Contents
JANUARY 29, 2020
V4-04 PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925b Peachtree St. NE #168 Atlanta, GA 3030
24
8
MANAGING PARTNER Brian Sawyer brian@peachatl.com
OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson Sales and Development Director
26
12
jeff@peachatl.com
EDITORIAL Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director
From the Editor
mikkel@peachatl.com Brian Sawyer
Whether you’re in it for the teams, the halftime show, the commercials, or the abundance of parties, the 2020 Super Bowl is here! And regardless of who you are rooting for – or if you are even rooting at all – you are in for a big game treat! We spoke to Mike at Woofs, who will be well-prepared for game day, and if you want to be the toast of the tailgate, check out our guides to get ready and master the Super Bowl – even if you’re not a sports fan! Our celebrity interview in this issue is with Robyn Crawford, who talks about her tell-all book about her romance with none other than Whitney Houston. After four decades of speculation about whether or not they were romantically involved, Robyn finally speaks her truth.
Graphics
Jessica Watson Graphics
SALES | DISTRIBUTION Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com
CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Assam Chris Azzopardi
That and so much more in this issue of Peach!
Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director Follow my IG @hyldebrandt
NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202
ONLINE
SOCIAL
peachatl.com
At Distribution Points Across the City
FB:facebook.com/peachatlmag
The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.
6 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
The production of Bull in a China Shop is inspired by the letters between Mary Woolley and Jeanette Marks spanning 1899 to 1937. Bull in a China Shop is presented as a coproduction between Out Front Theatre Company and Georgia State University. The fast-paced comedy by Bryna Turner asks: what is revolution? What does it mean to be at odds with the world? How do we fulfill our potential? And how do we grow old together? Galloping through forty years in a New England women’s college, Bull in a China Shop follows Mary Woolley and her partner Jeannette Marks as they reform and revolutionize women’s education at the height of the suffrage movement. As evolving ambitions and desires strain the couple’s relationship, this lively comedy with whiplash dialogue and a modern spin looks at how we change the world, how the world changes us, and how we try to grow old together. Bull in a China Shop is presented as a coproduction between Out Front Theatre Company and Georgia State University and is directed by Susan G. Reid. Tickets are available at OutFrontTheatre.com.
8 | follow us @peachatlmag
WHAT
Bull in a China Shop by Bryna Turner
WHEN
January 30 to February 15
WHERE
Out Front Theatre Company Tickets ($15 and up) at OutFrontTheatre.com
www.peachatl.com
FREE HIV TESTING FREE PrEP LOW-COST STI SCREENING 678-365-4300 523 Church Street Decatur, GA 30030 PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
For 18 years, Woofs has been serving the LGBTQ community with the finest in sports entertainment and great drinking and dining. And with their relocation to Plasters Ave, it has only gotten better! Peach spoke to GM Mike Langan about the renewed success and how they are getting ready for the Super Bowl. There’s no denying that moving to the new location has been a massive success – where you surprised that the new Woofs was so well-received? We weren’t surprised as we have a very loyal customer base, and we felt sure that they would follow us. However, we are continuously grateful for their patronage and extremely happy that our Woofs family has continued to grow larger and larger since our move with new faces showing up all the time. Besides a change of location, what other initiatives have you made to create more business? We continually strive to make Woofs a comfortable and familiar place for our guests, so we stick with our tried and true emphasis on sports-related entertainment. However, we also enjoy reaching out to the community to give all aspects something to look forward to when coming here. In that respect, we, on occasion, host fun nights like Union Suit Night, Flannel Fridays, etc. Everyone can always check our Facebook page to see any upcoming events we have scheduled. This will be the first Superbowl at the new Woofs – how 10 | follow us @peachatlmag
are you preparing for the big game night? We are expecting a great crowd for the big game and Management, and we will be fully staffed and looking forward to making sure our guests have a fun time. Do you think this night will be another record-breaker? While we know this will be a great day, historically, our busiest day is always over Pride weekend. However, we are staffed and ready to deliver a great experience regardless of breaking any records. Can you tell us more about the initiatives you have planned for the new year? We are continually challenging ourselves to continue delivering an enjoyable dining and drinking experience for each and every patron. We look forward to getting input from our guests so we can ensure that Woofs continues to be the destination dining and drinking establishment for our community. Anything you’d like to add? We encourage our guests to drink responsibly and when at all possible we recommend they use rideshare services when visiting to make their visit even more enjoyable. The Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs will air on 2/2 at 6:30 pm. Check out woofsatlanta.com for more info www.peachatl.com
lliance
Community Pharmacy
We are the Atlanta HIV, PrEP, and PEP pharmacy experts! • Free and complete coordination of the benefits to ensure that you can afford your medication and have little to no out-of-pocket cost • Clinical support from pharmacists who are experts in HIV, PrEP & PEP and who will explain your medication therapy so that you can achieve the best results • Ideally located in Midtown, at the intersection of Piedmont and Monroe, with free parking and easy access to marta • Lost your health insurance? Changed HIV therapy and have leftover meds? We can help! Ask us about our GA Drug Repository Program!
Big enough to serve, small enough to care! Voted Atlanta's Best Pharmacy Two Years in a Row!
•
1529 Piedmont Ave NE Ste C, Atlanta, GA 30324 404-461-9105 I www.alliancecrx.com
Whitney and Robyn’s Big Love By Chris Azzopardi Photos: Random House
After four decades of speculation that they were romantically involved, Robyn Crawford has spoken her truth: She loved Whitney Houston. In her heartfelt autobiography released late last year, A Song for You: My Life with Whitney Houston, Crawford shares that their love was real but stifled, a romance that, at first intimate and sexual, wavered as Whitney rose to fame in the ’80s. Whitney and Crawford became friends as teenagers, during the summer of 1980 while both working at the East Orange Community Development Center in New Jersey. Their relationship deepened into romantic love, and finally, with Crawford as Whitney’s assistant, a trusted professional alliance. A loving, dignified tribute buoyed by Crawford’s generosity of spirit through her many grievances, including the loss of Whitney, the autobiography is the first time Crawford has disclosed the extent of their relationship. It reveals in intimate, evocative detail many lesser-known facets about how Whitney operated and their supportive, tumultuous shared experiences on tour and at home: the rise, the fall, the fallout. The tragedy of Whitney’s death. Crawford, as depicted in the book, is no saint, either. She’s remarkably forthcoming about the drugs she and Whitney did when they were teenagers. But beyond their longtime relationship is the life story of Crawford, whose tabloid-spun persona was limited to her association with Whitney. Now, Crawford takes her story back, her remarkably candid tell-all illustrating her loyalty to the troubled icon but also serving as a deeply moving rumination on loss: in addition to Whitney, Crawford lost her brother and mother, both to AIDS-related illness. As much as Crawford expands the narrative of Whitney Houston’s life beyond its tragic end, she also lovingly memorializes her mother – the book’s real hero, she tells me.
12 | follow us @ peachatlmag
From New Jersey, where she lives with her wife Lisa Hintelmann and their twins, Crawford spoke about Whitney’s relationship with her LGBTQ fans, how she doesn’t think the legendary singer was experiencing self-hate related to her sexuality, and the influence of Whitney’s song “The Greatest Love of All” on Crawford’s daughter. I’m happy that we know your story, not just the story the media’s been telling us all these years. I had a life too, right, Chris? You did, and so much of it is in the book, it seems. But as a longtime Whitney fan who grew up with Whitney’s music, the book made me sad. It made me sad for what we lost, when it seems it didn’t have to be that way. As you were writing this, what emotions were you wrestling with? What was that process like? Shoot. There were many different emotions. Sometimes I felt sad, sometimes I laughed. It was like an emotional rollercoaster. I was reliving the ’80s and the ’90s like I was there. I was in it. I just… I felt like I could keep writing. I couldn’t see an end. Because there were so many more stories? Yeah. It was huge: the experiences on aircrafts, and feeling like the plane was gonna drop out of the sky. The first award show and what that was like. And when it was just us, and not so many people, what that was like. I wrote a lot. I had a very good editor in Jill Schwartzman, but there was so much more of the journey that’s not on the pages. How did you manage to stay silent on your relationship with Whitney for so long? Was it challenging not to speak out sooner? I mean, no. I cherish those years. We had a bond of trust and loyalty from the get-go, from the very beginning. And we made a pact to support each other. I felt good about what I had experienced and the love that I had for Whitney and that we shared. It was always there.
www.peachatl.com
I guess what I’m asking is, because we never heard your side of the story until very recently, and knowing there was so much tabloid talk about the kind of relationship you had with Whitney, was it challenging for you to keep that inside all these years? Honestly, I didn’t read a lot of the stuff. People called me and said, “Robyn, did you hear this? Did you see this?” I did not see the documentaries (two documentaries on Whitney’s life were released in the last few years: Whitney, in 2018, and Whitney: Can I Be Me, in 2017), I haven’t even seen Sparkle (Whitney starred in the 2012 remake of the 1976 drama-musical). I had twins and that kept me busy. I’m guilty of staying focused on where I am, and I did get angry when I heard stuff. Like when Whitney passed, I really was angry and frustrated every time I heard something that was said (about us), but I didn’t know what to say or who to say it to. Once you start talking, you’re just out there, and that wasn’t a comfortable feeling. So during that period, were you tracking your experiences in a journal? Or did the writing for this book happen all at once? No, I did not keep a journal. I did have notes and books along the way when I was touring. I kept those books and they were incomplete, but there were some things I had written down. But no – all of that came from inside, from what I felt. The book is so vivid, in a way that I’m just like, there’s no way I would remember all of that. But I also didn’t tour with Whitney Houston. Ha! (Laughs.) And you didn’t live with her either, right? My wife often says, “Robyn has an unbelievable memory,” and you know, I do. Those were great times. I didn’t talk about my mother and my experience with my brother to really anyone that I’ve worked with, people that were around me, and I didn’t talk to people at Nippy, Inc (Whitney Houston’s New Jersey-based management company once run by her father, John Houston). They knew what was going on, but I kept it all with me. And that’s where it’s been. Did it feel like a burden to have to keep your sexuality on the down-low because Whitney couldn’t be out about your relationship? I’ve been saying this: That we never looked at our friendship and our experiences as anything other than, this is me. You were you. And when I say it was open and honest, I mean, we could say anything to each other or just look at each other and we just knew exactly… we were communicating. But the ’80s were the time where you were either this or that, and my world at that age was so much bigger as far as adventurous. I had a boyfriend growing up, and I talk about him in the book, and I loved him. We were like brother and sister, that close. He respected me. With Whitney, she was perfect in every way. Someone that I met and everything we were doing together was beautiful; it really was. We were having a good time. And I never felt like… I mean, I knew musically and show business-wise, that was a world that we wanted to learn more about and be prepared and ready for, and with that thought, I could see more of, “Boy, if people find out we’re doing this…” because that’s just how it was. And obviously her mother (Cissy Houston) made her feelings clear about our closeness. She didn’t even know how deep we were; she just made it clear that she didn’t like how close we were.
Whitney didn’t seem to mind when you were romantically involved with a man, but when she learned that you were linked with other women, she became jealous and furious. Did you ever question that logic? Whitney didn’t explain things. She just would let me know if she didn’t like something and she didn’t have a problem asking me to tell this person to leave. I think she felt a certain possessiveness, and it wasn’t like Whitney had a lot of friends. Her life was so like… it was just really me. She was a very private person who didn’t have a lot of friends, who didn’t want a lot of friends. She could’ve had them if she wanted to. She didn’t like to do a whole lot, she was a homebody. So I look at it like that: She was possessive. Because, really, all she had to do was say, “OK, it’s me and you” (laughs) and it would’ve been, “OK.” But that’s not what she wanted. She didn’t want it like that. And who wants to be with someone or wants to harbor those kinds of feelings when they don’t want that? You better get yourself together. And our love was bigger than that. Do you think that if she were a part of today’s music landscape, with so many out artists, life might’ve been different for Whitney? Well, you’ve heard Whitney speak and how she always said “I’m not gay” and she was tired of answering that question. She was, but I wonder if that was her self-hate and internalized homophobia speaking. From her? Yeah. (Mumbles in disagreement.) There was nothing partial about Whitney in her thoughts of people; she just resented folks trying to put her in a box with categories. She pushed back on that with music. She hated that. She was the type of person that loved people for who they were, she had no problem. We had lots of gay people around us, whether it be makeup, hair people, you name it. They were beautiful people, and they were close to us. I mean, (her makeup artist) Kevyn Aucoin… You recount her 2000 Out Magazine interview with Barry Walters in the book. After being asked about the lesbian rumors, Whitney said, “I ain’t suckin’ no dick. I ain’t gettin’ on my knees. Something must be wrong: I can’t just really sing. I can’t just be a really talented, gifted person. She’s gotta be gay.” You say in the book her response was “uncalled for and wrong.” But you never felt her own struggles with her sexuality caused her to spew anti-queer vitriol? You are absolutely right. And no, I do not believe that she was internalizing and projecting – no. Absolutely not. I think that’s important to clarify. She was asked that question from the beginning of her career. I mean, that rumor followed her forever. And she rejected it. She rejected all labels. Even calling her a “diva” and the way she felt about her colleagues, the female so-called rivals. Every single last one of them, including Mariah, will tell you that Whitney treated them with the utmost respect and love and admiration. They will tell you. I remember gay fans were especially happy to see them present together at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1998. |
13
Whitney called Mariah her “little lamb.” That’s how she spoke about her. Whitney was not anything that she was branded for. She wasn’t black enough; she was cool as can be. And she was not raw, or edgy, or ghetto either. All the stigmas and labels that people say you are, she was none of those things. She refused to take on what others wanted to saddle her with. Did Whitney know she was loved by her LGBTQ fans? Yes, absolutely. Her mother had a huge gay following and they were always there. And, yes, Whitney knew that the LGBTQ community had love for her, without a doubt. And she loved them. Having been with her for so long, do you remember the moment where it first dawned on her that, “The LGBTQ community, they’re really showing up for me”? The one experience where the whole world was there was Gay Pride down on the pier (in New York in 1999). I write about it and I remember that night: We had been touring and touring and touring and, finally, there was a date, and she was on the books for it. I mean, dance music, club music, that was what Arista (Whitney’s label at the time) did more than anything. The clubs. And they remixed every record that you could name. “The Greatest Love of All” has a remix. And (music executive) Hosh Gureli was at the helm of that (album), and we went to the Paradise Garage (also known as the “Gay-rage,” a now-defunct discotheque frequented by LGBTQ clubgoers) with (DJ) Jellybean Benitez. The clubs were big back then. Studio 54. We went through there. She didn’t perform at Studio 54, but we went through there and we talked about Sylvester and just how he could sing, and how beautiful he was. I mean, there was none of that (internalized homophobia) from Whitney. I put my hand on the Bible and am very comfortable making that clear. Do you still listen to Whitney? I do, I do. I do listen to The Preacher’s Wife and “Dancin’ on the Smooth Edge.” I do. I had not listened to a lot of her music after she passed. But one day I was talking about friends with my daughter, because my daughter is loaded with empathy and did not have any friends, and I told her, “Don’t give your friendship away. You make them earn it.” I played “The Greatest Love of All” for her one time, and I came into her room and she had printed out the lyrics and had them on her wall. That’s sweet. So many of Whitney’s songs, after reading your book, have taken on a different life for me. For instance, knowing you were on set during the filming of The Bodyguard, I can’t help but hear Whitney singing “I Will Always Love You,” a song about a love that could never be, to you. Did you ever think of that song in the context of your relationship? I didn’t. I’m being honest, I didn’t. But you know what, when I hang up from you, I’m going to listen to it that way. I’m going to listen to it with that in mind. But “A Song For You” is one that I really felt, when I listened to the last album, she was talking to me. What made you think that? Because I write in the book about a moment where music held us together. We talked about it a lot, and I played that (“A Song From You”) from The Temptations album, and then she performed it one time, and then
14 | follow us @ peachatlmag
she recorded it the last go ’round (for the album I Look to You, in 2009). I know that was her idea. She never told me, and I’ve never spoken to anyone about that – and it may not have been her idea to do the club mix on it – but I know she wanted to record that song. That is the most covered song ever, and when you listen to each cover, they all bring a different interpretation to the song. And Whitney uses the word “friend” I don’t know how many times. So that really captured me. And you know, I’ve been in the studio with her so many times that the way she approached it, I was right there. It was like I was in the studio with her listening to it. Clearly that song meant a lot to you – enough to make it the title of your book. Music is in the book. My brother was big into music; my mother and my father had a love for music. So “A Song for You” encompasses all of them. But I dedicate the title of the book to Whitney in my heart. Did you hear Kygo’s version of “Higher Love” that was released last year? I didn’t hear the full version, but I did click on my Apple iTunes and listened to part of it, yes. Why didn’t you listen to the full song? Maybe because I would’ve rather heard “I’m Knockin’,” which was the track that Whitney had on that Baby Tonight album. When I heard “Higher Love,” I knew that it came from the Japan album of Baby Tonight. It wasn’t something new that they found in a vault. Were you in the studio when she recorded it? I was. So I knew where it came from. What I did watch was the video. I watched the video and I did not like the video. Sorry, but I didn’t. What didn’t you like about the video? It was missing her.
As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
www.peachatl.com
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos: PR
Whether you a patronizing a bar, attending a tailgate, or hosting your own Super Bowl get-together, there are a few things that will make you look like you’re in the super league..
DRINKS ON THE GO
SUPPORT YOUR TEAM
CITY SPIRIT
This cooler doubles as a backpack, so you can literally take your drinks to go!
You don’t necessarily have to wear a jersey to show your team support – a pair of socks are both comfortable and a fun way to show your colors.
If your team isn’t in the Super Bowl, you can still show some spirit for where you live.
YETI Hopper Backflip 24, $299
NFL Men’s San Francisco 49ers Fan Socks, $12.99
ABETTERBUZZ Brand Goods Atlanta Skyline, T-Shirt, $28
SNACK ON AIR
MAKE YOUR PET THE STAR
BRAND THE PARTY
You will probably only bring this out a couple of times a year – but how cool is this inflatable snack stadium!
You know your pet will look adorable in a team jersey, no matter who wins.
A party pack like this will nicely theme the party whether you are hosting or bringing it to the tailgate.
Sunny Anderson’s Inflatable Snack Stadium, $24.99
Littlearth NFL Kansas City Chiefs Pet Stretch Jersey, $29.99
Super Bowl 54 Party Pack for 24 Guests, $26.99
16 | follow us @peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
As a part of our mission to help friends keep friends, we are opening our doors in 2018 to anyone needing to get their pet vaccinated and heartworm tested. Not only is this a great deal for you, it is also a fundraiser for PALS Atlanta!!
Vaccine Clinic Pricing Full veterinary exam - FREE Dog or Cat Rabies Shot - $15 Dog or Cat Combo Shot - $15 Bordatella vaccination (dogs only) - $15 Heartworm testing (dogs only) - $25 Full year supply of heartworm medication AND a full year of flea/tick preventative - $100 (requires current negative heartworm test)
UNION SUIT NIGHT @ WOOFS ATLANTA PHOTOS BY MH
18 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
Valentine’s Day 2020 $45 per person
choose one selection from each course
first course BACON CRAB DIP with crisp pita chips LOVERS TRIANGLE bermuda triangle cheese, pickled mustard seeds, chocolate-covered almonds, french bread
second course 30 DAY DRY-AGED RIBEYE blue cheese rubbed ribeye, roasted fingerlings, char-grilled asparagus PAN-SEARED AIRLINE CHICKEN BREAST purple and sweet potato gnocchi, swiss chard, brown butter, parmesan STEAMED SEA BASS ginger/lemongrass fume, forbidden rice
third course vanilla risotto with balsamic strawberries dark chocolate raspberry tartlet
make your reservations at einsteinsatlanta.com
GAYTIES 80S PARTY MADONNA POWER HOUR @ THE HERETIC PHOTOS BY MH
CARSON COWAN REALTOR® c. 404.998.9944 / o. 404.874.0300 / carson@carsoncowan.com / CarsonCowanRealEstate
Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
20 | Follow us @peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
Inspired by the real letters between Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks spanning from 1899 to 1937, this fast-paced comedy asks: What is revolution? What does it mean to be at odds with the world? How do we fulďŹ ll our potential? And how the hell do we grow old together?
JAN 30–FEB 15, 2020
Tickets: $15 and up Out Front Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue, Atlanta
www.OutFrontTheatre.com
Photos by Dan Lax
Thank You, Atlanta! Over
4,600 Toys
donated from this year’s event! We want‌
...to hear your feedback! ...you to apply to our all-volunteer board! ...you to volunteer at our next event!
Email us at Support@forthekid.org or find us online:
forthekidatl
50 TH ANNIVERSARY ATLANTA PRIDE CELEBRATION
OCT.10-12,2020 | atlantapride.org
Director at GQ Magazine. This was a great time to learn a bunch of techniques during weekend classes, then try to mix those techniques with my graphic design knowledge. My next Art Directing job was at People and then Good Housekeeping Magazine. During these jobs, I set up my own studio, worked after hours, and started to show my work in galleries. Tell me about your earliest pieces. What was the ideation process and how were they initially received?
Artist Joseph Cavalieri Debuts “Stillness” and Josefiná Cavaliná By Kevin Assam New York artist Joseph Cavalieri has exhibited his onglass paintings internationally for the last 15 years. He recently debuted his series of oil works on canvas along with a new identity, Josefiná Cavaliná. “Stillness” ran earlier this year at The Studios of Key West. What do you think about gender reveal parties for soon to be born babies? I’ve never been to one but would totally agree to going as long as there’s another party when the kid decides to switch genders. I imagine David Bowie having multiple parties as he grew up and decided if he was gay, straight or bisexual. What did you think of your name at 16? At 16, I went by the name Joe. I was in high school in Pleasantville, New York. Friends from back then still call me Joe. It wasn’t my name of choice, too plain. I always felt that Giuseppe would be more appropriate, but probably too ethnic for my parents. Joe replaced Joey. I switched to Joseph at age 20. Does Joseph eventually morph into Josefiná or was Josefiná the underlying name the entire time? Yes, Joseph Cavalieri is now Josefiná Cavaliná, created/ born November 2019. She is the feminine soft side of me. Josefiná creates my oil paintings. The inaugural exhibition of my work is happening at The Studios of Key West (TSKW). You work with a lot of stained glass. Where were you when you saw your first set? When I was in high school, two of my five sisters took a stained glass class and taught me the basics. Years later, starting in 1996, I took a bunch of classes at UrbanGlass in Brooklyn. I was working full time as an Art 24 | follow us @ peachatlmag
When I first started painting on stained glass, I experimented and made works that look pretty primitive now. I was trying to master the techniques and decide on what images to use. The technique is complicated: cutting glass, painting and firing the glass in a kiln, then soldering the work together. It was a long time from the initial design to the final work. Once I got a hold of the techniques, I experimented with different themes that you normally would not see in stained glass [including] comics, muscle men, fables, and two headed birds. Some works were only text. I entered the work into as many group exhibitions as possible. New York openings were lots of fun and my coworkers from work would come. One opening, a drunk lady walked into my glass. She wasn’t hurt and the glass survived. I helped escort her out of the gallery. How would you first come to Key West and discover The Studios Residency program? I heard about the residency through a local curator, Hal Bromm. He highly recommended applying. I had done seven residencies before I applied for the 2012 residency at TSKW. It was good timing, happening right after hurricane Sandy hit New York. My building in the East Village was flooded and had no electricity. At that time, I was buying a new kiln. I had it delivered and hooked up during my residency, then shipped it back to NYC when the residency ended. I remember when I arrived they showed me the Mango House. It was twice the size of my NYC apartment. I thought I would have to share the space, but it was all for me. Good times! And you’ll be returning for a new exhibition? Yes. I applied for an exhibition in the Zabar Project Gallery and was accepted to show. My original project was my glass work, but at that point I had just started oil painting. So, with the approval of TSKW, I will be showing my oil paintings. This is my inaugural show in this medium. I am super excited to show in Key West. Since my residency, I have been back four times to teach and have made many friends. The title of the show is “Stillness” and opened Thursday January 2nd. What did you think of Maurizio Cattelan’s banana swept social media? Not worth a comment. Will you swear off the use of chickens, roosters, six toed cats, and other heavily used Key West placemat icons from future works? For sure, like images of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, there are certain themes I will be glad to swear off, including those Key icons you listed. I have three series to paint after my ceramic series with a New York gallery space ready to show them. They include themes of architecture, religious statues, and action figures, larger scale than my ceramic works. I am set for themes for the next three or four years.
www.peachatl.com
|
25
JAKE O’MALLEY
@ jake.the.lawyer
26 | follow us @ peachatlmag
Jake has lived in Atlanta since 2013, where he relocated from Texas to go to law school, and he is now a socially and professionally active trial attorney. After graduating from Emory Law, he met his husband Jim and his two dogs, Emmit and Cooper. Jake enjoys spending time outdoors with his fur babies, hosting parties with friends at his house in Southeast Atlanta, and dancing the night away (almost) every weekend. He is the oldest of nine(!) kids, and he tries to keep in touch with his enormous family as much as possible.
www.peachatl.com
Beer Bucket Specials Tailgate Food
1544 Piedmont Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30324 Ansley Mall Behind Publix
5pm
You deserve Personalized Care & Individual Attention – that’s what we deliver at Family Health Care of Atlanta • Participating in many clinical trials • Certiied HIV Specialist, American Academy of HIV Medicine • 20+ years experience in Family & HIV Care SPECIALIZING IN DERMATOLOGY, STD’S, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, UROLOGY, PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS
THE HO SHO @ SMITH'S OLDE BAR PHOTOS BY MH
28 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
January 29 – February 5
Report on LGBTQ Affairs Launch HRC Atlanta Gala & Auction Theme Reveal \ Join Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, City of Atlanta LGBTQ HRC Atlanta reveals the theme of the 2020 gala and Affairs, and the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board for the launch shares plans for the event. Entry to the reception is free, of the City of Atlanta’s first-ever report on LGBTQ Affairs. and there will be complimentary lite bites. Thursday, January 30, 6 – 8 pm Creative Approach (1080 W Peachtree St NW)
Thursday, January 30, 6:30 – 9 pm No Mas Cantina
STAFF PICK!
Make Out Party The first-ever Atlanta Make Out Party will be turning out the Heretic with a slew of documented Make Outs and dancefloor grinding. Musical muses for the evening are NARK (Seattle) and Brian Rojas (Deep South). Friday, January 31, 10 pm – 3 am The Heretic
Wild Nights with Emily
Tove Lo Sunshine Kitty Tour
Out Front and Out On Film present a special screening of Wild Nights with Emily to coincide with their Bull in a China Shop. Prescreening reception at 6:30 pm, followed by a panel at 7:15 pm. The film starts at 8 pm.
Experience the Swedish singer and songwriter on her American leg of her Sunshine Kitty Tour that explores her raw, grunge-influenced take on pop music.
Monday, February 3, 6:30 pm Out Front Theatre
30 | follow us @ peachatlmag
Wednesday, February 5, 8 pm The Tabernacle
www.peachatl.com
MIDTOWN 1
Monroe Dr. NE
14
Amsterdam Ave.
NE ve . tA
Piedmont Park
on
11
dm
6 12th St. NE
18
Pi e
Juniper St. NE
14th St. NE
7
9
2
10th St. NE
10
. NE
19
oe Dr
e. NE Piedmont Av
Juniper St . NE
Peachtree St. NE
3
Monr
Charle s Alle n Dr . N E
12 W. Peachtree St. NW
15
16
P o n ce D e Leo n Pl . N E
Spring St. NW
17
4th St. NE
8
13
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
4
Ponce De Leon Ave. NE
BARS 1 2 3 4
Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends
6 My Sister’s Room 7 Ten Atlanta
Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE
10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S
991 Piedmont Ave NE 980 Piedmont Ave NE 1077 Juniper St NE 931 Monroe Cir NE
clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
fitness
retail 8 Barking Leather
9 10 11 12
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
14 Urban Body Fitness 500 Amsterdam Ave NE
spa/bath 15 Flex Spa
32 | follow us @ peachatlmag
76 4th St. NW
16 17 18 19
G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda
219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE
billards/Darts drag dancers leather non-smoking area Patio
www.peachatl.com
When the world throws you Let be your savedandgay.com
Cheshire 23
ansley 21
idg
eR
tC ir .
NE
Piedmont Park BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd
32 33 34 35 36
Midtown Moon Felix's The Hideaway Mixx Oscar's
1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1739 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
Spa / bath 2135 Liddell Drive NE
1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE 1544 Piedmont Ave NE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Dining 38 Eclectic Bistro
Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness
e. nt mo ed
d.
clubs 28 Heretic 29 Tokyo Valentino
39
36 38
Retail 26 Barking Leather 27 Southern Nights
41
Pi
20
Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx
Av
ge Rd Brid hire Ches
28
25 r eB
E
35
24
BJ Roosters Sequel Tripps Woof's
42 The Den
26
.N
.
r.
Dr
Rd
BARS 20 21 22 23
40
32
oe
hir
36
nr
on
es
er
Mo
dm
Ch
ll D
kn
27
33
. NE
Pi e
29
idde
ul
31
IX
34
x Rd
Manchester St. NE
Piedmont Rd. NE
22
42 L
Fa
BL
Le no
30
Lambert Dr.
PU
St.
.
A l co
1600 Piedmont Ave NE 1425 Piedmont Ave NE
Retail 39 Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave NE 40 Brushstrokes/Pleasures 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
Fitness 41 Equilibrium Fitness
1529 Piedmont Ave, Suite L
NOT SHOWN
Mary's Sister Louisa’s Church Swinging Richards Lips Atlanta The T
1287 Glenwood Ave SE 466 Edgewood Ave SE 1400 Northside Dr NW 3011 Buford Hwy NE 465 Boulevard SE
A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in Peach ATL & visit their websites for weekly event listings.
Bars & Clubs
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
Retail
MIDTOWN
MARY’S
MIDTOWN
amsterdamatlanta.com
1287 Glenwood Ave SE
AMSTERDAM
502 Amsterdam Ave. NE
ATLANTA EAGLE
marysatlanta.com
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
sisterlouisaschurch.com
CHESHIRE
SWINGING RICHARDS
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO
1400 Northside Dr NW
ANSLEY
BULLDOGS
Dining
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
MIDTOWN
1447 Piedmont Ave NE
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
10thandpiedmont.com
atlantaeagle.com
306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK
blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
893 Peachtree St NE
friendsonponce-atl.com
466 Edgewood Ave SE
swingingrichards.com
10TH & PIEDMONT
MY SISTER’S ROOM
991 Piedmont Ave NE
66 12th St NE
einsteinsatlanta.com
mysistersroom.com
TEN ATLANTA
tenatlanta.com
990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T
modeltatlanta.com
EINSTEIN’S
1077 Juniper St NE
GCB & PLEASURES
brushstrokesatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE
BARKING LEATHER barkingleather.com
1510 Piedmont Ave Suite A
Fitness
931 Monroe Dr
MIDTOWN
frogsmidtown.com
G’S
CHESHIRE
219 10th St NE
gsmidtown.com
HERETIC
HENRY’S
2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
132 10th St NE
henrysatl.com
BJ ROOSTERS
JOE’S ON JUNIPER
2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
1049 Juniper St NE
bjroosters.com
boynextdoormenswear.com
FROGS CANTINA
465 Boulevard SE
hereticatlanta.com
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
joesonjuniper.com
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbodyfitness.com
500 Amsterdam Ave NE
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SEQUEL
LA HACIENDA
Spas/Baths/Adult
TRIPPS
900 Monroe Dr NE
MIDTOWN
CHESHIRE
FLEX SPA
LAS MARGARITAS
76 4th St NW
1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Circle N
WOOFS
woofsatlanta.com
2425 Piedmont Road NE
lahaciendamidtown.com
lasmargaritasmidtown.com 1842 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
flexspas.com
CHESHIRE
ANSLEY
ROXX
MIDTOWN MOON
1824 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
THE DEN
DEKALB
2135 Liddell Drive NE
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY
LIPS ATLANTA
thedenatlanta.com
atldragshow.com
3011 Buford Hwy NE
1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX
mixxatlanta.com
1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S
oscarsatlanta.com
1510 Piedmont Ave NE
34 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
LUXURY LGBT ALMAR RESORT TIMESHARE PLUS BONUS FOR SALE BEACH FRONT BEAUTIFUL BEACH HOTEL & FOOD CONTACT leonrri@hotmail.com
Massage Bodyworks by David $80 per hour 1st time $60 w/Peach ATL ad David cell 205-206-5218 cylondk1@gmail.com Located in Atlanta on Ponce De Leon Ave NE
ADVERTISE In Atlanta's premier
LGBT MAGAZINE for as little as
35 per week!
$
Email jeff@peachatl.com for more information.
Georgia Body Works.com Mobile Fitness and Massage “I come to you, so let’s get started!”
678-557-1780
Personal Training • Massage • Entertainment georgiabodyworks.com
HELP WANTED
FULL TIME DESK CLERK POSITIONS AVAILABLE
8-4pm and 12-8am
Please apply online at Flexspas.com
Hot Tub and Swim Spas
60% OFF RETAIL AquaLivingStores.com 404-382-5329
TEN THINGS TO MASTER THE SUPER BOWL … even if you’re not a sports fan!
Learn the basic rules of football
Catch up on Super Bowl commercials
Pick your team!
Read up on what happened this season
Create a Super Bowl playlist for pre-gaming
36 | follow us @ peachatlmag
Brush up on past halftime shows Learn about the two teams in the Super Bowl
Patronize your local bars for the game or the afterparty!
Watch the game with a select group of friends
Do some fun pre-gaming – warm-up is everything!
www.peachatl.com
WE'RE HIRING Playmates and Playmates and soul mates... soul mates...
WE ARE SEEKING Motivated, Hard-Working, Innovative People to be Our Next Superstar Ad Sales Representatives.
Jumpstart Your Career by Joining Atlanta's Newest Gay Media Company! One Year Sales Experience Required EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO
Jeff@peachatl.com
Atlanta: Atlanta:
678-528-2525
18+ 18+ MegaMates.com MegaMates.com
We’re closer to Atlanta than you think! Get the details on these and other great upcoming events on our website calendar. Membership Required * Must be 21 to Enter
Masquerade Ball
January 18, 2020
Potluch/C Dinners - overed Dish Saturday N 6:30 pm ights
Him: A hfgue uwifj hfwhf
Me: What?!
Text your Peach Pits to 540-30-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com
Him: I can’t text with tese thins
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday BLINK Monday
Me: Let me guess, you’re wearing nails?
Him: Yes, torble texting lok
To the person who stole my shoes while I was on the bouncy castle: Grow up!
200 thread count?! Why not just throw a bunch of razors in bed too
If you choke me during sex and the sex isn’t good, I’m calling the police
Me: Ok, call me instead – you can still hold your phone, right?
Losing me is like losing a front tooth. Bitch, you will never smile the same again!
Gays be like I’m bilingual, I speak English and behind your back
DADDY JOKE ALERT The rotation of earth really makes my day.
My day starts backwards …. I wake up tired and go to bed wide awake!
38 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
CANCER (Jun. 21 - Jul. 22) A forgotten or unexpected task may disrupt your afternoon or early evening – you may be asked to work late, for instance. Tonight, don’t force yourself to go out if you really feel like staying in.
LEO (Jul. 23 - Aug. 22) This evening may see you coming to a friend’s – or perhaps a new acquaintance’s – aid. Your good deed will be rewarded tenfold, as long as you don’t boast about it or embarrass its object. Your kindness will be noticed.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18)
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sep. 22)
An invigorating, pleasant day may fade into a somewhat frustrating evening – outside forces are going to effect change in your life. Don’t fight this – it’ll turn out to be beneficial. Get a good night’s sleep tonight.
An exterior obstacle may force you to turn inward today – the solution to a worldly problem lies in your soul. Don’t look at this interior journey as a detour: It’ll make the destination all the more meaningful.
PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
LIBRA (Sep. 23 - Oct. 22)
When a boss, a parent or some other authority figure says something that is clearly untrue today, it may be advantageous to simply keep your mouth shut. This evening, a bit of unexpected glamour will color social plans.
A high-flying day will provide a bird’s-eye view of your life – count your many blessings while they’re all in sight. A reminder of a defunct affair may send you plummeting this evening – don’t wallow in maudlin sentiment.
ARIES (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
You may be forced to choose between work and fun today – and the stars suggest choosing fun. Remember that keeping a good work-life balance is important. There’s a difference between ambition and obsession!
Apply the macro to the micro today: Grand philosophical ideas and important economic theories can help you answer personal questions of all kinds. Tonight, take the lead in making plans with your friends.
TAURUS (Apr. 20 - May 20)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
Today you should receive a sign that you are on the right spiritual path – and this sign will also point you to the next step. Watch for personal symbolism and mysterious occurrences. Read between the lines.
Don’t ignore a startling flash of inspiration today – harness it! Tonight, eat at home if you can. You should prepare at least part of the meal, and use local ingredients if at all possible. You’ll find out why soon enough.
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun. 20)
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)
Try to ride today’s wave of high energy through the evening – you will likely get a lot done later in the day. A somewhat meek person in your life may be unusually dominant tonight – and you’re going to love this side of him!
You may battle frustration at work today. Be assured that great things are happening outside your view -- hang in there. This evening, you can do anything you set your mind to. It should be a fun night!
40 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and you’ll get answers served straight up and with a little ice.
My boyfriend of many years has expressed an interest in engaging in pup play, and the other day he even brought home a puppy hood that he wants to wear. Quite honestly, I am a little freaked out by the whole thing and don’t know how to handle it – or him! I’m afraid even to ask him what he wants from me. How do I deal with this fetish? And what if I don’t want to?! Sincerely Pup Surprise Dear Pup Surprise A fetish can be challenging to understand, so the first step is to start talking! Get over your fear of talking to your boyfriend and start by asking him about what the appeal is to him. Try to approach it with a non-judgmental mindset and don’t react negatively when he tries to explain why he has this fetish. You are naturally also allowed to express your apprehensions to him, but again don’t label anything negatively and try to understand each other’s perspectives. If you love him, you’ll put in the effort to understand him, and if he loves you, he will never force you to do anything you don’t want to do. But there is nothing wrong with broadening your horizons and learning more about each other, so start communicating. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn to appreciate certain aspects of pup play, and it will become another extension of your relationship.
I am in this beautiful relationship with a really great guy, and since the beginning, I felt like we really found each other, you know? There is one thing, though, that is starting to get to me, and that is his past. It seems that no matter what, he has already done it with past boyfriends or sex partners. I can’t help but think that I just don’t measure up to the apparently wild and crazy life he had before me. Don’t get me wrong, we have great sex, and our connection is real, but this is nagging at me. I haven’t told him about my feelings yet, and I want to try to move past this without ever letting him now that I am a little self-conscious. Sincerely Lovers Past Dear Lovers Past When you fall in love, one of the perks and part of the appeal is that you kind of start fresh with a new person. It’s a wonderful and passionate part of the relationship where you feel like you’re alone in the world – but then reality sets in. It seems like you are pretty open with each other, which has led to him (and you?) to disclosing details of past relationships. As long as it is not used as a weapon, this can be a really great thing, and even deepen the connection between two people, or be the catalyst for even greater shared moments. Except when it makes someone feel inadequate; like you are feeling now. The thing is, there is no allocation of happiness, so even though your boyfriend was happy before you, that doesn’t impede on your present happiness. In fact, past experiences are probably the reason why he is with you now. Take a second to wrap your head around that: He chose you. Keep the honesty and openness in your relationship and share with him how you feel about this. He loves you, and he will understand why this is bothering you, and if he’s a superstar, he will even give you the reassurance that you are subconsciously looking for. NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS TO OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.
42 | follow us @ peachatlmag
www.peachatl.com