May 2011

May 2011

Disco in the Desert Scottsdale & Phoenix Travel Must Haves Luxury on the GO

STRAIGHT TALK Pamela Raymond

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May, 2011

Dear Friends, Bon voyage mes amie and welcome to this year’s travel issue.

This month Vital VOICE has scoured the country for places of interest reaching as far as northern California and Scottsdale, Arizona to local haunts like St. Genevieve and St. Louis’ own Lumiere Hotel and Casino. It is estimated that LGBT travel is up by 13% from last year. We hope that our Vital VOICE travel issue can give you some insight on places to visit as well as travel accessories to pack with you.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Senior Writer and Web Editor, Colin Murphy and Vital VOICE’s own Business Director, Kristen Goodman for taking the helm of last month’s ICON issue. You two really rocked it out! I’d also like to say congratulations and thank you to Cinema St. Louis for this year’s QFest - St. Louis LGBT Film Festival. It was our honor to print the QFest guide and produce the opening night party. I was proud to see so many people show their support for the fine art of film making over the festival weekend.

While I’m on the subject of being proud, don’t forget that next month is the 2011 St. Louis PrideFest. Be sure and pick up your PRIDE GUIDE in the June issue of Vital VOICE. We are working hard to bring you cutting-edge editorial that will empower and inform the LGBT and allied community about our history, our successes and what’s new to the LGBT Lou. If you are looking to market your business to over 90K LGBTers, contact our office at 314.256.1196 for great advertising specials for the PRIDE GUIDE. Until next month, safe travels and welcome to this year’s spring/ summer season.

Cheers,

Darin Slyman, Publisher

theVitalVOICE.com | 3

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N ISSUE

Volume 12, Issue 5

On Cover: Photography by Tim Brenner MOVA globe from Neiman Marcus – Plaza Frontnac Rotates silently on its own when exposed to ambient light! The Mova globe is the first member of a new family of objects that come quietly to life when touched by light, without wires or batteries. The globe floats at a point of perfect balance between buoyant forces and gravitational forces, and slowly turns as it feels the force of the earth’s magnetic field and the energy carried in light. Its perpetual, quiet motion brings a tranquil point of focus to a room.

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Disco Desert Dreams Jersey Boys Pride Band Showcase The Mandrake Society Travel Musts Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Natural Northern California Mississippi Holiday Straight Talk Scene & Styling Non-profit of the Month

May, 2011

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Index

Contributors

Darin Slyman Publisher/Editor dsly@thevitalvoice.com

Alishia Alexander Writing aalexander24@webster.edu

Colin Murphy Senior Writer/Web Editor colin_murphy@sbcglobal.net

Tim Brenner Photography tdriver89@yahoo.com

Jeff Kapfer Art Director JeffKapfer@gmail.com

Joan Marcus Photogrpahy facebook.com/Joan Marcus-Colvin

Kristen Goodman Director of Business & Marketing kristen@thevitalvoice.com Raj Tailor Writer rajeevTailor@gmail.com Joshua Barton Writer josh.barton49@gmail.com Colin Lovett Writer colin.lovett@gmail.com Chris Andoe Writer chrisandoe@gmail.com Dieta Pepsi On Air Hostess dietapepsi@gmail.com

ADVERTISING VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com

ONLINE thevitalvoice.com facebook.com/TheVitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICEmag youtube.com/TheVitalVISION

ADVISORY BOARD William A. Donius Thom Halter Colin Murphy Jay Perez Pam Schneider Kellie Trivers Sharon Tucci

CONTACT Vital VOICE Magazine 4579 Laclede Avenue #268 Saint Louis, MO 63108 VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

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May, 2011

Disco Desert Dreams Scottsdale & Phoenix Written by Darin Slyman

Phoenix and Scottsdale sit in the heart of an Arizona valley that enjoys 325 sunny days a year and is aptly named “The Valley of the Sun.” The temperatures here are warm year-round and the summers bring many days over 100 degrees (F).

Phoenix, probably due to its warmth, has a laid back, small town feel.

Phoenix also holds their annual PRIDE in April so that attendees won’t die of heat stroke. But don’t let that stop you from traveling to this area anytime of the year—it has a thriving queer community and there are a growing variety of dining and nightlife options all year long.

The incredible racial mix of the mega metro makes the gay scene particularly rich and diverse. LGBT nightlife and the bars and clubs are mostly concentrated in central Phoenix between 7th Ave and 7th Street and Indian School and Camelback Mountain roads. According to former St. Louisian and recent Scottsdale resident Debbie Miller, the LGBT community in Arizona is extremely physically active and enjoys an outdoor lifestyle.

Hence, golf, tennis and hiking reign supreme all-year-long. The open skies in the valley always produce a beautiful sunset that makes this city very romantic for those LGBT couples on vacation.

Nightlife in the desert is very upscale and clean. The granddame of gay discos in Phoenix is called Amsterdam—a multi-bar

complex that is sure to delight with the tribal beat of music and hotties in every corner. BS West in old town Scottsdale wins the nod for favorite neighborhood bar.

This city has something for everyone year round. You like shopping? Fashion Square Mall will shock and awe with stores ranging from chic to cheap! If you find yourself in need of a spa day, I highly recommend the Camelback Inn Spa. This luxury, world-renowned spa sits at the base of Camelback Mountain— after a massage or spa treatment you can sit around the pool sipping margaritas and take in some sun! One of the things I was most impressed with was the “family” owned and operated restaurants in Phoenix. They were all-upscale with amazing food and presentation and drew a really artistic and modern crowd.

Sound more East Coast than you’d like? Fret not. This is still the Wild West with nicely tanned cowboys and frontier culture. It takes about a day to adjust to the relaxed nature of “the valley of the sun”. But for an extended weekend, Scottsdale and Phoenix can sweep you off your feet and recharge your soul! v Recommended stops: Shopping: Fashion Square Mall - Fashionsquare.com Spa: Camelback Inn - Camelbackinn.com. Restaurants: AZ 88 - az88.com | Fez - fezoncentral.com Roscoe’s on 7th - roscoeson7th.com. Nightlife: Amsterdam - phoenix.gaynotes.com. | BS West - bswest.com | Charlie’s - charliesphoenix.com | The Rock - therockdmphoenix.com | Z Girl Club - zgirlclub.com theVitalVOICE.com | 7

Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by Joan Marcus The Tony Award winning Broadway powerhouse “Jersey Boys” will return to the Fabulous Fox Theatre, May 11-29.

Winner of the 2006 Best Musical, the smash hit tells the tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.

It’s the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.

Vital VOICE recently caught up with outactor Jonathan Hadley who plays lyricist and producer, Bob Crewe. Hadley chatted it up about “Jersey Boys” and playing a real-life character that the LGBT community should be proud of.

Colin Murphy: I was excited to learn about your character, Bob Crewe—tell our readers a bit about him.

Jonathan Hadley: Bob Crewe—I kind of like to call him the Fifth Season (out of The Four Seasons). He was the lyricist for most of their big hit songs in the early to mid 1960s and at the same time was their manager and their producer. And he really was pretty much instrumental for that signature Four Seasons sound. He was the guy in the booth creating that sound and was very creative—I think—in forging that whole new sound that sent them into the stratosphere. He went on to write “Lady Marmalade,” which was a big hit, and now he’s living in LA and doing a lot of visual art.

I was talking to him the other day… He had said he’d always wanted to be in front of the camera or on stage. He started off as a model back in the 1950s in LA— but somehow he always ended up behind the scenes either writing or producing.

So he said with “Jersey Boys” this is his chance to be on stage and he’s grateful for those of us who play Bob Crewe for giving him the chance to be on stage. I thought that was really sweet.

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May, 2011

CM: How does it feel to be able to portray a gay man who has had such an impact on pop-culture? His work really was the soundtrack of America.

JH: I feel very honored and excited about it. You know—calling him a gay man, of course, in the early 1960s—nobody was really out-out. So Bob Crewe was just seen as sort of flamboyant and interesting and at the same time respected for his talent and for his work as a producer and lyricist. He wasn’t judged as a gay man—which I think is a great thing. He was more noted for what he did rather than anything else. But I think it’s great that a man who was so influential in pop music—that nobody knew he was a gay man—it’s sort of a subversive story. I love putting it out there and portraying it and telling the story.

CM: How did you approach playing the role—did you try to get a sense of the real person?

JH: Absolutely—and of course what’s so great in research is the Internet and I was able find recordings of him because I haven’t actually met him. But there’s all these recordings I found and photographs so I can try to build off of that. There’s always a responsibility when you’re playing a real person to not turn them into a caricature in any way. You want to be faithful to them and make them a real entity on the stage as well as in real life because they could walk into the theatre at any time and that’s happened. The last time we played Tampa—Frankie Valli was playing Clear Water—and we go out on stage and there he is in the front row.

CM: I’ve read there’s an interesting story about the penning of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”—can you retell that?

JH: That’s a great story because it’s arguably one of the great pop songs of all time and it was actually inspired by

one of his [Crewe’s] lovers at the time.

He was having trouble coming up with a lyric and the story is he saw his lover lying on the bed or something and the words just came: “you’re just too good to be true—can’t take my eyes off of you.” I just think that’s great—gay people should know that.

CM: “Jersey Boys” has such a broad appeal—you’ve called it “a guys musical”—so when you’re portraying the character was it important to you to make it clear that this was a gay man you were portraying on stage?

JH: Absolutely—but not that it’s the first thing that he was about. He was accepted

and respected in the business for his talent, so I felt one of the interesting things about Bob Crewe’s story is he was accepted by these four basically, street thugs. The Four Seasons were these street kids from Newark—they were some rough kids. v

Tickets are available for Jersey Boys (part of the U.S. Bank Broadway Series and sponsored by American Airlines) online at metrotix.com, at The Fox Theatre box office, MetroTix outlets, and MetroTix charge-by-phone at 314.534.1111

theVitalVOICE.com | 9

Have You Seen the NEW Website?

TheVitalVoice.com Featuring: • Latest News • Lifestyle Stories • Hot Videos • Party Pics • Community Calendar of Events ...and MORE!!

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10 | May, 2011

Pride Band Showcase Written by Alishia Alexander

Pride Band Showcase’s 2nd annual band competition is underway with six new bands competing to perform at PrideFest 2011. After sending in their submission in January, the bands were chosen based upon their sound quality and type of music by a committee from Pride St. Louis, Inc. Fans will be asked at the door which group they are there to see, which will determine who the winner will be based on the amount of people that the contender brings to the show.

The Otto Modest theottomodest.com

As a four-man band making subtle melodies and shimmering noise in St. Louis, The Otto Modest is known to allow their listeners to learn more about themselves. They are from the St. Louis area but refer to their home as City 9.

“The Band Showcase for Pridefest could be the most important The Otto Modest show ever.”

Grody Hunt grodyhunt.com

Grody Hunt’s interest incorporates “the philosophy of the volume and dimensions of the box” rather than how to get out of it, which manifests into their dynamic fortitude and lyrical potency. The raucous band is based in Chicago and travel on a frequent basis to play their cognitive pop music at various venues.

Vendetta Sonata vendettasonata.com

The four-piece group, known as Vendetta Sonata, has been a band for a year and have roots deep within the local STL music scene and across several genres. They’ve already gained media attention with airplay on a local college radio station (Webster Pagan Metal Show) and as studio guest artists on Kelley’s Deliciously Alive Show on West Plex 100.7FM. The lead vocalist, Shawn Telkamp, is an active member of the LGBT community and is very open about his sexual orientation.

“We realize that participation in this event would mean the world to Shawn as a member of his community and to all of us as members of the STL area.”

Underdog Syndrome underdogsyndrome.com With a distinctive sound described as a modern day New Found Glory meets Weezer with a slight Ludo influence, Underdog Syndrome is known for their music through online media.

The group was originally a five-piece pop-punk band, known as Final Fight, but parted ways with two members and formed Underdog Syndrome in 2009. The name was assembled by a made up medical term that focuses on people rooting for the underdog. Many of the band mates’ friends are LGBTers and they would love an opportunity to show them just what they’ve become.

Paper Dolls sonicbids.com/PaperDolls Paper Dolls have been playing together in the St. Louis area since December 2007 and attendance at their shows is continually growing. They also have set up multiple shows for out of town LGBT friendly bands in order to expose St. Louis music fans to news artists and to help support touring LGBT artists.

Just Free sonicbids.com/JustFree Just Free’s gritty, unpredictable, and energetic, emotional sound is all about having fun through music. Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Justin Fremont, has marched with LGBT community friends in the Pride parade in Minneapolis, MN and supports gay rights. The band’s music has an overtly sexual tone to it and aims to support freedom in sexuality.

“Music so dirty you’ll want to wear protection.”

Music fans can come out to vote for their favorite bands at the Pride St. Louis Band Showcase on May 20 at the Foxhole at Atomic Cowboy from 9 pm to12 am. The doors will be open at 8 pm and the music will begin at 9 pm with a $5 cover charge at 4140 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO. The winner of the battle will open up for numerous mainstream acts at Tower Grove Park on June 25th-26th. v

theVitalVOICE.com | 11

David A. Armstrong

TWO SPIRITS

Thurs JUNE 2 • 7pm • FREE Panel discussion follows screening

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1 Out of 10 Ain’t Bad!

THE MANDRAKE SOCIETY Written by Colin Murphy – Senior Writer/Editor Photography by The St. Louis Gay History Project St. Louis is replete with history when it comes to its queer community. In the months prior to the June 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City’s Greenwich Village—widely hailed as one of the catalysts for the modern LGBT rights movement—the seeds were already being sewn for The Gateway City’s first LGBT rights organization, The Mandrake Society.

The late 1960s saw a culmination of the Civil Rights Movement and the rise of the counterculture and sexual liberation. The ground was ripe for the gay community across the country to not just quietly demonstrate, but embrace visibility and demand equality.

According to famed sociologist Laud Humphreys’ 1972 book, Out of the Closets: The Sociology of Homosexual Liberation, Mandrake got its start in April 1969 when eight people met at an apartment in the Central West End. Humphreys’ writes that by the autumn of that year the group of college students, gay and lesbian activists and straight allies had held a handful of organizational meetings and a picnic.

But despite limited outreach at the bars, the St. Louis LGBT community remained largely unaware of the new homophile Gateway City group until late October.

“In 1969 Halloween was on a Friday,” explained a former Mandrake member who requested anonymity. “My lover was into drag so he went out to the bars and I stayed home and watched Frankenstein. And sometime between 10 and 11 p.m. one of our friends called and said, Michael’s been arrested and that he’s down at Central Station. So I went down there and it turns out they’d raided the bars and they’d arrested nine drag queens for cross-dressing.”

Indeed, the men were arrested outside of a local gay bar during a police raid—a common occurrence for LGBT establishments in the 1950s and 1960s. For in addition to it being illegal for persons of the same sex to dance together or engage in public displays of affection, the law prohibiting dressing in drag or “masquerading” would remain on the books until St. Louis entertainer Michelle McCausland successfully challenged the city statute in 1986.

“I was waiting around the station to find out how to post bail to get him out and people started filtering in for these other eight drag queens,” the Mandrake Member recalled of how he first became involved with the organization.

“A bunch of college students came in and pretty soon we had theVitalVOICE.com | 13

intern

photography, writing, design, web contact VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

 

14 | May, 2011

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a couple hundred people in the foyer of the police station,” he continued. “And of course you get that many half-inebriated gay people together and voices started getting raised and demands being made, that sort of thing. So one of the police said bail would be about 50-bucks a piece, or something like that. And of course gay people didn’t have any money—these were all bar queens who’d spent all their money already.”

The crowd had gathered because, according to Humphreys, Mandrake members were alerted via the phone chain they had established for just such emergencies. A collection was taken up and bail was posted but the unlucky nine would not be released until 9 a.m.

The Mandrake member’s recollection differs slightly from Humphrey’s account. While he admits that there were some organizational meetings between college students and gay activists, he maintains that the Halloween night arrests were the catalyst for the formation of Mandrake, named for the libido boosting Mandrake Root.

“From that this core group of people decided we should have an organization and fight the law,” he said. “So we met at Trinity Episcopal Church on Euclid and Washington and formed The Mandrake Society.”

“Now I joined it because I wanted to get into activist activities,” he explained. “A lot of people joined it wanting a social organization. And for almost a year it was a constant battle and I think the social group won out.”

History will record that The Mandrake Society didn’t do much in way of political action, but their place in St. Louis history as the first LGBT rights organization is secure. They published the first St. Louis LGBT publication called Mandrake from 1970-1972 which featured bar ads, editorial, opinion pieces and “whatever national news could be plagiarized from The Advocate.” They also had at least one high profile meeting with the St. Louis Board of Alderman’s, Red Villa regarding the cross dressing law.

Still The Mandrake Society is best remembered for the wildly popular Mandrake Ball, their annual fundraiser held each Halloween. Held at various downtown Hotel banquet rooms from 1970-1974 the event was part masquerade dance party and part drag ball. The evening culminated with the crowning of Miss Mandrake—Empress of the Midwest and her court.

“After 1973 I got out of Mandrake and went into MCC,” concluded the Mandrake member “As far as I know Mandrake sort of drifted away at that point. It was only like a three or four year organization and that’s all they really did was The Mandrake Ball and the monthly publication.”

True, the organization could have done more, but the seeds of visibility and political action had been sewn. Mandrake laid the foundation for organizations such as the Mid Continent Life Services Corporation, which founded the Hotline and the city’s first LGBT Community Center. It paved the way for PROMO— which continues to fight for LGBT equality to this day. Indeed, The Mandrake Society may not have done much—but it was a necessary start. v theVitalVOICE.com | 15

in the City

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5.12.2011 6PM-9PM $5 donation to Project ARK includes complimentary Bud Light. Must be 21+ to attend.

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d Tumi Vapor

Neiman Marcus – Plaza Frontenac Vapor is a totally new and advanced travel experience. It offers ultra-modern style that defies definition, the protection of a hard side case, and a surprisingly lightweight, easy-to-maneuver design.

The Tumi Vapor Collection is a Travel + Leisure 2011 Design Award Winner for Best Luggage.

e 6 Piece Adapter Kit

Brookstone – Saint Louis Galleria This 6-piece kit changes the plug shape for worldwide use— designed for dual-voltage appliances, or use in combination with a power converter. Includes base unit with five separate adapter plugs—bring only what you need. Works in over 150 countries on every continent and compatible with most laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, travel hair dryers, steamers, irons and other small appliances. Voltage indicator light on base unit alerts you if you need a converter. Includes zippered travel pouch.

f Leather Passport Cover

Neiman Marcus – Plaza Frontenac Travel through TSA in style with this chic Leather embossed passport cover. This is an exclusive Neiman Marcus item made with only the softest-yet-durable leather.

g Movado Travel Alarm Clock

Neiman Marcus – Plaza Frontenac Since it’s founding in Switzerland in 1881, Movado remains one of the most famous timepieces ever created. From the early Polyplan with its revolutionary movement custom fit in a case that’s been curved to perfection—this lightweight clock has won a number of international awards for artistry and innovation.

h Archiegrand Travel Journal

Neiman Marcus – Plaza Frontenac These personal notebooks are made with great care given their quality. With a rigid cover, they are thread sewn with a faux leather matte lamination. The size affords a neat fit in the pocket of a suit or a small evening bag. You can always make a statement with their bright vivid colors and the notebooks contain 120 blank pages of high quality paper that soak up the ink perfectly.

i Laptop Essentials Kit

Brookstone – Saint Louis Galleria Seven laptop tools that make every business trip more productive.

Now you can set up an office in a hotel room, on a plane, or at the corner café. All accessories simply plug into the USB or other port on your laptop for instant use. An included three-port USB hub makes it easy to plug in other peripherals. And integrated earbuds with microphone let you listen to music and movies, or use Internet-based phone services such as Skype®. Includes a zippered travel case.

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j NAP Plush Eyemask

Brookstone – Saint Louis Galleria The irresistible NapSoft® material warms and comforts weary eyes while blocking out light affording the wearer a more comfortable slumber. The elastic band adjusts to your head to keep eyemask in place and the minute your skin comes in contact with the Brookstone® Eye Mask, you begin to feel its therapeutic effects. One touch and you’ll see. The plush mask instantly envelops you in soothing softness, resulting in a warm, relaxing sensation that seems to permeate through your entire body.

18 | May, 2011

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Travel Musts Photogrpahy by Tim Brenner

Everyone deserves a touch of compact luxury while on excursion from the daily grind— and what better way to treat yourself than with a few travel necessities that add a touch of class. The design and innovation of these items have made them Vital VOICE’s top pick for Vie a ‘ Voyage.

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Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

to Ste. Genevieve, Missouri!

Written by Kristen Goodman Ask average city-dwellers what they think of Ste. Genevieve, and they’ll probably describe the rural stereotype complete with Confederate flags and banjos. Yet, after spending a few hours in this charming French colonial town, you’ll begin to replace preconceived notions with adjectives like “cultured,” “green,” and even “gay-friendly.” Team Vital VOICE was fortunate to experience the grand tour of this tiny gem, and we were pleasantly surprised with what we saw.

Settled during the mid-eighteenth century by French-Canadian farmers, Ste. Genevieve is the oldest European settlement West of the Mississippi River. German and Spanish influences add to the region’s international flair. The historic structures have been so carefully preserved that walking down Main Street is like going back in time. Bed & breakfasts, art galleries, and antique shops are plentiful—with nary a fast food chain or big box store in sight. theVitalVOICE.com | 21

As we walked along, we met many folks who stopped to greet us—and at first we thought they had strategically planted gays throughout town. For Ste. Genevieve’s rich tradition of architecture, art, and cuisine has attracted some rather progressive and interesting people who are proud to call Ste. Gen. their home.

Visitors can enjoy a healthy homemade wrap at Station 2 Café served in an eco-friendly dissolvable container! Take a tour of the Bolduc House Museum, and check out the gift shop—their mascot is a squirrel!!! Take a trip down memory lane (or maybe down the rabbit hole) at LuLu’s Gallery filled with retro antiques and conversation-starters as fun and wacky as the shop owner herself. Find treasures like rare paintings and kitschy vintage ashtrays at Joseph Sisters. And indulge in a delicious bitesized dessert at Stella & Me Lunch Café.

The town has several unique hotels and bed & breakfasts to choose from, each beautifully restored with its own special charm. Perhaps the most breathtaking of the area accommodations is White Cliff Manor.

Positioned a few miles outside town, this gorgeous estate combines the peace of the countryside with the elegance of an historic French colonial home.

The Ste Genevieve wine country has become one of the most popular tourist destinations and is host to more than a handful of independent wineries and microbreweries. But the region’s hills and valleys offer more than vineyards.

Recreation enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, camping, long distance bike trails, golf courses and conservation areas.

Whether you drive down for the day or stay for the weekend, Ste Genevieve has so much to offer St. Louis LGBTers. Pop down for their 4th Friday Art Walks, or plan a weekend stay during the Jour de Fete festival in August.

Whatever you do, leave your stereotypes in the city and pack an open mind, because this little old town is welcoming you with open arms. v

Recommended Stops Restaurants/ Cafes: Station 2 Café 573.883.3600 facebook.com/Station-2-Café

Historic Sights: Bolduc House 573.883.3105 bolduchouse.com

Stella & Me Café 573.883.3078 facebook.com/Stella-and-Me-Café

The Ste Genevieve Museum 573.883.3461 ste-genevieve.com

Cooking School: Rosemary & Thyme Cooking School 573.883.7699 rosemarythymecookingsch.com

Wineries: Sainte Genevieve Winery 573.883.2800 saintegenevievesinery.com

Shopping: Joseph’s Sister Gallery 573.883.3314 josephsistersgallery.webs.com

Cave Vineyard 573.543.5284 cavevineyard.com

Lulu’s Antigues 573.883.8885

Chaumette Vineyard 573.747.1000 chaumette.com

Show-Me Shop 573.883.2557 show-meshop.com

Charleville Winery and Microbrewery 573.756.4537 charlevillevineyard.com

Sweet Things 573.883.7990 sweetthingsstegen.com

Bed and Breakfast: White Clift Manor 888.388.5445 whitecliffmanorbnb.com

Mélange 573.883.7919 inkleinedtostamp.com

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This section sponsored by

Make your own

personal escape Written by Raj Tailor Your mind might be on a travel escape oceans away, but maybe your schedule or budget is keeping you closer to home. Now that spring has sprung, it might be time to put a little design thought into your outdoor space. I’m not just talking to all of you with backyards (you’ve most likely already started going yard crazy) but instead to all of you condo and apartment dwellers (like me!) whose outdoor spaces are little more than a place to stash your grill. With just a little attention, these undercooked outdoor living spaces can be transformed into your personal escape you can retreat to, even if you can only spare enough time for a cocktail and one chapter of your current read.

EXPLORE THE VERTICAL A pot of herbs, flowers or even grass can truly begin to transform the feel of an outdoor space. However, if you are working with a small patio or balcony, a traditional big pot takes up too much real estate. And a collection of small pots just ends up looking cluttered. I love planters that take advantage of vertical space.

And think beyond just ones that sit on the ground. Pots that attach to a balcony railing are fun and unexpected while practical to boot. There are even planters that can transform a ho- hum partition wall into a lush vertical plane of green.

EMBRACE THE SIZE When furnishing small outdoor spaces, many people feel like they have to do what is expected, i.e. a “set” of a table and chairs. Suddenly, the space becomes less of an oasis and more of a box crammed with furniture. Remember, space is the ultimate luxury. So, embrace the proportion your space and go for a more indulgent choice. One chaise lounge positioned at a gradual angle will appear more inviting and luxurious than a balcony trying too hard to accommodate a crowd that it really can’t.

COLOR CONNECTS If you are working with a small space, consistency is key. Mixing too many elements, patterns or colors will end up looking cluttered and unkempt. That doesn’t mean you can’t introduce a pop of color, however. One bright orange accent stool or even a pot planted with a cluster of bright flowers can really draw your eye and visually connect your indoor space to your outdoor space. Bringing in a pop of an accent color you have already committed to inside your living space can make this even more successful (or vice versa). v

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Advertise with Contact VitalVOICEmag@gmail.com 314.256.1196

benefiting Saturday, May 7, 2011

Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park 5620 Grand Drive. Saint Louis, MO. 63112

VIP Party 7–9:30pm | Main Event 9:30pm–1am

Buy your tickets online www.PROMOonline.org THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

oxane eclectic american bistro

24 | May, 2011

NaturalNorthern California

Written by Chris Andoe Photography by Chris Andoe I have a confession. I don’t like going to the Napa Valley wineries. I’m cutting to the chase because many who visit San Francisco make the trek to Napa and I think it’s dreadfully tedious. It’s been five years but I remember how Napa was overrun with the ridiculous and pretentious.

White limousines, hoards of people descending on the tasting tables like plagues of locusts, and women wearing Capri pants and heels who paraded around as if they were on Dynasty.

Whether you’re just in for a weekend or you’re a leisurely gal on the open road The Wandering Emperor has got better ideas on how you can commune with nature. With some of the world’s most spectacular scenery life’s too short not to savor the outdoors in Northern California. Let’s start in the city and work our way a few hundred miles north.

“Delores Beach” The terraced lawns of Delores Park, nicknamed “Delores Beach”, are just a short walk from the Castro and the park

is the best place in the city to spread out a blanket and people watch while taking in the skyline views. Friendly dogs wander freely, musicians sing and strum guitars, and new friends are made. Much is missed when you’re rushing from one destination to another, so pick a sunny day to slow down and be in the moment at Delores Park, but if someone offers to sell you cookies or brownies make sure you ask what’s in them.

Lands End Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lands End is San Francisco’s wildest and rockiest coast. Trails at Lands End offer a cliff-top walk through shadowy cypress, incomparable 30-mile views of the coast and the sparkling Pacific, and foot access to several shoreline pocket beaches. The beaches are popular with nude sunbathers and the area also has a reputation after dark. Someone’s always getting stranded on the cliffs until a jogger hears them the next morning and the dignified rescue begins.

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Mount Tamalpais State Park Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais (or “Mount Tam”) rises 2,571 and offers spectacular views of San Francisco and the ocean. Experienced hikers love the trails alongside the numerous waterfalls and mosscovered, rocky slopes. Photographers from Ansel Adams to Jay Galloway have trekked through Mount Tam to photograph these secluded cascades.

Russian River/ Guerneville Just 75 miles north of San Francisco the rustic Sonoma County town of Guerneville is a popular resort area, especially during the bear events such as Bear Market (July 29- August 2) where loads of guys are shuttled in on party busses departing from the Castro. The temperamental river is prone to flooding in the Spring but during the Summer it’s usually perfect for swimming.

Mendocino County & the Lost Coast Time to shift gears away from the party and immerse ourselves in pristine nature. Coastal Mendocino County is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. If you’ve got the time you can take Highway 1 all the way there, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and winding along the rocky coast through picturesque towns like Bodega Bay. There are sleepy but elegant wineries, great hiking and incredible scenery.

The hotel/inn/B&B options are numerous but my partner Damon and I recommend the Andiron Inn, with its eclectic mid-century cabins complete with wood burning stoves and private decks. Many even have kitchens.

We settled in by the fire and went to sleep to the sounds of the Pacific. It wasn’t until the final night that Damon suggested I go outside to look at the stars, and it was like the first time I had ever seen them! Gold stars, blue stars, all the constellations.

Humboldt County and the Lost Coast are north of Mendocino, and the sophisticated influence of the Bay Area doesn’t reach that far. Some call it the West Virginia of California but the area has some of the tallest trees in the world, and some great campy attractions like trees you can drive through. The Redwood forests, with trees the size of skyscrapers, are remote and amazing.

There’s no place like Northern California.

Slow down and immerse yourself in it. v

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28 | May, 2011

Mississippi Holiday

Why Lumière Place is the Perfect St. Louis Stay-cation

Written by Joshua Barton You’re running late to work...traffic is stalled on 70 and gas is just two cents shy of four dollars a gallon. You need an escape from the insanity but judging by your packed calendar, a tropical getaway is out of the question. Instead, we suggest taking your vacation downtown to the gorgeous and luxurious Lumière Place. Every day here seems like a Mississippi holiday and we’ll tell you why you’ll want to make Lumière your next stay-cation destination. You can thank us in the morning.

The Suite Life

Nothing says luxury like a Four Seasons Hotel suite so it’s fitting that Lumière is host to the only Four Seasons in Missouri. This gorgeous hotel is a true escape from reality. At three years old, this 200-room-hotel provides 411,000 square feet of luxury and in-house pampering tailored to free you from your daily grind.

We recommend an Arch View Room where you can enjoy the St. Louis skyline while lounging on a beautiful olive colored chase lounge or beneath the plush covers of a Four Seasons king bed.

Once you’ve taken in the view, head to the sky 8th floor lobby where you can enjoy a summer cocktail (our favorite is a Bombay Yellow Sky) or dinner from Cielo, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant. From there, head outside to the terrace where you can mingle with other guests on the patio or take a dip in their salt-water pool.

The rooms at the Four Seasons are pricey but still manageable with standard average rates of $250 to $350 a night. For a cheaper option, we’d suggest Hotel Lumiere where the rates hover between $99 to $230 and all the rooms are still suites. theVitalVOICE.com | 29

Four Seasons Spa

Our second favorite Lumière luxury feature is the Four Seasons spa and fitness center.

Every guest of the Four Seasons has access to the spa and the fitness center, including their tranquility lounge, steam room, whirl pool, showers and mineral bath. Guests and non-guests are also able to treat themselves to indulgent spa treatments and massages like the detoxifying seaweed wrap or the invigorating wild lime scalp treatment.

If you want to escape to your happy place make an appointment for the signature, 90 minute Balinese massage ($160).

This massage incorporates firm, long and flowing strokes along with elongated movements to rejuvenate the body. Warm stones are also used to infuse positive energy and a blend of coconut oils will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

And don’t forget to leave without tasting the pomegranate-elderberry tea!

Foodie Heaven

You will never starve here thanks to Lumière’s seven different restaurants and cafes that cater to everything from burgers and buffets to sushi and steak and everything in between.

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Begin with breakfast at Cielo where the crowd favorites include the blueberryorange juice and the mouth watering applewood-smoked salmon lox and bagels with fresh tomatoes, capers cream cheese and onions. For lunch, grab a juicy, made-to-order Kobe beef burger at Burger Bar with a side of sweet potato fries or if you want to “live on the line” walk to The Kitchen Buffet and Bistro for the ultimate fat kid’s dream (Ask to try their homemade gelato...our favorite is the Pink Grapefruit).

Finally, treat yourself to a decadent dinner at House of Savoy with a Tuscan inspired menu full of hearty tomato pastas, spicy seafood and fresh pizzas. The more exotic food fans might want to try Asia where you can find a diverse collection of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes.

And if you prefer a sports bar, you’ll love the new Stadium Sports Bar and Grill which opens later this spring.

Rainbow Approved

Lumière Place could leave even the gayest interior designer breathless with its perfect combination of gorgeous aesthetics and luxury amenities but what most LGBT travelers and guests should appreciate is the resort’s commitment to equality.

The resort continues to market and cater to the LGBT community by partnering with Pride St. Louis as the official host hotel of Pride 2011 (They even display a psychedelic rainbow on their light box during Pride). And LGBT couples will feel right at home as the entire Lumière staff is committed to making EVERYONE feel comfortable and at ease regardless of their orientation.

Lady-Boy Luck

A stay at Lumière wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through their 75,000 square foot casino grounds. The casino itself is a pulsating, sensory overload of neon colors and dollar signs. Gambling virgins will appreciate the 2,000 slot machines available for beginning gaming (there’s even a Sex and The City game!) while experienced players can choose from 55 table games and a 13-table poker room.

May lady-boy luck be with you! v

STRAIGHT talk: Pamela Raymond Written by Joshua Barton Photography by Darin Slyman At 41, Raymond is a figure in the St. Louis public relations industry and a networking rock star of sorts. She owns her own consulting firm (The Raymond Experience), acts as assistant managing editor for the blog Girls Guide to the Galaxy and writes and blogs herself about sex and relationships for ALIVE Magazine.

But if you happen to be lucky enough to enter into her inner circle, you’ll quickly find out that she’s also a vocal defender and ally of the LGBT community. Just ask any of her former boyfriends.

It’s a deal breaker. I’ve had to tell several guys I’ve dated that if they have a problem with gay people to let me know now because they’re GOING to be around them.

Raymond also talks about what it takes to be an ally to the LGBT community.

You may think coming out of New Orleans that her love for homosexuals was born in the French Quarter but you’d be wrong.

You have to be able to speak ou. That’s why when I say it’s a deal breaker it’s a DEAL I was really unaware of the LGBT community BREAKER. I have a responsibility to speak up growing up. No one was out in my high school. It was when I hear someone say something intentionally the 80’s and interracial couples weren’t even unflattering to the community and to let that allowed to our prom let alone a same sex couple! person know that I don’t want those terms Raymond says she began to notice the LGBT community while used in my presence. attending Loyola University in New Orleans but she wasn’t an identified ally until she moved to St. Louis when she began her MBA at Maryville University. She hadn’t known anyone so she began attending networking events around the city.

I’d start a conversation with these people who I thought were really cool because we had common interests and they would identify to me that they were gay.

This level of confidence became the seed to several blooms of close queer friendships in Raymond’s life and she admits that some have even expanded her perspective on the LGBT experience.

There is a danger in homogenizing the community like what’ done with the black community where people start talking about the “black voice”. A very conservative gay friend of mine who doesn’t agree with gay marriage opened my eyes to how this also happens with the LGBT community.

Along with her fierce advocacy, Raymond is a big fan of queer celebrations like disco night at Just John’s or ULTRA, the annual white party during Pride weekend.

Now that wears me out! I never get home at a decent hour and I always miss the parade!

Raymond laughs and her doe eyes gleam in the sun. She mentions that she’s no stranger to being hit on by women and that it doesn’t phase her.

I’ve been an ally for so long that it’s not even really a question. I don’t have to make a big declaration or a t-shirt that says: I’M NOT GAY! I just roll with the punches. v theVitalVOICE.com | 31

A Tasteful Affair Chase Park Plaza April 10th, 2011

Guests roamed the spacious room at A Tasteful Affair 23 while spies and espionage unfolded among the food filled tables snaked around the venue. Characters and Spy vs.

Spy worked the A-list crowd promoting a number of raffles during the course of the event, while VV’s “Squirrel” posed with Dieta and guests for photos. For more information about the services that Food Outreach provides, log onto www.foodoutreach.org.

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Scene Styling

Erney’s 32°

Pajama Party

Pride St. Louis Theme Launch March 28th, 2011

Just John March 23rd, 2011

Attendees were among the first to see this year’s Pridefest logo & theme at the exclusive video launch at Erney’s 32.

The capacity crowd mixed and mingled with community leaders and Pride Board members past and present.

Fabulous door prizes from Absolut, Loading Zone & Pride St. Louis were handed out to lucky recipients and guests enjoyed light snacks created by Bryan Young Catering.

Log on to www.Pridestl.org for all your Pridefest events.

Just John hosted their inaugural Pajama Party where guest were treated to cocktails galore while sporting their favorite nighttime finery. PJ partiers loved being entertained with sleep over games like Twister and Spin the Bottle. Planned Parenthood was in the house providing free testing and handing out safe sex packets.

For upcoming events check out www.facebook.com/justjohnsclub.

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Vital VOICE dedicates this issue to our Non-profit of the month

A Mother’s Story of Loss – And Her Life-Changing Decision Written by Marian McCord

Every 12 days, a young person in the St. Louis area takes their life.

Since the death of my son, I have learned that suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 15-19. This risk increases by five times if a child is bullied and by four times if they are openly or suspected of being gay. Suicide claims more lives than the top six medical causes of death combined. Yet research on youth depression and suicide remain one of the least funded of all childhood diseases.

CHADS is determined to save other families from the incredible pain of losing life’s most precious gift, a child, to suicide.

CHADS’ education, prevention and family support programs are available to all schools and families throughout Missouri and the St. Louis and Kansas City Metro Areas. Our in-school prevention programs focus on suicide, bullying and self-injury. Our family support programs help families who have a child struggling with depression, mental illness and suicidal thoughts.

In October 2003, my son, Chad, a gifted high school senior, athlete, natural leader, good friend and Eagle Scout, walked down the stairs, tears in his eyes, and told me and my husband, Larry, “I want to end my life.

Six months later we were burying him.

Initially, Chad was diagnosed with depression and an anxiety disorder. A few months later, he was diagnosed with rapid cycling Bipolar Disorder and “obsessing to hurt himself,” a form of OCD. We worked alongside our son, and he diligently followed a series of recommended treatment protocols. Chad was determined to get better. Unfortunately, he was one of the 20% of individuals who have a treatment-resistant form of depression.

Our son died by suicide in April 2004.

Chad was determined to bring mental illness out from under the cover of whispers and stigma and help open the doors of recovery for other young people. Just before he died, Chad told us that once he was better he wanted to stand in front of an Oakville High School assembly and say…

“Hi. My name is Chad McCord, and I suffer from depression.”

During my son’s funeral, I wondered aloud why there were no organizations funding research on adolescent depression, similar to what St. Jude’s does for childhood cancer. A good friend suggested Larry and I start one. That’s how CHADS Coalition for Mental Health was born.

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Know the risks and warning signs of depression and suicide: • Family history • Sad or irritable mood; anxiety • Changes in eating, sleeping or grooming habits • Isolation from friends or family • Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness • Impulsive/aggressive behavior • Recent losses, break-ups • Use of drugs and alcohol • Frequent thoughts or talk about death and suicide • Previous suicide attempts If you or someone you love is at imminent risk of suicide, please call!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1.800.273.TALK (8255) CHADS Coalition for Mental Health. chadscoalition.org Email: info@chadscoalition.org PO Box 510528, St. Louis, MO 63151

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