July 2014

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Advertisers at a glance Pearl Vodka 3 Just John 6 Bacardi/Glazers 8 Pam Schneider 12 Missouri History Museum 12 Immerse 12 STL Science 13 Hamburger Mary’s 13 Bistro 303 16 Hilton President KC 16 KC Convention & Visitors 17 Muny 22 Curbed KC Real Estate 22 Walter Knoll 22 Social Nightclub 22 City of Maplewood 23 Stages St. Louis 36 W.E. Fit 36 Forsythe Dental Group 36 Clear Channel 50 Lumiere Place Hotel & Casino 51 Soak’D: Poolside Fashion Show 52

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Darin Slyman

dsly@thevitalvoice.com

Associate Publisher/Director of Marketing Jimmy Lesch jimmy@thevitalvoice.com

Art Director Andrea Piamonte andrea@thevitalvoice.com

Content Manager Brent peterson brent@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Photographer Mikey Berner mikey@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Writer Chris andoe chris@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Writer Hanna botney hanna@thevitalvoice.com

Staff Writer Denny patterson denny@thevitalvoice.com

Contributors

Photography: Mikey Berner, Mark Borella Photography, White Klump

20K Issues Printed Monthly 400+ Points of Distribution throughout the St. Louis and Kansas City area Vital VOICE is your premier

LGBT publication and reaches a diverse readership from thoughtful leaders and young thinkers to trendsetters in culture, entertainment and beyond.

Photography, Andrea Piamonte, Derrick Yule, Michael Halbwachs, Timothy White, Joe Pugliese, Ben Mark Holzberg, Brian Bowen, Abel Cruz, James Dimmock, Cure Design Group and Lily Voss Writing: Brent Peterson, Denny Patterson, Darin Slyman, Chris Andoe, Chris Clark, Hanna Botney, Mikey Berner and Penelope Wigstock Design: Andrea Piamonte and Michael Tarazi

Advisory Board

William A. Donius, Thom Halter, Jay Perez, Pam Scheider, Kellie Trivers and Sharon Tucci

Online

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Advertising

vv@thevitalVOICE.com

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July 2014

July 2014 | Volume 15 | Issue 7

Table of

Contents 4. advertisers at a glance 7. publisher’s letter 9. lez be real — Defiance

14. Glenn Packard’s men of the strip

18. Kansas City’s

Dustin Rapier

24. Tales from the Emperor— sex, drugs & apps

30. Must-see Summer festivals 32. outdoor entertaining guide 37. penelope wigstock —

26.

On the

Cover

Celebrity Fashion Commentator Greg Kotsiopoulos on Fashion Police, red carpets and summer chic. Cover Photography by Timothy White.

summer don’ts

37. mikey’s morsels —

meat grilling guide

42. STL playdates 44. KC playdates 46. scene in StL 48. scene in Kc Stay Connected with us thevitalVOICE.com

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July 2014

publisher’s Letter

Heat The

Is On

Happy Independence, America! While we still strive for equality across the board, there are a lot of things to get out and enjoy this month. Check out Hanna Botney’s top picks for outdoor festivals across St. Louis.

Who doesn’t like a good backyard BBQ or house party to celebrate our nation’s independence? Chris Clark explores new options to spice up your holiday celebration.

Former Illinois resident and this month’s cover boy George Kotsiopoulos gave us some insight into trends for the summer, along with his thoughts on his co-host from E! Fashion Police. From his unique laugh to Joan Rivers snarky comments, Kotsiopoulos spills the “T” from E. What gay man doesn’t like a hot body? Chris Andoe’s interview with Glenn Packard from Men of the Strip shows us the hard work it takes to make it in America’s all-male adult dance troupe.

Returning for a second season, Syfy’s Defiance comes back strong with the emergence of an alien lesbian character. Vital VOICE caught up with actress Trenna Keating on her character and Defiance’s take on living in a post apocalyptic St. Louis.

Despite all the advances the LGBT community has achieved, a seedy underworld still remains. Chris Andoe’s Sex, Drugs and Apps explores the dark side of the LGBT drug scene and how some people overcome the addiction.

I’d also like to invite all our Kansas City audience to SOAK’D on July 10th poolside at Hotel Sorello. Pearl Vodka and Vital VOICE are teaming up for our second KC event of 2014. Come enjoy complimentary Pearl and Bacardi cocktails and an exclusive Christian Michael Poolside fashion show. This event will also benefit KC’s Millennial League. Directly after, head over to Bistro 303 for the official after party where the stylish shenanigans will continue well into the night.

As we continue to enjoy the heat of the summer, let’s all find our own independence from what hinders our own journeys.

Darin Slyman Publisher/CEO thevitalVOICE.com

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July 2014

The

Science Behind

“DEFIANCE” Doc Yewll Comes Out

Photography by

(Photo by Joe Pugliese)

Written by Hanna Botney Michael Halbwachs, Ben Mark Holzberg & Joe Pugliese

thevitalVOICE.com

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featuring

trenna keating

(Photo by Michael Halbwachs)

The story of Defiance takes place in rebuilt St. Louis (renamed Defiance) in 2046. Earth has been radically transformed, plants and animals are extinct and new species roam the planet.

Humans and aliens must work together to survive in this new world. One of the alien species is the Indogenes.

The Indogenes are a technicallyminded race who modify their bodies with implants specific to their chosen profession. The most prominent Indogene is Doc Yewll. Doc serves as Defiance’s doctor. Her brilliance is one of the city’s greatest assets.

Underneath the geometrically patterned skin and make-up is a stunning Trenna Keating. Keating gives Doc Yewll life.

In Season Two, we are getting more dimension to Doc: she’s coming out.

Keating took a few minutes to talk about playing Doc and all that is in store for her future.

H: Is this the first time you have ever done a sci-fi role?

This is my first sci-fi role. I never imagined I would be an alien!

H: What is it like getting into the mindset of a non-human?

It was actually really interesting, because

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July 2014

I’ve been asked a lot over the last year who I looked to as far as sci-fi characters for my research and to get in the headspace of Doc Yewll. Strangely enough, I looked more to characters like Temperance Brennan from Bones and Walter Bishop from Fringe. These kinds of characters are definitely outsiders and a little bit eccentric and extremely intelligent, but don’t really know how to fit in in a social situation. So that is kind of how I got into the headspace for Doc Yewll.

As far as the sci-fi side of it and the alien side of it, that was all completely new to me. Being prepared for the prosthetic and becoming an alien was something that I just kind of took day by day and figured it out as I went along. [Laughs]

H: What is your prosthetic and makeup process like?

It takes about two to three hours to get into the mask. The mask is one piece that they slide over my head. They glue it all down, paint it, and then the contact lenses go in.

At the end of the day, they actually cut me out of the mask and they throw it away.

The process of becoming Doc is pretty intense. We have a great prosthetics team and I spend a lot of time with them so I am really glad we all get along.

H: What was your impression of Doc Yewll when you read the script?

I love the sarcasm that was immediately captured in the bit that I did for my audition. I just loved that she was very cut and dry. I could tell them she was a no nonsense kind of person. I absolutely loved her because she is smart and not to be messed with. I think that was initially what really drew me to the character.

H: What are some of your other favorite aspects of Doc Yewll?

I am thrilled every time I see the show on TV because to me, she is such a kind of “dude” in some ways. I tend to be a bit more of the “girly girl.” I love that I get to play this character that I don’t always feel like I am in my own life. I love that she is highly intelligent. It is great that they’re writing such strong female voices. I just feel really grateful every time I get a script. It’s exciting to see what I get to do and say next.

H: As an Indogene, you sometimes have to speak their alien language, Indojisnen. Is Indojisnen based on real languages or is it entirely made up?

David Peterson, who is incredible and does all of the Game of Thrones languages as well, has a very strong linguistics background. There is some of that in Indojisnen for sure. From what I understand, they are created from real lost languages. I am sure a lot of it is made up as well. [Laughs]

H: What is it like trying to speak a language you do not know?

It is fun but it is hard. Compared to some of the other actors, I have had to do very little of it. What I have done, I have found really hard. You have to be listening carefully to try and get it right. We have it sent to us to listen to and try to memorize it. I write it out phonetically for myself.

Then I have to try and make it have the proper feeling and emotion. I absolutely commend people like Tony [Curran], Stephanie [Leonidas], and Jaime [Murray] who are speaking it so much because I truly do not know how they do it.

H: It has been revealed that your character is coming out in Season

lez be real

Two. What can we expect to see with that story line?

I was really excited to find that out. An interesting note is that last year during Season One, I often got asked by directors that came onto the show, “So do you think Doc Yewll has a boyfriend or what is Doc Yewll’s story?” I got asked this over and over again and I thought, “Wow, people are really interested in Doc Yewll’s sexuality.” I think it is because she is slightly androgynous and we don’t really know. I always said to these directors, “Well, you know I don’t think she would have a boyfriend. I think of her as quite asexual but if there was a love interest, it would be a woman.”

H: Funny that it’s now her story!

For sure, I thought that was interesting when I started getting the scripts for Season Two. I think it is great. We can expect to see a little bit of a vulnerable side of Doc that we haven’t seen before.

She does have a love interest that comes into her life, so we do get to see a little bit of that. We also see it with some of the other characters that we might not expect; some alliances are formed. I think it is an exciting season for Doc for sure.

H: We will get to understand a little more about where Doc is coming from.

Right, she gets a little knocked off her balance as we all do when it comes to love. There is nothing that can pull us apart and knock us down and make us lose our focus like love, right?

experience it all over again.

H: When you watch the show, do you watch it more as a viewer or is it like you’re seeing it a second time?

I love watching it because the script goes through so many revisions while you’re filming that you forget so much and you also get so focused on your own story line, I love seeing what is happening with everybody else. We do a table read of the script but by the time I actually see it, so much has changed. I really am able to watch it like a viewer.

I just think it is such a spectacular world. I am always excited to see how it all looks, they are such geniuses with creating the world of Defiance and the world of St. Louis.

You can catch Defiance Thursdays at 8/7c on SyFy. If you need to catch up on Season One or any recent episodes, be sure to check out Syfy.com. V

Lez BE REAL

(Photo by Joe Pugliese)

H: With Season Two premiering last month coming out, what else is in the cards for you?

I have a few things coming up.

I am working on a very sweet children’s dog movie right now.

And I also have a few other things in the works as well. I am busy but really looking forward to Season Two of Defiance. I love seeing the show, I feel like it has been so long. I feel like I am missing all of my Defiance team so I am excited to get together with friends and (Photo by Ben Mark Holzberg)

Now Open!

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July 2014

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Writen by Chris Andoe Photo by Abel Cruz

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July 2014

(Photo by James Dimmock)

amed choreographer Glenn Douglas Packard, dubbed “a dancing entrepreneur” by The New York Times, has worked with many of the biggest names in the business, from Pink to Michael Jackson. A dozen years before the blockbuster Magic Mike ignited the public’s imagination, he’d reinvented the Chippendales for their 25 Anniversary. The mainstream success the movie inspired him to team up with Jeff Timmons, founding member of 98°, to reimagine the male revue with a younger, hipper edge, and to bring a television audience along for the ride.

Gay and straight men are welcome at the shows and everyone who attends will be shown a good time. These guys are totally comfortable with everyone.

I caught up with Packard in Las Vegas to discuss Men of the Strip, the E! docusoap that follows along as his titans of temptation tour the U.S. and prep for their first Las Vegas performance, all with high-stakes hopes of finding residency on the famed Vegas Strip.

Packard says the eight male finalists that made it on Men of the Strip were narrowed down from hundreds.

“We went to America’s sexiest cities – Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas – and once I liked the way they moved, I narrowed it down to thirty guys in each city,” he explains. “After that, they went through an interview process with me, since I was looking for personalities and back stories. After that extensive questioning, I got my final eight.”

Each of the guys, ages 23 to 32, certainly does have their own distinctive backstory. “One of the guys is a former NFL player who had to leave the league as the result of an injury,” Packard says. “One only likes large women, and one is celibate. And then there’s the bromance! This

pair of straight guys will be every gay guy’s ideal relationship. They’re soul mates.

“All the performers are straight alpha men, I’m the only gay one — the mother hen,” Packard says with a laugh. “Gay and straight men are welcome at the shows and everyone who attends will be shown a good time. These guys are totally comfortable with everyone.”

Reflecting on his experience with Chippendales, he thought how interesting it would be for a television audience to see such a production built from the ground up, but getting a network on board with the idea was challenging. “The topic is still taboo. We spent many months pitching to networks until finally E! agreed to take a chance on it.”

At this point Men of the Strip has consumed the past eighteen months of his life and several of those months were on the road. “Nine guys on one bus on a forty city tour. It was like a male version of Sex & the City. Fan reaction was immediate and intense,” said Packard. “Before any TV promos even began airing we already had Super Fans who’d follow us along from city to city!”

Once the show’s up and running in Vegas, he’ll begin work on his next endeavor, which will be a gay male revue called “Boots & Boys.” “Las Vegas is the second top gay tourist destination in the U.S. with about 30,000 LGBT travelers a day! There’s tremendous opportunity there.”

All bets are that Packard and his men will have no problem muscling their way to the top the Vegas Strip. V thevitalVOICE.com

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Come as you are in Kansas City.

From the moment you arrive to long after you leave, KC’s cool, cultural vibe and Midwestern hospitality are sure to leave an impression. No wonder About.com named it one of America’s Most Underrated Cities for Gay Travelers. See how Kansas City inspires you at VisitKC.com/LGBT.

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“Music Gave Me A Second Chance” The Kansas City musician discusses his latest project, hitting rock bottom and his own personal rediscovery Denny Patterson Photography by Derrick Yule Written by

Kansas City might be home to numerous artists, but Dustin Rapier is the town’s latest up and coming musical genius.

The Arkansas native can be seen playing at local piano bars and coffee shops, covering everything from Lana Del Ray to the Jackson 5.

Never having any professional training, the young musician singlehandedly produced his first album Songs About No One from start to finish and released his latest project Spectrum last month.

Yes, a lot may be going for Rapier, but he has struggled and faced many obstacles throughout his life.

He was born into a religious family. His father was the pastor of a very large church, and he admits feeling as though he lived in a glass house at times.

“I was always on my guard making sure I wasn’t saying the wrong thing,” he explains. “My parents were never too terribly strict and they would encourage me to do the right thing. I’m very grateful for my upbringing with my church roots, they made me what I am today.

“After I graduated college, I was done with religion because I didn’t feel like I had any place with it,” Rapier continues. “That really left a void as if something was missing. I eventually found a church in KC that’s a lot

like home, but different in other ways.”

When he opened up about his sexuality to his family, Rapier says that it was definitely one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. Fortunately, the outcome was not heartbreaking, unlike the thousands who have been disowned by their families.

“My main concern was having my parents be disappointed in me,” he recalls. “I’m the only son, so there’s a lot of pressure.

I wrote them a letter basically letting them know I’m the same person they have always known. I’m no different. Just because they know a little more about me doesn’t mean I’m completely hiding myself.

“After the initial shock wore off, I had them meet me halfway between KC and Arkansas at a BBQ joint for dinner and just talked,” he continues. “They said they would love me no matter what and was proud of me. They kind of blew me away; I was not expecting it. I thought they would completely cut me off from the family and I couldn’t come home for the holidays or talk to my sisters. It was really a great reaction.”

After Rapier graduated from college, he knew the world had more to offer outside of Arkansas. The initial plan was to move to Boston and look into the Berklee College of Music to continue his studies. Plans changed once he entered a long distance

relationship with a guy from KC. After dating for two years, the couple decided to move in together which would bring Rapier to KC. However, the guy broke off the relationship one month before move in day.

“I was locked in a lease and couldn’t afford to break it,” he says. “Fresh out of college and totally broke, I moved up anyway.

Might as well give it a shot. I’m a person who always fears the worst and was terrified. I didn’t know if people would hate me because of the break up or what. It definitely worked out for the better.

“People were very welcoming and fantastic, Rapier recalls. “Some of the people I met my first week here are still some of my best friends. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t had a bad experience with one person. There’s so much to do here in KC and after two years, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface.”

Thus far, the troubles Rapier faced had a positive outlook. However, there was a time in his life where he didn’t want to see another day. Rapier was to a level so low that he almost committed suicide.

He says he always knew that something was different about him. He was taken to such a dark place that he felt it was wrong to exist.

“There was this conscious message saying thevitalVOICE.com

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no matter what I did, it’s not good enough,” he explains. “When I moved to KC I felt like I didn’t have to hide anymore. I partied and let loose, it was the honeymoon period.”

Then it all came crashing down.

“A lot of the relationships I was forming were shallow and nothing more than drinking buddies,” he says. “Some of these feelings of loneliness came back and I didn’t know how to combat them other than to drink. I just drank seven nights a week, mostly at home alone. After doing this for so long, it finally wears on you and you can’t hold back the emptiness.

“August of last year, I took a trip back home for my mom’s birthday,” Rapier continues. “There was a tension as if something was off. It didn’t feel like home.

I planned to reconnect with old friends, but every plan fell through. It felt like I was a stranger in my hometown. It was a very odd sort of feeling. On my way back to KC, I had a terrible thought. I felt like I had no home, no place I belonged. As if I was stabbed through the heart, I pulled over and broke down for half an hour.

“After finishing my drive back to KC, all these emotions I tried to suppress just burst,” he concludes. “They all came out. It was completely overwhelming and it eventually drove me to a place I was tired and wanted everything to end. I had completely lost my fire and sense of purpose. One night when I was wasted drunk in the bathroom, I had a bottle of painkillers and I was writing my goodbye note. I was going to end it. I didn’t see a way out.”

Rapier obviously did see a way out.

“I had some credit card debt consolidated against my car and I didn’t want my parents to be stuck with the bills,” he explains. “That’s the only reason I didn’t go through with it. I didn’t want them to feel like I was giving them the finger and leaving them to clean up my mess.”

Rapier woke up the next morning in a blur. After clearing his mind and realizing what he was about to do the night before, he proceeded to reach out and look up resources and set himself up with a counselor. He has been receiving help to work through his issues.

“One of the best pieces of advice was to open up to a few close friends and invite them into my struggle,” he says. “I did that and, in my opinion, that was the greatest success in rediscovering myself. I underestimated the relationships I had and didn’t give the chance to let them in and help. Four of my friends stepped up and have consistently been there for me.”

In regards to Rapier’s music career, music has always been a way for him to work through stress and emotion.

“Since going through this rediscovery, I realized that I can use the same methods to remember happier times,” he says. “I’m not a visual person at all. I don’t take a lot of photos. If you look at my Instagram, it’s quite sad. For me, it’s very important to remember specific points on life.”

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1 2 3 4 5

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July 2014

Rapier’s latest album Spectrum was released last month. His vision was to have the tracks portray the human experience expanding from the low to high points of this life. Compared to Songs About No One, which is very laid back and melancholy, Spectrum is a lot different.

“I’m picking myself up and moving on and making the commitment to finding my sense of purpose again, even when I believed I didn’t have one,” he explains. “I also want audiences to take away the message that they have a purpose in life as well.”

As a musician, Rapier would like his music career to go as far as it will take him. The big step for him is to spend time developing a record label. Inspired by the techniques of artists such as Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis, Rapier is practically piggybacking their mode to see what happens. He realizes there is a lot more to do and is working hard to build a business and marketing strategy.

Overall, Rapier agrees that music gave him a second chance in life.

“After everything I went through, I feel like I have a unique way to share my story,” he concludes. “Music is a powerful tool and I’ve been gifted to use the ability to create real change. I feel there is a renewed sense of purpose. I was given the ability to create music for a reason and truly believe there was a reason why I went through all the pain. Life is so good even when it’s not.

That’s what music has shown me.” V

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Ryan Clason After the Party

Written by Chris Andoe Photography by Lily Voss

“...once you get to the point you’re ready to quit, the struggle’s really over. Sure there’s days when it sucks, but it doesn’t suck as much as using.”

Party & Play “Do you party?” asked the headless torso over instant message. Ryan knew what he meant. “’Party’ always refers to meth, AKA ‘Crystal’, ‘Tina’ or ‘T’,” he explains.

In the dark days of his past, Ryan Clason expertly navigated St. Louis’ sinister parallel universe – a world for the sleepless, their gaunt faces illuminated by the glow of devices while desperately attempting to quell their insatiable appetites.

“Apps are the perfect medium for drug users,” he begins. “It’s the perfect deceiving medium, because you can claim whatever you want and present whatever image you want. Most of the pics are from years ago, before the drug use, then you show up to some shithole apartment and the guy’s got dark circles around his eyes and looks fifteen years older, and there’s some drug dealer on the phone in the corner. But if they’ve got the right audience, the tricks who show up won’t care about any of that.”

The Soft Reality Although the drug intensifies the want for sex, it also makes sex more difficult.

“Meth will turn the most brutal top into the most insatiable bottom,” Clason explains.

“When you smoke it your dick stops working, so you couldn’t top if you wanted to. But even if you love to bottom, it’s never enough. You’re never satisfied.

“One guy lived in a basement apartment,” he continues. “I walked in and it was pitch black. I couldn’t see anything for nearly sixty seconds while my eyes adjusted. He was there with his ass up and head down saying ‘Yeah yeah yeah, do it.’ We’re having sex and my eyes are closed while I’m trying to get into it, then I hear him talking, open my eyes and find he’s on his phone trying to line up the next trick! That was the first time

I’d seen anything like that, but things like that happened a few other times.”

Clason spoke of the erotic picture guys will paint of sex parties, making it sound like you’re going to walk onto the hottest porn set. “You’ll always get these messages about sex parties, someone will say they’ve got four guys there and they want you to come over and fuck all of ‘em. In reality, one bottom was smoking meth and pulled a trick over who then got high, so now you’ve got two bottoms. They pull over a third who gets high, so now you’ve got three bottoms sitting around with limp dicks, and it goes from there.”

“Meth heads are weird” I asked if it’s like The Walking Dead for the top when he arrives, with everyone swarming around. Clason laughs. “No, no it’s not like that at all. Meth heads are weird. You show up, they’ve all been getting high for the past eighteen hours and one’s absorbed in his tablet, one’s watching television, one’s on the phone and one’s into you.”

I asked what percent of the time condoms were used during these hook ups. “Are you kidding?” Clason asks. “Never! I’ve never had anyone on meth even mention a condom.”

Clason explains that meth makes one fidgety, and guys will often interrupt sex every couple of minutes to look out the window, pick at their skin, etc. Of course, the bizarre behaviors aren’t limited to sexual situations.

“When you are high, you have to occupy the mind — whatever it takes. Sometimes someone will spend hours feeling the floor to see if any meth powder sticks to their fingers.

I knew a guy who’d break into storage units just to organize what was in there.”

I ask if the guy stole from the storage units.

“Maybe, but that’s not why he’d break in. He needed something to do.” Asked if he’d ever been stolen from personally, Clason responds, “You don’t go into these situations with your wallet! C’mon!”

With all of the unprotected sex, STDs are part of the package, and Clason was open about having had gonorrhea and syphilis.

“I don’t care what anyone says: if you’ve been to a 14-man bareback gangbang, you’ve had syphilis.”

“I don’t want this anymore.”

Ryan simply wanted to go to sleep, but there’s no rest in that world. “I just laid there and thought ‘I don’t want this anymore’. The sleeplessness, the awful sex, the STDs. There’s no connection and I missed that. It’s not fulfilling.”

He managed to quit on his own, although he has maintained his sobriety with support from Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

“It’s hard, but it has to be something you want to do,” Clason says. “There’s an ambivalent phase where you kind of want to stop and kind of don’t, but once you get to the point you’re ready to quit, the struggle’s really over. Sure there’s days when it sucks, but it doesn’t suck as much as using.”

See You on the Other Side Ryan often sees people he’d partied with at the NA and AA meetings. “It’s always great to see friends on the other side because they look totally different, they act totally different…It feels like I didn’t know them at all while they were using.”

His bad boy street cred still intact, Clason continues to lead an adventurous life, only now he can actually enjoy it. For Ryan Clason the “party” is over, but the fun is just beginning. V

thevitalVOICE.com

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911

Fashion Police’s George Kotsiopoulos is a first responder in fashion crimes Written by Darin Slyman Photography by Brian Bowen After finishing his bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Illinois, George Kotsiopoulos took a leap of faith and moved out to Los Angeles looking for a new direction in life. He didn’t want to live constrained to a cubical working in accounting. His first peek into fashion came from Bragman Nyman Cafarelli as a publicist in their entertainment division. It was during his time there that he’d begin to develop his own repartee on fashion and celebrities.

Following his stint in PR, Kotsiopoulos moved over to The New York Times Magazine, based on the West Coast, and ultimately became a Fashion Associate and Market Editor while also producing shoots in Los Angeles and New York.

“I learned everything about fashion during my time at the New York Times,” Kotsiopoulos says.

Over the years, he continued to build his own personal brand of fashion styling, advice and journalism via hosting TV shows, commentating and writing about fashion and what celebrities were on trend.

In 2010, Kotsiopoulos joined Joan Rivers, Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne to cohost Fashion Police airing on E! “It was my first television show as a series regular,” he explains. “I’ve done pilots before; I’ve done a bunch of various shows. When I was approached for this show, I was hesitant for a second because I was worried. How am I going to criticize all of these people that I’m going to work with and my friends who are stylists? I quickly realized this was not an opportunity I could let pass by due to my fear of what

others thought of me.”

Fast-forward four years, Kotsiopoulos is rocking and rolling in the coveted seat right next to the queen of fashion mean, Joan Rivers. Even after facing public criticism about his validity in the spot, he has learned that you have to take the good with the bad. Some people say he’s darling on the show; some people say he’s fake.

How has public life changed Mr. Kotsiopoulos? I caught up with the fashionista on to chat about summer trends, his co-workers and some of his favorite things in life.

On Fashion Police What is your favorite awards show to cover where everyone turns it out for fashion?

The Golden Globes because you can take risks fashion-wise, have fun and not worry. The Oscars are so serious and everyone’s like, “La la la it’s the Oscars.

I gotta wear something la la la I’m gonna be judged forever on this one photo.” The Globes is just more of a party. People are drinking and boozing up! It’s way more fun to cover because the clothes are way more interesting.

With the red carpets, who is your current favorite celebrity who’s really turned up the volume with their appearances in fashion?

I love Emma Stone. She’s like the girl next door who wears couture. She’s not whiney, and she doesn’t make sour faces on the red carpet. A lot of these young girls get to

that stage and they’re just miserable. She’s wearing every different outfit like, “I love being a movie star!” Also, Sandra Bullock for being a 49-year-old woman who’s just looking incredible. I think she’s having a new awakening as a fashionista that she’s never had before. Jennifer Lopez is just a freak of nature. She just looks incredible all the time. She’s like aging backwards.

Who has been your favorite guest host on Fashion Police per their intelligence of the fashion industry and fashion?

Jaime Pressly surprised me quite a bit because she just doesn’t seem like someone who’s into clothes, but she really understood fit and construction and how things should be altered. Raquel Welch came on the show and it was just like, “She’s Raquel Welch.” I think that a lot of these young people see Katy Perry, Rihanna or whoever wearing these clothes and they don’t realize that, “Oh that was Raquel Welch who wore that,” or “That was Louise Brooks who had that haircut” I think most of them don’t have that historical reference. Even for Blondie. They don’t know that Blondie was kicking ass before Ke$ha was even anything.

What is your most memorable Joan Rivers dig or snarky comment about someone’s style?

Anytime she says a joke about someone who died. We always think, “Is this too soon?” Whitney Houston, Paul Walker... Who else has died recently? You’re literally sitting there thinking, “Holy shit. Wait a minute.

This is funny, but is it too soon? This is too soon! This is too soon!” I can’t remember the specifics because, my gosh, there’s just so many of them. She’s hilarious. thevitalVOICE.com

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We all watched Kelly Osbourne transform from an outrageous, punk-rock teen into this lovely, demure fashionista.

I wouldn’t call her demure. [Laughs] We saw the lifestyle that she grew up in, so she’s always been aware and involved in fashion. Her father (Ozzy Osbourne) is very stylized and her mother is very into clothes, so it doesn’t surprise you. People still think, “What is her business on that panel?” And that is her business on the panel: she’s a girl who wears these clothes – buys these clothes. She knows what she likes and she has her own look that she’s stuck to. You have to respect anybody who does that. Designer or celebrity, you kind of have to dress for yourself, not for someone else.

She was getting a lot of crap for wearing her hair purple. People said, “Why are you changing your hair?” Well she’s not; she likes her hair purple. People would ask me, “When is she going to change her hair?”

Why should she? I don’t understand what the problem is. It’s like me wearing socks.

People really want me to wear socks. I don’t understand what the big deal is.

They’re socks.

Giuliana always seems so polite.

Does she secretly despise a celebrity when it comes to fashion, like, “Ugh! This bitch again.”

I haven’t noticed it. I don’t really make it personal unless I’ve actually worked with them and know that they’re a horrible person. Then I just really don’t care.

[Laughs] My role on the show is the fashion expert, so I’m not there to make jokes, or make people laugh. I’m there to discuss and comment on fashion, but the lines do get blurred. I’m sure they do for all of us. If we’ve met someone and we know that they’re just not a nice person, then I don’t really care about what I’m saying.

The same probably goes for Giuliana, I’m sure she’s met somebody and she knows they’re just a nasty person then she probably doesn’t care but I haven’t noticed who that is as I’m sure no one’s noticed who that is for me because I won’t tell anyone.

Summer Trends With summer attire being in full swing, I’m seeing guys embrace short shorts and swimwear this year than ever.

I think it’s great and it’s been going on for the last few years. That’s not just gay men,

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it’s kind of everybody. It’s all men. [They’re not short shorts,] it’s a board short but it’s just shorter. I think they are great!

Tom’s shoes were also big last summer; flip flops are a traditional go-to. Is there any new men’s footwear on the horizon?

I don’t even wear flip-flops anymore. I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for years and now they’re all over the runway. I like the style Milano. They’re the Birkenstock with the two straps in the front and then they have a strap behind the ankle, which looks more fashionable and more like a shoe, not a slide-on. I’m into those for running around with a cuffed pant, like a khaki or jeans. For the beach, I’ve been wearing those Teva’s.

They’re just really simple and streamlined.

There’s a strap across your foot and then a strap around your ankle. They’re not the nerdy ones from the 90s that dads wear. I have them in black and grey. You can run around in them. They’re just another one of those retro throwbacks, and another runway-inspired thing. I would wear them with a suit – little bit fashion forward.

Also classic sneakers. I have Brooks Brothers black lace and I just got a pair of leopard Louboutin sneakers. They’re just really great leather sneakers that are like an updated, streamlined Converse.

Everyone’s done them. Same thing, just low top, super simple.

Finally, white shoes. They go with everything, and wear them now because you’re not going to be able to wear them after a certain time. I don’t think it’s relevant anymore but if it’s fall, I don’t want to feel like I’m dressed really summery.

What about the bro tank? You know, the ones that reveal too much?

The ones that have been cut all the way down the sides? Yeah, it’s horrible and too bold. I see that it’s on all guys like at the gym – straight and gay. Why even bothering wearing a shirt? And it’s not just the guys that have really sick bodies that are doing it, it’s guys that don’t have great bodies as well. It’s really inappropriate.

Dressing is really about showing off your best assets and kind of concealing the ones that aren’t so great. If you don’t have it, don’t show it. I think that’s something for like super young guys. I’m fine if guys in their 20s that are dressing like that, being silly. In your 40s and 30s it’s a bit much.

I’m all for young guys having fun with fashion and playing with it because I think they’re doing it with a wink as opposed to thinking they’re sexy.

What’s your take on lesbian style? I always like to say there’s a traditional lesbian uniform: a shorter haircut, tank top, and cargo shorts. Are there any tips you have to evolve their look?

They do have their uniform, don’t they? The cargo shorts have got to go. I wouldn’t want anyone running around in cargo shorts.

They’re just so dated. There are other shorts options that can be less feminine – another type of tailored short that’s not a cargo. I would say this to a straight man or a gay woman: Be a little bit more elegant and refined in keeping within your own personality, refining it a little. Just make sure you’re wearing the most flattering thing for your body and dressing it up a little bit.

I think that – and I don’t want to single out just lesbians – but lesbians and that certain type of straight man just don’t care.

It’s like, “Just care a little!” Just because you’re a super masculine man or a more masculine lesbian doesn’t mean you don’t have to care about your appearance.

On Trend Watching What’s your favorite nightspot in Los Angeles to style watch?

There are three places: The Tower Bar at the Tower Hotel, Chateau Marmont and SoHo House. You don’t just get all LA people. You get people from New York and Europe and that’s where all the fashion type people go. It’s definitely more fashionable people and not like trashy club people.

How about magazines you go to for style watching?

Is this a trick question? I read Entertainment Weekly, The Hollywood Reporter, GQ. I read Vogue, but I tend to read it late.I’ve had a subscription to Paper Magazine for like the last 20 years.

I always find it interesting just because it kind of gives you a little insight to what’s happening in the youth culture.

It’s important as you get older, not to necessarily adopt those trends, but to be aware of them.

Speaking of youth culture and next generation, your pick for a up and coming designer to watch?

The guys at Creatures of the Wind. They’re from Chicago. They’re definitely ones to watch for, because they bring that kind of Midwestern aesthetic to fashion, much like the Rodarte girls. They came out of Pasadena.

Fashion Police airs on E! Fridays at 9/8c. V

Dressing is really about showing off your best assets and kind of concealing the ones that aren’t so great. If you don’t have it, don’t show it.

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must-see

Summer Festivals

An overview of events in the Lou’ Written by Hanna Botney Layout by Michael Tarazi

Blueberry Hill Blueberry Hill is a landmark in St. Louis and known nationally for its pop culture memorabilia, window displays and musical talent. Their menu has something for everyone including hamburgers, vegetarian specials, homemade soups, salads and breakfast items.

There are concert tickets available for purchase through their website for all different artists all throughout July. Their patio is dog friendly, so grab your furry family members and head to The Loop.

Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar Bridge has over 200 beers (with 55 on tap) and 100 wines (with 20 available by the glass).

Their menu has munchies and appetizers that pair perfectly with all of their different beer and wines. They also have soups, sandwiches and salads if you need more than a snack. The kitchen is open all night, which is

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so refreshing for a tap house.

You will never have to go hungry.

The two best parts about Bridge are that the patio is pet friendly and you can take any one of their tap beers home in a growler. Their beer selection is always changing so there will always be different options to explore.

2014 Belgian Beer & Mussel Festival Friday July 18 and Saturday July 19, Belgium is coming to St. Louis.

The Schlafly Tap Room flies in fresh mussels and pairs them with their complimentary ales.

Fuse local Belgian style ales with Penn Cove, WA food. They will also serve Belgian Waffles and the full Tap Room menu (including non-Belgian beers) for those that do not enjoy the specialty items. This event is

Augusta Bottoms Consort and Melissa Neels Band.

Clayton’s Parties in the Park

Whitaker Music Festival Every Wednesday at 7:30 pm, music and great fragrances fill the air at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The garden is the perfect outdoor concert venue and they encourage patrons to bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy the concert in comfort The concerts are totally free. The festival is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, which supports St. Louis arts and parks. Musical guests range from bluegrass to funk to jazz and some things in between. There is bound to be something for everyone’s musical taste. Performers include: Old Salt Union, Big Brother Thunder & the Master Blasters, Nigel Mooney,

On July 9, downtown Clayton will fill with classy people looking to listen to Super Majik Robots and enjoy some drinks after work. This outdoor party goes from 5 to 8:30 p.m. so slip into post-work happy hour attire and enjoy the beautiful weather as the sun begins to set.

No outside food or drink is allowed, but the event is free with beverages available for purchase on site. Plus, you have the option to purchase food from local restaurants.

Fair St. Louis, July 3–5 This year’s Fair St. Louis has moved locations from under the arch to Forest Park. The grounds that once hosted the 1904 World’s Fair will once again welcome fairgoers from all over. This year is designed to be even bigger in honor of St. Louis’ 250 birthday. This year’s line-up of artists is worthy of St. Louis’ 250.

On Thursday, we will host The Band

non-ticketed and free; just pay for your food and drink. High Fashion Kings will be playing music on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Tom Irwin and His Hayburners are playing on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Come enjoy good food, good drink and good music.

Berry. On Friday local favorite Roots of a Rebellion, Mary Lambert, Gavin DeGraw, Matt Nathanson and Bonnie Raitt. On Saturday, see Capital Cities, The Neighborhood and The Fray.

Celebrate Independence Day and St. Louis with the area’s best fireworks and best entertainment.

Jungle Boogie Every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., you and the animals will be listening to artists that perform in the center of the zoo each week. The exhibits stay open until 7 p.m. so you can explore all the zoo has to offer while taking in the sounds. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged in order to guarantee you have a seat. Outside food is not allowed, but there are tons of options inside the zoo, including an ice cream shop. The concert itself and admittance into the park are free.

Performances include GalaxyRed, American Idle, Pennsylvania Slim, and the VCRs. Music genres range from dance to blues. thevitalVOICE.com

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Chicken & Ribs & Burgers...

oh my!

Outdoor backyard entertaining in St. Louis Written by Chris

Clark Photography by Andrea Piamonte, Mark Borella Photography, Cure Design Group & White Klump Photography

“It’s summertime summertime sum sum summertime Summertime summertime sum sum summertime summertime…”

The bubbly song lyrics above are from a 1958 single from a doo-wop a cappella group called The Jamies. They may have faded into obscurity, but just after Memorial Day each year I tend to sing this to myself to shift focus to all that the season represents. If you are a Missourian, or know somebody who is, then you are well aware that we are stubborn, proud and love to do things outdoors. Swimming, boating, carnivals, hiking and the god-given right to grill outdoors top the list of our favorite things to do. We are also ridiculously in love with community street fairs and open air celebrations almost every night of the year, but summer in particular.

As a mid-country state with ties to the North, South, East and West, we like to pride ourselves on our homes and enjoy an amazing amount of really good food. Sharing most of these things simultaneously with friends and family in your own backyard can be the ultimate expression of civility and hospitality.

The word barbecue has a gazillion different meanings and interpretations. I personally use the grill on the patio year-

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round. We don’t entertain at home all that often, but when we do, something cooked outside is almost assuredly involved.

I rarely say no to any warm weather invitation to share food and drink outdoors at the homes of friends and relatives alike.

When the weather and the mood are right, dining outside can be downright glorious especially after a lush, wet spring such as we have had.

I am most comfortable in shorts, some hilarious t-shirt, wet hair straight from the pool, and flip-flops or simply barefoot. That’s the hoosier side of me standing tall. There is an art, however, to the far more civilized, fancier and classier versions of the backayrd cookout.

Obviously some things fit better with a larger pocketbook, but there are plenty of tips out there on how to be a great host or hostess for the ultimate summertime outdoor party on any budget. For guidance I went to a few stylish and knowledgeable local experts for help and advice. I spent some quality time recently speaking with Bryan Young, owner of Bryan Events (bryanevents.com), Holly Cunningham, owner of Hollyberry Baking and Catering Company (hollyberrycatering. com), and Jacob Laws, owner of Jacob Laws Interior Design (jacoblaws.com). Each of them had a unique perspective on food, decor, manners and making those special touches to a home event that make them as fun as they are memorable.

Jacob Laws

Owner of Jacob Laws Interior Design (jacoblaws.com) Card-carrying (g)A(y)-lister Jacob Laws has impeccable taste and style to spare.

He had plenty to say on the subject: Atmosphere and the guest list are the two key components to any successful event, however large or small of a gathering.

When having an outdoor/backyard gathering, evening is best. That way the environment can totally change by candle light. It creates an intimacy that sets the stage for a relaxed affair. The guest list is just as important. I think it’s always great to invite friends from different social circles so that the conversation isn’t stagnant and there are always multiple topics of conversation swirling around to keep that momentum going.

As far as trends go, in design and in entertaining I instinctually stay away from anything trend-driven. That being said, some things never go out of style, and also what was once old is new again. So, in recent seasons, we’ve been seeing a lot of brushed brass in flatware, which I’m so on board with. Your flatware is like the jewelry and hardware of your table – and the simpler, the better. Fresh, white flowers, white service ware and linen napkins.

I like any dinner party – indoor or outdoor – to be a bit of a production so your guests feel like they’re experiencing something special and well planned. I’m not really into a “theme” party per se. I think that the party should be driven by

(Photo by Cure Design Group)

the company, the details and the food. That should be enough for a successful event whether it’s casual or formal. I think that a theme takes away from the overall experience. Unless you’re having a crawfish boil or something that needs no explanation for the theme- then go crazy. Plastic bibs, red and white gingham table cloths, galvanized buckets for beer and champagne — the works.

Do’s & Dont’s: Do bring a host/hostess gift. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Then send a thank you note.

Everyone has a different comfortability level in which they throw a party and entertain, so that’s a personal preference. I, personally, am a disaster in the kitchen, so presentation is more my thing.

Luckily, I have a few best friends who are chefs, so our collaborative effort is usually seamless.

A well-stocked bar is never a bad idea! If you want to do a specific cocktail or drink that’s great, but also have good old stand-bys, and that depends on what you’re serving to eat or if you’re going casual and doing small plates or small passed appetizers.

Since we’re discussing an outdoor event, I’d stay away from a cheese plate or anything that might be unappetizing since it’s summer in St. Louis now! thevitalVOICE.com

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Bryan Young

Owner of Bryan Events (bryanevents.com) I have known caterer Bryan Young for more than half my life. Bryan is this large, deepvoiced bear of a man who has a deep passion and endless knowledge of food, wine and art, and he offered a lot of practical advice on the logistics of outdoor entertaining and choices for food and drink.

The weather is a big factor, but always have a back up plan.

This time of the year it only rains part of the day, so do not set up so early. Bugs are one thing you can spray for a day in advance not the day of. Ants will come out but if you plan ahead you will be fine. I do not know if is trendy or not, but for wine, rosé is fun to have as a summer drink. Also, chicken thighs are really big because of the price and chicken thighs stay juicy.“Teres Major” is a cut of meat is available in some local markets right now, but you should only cook them medium rare. It usually has a lower cost (around $5.85 a pound at Restaurant Depot) and is very tender.

Themes can be fun and should center around the food and drinks.

Mexican themes go well and old fashion BBQ themes, but I think you should go with liquor themes. Spanish rosé, margaritas and rum fruit drinks could be a great way to welcome guests. Also have a selection of micro brews on hand for guest to try out. Frozen drink machines can be a lot of fun too. I think people tend to oversmoke BBQ ribs and brisket – this could kill a party. The guest will smile say the food is good but over smoked meat is death. Make sure to have plenty of vegetables since local vegetables should be available and someone who does not eat meat will have a great dinner. Grilled vegetables, a large garden salad with lots of vegetables in it, and fresh tomatoes will go with any menu. As far as beverages go, first you should know what your guest drink and have it on hand, but wine, fruit drinks, and beer always makes for a great party.

You can and should smoke certain meats and ribs in advance, but chicken and hamburgers are something that I recommend grilling right before serving or they get tough. Something about the smoke from the grill adds to the ambiance. Try to get people to eat all at once when things are hot and fresh. It is perfectly fine and always better to serve the food inside even if it will be eaten outside.

Don’t just lay out platters though and let them help themselves at

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(Photo by Andrea Piamonte)

their leisure. Feel free to urge or gently shame them into getting a plate. Sharing the meal together is part of the fun with plenty of time for drinking and socializing later. Many of my clients request enough food for leftovers so they can enjoy the meal and the memories and the great food one more time as they relax the day after the event.

Seasonal, fresh flowers and candles make a big difference.

Sunflowers are plentiful and hearty this time of year. Using interesting and unusual pottery and platters for serving pieces adds to the fun. Paper decorations are tacky and should be avoided. It’s always good to spray for bugs the day or morning before. If you use citronella candles always keep them on the perimeter and away from the food.

For practical reasons if you have more than 20 people, it’s best to get some extra help. Larger numbers require a small staff of servers and bartenders. Choose food wisely along with how people will be eating. If there is not enough table seating for everyone, then don’t have foods that require a fork or other flatware. Passed or plattered finger foods can be just fine. You don’t want people balancing plates on their laps, particularly barbecue or things with sauce. I don’t always recommend dessert and certainly not anything heavy. People are usually full already.

Fresh summer fruits are a must addition to any summer meal, but if dessert is required, a batch of frozen Ted Drewe’s always works.

Holly Cunningham

Owner of Hollyberry Baking and Catering Company (hollyberrycatering.com) When I was assigned this article I knew Holly Cunningham had the exact right experience and woman’s touch to add to the mix.

Boy was I right! She is creative, fun, and mega-talented.

Plan, plan, plan. Weather and heat here are always a factor.

Think of the safety and comfort of your guests with regard to food and logistical choices. If you are planning a sit-down meal or something fancy with over 20 guests you will absolutely need extra help – at the very least, somebody to help serve and clear, plus a bartender. If a fork and knife are required, then so is a seat at a sturdy and festive table.

You can get lots of ideas for decor touches from Pinterest. Colorful, curvy straws are always a hit with tropical drinks. Stringed outdoor lights, lots of candles, and fresh, local wildflowers are always good choices. Get plenty of ice!

I like to have my staff dressed up in with a crisp, clean look. Lately one of my favorite Southern themes has come back in fashion - the low-country seafood boil.

Skewered foods like kabobs or even our version of antipasto on a stick are easy to serve and eat. If the space being used can accommodate, I like to utilize a number of small stations around the patio or yard like a salsa bar, a bruschetta bar, or even a Bellini drink bar. I like to serve water and non-alcoholic drinks like flavored lemonades in those clear plastic containers. Putting slices or pieces of cucumber, mint or citrus in the water makes it pretty and refreshing. Color is king. I love to serve mini-desserts served in small shot glasses. It offers guests a smallish taste of potentially several different types of dessert, plus it’s easy to make, serve and eat. All you need are fingers and a spoon.

I can’t wait to use many of these great tips plan my next summer outdoor event, but in the meantime if you are having one anytime soon please feel free to invite me. I’m a good guest, friendly, funny, and will definitely bring a gift. V thevitalVOICE.com

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6875 W. 91ST, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212 (816) 716-9091

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jorts, jelly sandals, and

Just Not Fashionable

Written by Penelope Wigstock Illustration by Andrea Piamonte Graphics by Michael Tarazi

An insidious evil has begun its descent upon us...

No, I am not referring to the monstrous humidity that suffocates us every year from June through September.

This evil may seem benign at first, but it tears at the very fabric of our society.

in a parking lot somewhere, roll your eyes and mumble, “That bitch is so Wal-Mart.” What about some redneck who has replaced his broken car window with flattened cardboard and duct-tape? Again – so effing Wal-Mart.

Summer. Wal-Mart. Fashion. The Apocalypse

For brevity’s sake, we’ll confine this list to Wal-Mart inspired summer fashion crimes. The text and images here may induce nausea, so a word of caution and a suggestion of hard liquor as you delve into it.

approaches.

Wal-Mart isn’t just a store – it’s a state of mind. How often have you heard some white-trash skank scream at her kid

Flip-flops that cradle talons the size and texture of a pterodactyl’s. Cover that shit up…before I come after them with a pair of poultry scissors.

Don’t wear active wear when you’re not – the onionskin shorts struggling to cover gelatinous rolls of thigh and ass fat. The synthetic tank tops and sleeveless tees laboring under the weight of noodle knobs and FUPAs. It’s enough to make Richard Simmons bite his pillow. Stop already!

Jellies (jelly sandals) — Are you kidding me? It’s 100 degrees in the shade and you’re wearing cheap rubber shoes? Why not just dip your feet into the fryer vat at Popeye’s?

WALMART

Character Embellished Oversized tees with leggings/jeggings – because nothing says “charming” more than Foghorn Leghorn’s torso stretched across the girth of a middle-aged woman who chain smokes Dorals and has purple highlights in her hair. And those jean leggings just scream, “I pick up married men in the Howard Johnson’s lounge and give them a handy-j in the parking lot for $10.”

Jorts (jean shorts) – Oh sure, they look great with that can of Natty Lite you’ve been chugging, but they’re not cute… they’re not cool…they’re not anything but hoosier, especially with that NRA patched sewed over a hole in the ass.

I could continue but why bother? You know these damned freaks are coming out in droves. Nothing can stop them but a taser and a horse tranquilizer. Hunker down with a bottle of Patron and the new season of Orange is the New Black.

October will be here before you know it. V thevitalVOICE.com

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Mikey’s

Guide For

38

July 2014

or Grilling thevitalVOICE.com

39

Guide For Grilling I wanted to start the summer off right with a quick and easy guide to grilling meats when you are out on a picnic with your friends and families this summer! Here are a few of my tips and tricks that I’d like to share with you for the BEST proper cooking methods of a few cuts.

(Hint: ALL MEAT SHOULD BE ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE COOKING) (Information Courtesy of www.wholefoods.com)

choosing the right grill Charcoal grills

Provide a more distinctive flavor and backyard aroma, and it’s easy to combine woodchips or other natural ingredients with the coals for additional flavor. However, charcoal is messy and sometimes difficult to ignite, and once lit it takes a little while to reach the desired temperature.

(Hint: To avoid lighter fluid, try using a starter cone or chimney starter.)

versus

Gas grills

Ignite easily and maintain an even temperature from start to finish, but they are more expensive than charcoal grills, they do not provide a smoky flavor, and they are not suited for burning wood chips.

Tips for Prepping the Grill

• Clean your grill, especially the rack, before each use.

• Oil the rack prior to heating to prevent sticking. Keep a

spray bottle filled with canola oil handy in case of unexpected sticking, but be sure to use oil sparingly to prevent flare-ups.

• The area of the fire needs to be wider than the area of the food you’re grilling. If you are cooking a variety of items using charcoal, pile coals at different levels to achieve the right level of heat for each item.

• Preheat your charcoal grill and don’t skimp on the charcoal. Light the coals at least 30 minutes before you plan to begin cooking. Do not put foods on the grill until the fire dies down to glowing coals. (Real hardwood charcoal will always have a small flame, even when ready.)

• Even gas grills need to preheat. Turn on the flame at least 15 minutes before putting food over the fire.

This will help to warm up the grate and stabilize the temperature of the grill environment.

Chicken classic grilled chicken 2 tbsp oil 2 tbsp Montreal Chicken Seasoning 1/2 Chicken

1. Coat chicken half with oil. Season with Montreal 2.

Chicken Seasoning *you can find at your local supermarket* 2. Place chicken skin-side-up on grill and close the lid.

3. Reduce grill temperature between low and medium.

4. Grill for 40-50 minutes or until internal temperature at the densest point is 165F. 5. Flip and grill chicken skin-side-down for the last 5 minutes for some awesome grill marks!

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July 2014

Before we get started

Tip:

Poultry

Part of the Poultry

Time

Whole Chicken

15-20 minutes per pound, about 1 3/4 hours

Butterflied Whole Chicken About 1 hour Bone-in Breast, Leg & Thigh

12-15 minutes per side

Wing

2-3 minutes per side

Boneless Chicken Breast

4-6 minutes per side

Beef

Steaks

Tip: Tip:

Burgers

Slash the edges of steaks and chops on the diagonal, about ¼ inch into the center to prevent the edges from curling.

Everyone has their own way of seasoning and grillng up a yummy burger. Here are your temps:

Medium Rare (130-135° F):

Grill for 3 minutes, flip, grill for 4 more minutes.

Medium (135-150° F):

Grill for 3 minutes, flip, grill for 5 more minutes.

Medium Well (150-165° F):

Grill for 3 minutes, flip, grill for 6 more minutes.

Well Done (165° F and up):

Grill for 3 minutes, flip, grill for 7 more minutes.

Tip:

Resist the urge to squeeze or press down on your meat!

This will result in a tougher, less juicy cut.

Steaks like filet mignon, rib eye, top sirloin and New York strip are naturally tender and need nothing more than a seasoning rub or a bit of salt and pepper.

Larger steaks like flank, skirt steak and London broil are best when soaked in a flavorful marinade before grilling.

Doneness of Meat

Medium Rare Medium Medium Well Well Done

145° F 160° F 165° F 170° F

pork

Ribs

When it comes to grilling ribs, I love to brine them overnight to maintain a great flavor and extra juiciness. The next day you can take them out of the brine, pat them off and season them.

Pork spare ribs and baby back ribs can be pre-baked and then grilled to achieve an irresistible smoky flavor.

Rockstar ribs two ways Brine 1 cup apple cider 1 gallon of water ½ cup table salt ½ cup white sugar ¼ cup brown sugar 6 garlic cloves (minced) 10 turns ground black pepper

temp

or Dry Rub Seasoning ½ cup brown sugar ¼ cup seasoned salt 2 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp onion powder 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp dried mustard 1 tsp cajun seasoning ½ tsp ground black pepper

1. Take seasoned ribs, lay them on a sheet pan, pour 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

2. Cook on 200 F for 6 hours in your oven.

3. When done, take your ribs out and finish them on your grill 10-15 mins or until tender.

Tip:

Chops, Sausage, etc.

Lean, tender pork chops can be marinated or rubbed and then cooked over the coals.

Use direct heat for sausages and chops.

Pork tenderloin grills quickly, is low in fat, and can be sliced easily for a beautiful presentation.

Treat larger cuts of pork like pork shoulder the way you would larger cuts of beef.

Start sausage off on high heat to get a nice char on the outside, then move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.

The USDA recommends that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of

145° F thevitalVOICE.com

41

july

STLPlaydates spotlight selfie stl

6/7-7/19

at Phd gallery

www.phdatl.com/selfie_stl (314) 664-6644 “50 prominent St. Louisans answer the call for Cell Phone Selfies.”

SELFIE STL at the PHD Gallery captures these “cultural timestamps.”

With a successful opening night reception on June 7, the exhibit is now open to the public until July 19. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the most prominent politicians, artists and activists in St. Louis! But first, we’ll let you take a selfie.

4/268/17

American spirits: the rise and fall of prohibition

at missouri History museum www.mohistory.org (314) 746-4599

Step back into an era of flappers, suffragists, bootleggers and temperance workers with a prohibition exhibit at the Missouri History Museum. The gays do love their booze, but there was a time in history when drinking and manufacturing alcohol was illegal. Can you imagine the horror? Luckily, prohibition was repealed, and generations of gays and lesbians have been able to go on to experience getting drunk and acting like fools. Cheers!

7/3

Kristen’s open cabaret: america the Beautiful at hamburger mary’s st. louis www.hamburgermarys.com/stlouis (314) 533-6279

Enjoy the musical talents of Kristen Goodman and Ron Bryant on the Top Floor Lounge of Hamburger Mary’s with the latest installment of Kristen’s Open Cabaret.

America The Beautiful will feature patriotic tunes and songs about places across the United States. Sure to be a variety of good music, delicious food & drinks and great friends! Guest singers are welcome - newbies and pro’s alike. Visit Kristen’s Open Cabaret Thursday on Facebook for more details.

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July 2014

Playdates STL

7/3 7/5

Fair st. louis at forest park www.fairsaintlouis.org (314) 434- 3434

This year, Fair St. Louis moves from its former location on the Arch grounds to its original location in Forest Park. This year is a special occasion, as St. Louis is celebrating its 250 birthday. Fair St. Louis features a ton of musical acts, including Mary Lambert, Gavin DeGraw and Capital Cities. You don’t want to miss this amazing experience. Help St. Louis ring in the big 2-5-0!

7/147/20

the addams family at the muny www.muny.org (314) 361-1900

It’s everyone’s favorite ghoulish family! On the heels of the successful tour last year, The Addams Family comes to the Muny in July! Join Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester and the entire Addams bunch as Wednesday tries to find love, and the hijinks that follow! The shows are nightly at 8 p.m.

7/188/17

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

at STAGES St. Louis www.stagesstlouis.org (314) 821-2407

Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder. This show won both the Tony award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize. Including a score by Frank Loesser, this show is ripe with humor, romance and music. Based in 1960s New York City, the show focuses on the rise of an ambitious window washer to a VP of Advertising.

7/25

Bachelor auction at just john www.justjohnclub.com (314) 371-1333

Wrap up the month by scoring a hot date. It’s no secret that July is a scorcher but your summer is about to get way hotter with Just John’s Bachelor Auction. Step up and bid on a date with some of the hottest bartenders in The Grove on Friday, July 25th at 8 PM. Proceeds raised will benefit the LGBT History Project of St. Louis. Stick around after the auction to enjoy their great drink specials, top notch DJs and Just John’s gorgeous patio.

thevitalVOICE.com

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july

KC Playdates spotlight

7/10

pearl vodka & vital voice presents

soak’d

at hotel sorella’s rooftop pool www.thevitalvoice.com Join Pearl Vodka & Vital VOICE at the Rooftop Pool of Hotel Sorella for SOAK’D: A Christian Michael Poolside Fashion Show from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Hosted by Daisy Bucket and featuring music by DJ Remix. A portion of your $10 cover benefits Millennial League and includes a complimentary Pearl Vodka & Bacardi Rum cocktail.The party rages on at our official after party location: Bistro 303 from 11 PM - 1 AM. Follow the latest with #GetSoakd

7/3 7/28

Dykes of hazzard at missie b’s www.missiebs.com (816)561-0625

Don’t miss Late Night Theatre’s hilarious follow up to the Golden! Girls Gone Wild show! This wild all-female cast presents a reimagining of the Dukes of Hazzard. If you ever wondered what would happen if the Duke Brothers were actually the Duke Sisters, look no further!

7/14

Mr. and Miss Kc Missouri State Pageant at davey upton rambler’s club www.daveysuptown.org (816) 753-1909

Hit up Davey’s Uptown in Kansas City for the Mr. and Miss Kansas City pageant! The theme is “Candyland,” so the show will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Doors for the pageant open at 7 p.m., and the pageant begins at 8 p.m. The admission is $8 all night. Clear your calendars and find out who will be crowned the first ever Mr. and Miss Kansas City!

44

July 2014

Playdates KC

7/16

paul mccartney at the sprint center www.sprintcenter.com (816) 949-7100

Following his successful Out There tour last year, which hit over 23 countries around the world, Paul McCartney brings the tour to the U.S. This tour date marks McCartney’s first appearance in KC since his 2010 Up and Coming tour. If you haven’t seen the former Beatle in concert before, make it a point to see him now!

7/20

HRC-KC Brunch At the roasterie www.hrc.org/kcbrunch

Join HRC at the second-annual HRC-KC Brunch at the Bean Hangar Event Space in The Roasterie. Learn all about the work of the Human Rights Campaign on the local, state and national levels, including conversations about where the movement goes from here post-Supreme Court decisions. Buy your tickets now and support your local arm of HRC and all the work they do!

7/20

graffiti run 5k kansas city, mo www.thegraffitirun.com (800) 517-2990

Get ready for the most colorful three miles you’ll run in your life! The Graffiti Run starts at 9 a.m. Runners will be sent out in waves every 30 minutes, with the final wave being released at 10 a.m. When you’re done with the run, enjoy the after party, completely with great music and dancing! Be sure to wear white!

7/30­ 7/31

justin timberlake’s 20/20 experience world tour at the sprint center www.sprintcenter.com (816) 949-7100

Justin Timberlake brings his 20/20 Experience World Tour through the Midwest once again!

His newest single “Not A Bad Thing” has broken the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is the third single off The 20/20 Experience 2 – 2. If you weren’t able to see JT when he was around last year, don’t miss this chance to see him before the tour concludes!

thevitalVOICE.com

45

Scene in

St. Louis Photography by Mikey

2.

3.

at

rehab Bar & Grill

46

Berner

July 2014

1.

(Photo by Lily Voss)

4.

1. Erik Doyle’s Family at Rehab Bar & Grill 2. Dining guests at Hamburger Mary’s 3. Liz Hertel & Ashleigh Kennedy at Attitudes 4. Julie Jarvis at Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Friday

Scene in the STL 5. Kristen Goodman’s Cabaret at Hamburger Mary’s 6. Greg Mattler, Tara Fischer, Gabriel Stevens & C.E. Fifer at SIAM 7. Angela Jordan, Steven Christopher and Korey Cleveland at Rehab Bar & Grill 8. Chad Fox, Tony Baker, Laura Tebeau, Jade Sinclair, Chasity Valentino, Akasha Royale & Ariana Valentino at City Bistro 9. Floralia at Just John 10. Daniel Reyes, Alan Fair, Michael Bushong, E.J., and Jeremy Sager at at Just John

5.

at

6.

Hamburger Mary’s

7.

8.

9.

10.

at

just John thevitalVOICE.com

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Scene Kansas

in

Photography by Timothy

City

Gee

2.

3.

4.

1.

48

July 2014

1. Rainbow Run for Equality Committee at Bistro 303 2. Jeff Remaley, Jeff Brentano, Jeff Bell, Jeff Beeson & Jeffrey Bell 3. Ricardo Garcia and Dalton Qw with Oliver (puppy) 4. Collin Comeau, Derrick Plain and Eric Thomas of Amazeballs Kickball Team at Gillham Park

Scene in KC 5. Nathan Walker & Matt Foster renewing vows at the Simpson House 6. Laura Norris at Ragazza Deli and WIne in Westport 7. Tony Phillip-Guerra & Alec Gentry at Industry Video Bar 8. Jon Dandurand, John Jackson, Jon Nguyen, Jon Barbe &Jon Kelley 9. KC LGBT-Allies Volleyball Meetup

5.

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9.

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thevitalVOICE.com

49

50

July 2014

All You Can Eat

24.

$

99

STEAK & SHRIMP EVERY SATURDAY

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