSEY supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ODEFSEY and become harder to treat. What are the possible side effects of ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY?” • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Rash can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash. In some cases, rash and allergic reaction may need to be treated in a hospital. If you get a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop taking ODEFSEY and call your healthcare provider right away: fever; skin blisters; mouth sores; redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis); swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat; trouble breathing or swallowing; pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area; dark “tea-colored” urine.

(Patient Information is continued on the next page.)

Brief Summary of Patient Information about ODEFSEY (Continued from previous page.) Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY.

What are the possible side effects of ODEFSEY? (continued) ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including: • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feel sad or hopeless; feel anxious or restless; have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself. • Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with ODEFSEY in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take ODEFSEY. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones.

The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache. The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about ODEFSEY. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ODEFSEY that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.ODEFSEY.com. Keep ODEFSEY and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: March 2016

ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and GSI are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. ODEC0009 03/16

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APRIL 27, 2016 9

THE

GAY D.D. · THE WEEK IN PHOTOS · WHAT’S NEXT VISIT THE NEXUS ON NEXTMAGAZINE.COM FOR YOUR DAILY DOSE OF GAY GOSSIP, PARTY PHOTOS, AND MORE.

SIKES WITH AN I PG.16

PHOTO COURTESY OF GORENSTEIN PR

Seth Sikes pays tribute to one diva dynasty.

APRIL 27, 2016 11

COMMENT OF THE WEEK: “We’ve got to stand side by side with all our neighbors—straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender; Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu immigrant, Native American.” - Michelle Obama

APRIL 27, 2016

GOT GAY-TENTION DEFICIT DISORDER?

Was an ally award given to the Mona Lisa after she drank lemonade in a raspberry beret? PRINCE We’re all still reeling from last week’s news that music legend Prince passed away at 57. One of the most moving tributes came from gay singer and rapper Frank Ocean on Tumblr. “He was a straight black man who played his first televised set in bikini bottoms and knee high heeled boots, epic,” Ocean wrote. “He made me feel more comfortable with how I identify sexually simply by his display of freedom from and irreverence for obviously archaic ideas like gender conformity etc.” MARIAH CAREY She will always be our baby. It was just announced that Mariah Carey will receive the Ally Award at the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Academy Award-nominated director Lee Daniels will present Carey with the honor. The awards will be held in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria on May 14, 2016. Laverne Cox hosts. MONA LISA An Italian art historian claims to have solved one of the art world’s oldest 12 APRIL 27, 2016

mysteries – with a somewhat unexpected answer. Silvano Vinceti claims that Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa, which hangs in the Louvre in Paris, was based in part on his apprentice – and alleged gay lover. CHRIS HEMSWORTH Appearing on Ellen to promote his latest film, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Chris Hemsworth revealed that he’d received an unusual request from his four-year-old daughter India Rose. “My daughter is kind of envious of the boys at the moment,” he explained, referring to his two-year-old twin sons. “She came to me the other day and she was like, ‘Ya know, Papa, I want one of those things Sasha and Tristan have. Ya know, the things in between the legs that you have.’” Hemsworth responded to the four-year-old, “You know what, you can be whatever you want to be.” BEYONCÉ Everybody will be drinking lemonade this week. Beyoncé’s pain was palpable in her hour-long visual album

“Lemonade” that premiered on HBO over the weekend. The artist told a story of betrayal by her husband Jay-Z and how she managed to pull herself from the ashes of their burned bond and seemingly forgive and forget. Her newest album of the same name dropped instantly right after on Tidal, making Beyoncé fans everywhere cringe that they had to download Tidal. No worries. It’s now also available of iTunes. HARRIS WOFFORD Former U.S. Senator Harris Wofford revealed in a moving essay penned for The New York Times that he would be marrying again almost 20 years after his wife of 48 years died of cancer. Only this time – to a man. The 90-year old’s fiancé is 50 years his junior and they have been together for 15 years. “Too often, our society seeks to label people by pinning them on the wall — straight, gay or in between,” Wofford wrote in the essay. “I don’t categorize myself based on the gender of those I love.”

THEWEEKINPHOTOS PHOTO BY WILSONMODELS

OUT AND ABOUT Julie Halston, Charles Busch, Marti Gould Cummings and Tom Johnson.

PHOTO BY GUSTAVO MONROY

PHOTO BY PROJECT PUBLICITY

FEEL THE BERN Susan Sarandon made an unannounced appearance at Lady Bunny’s sold out “Trans-Jester” show at Stonewall Inn on April 23.

PHOTO BY GUSTAVO MONROY

HOW FAR WE’VE COME SPRING FLING Kevin, Paul, Mike and Nasty Pig CEO David Lauterstein at their Spring Launch Party on April 16.

Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas performed and received an award at The Trevor Project’s Spring Fling on April 15. APRIL 27, 2016 13

WHAT’SNEXT

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NICK CAPORASO

MUSIC

A NEW DIMENSION Post-punk collective Grapefruit Sound Lab prepares to release a new EP. “I’ve been at this for some time” Robert Cotnoir says of his pursuit of a musical career. He is now one of a four part band known as Grapefruit Sound Lab. “Only in the last two years have two of my best friends Shawn [Muldoon] and Philip [Caporaso Jr] — later followed by Andrew [Deitch]— teamed up with me as my creative partners. They sort of fill in the blanks where I couldn’t do things.” And with those blanks filled, the Jersey City-based band heads to Christopher Street’s Rockbar on Saturday to debut their new EP Children of Man. “Before I teamed up with everyone, I was pretty much another kid with a synthesizer,” Cotnoir explains. “I was just making house music on my own and putting it on Soundcloud or whatever. Only when I teamed up with my three partners did it take on a dimension that has exceeded my wildest expectations.” That partnership has seen the group release their 1031 album in 2013 (Deitch was not a part of that project as he joined the group in Fall 2014) as well as a multi-track remix EP called Fruit of Sounds, based off that debut. In addition, the group has released chopped and looped versions of significant cultural moments via their Soundcloud that have attracted buzz. “Fired Up!” takes a speech that then Presidential candidate Barack Obama gave in Aiken, South Carolina and sets it to a dance track while “Love is Love” does the same thing to statements he made as President about same sex marriage. 14 APRIL 27, 2016

“When the Supreme Court decision came down, that seemed like the natural thing to do,” Cotnoir says of the track. Now, things are a lot more focused Come Friday, the five-track Children of Man EP will hit soundwaves as a part of a summer-long campaign foreshadowing the release of the group’s sophomore album 21st Century Man. That project was first announced back in early 2015. The Kid Recordings released EP will have at least two singles, including “Broken” and “Picture Perfect” and hopefully will help the group build the “right” audience for the early September album drop. “If I were to boil it down I’d call it rock and roll with synthesizers as opposed to trying to do electronic, trying to do house music, or trying to do anything else,” Cotnoir says of their sound. “The music is very honest. We’re not trying to be hip hop, we’re not trying to be electronic.” For listeners who are hoping to hear the project, the band’s first live performance as four will feature both of the EPs singles in a short set at downtown’s resident bear bar — “In our personal lives that’s the subculture we sort of gravitate to,” Cotnoir says when it’s pointed out that the group also debuted their first album during SpookyBear Weekend in Provincetown. And as for exactly where fans should expect the band to end up when it’s all said and done? “To be bold? We want to give Depeche Mode a run for its money” N – Mikelle Street

WHAT’SNEXT STAGE

After taking time off, he decided to reclaim the spotlight two years ago. “It was supposed to be a fun, one-night-only stunt for all my friends. I guess people really liked it and word got out. I ended up doing seven more.” Sikes started by undertaking the songbook of Judy Garland. “I have had an obsession with her since I was a little boy growing up in Paris, Texas because she was in the movie Summer Stock that took place on a farm. I was singing her songs on the playground. If you are a Judy Garland obsessive, it runs very deep.” But Garland gets covered a lot by the gays--take Rufus Wainwright for instance. “I was there for the first concert. I am a huge fan of his, but I have never been a fan of him in her songs because I feel like I can do it better,” he candidly confesses. “I don’t love him on her songs, but I love him as an artist otherwise.”

SIKES

WITH AN I

PHOTO COURTESY OF MITCH ZACHARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF GORENSTEIN PR

Seth Sikes pays tribute to one diva dynasty.

or ten years, Seth Sikes, a self-proclaimed “poor Hell’s Kitchen boy,” worked on the other side of the table as an Assistant Director for off-Broadway and Broadway shows. But something was missing. “I went to school for acting when I was much younger. I completely abandoned it because I didn’t think I was very good and I hated auditioning.”

16 APRIL 27, 2016

Now Sikes has moved on from Garland to the next generation of diva—her daughter Liza. The crooner with boyish good looks and an eight-piece band will return to Feinstein’s/54 Below on Monday, May 2 at 9:30 pm to sing the songs of Liza Minnelli. “My whole life I have always been drawn to songs that have the word ‘man’ or ‘him’ or ‘he’ and Liza has a lot of those in her repertoire,” he explains. But what Sikes wants audience members to understand is that there is nothing campy about what he is doing. “It’s not an impersonation. It’s not cynical,” he says “It’s a homage to these women and their songs. I think that when gay men were boys, they sang alone in their bedrooms these same songs. They thought of a longing for a boy, but it has always been sung by a woman. They see themselves singing these songs which is why I think the gay community has embraced this show.” Minelli hasn’t seen Sikes perform, but she knows what he is up to. She told Playbill, “I hear that Seth is wonderful, so I am sorry to miss it but if he has half as much fun as I have singing these songs, then he’s in for quite a ride.” Since he sings a lot about men, is he single? “I am and I’m husband hunting.” Sounds like an answer fit for a diva. N – Alexander Kacala

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PROJECT PUBLICITY

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

CHRISTINA BIANCO

wo time Drama Desk Award nominated actress Christina Bianco has become a YouTube sensation with her diva impression videos. Gaining over 21 million views worldwide, Bianco’s parodies have landed her on major television programs such as The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Queen Latifah Show. Now, Bianco prepares to star in the off-Broadway revival of The Marvelous Wonderettes that will premiere at The Kirk Theatre on April 28. We chatted with the comedic songstress on the show, her role in it, and her favorite diva to satirize. Tell me a little about the show The Marvelous Wonderettes? Well, to put it simply, it’s a feel-good musical filled with hits from the 50s and 60s, starring four quirky and adorable girls. The show starts in 1958 at the girl’s senior prom. The boy’s glee club was supposed to be the entertainment for the prom, but the lead singer got caught suspended and so the Marvelous Wonderettes were enlisted for the job. They’re very excited and nervous - not only about performing but about who’s going to be chosen for Prom Queen. It’s a teenage girl’s prom fantasy and nightmare at the same time. The lovely part is that each character is so different. We get to know them individually - their style, their loves, their fights - and they’re all so lovable in their own way. You play Missy. Who is Missy and what are some songs she gets to sing? Missy is an adorable, tightly wound mess! She’s definitely a control freak and a bit of a nerd who just wants to make sure everything goes perfectly at the prom. She made the refreshments, she made their dresses, she did the choreography - but she’s still an awkward growing girl with insecurities. Throughout the show we watch her unravel, grow and come out of her shell. I love all her quirks and contradictions. Combine that with a vocal track where I get to sing high soaring soprano on songs like ‘Dream Lover’, touching ballads like ‘Secret Love’ and 60’s high belting like in ‘With This Ring’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me’... she’s truly a blast to play! Your impersonations are epic and have gone viral. What diva is the hardest to impersonate and why?

I still can’t quite believe that so many people enjoy my impressions and videos. I really love doing them - even the tough ones! For me, the hardest women to impersonate, singing or speaking, are those with raspy or deep voices. I always joke that I can do a great Tina Turner...when I have a cold! My natural vocal timber is quite clear so it’s frustrating for me to admit that I’ll probably never be able to so a good Joan Rivers or Elaine Stritch, but on the other side of that, I wouldn’t be able to do people like Kristin Chenoweth or Dolly Parton if I had a more husky voice. So, ultimately, I wouldn’t change a thing. Who is your favorite caricature? I think it’s obvious that my favorite is Celine Dion. She is so fabulous on so many levels. As a singer, she’s possibly the greatest vocalist of all time so it’s a challenge to try to sing her material. All of her facial expressions and mannerisms are unique, the pattern of her speech, her specific vocal inflections and gestures ... It all just adds to the fun. Have any divas reached out to you after seeing you slay an impersonation of them? I’m sad to say not really! But, Kristin Chenoweth once tweeted that she thought one of my videos with my impression of her was “incredible.” I’m taking that one to the bank. I just hope that all of the people I impersonate know when they see it, that I always do it with love. I’m determined to impersonate Celine for Celine though. I think it’ll happen one day. N – Alexander Kacala APRIL 27, 2016 17

#INSTABOI

@SOLOMONRAYMUSIC The gorgeous musician prepares for a busy year ahead. BY MIKELLE STREET

18 APRIL 27, 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JD FORTE

Though his 12,000 (and growing) followers on Instagram know him for his fur dusted abs, bold brows and ever changing hair, Solomon Ray is actually a pretty accomplished musician. With about half a dozen mixtapes, EPs and projects under his belt and a resume that includes not only opening for a nationally touring artist but embarking on a mini club tour of his own, the outspoken Snapchatter has quite the history. Â With a coffee table book of portraits and a reality television show in the works, we chatted up the notable about his art, travels and social media.

Can you really say you even live in New York any more with how much you travel? You’ve been in London, Paris, India and Dubai just over the past year. I don’t know! You know I tell people that and then it feels like I’m not telling the truth. I don’t even know myself! I’m [actually] in Dominican Republic, in Santo Domingo. Where do you like spending time the most though? Honestly, I love spending time in San Diego the most because that’s where my family is. I like driving and I feel more balanced while I’m there. I eat better, I see my personal trainer, I record my music. So how is the music coming? Last we spoke, you were working on your debut album Why Boys Cry. Well, right after I released my last ep [Le Garcon], I just got really depressed. I loved it so much, and this is hard to describe to people, but I just got so depressed. It wasn’t like ‘Oh, I hate my life, I’m so ugly, I’m being teased’ depression - I wasn’t feeling like fucking Pepper Anne. I just got depressed because I didn’t know what else to write about. I felt like I wrote all the songs of my life and I had nothing else to talk about. Now that I have something to write about, with my ideas for production... I’m even more anal. I’m much more [detailed] like ‘change that taiko drum one quarter of a note.’ Thank God I do most of my own production myself but some of the other people I work with just have to be a little more patient. I feel like I’m more manic than I’ve ever been. And that’s the hold up right now to be quite honest. So are you still working on Why Boys Cry or have you scrapped that project? Well the big project is still Why Boys Cry because I still want to carry on with that theme but I think with this [reality show], what I’m going to do first is to drop a three part EP series with four songs each. I really loved what I did with Le Garcon and I think this is going to be an extension of that. What worries me though right now, is how people digest music.

So let’s talk about your social media because you’re most notably on Instagram and Snapchat which you use for two very different and distinct reasons. Yea, well I will say that for Snapchat it wasn’t even really planned, it just sort of happened. But the idea that I’m talking to someone and it kind of goes away in 24 hours, I like that. Then of course the next thing you know, literally thousands of people started to follow me. That’s actually how I got cast for the show because people really loved my rants. You know, I can’t shade social media too much but I’m getting to the point where I don’t like it. I actually really, really hate it and it disgusts me. We’re getting to a place in society where these aren’t really people. Like you’re not real! I don’t care that you’re just sitting here putting on makeup; it’s so weird. It’s scary because I see people looking to that as an aspiration. For me growing up, what was aspirational was wanting to be yourself. If you wanted to be a doctor or you wanted to pick up trash bitch, whatever you wanted to do, that was your aspiration. It wasn’t posting a selfie on Instagram. So how do those feelings groove with you having such a large social media presence? I think it just makes me a little bit more cautious. I just want things to be a little more well done. So like sometimes I’ll put a meme up that I think is funny, or I’ll post something and then a few hours later I’ll delete it. I just want to be able to look at [my feed] as one complete thing and if something is out of place I’ll take it down. The thing is I have to use it because I want to make music and then with the show I really have to use it. Hopefully I’ll be able to hire someone to do it. N

You know, because of the show, I want to sort of ease people into me again. I’ve been sitting down with the show producers like “Hey girl, I want to be as transparent with the viewer as possible,” because I know that as soon as people see the show they are going to hate me. Because I know people aren’t going to understand me, I just want to be very transparent. So what all can you tell me about the show right now? Hmmm, honestly I can’t say anything. I mean it’s a show about guys and we are working with a really great team of producers. Everything is already set up with the network and it’s really good. Other people have done projects like this on that network and even the network is excited about what we are doing. APRIL 27, 2016 19

SPOTLIGHT

ROCCO STEELE’S 10/7 After a year of busting his dick for all of your favorite porn studios, the 10 by seven meat slinger is hoping to invade your drawers. BY MIKELLE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BY DICK MITCHELL

n the two years since he filmed his first porno for Ray Dragon, Rocco Steele has made an oversized name for himself. Picking up awards for “Best Co*k,” Mr. New York and Mr. International through the Hookie awards as well as “Hottest Co*k,” Fan Favorite and Best Group Scene from the GRABBYS, the 51-year-old’s rise to the top of the industry has been nothing short of meteoric. And now, the in-demand daddy who launched his own X-rated site last May featuring homevideo-quality clips with a rotating group of talent, seems to be making an exit.

20 APRIL 27, 2016

“Porn was always just a stepping stone for me,” Steele says, having filmed with the likes of Chi Chi LaRue, Men.com, TimTales and Lucas Entertainment in the past. “It wasn’t supposed to last more than a year. Because it got really big, really fast, I let it go on a little longer.” As of last month though, the Ohio-native officially took a step in another direction with his own underwear line. Using his porn name Rocco Steele, the law school graduate launched his 10Seven line of boxer briefs via his online shop RoccShop.com. “I come from a corporate retail background,” Steele explains. Prior to his stint as a porn star, the 5’ 10” creative logged 14 years in the fashion and beauty industries working on the corporate and visual merchandising sides. “I always knew that I wanted to sell a product, but I didn’t know what it was — I just knew I wanted it to be easy to make, easy to ship and something I knew something about.” But it understandably took time to get there. 10Seven has been iterating in Steele’s mind since he left his corporate job two years ago. At the time, the untrained entrepreneur was already working on designs and had taken out a trademark for a brand under a different name. “Getting into underwear seemed obvious to me because I was approaching 50 years old and I was bitching and moaning that I couldn’t find underwear that was appropriate for me as a maturing gay man. I didn’t want to wear neon colored, bikini, banana hanger briefs that were out there on the market; they just looked silly on me and I didn’t feel comfortable.” “We don’t all have gogo boy bodies,” Steele continues. “We can’t all fit into Andrew Christian underwear.” For those that can’t (or don’t want to), the former Hustlaball performer set about designing a pair of boxer briefs that read both conservative and sexy. The brother of three sisters, he even called in his nephews for advice on what his new product should look like. The resulting design, which combines elements from some of Steele’s favorite underwear styles that are already on the market, features a medium rise gunmetal waistband that falls in line with the designer’s #bulletproof hashtag, a classic fly front and a cotton blend fabric. “No matter what your build is, these underwear are going to fit you,” Steele says of the fabric. “If you got a bit booty in the back, the spandex is going to expand to fit you. If you’ve got a lot of junk in the front, the spandex and the fly front is going to be more comfortable because the fabric can expand and give you more room.” But eventually sketches weren’t enough; Steele needed money. “Everything that I had to pay for came from a year of selling my dick,” the porn star explains, giving reason to his months of fucking on film with his own 10 by seven. “Just like a year of traveling the world, doing shows, doing videos, escorting; just a full year of literally busting my dick and the whole time I was putting everything away.” The fruits of that labor are still blossoming as even though no new work has been filmed for his site RoccoSteeleStudio.com, and money for the production of that has been funneled into producing underwear, the site still pulls in revenue.

“I’ll never be out of the business completely, I’ll always have a connection,” Steele explains. “Every once in awhile I get a call from Falcon and I love shooting for them so I will always say yes to Falcon if they knock on my door, but I’m done for the most part with shooting.” “Merchandise, specifically my underwear, is the new chapter in my life. I want Rocco to be known as the former porn guy who now does underwear.” And with orders coming in as far flung as Saudi Arabia, and a brief style expected to hit come late summer, he’s definitely hot on that path. N

APRIL 27, 2016 21

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‘THOSE PEOPLE’ COMES HOME

n Joey Kuhn’S

Gay Romance plays the east village

n Jason Ralph and Jonathan Gordon 24 APRIL 27, 2016

BY ALEXANDER KACALA I PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOLFE VIDEO

Joey Kuhn’s directorial debut, Those People, has been all over the world - dominating the festival circuit and sweeping up a few awards during its tour. The New York set film won the Audience Award for Outstanding Feature Film at the 2015 NewFest: New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Film Festival, as well as the Audience Award for Best First US Dramatic Feature at the 2015 Outfest Film Festival. Slightly autobiographical, the breathtaking cinematic treasure tells the story of Charlie, a young gay painter torn between an obsession with his best friend Sebastian and a promising new romance. The complicated Sebastian was partially based on Mark Madoff, the son of investment mogul Bernie Madoff who swindled millions from his clients. Aided by Leonardo D’Antoni’s magnificent cinematography, Kuhn convincingly portrays complex relationships in a fast-paced world of money and influence. “I like movies where an intimate love story is set against a larger socio political backdrop,” Kuhn told us “I thought that this very difficult character meshed with my gay best friend who I was in love with and would come together to create a very fascinating and polarizing character.” We had the opportunity to interview Kuhn, as well as lead actors Jonathan Gordon and Jason Ralph before Those People comes home for a week long engagement in the city IN WHICH it was born. Since we last talked, Those People has really seen a lot of play at festivals all over the world. Joey Kuhn: Since premiering last May at the Seattle Film Festival, we have played 65 festivals which has been insane. The film played in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Germany, and Indonesia to name a few. It has really played all over the world and it’s still hard for me to wrap my head around that. I personally have gone to about 15 of the festivals. I had the most wonderful experience actually in Guadalajara a couple months ago when it played at their International Film Festival in their queer section. It had an amazing line up and to play for a Mexican audience as opposed to an American audience was pretty amazing. I think they react to the film in a slightly different way. Why do you think that is? JK: What’s interesting about the international audience is the character of Sebastian is such

a difficult character for a lot of people, especially in the US. Where audiences bring a lot of pre-conceived notions and baggage about the whole Bernie Madoff scandal and rightfully so in a lot of ways. Internationally they don’t know who Madoff is so they just watch the story and they can wrap their head around Sebastian a lot easier. They see him as a troubled guy from a wealthy family and they can separate him from all their pre-conceived notions about financial scandals. They tend to gravitate towards him more. I also think in America we are spoiled with gay representation more than in other places. In Mexico, they don’t have as big of a range of LGBT characters. So to see in a film these LGBT characters not struggling with drugs, or coming out or being in love with a straight guy – a lot of the tropes in other LGBT films- is really exciting for them. They have a different reaction. continued on next page APRIL 27, 2016 25

But now the film prepares to come home in a way. JK: It’s so exciting. We were bought by Wolf Distribution who has an amazing slate of films that are coming out this year. We are coming out in New York City on May 6 at Cinema Village in the East Village. It’s going to also play in LA and in both cities for a week. And then we are coming out on DVD and digital platforms, like Amazon and iTunes on June 14. It’s so interesting because I forget there is a difference between festival audiences and general audiences. So while a lot of people have seen the film, I’m excited to bring it to even more people. I made the film for a general audience. I didn’t set out to create a festival film. It is not overtly political. It’s not dealing with hot button trendy LGBT issues which is usual in the festival circuit. I hope that general audiences embrace it even more. What are some challenges releasing a film under the header of LGBT? JK: There are definitely challenges but there are also pros. One of the big challenges is marketing the film and how people are going to categorize it as LGBT. That will make it difficult to get straight audiences to come out. I think it’s rare that a heterosexual person outside of a festival setting would see an LGBT film unless they were being taken by a friend from the community. What I have learned over the past year is actually it is a huge advantage. There are so many indie films that come out every year. Once of the challenges of having a small budget is having a small marketing budget and how do you break through the noise of the 50 films that come out every week. When you release under the LGBT umbrella, you know who n Director Joey Kuhn

your audience is, your core audience, and you get to target them directly. LGBT audiences are very supportive of content about themselves. We want to see ourselves and our stories on the screens of big theatres. It’s like with LGBT media. It’s very important for us to tell our own stories. JK: It is so important for us to tell our own stories. You can’t replicate lived experience. No matter how talented a writer you are. If you haven’t experienced growing up closeted or coming out or a lot of these touchstones of being gay. But, with that being said, I don’t think you can’t help tell a story of a group you are not a part of. With people who only want gay actors to play gay roles. It’s called acting. It gets tricky in certain situations especially with race. But when it comes to sexuality, I think people are people. If you say only gay people can play gay roles, then you are saying gay people can’t play straight roles. And I don’t think that’s fair. How did you get involved with this film? Jason Ralph: I got the audition through my agent. Susan Shopmaker was casting and she is one of the best casting directors in the city. I had one of the best times in my life auditioning for this film. Susan loves actors and creates an environment where you are allowed to fail, you know? It doesn’t mean you’re a bad actor. You can go in and make big choices and takes risks without fear. Her environment and Joey in that room was really kind of magical. I walked in and I understood these people. I felt as if we were all speaking the same language and here to tell the same story. It was a really electric audition and that chemistry between Jonathan and myself was instantaneous. Jonathan Gordon: I got the audition notice and it was being cast by Susan Shopmaker who is a beloved cast directors among actors. She usually casts indie films and when I saw her name on the notice, I perked up and wanted to audition for her. I went in and read for Joey which was a lot of fun. The exciting thing about this casting process was reading with Jason which was so exciting. We hit it off so quickly. I don’t think I have had such immediate chemistry with someone. The first thing I asked when I got the part was if he was going to be in the film as well because I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else. Tell me about the characters you play. JR: Sebastian is a wealthy, self-centered, caring ro-

26 APRIL 27, 2016

n Scene from Those People mantic soul. I think he often is unaware of the fact that he is inflicting his way of life upon other people. For him, life is sort of a given and it’s something to be taken for granted.

sure in this format how that works. I never really had an opportunity to push myself as an actor to experience how on film you are allowed to go big and stretch and go for larger emotions.

JG: Similar to Joey’s direction of the film, Charlie is a fundamentally empathetic person. The love and sense of loyalty he feels for his friends is enormous, and at times he behaves so selflessly that he forgets to assess his own wants and needs. That is such a large part of Charlie’s journey throughout the film: determining for the first time what it is that he actually wants and being brave enough to pursue those things. It’s an experience a lot of us have where we become so fixated on helping those we love (or in the case of Charlie’s relationship with Sebastian, perhaps even trying to “fix” someone), that we forget how to take care of ourselves.

JG: I have to say the threesome scene was the one of those moments as an actor that you always sort of hope for. It was incredibly frustrating to get that scene right and approximant how it should be. I don’t mean the sexual components. I think those moments of sexuality are really intent into this outpouring of grief and the climaxing of this relationship and it occurs in this spectacularly awkward situation. It was really difficult to figure out how to navigate the circumstances of that scene. Joey dedicated an entire day to get it right and it was exhausting but incredibly rewarding as these things mostly are. In that scene you see a character who is extremely frustrated but I really adore how Joey captured it.

What was your favorite scene to film? JR: Our breakup scene, when Jonathan leaves the house after the threesome. I had no idea how that was going to go. I knew it would have to be emotional and I had never cried before on film. I wasn’t

What about the role of New York in the film? JG: The film is Joey’s love letter to New York. He was born and raised and continues to live here. I think he is in love with this city. As am I. n

Those People opens May 6 at the Cinema Village. For more information, visit cinemavillage.com or thosepeoplefilm.com. APRIL 27, 2016 27

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SUNDAY, JUNE 19 PHOTO: ANDREW ECCLES DESIGN: SPOTCO MAKEUP: THE M•A•C PRO TEAM

HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM HAIR: BRIAN STRUMWASSER COSTUMES: SAM BROOKS SET: DAVID MASENHEIMER

FITNESS · DINING

FITNESS:

SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS FOR AWESOME GAINS BY TOM BONANTI

o you ever go to the gym hell bent on working out, but you just can’t seem to focus on pumping those weights? Perhaps you cut your exercise routine short or skip it all together because those mental to-do lists are weighing you down. The fitness lifestyle requires more than just brute strength and old-fashioned sweat to make you a success. Your gains require you to be mentally present and in the moment every time you hit the gym. Here’s five pointers to help you sharpen your mental focus to secure those monster gains.

30 APRIL 27, 2016

FITNESS FIRST Leave your troubles outside! When you get to the gym, clear your mind and focus upon the work at hand. Holding on to cares and worries can diminish your performance and even cause you to cut your exercise sessions short. Working out can actually help you blow off steam. Take out your frustrations on the weights and put that nervous energy to work on the squat rack or leg press machine. Training hard will boost your self -esteem and help you to face any difficulty or challenge that comes your way once you leave the gym!

SECOND Let music take you to a higher level. Most gyms provide high energy background music to inspire patrons. Your workouts can get an even bigger boost if you are more selective about your music. Choose high energy tunes with a positive message, songs that rev you up, music that will light a fire under your cardio, and make you pump that iron extra hard!

THIRD When you are lifting, form is everything. You have all the rest of your life to lift more and heavier weights. If you’re sloppy and careless with your form, you’re risking injuries that could put you out of commission for weeks, months, or even permanently! Watch yourself go through the motion, slowly, intently with each rep of each set. Focus upon every hard, deliberate muscle contraction. Be careful when performing negatives. Lift weight that is challenging, but never hazardous to the joints or those hard-working sexy muscles.

FOURTH Don’t be haphazard about cardio-vascular training. It’s great sometimes to just zone out while doing cardio. But if you really want to make gains, focus upon what you are doing--how well your body is working, how hard your heart is beating, how efficiently you are breathing. Know your target heart rate (220 minus your age) and work in that zone for at least 15 or 20 minutes. Pay attention to you posture and proper form. Make sure to cool down, stretch and drink water after each session.

FIFTH Don’t skimp on stretching. The protocol for stretching is that you do it extensively before a bout of cardio and between sets when you are weight training. Stretching can eliminate soreness since it allows tired muscles to get fresh blood and oxygen to fibers. Make sure to stretch safely and hold each stretch for 15 seconds. Flexibility is an important component of fitness and one that can show gains with just a few minutes of work each day. The time you spend in the gym is vital to your health and longevity. Don’t let distractions rob you of wonderful gains. Stick to your plan, sharpen your mental focus and full speed ahead! Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and licensed massage therapist with his own gym and studio.

APRIL 27, 2016 31

DINING

TIME AND TIME AGAIN Preshow standby delivers reliable sushi BY ED COSMAN

he very premise of sushi is improbable at best, if not their innovative prices. Blue Ginger serves straight forward downright disgusting. Raw fish. We’ve all seen the look classic sushi (which is really all you’re going to order anyway) on the faces of the uninitiated or unconvinced when in generous portions and at reasonable prices. The super proposing it as a dinner option and, truth be told, most of friendly mostly Thai staff will likely recognize you after one us had that same reaction the first time it was presented to or two visits and make you feel like you’re an honored guest. us. Maybe more than just the first time. Eventually we gave You may wish to start with a Tempura appetizer if that is not it a go and became fans. Now it appears to be as American going to be your main course and you will find it crispy and as spaghetti or tacos, at least here in New York, and even not greasy in either the all shrimp ($16), all vegetable ($13) or available in many food bars and supermarkets. The range of combo version ($16). The same can be said for the Age Tofu restaurant options goes from the inexpensive hole-in-the- ($5) served in a succulent broth and if you’re an eggplant wall, mostly-for-take-out joints found along a busy avenue fan, be sure to try the Yaki Nasu ($5). All three are my go-to to grand temples of master chefs from Tokyo on quiet side dishes when judging a Japanese eatery. streets, with prices that appear to be in Yen given the number The menu lists an endless variety of specialty rolls, all that of digits. I have tried so far very well executed Despite the vast range of choices and daily specials abound as well. I we have, finding good sushi can be a said above not to expect innovative; I chore regardless of the price range. didn’t say not to expect creative! The I’ve eaten in some of the top rated, best option for two or three people is astronomically priced palaces and to order the platters of sushi.You get have had ethereal food one time and eight pieces of sushi and one tuna roll very ordinary or even bad food the ($18) or the Sashimi Platter ($21) with next. Even the more modest places ($21) . The presentation is lovely and can be hit or miss. Consistency in any they will cheerfully make substitutions business is vital and even more so in from the standard offerings. It’s a lot of food when you might be trying to confood so doggy bags are encouraged. vince friends to try a favorite spot. And Shockingly, this place is rarely mobbed so when it comes to sushi, I have found even at prime time on a Saturday, a one that is utterly reliable time and fact worth noting when you have a BLUE GINGER time again: Blue Ginger in Chelsea. last minute date (thank you Grindr and 106 Eighth Avenue nr 15th St. Do not expect highly innovaTinder!) N 212-352-0911 tive cuisine here as touted by some recent NYC arrivals, nor will you find 32 APRIL 27, 2016

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WEEK

WHAT TO SEE & WHERE TO BE APRIL 29 THROUGH MAY 5

CONTACT LISTINGS@NEXTMAGAZINE.COM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED. LISTINGS ARE FREE AND SUBJECT TO EDITORIAL DISCRETION.

POP SOUK

PHOTO BY WILSONMODELS

Ladyfag’s shopping pilgrimage returns to Webster Hall SUNDAY, MAY 1.

APRIL 27, 2016 35

FRIDAY APRIL 29 EVERYTHING Diamond Horseshoe, 225 W 46th St (at Seventh Ave), brianraffertyproductions.com. After a four-month hiatus, Everything is back with DJs Dee Martello (USA) and Lucas Flamefly (Madrid, WE Party). Presented by Brian Rafferty and Joe Roszak, you can expect uptown, downtown, aerialists, voguers, impromptu acts, east side, west side and more. $5 cocktail specials 10 pm to 12 am. 10 pm; reduced entry before 11 pm, $10 presale tickets available.

FREAKY FRIDAYS Vodka Soda and Bottoms Up, 315 W 46th St (between Eighth and Ninth Aves). Every week, DJ Larry 2 Face spins this Hell’s Kitchen soiree while bartenders pour $8 Absolut drinks and $5 frozen cosmos all night long. 10 pm; no cover. HIGH SOCIETY Hudson Terrace, 621 W 46 St (Eleventh/Twelfth Aves), dragon.splashthat.

com. DragOn presents this night of drag, drinks and drama benefitting the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. The competition will be judged by Dorinda Medley of The Real Housewives of New York, Milk of RuPaul’s Drag Race, fashion designer Marc Bouwer, comedienne Deven Green and Miss New York Jamie Lynn Macchia. Music by Occupy the Disco. 8 pm; $50. WITCH CAMP Nowhere, 322 E 14th St (First/ Second Aves), nowherebarnyc.com. Featuring thematic classic vinyl sets from The Ises Black comprised of Amber Martin and Nath Ann Carrera. Libations prepared with alchemical precision by River and Ronnie. Curated video from The Annals. $5 Well Drinks and $4 Jager. 10pm-4am; no cover.

NASTY DREW AND THAT HARDER BOY: THE MYSTERY OF THE FAMILY JEWELS The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407

W 42nd St (Ninth/Tenth Aves), spincyclenyc. com. “Raunchy Romeo of Burlesque” and porn starlet Chris Harder presents a play with burlesque, boylesque, and drag performances. Based-as loosely as possible-off the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys’ series, Nasty Drew delivers a sexy, clever, queer twist on classic Americana. You can match wits with stripper sleuths Nasty Drew and That Harder Boy as they peel their way through a wacky cast of criminal suspects. 9:30 pm door, 10 pm show; $22.

HELLA NICKI Metropolitan, 559 Lorimer St (btwn Metropolitan Ave/Devoe St), Williamsburg, metropolitanbarny.com. This pop-tastic dance party is back at it celebrating Onika with music by DJs Manilla Ice and Gringo Starr and performances by Momo Shade and Will Sheridan. 10pm; free.

SATURDAY APRIL 30 CAFÉ CON CREMA Shadow Boxers, 215 W 40th St (Seventh/Eighth Aves). Many Fierro present’s New York’s largest weekly gay Latino party. With saucy shot boys, hot bartenders, and great music by DJ Alex Mendez, the night promises to be moi caliente. Two for one drinks until midnight. 10 pm; $10.

(50th/51st Sts), atlassocialclub.com. Same boy. New venue. Scotty Em’s party hops uptown to Hell’s Kitchen with the same shenanigans including Pump Underwear giveaways. Hosted by Tammy Spenks with DJ J Roc and Gogo Solo Sexy. Happy hour from 12 pm to 1 am.

TRADE Undr, 637 W 50th St (Eleventh/ TwelfthAves), brianraffertyproductions. com. Get your life at Brian Rafferty’s circuit party featuring resident DJ Escape and special guest DJ Tomer Maizner. Open bar before 1am, $10 cocktail specials, and shirtless eye candy make this the perfect stopping point for the night. 11 pm–6 am; $10

KIKI AND HERB: SEEKING ASYLUM! Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette St (Astor Pl/E Fourth St), joespub.com. The iconic 90s cabaret duo—Justin Vivian Bond as the alcoholic lounge singer Kiki and Kenny Mellman as her gay pianist Herb—is back after serving their stint as Middle Eastern correspondents for Al Jazeera. Oh the stories they’ll tell! Playing through May 22. 9:30pm; $45–$105.

advance/$15 before 11pm/$20 general admission.

THA BOY Atlas Social Club, 753 Ninth Ave

SUNDAY MAY 1 SEÑOR FROG’S DRAG BRUNCH Señor Frog’s New York, 11 Times Square (41st/42nd Sts), vossevents.com. Season 8’s southern belle Chi Chi DeVayne makes a special guest appearance at Brandon Voss’s bottomless drag brunch, with your resident queens Bootsie LeFaris, Ebonee Excell, and Jada Valenciaga. Noon–4 pm; $45. LOLITA SUNDAYS 63 Gansevoort St 36 APRIL 27, 2016

10 pm; no cover.

GRAPEFRUIT SOUND LAB Rockbar, 185 Christopher St (Weehawken St), rockbarnyc. com. Post-punk group Grapefruit Sound Lab

(Greenwich/Washington Sts). Shawn Paul Mazur and Matthew Gagnon are at it again with their weekly spring soiree. DJ Vito Fun spins as the bar pours $9 cocktails in this state-of-the-art, Meat Packing nightclub. 8 pm–2 am; $5.

POP SOUK Webster Hall, 125 E 14th St (Fourth/Third Aves), popsouk.nyc. Nightlife personalities, artists, musicians, DJ’s, designers, fashion junkies are usually blessed

is celebrating the release of their new EP “Children of Men” with a party. The band will perform with DJ sets, great vibes, and delicious libations. SCENE QUEEN Vodka Soda and Bottoms Up, 315 W 46th St (between Eighth and Ninth Aves). New York’s newest Saturday sensation, with two floors of Scene, rotating weekly DJ’s, and $8 Absolut Cocktails/$5 Frozen Cosmos all-party-long. DJ Robi D-LITE spins. 10 pm; no cover.

DOUBLE HEADED DISCO Nowhere, 322 E 14th St (First/Second Aves), nowherebarnyc. com. This one’s for the bad boys, the tough girls, the freaks and the fops. DJ Jeff Jackson and Disco Connie spin a night of sleazy disco and punk funk. $6 beer and shot combo with $4 El Jimador Tequila. 10 pm; no cover.

(and cursed) with fabulously overflowing closets. Pop Souk is “where the crazy-bananas personalities of New York nightlife sell their finest goods,” says Paper Magazine’s Mickey Boardman. More than just a market, it’s a fullfledged community event. Join celebrated New Yorkers hanging out in their own personal pop-up shops, hawking treasures from their own closets and/or of their own design. 12 pm– 6 pm; $5 at the door with $1 from each entry donated to Ali Forney Center.

MONDAY MAY 2 BROADWAY MONDAYS Hardware, 697 10th Ave (47th/48th Sts), hardware-bar. com. Resurrect your inner high school theater geek every Monday night with hosts Justin Luke and Sutton Lee Seymour. VJ OhRicky plays clips from your favorite shows and movie musicals all night, and there’s usually a special guest performer direct from the Great White Way! Your inner theater queen deserves one night of geeky freedom. 7

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE VIEWING PARTY Boxers HK, 742 Ninth Ave (50th St), boxersnyc.com. The competition’s heating up! Showbiz spitfire Paige Turner hosts this weekly viewing party at this gay sports bar (lots of screens!), with two-for-one drinks from 4pm to 9 pm and $6 Stoli cocktails all night. 9 pm; free.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE VIEWING PARTY Macri Park, 462 Union Ave (Metropolitan Ave/Conselyea St), Williamsburg, macripark.com. Alotta McGriddles welcomes you to her weekly Brooklyn viewing party featuring banter and giveaways during commercial breaks. Stay for The Look, her variety show with Heidi Glum, Lady Simon, and Crimson Kitty, where you’ll play games like Are You Smarter Than a Drag Queen? 9 pm; free.

STRUT! Acme, 9 Great Jones St (Lafayette St/Broadway), acmenyc.com. It’s going up at Deryck Todd’s weekly carry featuring a bevy of downtown club creatures and a stylish mix of big names, like staple Amanda Lepore, with special performances and rotating cast of DJs. 9 pm; free.

QUEERAOKE Metropolitan, 559 Lorimer St (Metropolitan Ave/Devoe St), Williamsburg, metropolitanbarny.com. Miss Katie is the host of this weekly busy karaoke night in Williamsburg. Grab that stellar voice and belt some Mariah, Whitney or Celine. Most spirited performer of the night wins a $25 bar tab. 10 pm; free.

pm–midnight; free.

TUESDAY MAY 3 FRANKIE’S The Jane Hotel, 113 Jane St (at W Side Hwy), thejanenyc.com. It’s Frankie Sharp’s birthday, and he’s celebrating the only way he knows how. Join downtown, uptown, club kids, nightlife notables and fame whores at this birthday gathering. With special gusts DJS Nita Avian and William Francis, there will also be a special performance by Joanne The Scammer. 10:30 pm; $10.

WEDNESDAY MAY 4 OP LOUNGE The Attic Rooftop & Lounge, 251 West 48th St (Corner of 8th Ave). Out Professionals returns to this glamorous Midtown West hideaway. The over-the-top rooftop is all theirs for the night for this attitude-free networking series. Rain-orshine, outdoor-or-indoor networking and socializing. Arrive early and enjoy happy hour prices until 7 pm. 6 pm; no cover. COMING OUT: PREP AND HIV The Center, 208 W 13th St (Seventh Ave/Greenwich St), gaycenter.org. The Coming Out Series is an initiative to facilitate open conversations on hot button topics affecting the LGBT

community in NYC and beyond including HIV/PrEP, mental health, religion and political beliefs. The first in the Coming Out series will focus on the effectiveness of HIV preventative medication, how to access it and any possible side effects. 6 pm; free.

ball by dressing up in tuxedos, tails, tophats, suits and ties, ballroom gowns and formal dresses. Guests are encouraged to bring their own white tablecloths, potluck food and non-alcoholic (due to park regulations) drinks. 5:00 pm; free.

BRYANT PARK BALL Bryant Park 42nd St (Corner of 42nd Street & Sixth Avenue). Bryant Park is hosting the opening night of weekly dance events near the fountain. The night will feature three live bands and three different styles of dance instruction Charleston, Foxtrot, and Jitterbug. The Simulacrum of Yore Society is inviting guests to come and participate in a flashmob formal

CAKES Metropolitan, 559 Lorimer St (Metropolitan Ave/Devoe St) Williamsburg, metropolitanbarny.com. Brooklyn boys shake their asses at Untitled Queen and Elizabeth James’s weekly humpday rage, with Horrorchata on DJ duty. The winner of the “Dance Off Pants Off” competition takes home $50, and all contestants win a free drink. 10 pm; free.

THURSDAY MAY 5 SHOWOFF Therapy, 348 W 52nd St (Eighth/ Ninth Aves), therapy-nyc.com. Show up and show off at this lip synch show down. If you win host Miz Cracker will show you the $200 prize. A new lip synch for your rent weekly, featuring music by DJ David Scott.

KILLER QUEEN Eastern Bloc, 505 E Sixth St (Aves A/B), easternblocnyc.com. Hostess Severely Mame presents this killer rock ’n’ roll funk party featuring DJs Sammy Jo and Darren Dryden, with $2 vodka drinks between 11pm–11:30 pm, and shot specials all night.

11 pm; free.

GA(Y)ME NIGHT: CINCO DE MAYO EDITION Atlas Social Club, 753 Ninth Ave (50th/51st Sts), atlassocialclub.com. Say Ole at the weekly fete where you can play your favorite games like clue, celebrity, Jenga, charades and more with lots of eye candy. There is also trivia with Holly Box Spring. Free shots and $6 Kettle One drinks after 9 pm. 8 pm; no cover.

38 APRIL 27, 2016

BARS+CLUBS

MANHATTAN

554 W 28th St

THE EAGLE

516 W 42nd St

667 10TH Ave

301 W 39th St

ESCUELITA

656 Ninth Ave

104 Dyckman St

CASTRO

742 Ninth Ave

BOXERS HK

344 W 52nd St

BAMBOO 52

369 W 46th St

THE RITZ

215 W 40th St

315 W 46th St

VODKA SODA/BOTTOMS UP

SHADOW BOXERS

ATLAS SOCIAL CLUB 753 Ninth Ave

355 W 52nd St

INDUSTRY

FLAMING SADDLES 793 Ninth Ave

WEST END LOUNGE

955 West End Ave

9TH AVENUE SALOON

401 W 47th St

BARRAGE

405 W 51st St

POSH

348 W 52nd St

THERAPY

402 W 54th St

DIVE BAR LOUNGE

697 10th Ave

HARDWARE

500 W 48th St

FAIRYTAIL LOUNGE

859 9th Ave

RISE BAR

DISIAC LOUNGE

992 Amsterdam Ave

SUITE

227 E 56th St

LIPS

236 E 58th St

TOWNHOUSE

1742 Second Ave

THE TOOLBOX

UNCLE CHARLIE’S 139 E 45th St

221 E 58th St

EVOLVE

APRIL 27, 2016 41

LATE-NIGHT CRUISING

CLUB

LESBIAN

FOOD

NEIGHBORHOOD BAR

HAPPY HOUR

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

DANCING

WHAT’S THE SCENE?

>>> MAP KEY

185 Christopher St 114 Christopher St

TY’S

100 7th Avenue S

115 Christopher St

ROCKBAR

DUPLEX

159 W 10th St

JULIUS

208 W 13th St gaycenter.org

LGBT CENTER

G LOUNGE

225 W 19th St

438 Hudson St

80 Grove St

THE MONSTER

PIECES

8 Christopher St

STONEWALL

53 Christopher St

HENRIETTA HUDSON

59 Grove St

MARIE’S CRISIS

61 Christopher St

BOOTS & SADDLE

281 W 12th St

CUBBYHOLE

THE HANGAR

167 Eighth Ave

GYM SPORTSBAR

275 W 22nd St

BARRACUDA

37 W 20th St

BOXERS

93 Second Ave

THE COCK

BOILER ROOM 86 E Fourth St

505 E Sixth St

EASTERN BLOC

447 E 13th St

PHOENIX

322 E 14th St

NOWHERE

1.Alan&Epiphany 2.Charles&Untitled Queen 3. Glitterita&Mona Mour 4.Crimson Kitty&Horrorchata 5.Babes Trust

IN路THE

SHOT DARK

DRAGNET@METROPOLITAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILSONMODELS

STRAIGHTACTING@TNT 1.Aekieren&George 2.Leo&LaBrian 3.Jon&Kosta 4.Aaron&Jacob 5.Chad&Nico

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILSONMODELS

42 APRIL 27, 2016

DOUBLE HEADED

DISCO

EVERY LAST SATURDAY

WITH DJ JEFF JACKSON AND DISCO CONNIE

322 EAST 14TH STREET // NEW YORK CITY OPEN DAILY 3PM-4AM DJ'S AND DRINK SPECIALS EVERY NIGHT! BEST HAPPY HOUR IN THE EAST VILLAGE NOWHEREBARNYC.COM // 212-477-4744

1.Adam Killian, JD Van Duhrski&Zakh Michael 2.Early Rose&Manchester 3.Justin&Pedro 4.DJ Rico Alexis&Seth Fornea 5.Jared&Derek

IN路THE

SHOT DARK

HOUSE@GLOUNGE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUSTAVO MONROY

MRNUDEYORK@SLAKE 1.Daniel Nardicio&Jeremy 2.Matthew&Evan 3.Chris&Jason 4.Johnny Dyell 5.Sam, Joel, William&Jason

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUSTAVO MONROY

44 APRIL 27, 2016

1.Michael, Matt&Antwyone 2.Amit&Dino 3.Matty&Brian 4.DJs GSP&Eddie Martinez 5.Warren&John Hugo 6.Aaron, Jim&Nate 7.Nicko, Roger, Jon&Ben

IN路THE

SHOT DARK

TRADE@UNDR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUSTAVO MONROY

APRIL 27, 13, 2016 45

1.Andres&Alexander 2.David&Nelson 3.Patrick Day&Brandon Cole Bailey 4.Ramon&Yamil 5.Anthony&Joel

IN路THE

SHOT DARK

MARS@XL

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILSONMODELS

SAGESPRINGTEADANCE@THELIGHTHOUSE 1.Bruston, Glenn&Andrew 2.Brett&James 3.Telmo&Mark 4.Michele Balan&Gerald McCullouch 5.Adam, Ravi, Anthony&Omar

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GUSTAVO MONROY

46 APRIL 27, 2016