Mike HonorsMaimone Late Husband on New Single
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Acclaimed singer-songwriter and pianist Mike Maimone is preparing to unveil his most personal and heartfelt work yet. His latest single, “On My Way,” set for release on March 7, is more than just a song—it’s a tribute to love, loss, and the journey of healing. As the first glimpse into his upcoming album, Guess What? I Love You, the track is deeply tied to his late husband, the legendary PR executive Howard Bragman.
At its core, “On My Way” is a love song born from a simple yet meaningful moment in their relationship. “We were always hopping planes to see each other,” Maimone recalls. “Just before one trip, I called him with guitar in hand and sang this little ditty that was running through my head about how excited I was to see him. He didn’t pick up, so I left it as a voicemail. He told me it was fun and catchy and encouraged me to turn it into a full song.”
That moment—once an intimate expression of joy and anticipation became something much more after Bragman’s passing. When Maimone revisited old voicemails, he rediscovered the melody and felt an undeniable push to complete it. Initially intending to rerecord the simple hook, he found himself expanding it, adding layers of stomps, claps, and a full-band arrangement. “It felt like Howard was nudging me to keep going,” he says.
An Album Rooted in Love and Loss
Guess What? I Love You is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a musical memoir that traces Maimone’s journey from falling in love to navigating grief The project took shape in the aftermath of his greatest heartbreak. After marrying Bragman, Maimone held his husband in his final moments the very next day. In the two years that followed, he channeled his pain, love, and resilience into this album.
The album’s structure reflects his emotional path. The first half of the record is a celebration of love, connection, and
joy, exploring the moments that made his relationship with Bragman so special. The second half takes a more somber turn, dealing with the weight of loss and the struggle to move forward. Despite its emotional depth, the album never lingers in despair—Maimone made it a point to end on a hopeful note, offering listeners a sense of comfort and resolution.
“I knew this album would be difficult for anyone who has experienced the trauma of losing a loved one before their time. But I didn’t want to leave the listener in darkness—I wanted to find a way out,” Maimone explains.
While the songs navigate grief and longing, they also carry a message of hope. For Maimone, music became a way to honor Bragman’s memory while finding a way forward.
A Career Built on Passion and Authenticity
Maimone’s unwavering commitment to storytelling has made him a standout artist in the music industry. His path hasn’t been conventional—before diving into music full-time, he played basketball against LeBron James and earned a business degree, even working as an accountant before realizing his true calling. His raw, bluesy, and soul-infused sound has drawn comparisons to Randy Newman, Leon Russell, Tom Waits, and Warren Zevon
Over the years, Maimone has performed alongside musical icons like Stevie
Wonder, sharing the stage with one of the most legendary artists of all time. His work has also taken him on tour with bands such as Blues Traveler and the Plain White T’s, expanding his reach and connecting with diverse audiences across the country.
His music has found a home in TV and film, helping to soundtrack poignant moments in visual storytelling. He has also played some of the most renowned music festivals in the country, including Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, and Summer Camp, cementing his place in the industry as a dynamic and powerful performer.
Even the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field playlist has featured his songs, bringing his music to a whole new audience of baseball fans and music lovers alike.
Following Howard Bragman’s passing, Maimone released Borrowed Tunes, Vol. 2: Songs for You, an album of cover songs that held deep meaning for the couple. In honor of Bragman’s legacy and passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy, he performed sold-out release shows in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, donating all proceeds to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth.
In 2024, he continued pushing creative boundaries with Unfollow, an EP featuring five reimagined versions of the same song across different genres. His ability to reinterpret his own work in fresh, compelling ways is a testament to his versatility as an artist.
Beyond his music, Maimone has also completed his first book, a memoir that documents his year of love, loss, and personal reinvention. His journey is one of transformation, and his story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever faced profound change.
Moving Forward with “On My Way”
Now, as Maimone gears up for the release of Guess What? I Love You, “On My Way” is the perfect introduction to his most deeply personal work yet. What started as a discarded voicemail is now the lead single of an album that encapsulates two decades of music-making, love, and personal growth.
“This song went from being a voicemail I had discarded to the lead single on my
most emotional and profound album in two decades of music-making,” he shares. “Howard saw something in it that I didn’t at
the time, and now I get to share that with everyone.”
For Maimone, this isn’t just a song—it’s a way to keep Bragman’s spirit alive, celebrating the love they shared while finding new ways to move forward.
“On My Way” dropped March 7. Listen here:
Atlanta’s Underground LGBTQ+ Artists and Venues You Need to Know
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse artists and venues that champion authenticity and community. Beyond the mainstream, the city thrives with underground talents and spaces that offer unique experiences. Here’s a curated list of ten noteworthy underground LGBTQ+ artists and venues in Atlanta.
Hush Night
Established in 2016 by Lenox, Hush Night is Atlanta’s exclusive strip event for trans women. Held every Thursday and Sunday, it provides a safe and empowering space for performers and patrons alike. The event combines the city’s renowned strip club culture with a unique sense of safety and sisterhood, allowing trans women to express themselves freely and build confidence.
hushnight.net
Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP)
More than just an event, SFQP is a movement that celebrates Southern queer culture. This organization hosts festivals, workshops, and
performances that uplift marginalized voices. SFQP challenges misconceptions about the South by highlighting its rich history of activism and cultural significance within the LGBTQ+ community.
southernfriedqueerpride.com
MJQ Concourse
The MJQ Concourse has been a part of Atlanta’s nightlife scene since 1994, and as an underground dance club, it has been known for its eclectic music and diverse crowd, and as a haven for Atlanta’s alternative and LGBTQ+ communities. MJQ recently moved from its iconic underground concourse to a new and updated location at the Atlanta Underground where it will continue to be the
epicenter for Atlanta’s underground nightlife scene
mjqofficial.com
Wussy Mag & Wussy Events
Wussy Mag is an Atlanta-based queer publication that also curates events like Wussyfest, Wussyvision, and drag brunches. These gatherings celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its forms, while fostering a welcoming space for queer people.
wussymag.com
House of Alxndr
Founded by drag artist TAYLOR ALXNDR, House of Alxndr is a drag collective that embraces a wide range of performers. It serves as a family and mentorship system, fostering new talent and promoting inclusivity within Atlanta’s drag scene. Their shows feature everything from high-energy lip-sync battles to avantgarde performances.
tayloralxndr.com/house-of-alxndr
The Bakery Atlanta
A community arts complex that hosts events, workshops, and performances, The Bakery provides a platform for LGBTQ+ artists to showcase their work. Its commitment
to inclusivity and support for underground artists makes it a vital part of Atlanta’s queer cultural landscape.
thebakeryatlanta.com
Coming Soon: Lore
Located at the iconic corner of Edgewood Ave and Boulevard, Lore promises to be a new hotspot for all things LGBTQ+ entertainment and community. Spearheaded by some of Atlanta’s heavyweights when it comes to parties and entertainment, including DJ Kimber and Jon Dean from Wussy, Lore will host a multitude of events and parties, featuring Atlanta’s most prominent drag queens and DJs starting midMarch.
Atlanta’s underground LGBTQ+ scene is rich with talent and spaces that foster creativity, expression, and community. These artists and venues not only entertain but also challenge societal norms, offering safe spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
ANSLEY
A
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS
urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
The
St. Patrick’s Day: Celebration or Controversy?
How LGBTQ+ People Can Celebrate Respectfully
St. Patrick’s Day is often seen as a time for festive parades, green beer, and a full embrace of Irish heritage. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, the holiday comes with a complicated history. While it can be a fun, inclusive day to celebrate culture and community, it also has a history of exclusion, appropriation, and problematic stereotypes. So, how can LGBTQ+ individuals and allies participate in St. Patrick’s Day without falling into the holiday’s more problematic aspects? Let’s break it down.
Pros: A Day of Celebration
and Community
1. A Reason to Come Together
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest party holidays of the year, and for the LGBTQ+ community, any reason to gather, celebrate, and enjoy each other’s company is welcome. Many queer-friendly bars, clubs, and organizations host themed events that make the day feel inclusive and joyful.
2. Embracing Irish LGBTQ+ Identity
The day offers an opportunity to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ+ Irish people, both in history and today. Figures like Dr. Lydia Foy, a trans rights activist in Ireland, and Panti Bliss, the renowned Irish drag queen and advocate, remind us that Irish culture is deeply intertwined with LGBTQ+ progress.
3. A More Inclusive Parade Culture
For many years, major St. Patrick’s Day parades— particularly in cities like New York and Boston— excluded LGBTQ+ groups. However, after decades of advocacy, many of these parades now allow LGBTQ+ contingents to march openly. This shift is a win for visibility and inclusion, making participation in these events a meaningful act of progress.
1. A History of Exclusion
How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Respectfully
1. Support Irish LGBTQ+ Voices and History
Rather than just throwing on a green outfit and drinking all day, take some time to learn about Irish LGBTQ+ history. Support Irish queer artists, writers, and activists. A great way to do this is by following organizations like Dublin Pride or reading about Ireland’s journey toward marriage equality.
2. Choose LGBTQ+ Friendly Events
If you’re going out, pick a queer-friendly St. Patrick’s Day event. Many LGBTQ+ bars and organizations host alternative celebrations that emphasize inclusion and respect for Irish culture. Opt for spaces that welcome diversity rather than reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
3. Avoid Cultural Appropriation
The Cons: The Problematic Aspects of St. Patrick’s Day
Although many St. Patrick’s Day parades now welcome LGBTQ+ groups, this wasn’t always the case. Organizations like the Irish LGBTQ+ group Lavender and Green had to fight for years to be allowed to march in major parades. Even today, some conservative groups still push back against queer visibility in Irish cultural celebrations.
2. The Stereotypes and Appropriation
Much of the mainstream St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. is centered around exaggerated Irish stereotypes—drunkenness, leprechauns, and an over-the-top use of the color green. For many actual Irish people, this caricatured version of their culture is offensive. As a marginalized community ourselves, LGBTQ+ individuals should be mindful of participating in celebrations that mock another culture.
3. Excessive Drinking Culture
St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. has become synonymous with heavy drinking, and while partying can be fun, it’s important to recognize that not everyone wants to participate in an alcohol-fueled celebration. LGBTQ+ spaces, in particular, should be mindful of creating environments that are welcoming to those in recovery or those who simply prefer sober gatherings.
Be mindful of how you dress and engage with Irish culture. Wearing a fun green outfit is one thing, but dressing in leprechaun costumes or using fake Irish accents can come off as offensive. Treat the holiday as an appreciation of Irish culture rather than a costume party.
4. Drink Responsibly or Go Sober
St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to be about excessive drinking. Consider celebrating in alternative ways— hosting a movie night featuring Irish queer films, attending a cultural event, or simply enjoying a festive meal with friends. Many cities now have alcohol-free St. Patrick’s Day events that focus on community and tradition rather than partying.
5. Support Irish-Owned and LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses
If you’re heading out to celebrate, make an effort to support Irish-owned businesses—especially those that are LGBTQ+ friendly. Whether it’s an Irish pub that welcomes the queer community or a local shop selling authentic Irish goods, putting your money into businesses that respect diversity is a great way to honor the holiday.
A Thoughtful Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day can be a fun and inclusive holiday if celebrated with awareness and respect. By recognizing its history—both the good and the bad— and making choices that uplift LGBTQ+ voices and Irish culture, we can ensure that our participation is both joyful and meaningful. So, whether you’re marching in a parade, attending a queer-friendly event, or simply taking a moment to appreciate Irish LGBTQ+ history, make this St. Patrick’s Day one that truly celebrates community and inclusion.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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I like to do the Irish hello where you don’t even show up to the party.
Can’t we all agree that we should spring forward on Monday mid- morning? Like, boom, it’s 11 am and almost time for lunch.
For lent, Iʼm just giving up.
Arguing with me is pointless. I knew I was wrong 10 minutes ago.
I like to use my days off successfully messing up my entire sleep schedule.
I don’t do things because they’re easy, but because I thought it would be easy.
Sorry I’m late! I was at home. Sitting down.
My body is a temple: Ancient and crumbling, probably cursed or haunted.
