May 2017

MAY 2017

GOING

BELOW DECK

WITH CAPTAIN SANDY YAWN

DRIVE PROUDLY

Experience the Mungenast Difference at

13720 Manchester Rd. Manchester, MO 63011 314.822.2872 stlouisacura.com

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May 2017

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May 2017

MAY 2017

THEVITALVOICE.COM

The TRAVEL issue IMPRESSUM 6 7

Masthead publishers' letter

NIGHTLIFE 8

11 13 18

FIRST SIP PLAYDATES queens in space return of the divas kansas city pridefest stand up, stand out, stand proud

profiles 21

Holding court san francisco travel

23.

captain sandy yawn The 27-year yachting veteran is taking on her biggest challenge yet: Captain on the new season of Bravo's Below Deck: Mediterranean.

Life Guide 28

LONG HAUL carry on guide packing the essentials

style 32

global warming ready summer travel style

Entertainment 34 36 40

Dorothy rockisdead gives you life hungry for more st. louis surge basketball scene

thevitalVOICE.com

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Pearl vodka and Vital Voice Present:

Queens

CEO & partner • Darin Slyman dsly@thevitalvoice.com

return of the divas

Publisher & Partner • Jimmy Lesch jimmy@thevitalvoice.com MANAGING EDITOR • Kevin Schmidt Kevin@thevitalvoice.com

Thursday, June 1st At Moonrise Hotel benefiting the siba scholarship fund

Graphic DEsigner • AUDREY SCHERER audrey@thevitalvoice.com Contributor • Karla Templeton karlatempleton1213@gmail.com Contributor • Kaleigh jurgensmeyer kmjurgensmeyer@gmail.com Contributor • Tyler Bierman tb6809@gmail.com

Chad Michaels

Contributors

AS

art: Audrey scherer, Mark Moore

CHER

Steve truesdell, virginia sherwood/bravo stephanie schroeder, courtesy of: kc pridefest st. louis surge basketball TEXT: Kevin Schmidt, jimmy no show CHris andoe THE INCOMPERABLE

Rupaul's drag race star

jade jolie

BRAD FENNEL

taylor swift

REBA MCENTiRE

AS

AS

Design: AUDREY SCHERER, stephanie schroeder Online thevitalVOICE.com facebook.com/VitalVOICE twitter.com/VitalVOICE instagram.com/VitalVOICE

tickets at spacedivas.eventbrite.com

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May 2017

Contact Vital VOICE Magazine 4579 Laclede Ave #268 St. Louis, MO 63108 vv@thevitalvoice.com 314.256.1196

Publishers' letter

WELCOME

Whether you are retreating away to an exotic location or have your sights set somewhere closer to home, it’s no secret that the LGBT community loves to travel and explore. Our travel dollar has always been strong, especially now with marriage equality and destination weddings growing every year.

We are excited for the return of the Vital VOICE Travel Issue this month. Below Deck: Mediterranean star Sandy Yawn is at the helm of this Issue. You may not know Sandy yet, but she is the new captain and crew leader on Bravo’s hit show. Sandy shares her secrets to working together in close quarters and how to steer her team to best serve the dramatic guests that come on board.

All booked for a long-haul flight, but don’t know how to prepare?

Make that 10+ hour trip enjoyable with Jimmy No Show’s carry-on guide. You won’t want to be missing and wishing you hadn’t forgotten any of these items when you’re 30,000 over the Atlantic.

Something closer to home more your style? Grab your friends and head on over to Kansas City the first weekend in June. Their amazing Pride Festival features headliners like Betty Who, Frenchie Davis, David Hernandez, and the every so dreamy Well Strung.

Experience the fastest growing Pride Festival in our state. Check out all the details in this Issue.

And for a far-out destination join us on June 1 for our annual Queens in Space at Moonrise Hotel. Launch yourself into outer space and blast off into National Pride Month with RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner Chad Michaels and season 5 star Jade Jolie.

This night will be an evening of brilliant impersonators crating the illusions of great divas like Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Sia, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and many more. Get your tickets early. This event always sells out: SpaceDivas.EventBrite.com From there, it’s onward into the frontier of National Pride Month in June!

Until then, safe travels!

Darin Slyman CEO/Partner

Jimmy Lesch Publisher/Partner

thevitalVOICE.com

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NIGHTLIFE

FIRST SIP

salty chihuahua Everybody knows that Chihuahuas are small and, well, sassy dogs. They’re salty specimens with big attitudes, and they’ll bite a bitch. It’s why we love them, and the inspiration behind this sweet and salty spring cocktail. Made with Exotico Blanco Tequila, the cocktail is balanced out with the tartness of the lemonade and the sweetness of pineapple juice. The salty rim makes your tongue pounce like the pooch itself with an array of flavor sensations.

It’s simple but scrappy, just like the dog that inspired it all.

MAKE IT Glass: Stemless martini glass

Ingredients: 1 ½ oz. Exotico® Blanco Tequila 5 oz. lemonade Splash of pineapple juice Ice Garnish: Fresh lime wedge & salt Recipe: Wet the rim of an glass with lime juice, then dip in salt. Fill glass with ice. Pour in Exotico® Blanco Tequila and lemonade, plus a splash of pineapple. Squeeze and drop in the lime wedge. Stir.

TEXT: KEVIN SCHMIDT ART: courtesy of Luxco

thevitalVOICE.com

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NIGHTLIFE

Playdates PROMO presents:

Urbanaire 2017

13th

The Grandel - promoonline.com

This year, the theme of PROMO’s Urbanaire is to “HIGHLIGHT Equality for All Missourians.” Wear your brightest colors this year in solidarity, and mingle with some of the boldest personalities in the community. The Premium Event goes from 6pm-12am, where guests will enjoy appetizers from over 20 restaurants across St. Louis, an open bar, live music and entertainment, and a live and silent auction. Individual Tickets are $150. Have nine other friends who would like to come to the Premium Event?

Buy a Premium Event Perfect Host for $1000 for you and 9 friends for a discounted price of $100 per person.

Patron Level Ticket are $300, which allows you to enjoy the Premium Event experience while making an additional contribution in order to help PROMO achieve some of our greatest needs within legislative outreach and community education.

3rd-7th

12th

12th-14th Tennessee Williams Sauce magazine's dirty dancing Festival St. Louis food truck friday live on stage Grand Center - twstl.org The third annual festival that pays homage to the city’s favorite playwright will feature exhibits, plays, readings, panel discussions, movies, contests and educational activities.

Tower Grove Park - saucemagazine.org With live music by Steve Ewing, more than 20 trucks park it every second Friday of the month for one of the best outdoor food events in the city.

The Fabulous Fox - fabulousfox.com “The Classic Story On Stage” is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing.

9th annual taste of south grand

16th annual Art on the square

Whitaker Music festival kickoff

18th

19th-21st

31st

South Grand - southgrand.org The International Dine Around South Grand provides diners the opportunity to sample the vast array of what the south city dining and bar district has to offer.

Downtown Belleville - artonthesquare.com Art on the Square features the original works of over 100 accomplished artists and more from around the world for a threeday sensation for the eyes, ears and palate.

Missouri Botanical Garden - mobot.org The open-air festival presents free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars every summer, kicking off with Roland Johnson & Soul Endeavor.

thevitalVOICE.com

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MAKE THIS THE SEASON YOU DISCOVER OPERA!

GIACOMO PUCCINI

Love, Betrayal, and an Impossible Choice.

OPENS MAY 20

UNDER 45? See two operas and enjoy a pre-show brunch or dinner buffet with open bar for only $79 with a Young Friends “Pick Two” pass.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH OPENS MAY 27

THE TRIAL

OPENS JUNE 4

TITUS

CENTER STAGE

OPENS JUNE 10

JUNE 20!

(La clemenza di Tito)

ONE PERFORMANCE

SUBSCRIPTIONS START AT $82. SINGLE TICKETS START AT $25. www.ExperienceOpera.org | (314) 961-0644

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May 2017

NIGHTLIFE

The Queens are back. Pearl Vodka + Vital VOICE Magazine present Queens in Space: Return of the Divas.

Join us in launching The Pride Issue and kicking off National Pride Month on Thursday, June 1 on the rooftop of the Moonrise Hotel, and celebrate the start of an amazing summer in St. Louis.

The Queens

The Swag Bag

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 1 Winner Chad Michaels as Cher Known as one of the world’s premier Cher impersonators for nearly two decades, Michaels is dedicated to professionalism and excellence. She offers a comprehensive collection of Cher’s “Bob Mackieinspired” costume wardrobe and a repertoire of the iconic singer’s legendary performances from the last four decades.

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 5 star Jade Jolie as Taylor Swift Jade Jolie rose to prominence following her Drag Race debut, and simply kills it as the controversial now-diva, Taylor Swift. She performs as many other personalities as a resident entertainer at PLAY Louisville. Most importantly, she is a Queens In Space virgin.

The Incomparable Brad Fennel as Reba McEntire

Miss Gay Missouri USofA 2017 Adria Andrews as SIA

The Legendary 'Whore of 84' Genewa Stanwyck as Britney Spears

Kansas City's own GB Couture as Jennifer Lopez

Hosted by 'Divas of the Grove' star Akasha Royale as Beyonce

VIP Guests will receive an exclusive photo opportunity with Chad Michaels and Jade Jolie, plus a VIP backpack from Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts with The Pride Issue of Vital VOICE Magazine inside, Pearl Vodka sunglasses, chapstick, nail polish ransparenand more.

The Crafty Cocktail The Pearl Necklace is the official cocktail of the Queens in Space rooftop bash, the quintessential out-of-this-world element that will takes your senses to the next galaxy. Made with Pearl Black vodka, we add in Viniq shimmery liqueur — a blend of vodka, Moscato and natural fruit flavors— and a splash of 7 Up for a clean, semisweet finish.

The Venue With The View The rooftop of the Moonrise Hotel provides unparalleled views of the city, from downtown St. Louis to downtown Clayton. With an indoor sage and performance area and a large outdoor lounge and cocktail area, the venue offers a satisfying source of entertainment for whatever mood you’re in.

The Good Cause A portion of proceeds raised at Queens In Space will benefit the Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts Scholarship Fund (SSF).

The Fund supports the educational goals of students by raising funds to assist them with their tuition expenses. To date, SSF has awarded more than $60,000 in scholarships. Stevens – The Institute offers small class size and instruction from expert faculty in five degree programs: Fashion, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Business & Paralegal. V TEXT: KEVIN SCHMIDT ART: Audrey Scherer

thevitalVOICE.com

15

TRIUMEQ is a once-a-day pill used to treat HIV-1. In some people, TRIUMEQ should not be used by itself.

Take TRIUMEQ exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.

APPROVED USES TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-type 1) medicine used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine.

TRIUMEQ should not be used in children under the age of 18.

TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRIUMEQ? TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects, including: • Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavir-containing products.

Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat. Your pharmacist will give you a Warning Card with a list of these symptoms. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.

If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir- or dolutegravir-containing medicines again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get lifethreatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death.

If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again.

Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one.

• A buildup of acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in some people who take TRIUMEQ. This serious medical emergency can cause death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel very weak or tired; have unusual muscle pain; have trouble breathing; have stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy/light-headed; or have a fast/irregular heartbeat.

• Serious liver problems can happen in people who take TRIUMEQ. In some cases, these serious liver problems can lead to death. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking nucleoside analogue medicines for a long time. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: • yellow skin, or the white part of the eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark urine; light-colored stools; loss of appetite for several days or longer; nausea; pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • Worsening of hepatitis B virus in people who have HIV-1 infection. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. A “flare-up” is when your HBV suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. Do not stop taking TRIUMEQ without first talking to your healthcare provider, so he or she can monitor your health.

• Resistant hepatitis B virus. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant). ©2016 ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved.

Printed in USA. 723601R0 August 2016

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• Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. If you’re taking TRIUMEQ and interferon, with or without ribavirin, tell your healthcare provider about any new symptoms. Worsening of liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C who were taking antiretroviral medicines and interferon.

Who should not take TRIUMEQ? • Do not take TRIUMEQ if you: • have the HLA-B*5701 gene variation • are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in TRIUMEQ • take dofetilide (Tikosyn®) • have liver or kidney problems What are other possible side effects of TRIUMEQ? • People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver function before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ. • When you start taking HIV-1 medicines, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking TRIUMEQ. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicines.

• Some HIV-1 medicines, including TRIUMEQ, may increase your risk of heart attack.

The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ include: trouble sleeping, headache, tiredness These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRIUMEQ? • Before you take TRIUMEQ, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have been tested and know whether or not you have a gene variation called HLA-B*5701 • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection; have kidney problems; have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes; drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take TRIUMEQ • You should not take TRIUMEQ if you also take: • abacavir (EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®, or ZIAGEN®) • lamivudine (COMBIVIR®, DutrebisTM, EPIVIR®, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR) • emtricitabine (Emtriva®, Atripla®, Complera®, Stribild®, or Truvada®) Important Safety Information continued on next page

Peter Diagnosed with HIV in 2015

Garland Diagnosed with HIV in 2016

Leopold Diagnosed with HIV in 2003

Jeannette Diagnosed with HIV in 2011

Jack Diagnosed with HIV in 2010

Real patients with HIV-1 taking TRIUMEQ as of 2014 or later. Individual results may vary.

Individuals compensated for their time by ViiV Healthcare.

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements (for example, antacids or laxatives; vitamins such as iron or calcium supplements; anti-seizure medicines; other medicines to treat HIV-1, hepatitis, or tuberculosis; metformin; methadone; or St. John’s wort). Some medicines interact with TRIUMEQ. Keep a list of your medicines to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRIUMEQ on the following pages.

Ask your doctor about

learn more at

triumeq.com

thevitalVOICE.com

17

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about TRIUMEQ and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(TRI-u-meck) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRIUMEQ

ABOUT TRIUMEQ

TRIUMEQ may cause serious side effects, including: • Serious allergic reactions (hypersensitivity reaction) that can cause death have happened with TRIUMEQ and other abacavir-containing products. Your risk of this allergic reaction to abacavir is much higher if you have a gene variation called HL A-B*5701. Your healthcare provider can determine with a blood test if you have this gene variation. If you get symptoms from 2 or more of the following groups while taking TRIUMEQ, call your healthcare provider right away: 1. fever; 2. rash; 3. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain; 4. generally ill feeling, extreme tiredness, or achiness; 5. shortness of breath, cough, or sore throat. A list of these symptoms is on the Warning Card your pharmacist gives you. Carry this Warning Card with you at all times.

• If you stop taking TRIUMEQ because of an allergic reaction, never take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir- or dolutegravircontaining medicines again. If you take TRIUMEQ or any other abacavir-containing medicine again after you have had an allergic reaction, within hours you may get life-threatening symptoms that may include very low blood pressure or death. If you stop TRIUMEQ for any other reason, even for a few days, and you are not allergic to TRIUMEQ, talk with your healthcare provider before taking it again.

Taking TRIUMEQ again can cause a serious allergic or life-threatening reaction, even if you never had an allergic reaction to it before. If your healthcare provider tells you that you can take TRIUMEQ again, start taking it when you are around medical help or people who can call a healthcare provider if you need one.

• Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Serious liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools (bowel movements), loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, and/or stomach pain on the right side.

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking nucleoside analogues for a long time.

• Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRIUMEQ. Do not stop taking TRIUMEQ without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

• Resistant HBV. If you have HIV-1 and HBV, the HBV can change (mutate) while you’re on TRIUMEQ and become harder to treat (resistant).

• Use with interferon and ribavirin-based regimens. Worsening of liver disease that has caused death has happened in people infected with both HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus who are taking antiretroviral medicines and are also being treated for hepatitis C with interferon with or without ribavirin. If you are taking TRIUMEQ and interferon with or without ribavirin, tell your HCP if you have any new symptoms.

• TRIUMEQ is a prescription HIV-1 medicine used alone or with other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. TRIUMEQ is not for use by itself in people who have or have had resistance to abacavir, dolutegravir, or lamivudine. TRIUMEQ should not be used in children under the age of 18.

• TRIUMEQ does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIVrelated illnesses.

®

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May 2017

DO NOT TAKE TRIUMEQ IF YOU • have a certain type of gene variation called the HL A-B*5701 allele. Your HCP will test you for this before prescribing treatment with TRIUMEQ. • are allergic to abacavir, dolutegravir, or any of the ingredients in TRIUMEQ. See the full Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in TRIUMEQ. • take dofetilide (Tikosyn®). Taking TRIUMEQ and dofetilide (Tikosyn) can cause side effects that may be life-threatening.

• have liver or kidney problems.

• If you also take: abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN); lamivudine (COMBIVIR®, DutrebisTM, EPIVIR®, EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM, or TRIZIVIR); emtricitabine (Atripla®, Complera®, Emtriva®, Stribild®, or Truvada®) abacavir (EPZICOM, TRIZIVIR, or ZIAGEN)

BEFORE TAKING TRIUMEQ Tell your healthcare provider if you: • have been tested and know if you have a particular gene variation called HL A-B*5701.

• have or had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection.

• have heart problems, smoke, or have diseases that increase your risk of heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

• drink alcohol or take medicines that contain alcohol.

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRIUMEQ will harm your unborn baby.

• are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRIUMEQ. Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider

IMPORTANT FACTS (cont’d)

MEDICINES THAT MIGHT INTERACT WITH TRIUMEQ • antacids, laxatives, or other medicines that contain aluminum, magnesium, sucralfate (Carafate®), or buffered medicines. TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines.

• iron or calcium supplements taken by mouth may be taken at the same time with TRIUMEQ if taken with food. Otherwise, TRIUMEQ should be taken at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after you take these medicines • anti-seizure medicines: oxcarbazepine ( Trileptal ® ), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin® -125, Phenytek ®), phenobarbital, carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Equetro ®, Tegretol®, Tegretol® -XR, Teril®, Epitol®) • any other medicine to treat HIV-1, medicines used to treat hepatitis virus infections (such as interferon or ribavirin), a medicine that contains metformin, methadone, rifampin (Rifater ®, Rifamate ®, Rimactane ®, Rifadin®), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRIUMEQ

GET MORE INFORMATION • Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist • Go to TRIUMEQ.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved product labeling COMBIVIR, EPIVIR, EPZICOM, TIVICAY, TRIUMEQ, TRIZIVIR, and ZIAGEN are registered trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

EPIVIR-HBV is a registered trademark of the GSK group of companies.

The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse the ViiV Healthcare group of companies or its products. ©2016, the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All rights reserved.

April 2016 TRM:4MG

Photos: Amy Guip

TRIUMEQ can cause serious side effects including: • See “What is the most important information about TRIUMEQ?” section • Changes in liver tests.

• Changes in your immune system • Changes in body fat • Some HIV-1 medicines including TRIUMEQ may increase your risk of heart attack. (cont’d)

The most common side effects of TRIUMEQ are: trouble sleeping, headache, and tiredness These are not all the possible side effects of TRIUMEQ. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRIUMEQ. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRIUMEQ. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Fabulous Fox Theatre

May 19-21 / On Sale Now!

314-534-1111 • MetroTix.com thevitalVOICE.com

19

Kansas City pridefest NIGHTLIFE

June 2-4, 2017 Berkley Riverfront park

Host Hotel The Hampton Inn, Country Club Plaza is offering a KC PrideFest discounted room rate thru May 15th (available only on gaypridekc.org).

This hotel puts you minutes away from all the clubs and 15 minutes away from the festival. Also on gaypridekc.com for a limited time, a discounted Single Day pass is available for $7.50 or 3-day Pass for $18.00.

featured headliner:

WELL STRUNG

“A talented quartet of men who sing and play instruments ...brilliantly fuses pop and classical music from Madonna to Beethoven.”

Love the name! How did you all come up with it?

Before the group existed, Christopher Marchant did a spread with Australia’s DNA Magazine. They pegged him as a ‘sexy violinist’. In the interview they did with him they titled the spread ‘Well-Strung.’

What kinds of music do you all thrive at performing?

Our favorite thing to do with music as a group is taking classical pieces written centuries ago and mashing them up with recent pop songs. You’d be surprised how much crossover there is between the two genres.

What does performing at Pride festivals mean for you all?

We are so excited to come to Kansas City! We always have a blast performing at Prides; the crowds are energized and united and it is a joy to play music for them. One of the things we love about Pride, personally, is that a lot of different types of people are there for a united purpose. We try to be inclusive with our music – we pay respect to many different genres, highlighting the differences and similarities. We think

that’s how the LGBT community thrives as well – by celebrating one another’s similarities and differences in a united purpose.

Which ones of you all are single?

All of us actually have boyfriends right now.

Well Strung will be taking the Tito’s Vodka Main Stage on Saturday June 3 at 9:30 p.m.

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May 2017

A Thank you to our sponsors Mix 93.3, KC102, Tito’s Vodka - Main Stage Sponsor, Commerce Bank - Kids Zone, American Kites & Events, Argosy Casino, Barefoot Wine, Bistro 303, Buddies, Camp Magazine, Central States, EventPros, Inc, Ford Motor Company, Good Samaritan Project, Hamburger Mary’s, Hampton Inn and Suites, Healthy Living Partnership, Human Rights Commission Of Kansas City, Isle of Capri Casino, JamesHardie Siding/Trim, JE Dunn, Kansas City Health Department, KC Care, KC Exposure, Lexmark, Loquient, Miller Light Beer, Missie B’s, Planned Parenthood Great Plains, Pop Culture Sculptures, Renaissance Festival, SideKicks Saloon, Side Streets, The City of Kansas City, The Gayle, The Neighborhood Tourism Development Fund, UAW-Ford Motor Company, University of Kansas Health Systems, UMB Bank, US Bank, Vital VOICE Magazine, Wexler Family Psychiatry, Woody’s.

ONgoing events The Commerce Bank Kid’s Zone / LGBTQIA Youth Hang Out / Food Fair: Food trucks and other local cuisine / Market Place: Vendor and Sponsor Booths / Body Shop: Workshops and Free Health Checkups / Animal Adoption Booths: Dogs, cats, and birds will be available for adoption / KC Gay Volley Ball / Renaissance Festival Characters

Schedule of Events Friday, June 2nd:

Saturday, June 3rd:

Sunday, June 4th:

Emcee: Dirty Dorothy (6pm-midnight), Men of Skin (9:45-11:45pm)

Emcee: Widow Von’du (noon-5pm), Flo and Melinda Ryder (5pm-midnight)

Emcee : Monique Heart (noon-4pm), Buddy and Budweiser (4-7pm)

Noon | Rozz Smith – National Anthem 12:01 – 3:25 | DeeJay 3:25 – 3:30 | William 3:35 – 3:40 | Ammelle Courvoisler 3:45 – 3:50 | Morgan Messer 3:55 – 4:00 | Dove 4:05 – 4:10 | Raychei Von Twist 4:15 – 4:20 | D’Rihanna 4:20 – 4:25 | Sasha Lawrence 4:30 – 4:35 | Reign 4:40 – 4:45 | Nikita Wood-Rowe 4:50 – 4:55 | Rozz Smith 5:00 – 5:05 | Buttwiser’s Bash 5:10 – 5:25 | Black Pride 5:25 – 5:30 | The Ratchett Housewives

of WestPort 5:45 – 6:00 | Shauna Knapp 6:20 – 6:50 | Heartland Men’s Chorus 6:55 – 7:15 | Presentations 7:30 – 7:45 | Heartland Trans Chorus 8:00 – 8:15 | KC Sunshine – Midwest Michael Jackson 8:30 – 9:00 | Missie B’s 9:30 – 10:15 | Well Strung 10:40 – 11:25 | Betty Who

Noon | Rozz Smith - National Anthem 12:01 – 12:30 | DeeJay 12:30 – 1:00 | KC LGBTQIA Youth 1:00 – 1:30 | Project Pride 2:00 – 2:30 | Mid America Freedom Band 2:45 – 3:00 | Sidekicks 3:30 – 4:30 | Mad Libby 5:00 – 5:45 | David Hernandez 6:00 – 6:45 | Frenchie Davis 6:50 | Volunteer Thank You

Gates open at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight

6:00 | Rozz Smith – National Anthem 6:01 – 7:45 | DJ Chef Nguyen 8:15 – 9:15 | Material Girl 9:45 – 11:45 | DJ Citizen Jane

STAND UP STAND OUT STAND PROUD

GayPrideKC.org

Gates open at noon and ends at midnight

Gates open at 6 p.m. and ends at midnight

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21

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22

May 2017

BE LOVELY PHOTOGRAPHY

T

ES

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maison du lac – at –

Profiles

HOLDING COURT IN

San Francisco TEXT: CHRIS ANDOE

Years ago, I decided to fly to Los Angeles to see a friend of mine. It would be my first trip to California, and the nuances of northern versus southern, or inland versus coastal, meant nothing to me. When I told my friend I was coming, he said he didn’t care for Southern California, but really wanted to show me San Francisco.

I arrived in Orange County, spent a little time in Malibu and West Hollywood, then we made the four hundred mile trip across the flat, scorching Central Valley and then wound through the steep, bright green East Bay hills until we reached the towering Bay Bridge on a clear, gorgeous late afternoon. And there it was, the city with its chest puffed out triumphantly over the sparkling bay, which was littered with a thousand sailboats. I could see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the Transamerica Pyramid, and I said in awe, “This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,” and within minutes of walking its streets I proclaimed, “I don’t care what it takes. I will live here one day.”

And for many years I did.

Sharing San Francisco

Once people fall in love with San Francisco, they often want to share it with others, even to the point of hosting an event there. And being one of the world’s top destinations, the city has a thriving, highly competitive event planning industry. I spoke with a man at the pinnacle of that industry, John Rogers McKinnon, Founder & President of Voilà Events, Inc., about the style of soirees he plans for his clients.

After making a name for himself in New Orleans and Los Angeles, McKinnon returned to San Francisco and started his own company, landing accounts like FedEx, Google and Apple. McKinnon had been able to elevate himself from the competition through his dazzling creativity, and by looking past the RFP (Request for Proposal, in which clients invite firms to design and bid based on oftentimes very general parameters) to really understand the client.

“A really exciting project I’m working on now is a multi-million dollar sixtieth anniversary weekend for a former CEO of Pepsi.”

McKinnon begins. “He lives in Chicago and wanted a long weekend of events here for 22 family members. I learned he’s an aviation enthusiast, so my proposal included transporting guests from their seaside hotel in Half Moon Bay to Napa Valley in six helicopters with VIP cabins, going over and under the Golden Gate Bridge on the way.”

What does that kind of money get you for a weekend in the Bay Area? It begins with limo service from SFO to the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. The family takes over the top floor, where rooms have thirty-mile ocean views. A welcome dinner in private dining room caps the first night, “and then the next day, things kick into high gear,” McKinnon says. The six luxury helicopters will fly up the coast and over the city, landing in Napa, where six 1937 Packard convertibles will be waiting to take everyone to Sonoma’s Ram’s Gate Winery, which has been reserved just for the event. On Sunday guests will arrive at HACKT, a fantastic event venue in a decom-

missioned Catholic church, where the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will sing them in for a champagne toast during their Vow Renewal Ceremony. “Then we’re off to Pier 40 for a cruise on the USS Potomac, which was FDR’s floating White House, for the three hour celebration. Finally, a celebrity chef will cook for everyone at a private mansion in Half Moon Bay on Labor Day itself.”

Zero In On the City

One good rule of thumb for entertaining a group in San Francisco is: the smaller the budget, the smaller your geographic footprint. San Francisco’s delightfully compact, and you should take full advantage of that to avoid costly and cumbersome group transportation issues.

If you stay along the Market Street corridor (which I consider the key to the city), you can get to countless destinations on foot or via public transportation, including the shopping district Union Square, historic Chinatown, the Castro, Embarcadero (the waterfront) and Fisherman’s Wharf – which while touristy, offers rooms at far less than other parts of the city while still being easily accessible.

Utilize Public Venues

“There are great public spaces available for events, including several in Golden Gate Park, that are surprisingly affordable.” McKinnon says. Another dazzling public space is the city’s historic and palatial City Hall, which offers packages for up to two hundred for as little as five thousand dollars.

Relax

Central to the fine art of holding court in San Francisco is adopting the relaxed vibe of the locals and allowing the good times to unfold.

If your demands are exacting, outsource the stress with one of the city’s skilled event planners. Otherwise embrace the city as your cohost, and she’ll do more than her part to entertain and delight. V

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23

Presented by:

One of the largest Pride Festivals in the Midwest.

June 2nd, 3rd & 4th

Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City, Missouri • Gaypridekc.org •

Kansas City Pride

Headline Acts:

Material Girl - Friday

DJ Citizen Jane- Friday

Well Strung- Saturday

Betty Who- Saturday David Hernandez- Sunday Frenchie Davis - Sunday

Plus an incredible line up of Kansas City’s finest regional and local entertainers and bands.

For a limited time, a discounted Single Day Pass is available for $7.50 or 3-day Pass for $18.00 (website only).

Hampton Inn, Country Club Plaza is offering a KCPrideFest discounted room rate thru May 15th (website only).

24

May 2017

TEXT: KEVIN SCHMIDT ART: VIRGINIA SHERWOOD / BRAVO

She may be mellow and calm, but don’t let the name fool you – she’s not here to put you to bed.

And just because you are on a Bravo reality show doesn’t mean you need to flip a table, right?

She’s a refreshingly calm energy on Below Deck: Mediterranean, a far cry from captains of previous seasons. With more than 27 years of yachting experience, Captain Sandy Yawn has led charters from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf. Being only one of few female captains in the yachting industry, she’s surpassed the stereotypes and conquered nearly every imaginable obstacle at sea, from being chased down by pirates on the Red Sea (Google it, seriously) to containing major fires on board. This year, she’s set her sights on Croatia as captain of the Ionian Princess on the new season of the show. We caught up with Captain Sandy in rare form – on land – to discuss past and present charters, and how she plans on bringing her impressive track record to the show.

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You come across very tranquil and serene on the show. What is your secret?

Oh my god, I’m a fish. I think it’s being on the water. And also, I am that happy gene, and I’m not insecure. I’m happy with who Sandy is. I don’t need to prove myself to anyone because, hey, I almost died a few times, and I want to live the rest of my life, in my life. You know what I mean? I create my own experience, and I believe in people. The serenity for me is about being in my own skin, being myself and not trying to prove anything to anyone. Instead, it’s getting behind people and giving that little push.

Is being comfortable being Sandy something that comes natural to you, or is that something that you learned through the traumatic experiences you’ve had while being a captain?

When I was young, it was never easy. I got into drugs and alcohol and, you know, I was a mess. And then at 25, I changed my life. So I was not sure who to impress or if I had what it took, and I realized to just be yourself. Plus, I have a drive; I have an internal drive where I want to be a better person. Everyday I wake up and I don’t think about what I can get out of the world, but I think about what I can give to the world.

How do you deal with being the captain of such a dramatic crew?

When it comes to the crew, it’s like, ‘I can’t solve your internal problem, personality wise, between you people.’ That’s not my job. My job is to make sure this machine runs smoothly. So when it comes to personality conflicts, if they’re irresolvable between the person – or two people – I can’t resolve that. So I usually get rid of the person complaining.

Which crewmember did you have the toughest time with this season?

In the beginning, Hannah [Chief Stew]. But I’m not below deck so I don’t see everything. I think there was a bit of a challenge with Bobby [Deckhand] a couple times, but he listens. The one thing I have to say about him is he’s really open-minded, and he understands that if he wants to advance in his career, he can’t just shout out and say what’s on his mind. And for Hannah, I think that she just needs to take a step back and see that it’s not all about her. When you’re leading people, it’s not about ‘I’m this and you’re that. And screw you.’ It’s about ‘We’re in each other’s lives for a short time, let’s make this incredible.’ There’s life lessons in working on a yacht, just like in any job. We just happen to be really lucky because we’re on the ocean.

Being a female captain, can you describe some of the stereotypes that you have overcome?

When you get to the countries where women are just supposed to have babies – that still exists – and I take over a boat and there happens to be a guy from Poland or some other country, it’s such a struggle – for them, not for me. So I’ll usually walk into the engine room and name everything in the engine room. I go, ‘I just want you to know that I’m very knowledgeable in the engine room,’ and I start naming equipment. And then I have a coffee with them, I talk to them, I engage with them. I don’t need to prove anything to them because I’m confident in my ability to be captain. I’ve been there. I’ve had fires.

I’ve been chased by pirates. I’ve had almost-sinkings at sea. I’ve had every scenario one can imagine happen. But guess what, I’m still driving boats.

What kind of advice would you give to someone who is in a position or career that is dominated by a certain sex or orientation?

Don’t think of it as male or female, or sex preference. Think of it as your job, and be that role. Just do your job. Because the reality is, people only respect people who respect themselves and know how to do their job. I don’t walk in and go, ‘I’m female, I happen to have a girlfriend, or whatever.’ I walk in going, ‘I’m a yacht captain. I have a job. I’m going to do my job.’ I don’t take it personally.

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May 2017

For those seeking opulence, what does the modern luxury yacht look like?

A super yacht is about what amenities do they have. It’s like a five star hotel. You have the amenities, and there’s a masseuse on board; that’s something that’s a specialty thing. The chef – what is his culinary experience? Most yachts have the best of the best in the world, from the cabins to the sheets. But luxury can be for any income, not just the wealthy. They have smaller boats that you can charter in the Bahamas or the Caribbean. You don’t have to have the super yacht luxury experience. You will have that experience, but it just won’t be on that level.

And for those who are strictly on a tight budget?

I can’t speak on the cruise line side; I’ve always been on super yachts.

I can always just say that there are cruises you can take on yachts that are the same price as a cruise ship. And that can be tailored to your experience. So, say a [yacht] cruise is $5,000 for a week. You could find a boat and get eight or ten friends to go together, and pay $5,000 for the week, divided by ten people. You know what I mean?

We sure do, and we’ll take exotic Mediterranean over Royal Caribbean any day. Catch Below Deck: Mediterranean Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo. V

thevitalVOICE.com

27

#1 Art Show in the Nation

May 19 - 21, 2017 Belleville, Illinois

Fri. 5 pm - 10 pm Sat. 10 am - 8 pm Sun. 11 am - 5 pm  100 Artists from Around the World

 Artist Demonstrations

 3 Days of Art, Food & Entertainment

 Children’s Art Activities

 Interior Design stage featuring HGTV Design Star Jennifer Bertrand

 High School Art Exhibit

www.artonthesquare.com

28

May 2017

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According to Delta last year, I flew 120,368 miles between six states and five countries.

For a guy who loves traveling, I sure don’t like packing. To make life easier, I always carry-on the same thing items. Here’s your quick guide to carry-on essentials. (Note: These will all pass through security.)

Book Bag The key to a great travel carry-on is pockets: the more pockets the better.

You’ll know where everything is and won’t be digging to around in your bag, elbowing your neighbor.

iPad You put your faith in the airline’s limited offering of movies and games or stock up your iPad with your personal choices of movies, games and books. Plus, you can browse the web.

Headphones Most international flights offer these for free, but you get what you pay for. This is a great way to exit a conversation from an overly friendly seatmate.

Chargers Obvious, but often overlooked. International travelers: Don’t forget your adapters.

Airplane Bottles Most international flights include complimentary cocktails, regardless of which cabin you’re sitting in. However, if the flight attendants don’t make it around as often as you’d like, these are great to have on hand.

Playing Cards Tired eyes from staring at a screen? Cards are great to have on hand if you want to play a game with your seatmate, or just solo.

Whisp Brush While airplane food isn’t nearly as awful as it used to be, it’s always a good idea to freshen up your breath afterwards. They’re also great for red wine teeth.

Lip Balm Two words: Recycled Air. It dehydrates you and can leave you with some dry lips. The longer you’re up there, the worse it is. You don’t want your vacation fling ruined by chapped lips.

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May 2017

LONG Carry-On

Life guide

HAUL n Guide

Z-Quil I prefer taking red eye flights so you don’t lose a day traveling. This means you have to actually sleep on the plane. Z-Quil starts working in about 30 minutes. Take this with your first drink and you’ll be snoozing right after meal service. Wake up well rested in a new country ready for adventure.

Brush If you’re planning on sleeping or using a neck pillow on the flight, this is a must. You don’t want to walk off the plane looking a mess.

Guide Book You can never know enough about your destination. Even if you’ve got an itinerary outlined, read up on the history of where you’re exploring. It’ll give you a much better appreciation of what you’re seeing.

Shout Wipes Turbulence, clumsy seatmate, haphazard flight attendant: There’s always an opportunity for a spill.

Kleenex Recycled Air = Runny Nose. Be prepared or you’ll be using your cocktail napkin.

Gum Whether you’ve got a seatmate with bad breath, or your ears have popped...

Contact Case + Glasses I don’t mean to keep bringing this up but, again, Recycled Air. It can dry out your contacts.

Swimwear/Coat If you’re going somewhere warm, pack an extra pair of trunks. If you’re going somewhere cold, pack a coat.

Compression Socks Wearing these during long-haul flights may reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs by more than 12 times. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is also known as "economy class syndrome," as sitting still for long periods of time – such as on transoceanic flights – can increase the risk of these clots occurring. These clots can grow, break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and cause a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. I just saved your life. You’re welcome.

TEXT: JIMMY NO SHOW ART: AUDREY SCHERER

Neck Pillow This will save your life in a different, more obvious way. V

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31

WHETHER CARING FOR A PARTNER, SPOUSE, PARENT, FAMILY OR FRIEND WITH

ALZHEIMER’S IT’S NOT EASY. REACHING US IS.

If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss or dementia, you may not know where to turn for help.

That’s why we’re here.

Contact us with questions or concerns.

CALL 24/7 FOR SUPPORT: 800.272.3900

VISIT ALZ.ORG/CARE TO LEARN MORE.

Proud Partner with SAGE and the LGBT community.

32

May 2017

may 27, 2017 – january 7, 2018

his tomb his treasures the breathtaking recreation

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33

Global Warming Ready: Summer Travel Style

ON TYLER

ON HOUSTON

Top: Stone Rose Bottom: Gant sunglasses: Proof

Top: Cheap Monday Bottom: Love Nail Tree Get the Look: OSO: A Style Lab shoposo.com

Get the Look: 10Denza Boutique 10Denza.com

Vacation season has arrived just in time as new summer travel looks are showcasing in store windows across the globe. And from tapered trousers to clean white tees, tank tops to water bottles turned flasks, we’ve put the essential together for you. Whether or not you’re a fan of global warming, we’re preparing you for one hot summer. So before you pack your bags, picture yourself in these looks on your next trip, and get some sun, surf and sand in style.

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May 2017

style

STYLING:: DWIGHT CARTER ART: MARK MOORE ART DIRECTION: DARIN SLYMAN MODELS: TYLER CHEatm and HOUSTON SCOTT PLACE: BOWOOD FARMS and CAFE OSAGE

ON TYLER

ON HOUSTON

ON TYLER

Top: Loyal Collective Bottom: Loyal Collective scarf: Loyal Collective Bag: Toms

Top: Toddities Bottom: Amepapa Bag: Loyal Collective Sunglasses: Randolph

Top: Dakota Grizzly Bottom: Loyal Collective sunglasses: Rita St. Parlor BAG: Loyal Collctive

Get the Look: loyalcollective.com

Get the Look: OSO: A Style Lab shoposo.com

Get the Look: loyalcollective.com dakotagrizzly.com

ON HOUSTON

Top: Whole Windshield Bottom: Amepapa sunglasses: Amepapa

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Get the Look: OSO: A Style Lab shoposo.com

35

RockisDead, BuT

Dorothy is giving Us Life

TEXT: JIMMY NO SHOW ART: steve Truesdell

Rock band Dorothy, founded in 2014 and signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, is currently touring their debut album Rockisdead across the country. We caught up with Dorothy Martin, the band’s lead singer and namesake, backstage at their tour stop in St. Louis to chat about the band, their tour and how the hell the rock band landed on a hiphop label.

How did Dorothy come together?

The band was originally my producers and I. We started writing together and we were like, ‘This is great, we should put a real band together.’ We really started developing at the very end of 2014.

How’d the Roc Nation deal come together? It seems like such an odd fit.

My manager actually made that connection. He had a meeting with Jay Brown (Not to be confused with Jay-Z).

We had just shot a music video, kind of DIY. We did it at a rehearsal studio. It was cool and grungy looking.

Jay Brown liked it, and then offered me a publishing deal.

He liked the song ‘After Midnight.’ Actually, he was searching for music for Rihanna, who he also manages.

So you’re signed as a writer and a group. Do you still write for other artists?

Yeah, I got a publishing and record deal. I still do some writing. It’s a nice release for me.

Do you intentionally write for other people or do you just figure it out as the song comes together?

Both. If we write a song that doesn’t necessarily work for our album, I could always turn it over to Roc Nation and say, ‘Who do you think would sound good on this?’

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May 2017

So it’s a really natural relationship?

Yeah. It’s a really artist-driven company. Jay Brown didn’t want to change anything. I’m not going to name labels, but there’s some like, ‘First of all, like, you gotta lose 10 pounds, or cut your hair, or change your sound, or do something that’s not you.’

I can always tell when someone’s not being genuine. I feel very uncomfortable if I’m not being genuine. I really lean on and rely on the band. We all support each other, so that chemistry feels very real and we bonded that way.

It’s only natural to form that kind of bond after touring so long.

Yeah, for about two and a half years. Our first tour was with Miguel, and then we went out with Halestorm a few times, and The Struts. Now we’re doing our headliner.

With all of that touring, when did you have time to work on the album?

We had written a majority of the album. It was sitting there, marinating, figuring out what we were going to do with it, how we were going to finish up the songs, if this song was going to go on the record, or that song. We took our time.

What is your favorite track from the current album?

Blue Roses, which is not finished all the way. Jay-Z loves it, so I think it’s going to do really well.

Female fronted rock bands are so few and far between.

Do you get frustrated by any comparisons?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We get compared to any female fronted rock band, even though we don’t sound anything like them. They’re awesome but I think that the esthetic of the band might be influencing that. I don’t really know who we sound like. I try not to sound like anybody.

ENTERTAINMENT

What do you feel the band brings to the table?

DJ Black is one of the best guitar players I’ve seen live, and I got goose bumps the first time I saw him perform. Gregg brings a lot of aggressive, combustive energy. Dylan is just like a super human, but he also has a lot of feel. Everyone’s super positive, silly and fun. They love what they do, and they’re super talented musicians. They all bring a LOT of hair.

A lot of hair? That’s saying something coming from a girl with great hair herself.

They have so much hair, and I get jealous. I’m like, ‘Why won’t mine grow past my shoulders?’

You forgot to mention Jenkins.

Jenkins the Cat! It makes no sense. It’s a ceramic cat that sits by the drum kit. We should just turn our stage set into a living room and have like cool rugs and an old lamp. Maybe a fake fireplace off to the side? Jenkins would fit right in.

And those eyes...

They’re soulless and dead. He stares at you.

What’s your dream gig to play?

Selling out the O2 Arena, Wembley or Madison Square. Any of the big ones.

Featuring any special guest, who would it be?

AC/DC or Journey, or one of the legendary classic rock bands.

I think we’d fit in well with them. I’d like to do a duet with Jack White. I love the White Stripes. That was my high school years.

In a year from now, where would you like Dorothy to be?

The biggest rock band in the world.

What would the benchmark for that moment for you be?

Selling out the O2. V

For more on Dorothy, visit itsdorothysucka.com.

Their debut album, Rockisdead, is available now.

Just anticipate the moment.

We’ll handle the details.

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37

Hungry For More St. Louis Surge Basketball

TEXT: KEVIN SCHMIDT ART: COurtesy of st. louis surge

“There’s not an opportunity for you to become complacent, because there’s always someone that’s working just as hard or harder than you, that is looking to take that opportunity from you,” Khalia Collier, owner and general manager of the St. Louis Surge Women’s Basketball team, begins. It’s the outlook that she instills in the team coming into the 2017 season as defending National Champions – an outlook of progress on the clock and off, in season or off.

“Last year, the players learned that they had to play together as a team and a family,” she says. “It was something that you saw consistently – that they were a family on and off the court, which made the determining difference as to why we won another championship.”

Not only is the Surge pursuing a championship back to back, they’re hosting the National Tournament in St. Louis in 2017, giving them the opportunity to win at home.

But winning isn’t anything new to this professional women’s basketball team. Besides winning last year, the Surge took the championship in 2014 as well, and was runners-up in 2012 and 2015. This year, their senses are elevated, with that back-to-back championship title as crucial as ever.

“You know, you’re hungry,” Khalia says. “Knowing that we won in 2014, we came back to get in that mentality in 2015, and when we fell short, everyone started last year’s season ready to get back and win another championship. You saw that within the mentality of our coaching staff, you saw that in the mental preparation of our players, knowing that their goal was to win a national championship.”

New this year – as the ladies have been playing at UMSL the past five years – is a relocated home court at the renovated stadium at the Washington University Field House, a more ideal and central location for the team. The Surge has also launched a new website at stlsurgebasketball.com, with improved content and more information about the team than ever before. “You

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May 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

get to know about myself, the history of the Surge, as well as more informtion about the players and the staff,” Khalia says.

“Everyone is just excited,” she continues. “There’s just so much momentum that we’ve been gaining from year to year to year, and the traction that we’ve been able to gain just in the community with attendance. The fact that we are looking at drawing 2,000 to 3,000 consistently to every Surge game – potentially over 3,000 – and the excitement for our star players that are returning this year to come off a championship year, there’s just a ton of highs. And I think that’s what’s fun at the start of every season. We’re like, ‘Oh man, it’s here again.’ And you just kind of get butterflies.”

By setting such an expectation, the team comes in with a mentality knowing that it’s not just what they can do on the court, but whether they also enjoy being in the community, working with kids and understanding of the magnitude of the impact they can have on the next generation of players and fans.

“We are truly everywhere, and every fan we have, we’ve earned,” she says. “And we’ve shown that by how many school districts we are in, how many clinics we are doing for kids of all ages, and making sure that our presence is known. I do six to eight speaking engagements a month, the coaching staff is incredibly involved, and I’m proud of what our players do. Separate from being a part of the Surge, they are involved and volunteering and doing things that are not mandated to be a part of the program.”

Coming into the season, Khalia looks her own team as its biggest rival. “We can always stand in our own way, and if we don’t come out every day dedicated to giving it everything we have, or our coaching staff aren’t pushing our players to their fullest potential, that’s our competitor right now. Because when we do the little things and go as hard as we possibly can, it makes it incredibly challenging for anyone to compete with us.” V

2017 home schedule

Even in their own lives, their own jobs and their own interests, the ladies understand that being part of the Surge is not just being part of a team, it’s a lifestyle. “Every female athlete knows that it’s career first, but basketball being an expectation,” Khalia explains.

“Winning is an expectation for our program, and the resources that we surround our players with prepares them, not only as player development, but career development. And that’s something that is a key part of our model, that we recruit character first. When the players are trying out, they know that it’s not just about how many points you can score or how many rebounds, we’re looking for an overall great person that happens to be a phenomenal athlete.”

6/10

IOWA FORCE HOME OPENER

7PM

6/17

ORLANDO STARS POWER UP PINK

7PM

6/24

KANSAS CITY MAJESTICS VETERANS NIGHT

7PM

7/8

MIDWEST FLYERS ELITE STL tEAM SPIRIT NIGHT

7PM

7/16

ARKANSAS STINGERS IGNITE STL

2PM

*all HOME GAMES PLAYED AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY ST. LOUIS The field house / 330 N Big Bend Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130

STLSURGEBASKETBALL.COM

For more information on season tickets, game schedule, team information and more, visit stlsurgebasketball.com thevitalVOICE.com

39

TWILIGHT

TUESDAYS EDWARD JONES

SPRING 2017

CONCERT SERIES

MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM

Tuesday, MAY 2 Melvin Turnage Band—A 1980s Disco Tribute Tuesday, MAY 9 Dirty Muggs

(funk favorites from the 1970s and 1980s)

Tuesday, MAY 16 Steve Davis (featuring the music of Elvis)

Tuesday, MAY 23 LLC’s Tribute to the Men of Soul Tuesday, MAY 30 Jake’s Leg

6pm to 8pm • FREE Museum’s Front Lawn Forest Park • mohistory.org

Featuring STL’s best food trucks!

(featuring the music of the Grateful Dead)

Tuesday, JUNE 6 A Musical Revolution Tribute to Prince Featuring Karl Holmes and the All-Star Band

In the event of inclement weather, call (800) 916-8212 after 3pm, or listen to iHeartMedia radio stations.

ADVERTISE with

US!

STAR OF GLEE, BEST IN SHOW & HOLLYWOOD GAME NIGHT!

JUNE 9

Fri at 7:30pm

CONTACT vv@thevitalvoice.com 314.256.1196

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May 2017

314-534-1700 stlsymphony.org

The World Famous

Phone Tap 6:20 & 8:20am

z1077.com

thevitalVOICE.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

CRAFT ALLIANCE PRESENTS:

Makers ball 2017

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May 2017

Art mark moore Place THE CARAMEL ROOM AT BISSINGER'S

Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design’s annual Makers Ball celebrates the imagination, skill and dedication of makers. Hosted by Chairman Darin Slyman and co-hosted by Cindy Preszler, guests got a glimpse of the powerful stories handmade objects contain through observing artist demonstrations, all while enjoying pairings of Bissinger’s Chocolates and hand-crafted regional and local spirits.

ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD OUTREACH PRESENTS:

ATASTEFUL AFFAIR 29

Art mark moore Place FOUR SEASONS ST. LOUIS

A Tasteful Affair 29 is the largest "fun" raising event of the year to support Food Outreach’s clients living with HIV/AIDS or cancer. The event at the Four Seasons featured hundreds of unique silent and live auction items, while guests enjoyed samples from dozens of top local chefs, live music by Brazilian dance band Samba Bom and Bob Kramer's Marionnettes.

thevitalVOICE.com

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SEX TRIVIA

SATURDAY

6.3.17

DOORS OPEN AT 6PM

TRIVIA STARTS AT 7PM

CONGREGATION TEMPLE ISRAEL #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Dr. (Ladue @ Spoede Roads)

St. Louis, MO 63141

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May 2017

8TH ANNUAL EVENING of cheeky trivia, games, and laughs to benefit Planned Parenthood!

TABLES OF 8 AVAILABLE

for purchase online at tiny.cc/SexTrivia17 or call 314-531-7526 ext.361 TABLE $300 Sponsored by

p U e Com

e m i t e m o s e m e e s and

Come enjoy the view - of what’s on your plate and beyond your table. One weekend isn’t enough to sample our cutting edge kitchen creativity, which means you Mae have to come back out to the city that The Advocate called “…one of the gayest cities in America.”

Check out our impressive packages at explorestlouis.com/LGBT

Queens pearlvodka presents

return of the divas THE INCOMPERABLE

RU PAUL'S DRAG RACE STAR

JADE JOLIE

BRAD FENNEL

TAYLOR SWIFT

REBA MCENTiRE

AS

AS

starring

RU PAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS

CHAD MICHAELS AS

Cher Thursday, June 1st at moonrise hotel benefiting The siba scholarship fund

tickets at spacedivas.eventbrite.com