QNotes, Feb. 27-March 12, 2015

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

1

2

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

inside

Q

8 from the left clockwise: activist Jacob Tobia headlines ENC’s AdvaNCe Equality conference, goat milking at Eight Oaks Farmstead, Fleetwood Mac will be in the Queen City for a concert in March

qnotes

news & features

arts.

4 entertainment.

HRC Gala awards locals news. views.

6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs

7

a&e / life&style 9 10 11 12 13 13 16 16 17 18 19

Springtime Social Shock & Awe Gay arts spring Normal Heart Musicals & Theatre Spring sounds Jane’s World Tell Trinity Playing the Field Q Events Calendar Our People: Delighted Tobehere

13

opinions & views 5 Editor’s Note

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

3

Q

qnotes connect Feb. 27-March 12, 2015 Vol 29 No 22

arts. entertainment. news. views. goqnotes.com twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas

contributors this issue

Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Jon Hoppel, Lainey Millen, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Matt Comer & Lainey Millen Photography: Jim McGuire, Studio 1212 Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBT and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBT life and social justice issues.

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Editor: Matt Comer, x202 editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: eLisha Hunt Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2015 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

charlotteobserver.com/1166/ a local news partner of The Charlotte Observer

upcoming issues: 03.13.15: Leading Ladies Advertising Space Deadline: March 4 03.27.15: Young LGBT Professionals Advertising Space Deadline: March 18

4

qnotes

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

HRC gala celebrates 20 years, awards locals 1,200-plus attend 20th annual event at Charlotte Convention Center

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com State Sen. Jeff Jackson also attended, giving the evening’s opening remarks and telling the crowd that, “North Carolina will not sit by while injustices exist.”

Electing a ‘pro-equality champion’ in 2016 HRC also took the opportunity to mobilize its dinner guests for the 2016 election.

“The pro-equality majority that still exists even in both houses of Congress have never felt the pressure from us to vote its conscience. That’s on us,” said Joni Madison, a former HRC board member. “We have to force them to be courageous and do the right thing. We can activate the LGBT vote beyond marriage equality. We’ve got to mobilize and organize. We’ve got to build an army to elect a new proequality champion to the White House in 2016. I think there’s going to be someone who fights for us each and every day she sits in that Oval Office.”

The movement, Madison said, won’t stop at the 2016 presidential election.

“It’s not enough to just elect a president,” she said.

“We’ve got to send a message to those elected officials The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund was award the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Award. L-R: HRC who decide to cement their feet on the side of discriminaGala Committee member Marty Miller, CLGF’s Tim Bice, Jenni Gaisbauer and Lee Knight Caffery, Gala tion. It’s up to us to kick them out of office.” committee member Maddy Goss, and CLGF’s Steve Bentley and Jeremiah Nelson.

Madison delivered the evening’s keynote address in the Photo Credit: Matt Comer absence of HRC President Chad Griffin, who was expected to attend the anniversary gala. Organizers told attendees CHARLOTTE — More than 1,200 guests attended a sold-out fundraisthat Griffin was unable to find a flight to Charlotte due to ongoing winter ing gala at the Charlotte Convention Center on Feb. 21 for the nation’s weather on the east coast. largest LGBT civil rights group. Hosts celebrated local community leaders and encouraged attendees to mobilize on local non-discrimination efforts Locals, celebrity honored and the upcoming 2016 election.

HRC’s gala also featured several awards and recognitions, including The Human Rights Campaign’s North Carolina Gala celebrated their awards to a Western North Carolina community leader and Charlotte’s 20th annual event in the state, using the opportunity to ask attendees to local LGBT philanthropy group. speak out on Charlotte’s hotly debated LGBT-inclusive non-discriminaJoshua Bledsoe received the group’s individual tion proposals.

Equality Award. An instructor at Blue Ridge Community HRC has been among a coalition of groups, College in Flat Rock, N.C., Bledsoe is also a founding facincluding the Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action ulty advisor for the college’s LGBT student group, PRISM, Committee, Genderlines, Equality NC and others, and has been involved with a variety of local LGBT pushing for updates to the city’s public accomefforts, including a production of “The Laramie Project” modations and other ordinances. In recent days, and the creation of a Western North Carolina gay-straight anti-LGBT religious leaders and organizations alliance network. have been mobilizing against the proposals.

The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, an endowment iniScott Bishop, president of MeckPAC and an tiative of the Foundation For The Carolinas, is the state’s HRC national board member, issued a call to action largest ongoing funder for LGBT causes. It received the from the gala’s stage. organization Equality Award.

“Our opposition has been flooding [City Council Local couples and plaintiffs in marriage equality members’] email inboxes with messages of fear cases were also honored, with gala co-chair Jeremy and hate,” Bishop told the crowd, pointing their Carter giving a special nod to Greensboro couple Lennie attention to call-to-action postcards on each table.

Berger and Pearl Berlin, two plaintiffs in an ACLU of “Pick up the card and on the back you’ll find three North Carolina case. simple actions you can take to tell City Council that “Lennie Berger and Pearl Berlin met and fell in love these ordinances are important and they need to 48 years ago. They were legally married in Maine in vote yes.”

2013,” Carter said from the stage. “But their marriage Bishop told the crowd to email Council. “It was not recognized in their home state of North Carolina. takes less than a minute do this,” he said, also Equality Award winner Josh Bledsoe, That is until just recently. Couples like Lennie and Pearl encouraging dinner-goers to attend City Council’s left, with HRC Gala Committee member are exactly the reason we need full marriage equality meeting on March 2 at 6 p.m., when the body will Daniel Valdez. across this great nation.” hear the ordinance proposals.

Photo Credit: Matt Comer Openly lesbian actress Samira Wiley, best known for “This is important for all the citizens of Charlotte her role as Poussey Washington on Netflix’s “Orange is and all the people who visit here,” Bishop added. the New Black,” was given the group’s Visibility Award. Wiley, 27, was reBishop’s call to action wasn’t the only time the ordinance proposals cently featured on one of the OUT 100 20th anniversary magazine covers. were mentioned. Local drag performer Roxy C. Moorecox welcomed Organizers of the Charlotte dinner say it is HRC’s second-largest fundvisitors at the event’s check-in desk in a red-carpet, Hollywood-style raising event, following the group’s national dinner in Washington, D.C. entrance. She mentioned the ordinance package several times, as did The 20th anniversary gala was being hosted in Charlotte for the fourth City Councilmember Vi Lyles, who said she looked forward to passing the time since returning to the Queen City in 2012. It had been previously proposals in a video message with welcome statements from several hosted in Charlotte from from 2005 through 2009, before moving to Raleigh other local officials. in 2010 and 2011. The first local HRC gala was held in Greensboro in 1996 Lyles was joined at the dinner by several local officials, including and 1997, then moved to Raleigh from 1998 through 2002 and then back to Charlotte City Councilmembers LaWana Mayfield, Al Austin, Patsy Kinsey Greensboro in 2003 and 2004 before moving to Charlotte. : : and David Howard.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

goqnotes.com/to/views

views

editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Charlotte: Ignore voices of division, pass LGBT-inclusive protections Charlotte is a beautiful place to live, to work, to raise a family and to pursue opportunities in education and business. But, for some, discrimination and prejudice stand in the way of full opportunity. That’s especially true for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Charlotteans, and an effort to begin addressing these concerns has taken front seat over the past couple weeks.

On March 2, Charlotte City Council will consider new LGBT-inclusive ordinance changes that aim to fully protect all of the Queen City’s residents, adding new protections to the city’s public accommodations, commercial contracting, community relations committee and passenger vehicle for hire ordinances.

Opponents of the measure have grasped upon fears and prejudices against transgender people in an attempt to derail the conversation and stop the proposal’s passage. They have painted transgender women as predators.

They are both inaccurate on the ordinance changes’ effects and dangerously biased and ignorant on the experiences of transgender people.

In reality, this proposal changes nothing about bathrooms. The proposal seeks to

Errata In our Feb. 13-26 print edition, we mistakenly reversed head shots for Charlotte City Councilmember Al Austin’s and former state Rep. Marcus Brandon’s profiles. We’ve updated the photos and profiles for our online feature and digital print editions. We regret the error.

choose. They are the same people who once protect transgender individuals and ensure opposed a statewide anti-bullying law, simtheir safety. Individuals “pretending” to be ply because it also protected gay students. the opposite gender in order to access the Their positions represent an overturning women’s restroom for predatory purposes of the rule of law in favor of a theocratic would not be protected. In fact, such besociety that endangers the lives of sexual, havior is already criminal. We have ways gender, religious of dealing with and other minoriabusers and predaties — including tors. This proposal Take Action even the mistreatwould not change With this print edition hitting streets on Feb. ment of children that.

26-27, you have about three or four days to take and youth — not And, the facts action on Charlotte’s proposed LGBT-inclusive a defense of the are clear: transordinances. Visit equalitync.org/charlottefair, inclusive and gender people are equality to sign the petition to Charlotte City equal republic more likely to be Council. Be sure to attend the March 2 Council to which all the victims of hameeting at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Americans, North rassment or abuse.

Government Center, 400 E. Fourth St. Arrive Carolinians and It’s even happened early to guarantee you have a seat. Learn more Charlotteans are here in Charlotte, about the ordinances, see an archive of past truly and eternally where a transcoverage and stay up to date on breaking news devoted. gender student at goqnotes.com/cndo/.

Charlotte City was harassed by Council should igCentral Piedmont nore the hate-filled Community College arguments of those security and then who have repeatedly proven they stand only for escorted off campus. There is no docudiscrimination and division. mented evidence anywhere in the nation of Instead, Charlotte should witness the a transgender person accessing restrooms wisdom and experiences of over 17 states and for predatory purposes. more than 200 local governments who have Opponents arguments are, then, red herpassed similar ordinances, laws or policies rings and distractions from the real issues — all to no ill-effect. That includes cities and at hand. towns close to Charlotte, like South Carolina’s Should we be surprised? No. Columbia, Charleston, Folly Beach and Myrtle The same groups and individuals opposBeach. These proposals are commonsense ing broader local LGBT protections are the public policy. same people who pushed North Carolina’s Charlotte City Council must vote to pass now-overturned, unconstitutional ban on these LGBT-inclusive proposals. More than LGBT marriage equality in 2012, a distwo decades after it first voted down similar criminatory measure rejected by more than proposals in 1992, the city has an opportunity to 92,000 voters in Mecklenburg County. They prove it is a place where all people — regardare the same people who say that governless of sexual orientation or gender identity ment officials, like magistrates or judges, — are welcomed and included in all aspects of and business owners should be able to the city’s progress and opportunity. : : freely discriminate against any citizen they

join the discussion Al Austin

Marcus Brandon

We welcome your letters to the editor (200 or words or less) and guest commentaries (600 words or less).

Submit them to letters@goqnotes.com.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

5

news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Matt Comer

Paddlers come into own CHARLOTTE — One World Dragon Boat has reached an important milestone recently by purchasing their own boat.

With the assistance of a $2,500 grant from the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, they were able to use it as a spring board to obtain a one-time used boat.

Over the last year, One World has netted Best Float in the 2014 Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade, held a raffle at the celebration and enjoyed an after-party full of energy. By collecting $8,500 through the fundraisers and contributions from friends and family, the dream of having their own boat came to fruition.

Denise Baurer, founder of One World, said that the boat “carried cancer survivors in a world competition that was held in Sarasota during October 2014.” She shared that they were proud to have such a legacy One World Dragon Boat recently picked up their trailer from Central as part of their team and named it Triumph.

In mid-February, the boat was paired Piedmont Community College’s welding class. Pictured are student with a newly-built trailer. It was fabricated Brian Durrette, One World founder Denise Bauer, paddler Jennifer Stockwell and student Jonathan

by Central Piedmont Community College’s Skaggs. Inset: Fabrication of the trailer required all hands on deck. welding class in the James Turner Institute of Welding Technology at the Charlotte campus. Jennifer Stockwell, a One World paddler, helped to make this possible by approaching the department head, Steve Gore, to secure the services. Instructor Johnny Johnson supervised student Jonathan Skaggs who has served as project coordinator with assistance by Brian Durrette. The Huntersville campus will do the automotive work and painting.

“We are thrilled and exhilarated by the entire process because it is words in action, it is ‘building community through sport,’ a win-win for the community, for Jonathan, the wonderful and magnetic young student, our team and the college,” Bauer concluded.

The boat will be ready to use when the season opens. info: oneworlddragonboat.org.

— L.M.

LGBTQ faith work, LGBTQ history and more.

The event’s morning keynote speaker is University of North Carolina-Charlotte staffer and Charlotte LGBTQ Community Archive organizer Joshua Burford. The closing keynote speaker is this publication’s editor, Matt Comer. Other speakers and workshop presenters include Robert Kellogg, Jim Long, Diana Fehr, Annie Earle, Dr. Amy Sifford and Ginger Feimster, among others.

Learn more about the event and see a schedule of workshops at gastonpride.com/ event/sharing-our-stories/. Registration for the event is free and available at eventbrite.com/e/ sharing-our-stories-an-lgbtq-awareness-andeducation-event-tickets-15855686786.

— M.C.

Survey ponders state of community

GASTONIA — A short survey is collecting information in hopes of presenting results that help to define the current state of the LGBT community in Gaston County. The results, which are being collected anonymously, will be presented by community organizer Robert Kellogg in a workshop at the Gaston Has Heart March 28 conference, “Sharing Our Stories: An LGBTQ Awareness and Education Event.” [Ed. Note — This publication’s editor is a keynote speaker at the conference.]

Kellogg asks that only those people who identify as LGBTQ and reside in Gaston County complete the survey. The survey remains open through March 9. Kellogg hopes to do a future survey for straight allies.

The survey includes 16 questions, including on topics like family support, bullying, politics and other community concerns. The survey is available online atsurveymonkey.com/s/ C8MXP7P?fb_ref=Default — M.C.

Triad Charlotte Parish to host conference

CHARLOTTE — The Parish Gay & Lesbian Ministry of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St., and PFLAG Charlotte will hold a conference on May 16, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The event, “Including LGBT People and Their Families in Faith Communities,” is open to the community and is free of charge.

“Our hope is that the conference will help parents see their LGBT children as loved by God and created by God to be just as they are.

We expect the conference to give inspiration and practical tools to help more congregations to become LGBT welcoming,” PFLAG Vice President Jim Green said.

He added, “We at PFLAG frequently talk to parents whose high school or college-aged children come out as LGBT. The parents often are upset and worried. The parents who are most troubled about LGBT children are parents who have received strong anti-LGBT messages from their faith communities. Often they have never heard spiritual perspectives that affirm their LGBT children. So we work to help the parents have more information. And, we want to work toward more faith communities becoming LGBT affirming.”

Keynote speaker will be Sister Jeannine Gramick, Ph.D., a Roman Catholic nun. She helped to co-found News Ways Ministry, an organization advocating for justice and inclusion for LGBT individuals and their families and has been an activist in the movement for decades.

6

qnotes

info: Diane Troy, 704-578-5065. pflagcharlotte@ yahoo.com. Jim Green, 704-375-2822. jimgreen mdiv@gmail.com.

— L.M.

Group gets ‘Kinky’ for party

CHARLOTTE — The Out on the Town affinity group from Blumenthal Performing Arts Center will host a post-show party after seeing the award-winning musical production of “Kinky Boots” on March 19, 9:45 p.m., at Blue Restaurant and Bar, 206 N. College St. “Kinky Boots” was scored by Cyndi Lauper.

It is based upon Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein’s book.

An RSVP is required by email to bcarter@ ncbpac.org.

For those who are not members, simply send an email to outonthetown@ncbpac.org with name, email address and address.

Tickets are available for the performance at 7:30 p.m. in the Belk Theatre, and are available online.

And, due to the popularity of the production, it has been booked for a return performance from Dec. 29-Jan. 3. info: blumenthalarts.org. 704-372-1000.

— L.M.

Guild celebrates with gala, awards

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Business Guild will host its A Giving Gala & Award Ceremony on March 21 at Label, 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd.

Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner following at 7:30 p.m. Attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dinner and cash bar.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

TV personality Jesicca Milicevic will serve as emcee and The Tenya Colemon Quartet will provide entertainment, along with a house DJ. Sen. Jeff Jackson (D-37), Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield and Rocio Gonzales, executive director of the LatinAmerican Chamber of Commerce are the slated speakers for the evening.

Tickets for members, non-members, VIP, couples, seniors, veterans, military and student options are available online. Tables of eight can be secured as well. info: charlottebusinessguild.org.

— L.M.

Gaston to hold LGBT conference

GASTONIA — Gaston Has Heart will host a free, one-day LGBT awareness and education conference, “Sharing Our Stories: An LGBTQ Awareness and Education Event,” on March 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at All Saints’ Episcopal church, 1201 S. New Hope Rd. Gaston Has Heart is a new LGBT community group, and the conference is a way to introduce the new group and educate the community, organizers say.

“A few months ago, a group gathered to discuss ways for supporting our brothers and sisters,” the group says. “Out of that meeting, came the idea for several opportunities – including [the March 28] Awareness Event. We also gather the first Wednesday of each month for our Wednesday Walks for Awareness.

Each walk has a different theme related to the LGBTQ Community.”

Several community leaders will present workshops, including on topics like LGBTQ youth,

Foundation all set for fundraisers

GREENSBORO — The Guilford Green Foundation is all set for fun during the Feb. 27th weekend.

On Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., at The Elm Street Center, 203 S. Elm St., join host Shirli Stevenz for “Bingo’s a Drag.”

Tickets are $15/advance, $20/at the door, student and military/$15 at the door and are available online.

The foundation has team up with The Poetry Collective so that attendees can enjoy the spoken word artist Buddy Wakefield. The “Riled Up and Wasted on Light” tour will be held on Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m., at the Community Theatre Greensboro Studio, 520 S. Elm St. Guilford Green shared that Wakefield is a three-time world champion spoken word artist featured on the BBC, ABC Radio National, HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam,” NPR and most recently signed to Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. In 2004 he won the Individual World Poetry Slam Finals thanks to the support of anthropologist and producer Norman Lear then successfully defended that title at the International Poetry Festival in Rotterdam, Netherlands, against the national champions of seven European countries with works translated into Dutch.

Tickets are $13 and are available online.

Ticket holders can attend a poetry writing workshop with Wakefield on March 1 free of charge.

Expeditious purchase of tickets is encouraged due to limited seating.

see next page u

goqnotes.com/to/news

“The Poetry Collective is unifying the arts community for an evening of poignant, enlightening entertainment with opening acts from the LGBTQIA community and spoken word from Buddy Wakefield performing on issues such as social justice, equality, human rights, sexuality and social norms,” the foundation said.

Stonewall Kickball Greensboro will host a drag show on Feb. 28 at Chemistry Nightclub, 2901 Spring Garden St., with team players.

Two shows are slated at 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Proceeds will benefit the foundation. info: ggfn.org. greensboro@stonewallkickball.org.

— L.M.

Couture runway to raise funds for ASO

WINSTON-SALEM — The 6th Annual Red Ribbon Runway design competition and fashion show will be held on Feb. 28, 8 p.m., at the Wake Forest Biotech Place, 575 N. Patterson Ave. AIDS Care Services will be the recipient of funds raised from the event.

Models will walk the runway showcasing the textile creations as local judges make their decision on who will be selected as the Best of Show and receive a prize of $250. Criteria necessary to capture the win is based upon design integrity, ingenuity and inspiration.

Food, dancing, entertainment, a cash wine bar and a silent auction featuring the runway garments will round out the evening.

Proceeds go to support ACS with a number of things including medical assistance, job referrals and housing needs and more.

Tickets start at $25 and are available online.

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. info: Diane Coe, 336-377-0116. develop@ aidscareservice.org. aidscareservices.org.

— L.M.

Center seeks community input

WINSTON-SALEM — North Star LGBT Community Center, 704 Brookstown Ave., is currently conducting a survey to ascertain community needs.

The 2015 survey is “designed to assess current LGBT needs in Winston-Salem, N.C. (and the surrounding Triad area) and to determine what programs community members would like to see implemented at the North Star LGBT Community Center,” organizers shared. It is available online.

All responses will be treated with confidentiality and anonymity.

A $50 gift certificate raffle to Mooney’s Mediterranean Cafe is available to those who complete the survey. info: northstarlgbtcc.com — L.M.

Triangle Youth group continues successes

DURHAM — iNSIDEoUT breaks into late winter on the heals of its weekend-long Fab-ufest retread held in January. Workshops helped to empower students who attended with resource packets to share with students whose schools have challenges.

Additionally, the youth board has been conducting a workshop series on Saturdays during their weekend hangout hours. Those wanting to get involved with this group should visit the organization’s website to be placed on the mailing list.

Calvary United Methodist Church, 304 East Trinity Ave., recently donated space to iNSIDEoUT to house its staff workspace and provide

a place for youth to meet. They have created a wish list for the new space and welcome contributions. Sought are couches, shelves, bean bag chairs, storage containers, plastic bins, art supplies, desktop computer, projector, TV, nonperishable snacks, coupons for groceries and a camera. Email insideoutamy@gmail.com to find out where to take items.

Adult ally bar night will be held on March 7, 9 p.m., at The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave. The $5 cover will go directly to iNSIDEoUT programming. Prior to the bar night, an adult volunteer interest meeting will take place at The Bar at 6 p.m., followed up by set up for fundraiser at 8 p.m. Some projects that require assistance over the next few months are: helping to develop a business reach out plan; professional graphic design for a new logo; referrals to healthcare professionals; cooking meals for youth events; legal advice; and more. Email insideoutamy@gmail.com to learn more.

The church will host its second annual Queernival on March 28 at 12 p.m. The event is a southern celebration of youth liberation where local GSAs/QSAs and youth non-profits engage in games, food and performances to educate the community about issues that impact minority youth, organizers said. All ages are welcome. info: insideout180.org.

— L.M.

Film screening slated

RALEIGH — The premiere of “Sitting at God’s Table” will be on April 26, 6 p.m., at Raleighwood Cinema Grill, 6609 Falls of Neuse Rd. The film is a documentary by SAGE member Ellen Shepard who produced, directed and wrote the piece. It explores differing faiths through the eyes of five religious leaders.

“It is my mission to seek answers to the most controversial questions of our day from the leaders of multiple faiths. It is through acknowledging what we have in common as well as appreciating our differences that can lead to understanding and tolerance,” Shepard said.

Interviewed were: Shakil Ahmed, The Islamic Association of Cary, Cary Masjid; Bishop William Curry, Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina; Rabbi Lucy Dinner, Temple Beth Or, Raleigh, N.C.; Dr. David Hailey, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh, N.C.; and Fr. Mark Reamer, The Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, Raleigh, N.C. Filming took place over a seven-hour progressive meal as they candidly shared their views on numerous subjects.

A Q&A will be held afterward with Shepard and some of the religious leaders.

The screening is free. However, email sittingatgodstable@gmail.com to RSVP as seating is limited. info: sittingatgodstable.com.

— L.M.

Western Healthcare workshop planned

ASHEVILLE — A Living Healthy for the LGBTQ Community six-week workshop will be held from March 11-April 15, 4 p.m., at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Rd. The workshop is designed to assist people with chronic health conditions in feeling better, healthier and happier.

Participants will be able to learn about how to manage symptoms, work well with a healthcare team, transform frustration and stress, relax, maintain a healthy weight and set goals while accomplishing them.

Workshop leaders are Jane Kennedy and Lula Moon.

Contributions will be accepted for the sessions, but is not required.

To register, call 828-251-7438 or email stephanie@landofsky.org. info: landofsky.org.

— L.M.

Comedian hits high country

ASHEVILLE — “Comedy Central” comedian Erin Foley will bring her “Lady With Pockets” tour to the Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., on March 14 at 8 p.m., as part of the 27th Annual Comedy Classic held March 13-15.

The lesbian stand-up comedian and actor has been featured on late night TV on shows such as Conan O’Brien, Craig Fergusion, Chelsea Handler, Arsenio Hall and Carson Daly. She also has performed a numerous comedy festivals including the San Francisco Sketch and the Montreal Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.

A sports enthusiast, she hits the airwaves on her “Sports Without Balls” podcast.

When not appearing on stage, she is a cast member of TruTV’s “How to be a Grown Up” and has written for a new NBC sitcom, “One Big Happy,” set to debut this spring. And she can also be seen in national commercial ad campaigns.

The LGBT comedy night in Los Angeles, Calif., “Gays R Us,” is produced by Foley and is held at the Hollywood Improv once a month.

Tickets and accommodation packages are available online. info: erinkfoley.com. omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park.

— L.M.

Southern LGBT conference ahead

ASHEVILLE — The LGBT* in the South Conference will be held on April 17-18, 8 a.m., at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square.

Deadline for registration is March 15.

news

Keynote speaker will be Mandy Carter, a southern African-American social justice activist. She is the national coordinator of the Bayard Rustin Commemoration Project of the National Black Justice Coalition.

She is currently participating in the organization of the 50th Anniversary Selmato-Montgomery Voting Rights March. Fifty years ago, Congress was moved to pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act. This year, the event many of the original participants will join in the observance and both President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to to join in as well.

A variety of workshops will be held on such subjects as those on community law, black and gay in the south, advocacy and more.

Scholarship applications for the conference are available online. Deadline is March 25.

Three CLE credits for each day will be given to North Carolina attorneys who attend. info/registration/accommodations: lgbtinthesouth.com.

— L.M.

Center creation moves ahead

ASHEVILLE — The Blue Ridge Pride Board of Directors has announced that the Pride Center of the Blue Ridge has completed its task force stage of development.

The board is now tasked in the creation of the facility. Rebecca Chaplin and others have joined the board to help bring the project to fruition. Committees that need staffing are internal affairs (accounting, finance, tax, human resources, law, facilities) and external affairs (fundraising, program services, public relations, marketing, social media, event planning).

Chaplin is serving as secretary. info: blueridgepride.org.

— L.M.

Owl farm showcases homesteading ROSMAN — Eight Owls Farmstead, located in between Pisgah Forest and Brevard, has changed its owners, Rain and Mika Parker. The work they do at Eight Owls has served to tone up their bodies and hone their farming skills.

The lesbian-owned business is semi-off-grid and provides resources for organic products and food while educating those who venture out in the processes used there. It is now in its third season.

The farm is not simply produce focused. It also raises awareness in how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Owners teach animal care, organic gardening, natural building, butchery, healthy living techniques and provide farm-based immersion experiences.

They work with school groups, colleges and camps.

Participants learn skills on how to live off the land. DonationRain Parker (left) and wife based tuition allows for affordability.

Mika Parker got healthy With an all-female staff, the exposure makes for a remarkable and slim working at their experience for those who have wanted to learn about farm life.

Eight Oaks Farmstead Many of the events are just for women, although not all. over the past three years.

Rain Parker considers herself the farmer. Her wife Mika is the forager and artist who works in buckskins, makes bows and creates primitive art.

They ensure that their farm is free from chemicals and insecticides. And, the animals are fed on pasture and non-genetically-modified-organism grain. They sell their goods from the farm and a local market in Brevard.

Eight Owls welcomes volunteers and workshop leaders. Visit the website to learn more.

A women’s basic carpentry weekend will be held from March 21-22. Instructor is Karen George from Build Like a Bird Natural Building. Cost is $85 per person as a season opener special. From April 11-12, the workshop will be repeated, this time at a cost of $100 per person. An advanced class will be held May 15-17. Cost is $150 per person. Participants are asked to bring lunch and snacks for both days, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, long pants, closed-toed shoes and a positive attitude.

Other workshops continue through the spring and early summer, as well as immersion experiences throughout the year. Weekend camping and kitchen access is available with a donation to the farm at $25 per night. info: eightowlsfarmstead.com.

— L.M.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

7

news news notes: u.s./world. goqnotes.com/to/news

N.C. native gets national love North Carolina native Jacob Tobia is raising awareness on gender and diversity.

Photo Credit: I’m From Driftwood, via LGBTQ Nation.

Durham, N.C., native Jacob Tobia, a fast-rising activist on transgender and genderqueer issues, is getting some national attention, sharing his story in a video message with I’m From Driftwood.

Tobia, who will headline Equality NC’s statewide conference in March, was active on LGBT and gender issues as a high schooler and while a student at Duke University. Tobia told I’m From Driftwood that choosing between “male” and “female” felt too restrictive.

Tobia told the website: I wish I could show myself at 13 who I am now and be like, ‘You’re going to wear gowns! You’re not just going to wear heels; you’re not just going to paint your nails once; you’re not just going to put your mom’s lipstick on. You are going to wear a gown at a fancy event, and at a dinner, and you’re going to turn heads in it. That’s what’s in store for you, kid. Just embrace this faster.

Don’t be afraid of it. Love it.’

Read more and see the video via qnotes news partner LGBTQ Nation at bit.ly/1DLdvYt — Matt Comer

Congressman ‘proud grandpa’ of trans grandchild

SAN JOSE, Calif. — A Democratic U.S. House member has told the world just how proud he is of his transgender grandchild.

Sharing on Twitter, U.S. Rep. Mike Honda, a Democrat from California, said he was a “proud grandpa.”

“As the proud grandpa of a transgender grandchild, I hope she can feel safe at school without fear of being bullied,” Honda wrote, sharing a photo of him and his granddaughter.

The tweet was posted on Feb. 18 and was

welcomed by local LGBT community members in San Jose.

As of Feb. 22, the message had been retweeted more than 9,400 times and favorited nearly 16,000 times.

— Matt Comer

Thailand makes anti-gay moves

Thailand’s parliament has passed legislation passed a law banning foreigners and same-sex couples from seeking surrogacy services.

Under the new law, only married Thai couples or couples with one Thai partner who have been married at least three years can seek surrogacy, and commercial surrogacy is banned, reports the BBC. The legislation passed by Thailand’s national legislative assembly on Feb. 19 closed loopholes in the country’s public health laws that enabled commercial surrogacy to thrive.

“This law aims to stop Thai women’s wombs from becoming the world’s womb.

This law bans foreign couples from coming to Thailand to seek commercial surrogacy services,” National Legislative Assembly member Wanlop Tankananurak told Reuters.

Thailand’s “rent-a-womb” industry, which had made the Asian country a hotspot for the so-called “fertility tourism,” had come under a spotlight last year after a baby born of a Thai surrogate mother was allegedly abandoned by his Australian parents.

— LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Feb. 20 released long-awaited guidance to ensure equal access for transgender people in homeless shelters that receive federal funding. more: bit.ly/1JzTUzv A nationwide referendum on marriage and adoption in Slovakia failed in early February. More than 90 percent of voters approved the restrictions, but the 21.4 percent turnout fell far short of the 50 percent voter turnout needed to make the vote

8

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

binding. The measures were pushed by domestic and international anti-LGBT groups, including the Alliance for Family, which received a great deal of support from the Roman Catholic Church. more: bit.ly/1zZ2Qn3 A Missouri State Senate panel heard testimony on Feb. 18 on legislation that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodation. more: bit.ly/17JRoFi

goqnotes.com/to/arts

a&e

SPRING A&E GUIDE

Springtime Social Events to keep your social calendar in top-notch shape this spring

I

t might be a few more weeks before we completely start the warm-up toward our beautiful Carolina springtime, but local LGBT community members won’t be suffering from the doldrums when it comes to their social calendars. Take a look at some of our highlighted social events, activities, conferences and other happenings planned in the next few weeks.

March 21 TOY Mimosa Party JB’s on the Greenway 2128 Greenway Ave., Charlotte 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Time Out Youth hosts a fundraising event while cheering on runners in the Elizabeth 8K Road Race. A donation gets you access to bottomless mimosas. In 2014, the event raised close to $10,000 for Time Out Youth. Event details are available online. facebook.com/events/1528473724078345/ March 21 Equality NC Conference Durham Technical Community College 1637 E. Lawson St., Durham The AdvaNCe Equality Conference, hosted by Equality NC Foundation, is the largest gathering of LGBTQ activists in North Carolina.

Conference keynoter includes North Carolina-

native Jacob Tobia. Information and registration are available online. equalityncfoundation.org/conference/ March 21 Giving Gala Label Charlotte 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Suite B6, Charlotte 6:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Business Guild hosts its annual Giving Gala and Awards Ceremony, featuring speakers Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield and state Sen. Jeff Jackson.

Entertainment by Tenya Coleman of the Tenya Coleman Quartet. Tickets start at $70 for members, with a range of options for students, couples and more. Information and tickets are available online. cltbusinessguild.org March 28 Guilford Green Foundation Gala & Green Party Proximity Hotel, 704 Green Valley Rd., Greensboro 7 p.m.

It’s the “wedding reception we’ve been waiting for” touts organizers. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, live entertainment and silent auction. Tickets are $150 before March 2 and $175 afterward. ggfnc.org

March 28 Cindy Alexander 15239 Waterfront Dr., Huntersville 7 p.m.

Singer Cindy Alexander spends an evening with Different Roads Home at the Monteith Park Clubhouse.

Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Different Roads Home. $50 per person or $90 per couple donation. Open bar, food and live performance. differentroadshome.org April 17-18 LGBT* in the South Diana Wortham Theatre Deborah Cox will perform on April 18 at Hearts Beat 2 S. Pack Square, Asheville As One Foundation’s Founders’ Ball.

The Campaign for Southern Equality hosts their annual LGBT* in the South ment by Deborah Cox and co-chaired by Conference, featuring Mandy Carter as a City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, Mike keynote speaker. Information and registration are Blackwelder and Tommy Feldman. Formal available online. attire in a cocktail-style atmosphere benefitlgbtinthesouth.com ting Safe Alliance, Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Mecklenburg County and Autism April 18 Charlotte. Early bird tickets are $50 through The Founders’ Ball March 23. Regular admission is $75. VIP early Mint Museum Randolph bird is $140. Information and tickets are avail2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte able online.

7:45 p.m. heartsbeatone.org Hearts Beat as One Foundation hosts its inaugural Founders’ Ball, featuring entertain— compiled by Matt Comer

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

9

SPRING A&E GUIDE

Tyler Smith aims to shock and awe Local sideshow performer pushes boundaries, appreciates audiences’ disgust and amazement at taboo art

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

L

ocal artist and performer Tyler Smith really didn’t know what he was getting into the first time he agreed to participate in a sideshow performance in Charlotte.

He’d had some interest, and his aunt had introduced him to the nowdisbanded performance troupe Kabarett Vulgare, where other performers asked him to be their human pincushion.

“I kind of got thrown into it, honestly,” Smith, 20, says. “One of the other performers, Amy, asked me if I was interested in becoming their human pincushion for a Valentine’s day show they were doing. Basically, she was just going to stick needles in my chest in the shape of a heart and run a red ribbon through it and that was supposed to be it.”

That performance got canceled during last year’s bitter snow and ice storm, but Smith soon got his chance to do another show some weeks later.

“I expected whatever to happen to happen,” he recalls. “It was fun. It was a very new experience to have.”

And Smith says the pins didn’t really cause him too much pain.

“The way we did it was in a sort of ritual, trance act, so it was a very meditative state I was in,” he says. “It didn’t really hurt all that bad, because I was more focused on meditating and deep breathing. I didn’t really focus on the pain.”

Smith’s introduction to the “freak show” had begun. He tried other acts, like the human blockhead — hammering a screw, nail or other item into his nasal cavity. He’s also practiced eating and breathing fire, eating glass, walking on broken glass and is now working toward perfecting sword swallowing.

His human blockhead performance recently got a bit of attention and gained him some new social media followers. In December, FX’s “American Horror Story” shared his short Instagram video featuring the act in their “We Are All Freaks” Freak of the Day feature.

“I checked the message they sent me because at first I didn’t believe it,” Smith says.

“When I saw that it really was from them, telling me I had been chosen to be featured, I was super excited. I still kind of couldn’t believe it.”

Smith says he really enjoys the dramatic components of sideshow performance. It’s intriguing, he says, to watch audience members recoil in disgust while at the same time leaning in in amazement.

“Honestly, they don’t want to watch, but they also can’t look away. It’s like a train wreck,” he says. “It definitely drives me to push it even further and see how much further I can gross people out and freak them out.”

Body modification, freak shows and sideshow acts, along with other oddities of the weird and curious, have engaged audiences for millenia. Smith says some might see it as a “dying art,” but it still has staying power and the ability to draw in new and curious onlookers.

“It’s just the taboo of it, me being able to do something that a normal person wouldn’t do,” he says.

And Smith includes his audiences in his acts, too — delivering even more shock and awe.

In one act, what Smith calls “Mental Floss,” he takes a long, flexible PVC tube and runs it through his nose and out of his mouth. Next, he asks an audience member to use the tube as a straw, drinking a cocktail through his head. In another act, audience members use a staple gun to staple dollar bills to Smith’s body.

“I include them in the act,” he says. “They are helping me do this really disgusting, really weird thing. It draws people up to the stage and makes them want to be a part of it.”

Audiences do, occasionally, draw the line.

“When I ask them to pull a screwdriver from my head [during the human blockhead act], that’s pushing it too much,” Smith relates.

Smith is still new to the biz. He’s teaching himself new acts and looking toward booking performances soon at local venues. He’s already performed some acts at Chaser’s, Petra’s and other venues. He hopes he’ll soon be able to book acts at Snug Harbor or Scorpio.

Smith, who is himself gay, says the gay community has been particularly fond patrons of the taboo art: “A lot of the gay community are already so open with being different and being creative. A lot of my influences come from there.”

Smith says he’s also working to create a new performance troupe he’s calling the Cabaret of Curiosities. A few friends are already on board and he hopes he can do auditions for other performers soon.

Until it all pulls together, Smith plans to continue training and trying new acts.

“I’ve only been doing this a little over a year now,” he says. “Whenever I do new acts, it’s definitely a little bit scary.”

But its something he enjoys immensely, and the audiences do, too.

“They all love it,” he says. : : — Learn more about Tyler Smith and follow him online at facebook.com/SatyrFreak and instagram.com/youngsatyr/.

Want to see Smith’s video featured by “American Horror Story”?

Visit twitter.com/AHSFX/status/545635627610275840 or instagram.com/p/wuuHodiCEH/.

Photo Credit: Jim McGuire, Studio 1212

10

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

goqnotes.com/to/arts

a&e

SPRING A&E GUIDE

Anniversary celebrations mark gay arts spring LGBT arts groups prepare for spring performances as One Voice Chorus celebrates 25 years

M

arch comes in with the wind and so does the spring concert season. Three groups are holding concerts: Charlotte Pride Band, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and One Voice Chorus.

One Voice Chorus ‘Wishes: Dreams into Reality’ March 14, 3 p.m.

Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., Charleston March 15, 3 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, 118 East Morgan St., Wadesboro March 20, 7:30 p.m.

Great Aunt Stella Center, 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte March 21, 7:30 p.m.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1915 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia One Voice Chorus kicks off their 25th anniversary celebration with a concert asking audience members to consider what wishes they have for the community and world for the next 25 years. Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the door. onevoicechorus.com

25th Anniversary Silver Celebration March 28, 7 p.m.

Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St., Charlotte One Voice celebrates its 25th anniversary with hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, cabaret and DJ. Celebrate history.

Reconnect with old friends. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, either online or from chorus members. $15. onevoicechorus.com

Tickets are $13/individual and $22.50/family pass (two adults with kids under 12) and are available online. charlotteprideband.org Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte ‘Forte! 2015’ March 21 CenterStage@NoDa, 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte’s annual black tie gala, featuring music from the chorus, drinks, food and fun. $65. gmccharlotte.org — compiled by Lainey Millen

Charlotte Pride Band ‘Music That Moves You’ March 7, 5 p.m.

Heaton Hall, Myers Park Baptist Church 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte Pieces such as “Rookie of the Year,” “L’Esprit du Tour,” and “Arabesque” will be brought to life with action-packed performances. Local LGBT-affirming groups collaborating with the band include Charlotte Roller Girls, Queens of D’Nile Studio belly dancers and others. This is the band’s fifth anniversary concert.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

11

goqnotes.com/to/arts

a&e

SPRING A&E GUIDE

Theatre Charlotte presents ‘The Normal Heart’ Iconic play gets first full production in Charlotte

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

L

arry Kramer’s iconic autobiographical play, “The Normal Heart,” has been gracing stages for 30 years. Off Broadway performances, a short run on Broadway and last May’s HBO film adaptation — the screenplay adapted by Kramer himself — have all given the play a cult following and garnered it Tony and Emmy awards.

But a full production of the play itself has never come to Charlotte. This March and April, Theatre Charlotte, the city’s oldest community theatre, changes that.

The cast of Theatre Charlotte’s ‘The Normal Heart.’

Standing (L-R): Brandon James (Felix Turner), Tommy Foster (Ned Weeks), James Schmitt (Hiram Keebler; Doctor), Jonathan Desamero (David). Seated (L-R): Paul Riley (Bruce Niles), Cynthia Farbman Harris (Dr. Emma Brookner), Matt Mitchell (Craig Donnor, Grady), Frank Dominguez (Ben Weeks), Chris Chandler (Mickey Marcus), Jonathan Ewart (Tommy Boatwright).

“The fact that we’re doing it in Charlotte is exciting to me,” says director Dennis Delamar, who thinks the recent attention on the body of work, like last year’s TV film, will intrigue those who want to see a live version.

“I was worried the film might hinder attendance,” Delamar says. “I think more than anything, it educated people that it’s out there and hopefully they will be fascinated to see a stage production. There’s nothing like a live theatre performance. It’s a different piece of art than a movie. The movie is powerful. So is the play.”

Written in 1985, the play takes place the years between 1981 ad 1984, the earliest days of the AIDS Crisis. It’s set in New York City, one of the early epicenters of the epidemic that ravaged the gay community. Much of the play is autobiographical. Main character Ned Weeks is the founder of a prominent HIV advocacy group.

Playwright Kramer found himself taking up the mantle of LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS activist at the same time, co-founding New York City’s Gay Men’s Health Crisis, one of the earliest AIDS service and advocacy groups.

In the play, Ned (played by Charlotte’s Tommy Foster), like Kramer, takes a more outspoken approach to raising awareness to HIV. Preferring public confrontation and protest, Ned’s strategies clash with the calmer approaches preferred by his several friends and lover Felix Turner (Brandon James).

The play documents an important slice of gay and American history. And it attracts older audience members who lived through the time and might have experienced it along with younger audiences who are just now learning about the Crisis, Delamar says.

“It attracts people who lived through it.

People who lost loved ones,” Delamar stresses.

“But it also attracts this whole new, young audience which is learning a history they didn’t know really existed. It’s a very important thing to keep that history alive for young people, to know where the struggles started. This play brings it home.”

And in the midst of the history, the drama and the politics, there’s also love and friendship.

“It’s also a love story and that is so important to get audiences so invested in these characters,” Delamar says.

Delamar thinks audience members will find the play moving and touching. Personally, he thinks its one of the best plays ever written.

“Always as a director, I look for fine writing and this is beautifully written,” he says. : : If you go ‘The Normal Heart’ Written by Larry Kramer Directed by Dennis Delamar Presented by Different Roads Home March 20-April 4, Various times Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd. $27, 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org theatrecharlotte.org Recommended for ages 17+

12

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

goqnotes.com/to/arts

a&e

SPRING A&E GUIDE

Musicals highlight spring theatre showings ‘Kinky Boots,’ ‘Mamma Mia!’ offer Broadway thrill look at the sexual politics of New York during the AIDS crisis remains one of the theatre’s most powerful evenings ever.

It won the 2011 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. theatrecharlotte.org

Photo Credit: National tour photo by Matthew Murphy

‘Kinky Boots’ March 17-22 Blumenthal Performing Arts Center “Kinky Boots” is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible…proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, “Kinky Boots” features a joyous, Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. blumenthalarts.org ‘The Normal Heart’ March 20-April 4 Theatre Charlotte Presented by Different Roads Home, Theatre Charlotte mounts Larry Kramer’s iconic “The Normal Heart.” The story of a city in denial, “The Normal Heart” unfolds like a real-life political thriller — as a tight-knit group of friends refuses to let doctors, politicians and the press bury the truth of an unspoken epidemic behind a wall of silence. A quarter-century after it was written, this outrageous, unflinching, and totally unforgettable

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ May 15-31 Theatre Charlotte Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” comes to life in Charlotte. First created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent 1960s, “Jesus Christ Superstar” was Broadway’s first rock opera. At its center is Jesus, a social and political rebel, whose rapid rise in fame and following provides a parallel to today’s celebrity worship. As Jesus’ teachings are embraced by more and more people, Judas begins to question the motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. The final days of Jesus are dramatized with intensity and theatricality by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in their first Broadway effort. threatrecharlotte.org ‘Dirty Dancing’ June 16-21 Blumenthal Performing Arts Center “Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage” is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely indepen-

dent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do you Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” blumenthalarts.org

Photo courtesy Blumenthal Performing Arts

‘Mamma Mia!’ June 30-July 5 Blumenthal Performing Arts Center “Mamma Mia!” is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Whether it’s your first visit or your 14th, see the show that has the whole world coming back for more, because every time feels like the first time at “Mamma Mia!.” blumenthalarts.org

Jillian Mueller (Baby) and Samuel Pergande (Johnny) in the North American tour of “Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage.”

— compiled from theatre event listings and marketing materials

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Spring sounds from classical to country Featured concert listings March-June MARCH March 7 Fleetwood Mac, Time Warner Cable Arena, livenation.com March 7 Mary Chapin Carpenter with Charlotte Symphony Pops, Belk Theatre, blumenthalarts.org March 10 Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayafield, McGlohon Theatre, blumenthalarts.org John McVie, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood at Saint Paul, Minn., on 3 March 2009

Illustration Credit: freepix.com

see Sounds of Spring on 14 Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015 qnotes 13

Photo Credit: Matt Becker, melodicrockconcerts@gmail.com. Licensed CC.

goqnotes.com/to/arts

a&e

Sounds of spring continued from page 13 March 10 Fifth Harmony, Amos Southend livenation.com

April 4 Celtic Woman, Belk Theatre blumenthalarts.org

March 13 Andy Grammer and Alex & Sierra with Special Guest Paradise Fears The Fillmore Charlotte livenation.com

MAY

March 14 Chris Brown, Time Warner Cable Arena livenation.com March 18 Sarah McLachlan, Ovens Auditorium livenation.com March 24 Sir James Galway, Charlotte Symphony, Belk Theatre blumenthalarts.org March 27 An Intimate Evening with Incognito with Maysa McGlohon Theatre blumenthalarts.org APRIL April 1 Rhiannon Giddens, McGlohon Theatre blumenthalarts.org

May 15 Handel & The Royals, Charlotte Symphony, Knight Theatre at the Levine Center of the Arts blumenthalarts.org May 30 2015 Country Megaticket with Brad Paisley, Sam Hunt, Scotty McCreery, Hunter Hayes, Luke Bryan, RaeLynn, Cole Swindell and more PNC Music Pavilion livenation.com JUNE June 2 New Kids on the Block, with TLC & Nelly Time Warner Arena livenation.com June 6 Barry Manilow, Time Warner Cable Arena livenation.com June 8 Taylor Swift, with Vance Joy, Time Warner Arena livenation.com June 20 Beatles Tribute, Knight Theatre at the Levine Center of the Arts blumenthalarts.org June 25 Natalie Cole, Belk Theatre blumenthalarts.org JULY July 7 Imagine Dragons, with Metric & Halsey, Time Warner Arena livenation.com July 8 Barenaked Ladies, Uptown Amphitheatre at NC Music Factory livenation.com July 9 The Temptations & The Four Tops, Belk Theatre blumenthalarts.org July 10 Dave Matthews Band, PNC Music Pavilion livenation.com — compiled from marketing materials

14

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

16/5:65 3(> 6--0*, 3HYY` > 1VOUZVU (;;695,@

7OVUL! -H_!

7 6 )V_ /PJRVY` 5*

31VOUZVU'31VOUZVU3H^6MÄ JL JVT

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

15

goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com

Why you should never arrive to a dinner party empty handed Hey Trinity, My very well-to-do friends invited me to a dinner party. When I didn’t arrive with anything, another friend said that, “I should have brought something.” I disagreed, explaining that they said, “Not to bring anything just myself.” What’s up? Bring or don’t bring?

Guest Quest, Philadelphia, PA

matter how wealthy they are. Also, make sure to hand your gift to the host! Better luck next time.

Hey Guest Quest, Good question, but not the best decision. Being a guest means bringing a present, period.

Whether you’re a party guest or an overnight guest, you can always bring a box of cookies, wine, flowers, a dollar store knickknack, anything. Never arrive empty-handed, sweetie, no

Dear It’s On Them, Order whatever you like, but not the most expensive items, please, unless, of course, you want your date to think of you as, “The Last Supper” or “The last time I ever invite that over-priced #@$%! to dinner!” Pumpkin, being a good date means being polite, inquisitive, leaving your

Hello Trinity, Isn’t it true that when someone takes you on a date it looks good to order the most expensive item(s) so that it makes you look valuable?

It’s On Them, Houston, TX

problems at home and…ordering moderately. (My cartoon shows you how not to appear as a glutton, honey.

Eat, but don’t be excessive, either in manner or in ordering.)

Hello Trinity, I just started dating someone who was recently divorced. Is there anything I should know or be careful of before continuing to date?

Divorce Doubts, Spokane, WA Hello Divorce Doubts, Besides being careful of gun-slinging jealous ex-spouses, making sure he or she really is divorced and being aware that you’re not getting into anything too complicated, like multiple-incarcerated ex-spouses or cross-state-line custody battles over Siamese twins, then…there really is nothing to be to careful of. Sometimes, darling, getting someone with a bit of experience can be beneficial for many “intimate” reasons!

Dearest Trinity, I was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and recently beat it. But now when people ask, “Are you going to do things differently?” I don’t know what to say. What would you say?

A New Lease, Denver, CO Dearest New Lease, When people say, “If I could have done things differently” or “I wouldn’t have changed a thing” I want to barf. Let’s get real, honey! If I was given a second chance to fix my mistakes, establish better relationships and live each day smarter then…duh, of course I would do things differently. So for the future, let’s start practicing: Trinity’s Second Chance Suggestions For Living Life Smarter and Brighter 1. Spend more money when you have it and be more careful with it when you don’t!

2. Don’t be so quick to break off relationships just because he’s late a few times or he isn’t everything you dreamed he’d be.

3. Don’t be afraid to use your credit cards

16

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

a&e

when you need them and don’t be so relaxed about paying them off.

4. Eat more (dark) chocolate, drink more wine with dinner like the French and eat all the mints on the pillows in those fancy hotels.

5. A sk more handsome men to dance and don’t be so discouraged if they say, “No”.

Keep at it!

6. Allow yourself to feel your feelings more often even when it hurts really bad.

7. P ull the car over longer to look at the blossoming trees.

8. Spend more time with your grandparents and less time avoiding them just to be with your “friends.”

9. Study harder, travel more often, fall in love deeper and get up earlier for those gorgeous sunrises.

10. A nd, lastly, take more pictures of yourself while you’re younger. Even though you think you’re not perfect, it won’t be till much later that you realize, “Damn, I was way cuter than I thought.” : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

SPORTS

Playing the Field Match-ups from across the Carolinas: College hoops await NCAA ‘dance’ hopefuls

by Jon Hoppel :: qnotes contributor Happy Winter everyone! It has been a very cold and rainy month, which has derailed a few of your local sports teams’ training in preparation for their season. But with March (/April) Madness just around the corner, this is one of the most exciting times of the year to be a sports fan.

Conference tournaments for college basketball will begin soon, followed by the best tournament in college sports, the NCAA tournament. Its size, unpredictability, and 24-hour news coverage is like the Holy Grail to many sports fans (and gamblers). Here in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) country, we are predicted to get in as many as eight teams in the “dance,” which would be extremely impressive if you do not consider how the ACC has expanded in recent years. But the biggest question of the college basketball season, (as of when this was written), is whether the incredibly deep and talented Kentucky team can stay undefeated the entire way, which has not happened since the 1975-76 season when the Indiana Hoosiers pulled off the historic feat.

Following the always-exciting conclusion of the NCAA tournament, the NHL (National Hockey League) and the NBA (National Basketball Association) begin their post-season tournaments.

The race for the Stanley cup in hockey is always one of the most unpredictable contests in professional sports. Many teams over the years have gotten in sync at the right time or have rode a hot goalie all the way to the finals.

The NBA however usually holds to form until the conference championship round. But with the loaded Western Conference, any one of the top six seeds could advance to play for the Larry O’Brien trophy in the finals. The Hornets, however, are still fighting for one of the 6-8 seeds in the Eastern Conference. Hopefully, the recent acquisitions of Mo Williams and Troy Daniels will help Charlotte become more consistent and give them the ability to win all these close games that they seem to lose.

The main story line, as it is every year, is about LeBron James and whether or not he can win a championship in success-starved

Cleveland, which has not won a title in any sport since 1964. In the watered-down Eastern Conference, he and the Cavaliers definitely will have a shot to make it in the finals and get LeBron his 3rd ring.

And, you know what has already happened? Major League Baseball players have already reported to spring training. That is right, just three short months ago, MLB crowned their 110th champion, the San Francisco Giants, and the process to win the 111th title has begun again. The Hot Stove league has been cooking with so many transactions, that there are way too many to list here, but with the immense player movement comes hope for your favorite MLB team.

So, whatever your sport, the next couple of months should be extremely exciting. Check your local listings for times and dates! ­————————————————— Regional Now for your local wrap up, here are some tournaments that you may be interested in seeing or participating in: Southeast Round Robin — Rugby: Charlotte, N.C., March 21 The Southern Shootout — Softball Birmingham, Ala., April 3-5 The Colonial Cup — Rugby Philadelphia, Penn.

April 25-26 Big Peach Softball Tournament — Softball Atlanta, Ga. May 22-24

Illustration Credits: Rugby, duchessa, via rgbstock.com Softball, sport-kid.net.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

17

EVENTS

February-March 2015 SEP FEB MO

00 27

Continues through Feb. 28 We’re Ballin’ Various locations Charlotte

Sugawalls Ent, Go Getta Crys and Infamous Dra present a weekend of parties and activities as the CIAA tournament comes to Charlotte. More information, including event listings and ticket purchases are available online. hweballinlgbt.eventbrite.com Ladies CIAA Party SEP FEB MO 2415 W. Morehead St., Charlotte 9:30 p.m.

Ladies party night during the CIAA tournament. With hookahs, food, cocktails. Tickets and more information online. sleevents.ticketleap.com/LGBTci2015 –––––––––––––––––––– FLO CIAA Party Big Ben’s 200 South Blvd., Charlotte 10 p.m.

“For Lesbians Only” CIAA party, with food and drink specials. Presented by The Queen Scene and HollyJEvents.

Tickets and more information online. flo50.eventbrite.com

I Do: Marriage & Weddings SEP MAR MO 6100 Fairview Rd., Suite 206, Charlotte 6:30 p.m.

Charlotte Family Resource, a new local non-profit group, presents its first seminar led by Jessica Milicevic and Connie Vetter.

This seminar will discuss new marriage laws and how it will affect couples, how to legally marry and your rights as a married couple. It will also cover basic wedding planning the benefits of having an LGBTQ advocate to help you plan your event. charlottefamilyresource.org

00 05

SEP MAR MO

00 07

Music That Moves You Myers Park Baptist Church 1900 Queens Rd., Charlotte 5 p.m.

00 28

The Charlotte Pride Band makes moves with a concert inspired by the body in motion. Music That Moves You brings pieces such as “Rookie of the Year,” “L’Esprit du Tour,” and “Arabesque” to life with action-packed performances.

Local LGBT-affirming groups collaborating with the band include Charlotte Roller Girls, Queens of D’Nile Studio belly dancers, and more! Tickets are $13 or $22.50 for a family pass (two adults, all kids under age 12). charlotteprideband.org

Submit your event to our calendar!

You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-for-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), the LGBT Center (lgbtcharlotte.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).

Adult Ally Night SEP MAR MO The Bar 711 Rigsbee Ave., Durham Triangle-area youth group iNSIDEoUT hosts an adult ally fundraising night. A $5 cover goes directly to the group. The event is open only to those 18 and up, 21 to drink. insideout180.org

Equality NC Conference Durham Technical Community College 1637 E. Lawson St., Durham

Continues through April 4 ‘The Normal Heart’ Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd., Charlotte Award-winning production about the early days of the AIDS crisis.

Different Roads Home is presenting sponsor. Tickets are $27 and available online. theatrecharlotte.com –––––––––––––––––––– ‘Wishes: Dreams into Reality’ The Great Aunt Stella Center 926 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

As part of their continuing celebration of its 25 year history, One Voice Chorus asks those who attend to consider what wishes for the community and world one has for the next 25 years. Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the door. onevoicechorus.com

The AdvaNCe Equality Conference, hosted by Equality NC Foundation, is the largest gathering of LGBTQ activists in North Carolina. Conference keynoter includes North Carolina-native Jacob Tobia. Information and registration are available online. equalityncfoundation.org/conference/ –––––––––––––––––––– Giving Gala Label Charlotte 900 NC Music Factory Blvd., Suite B6, Charlotte 6:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Business Guild hosts its annual Giving Gala and Awards Ceremony, featuring speakers Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield and state Sen. Jeff Jackson. Entertainment

by Tenya Coleman of the Tenya Coleman Quartet. Tickets start at $70 for members, with a range of options for students, couples and more. Information and tickets are available online. cltbusinessguild.org

00 07

SEP MAR MO

00 20

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

00 21

SEP MAR MO

00 21 21 00

TOY Mimosa Party SEP MAR MO JB’s on the Greenway, 2128 Greenway Ave., Charlotte 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Time Out Youth hosts a fundraising event while cheering on runners in the Elizabeth 8K Road Race. A donation gets you access to bottomless mimosas. In 2014, the event raised close to $10,000 for Time Out Youth. Event details are available online. facebook.com/events/1528473724078345/

To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/

18

SEP MAR MO

Forté!

Center Stage @ NoDa 2315 N Davidson St., Charlotte 6:34 p.m.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte’s annual black tie gala. Tickets $65 available online. gmccharlotte.org –––––––––––––––––––– ‘Wishes: Dreams into Reality’ Redeemer Lutheran Church 1915 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia 7:30 p.m.

As part of their continuing celebration of its 25 year history, One Voice Chorus asks those who attend to consider what wishes for the community and world one has for the next 25 years. Tickets are $25 in advance online and $30 at the door. onevoicechorus.com Sweet Tooth Festival SEP MAR MO Omni Charlotte Hotel 132 E. Trade St., Charlotte The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) hosts its fourth annual drop-in celebration of all things sweet, featuring the Charlotte area’s best purveyors of cupcakes, candies, cakes and sweet treats. All proceeds benefit RAIN. carolinarain.org

00 22

Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Delighted Tobehere Popular Roxy changes name, gears up for new course

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Photo Credit: Cory Buckley

Popular local drag star Roxy C. Moorecox has had her fair share of the spotlight.

Performing annual at local and regional Pride events, emceeing at community events and even traveling across the nation and to the U.K., Roxy, local performer Clay Smith’s alter ego, has seen and done just about all. And now she’s ready to do even more, with exciting announcements coming soon, she promises. The first big reveal? Roxy’s retirement and the debut of Delighted Tobehere. We caught up with Delighted to get to know her a bit more.

Matt Comer: So you’ve had some exciting news lately, including a name change! Tell us more about Delighted Tobehere.

Delighted Tobehere: Delighted Tobehere is just good ol’ Roxy with a fresh coat of paint and a new outlook on life and what it means to be an entertainer. I recognized that the risqué nature of my stage name was holding me back from more “mainstream’ opportunities and that a change needed to take place. So, with the careful and thoughtful advice from a team of advisors and professionals, I created a new name that not only reflected the playful, southern charm that you loved about Roxy, but that also incorporates the message of having a positive outlook on life. That which you focus on expands, and all too often we find ourselves enveloped by negative people and thoughts. It is my hope to continue to provide my audience with the same, or better, quality of live vocals, celebrity illusion, comedy, wit, and professionalism you’ve come to expect from me with the added bonus of a little insight on how to make your life just that much better by focusing on the good rather than the bad. I hope that you will all join me on this new adventure! Remember, it’s not always about the destination! Enjoy the journey and all the stops along the way, that way you can be Delighted Tobehere too! :-) Any other exciting announcements you care to share?

What? This wasn’t big enough?! ;-) There are, in fact, more big things coming in the next few weeks, but you’ll have to just stay tuned to ImDelightedTobehere.com and all of my social media outlets to stay in-the-know about all of the Delighted events and announcements to come!

We all know Roxy, but Delighted Tobehere is just making her introduction, so, we’d love to get to know her a little better... What’s her favorite song she likes to perform? What makes it so special?

That’s easy! Any Reba song. Lord knows I’m not the Reba doppelgänger that my North Carolina sister Coti Collins is, and though there’s always room for improvement, I do my best and have fun doing it! Sometimes you just need to do what makes you happy and the audience can tell when you do!

What about dresses? What is Delighted’s most flattering or favorite style or color?

Historically? Black and flowy. lol! However, after losing 50 pounds over the past two years, I’ve started incorporating a little more color and more fitted garments into my wardrobe!

Roxy — oh, I mean Delighted — was always known for her on-stage jokes. Is Delighted Tobehere going to add anything new to the repertoire?

Absolutely. The saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it;” well, I do intend on maintaining my standards, but expect some additions! I have been told, “You’re not a drag queen, you’re an entertainer.” At first, I was a little taken aback, because I’m very proud to be a part of the Drag community, but I recognized that they were just meaning that I don’t just lip sync and do splits... and there’s a good reason for that — I can’t!

My sisters that can deserve every dollar that is rained on them for doing so, too! If I tried to do a split I’d just be grateful for Obamacare! But in the spirit of that comment, I have been inspired to think outside the box, and remove any limitation to what is “expected” of a drag queen. So get ready, because some of the new looks and characters are going to be fun!

What’s Delighted Tobehere’s favorite kind of performance venue? Big, small, bar, large club, TV, a little bit of everything?

I have been blessed to perform for intimate, living room birthday shows with five people to hosting Charlotte Pride every year with its thousands...and my preference? Anywhere that I have an audience...and sometimes that audience is my shower head. : : — Want to learn more about Delighted Tobehere? Visit ImDelightedTobehere.com.

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015

qnotes

19

20

qnotes

Feb. 27-March 12 . 2015