January 30, 2014 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

Two Spirit powwow returns

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Vol. 44 • No. 5 • January 30-February 5, 2014

Newsom DPH backtracks on crack pipe idea reflects J on ’04 marriages

by Seth Hemmelgarn

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

midst the backdrop of city officials marrying same-sex couples in defiance of state law back in February 2004, then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom recalled trying to address the media when a Rick Gerharter little girl approached to Lieutenant voice her appreciation.

Governor “This precious little Gavin Newsom girl,” recalled Newsom, walked over to him and said, “Thank you for giving me two mommies.”

Describing the exchange a decade later still brings him to tears. He likened trying to then conduct the impromptu news conference to riding a bucking bull.

“I lasted 23 seconds and just broke down,” said Newsom. “I literally walked back into the office. It’s just beautiful, right?”

Meeting with the Bay Area Reporter’s editorial board to reflect on the 10th anniversary of his mayoralty’s “Winter of Love,” when San Francisco officials wed 4,037 couples over the course of four weeks in February and March, Newsom said his biggest regret was not being able to directly experience the love and joy taking place under City Hall’s historic rotunda.

He performed only three weddings himself, one being that of his chief of staff Steve Kawa and his husband, Dan Henkle. Because of the security risks and media interest, Newsom said, “I couldn’t walk around. I couldn’t do the weddings out there.”

Several times during the first few days, when hundreds of couples were lined up around the block waiting to get into City Hall, Newsom had his driver park his official vehicle with blacked out windows across the street so he could privately watch what was taking place.

“I wish I was there every day and heard all these stories,” said, Newsom, now the state’s lieutenant governor.

He suggested the city would likely have married an additional 1,000 couples if it were not for a number of death threats and bomb threats city officials received. To protect the safety of the couples, city staffers, and volunteer wedding officiants, a reservation system was instituted in order to eliminate the hours-long lines that had formed.

“We had serious threats. We had to shut down the exits to City Hall,” said Newsom.

See page 7 >>

Packer, who also serves as director of community ust weeks after some San health equity and promoFrancisco health officials tion for the health departand advocates expressed ment’s population health support for distributing division told KPIX, “It is crack pipes to drug users in inaccurate to say we are order to aid the city’s HIV ‘considering’ the program. prevention efforts, the city’s We are at the exploration public health director has point. We are looking at come out against the idea. data and information.”

One group is preparing to After the B.A.R. called distribute pipes anyway, and Garcia and Packer, Packer law enforcement authorities emailed a statement that say they would support dissays city health departJane Philomen Cleland tribution if the Department ment policy “does not Rick Gerharter of Public Health backed it. support distributing crack Harm reduction advocate Isaac At their early January Health Director Barbara Garcia is pipes to users of crack coJackson plans to distribute crack meeting, members of the opposed to crack pipe distribution. caine in San Francisco.” pipes in March.

HIV Prevention Planning “Over the last several Council, an advisory group months, the HPPC has to the health department that sets priorities heard public testimony about the health But last week, after KPIX reported on the for HIV prevention in the city, voted unanineeds of people who use crack cocaine,” the possibility of crack pipes being distributed in mously to support an action plan that instatement continues. “In response to conthe city, Health Director Barbara Garcia told cludes collecting data and exploring legal iscerns” brought to the panel, it “agreed to the station, “That recommendation has not sues around crack pipe distribution. review data on health issues among crack come to me. And I’m telling you that if it did, Shortly after the meeting, HPPC Co-Chair cocaine users,” among other topics addressed I would say ‘absolutely no, we are not going to Tracey Packer told the Bay Area Reporter, “Our in the action plan. “... The nature and extent distribute crack pipes.’ We have a lot of things job as the HIV Prevention Planning Council is of crack cocaine use and its related health to consider for those who are using crack for to explore the most appropriate ways to preconcerns must be reviewed comprehensively improving their health. And the distribution vent HIV, and the information that was shared of crack pipes is not something I’m going to See page 2 >> [at the meeting] needs to be explored.” consider.”

Sexism more of a career threat, lesbians say

by Heather Cassell

enough,” said Levinson about the confusion her pregnancy caused hree of Santa Clara Counamong her colleagues and manty’s leading lesbians said at agers early in her career. Rumors a recent forum that sexism flew around the office that the threatened to hold them back man at the helm of the company more than homophobia as they impregnated her because she moved up the ladder in their rerapidly progressed up the prospective careers. fessional ladder. The flipside was Panelists Kathy Levinson, Amy company heads didn’t think that Brown, and Laura Garnette spoke as a lesbian she would go down candidly about how they blazed the mommy track, she said. the path for the next generation as She realized that every mothey moved through their careers. ment was a teachable one.

About 50 people, many of “I realized I needed to be my them LGBT women in their 20s best ally,” said Levinson. “The Jo-Lynn Otto and 30s, turned out for the panel, way to be my best ally was to use “Through the Thick Glass Ceil- Kathy Levinson, left, speaks about how sexism affected her early every opportunity to educate and ing: A Conversation with Lesbian career as panelists Amy Brown and Laura Garnette listen. that every single moment ... is a Women Leaders of Silicon Valteachable moment and it never ley,” that kicked off the Bay Area comes again. It’s for better or for Municipal Elections Committee administrator for San Francisco. worse, but it’s not neutral.”

Foundation’s speaker series January 23 in San Garnette is deputy chief of the probation ofSexism struck again for Levinson when she Jose. fice in Santa Clara County and has led a suc- discovered that she was being paid 30 percent Levinson is the managing director of Golden cessful career in the justice system. less than her male counterparts. Rather than Seeds, an investment firm that focuses on emdemand equal pay, she chose to make herself powering women and entrepreneurs. She spent Path to success invaluable to the company. The plan worked. much of her career in the financial services secWhat helped these women move past sexBefore long she proved her worth and was comtor working for Charles Schwab and E-Trade, ism and homophobia was picking their battles pensated equivalent to her male peers. where she rose to chief operating officer. wisely and striking when they knew they could “It’s really important to be strategic and Brown is the director of agriculture and envi- make an impact, they said. At the same time thoughtful when making these changes,” said ronmental management for Santa Clara Coun- they said they were honest about who they are Levinson about making the workplace better ty and has had a successful career in municipal and willing to educate others. for LGBTs and women. government, including a stint as the acting city “Even though I was out, I was not out See page 10 >>

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<< Community News

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Lesbian firefighter claims defamation

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by Seth Hemmelgarn

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black lesbian firefighter who responded to the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 at San Francisco International Airport last July says the fire department falsely accused her of killing a passenger who had been lying on the tarmac.

Through her defamation claim against the city, Elyse Duckett, who joined the San Francisco Fire Department in 1989, says, “In their rush to assign blame and to protect the firefighter who was actually responsible for the death of Ye Meng Yuan,” the department “committed multiple violations” of her rights. Duckett also “believes that the treatment she endured” was due to her race, sexual orientation, and other factors.

A claim is usually a precursor to a lawsuit.

Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed at about 11:30 a.m. July 6.

Ye, 16, who’d been on the plane, was outside near the wreckage as rescue operations were under way. The San Mateo County Coroner eventually determined that Ye had survived the crash but died after she was run over. It has not been revealed by investigators how she exited the plane and came to be on the ground.

Duckett, one of many firefighters who responded to the crash, claims that on July 22, she was subjected to an “interrogation” at a meeting that included Fire Chief Joanne HayesWhite and others.

During the meeting, Deputy Chief of Operations Mark Gonzales told Duckett “that they had definitive video evidence that she had run over” Ye, and killed her, according to Duckett’s claim. Gonzales told her “she needed to admit to the incident and take responsibility for [the] death.”

However, Duckett told those present “that there was video show-

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Coverage includes breaking news, City Hall, health, LGBT organizations, and other matters of interest. Availability should include at least one of the following: weekday daytime hours, evenings, or weekends to cover assigned events. News reporting experience preferred; newspaper background a plus.

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Crack pipes

From page 1

and in the context of all of the HIV prevention and substance use issues facing San Franciscans.”

The B.A.R. followed up with an email to Packer and Garcia asking why the public health department’s policy doesn’t support crack pipe distribution, and why Packer hadn’t previously mentioned that, and what other city officials’ reaction had been to the paper’s January 16 story that included Packer’s statements.

In response, Packer emailed, “I don’t have any additional response beyond what is in the statement. ...

As the last line states, a comprehensive look at this issue in context is necessary.”

Before the January 16 story, the B.A.R. emailed Christine Falvey and Francis Tsang, spokespeople for Mayor Ed Lee, to see whether Lee would support crack pipe distribution in order to aid the city in combatting HIV. Neither Falvey nor Tsang responded.

But last week, Falvey told KPIX, “Mayor Lee is not aware of this exploration and is not supportive.

There are many other HIV interventions that could and should be explored before ever considering this.”

Falvey did not respond to the B.A.R.’s requests for comment this week.

Among other benefits, distributing crack pipes could help city and nonprofit staff connect people that aren’t otherwise being reached with HIV and other health care services, according to a presentation at the January 9 HPPC meeting. One presenter called crack cocaine use “a significant driver” of HIV infection in San Francisco. Risks include

Associated Press

A lesbian firefighter has filed a claim against the city, alleging defamation in the aftermath of the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 in which a teenage girl was run over by a fire rig.

ing that” a vehicle driven by a different firefighter “was the vehicle that had hit and killed” Ye. Officials though, “continued to insist” Duckett was guilty, she claims. She also says through her complaint that during her interrogation, she “received repeated phone calls from reporter Dan Noyes” of KGO Channel 7 about the crash. Duckett believes others at the fire department provided her contact information to Noyes.

Meanwhile, Duckett says the man who had been driving the vehicle that killed Ye told someone that the department informed him “he would not be investigated and that he had nothing to worry about.”

On July 25, KGO broadcast Noyes’s report, “falsely identifying” Duckett “as the driver of the vehicle that killed” Ye. Duckett believes people within the fire department told KGO that she had killed Ye, even though they “knew their statements were false or

that the statements were made with reckless disregard of their truth or falsity,” her claim against the city says.

In response to Duckett’s accusations, Mindy Talmadge, a fire department spokeswoman, said, “The department was made aware of the filing of the claim on Monday (January 27),” and is reviewing it.

Hayes-White “has been and continues to be extremely proud of all the members that responded to the Asiana incident, especially in light of the extraordinary circumstances they faced.”

Duckett, who Talmadge said is still working for the department, is seeking more than $300,000.

She claims she’s suffered anxiety, depression, insomnia, and weight gain, among other problems, as a result of the fire department’s actions.

Eduardo Roy, Duckett’s attorney, didn’t make her available for an interview for this story.

The San Francisco Chronicle was the first to report on Duckett’s claims this week.t

crack smokers being likely to engage in unprotected sex. Distribution could also help prevent transmission of hepatitis C. The city already provides clean syringes to injection drug users, which has been credited with cutting the number of local HIV infections.

used, he said, and his group’s “looking for avenues of funding.” For now, “We have a private donor who has agreed to give us seed money to get going. That person doesn’t want to be named.”

Not planning to wait

As the San Francisco Examiner reported this week, the Urban Survivors Union plans to start distributing pipes in San Francisco in March.

Isaac Jackson, the union’s president and a harm reduction advocate, told the B.A.R. that his group would begin distributing pipes March 6. He said the first location would “probably” be Hemlock Alley, between Polk and Van Ness streets.

He said the distribution would be from 7 to 9 p.m., when another group regularly operates a needle exchange program nearby. The group would then rotate locations.

Jackson, who’s gay and HIV-negative, is a former crack smoker and current intravenous drug user. He referred to risky sexual practices and said, “Somehow we think we can deal with this issue of trying to reduce rates of seroconversion, particularly among black gay men” and other gay men “without talking to crack users. ... It’s insane we don’t build this into our model of intervention.”

Along with pipes, he said his group would offer rubber mouthpieces and other smoking equipment, condoms, and health information.

“We might give out 50 to 100” pipes, said Jackson. “I don’t know how many people will show up.”

He estimated the pipes would cost between 25 and 50 cents each. No money from city taxpayers would be

Law enforcement support

Two city law enforcement agencies differ from DPH on the issue.

Sergeant Danielle Newman, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Police Department, said that crack pipe distribution is something her agency would back.

“If the Department of Public Health brought the matter up and felt that it was something that needed to be changed from a public health perspective,” and the Board of Supervisors, the mayor, and city attorney “were all behind it, then it would definitely be something the San Francisco Police Department would support.”

Asked about whether the SFPD would intervene on an event such as Jackson’s, Newman indicated the agency would not.

“We want to follow up on felony violent crimes,” she said. “That’s where our priorities are. Everything else follows.”

See page 12 >>

On the web Online content this week includes the Bay Area Reporter’s online columns Political Notes and Wedding Bells Ring; the Out in the World and Jock Talk columns; and articles about the commuter bus hearing; the posthumous pardon for Alan Turing; and a tenant organizing meeting. www.ebar.com.

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Community News>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

Two Spirit powwow set for Saturday

by James Patterson

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ver 1,000 participants are expected at the Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits’ third annual powwow this weekend with drummers, dancers, and prominent movement leaders from across the country and Canada who will be ready to share their rich cultural traditions with family, friends and LGBTQ community members unfamiliar with Two Spirits and their role in the lives of Native Americans.

Local scholar and playwright Cherrie Moraga (Xicana), in her book Loving in the War Years, said, “The term ‘two spirit’ is used to refer to contemporary Native American/First Nations gay men, lesbians, transvestites and transgendered [sic] individuals, as well as to traditions of multiple gender categories and sexualities in tribal cultures.”

Aidan Dunn (Osage), a pow-

wow committee member who Cherokee Culture teachidentifies as Two Spirit, said er Wade Blevins, who is the February 1 daylong event Two Spirit and lead singer will include drumming, colfor Southern Pride Drum, orful Native regalia, dancing an intertribal group based contests, such specialty foods in Oklahoma, said in an as fry bread and Indian tacos, email, “This powwow is a and inclusion of Two Spirit place where all Natives can dancers. celebrate their place in the “This is an opportunity for circle.” His group will play BAAITS to take the national throughout the day Saturstage as an out and proud Two day in rotation with other Spirit organization,” BAAITS Drums present.

Jordy Jones Chair Ruth Villasenor (Chir“For Two Spirit people, Participants at last year’s BAAITS Powwow pericahua) said in an email. a powwow can play an imThe Two Spirit Oakland resi- formed traditional dances as part of the daylong portant role in their personfestivities. dent added, “This Two Spirit al healing,” said New York Powwow is a space to bring our Two Spirit fashion designer reservation,” according to Dunn. The communities together, creating Sheldon Raymore (Chey30-year-old freelance grant writer opportunities for healing.” enne River Sioux). cited http://www.ne2ss.org/about The Bay Area has a large populaFor Raymore, 34, dancing in powand said challenges facing Two Spirit tion of Two Spirit people. wows was the center of his life, but people include high instances of “Sixty-five to 70 percent of Ameriafter coming out as Two Spirit, he HIV/AIDS, high suicide rates, and can Indians/Alaska Natives live in left the powwow circle for a decade. trauma due to loss of culture. urban settings or do not reside on a In 2013 his mother, Cynthia Brings

Plenty, of South Dakota, sponsored a “coming out” ceremony for him where he was welcomed back into the powwow circle as a grass dancer.

At Saturday’s powwow, Raymore will sponsor a coming out dance for his mother, away from the circle for 40 years, and she will dance a style traditional to the Two Spirit people of their tribe. Raymore handmade his mother’s regalia for the powwow.

“We chose this powwow for her coming out dance because BAAITS hosts a safe space for Two Spirits,” Raymore said. “My mother is requesting all mothers and Two Spirits to dance her into the circle, because we are all a part of the sacred hoop of life.”

Other participants said they welcome the diversity that will be on display.

“I truly enjoy the diversity of powSee page 10 >>

SF Pride clarifies grand marshall process compiled by Cynthia Laird

convicted of leaking classified government documents to WikiLeaks he organization that oversees the and is now serving a 35-year prison San Francisco Pride parade and sentence. She was initially named a festival has announced that nomicommunity grand marshal last nations are being accepted for comyear but the board remunity and organizational grand scinded that honor. marshals as well as the pink brick, Manning’s supporters which goes to an individual or group were outraged by the that has caused serious harm to the action and for months ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 LGBT community. the Pride 100 60 100 70 board30was beset 100 60 100 70 30 100 60 100 70 A Unlike last year’s snafu with the with questions over its deChelsea Manning grand marshal cision and criticized for its nomination, this year the board of the lack of transparency. SevSan Francisco LGBT Pride Celebraeral board members were 100Committee 100 60 100 100has70 70 30 30 clearer 100 100 60 100 100 re-elected 70 70 30 30 year 100 100 tion developed not last and60 100 100 70 70 guidelines for grand marshal eligibila new board is now in place. George ity as it looks to get past the division Ridgely was hired earlier this month caused by the Manning controversy. as Pride’s new executive director.

Manning, 26, an Army private, was This year, community grand mar-

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shals are defined as local heroes who reside in the nine-county Bay Area region (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma) who have made lasting contributions to the Bay Area LGBTQI community, or, as LGBTQI individuals, contributed to the welfare ally 40 community.

40 100 30 100 40 of the 100 40 70 40 Organizational grand marshals are nonprofits that have made significant con30 30 100 40 tributions 100 40 40to 100 the 10 40 40 LGBTQI community or the LGBTQI movement for equality.

The pink brick recipient is an individual, organization, business, or 3%

other entity that has caused serious harm to the LGBTQI community or the LGBTQI movement for equality.

When submitting nominations for community grand marshals, people should include contact information for the nominee, as well as a brief description of their important contributions.

Nominations are due by Tuesday, February and be emailed to 70 40 40 40 70 40 11 40 70 40 can 70 40 40 3 10 gmnominations@sfpride.org. People should indicate the category for which the person or group has been nominated.

20 70 70

70 70 40

70 40 40

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25

Hundreds of cyclists and roadies will gatherT:9.75” at the County Fair See page 8 >>

75

90

100

Jane Philomen Cleland

3.1 2.2 2.2 10.2 7.4 7.4 25 19 19

LifeCycle kickoff party

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50 40 40

75 66 66 100 100 100 80 70 70 100

Perry Lang and his partner, Kenneth Monteiro, were two of last year’s community grand marshals.

T:7.625”

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C21131_4a_BayAreaReporter.indd 12.16.2013

<< Open Forum

t After marriage, immigration and jobs

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Volume 44, Number 5 January 30-February 5, 2014 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko Seth Hemmelgarn Jim Provenzano CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Aiello • Tavo Amador Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Chuck Colbert Richard Dodds • David Guarino Peter Hernandez • Liz Highleyman Brandon Judell • John F. Karr • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble Michael McAllister • Michael McDonagh David-Elijah Nahmod • Elliot Owen Paul Parish • James Patterson • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Philip Ruth • Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Jim Stewart Ed Walsh • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION T. Scott King PRODUCTION/DESIGN Jay Cribas PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • Rick Gerharter Lydia Gonzales • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Jo-Lynn Otto • Steven Underhill Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Scott Wazlowski – 415.359.2612 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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e met with California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom this week to mark the 10th anniversary of San Francisco’s “Winter of Love” that he initiated when he was mayor of San Francisco. It was in Washington, D.C. in late January 2004 while attending President George W. Bush’s State of the Union speech when he hit upon the idea of allowing city officials to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

He returned to implement that plan in February and we all know the result: over 4,000 couples went to City Hall to get married. Images of lines snaking around the building and of happy couples were beamed into living rooms on the nightly news, which began the shift for mainstream support of marriage equality.

Now, a decade later, 17 states have marriage equality but in California, it was a rocky road. We achieved same-sex marriage, then had it struck down by the state Supreme Court. That same court ruled a few years later that we could marry, then the passage of Proposition 8 took away that right. And finally, last summer, the right was restored when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a technicality that Prop 8 proponents lacked standing, which let stand a federal court decision that gay and lesbian couples were entitled to the same marriage rights as anyone else.

Of course the marriage equality fight isn’t over nationally, but Newsom sure hopes it gets done sooner rather than later. We do, too.

Because as Newsom pointed out, there are “so many other things to be done in the LGBTQ community. That’s why it’s important to get this done,” he told us.

Newsom is the politician most associated with marriage equality, and his early support caused consternation among his Democratic colleagues, all of whom now see that Newsom was on the right side of history.

Perhaps most significantly, after President Barack Obama famously “evolved” and publicly came out in favor of samesex marriage, it was easier for many politicians to evolve, too.

Newsom understands that and begrudges no one. “When you come to the right point ... you celebrate,” he noted.

“vacate” the street during the last two weeks of June. he Castro will soon be abuzz For those of you who live in the with excitement and change. area, please bear with us, still run Widening the sidewalks on Castro your errands in the neighborhood, Street will begin in late February. still grab a cup of coffee or a drink It’s a long awaited recommendawith friends. All businesses will be tion from the Castro/Upper Maropen and access to every business ket Community Benefit District’s is assured. It may be noisy at times, Neighborhood beautification and but the end result will be fabulous.

Safety Plan.

The Castro/Upper Market ComThe Castro Street Improvement munity Benefit District and the Project will bring much needed Castro Merchants are committed to pedestrian safety improvements to ensuring that merchants, residents, the crosswalks at Market and Casproperty owners, and visitors have tro. Pedestrians will be able to walk current information on the project straight from Twin Peaks, across and on the construction. A dedicatMarket to Pottery Barn. Jane Wared website has been developed to ner Plaza will get new pavement, help with this communication. Go colored asphalt, and the F-line to http://www.castrostreet.org and tracks will be more clearly marked. sign up for “construction alerts.”

Additionally, the $4 million projEach time the website is updated, Courtesy SF Planning Department ect funded by the city will widen at least weekly if not more often, the sidewalks on both sides of Cas- A planning department draft of the sidewalk widening project alerts will come to your inbox. tro Street between 19th and Market shows the existing layout of a typical block, top, and the expandThe Community Benefit Disstreets. As a result, Castro Street ed sidewalk space, above. trict and Castro Merchants are also will see an additional eight to 10 committed to spreading the word feet of sidewalk space, additional efit District is considering funding additional that the Castro is still open for and improved lighting (including pebeautification improvements. business. From time to time during the condestrian scale lighting), pedestriFor those of you who visit the Castro, struction, beginning in April, advertisements an safety improvements, and we want you to know the gayborhood will run on Muni and BART, funded by a city a symmetrical line of trees will be open for business as usual. grant, advertising that the Castro is still open to the two blocks of Castro In fact it might be fun to stop by the for business during construction.

Street between Market and neighborhood from time to time to So remember to spread the word, the Castro 19th streets. see how work is progressing, grab a is open for business during construction and Bronze plaques honoring bite to eat and see what some of the afterwards, we’ll celebrate in a fabulous new famous and accomplished stores are offering. For those planand safer street.t LGBT people, funded by the ning on visiting San Francisco for Rainbow Honor Walk, will Pride, the Castro will be open for Andrea Aiello is the executive director be installed in the sidewalk. fun! All businesses will be open, and of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District.

The Castro/Upper Market Community Benthe contractor has been informed they must

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While the Senate approved an immigration plan last summer, the House plan would probably be different, meaning another vote would be likely. The House plan is expected to call for border security and enforcement measures, as well as providing a path to legal status – but not citizenship – for many of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country, according to the Times. That is short of what the Senate bill contains, but at this point we’d be happy with anything that offers a way for people to obtain legal status and the benefits that come with it. Congressional Republicans from California, unlike many of their colleagues, are in support of immigration reform because they’ve experienced the long-term damage caused by Proposition 187, which was championed by Republican former Governor Pete Wilson in the mid-1990s. While the measure passed, it was ruled unconstitutional and was effectively killed. But many, many state residents have not forgotten and the Republican Party has paid dearly, so much so that now there is not one Republican who holds statewide office. No wonder California’s GOP members of Congress favor reform.

During his speech Obama talked about using executive orders to accomplish what Congress won’t do. Specifically, he said he would sign an executive order to raise the minimum wage for workers under federal contracts to $10.10 per hour. With ENDA stalled in the House, Obama should sign an executive order so that federal contractors cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. We were deeply disappointed that he did not mention that in his speech, nor did he urge House action on passing ENDA. LGBT organizations have been pushing for more than a year for the president to sign an executive order and have been puzzled by his inaction.

While the White House supports ENDA, the president should take action now to at least help those employed by federal contractors.

LGBT job discrimination most certainly contributes to the income inequality that Obama also discussed Tuesday, but again, LGBTs were not mentioned in that context. Signing an executive order would allow for some protections for some LGBT employees amid the House’s inaction.t

Sidewalk project won’t close the Castro

by Andrea Aiello

BAY AREA REPORTER

His one OMG moment in the last 10 years came when Obama gave his May 2012 interview and said he supported marriage equality just a few months before his re-election. That moment touched off a sea change around the country, most notably, Newsom said, in the African American community. “They rallied around those words,” he said, adding that just four years prior, during the heat of the Prop 8 campaign – and Obama’s first presidential race – he recalled seeing African Americans holding “Elect Barack Obama – Yes on 8” signs.

So, yes, much progress has been made in the march to marriage equality.

But while Obama provided tremendous help in that forward there are still two major issues that he must now act upon – immigration reform and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. There are likely only a few months left for Congress to complete any substantial work before members hit the campaign trail ahead of this year’s midterm elections. That’s why, in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, Obama laid out a modest agenda. But one of the things he talked about was immigration reform, which seems to have momentum. According to recent news reports, House Republicans are preparing to unveil their own immigration reform plan. In the words of a New York Times report, that could potentially offer “a small opening for President Obama and congressional Democrats to pass bipartisan legislation before the end of the year.”

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Politics>>

Wiener seeks hearing on late night transit

by Matthew S. Bajko

money for the street project at its February 13 board ate night transportation meeting. options in San Francisco CBD Executive Director will receive closer scrutiny Andrea Aiello told the B.A.R. this year as District 8 Superthis week that “the price tag is visor Scott Wiener is calling really big and we are now refor a hearing on the matter at searching the impact.”

City Hall.

Last week the city’s RecreWiener, a gay man who ation and Parks Department has made entertainment announced a $12.4 million issues a top priority since contract was awarded to joining the board, told the Alten Construction for the Bay Area Reporter in a reMission Dolores Park projcent interview that he is conect. The park will be closed Courtesy SFMTA cerned about a lack of public in phases over the next year transit options available for An MTA study last fall of people in the Polk with completion expected in people when they leave clubs Street corridor found that many favored late the spring of 2015. and bars after midnight. night bus and BART service.

The park upgrades will “We shouldn’t pretend include the repair and renotransportation systems can vation of the tennis courts The informational hearing is exshut down in the middle of and adjacent field; restoration of pected to take place in late February the night and everyone is in bed at existing roads and pathways; new or early March before the Board of home,” said Wiener. “We know a lot irrigation systems and lighting; and Supervisors’ land use and economic of people are going out and workthe removal of the existing restroom development committee. ing in the middle of the night and building and the two storage conwe need to make sure we are giving tainers to be replaced by three new Castro projects ready those people good transportation buildings providing expanded bathto break ground options.” room facilities.

Two major redevelopment projYet many of the city’s public bus The groundbreaking for the Doects in the city’s gay Castro district routes, particularly those in the lores Park project has been schedare preparing to break ground in the nightlife rich gay Castro district, uled for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1, coming weeks. end their runs before according to Wiener’s office.

Sometime on or afmidnight, noted Wieter Monday, February 24 ner.

Out lawyers back Stewart crews will begin widening “We need to be makfor CA appeals court the sidewalks along Castro ing sure we are not A Bay Area professional group for Street between Market and encouraging people to LGBT lawyers has endorsed seeing 19th streets. And on Saturdrive drunk by makchief deputy San Francisco City Atday, March 1 city officials ing cars their only real torney Therese Stewart be named will officially kick off the option,” said Wiener. to a seat on the California Courts of upgrades to Mission Do“For late night workAppeal. lores Park. ers, particularly in the Stewart has applied for a seat on “It is exciting. Within a restaurant and enterthe California Courts of Appeal, few days of each other they are going tainment industries, they also need First District based in San Francisto start,” Wiener said. “It is incredto be able to get home at one, two, co. If nominated and confirmed she ibly exciting for the neighborhood three, or four in the morning.” would be the first out lesbian judge to get this beautiful park renovation A study on late night transit the to serve on a state appellate court. and almost double the width of the San Francisco Municipal TransporAs the B.A.R. noted in October, Castro sidewalks.” tation Agency conducted in the Polk Governor Jerry Brown is reportThe long awaited streetscape imStreet corridor one Friday night last edly considering her for the appelprovements in the heart of the city’s fall found that 67 percent of the late court bench. Sunday, January 26 LGBT business district will not only comments received were requests the board of the Bay Area Lawyers include expanded pedestrian space for either expanded late night bus or for Individual Freedom announced but also new street trees, improved BART services. Wiener would like it had endorsed seeing Stewart, a lighting and an upgrade to Jane the city agency to conduct a similar former BALIF board member who Warner Plaza. In December, Marin survey in the Castro. played a key role in the city’s sameCounty-based Ghilotti Brothers subOne idea he is pursuing is insex marriage lawsuits, join the apmitted the lowest bid for the project; creasing the number of bus routes peals court. on January 24 the city issued a 30that run past midnight.

“Therese Stewart is an ideal canday Notice To Construct letter.

“It would be good to get more didate for the California judiciary, Therefore, work is expected to later service on some of these lines,” and we are pleased and honored begin the last week of February and said Wiener. to deliver BALIF’s endorsement,” a groundbreaking ceremony is beThe few 24-hour Muni routes, stated Elizabeth Pritzker, partner ing planned. The project is slated known as Owls, that do exist are not at Pritzker Law in San Francisco for completion prior to the Castro well publicized, he noted. and BALIF judiciary committee Street Fair the first weekend of Oc“The MTA doesn’t do a great job co-chair. “Therese will bring to the tober. of promoting what the 24-hour Courts of Appeal a multitude of “We’ll know more once the conlines are,” he said. “We need to prostrengths: a brilliant legal mind, an tractor is given formal Notice To mote the 24-hour lines more.” exceptional aptitude for solving difProceed, expected sometime in The issue of having BART run ficult legal questions, and a great February,” John Dennis, the project 24-hour service will likely also be judicial temperament. If successful, manager with the city’s Department addressed, though the Bay Areaher appointment to the appellate of Public Works, told the B.A.R. this wide system has repeatedly said it court will be a significant legacy for week when asked about the start needs to shut down its tracks in the the LGBT community.” date for the work. middle of the night in order for its Stewart would be the second out According to DPW the total concrews to conduct maintenance. person named to the appellate court struction costs are $6,738,800. The Nonetheless, Wiener said, “We in the Golden State. The first was in streetscape portion is $3,607,825, have significant issues around 2012 when San Francisco resident while the SFMTA bill to relocate people getting back to the East Bay Jim Humes became an associate the overhead electric wires for Muni without drunk driving. In the long justice of the state’s First District buses is $2,059,125 and the city’s term it would be great if we could Court of Appeal’s Division Four.t public utilities commission is paying see 24-hour BART service.” $1,071,850 to replace a water main.

AC Transit, which services AlWeb Extra: For more queer politiDennis said the bid did not come ameda County, does provide 24cal news, be sure to check http:// in low enough to provide funding for www.ebar.com Monday mornings hour service from downtown San a number of decorative elements that at noon for Political Notes, the Francisco, but Wiener noted that, had been proposed. The Castro Upnotebook’s online companion. “the buses are very infrequent so it per Market Community Benefit DisThis week’s column reported makes it challenging for people to on the San Francisco Young trict may step in to pay for decorative rely on those buses.”

Democrats’ endorsement of gay crosswalks, programmable colored One recent development that has Supervisor David Campos’s AsLED streetlights, and historical facts been helpful, said Wiener, is seeing sembly bid. accents on the sidewalk paving. ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, Dennis told the B.A.R. that the Keep abreast of the latest LGBT and Sidecar offer 24-hour service. political news by following the CBD “has tentatively agreed” to pay “It has been a big issue in the past Political Notebook on Twitter @ for the items at a “cost not to exceed for people at 2 a.m. with all the bars http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. $175,000.” closing simultaneously in the city The CBD had already set aside Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call trying to get cabs to get home,” said Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 861$28,000 for special crosswalk pavWiener. “It is very difficult, especial5019 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com. ing and will discuss allocating more ly in some parts of the city.”

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January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

<< Community News

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Wedding tips abound at Gay Vanity Fair

by David-Elijah Nahmod

I

f you’re part of a same-sex couple planning a wedding, or if you want to see the latest styles and trends, the upcoming Gay Vanity Fair Gay and Lesbian Event and Fashion show is the place to be.

The one-day wedding fair takes place Sunday, February 9 at the Bently Reserve in downtown San Francisco.

With the return of marriage equality to the Golden State, event promoters Frederick Sullivan and his partner, Jaime Botello, promise that the wedding expo will be an invaluable resource in making that special day a memorable celebration to last a lifetime. Wedding planners, photographers, officiants, florists, DJs, jewelers, and fashion designers will be in attendance.

Gay Vanity Fair describes itself as being “for the gay and lesbian couple looking for exhibitors that offer style and sophistication, the latest market trends, and the best LGBTfriendly value and professionalism.”

The highlight of the day will be an LGBT wedding fashion show.

Emcee Joel Riddell of Radio 910’s “Dining Around Talk” will introduce models as they walk the runway, displaying fashions, hairdos, make-up, and floral designs.

Mary Going, whose Oaklandbased Saint Harridan label features sleek, masculine outfits, redesigned for women and transmen, will be among the designers who will display their work. She sees a trend toward more formal weddings for same-sex couples.

“Now that my wife and I had a wedding, I can say that the cer-

emony was much more meaningful than I had anticipated,” Going told the Bay Area Reporter. “It was quite validating to have so many people witness our vows, and collectively promise to be a mirror, to reflect back to us over the years over the vows we made, and the love we felt on that day. Our wedding was also a healing opportunity for our extended family, especially my mother, who had reacted very badly when I came out to her.”

Going said that the need for LGBT weddings goes beyond mere romantic notions.

“The problem with a legal barrier to marriage is that we can’t get married for any reason,” she said.

“Not for romantic reasons nor for legal ones. My wife and I are madly in love, and we could have had a ‘wedding’ without legal protections,

but we need the legal protections for all the same reasons that hetero couples need them.”

Sullivan concurred. “When you meet a person it starts off with love and romance, just like any other couple,” he said. “Then it progresses to a relationship where two people want to spend their lives together.

We believe that the LGBT community experiences the same ups and downs as other couples when it comes to love and romance. What is important now is that LGBT couples who marry can now have legal protections under the law. That is huge.”

Sullivan said he’s seeing a trend with same-sex couples toward what might be called “traditional” weddings.

See page 10 >>

t

Cindy Fong

Mary Going will be at Gay Vanity Fair with her Saint Harridan label of masculine women’s suits.

Gay GOPers seek House seats

by Chuck Colbert

N

o Republican candidate has ever been openly gay when first elected to the House of Representatives. No openly gay Republicans have served in Congress since Jim Kolbe of Arizona retired in 2006.

And in Massachusetts, the GOP has not won a House seat since 1994.

But that political status quo is likely to be tested again in the Bay State and elsewhere this fall as openly gay Richard Tisei announced his

candidacy in the Massachusetts 6th Congressional District.

Two other openly gay Republicans, in New Hampshire and southern California, hope to win House seats this year.

This is Tisei’s second run for the House. Two years ago, he came within 1 percentage point of ousting longtime, eight-term incumbent Representative John Tierney (D) of Salem.

The district includes the North Shore and most of Essex County.

“I’m running for Congress because Massachusetts deserves an independent voice in Washington who actually takes time to listen,” Tisei told approximately 125 supporters on Thursday afternoon, January 23, in the Heritage Room of the Wakefield Americal Civic Center where he made his candidacy official.

Tisei’s brief remarks touched upon major campaign themes – lower taxes, limited government, personal responsibility, and freedom.

Tisei also called out another campaign theme: “Obamacare,” which he said is “the biggest expansion of government in our lifetime,” causing “millions to lose their health care coverage and left millions more with fewer choices and higher premiums.”

To drive home the point, small business owner Erin Calvo-Bacci of Reading, who owns a family-run chocolate company, told the crowd that the Affordable Care Act, the national health care plan also known as Obamacare, “forced us to sell our home in Wakefield and move a family of five to a two-bedroom apartment above one of our stores.”

During his remarks, Tisei swiped at national Democratic Party leadership.

“Nancy Pelosi does not represent the North Shore,” he said, referring to the House minority leader from San Francisco. And he pledged not

to “follow the leader,” Asked about any as he said Tierney role in the campaign, has, voting with party Starr said he would “be leaders “99 percent of going to more functhe time.” tions and be at [Tisei’s] Afterwards, side more.” when asked about Socially liberal and House Speaker John fiscally conservative, Boehner’s (R-Ohio) Tisei is also pro-choice. refusal to bring to a Other gay GOPers vote federal employChuck Colbert Meanwhile, in nearment non-discriminaby New Hampshire, tion protection, Tisei GOP House candidate Dan Innis, 50, a former said, “I don’t agree Richard Tisei business school dean, with the party. I think announced his candithe party is wrong on dacy last October for the House in issues like ENDA,” the Employment the Granite State’s 1st CongressioNon-Discrimination Act. nal District, which includes most of Tisei, 51, is a former state Senate the eastern part of the state. minority leader who served in the Like Tisei, Innis is married even Legislature from 1985 until 2010, as many elected Republicans deboth as a representative (1985nounce same-sex marriage and GOP 1990) and senator (1991-2010). religious conservatives consider hoIn a bid for bipartisan advocacy mosexuality, let alone same-gender on LGBT rights, Tisei added, “It’s sexual activity, to be immoral. important to have people on both As the Bay Area Reporter noted sides of the aisle” with Republicans last spring, another gay Republi“standing up and saying everyone can, former San Diego City Council should be treated equally and fully member Carl DeMaio, 39, is runprotected under the law.” ning for the House in California’s “I’ve done that as a legislator here 52nd Congressional District. In the and will do that in Washington,” he 2012 race for San Diego mayor, Desaid, referring to his more than two Maio lost his bid to Democrat Bob decades in the Massachusetts StateFilner, 71, who served for a short house. “I’d support ENDA and probtime before resigning last August ably would co-sponsor it as well.” amidst allegations of sexual harassAs another measure of his indement. pendence and distance from antiDeMaio is challenging first term gay GOP politics, Tisei pointed to Democratic Representative Scott his record in the legislature. When Peters.

Governor [Mitt] Romney was here, Already, all three gay GOP canhe did not support gay marriage,” didates have raised concerns in ReTisei said. “I did. I strongly supportpublican quarters. At the end of last ed marriage equality.” year, Representative Randy Forbes, Bernie Star, Tisei’s longtime part(R-Virginia), said national GOP ner and now husband, attended the event in Wakefield. The couple was See page 12 >> married last summer.

Wedding announcements compiled by Cynthia Laird Ben Cable and Marcial Bolina

On Wednesday, January 22 Ben Cable married his partner of 23 years. In a small private ceremony at Alameda City Hall, Ben Cable and Marcial McCarthy Bolina exchanged vows. Katherine J. Sirota officiated the ceremony.

Mr. Cable, 49, and Mr. Bolina, 50, were the first couple to challenge California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Denied a marriage license in February 1993 by the Los Angeles county clerk’s office, they filed suit with the 2nd District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles; the case ultimately went before the California

Supreme Court, which denied review. At the time, same-gender relationships were not legal in any state.

The couple, using Mr. Cable’s last name, now live in Alameda with their two small dogs.t

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Community News>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Newsom

From page 1

Returning that year from witnessing former President George W. Bush call for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in his State of the Union speech, an irate Newsom conferred with several of his LGBT staffers and Kate Kendell, executive director of the San Francisco-based National Center for Lesbian Rights, on how best to respond.

“What do we do, a press release? Do we decry a constitutional amendment?” he recalled asking.

He did issue a statement in which he called the proposal “a terrible idea” and urged Bush to reconsider his position.

At the same time LGBT activists were urging Newsom to order the county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Barring that, some called for Newsom to only allow heterosexual couples to become domestic partners rather than marry, as the B.A.R. reported in its February 5 issue that year, or either defund the clerk’s office or move it outside county lines.

The next week, in a letter dated February 10, 2004, Newsom asked then-County Clerk Nancy Alfaro to determine “the necessary changes” needed to marriage licenses so they could be provided “on a non-discriminatory basis.”

Newsom said this week that he sent the letter thinking it would be awhile before he received a response.

He hadn’t expected a reply to come the next day from Mabel Teng, then the city’s assessor-recorder whose

Rick Gerharter

In the midst of the “Winter of Love” Mayor Gavin Newsom, center, was presented with several giant thank you cards during a town hall meeting in Noe Valley on February 28, 2004.

office oversees the registering of marriage licenses, with a way to alter the forms to accommodate samegender couples.

“She was so gung ho. We thought this would buy us some time,” he said. “The buzz got out there; that is why big leaders in the community called me and I said don’t worry we are not going to do anything right away.”

With marriage equality activists planning to demand marriage licenses from the county clerk on Thursday, February 12, as part of a yearly protest timed to Valentine’s Day, it was thought they would be turned away again, but this time, told to return the following week.

Instead, what ended up transpiring not only took the activists by surprise but the entire country.

Obituaries >> Donald Christopher Baer November 17, 1959 – December 10, 2013 Donald Christopher Baer, deaf son of Donald C. Baer and Barbara C. Baer (deceased), passed away quietly in his sleep on December 10, 2013 after a long battle with ALS. Don celebrated his life at each opportunity. He enjoyed the outdoors, his friends, traveling, the arts, and was an activist in the deaf community. He followed his dreams throughout his short life always ready to take on new challenges and share his happiness and positive attitude with everyone.

Don attended the California School for the Deaf, Riverside and later transferred to the CSD Berkeley/Fremont schools. He was heavily involved in the arts and theater and promoting the deaf culture through his professional and social activities. He created a legacy by using his unique talents to create life-size three-dimensional wax figures of prominent and noteworthy deaf and hearing individuals to promote deaf history and awareness. He founded DeafWax, a nonprofit organization, for exhibiting the wax figures and they have been shown in many venues throughout California and Texas. He was also a strong supporter of the deaf gay community, and AIDS awareness groups, holding a number of positions in various organizations.

His professional life led him to work at Disneyland, the Salk Institute, and the Bay Area Communication Access Company. He continued to display his positive attitude during his last years with ALS and shared his unique issues with having the disease. His life made many positive impacts in so many ways and to so many people.

He is survived by his father and his siblings: Jennifer (and husband William), James, Randolph, Jeanette, Carolyn; and nieces Renee (and family) and Brandi. He also left behind many friends and colleagues who will miss him greatly.

A memorial service will be held February 8 at 11 a.m. at the California School for the Deaf, Klopping Theatre, 39350 Gallaudet Drive, Fremont, CA. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to the following: DeafWax Deaf Heritage (deafwax.com/donate.html) and DeafHood Foundation (www.deafhoodfoundation.org/Deafhood/Donate.html) Don, we will look for you in rainbows until we meet again.

Barry LeBlanc January 18, 2014 Our dear friend Barry LeBlanc, a.k.a. Juggles, died Saturday, January 18, 2014, in the small hours of the morning on the 16th Street sidewalk behind A&G Mercantile. His passing has left an empty space in our lives. All of us are kind of wandering the block, making sure we’ve all heard the news.

Barry lived for about 30 years on the side-

walks of these few blocks – 16th and 17th, Market, Noe and Sanchez. He was a gentle soul, a man you would want to call friend. I have known him the whole time I have lived on my block. Barry was an artist and kept abreast of the daily news – he was always the one to inform me of the headlines.

Many years ago – 12 or 15 – Barry disappeared for nine months. We thought he was dead and set up a memorial at Sanchez and Market, but he showed back up. Been in the hospital. This time he’s gone for real. The memorial on 16th Street off Market has some of his drawings, his favorite Peet’s coffee – with six, eight, or maybe 10 sugars – the girls at Peet’s always said, “Don’t put that much sugar in his coffee, it will kill him!” But it wasn’t the sugar – flowers (for everyone to take one) and the “Barry Special” chicken roll from Dinosaurs.

Many neighbors and old friends came by the last two days as Barry was dying. Many of them called the ambulance and homeless outreach – when the vans came by, Barry said he didn’t need help, he wanted to stay on his sidewalk. He suffered, both over the years and those last days, but he was stubborn and he had it his way.

Barry LeBlanc, are you there yet? We miss you.

[Vince Blaskovich, who wrote this obituary, said that Mr. LeBlanc would not let anyone take his picture. The image used here is a drawing he did of himself as Buddha. Mr. LeBlanc also did not like anyone to pin him down about dates and facts – his friends think he was born about 1961, the date he told most people. More information is available at http:// wtf.pdquin.com/files/BarryDies.php.]

Douglas R. Rose March 18, 1954 – January 14, 2014 Doug passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He was 59 years old.

Doug was born in Sacramento, California and lived most of his childhood in Davis, California. After graduating from Davis Senior High School in 1972, he went on to San Francisco State University. Doug lived and worked in San Francisco for many years, and moved to Berkeley in 1998.

Doug had his own business and did accounting, tax preparation and was an Enrolled Agent.

Doug was a board member of the Pacific Center in Berkeley. He was a big brother for Brother and Sisters of Oakland. He was a public member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for University of California, San Francisco.

Doug is survived by his loving parents, Richard and Florence Rose of Granite Bay, California; and his brothers Dennis of Santa Rosa and Dean of Sacramento.

Doug will be remembered for his generosity, keen sense of humor, and willingness to help however he could.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at his home.

Largely in secret, with just a reporter and photographer from the San Francisco Chronicle in the room, Teng married lesbian pioneers Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon in her City Hall office that morning. A male couple was then privately wed.

As word began to spread, Teng married two more female couples,

which a reporter from the B.A.R. was invited to witness. By this time, the marriage equality activists had arrived at City Hall to learn that they could marry.

With the courts closed due to a scheduled holiday, there was no ability for opponents to secure an injunction to stop the weddings.

Hundreds of couples descended on City Hall and were able to exchange vows.

With no court action taken Friday, and city officials deciding to keep City Hall open all weekend to accommodate those wanting to wed, couples from across the state and country traveled to San Francisco to exchange vows. It wouldn’t be until March 11 that year that the state Supreme Court would halt the weddings, and then later in August, annul the marriages that had taken place.

The events of that winter led to City Attorney Dennis Herrera’s office filing its successful state lawsuit winning marriage rights for same-sex couples in the spring of 2008, the passage of a constitutional See page 12 >>

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<< National News

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

LGBTs disappointed in Obama speech

by Lisa Keen

I

n his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Barack Obama spoke of a nation working on issues such as marriage equality and earning the respect of other countries “because we believe in the inherent dignity and equality of every human being, regardless of race or religion, creed, or sexual orientation.”

But while LGBT leaders expressed appreciation for those references, most voiced considerable disappointment over what he did not say.

Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said the president was “right to urge Congress to fix our broken immigration system this year, create more jobs, equal pay for women, and the restoration of the Voting Rights Act.” And she praised his announcement to sign an executive order to increase the minimum wage federal contractors must offer their employees.

But, she added, “The irony is that some LGBT federal contract workers will get a pay raise but they could still be fired for who they are and who they love.”

“The longer the president waits, the more damage LGBT people will face,” said Carey. “Discrimination is a painful reality that is too often the lived experience of LGBT people.

The president has to act when Congress won’t.”

Tico Almeida, founder and leader of the Freedom to Work group, also expressed frustration.

<<

News Briefs

From page 3

building in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for the 2014 Kickoff and Expo for this year’s AIDS/LifeCycle

t

“President Obama any criticism from our should have challenged community,” said Jean. “It the House Republicans to just seems odd.” allow a vote” on the EmAsked to respond, the ployment Non-DiscrimiWhite House said, “The nation Act, said Almeida.

State of the Union isn’t a “It’s disappointing that comprehensive list of all he has still not included of the president’s positions LGBT workplace protecor priorities. The presitions among the issues dent has long supported he will handle through ENDA, and its inclusion in executive order as part of our fact sheet reflects the his ‘year of action,’” said president’s belief that ConAlmeida. “Both ENDA gress needs to act. It’s time and the LGBT executive to add sexual orientation order would have fit perand gender identity to the fectly into the themes of list of categories protected this address.” by federal law against Lorri Jean, executive President Barack Obama delivered his State of the employment discriminadirector of the nation’s Union address Tuesday. tion. No American worker largest LGBT community should lose his or her job center and health facility, simply because of who so that no American worker can the L.A. Gay and Lesbian they are or who they love.” lose his or her job simply because Center, praised Obama for sayGregory T. Angelo, executive diof who they are or who they love,” ing “many important things about rector of Log Cabin Republicans, said the statement. “The Employequality, or the lack thereof.” But was unimpressed with the presiment Non-Discrimination Act she, too, noted he said “nothing dent’s speech, calling it “more of would provide strong federal proabout the fact that no federal law the same.” He, too, dinged Obama’s tections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, protects LGBT people from emspeech for what it lacked. and transgender workers. Last year, ployment discrimination, let alone “While the president’s calls for a bipartisan majority of the Senate equally harmful forms of discrimia more equal nation are welcome,” passed ENDA, and the president nation.” said Angelo, “there is a profound renews his call for the House to do The White House did issue to irony in the absence of any mention the same.” reporters a long supplemental stateof [ENDA].”

But Jean said, “I’d be happier with ment in conjunction with the State LGBT activists have been, since [the supplemental statement] if it of the Union address, and that statethe beginning of Obama’s first term, came last week or even next week” ment did note that, “Today, federal pressuring the White House to israther than in conjunction with the law prohibits employment discrimisue an executive order barring sexual State of the Union address. nation based on race, sex, religion, orientation discrimination by federal “It’s almost as if he didn’t dare to and disability.” contractors. Others have urged him to say it when the whole country was “It’s time to add sexual orientaspeak out more forcefully for ENDA. watching, but they put it out to quell tion and gender identity to that list, Coincidentally, the Movement

Advancement Project, in releasing its biennial assessment of the LGBT civil rights movement Tuesday, noted that the “top 50 federal government contractors (81 percent) include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies.”

Even the Human Rights Campaign, one of the LGBT community’s strongest supporters of Obama, could not hide its disappointment.

“The president’s message tonight failed to address the needs of LGBT workers looking for a fair shake in this economy,” said HRC President Chad Griffin in a statement issued after the address. “Not only was there no call for the House to pass a federal law to protect LGBT workers nationwide, President Obama also sidestepped his commitment to take action where Congress has left off, leaving out an order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors. Unfortunately, President Obama missed a real opportunity to use the State of the Union to improve the lives of LGBT people by taking immediate executive action to address anti-LGBT discrimination for the millions of Americans employed by federal contractors.”

As in past years, Obama included an openly gay person among the special guests joining first lady Michelle Obama in the House gallery during the State of the Union address. Tuesday night it was Jason Collins, the former National Basketball Association player who, last year, became the first male player in a major American team sport to come out as gay.t

ride Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 545-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes place in early June. For the day of the expo only, people who sign up for the ride will receive a

ents to two boys.) Fisher-Paulson is captain of the honor guard for the San Francisco Sheriff ’s Department.

steep discount on the registration fee. Riders are also required to raise a minimum of $3,000.

The kickoff and expo will feature a DJ, food, beer and wine, and much more for people to enjoy.

AIDS/LifeCycle’s community partners will have great deals on cycling and camping gear, provide expert training and bike advice, and offer free massages. Veteran participants will be on hand to answer questions about what to pack, how to train and fundraise, what to expect on the ride, and more.

The AIDS/LifeCycle benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. For more information, visit www.aidslifecycle.org.

Healthier living workshop for LGBT seniors

Openhouse, an agency that works with LGBT seniors, will hold a free six-week healthier living workshop series for LGBT adults ages 55 and over with chronic illness and conditions.

The workshop was developed by the Stanford University School of Medicine and focuses on participant empowerment and skill development to manage chronic health conditions such as pain, HIV, high blood pressure, cancer, depression, or anxiety.

The sessions run for six consecutive Thursday mornings starting February 6 and are held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Openhouse’s offices in the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street, Room 306.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To sign up, contact Fairley Parson, MSW, (415) 728-0193 or fairley@openhouse-sf.org.

Gay dad to do book reading

Local author Kevin Fisher-Paulson will read from his book, A Song for Lost Angels: How Daddy and Papa Fought to Save Their Family Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. at Books Inc., 2275 Market Street in San Francisco.

The book details the story of Fisher-Paulson, his husband, Brian, and their foster triplets that they raised for a year before they were removed from the men’s home due to prejudice. (The men are now par-

March planned for black HIV awareness day

The San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Community Equity and Promotion branch, along with local organizations, will observe the 14th annual National Black HIV Awareness Day Friday, February 7 with a news conference at 6 p.m. on the steps of City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, followed by a candlelight march to the Quaker Meeting House on 9th Street near Market.

Organizers said that the public is welcome to attend and participate.

There will be free HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing.

After the march there will be a community discussion at the Quaker house. Keynote speakers include Cynthia Carey-Grant, executive director of Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases, and Ernest Hopkins of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

For more information about the activities, contact Vincent Fuqua, population health division, at (415) 437-6208 or vincent.fuqua@ sfdph.org.

Nominations sought for Courage Awards

The Colin Higgins Foundation is seeking nominations of LGBTQ youth activists who have transformed their experiences with discrimination into opportunities to inspire others by taking action, rallying support, and working to transform the systems and institutions that affect their lives.

The foundation is accepting nominees, ages 20 and under, for the 2014 Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards. This year the foundation will award three $10,000 grants to LGBTQ youth activists. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m.

Monday, February 17. Nomination forms are available at http:// www.colinhiggins.org/yca/processtimeline/.t

t

Travel>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Snow – not fun – in short supply in Sierra

by Heather Cassell

the situation by launching Sinful Entertainment, an event production company. She fills her events with the latest dance anthems and mashups, “anything that is hot right now,” along with butch and femme go-go dancers and performances.

It’s been a hit. Her last party attracted up to 300 queer women in the area, she said.

L

ake Tahoe’s slopes are in need of fresh powder, but that isn’t stopping diehard skiers or LGBT partiers from heading up to the Sierra and to nearby Reno for a winter getaway.

Reno and Lake Tahoe offer plenty of fun on and off the slopes with great dining, nightlife, and casinos or simply relaxing by the fireplace with a special someone or friends. There is something for everyone at the lakeside and northern city escape just hours from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Where to stay

Powder fun

The large ski resorts that are open during this extremely dry winter have had to resort to man-made snow lately and not all lifts are operating. But there is skiing to be had, officials said.

Lake Tahoe’s premiere gay ski weekend is WinterFest, which is held March 2-9 at Heavenly and Northstar ski resorts.

This is the 19th year of the weeklong LGBT snow party, according to Kevin Ray, founder and promoter of Winterfest.

Ray, a gay man, took over the popular LGBT ski weekend from the Nevada Commission on Tourism in 1996. Today, the tourism commission and the Nevada Gay and Lesbian Visitor and Convention Bureau sponsor the event that mixes skiing and snowboarding, comedy, parties and the option to hit the poker tables and slot machines on the Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe.

Ray, a project coordinator who lives in northern Nevada, also produces Reno Gay Pride, usually held in August.

Ray believes that February will bring fresh powder to Tahoe, which has been experiencing a particularly dry season. Since the early snow storms in October and November provided a solid base to build upon, the ski resorts have been running the snow machines on the trails at higher elevations.

To attract skiers and snow bunnies, many of the resorts have added fun features to their ski runs and lodges. Heavenly, for example, has a roving dance club on the slopes with guest DJs. Ray is confident the area will soon see snowfall.

“We will get fresh powder,” he said. “People have never been disappointed in the skiing.”

However, he is prepared to do a snow dance if there isn’t a late season storm that dumps fresh powder onto the slopes, he quipped.

Even if it doesn’t snow soon, South Lake Tahoe offers a lot of entertainment and easy transportation from Aston Lakeland Village Beach and Mountain Resort,

Courtesy Tronix

DJ Mimi ImFurst gets the crowd going on the dance floor at Tronix Video Bar and Nightclub in Reno.

Tony Vitali

Skiers at WinterFest 2013 unfurled their pride atop Heavenly’s slopes in South Lake Tahoe.

the host resort complex that offers shuttle service between the casinos, nightclubs, and slopes. That’s not to mention the entertainment Ray has lined up for WinterFest, including a dance party aboard the MS Dixie II departing out of Zephyr Cove.

“He attracts really great people,” said Xav Dubois, a regular at WinterFest. “As much as it’s a gay and lesbian event, he just leaves it so open for everybody.”

WinterFest is an extra treat for Dubois and his partner of 10 years, Sean Aken. Not only is the gay-friendly ski escape right in their backyard, but they get to share it with LGBT people from all over the U.S. and the world who come to the event, he said.

“I’m just home and I feel ease walking down the street holding hands with my partner in South [Lake] Tahoe,” said Dubois, about the 40-something gay men simply feeling comfortable in the mountain resort town. “It just feels great.”

Ray has plenty of fun planned on and off the slopes for this year’s WinterFest, including a comedy night with Emmy Award-winning gay comedian Bruce Vilanch.

“We are so excited to have someone of his caliber through the weekend,” said Ray. “Anything with a ‘ho’ in it attracts my attention, and Tahoe is no exception,” joked Vilanch in an email about performing at and attending the gay ski weekend. “But when you add in gay ski week ... it’s time for an avilanch.”

WinterFest isn’t the only gay ski weekend hitting the Sierra this winter. Saga North, the gay ski group, has been hitting the slopes for the past couple of months with weekend ski and snowboarding excursions. Organizers added two excursions to South Lake Tahoe this year.

Rough and wild

Adventurers can have their outdoor action by day and urban excitement by night in Reno.

Most of Reno’s top resorts offer ski packages, including transportation to the slopes.

The Peppermill is offering midweek and weekend deals starting at $209 and $289, respectively, with a $75 resort credit for a three-night minimum stay in the Tuscany Towers. Guests can buy discounted lift tickets between $68 and $95 depending on the ski resort.

Atlantis offers guests one- and two-night packages starting at $79 up to $155, respectively, to stay and ski with lift tickets to a variety of slopes and $20 food and slot credits.

Silver Legacy’s ski special starts at $79 with bonus discounts for dining and playing.

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino has stay and ski packages starting at $78 per person for two nights, including the option of choosing lift

tickets or “First Timers” ski lessons at Mr. Rose.

The slopes are just a 30-minute car or shuttle ride to Mt. Rose, the nearest ski resort. There are up to 18 resorts within 90 minutes of Reno’s popular resorts and casinos that offer shuttle service up to the slopes and back.

Reno also offers other outdoor adventures for LGBT travelers.

Golfers can play a round at various golf courses while bikers and hikers can cycle or hike on numerous trails in the area.

At night travelers can dine at a variety of restaurants or catch a show. The Eldorado is showing Ring of Fire, a non-biographical musical based on Johnny Cash’s famous song and music, February 7-May 4.

Guests can’t go wrong with the award-winning lakeside Hyatt Regency. The gay friendly resort is TAG-approved and continues to provide top service.

On the other side of the lake, there are two LGBT-owned options to stay: the gay-owned Black Bear Inn, run by partners Kevin Chandler and Jerry Birdwell, and lesbian-owned Holly’s Place, owned by Holly Eimer.

LGBT travelers seeking gayfriendly accommodations that offer plenty of entertainment and affordability in South Lake Tahoe can find it at Harrah’s and Harvey’s.

In Reno, my girlfriend and I love staying at the Peppermill. The resort is popular among LGBT locals and travelers, not only because of its rainbow welcome sign as guests pull into the Tuscany Towers side of the resort, but also for its AAA fourdiamond status. The Peppermill offers sophisticated style and luxury in eco-friendly accommodations that is friendly on the pocketbook and welcoming to the community.

Carl’s Pub, one of Reno’s gay bars, is also very close to the Peppermill.

While the Peppermill is usually our first choice when we hit town, this time we opted to stay in the heart of historic Reno at the Silver Legacy. The resort is close to the Riverwalk and has easy access to multiple casinos, restaurants, and other entertainment.

If you aren’t doing well on the tables or the slots at the Silver Legacy it’s easy to use the underground pathway to head over to the Eldorado or Circus Circus to try your luck there.

See page 10 >>

Out of hibernation

Reno will host the second annual Reno Fun Train organized by bear communities in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Sacramento March 7-9. The train for hirsute men and their admirers hosts a dance party with DJs and live music and chocolate and wine tastings while passing through the spectacular mountain scenery.

The bears will hit Reno and party at Carl’s Pub for a beer bust March 8.

“It’s a lot of party and a lot of fun.

The trip up and on the way back is what it is about with the beautiful scenery, the snow and camaraderie of being together, which is the great part,” said Eric Murken, 46, a gay travel agent at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos.

Last year the Bear Fun Train attracted nearly 70 guests. This year Murken is anticipating that more than 100 bears will hop onto the train for a weekend of fun, he said.

In April the popular Trannyshack show will head to Reno for its 17th annual show at Tronix Video Bar. The Easter weekend event, hosted

by Heklina and her friends, is one of the town’s biggest LGBT events, attracting more than 500 partiers.

Get local

Local LGBTs also have events planned to entertain visitors.

A Salon 7 is celebrating its 10year anniversary by turning its annual white party into a black party with a 1920s theme. The Gatsbyinspired event April 5 benefits Build Our Center, Reno’s new LGBT community center that is scheduled to open sometime this year.

Queer women party it up at Tronix twice a month with the new Sinful ladies nights. Hosted by Sinful Entertainment promoter Monique Manzo, a 25-year-old lesbian, the dance party on the first and third Saturday has brought Las Vegas Sapphic glam and glitz to Reno.

Manzo, a Reno native, was disappointed to find the lesbian nightlife scene fizzled a bit during the time she lived in Vegas. When she returned home last year, she remedied

FREE IPHONE APP VERSION 2.0: NEW AND IMPROVED

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

10 ••BBAY AYA AREA REAR REPORTER EPORTER • January January30-February 30-February5, 5,2014 2014

<<

Sexism

From page 1

LGBT employee resource groups proved to help Brown when she entered the workforce and found her place in her career, she said.

Public figures played an important role in inspiring and influencing Garnette in her life and career.

Out since she was 15 years old the 50-year-old said openly gay politicians such as Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager and former Santa Cruz Mayor John Laird inspired her to be 100 percent honest about who she is, she said.

“Those kinds of people changed my life,” because they didn’t seem foreign, but normal as public figures, said Garnette.

Levinson agreed that being a role model was the most important contribution that she and others in similar positions could make, not only for young LGBT professionals, but also her own daughters, she said.

All of the women agreed that being comfortable in your own skin and honest about who you are is one of the keys to success and ultimately and changing hearts and minds.

Garnette’s advice to young LGBT professionals is to unapologetically be themselves, she told the audience.

The discussion, which was moderated by Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, a straight ally, was a success. Women swarmed around the speakers, talking with them for more than a half hour after the panel ended.

“The panelists were excellent,” said

<<

Sierra

From page 9

The noted downtown area has captured much of the attention in recent years after its multi-million dollar renovation, but midtown, on South Virginia Street, is beginning to emerge. New restaurants, craft breweries, cocktail lounges, and other attractions are starting to pull visitors away from the heart of Reno down the strip toward the Peppermill and Atlantis, Reno’s other AAA four-diamond casino and resort.

Dining around town

During our recent quick trip to Reno-Tahoe we revisited some of our favorite restaurants. They didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed fabulous meals that left us satisfied.

In Reno we enjoyed a luxurious

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Two Spirit powwow

From page 3

wow people that come out to this dance,” popular Bay Area powwow emcee Earl Neconie (Kiowa) said.

Neconie, a straight ally, will co-emcee this year’s powwow with Santa Rosa artist and activist L. Frank Manriquez (Tongya/Acjacheman), a local female Two Spirit artist and activist. Traditionally only men emcee powwows, Dunn said.

The powwow will feature prominent Two Spirit community leaders from across North America in head staff roles. Head dancers will be Joey Criddle (Jicarilla) from Alabama, and Terra Matthews (Tsimshian/Carrier)

<<

Gay Vanity Fair

From page 6

“What we have experienced so far is that many couples get as close as they can to a religious ceremony,” he said. “Whatever that means to them, adding their own special twist to their vows to make it more personalized.”

Some religious denominations do perform same-sex ceremonies, but others do not. However, any couple can obtain a marriage license from their county clerk and have a ceremony of their choosing.

BAYMEC president James Gonzales, “This is a conversation that the community has been longing to have.”

Amber Cameron, a strategic operations and initiatives manager of public safety for the city of Palo Alto, found the women inspiring.

“What was most interesting to me was how sexism was more of a problem for them and in their career growth,” said Cameron, a 30-yearold lesbian.

She was somewhat surprised about the role sexism played in the speakers’ careers, thinking for a moment about her own encounters with sexism.

“I’ve experienced that too. I’ve encountered more sexism than I have homophobia ... I find that disappointing,” Cameron said.

To overcome her disappointment, Cameron found inspiration in what each woman on the panel said.

“Each one of them reaffirmed the best thing to do is to be myself,” said Cameron. “I really loved what Laura said is to be unapologetic about it and being okay with having a dialogue and educating people.”

The panelists proved one thing to Wiggsy Sivertsen, 78, who cofounded BAYMEC and is a board member.

“If you persevere, things change and I think that they are an example of a lot of change that has occurred and made the world a different place for young people,” she said.

Community building

The community’s response to the speakers was exactly what BAYMEC

organizers hoped for as the nearly 30-year-old political action committee’s entry into a new aspect of community service with its foundation.

The foundation, established late last year, is currently in the process of obtaining its nonprofit status. It aims to offer more services to Santa Clara County’s LGBT community, said Sivertsen and Yeager.

“This was a great launch,” said Yeager after the panel discussion. “It gives people an idea the kind of programs and events the foundation would put on.”

Yeager, who thought of putting some of the county’s leading lesbians in the forefront of the new foundation’s speaker series, hopes the community will want more by supporting the organization as it grows.

“There’s really a lot of work to be done,” said Yeager, who didn’t go into detail when the Bay Area Reporter asked. “BAYMEC just really hasn’t had the volunteer base to do that. I think with the foundation it will be able to do more of that work.”

Right now the foundation’s main goal is to connect the community, particularly young emerging leaders.

“We need to do more of these types of events where people can meet more successful and very prominent gays and lesbians,” said Yeager, pointing out that many people don’t know that LGBTs are in plain sight leading the South Bay’s government, community organizations, and corporations.t

dinner at 4th Street Bistro. Reno has a lot of really good restaurants that we enjoy, but this woman-owned restaurant is the best Reno offers.

Locals ooh and ahhh when it’s mentioned.

Over the hill in Lake Tahoe we stopped by the five-star rated Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency at Incline Village on the north side of the lake. The restaurant recently underwent a $700,000 renovation updating the bar and lounge area.

The award-winning wines and great cocktails are still there, but now they are complemented by a new Sierra Nevada tapas and appetizers menu.

A local lesbian-owned favorite is Jack Rabbit Moon at Incline Village.

On the south side of the lake, our mouth waters for Ciera Steak and Chophouse. Like 4th Street Bistro, my girlfriend and I save this AAA

four-diamond restaurant for special occasions. For an enjoyable evening out we head to Friday’s Station Steak and Seafood Grill or Edgewood Golf Course Restaurant. The food is very good and it keeps our purse feeling a little bit fuller.

While my girlfriend’s favorite meal of the day is dinner, mine is breakfast or brunch. For brunch, guests can’t go wrong at Ernie’s Coffee Shop, not to be confused with Bert’s Cafe across the street. This local favorite offers up a fantastic menu – including many vegetarian options – with ample portions at a great price.t

from L’heidli T’enneh First Nation in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

“I was very honored to be asked to participate,” Matthews said in an email. “Gathering our families and allies in such a powwow is not only healing and rejuvenating for our spirit; it makes us stronger and gives us a renewed vitality and strengthens our Indigenous communities.”

The powwow will open with Queer Danzantes, local Mexica/Aztec dancers, and the colorful Grand Entry, at noon, where flags, including tribal, POW/MIA, and the rainbow flag, will be danced into the arena by honored veterans.

“A powwow is a good time,” BAAITS drummer Michelle Zamo-

ra (Yaqui/Chicana) said in an email.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for healing.”t

Going described what the welldressed transman might wear.

“Saint Harridan has designed a suit with a masculine silhouette that works for people whose shoulders are more narrow than their hips, and who may or may not have breasts. We specifically welcome transmen, butch women, and anyone else who is attracted to our aesthetic and has the body our suits were designed to fit.”

Going revealed that she struggled with what to wear at her own wedding. Not feeling comfortable in a dress, she wore a custom made suit.

“I swear that I felt taller, was more handsome, and might even have been smarter when I was wearing that suit,” she said. “Dressing for your wedding is a very personal choice, and one that should, above all, make you feel confident.”t

For a quick guide to Reno and Tahoe, visit www.ebar.com.

Full disclosure: Heather Cassell recently started working as an independent travel counselor at Travel Advisors of Los Gatos.

The BAAITS Powwow is free and open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. February 1 at the SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan Street in San Francisco.

The venue is accessible by BART (Civic Center) and Muni (12, 19, 27, 47). For more information, visit http://www.baaits.org.

BAAITS requests attendees come sober and respect dancers’ regalia. Casual wear, not costumes, is appropriate. The Native American Health Center will offer free HIV screening.

Gay Vanity Fair takes place Sunday, February 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bently Reserve, 301 Battery Street. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

For more information, visit www. gayvanityfair.com.

t

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035572200

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STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-033572500

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This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ANGELL ECHO, INC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/07/13.

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The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/13/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CLT EXPRESS INC, 1630 DAVIDSON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CLT EXPRESS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/13/14.

JAN 16, 23, 30, FEB 06, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035571000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOTEL UTAH, 504 4TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HOTEL UTAH INVESTMENT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/26/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/07/14.

JAN 16, 23, 30, FEB 06, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035584800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: UNO DOS TACO, 595 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed APMEX LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/14/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/14/14.

JAN 16, 23, 30, FEB 06, 2014

t

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Legal Notices>> NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Dated 10/08/13 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: FERRY PLAZA SEAFOOD INC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 653-655 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133-2811. Type of license applied for

41 - ON-SALE BEER & WINE - EATING PLACE JAN 16, 23, 30, 2014 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC14-550034

In the matter of the application of: EMILY GAIL WEEKS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner EMILY GAIL WEEKS, is requesting that the names EMILY GAIL WEEKS, aka EMILY G. WEEKS, aka EMILY WEEKS be changed to JILL DAPHNE ARMOUR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, 5th Fl. on the 13th of March 2014 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 16, 23, 30, FEB 06, 2014 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Dated 12/27/13 To Whom It May Concern: The name(s) of the applicant(s) is/are: GARFIELD BEACH CVS LLC, LONGS DRUG STORES CALIFORNIA LLC. The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at 33 New Montgomery St. #1230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 to sell alcoholic beverages at 1 JEFFERSON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133-1217.

Type of license applied for

21 - OFF-SALE GENERAL JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 2014 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC14-550051

In the matter of the application of: ALHAJI JEFFERY KAMARA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ALHAJI JEFFERY KAMARA, is requesting that the name ALHAJI JEFFERY KAMARA, be changed to JEFFERY NATURE KAMARA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, 5th Fl. on the 18th of March 2014 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014 SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) ALAMEDA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: SUGAN SUKSAWANG YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: ROSEMARIE DIAZ CASE NO. HF12627002

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnerships, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately.

You can get information about finding lawyers at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE: The restraining orders following are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

NOTE: If a judgment or support order is entered, the court may order you to pay all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for yourself or the other party. If this happens, the party ordered to pay fees shall be given notice and an opportunity to request a hearing to set aside the order to pay waived court fees.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF ALAMEDA, 24405 AMADOR ST, HAYWARD, CA 94566; PREPARED BY DAN CASEY, LDA #120, SANTA CLARA COUNTY, 1261 LINCOLN AVE #201, SAN JOSE, CA 95125, PH (408) 295-6955; the name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, is: ROSEMARIE DIAZ, 3955 VINEYARD AVENUE #44, PLEASANTON, CA 94566, PH (510) 706-5809 APR 17, 2012 Clerk of the Superior Court by S. Debaca-Arredondo, Deputy.

NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035584600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SORRO SOUNDS AND MEDIA, 1302 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARTIN SORRONDEGUY RABOTTI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/07/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/07/14.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035588000

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035598600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SWEET BEAN FOODS, 57 CHATANOOGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAURIE AGEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/14.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035597800

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SITE FOR SORE EYES, 176 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NEW VISION OPTICAL INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EPIC TRADING, 284 LELAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed RICKY WONG & MARCO LAU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/15/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/15/14.

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JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035588500

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014 SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: HUAI CHEN YAP YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: ROVSHEN KERIMOV CASE NO. FDI-13-780509

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnerships, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. You can get information about finding lawyers at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), at the California Legal Services Web site (www. lawhelpcalifornia.org), or by contacting your local county bar association.

NOTICE: The restraining orders following are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

NOTE: If a judgment or support order is entered, the court may order you to pay all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for yourself or the other party.

If this happens, the party ordered to pay fees shall be given notice and an opportunity to request a hearing to set aside the order to pay waived court fees.

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 400 MCALLISTER ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, is: IRINA AEROV, 789 CABRILLO ST., SAN FRANCSICO, CA 94102, PH (415) 387-9028 NOV 27, 2013 Clerk of the Superior Court by Timmy Kyu, Deputy.

NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: You are served as an individual.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035602500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KML ASSOCIATES, 274 15TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KENT M. LIM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035603400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RC LEADS, 2025 BRODERICK ST. #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHRISTOPHER JAMES PORTUGAL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/23/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035603800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LOGAN POTTER SALON, 28 SOUTH PARK, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LOGAN POTTER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035610300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TRINKERS INTL., 888 BRANNAN ST. #1177,SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TRINKERS INTL (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/27/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035595900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: YUKI LASHES, 1840 TURK ST #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MINH DU DINH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/15/14.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FLORAL IMAGE SAN FRANCISCO, 3031 W. MARCH LANE #230, STOCKTON, CA 95219. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LNCJ, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/14.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2014

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SURE ROOFING & WATERPROOFING, 118 SAGAMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SURE ROOFING SYSTEMS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035599800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BAMBINI MONTESSORI SCHOOL, 2042 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NORTH HILL LEARNING CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035611100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SENSATIONAL KIDZ, 2360 GREENWICH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SENSATIONAL KIDZ PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/27/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035598000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FITNESS URBANO, 250 DOUGLAS ST. #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed METAS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/14.

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARMATT, 1175 CHESTNUT ST. #304, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OUT OF WORK SUPERHEROES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/17/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/14.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2014 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-035605900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TENDER, 854 GEARY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 854 GEARY, LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/15/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/14.

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12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

<<

Newsom

From page 7

amendment overturning that decision in November that year, and the federal litigation that opened the door again to same-sex marriages in the Golden State last June.

Newsom acknowledged this week that the initial thinking was the city would marry Lyon and Martin as the basis for a legal challenge to Cal-

<<

Crack pipes

From page 2

She said, “I can’t say we’re not going to arrest somebody” for possession of a crack pipe, but that would likely be if there was “an extravagant case,” such as one where police have had dozens of contacts with a person who is generating complaints from neighbors.

“We’re not going to go out and look for” people with crack pipes, said Newman. “We don’t have the manpower.”

“I can’t even tell you the last time somebody confiscated a crack pipe and booked it and charged somebody,” she said. “ ... I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but our focus really isn’t on those individual users.”

In a recent interview with the B.A.R., before Garcia came out publicly against distributing pipes to crack users, District Attorney George

ifornia’s anti-gay marriage statutes.

“Everything we were doing was oriented around that lawsuit,” said Newsom.

Despite talk about recalling him from office, Newsom said that wasn’t his biggest concern.

“People forget that. There were legitimate recall discussions. It never materialized,” he said. “I was more worried about getting arrested.”

Asked what she recalls most

about those early weeks of 2004, Kendell told the B.A.R. “how what Newsom did felt so groundbreaking, risky and cutting edge, in the most exciting way possible.” His actions, she added, “helped to usher in the most accelerated momentum imaginable and now opposition to marriage equality is regarded as retrograde and shameful.”

With a number of new lawsuits challenging other states’ anti-gay

marriage laws headed back to the U.S. Supreme Court, Newsom believes the court will be forced to issue a ruling making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. Such a development can’t come soon enough, he added.

“There are so many other things that need to be addressed in the LGBTQ community,” said Newsom, pointing to such issues as employment protections and discrimination transgender people face. “There is so

much work to be done, that is why it is so important to get this done.”t

Gascón said that he would support the idea if health officials proposed it.

“The health professionals really have to take the lead” on such decisions, and they understand “the best strategies to reduce the harm,” said Gascón.

Drug use and abuse “should be treated more as a health problem than a criminal justice problem,” he said.

Criminal justice officials “have to be willing to follow the lead of the health professionals,” he added.

that our public health community is considering ways to reduce disease transmission among crack smokers.

I’m certainly open to hearing about specific proposals, including the pros, the risks, [and] the legal issues.”

He added, “If folks are interested in moving forward, I would be happy to meet with them to hear more and discuss the issues with them.”

Wiener said he hadn’t heard about Garcia’s opposition to crack pipe distribution, and said, “I’m sure there are a lot of different views on the topic. “ He reiterated, “Before I would decide what my view is, I would want to hear from all sides what the pros and cons are on this kind of project.”

Reached by phone, gay Supervisor David Campos said he’d call back in a couple minutes. He didn’t call back, and he didn’t respond to a subsequent call for comment.

Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, who is running against

Campos for the 17th Assembly District seat soon to be vacated by gay Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (DSan Francisco), didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Sunny Angulo, an aide to Supervisor Jane Kim, whose District 6 includes the Tenderloin neighborhood, which is home to many crack users, didn’t make Kim available for an interview, and Kim didn’t respond to a text message requesting comment.

“This is San Francisco, and San Francisco and the San Francisco Department of Public Health in particular have a long tradition of following the evidence, of looking at the research, and listening to the community, so I think we’ll come up with something that will be both based in the evidence and meet the needs of the community.”

In an email this week, HPPC member Paul Harkin and Alli Kraus, who together delivered the crack pipe presentation, said that “crack pipe distribution, as part of a comprehensive outreach program,” fulfills health department objectives that include eliminating new HIV infections “through prioritization of high prevalence populations and evidence-based programs that prevent HIV transmission.”

Harkin and Kraus wrote, “Crack smokers in San Francisco are at significant risk for HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and a number of other serious infections and injuries.”

Referring to the action plan, they added, “The HPPC voted to review effectiveness data on the issue of crack pipe distribution as harm reduction, direct DPH to explore legal issues, identify ways to improve engagement with crack users, including capacity building for clinical and community providers, and finally, to assess treatment needs and resources. The HPPC is convening a work group to oversee these recommendations.”t

Supervisor weighs in

Asked whether he’d support distributing crack pipes in the city, gay Supervisor Scott Wiener said, “This is an issue that I need to learn more about. ... I’m not prepared to say I’m supportive or opposed. I will say it’s good to consider new, innovative harm reduction strategies to try to reduce disease transmission among drug users, so I think it’s terrific

HPPC members remain positive

HPPC member Laura Thomas, who’s also on the HIV Health Services Planning Council and deputy state director for California for the Drug Policy Alliance, said she’s hopeful that the HPPC can change the health department’s policy to be supportive of crack pipe distribution “I’m optimistic,” said Thomas.

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To mark the 10th anniversary of the 2004 marriages, Newsom has created a board on the website Pinterest where couples who married then can share their wedding photos. To post a photo go to http://www.pinterest.com/ gavinnewsom/winter-of-love/ and use the hashtag #WinterOfLove.

<<

Gay GOPers

From page 6

campaign efforts should not support openly gay candidates.

But Boehner has said he would support them. In fact, when Tisei ran in 2012, the Ohio Republican traveled to Massachusetts, helping to raise campaign funds for Tisei.

Currently, Democrats have eight openly gay members serving in Congress, including Senator Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin), who made history in 2012 as the nation’s first openly gay senator.

The House seat Tisei is seeking is one of the nation’s most closely watched races.

Roll Call Newspaper Online identifies Tierney as one of 10 “most vulnerable House members.”

In a November 5 article, the publication noted, “If Tierney survives the primary, he is likely to face another tough election against Tisei,” adding, “Without Obama on the ticket, Tierney won’t have much help to pull him over the finish line.”

Tierney faces two primary challengers who are likely to press him on “his past ethical dust ups,” according to Roll Call, which include “his wife’s ties to an illegal gambling ring run by her brother.”

Still, “Some Democrats argue Tierney is in better shape going into 2014,” Roll Call pointed out, given “an ethics investigation into his personal finances is behind him.”

At his announcement Tisei seemed disinclined to revisit Tierney’s past difficulties.

“I am anxious to have a discussion on issues that are important to peoples’ daily lives,” Tisei said, adding he would focus on Tierney’s “bad judgment” in Washington on “taxes, spending, the economy, and Obamacare.”t

21

Noir concludes

Short but sweet

18

Out &About

Lavender mob

21

O&A

17

The

Vol. 44 • No. 5 • January 30-February 5, 2014

www.ebar.com/arts San Francisco Ballet dancers Esteban Hernandez, Dores André and Gennadi Nedvigin in choreographer Johann Kobborg’s Les Lutins.

Command performance kicks off ballet season

by Paul Parish

B

ig-time dance kicked into high gear last Wednesday with the San Francisco Ballet’s gala opening night, which sold out the house to the rafters, sold out every last ticket to the dinners beforehand and the dancing after-party too, and raised in one night over $2 million dollars to support the company.

See page 23 >>

Erik Tomasson

Wonderful world of Elizabeth Murray

by Sura Wood

E

The Murray-Holman Family Trust/ Universal Limited Art Editions

veryday domestic objects, familial relationships and women’s work that’s never done receive anything but mundane treatment in Her Story: Prints by Elizabeth Murray, 1986-2006, a new show now at the Cantor Arts Center. Murray, a New York abstract post-modernist painter who got her MFA at Mills College, was awarded a MacArthur “genius grant” in 1999, and was the subject of a New York MoMA retrospective that spanned her 40-year career shortly before her death in 2007.

Although she’s one of the few female artists to have been accorded these dual honors, she remains a relatively unknown quantity on the West Coast. For the uninitiated, the Cantor’s delight-filled exhibition will serve as an introduction and leave visitors hungering for more.

See page 20 >>

“Cracking Cup” (1998), three-dimensional lithograph by Elizabeth Murray. Published by Universal Limited Art Editions.

{ SECOND OF TWO SECTIONS }

The BEST is yet to come

<< Out There

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Literary adventures in the White city

by Roberto Friedman

A

uthor Edmund White is the preeminent gay man of letters of our time. Well-known for his novels, including the autobiographical trilogy that begins with A Boy’s Own Story; his memoirs, including City Boy: My Life in New York During the 1960s and 70s; his short stories, essays, and novellas; his literary criticism and social reportage in two languages; he is also responsible for the definitive biography of the great gay poet, dramatist and novelist Jean Genet, and wrote revealingly as well about the lives of Marcel Proust and Arthur Rimbaud.

He also has an insatiable social appetite, as evidenced in his latest memoir, Inside a Pearl – My Years In Paris, just out from Bloomsbury. He

seemingly knew everybody important or interesting who ever passed through the City of Light during his 15 years there, beginning in 1983, when he worked as a correspondent for Vogue magazine. Everyone in gay letters is here – Adam Mars-Jones, Alan Hollinghurst, editor Michael Denneny, et al. – as well as everyone in fashion (“Azzedine [Alaia] was a tiny Tunisian”) and art, usually portrayed in some amusing anecdote. James Lord, biographer of Picasso and Giacometti, is shown to be a great drunk. Revelations come wrapped in revelations. “Pat [Kavanagh, literary agent and wife of Julian Barnes] (who was notorious in London literary circles for her affair with Jeanette Winterson), looked around and said, ‘What’s annoying about Paris is that every woman looks like a lesbian but none is.’”

The book is a joy ride from first to last, an avalanche of name-dropping (all the more pity there’s no index).

In a way it comes pre-criticized: “Although I make the 80s sound lighthearted and frivolous, I was haunted by AIDS, as were most gay men. Larry Kramer attacked me for devoting seven years of my postdiagnosis time to Genet. Larry felt every gay writer must write about AIDS alone. I wanted to remind readers that there were these great gay contemporaries (Genet died in 1986) who had nothing to do with the disease. Our experience couldn’t be reduced to a malady. I didn’t want us to be ‘re-medicalized.’”

The Merola Plus social group goes bowling with Wagner.

Out There has interviewed White twice. During his book tour for the great Genet work, his publisher put him up at the Clift, where he was gracious and gregarious, ordering up room service for us both, big bowls of berries swimming in cream. Realizing OT’s proficiency in Genet, he interrupted us midquestion: “Who are you?” Only Ed White’s ideal reader, that’s who.

Bowl us over

In an unexpected variation on Camper Van Beethoven’s exhortation to “Take the skinheads bowling,” we pass on a press release from Merola Plus, the young professionals group that meets up after Merola Opera Program events to network and engage with fellow opera and arts fans.

“On Sat., Feb. 8 at the Presidio Bowling Center in the Presidio, join Merola for the hippest Viking

bowling party in town! Meet opera singer Casey Candebat, take a photo with fun opera props, and enjoy an afternoon of free Wagner Bowling! That’s right. In honor of opera composer Richard Wagner (The Ring Cycle, Lohengrin, Tristan und Isolde), we’re hitting the alley Nordic-style! Come dressed in your Viking helmets and Brünnhilde braids for free bowling to the strains of his Ride of the Valkyries (made popular in the film Apocalypse Now).”

Info on the Merola Opera Program is at (415) 565-6427 or MOP@ sfopera.com.

Rocky ‘Mountain’

The New York Times reported last week that “Brokeback Mountain,” the short story by Annie Proulx that was the basis for the 2005 Ang Lee film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, has been made into an opera by composer Charles

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Wuorinen with a libretto by Proulx.

The opera, about closeted gay love in the American West and its dire consequences, premiered this past week at the Teatro Real in Madrid.

To give voice to the inarticulate ranch hand Ennis Del Mar, Wuorinen used Sprechstimme, “a technique between singing and speaking that composer Arnold Schoenberg developed in works like Pierrot Lunaire and used to moving effect in Moses und Aron. Similarly, in his Brokeback, Mr. Wuorinen has made the easygoing, impulsive Jack Twist a tenor (Tom Randle, in the Madrid production), while Ennis (the bassbaritone Daniel Okulitch) is deeper and more impassive, at least at first. “‘As time goes on, he stops doing so much Sprechstimme and begins to sing more,’ Mr. Wuorinen said.

‘Finally, when he’s alone and he’s lost everything at the end, he’s able to express himself. But, of course, it’s too late.’” Ah, the shock and pity of great tragic opera.

The Times points out that the Brokeback Mountain opera “is one of several recent operas on gay themes, from Oscar – Wilde, that is – at the Santa Fe Opera to Champion, based on the life of the gay boxer Emile Griffith, at the Opera Theater of St. Louis, and [young gay composer Nico Muhly’s] Two Boys, which had its American premiere at the Metropolitan Opera this fall.”

Forgive us, but we had a bit of fun imagining what some of the arias for this new Brokeback opera could be. “Jack Twist, You Jest!” “Up on the Mountain/Down in the Pants,” “Look Away, Sheep!” and perhaps, “Pitchin’ a Tent/In the Old Pup Tent.” We’re naughty, we know.t

Leslie Jordan returns

by Adam Sandel

L

eslie Jordan has had trouble with women. Betty White killed him with a frying pan on Boston Legal; he was convinced that he was Tammy Wynette in the film and TV series Sordid Lives; he was Karen Walker’s arch-nemesis for six seasons on Will & Grace; and this season, he tangled with the witches of American Horror Story: Coven.

But the first woman in his life, his

78-year-old Southern Baptist mother from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is the inspiration for his latest oneman show Fruit Fly that he’ll bring to Feinstein’s on Fri., Jan. 31.

“When I was back home, my mother showed me these slides of me as a child,” he says with his trademark Southern drawl. “I saw this amazing journey of a gay boy and his mom. I took her with me on a gay cruise to Alaska a few years ago, and she just loved it. We’ve

been on a few more gay cruises since then, and I’ve developed the mantra: ‘Mother does the best she can with the light she has to see with.’”

Jordan took the family slides and sat down with his longtime friend and director David Galligan, and together, they developed the show.

“I wrote Fruit Fly to answer the ageold question: Does a gay boy become his mother?” He’s performed the show in L.A., on London’s West End, in Toronto, and at New York’s

One for All Play Festival. This will be its San Francisco premiere.

He’s no stranger to working in female-heavy ensembles, having played the crotchety editor who hires Emma Stone in The Help, but he was nearly overwhelmed to be among the Oscar and Tony Awardwinning witches of American Horror Story: Coven.

“I would sit there and need to pinch myself,” he says. “Jessica Lange is a real movie star who has breathed that rarified air, but she’s very accessible, sweet, kind, and very serious about the work. And my new favorite actress is Frances Conroy.

“Kathy Bates is as Southern as I am,” he says. “She’s from Memphis, and when I first heard that accent, I thought she was making fun of me!

I’d be sitting in the makeup trailer, and on my right was [Broadway’s] Patti Lupone, and on my left was Christine Ebersole.”

Jordan also enjoyed the amenities of working on location in New Orleans. “They set you up in a huge apartment in The Ponchartrain, and although I didn’t get to work with her, I met Angela Bassett in the elevator.”

There was a great deal of buzz on the set about the show’s upcoming

guest star. “We were shooting in the Southern mansion they built on a soundstage, and sitting at the baby grand was Stevie Nicks tinkling on the piano, wearing black sunglasses, platform shoes and a full-length fur coat. And she had a huge entourage.

I asked some of them, ‘What do you do?’ and they said, ‘We take care of Miss Nicks.’”

While his American Horror Story escapades may have provided him with enough material for his next one-man show, Jordan recently found a new outlet for his rambling, dishy diatribes: the Official Page of Leslie Jordan on Facebook.

“I just discovered Facebook, but I’m starting to feel vulnerable when I put myself out there,” he says. “A lot of my jokes are tongue-in-cheek, and not everyone gets my humor, so I get into these big bitch-fights with fans. But on the other hand, ticket sales for my shows have gone through the roof!”

Whether he’s cavorting on the big screen, the small screen, on stage or online, Leslie Jordan is a force of nature, and a fun act to follow.t Leslie Jordan: Fruit Fly, Fri., Jan. 31 at 8 p.m., Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason St., SF.

Force of nature Leslie Jordan will perform at Feinstein’s.

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Theatre>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

Fortunes & friendships

by Richard Dodds

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few thousand years ago, Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In The Paris Letter, playwright Jon Robin Baitz creates a variation on this ancient wisdom as the principal protagonists spend more time examining each other’s lives than their own.

While significant dramatic events swirl about these two longtime friends, their one-on-one dialogues scrutinizing decisions made long ago are at the heart of this 2004 play now at New Conservatory Theatre Center.

The Paris Letter is a talky play, no matter that flashbacks are interwoven with contemporary scenes taking place in numerous locales on Devin Kasper’s rococo set. But it is intelligent, thoughtful talk that Baitz has provided, and while the playwright’s sympathies become clear enough, the opposing side in the crucial debate is treated with

empathy, understanding, and even occasional gusts of agreement.

The Paris Letter explores a time not often seen in plays exploring how homosexuals decide to live their lives. Instead of coping with the repression of most of the 20th century or figuring out how to lead a life free of guidelines in these current times, Baitz has set the pivotal moments of this play at the time when gay liberation was coming into view but traditional lifestyles still provided the safer societal route. Upon this cusp, two young men slide down its opposite sides, but still maintain a durable if often testy bond through the years.

There are moments of frivolity and sardonic wit in the play, but The Paris Letter is largely serious business. If the stage directions lean toward the static – much of the time the characters are sitting at restaurant tables for their earnest discussions – director George Maguire sustains an

intensity that does not require superfluous business. The play is not all philosophical talk; there are suicide, financial scandals, wrenching illness, and even a kindly case of murder.

Maguire’s actors bring focused dedication to their roles, most enjoyably from an emcee of sorts who sets up the scenes before taking a central role in them. Tom Reilly is the master of a knowing glance, a raised eyebrow, and a spiced bon mot as he plays Anton, who has opted for an openly gay life of sufficient contentedness. As his chum and onetime lover Sandy, who has opted for wife, family, and big-league finances, Ron Dritz is a companionable clenched fist with an occasional propensity to sexual backsliding.

He doubles as the young Sandy’s psychiatrist, who states that “the homosexual patient is in a terrible fix.

He derives pleasure from that which is most harmful. You have to redefine your idea of pleasure.” And that

Polaroid vortex

by Richard Dodds

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o see a Marga Gomez show is to see her life. A bewildered child of eccentric showbiz performers, an adolescent whose adventures sustain vivid impact, and a lovelorn lesbian whose slapstick tangles with romance may not have been much fun at the time but provide big laughs now. These have been among the subjects of Gomez’s past solo shows.

But in Lovebirds, Gomez creates a fictional set of characters whose lives are obsessively chronicled by a happily addled street photographer known as Polaroid Phillie. Working with director David Schweizer, Gomez takes a gentler route from her often anything-for-a-laugh antics (and

to be fair, these antics usually got the laughs they were seeking), and the performer brings skill and welcome empathy to the diverse population she creates on the Marsh stage.

The always-smiling Polaroid Phillie takes us on a journey through recent decades of Greenwich Village life. She targets in on young couples, cajoling them into having their picture taken together, and if they balk at the $10 price, she points out the increasing rarity of Polaroid film and throws in a genuine imitation wood frame to seal the deal. Behind her are cartons upon cartons of past ’roids dating to the 1970s, when Greenwich Village was a on a post-lib collision course of socio-political agendas.

Through Polaroid Phillie’s memo-

Patti Meyer

Marga Gomez, as Polaroid Phillie, looks back at the thousands of photos she has taken of young lovers in her solo show Lovebirds at the Marsh.

ries, we meet just-off-the-bus Barbara, whose first foray into a lesbian club lands her in the firm embrace of

Lois Tema

David Ewing, left, and Paul Collins debate what their romantic future may hold in The Paris Letter at New Conservatory Theatre Center.

means goodbye to Anton.

Michaela plays Sandy’s wife with good-hearted understanding, and has a choice cameo as the young Sandy’s twinkly mother in a flashback in which he thinks her every comment suggests that she knows

a diminutive butch dyke known as Turkey. But Barbara is on a feminist journey, changes her name to Dahlia, and rejects Turkey as being too “heteronormative.” Even applause, in the hypersensitivity of these times, is considered an aggressive act, symbolizing a strike across the face. Better to murmur your appreciation.

The tendrils of other lives spin off from these principals, including Barbara’s burly nightclub-owner father trying to inflict the song stylings of his current mistress on his audience, the rad-fem teacher who’s pulled Barbara from Turkey’s embrace, and a professor whose somnambulistic manner is at odds with his theory that humans need only minutes of sleep a night.

In one way or another, these charac-

he’s gay. David Ewing doubles as the young Anton of nascent flamboyance and as the seductive young swindler who brings down Sandy’s empire, while Paul Collins plays both the nearly pugilistic young Sandy and Sandy’s future stepson.

Baitz seems to lose some control over his tightly bound play toward the end, with plot turns that seem more convenient than dramatically justified. But that is a brief cavil.

The ruined Sandy, drinking himself to death in isolation, chillingly sums up the play: “The worst part of all of it is living to see an age where my shame, which I cherished like a magic ring, is now completely irrelevant. A joke. The whole world is gay now, and it’s fine.”t The Paris Letter will run at New Conservatory Theatre Center through Feb. 23. Tickets are $25-$45. Call 861-8972 or go nctcsf.org.

ters do have significant intersections, and Gomez manages to make them memorably distinct through just the strength of her presence.

Toward the end of the show, Gomez jumps the wall she had erected between herself and her fictional characters. Gomez, as herself, seeks romantic advice from Polaroid Phillie following a painful breakup.

Whether the fictional character Gomez has created possesses more knowledge than she herself is left ambiguous, but it’s an invitingly plaintive moment from a performer who seems at a crossroads.t Lovebirds will run at the Marsh through March 15. $15-$35. Call 282-3055 or go to themarsh.org.

<< Music

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Henry Cowell returns to San Quentin

by Jason Victor Serinus

H

e may have been one of America’s most influential and progressive composers, but Menlo Park-born Henry Cowell (18971965) spent four of his most fertile years in San Quentin State Prison on a conviction of “oral copulation.” It is some of the astounding, historychanging music Cowell wrote in jail that, on Jan. 24, pianist Sarah Cahill and the Ives String Quartet managed to perform in San Quentin’s chapel before two rapt audiences of inmates and “free” music-lovers.

In 1936, after pleading guilty to oral sex with a young man of legal age, Cowell was put away for 15 years. His shocking sentence was due in part to intentionally sensationalist falsehoods published in a much earlier incarnation of the San Francisco Examiner. The dismal tale is recounted with great detail in Joel Sachs’ recent authorized biography of Cowell, which was commissioned

by Cowell’s widow, and summarized in Brett Campbell’s excellent article for San Francisco Classical Voice [https://www.sfcv.org/preview/ liberating-henry-cowells-music-at-

Pianist Sarah Cahill performed Henry Cowell compositions.

san-quentin]. In 1940, two years before Cowell’s official pardon, pressure from an artistic community that included Martha Graham led to his parole in the custody of composer Percy Grainger.

During his time in jail, Cowell composed prolifically. He also gave regular lessons to gay composer Lou Harrison, taught music to nearly 3,000 inmates, and directed the

prison band. That’s just the half of it. His prison compositions ranged from the silly Mother Goose Rhymes – simple melodies with surprisingly complex piano accompaniments – that the audience sang and laughed through near the end of each program, to the fantastic “High Color” from Set of Two Movements. The latter, played by Cahill with astounding virtuosity that elicited bravas, contrasted deep purple valleys with golden hilltops by means of two-octave-long forearm-struck figures and tone clusters played with fists. These were but some of Cowell’s startling musical innovations that changed forever the course of music in this country and abroad.

There may be no better way to understand how liberating an impact Cowell’s music made on his fellow composers and the public – his student, gay composer John Cage, proclaimed Cowell “the open sesame for new music in America” – than to hear some of it played in the context in which it was written.

Imagine Cowell behind bars, conceiving the three-movement piano work Rhythmicana, whose magical second movement’s falling figures

have such unusual, mind-bending rhythms as 13 against 7, and whose final movement’s time-signature changes with virtually every measure. Try playing 3/4 time with your left hand and 5/4 with your right between stints in your cell.

It should come as no surprise that Cage, for whose performance of Jean Cocteau’s The Marriage of the Eiffel Tower Cowell wrote his Hilarious Curtain Opener while in San Quentin, was influenced by Cowell’s decision to give musicians and choreographer alike the opportunity to combine and repeat modular sections of the work at will.

In Cowell’s work and their shared interest in music of the Far East lie the roots of Cage’s future “chance” compositions.

Around the time of his incarceration, Cowell’s reputation had begun to suffer because the increasing modernity of his pieces alienated audiences. (When have you heard that before?) Hence he wrote his String Quartet No. 4, the “United” Quartet, in which he united musical elements from radically different cultures in an attempt to appeal as much to the bricklayer as to the cor-

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porate executive. The Ives Quartet played the gorgeous work to perfection. The trance-like repetition of its first movement may have owed its inspiration to Bali and beyond, but its haunting quality – to these ears, the music sounded a warning cry of “danger” – seemed to reflect elements of Cowell’s imprisonment.

The second movement was short and lovely, the third strange and suspended, the fourth distinguished by unusual rhythms that two musicians rapped out on the bodies of their instruments, and the last by initially tentative strokes and silences that soon built to a tremendous conclusion.

The music community owes a debt of gratitude to Cahill, Carol Newborg of the William James Foundation/PrisonArtsProject.org, and prison officials who worked three years to make last Friday’s program at San Quentin possible. You can support efforts to restore transformational prison arts programs by attending a benefit concert by Beso Negro & This Old Earthquake at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall on Feb. 8 at 9 p.m. (www.sweetwatermusichall.com).t

Abbado: an appreciation

by Tim Pfaff

A

casual listener to Claudio Abbado’s late Mozart symphonies with his hand-picked Orchestra Mozart, which lead off the 41-CD Claudio Abbado: The Symphony Edition (DG), might at first consider them particularly well-played Mozart and little more. But Abbado, who died at his home in Bologna, Italy, on Jan. 20, was not a casual listener. The simplicity of his late-life Mozart was such that only when the casual listener then put on a previous favorite recording of the symphony just heard was it plain what others had missed, and Abbado had heard and communicated. He opened up worlds that could never again close.

The Symphony Edition encompasses what latterly had come to be seen as Abbado’s core repertory, German music from Mozart to Mahler.

Other celebrations of his 80th birthday last year, notably Claudio Abbado: The Decca Years, made it clear how broad and varied his repertory actually was. Alongside relatively early recordings of the Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Brahms works

that never left his questing mind were the potent readings of Hindemith, Janacek, and Prokofiev. Only that set’s final disc, Great Opera Scenes of Verdi, saluted his undisputed supremacy in Italian Opera, which earlier in his career might have been considered central to his repertoire.

His late-life commitment to the German symphonists, and the decade-long struggle with cancer that made the specific rigors of opera production a no-longer-wise use of his genius, nearly eclipsed the equally visionary years in the world’s most important opera orchestra pits.

A quick glance back reminded me of his DG recording of Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims, a reconstructed late comedy (from a conductor who generally resisted musical reconstructions) with opera’s equivalent of a Robert Altman cast; it leapt out of the speakers with a vitality that left even posh opera queens slapping their thighs in amazement.

Peerless as Abbado was in Italian opera, his curiosity led him to mas-

terful performances of non-Italian operas ranging from Berg’s Wozzeck to Mussorgsky’s Khovanshchina, with particular brilliance in pieces with “symphonic” scores, such as Beethoven’s Fidelio and Debussy’s Pelleas et Melisande. And though, asked to name great conductors of Richard Strauss, no one would think of Abbado, his searing Elektra from Vienna (Arthaus Musik DVD) corrects that misperception.

To say that Abbado’s interpretation of works that were with him from the beginning changed over time is almost to miss the point.

Compared to what Abbado did, “interpreting” a work implies the imposition of meaning upon it. It was more his way to probe deeper into works he lived with, steadily opening them up.

A perfect example is Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1, “early Bruckner” few other conductors of Abbado’s stature would touch. A glory of The Decca Years is the 1969 studio recording of the symphony’s “Linz version” with the Vienna Philharmonic. It’s a taut, cogent reading of the work that brings out its full power and integrity.

Leading off the substantial Bruckner section in The Symphony Edition is the same work, albeit in the “Vienna version,” performed live by the Lucerne Festival Orchestra in August 2012. It’s a prime example of what some have called Abbado’s “vertical” conducting – that is, you can hear all the music from the top of the page down, with the individual instrumental contributions in ideal balance. It’s an almost wholly different beast, moving like a supple jungle lion on the prowl, with sleek tempos (and tempo

relationships, for which Abbado had a singular gift) and pulsing phrases over an enormous dynamic range.

There’s never a sense of pleading a case for the work, or seducing the listener with aural wizardry. Instead there’s that ear-opening feeling – “So that’s what the piece sounds like” – that keeps audiences coming back and musicians like Abbado endlessly recalibrating and refining the sounds (and, as has often been pointed out, the silences).

Should you argue that the difference is in the two editions of the work (and they are pronounced), consider then Abbado’s Beethoven. The Decca Years’ Seventh and Eighth Symphonies, recorded with the Vienna Philharmonic in the Sofiensaal in 1968, would last most listeners a lifetime.

When Abbado the perfectionist (he didn’t so much as admit it as swear by it) rethought the Beethoven symphonies as director of the Berlin Philhar-

monic (his last “post” before forging on to assemble orchestras of his own), the recordings from 2000 in the Philharmonie were barely issued before Abbado recalled them (except for the un-improvable Ninth), like a magnificent Mercedes with nevertheless perilous defects. He gave his imprimatur only to the live recordings from Rome’s Accademia di Santa Cecilia, from the Philharmonic’s 2001 Italian tour. Until The Symphony Edition, these performances, audibly superior as the maestro had thought, were available only on DVD from Medici Arts.

For the Abbado devout – a group that includes the best instrumentalists in Europe – The Symphony Edition is The Canon – except, perhaps, in cases in which it turned out that Abbado had more to say and wanted to say it with his Lucerne Festival Orchestra, particularly his “last words” on all the Mahler symphonies except the Eighth. The set’s complete Schubert Symphonies, recorded with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, remain the preferred recordings. It was not chance that, in his last-ever concert (which he likely knew was his last), at Lucerne last August, Abbado performed the Schubert Eighth along with that other great unfinished symphony, Bruckner’s Ninth, in realizations that were deemed little short (if short at all) of cosmic.

When Abbado conducted the Bruckner Ninth, it was complete. You can judge for yourself with the Schubert, which you can access free on BBC’s iPlayer.

Watching Abbado work – constantly shaping the sound with what has been called classical music’s most elegant left hand – only enhances the experience. Invaluable, then, EuroArts’ Claudio Abbado: A life dedicated to music music, a collection of eight DVDs, including Paul Smaczy’s fine documentary, Hearing the Silence, where you can watch him draw the finest from the orchestras that were “his.”

Even before he declined all but live ones, Abbado’s immense care with recordings has left a vast body of them that now have to do filling the saddest silence of all. Expect the complete final concert on DVD soon. soon.t

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Books>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Super fiends

by Jim Piechota

The Lavender Menace: Tales of Queer Villainy! edited by Tom Cardamone; Northwest Press, $9.99 Glamazonia: The Uncanny SuperTranny by Justin Hall; Northwest Press, digital e-book $9.99

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n his lively autobiographical introduction to The Lavender Menace, talented editor, fantasy fiction author, and 2013 Lambda Literary Award winner Tom Cardamone writes, “Queer kids identify with the monsters in the movies, empowered outcasts, bogeymen bursting out of the closet; villains are cool. They wear their shadows well, and if you’re going to be expelled into the darkness, you might as well flaunt it.”

There are 13 gay male authors included in this remarkable anthology of villainous escapades, and all of them, culled personally by Cardamone, offer something different.

The book itself is a standout among comic offerings since it not only stars a kaleidoscope of superheroic characters, but, instead of focusing on the good guys, these tales highlight the evildoers. Taking that alternative perspective allows the reader a fresh advantage into how the other half lives, loves, and defends themselves – at least in the world of the underdog superhero.

Damon Shaw, an author who lives in the Canary Isles off the African coast, contributes the lead story “Light and Dark,” about dark lord Armeggon and good-hearted oracle Mirror, and the sting of unrequited love. YA superhero novel Queeroes author Steven Bereznai offers his rich, accomplished story “The Web,” which follows Daytripper and Arachnid and their blossoming romance, until Arachnid unveils his villainy and completely changes their superhero dynamic. The fear that the country will be taken over by ultra-conservative religious zealots becomes fully realized in “The Meek Shall Inherit,” Jamie Freeman’s intelligent, futuristic short yarn set in the Christian States of America, where the initially heroic Inheritor reveals himself as a villain to his boyfriend Peter.

High-fashion couture is the name of the game in Marshall Moore’s wonderfully campy “After Balenciaga,” which finds deceased designers resurfacing as zombie rivals.

At only four pages long, the only disappointment in this tale is in its brevity – readers will be left wanting much more from this brilliant (and short-shifted) concept. Moore’s story would definitely benefit from the lengthy treatment found in fantasy writer Rod Santos’ creative and funny entry “The Knights Nefarious,” which follows an overflowing roster of eccentric characters brought to life by the universal conflict of good vs. evil. The plot: Muse works for Dr. Schadenfreude, a boss he hopes to romance somehow with the capture of his sworn enemy, Captain Stratagem. He can’t do it alone, so he appeals to a roster of lesser-known superhero amateurs and flips open a hilarious purse of do-gooders with names like Robigus, Chocolate Bunny Boy, Flash Forward, Armored Suit Man, and El Fantasma que Sangra. Each one has superpowers unmatched by anything in the contemporary cosmos.

You have to read it to believe it; Santos’ droll and delicious tale is not to be missed, and makes the collection shine brighter as a whole.

Multi-talented San Francisco cartoonist Justin Hall’s first multistory comic book Glamazonia: The Uncanny Super-Tranny has recently been reincarnated as an online e-book from its 2010 debut.

Hall is joined by an eclectic group of unique and gifted artists; their imagination and creativity are on amazing display in these pages.

Local San Francisco drag legend Peaches Christ has penned the in-

troduction, brazenly challenging Glamazonia with her own fame since Peaches herself has “long celebrated the strengths of underdogs in the world of cult cinema, and my life has been one adventure after another.”

The book is impressively lengthy, and doesn’t skimp on variety or entertainment. There are seven stories in all, and sprinkled throughout are bonus “public service announcements” that are hilarious and worth

the cost of the book alone.

Glamazonia, as an outspoken, transgendered superhero, is a oneof-a-kind, over-the-top heroine who becomes vengeful when she breaks a nail, or when her name is used on a store selling cheap merchandise.

Tough as nails but adorned with as many skin-tight, revealing outfits as one comic book can hold, Glamazonia rules the world one glitterbomb at a time with a bevy of buff, hirsute coconspirators along for the ride (and her heart is always in the right place).

The riotously uproarious “One to Glam On” segments skewer social issues from the country’s economic state (“If you really want the economy to be fabulous, give the money to drag queens!”) to the timely and relevant California issue of water conservation, as Glamazonia visits a gym shower where persistent cruisers are cautioned to “grope yourself for hours if you want, but turn the water off! And remember to scrub behind your balls!”

Available at www.ComiXology. com, Hall’s book is a splendidly campy spectacular in hyperactive rainbow hues; a blindingly beautiful oasis of pitch-perfect artistry and humor where the action never stops, and the glorious lipstick and wig-teasing go on forever.t

ASIAN ART MUSEUM THROUGH FEB 23, 2014 www.asianart.org The concept that almost everyone touches something that is conceived, mined, manufactured, or outsourced in Asia informs this final installment of our contemporary art series, Proximities. Bay Area artists Rebeca Bollinger, Amanda Curreri, Byron Peters, Jeffrey Augustine Songco, Leslie Shows and Imin Yeh examine ways in which trade and commerce contribute to impressions of Asia.

Thurs, Feb 6, 6–9 pm, $5. Enjoy art, cash bars, a special tea tasting with Atelier Dion and Song Tea, and music by P-Play of Honey Soundsystem. Proximities curator Glen Helfand will give an in-gallery talk and some of the artists will be there too. Donate to Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts and receive a limited edition tea cup by Atelier Dion (while supplies last).

Proximities was organized by the Asian Art Museum. Presentation at the Asian Art Museum is made possible with the generous support of Graue Family Foundation, Columbia Foundation and an anonymous donor. Image: Untitled (detail), 2012, by Byron Peters (Canadian, b. 1985). Single-image projection, dimensions variable. Courtesy of the artist.

Asian Art Museum Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art & Culture 200 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102 415.581.3500 #PROXIMITIES

<< Out&About

18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Fri 31

O&A

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.).

421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Out &About

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Fri 31 Ubu Roi

Bill Santago @ La Peña Cultural Center The popular Latino comic shares his insightful witty cultural perspective. $15$30. 8pm. Also Feb 1, 8pm. 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 849-2568. www.lapena.org

Fri 31 Sheela Bringi

Stirring

by Jim Provenzano

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t’s not so much about what you’re doing, but what you’re not doing.

Are you not having fun? Go somewhere new. Are you not watching the Super Bowl because the 49ers didn’t make it? Go see some comedy, or music, or a thought-provoking art exhibit, a lesbian movie, a deliciously beautiful floral display, or perhaps a concert by the greatest modern dance company of the 20th century. Mix it up. Stir those brain cells. I mean, goodness, it’s almost February. If you haven’t made a resolution, get with it.

Thu 30 Anita Gillette @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The Broadway and TV actress-singer performs After All, her song-filled story cabaret show that includes her experiences as a performer, including her work in the original Broadway cast of Gypsy with Ethel Merman. $30-$40. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.ticketweb.com

Ash @ Rickshaw Stop Popscene presents the thrashing Irish rock band; Deaf Havana opens. $15-$17.

9:30pm. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Cirque du Soleil @ Taylor Street Bridge, San Jose The popular creative circus show’s latest spectacle, Amaluna, has moved to the South Bay leg of its tour. $45-$130 and up (VIP tix). Thru Mar. 2. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Hir @ Magic Theatre World premiere of Obie Award winner Taylor Mac’s play about Paige, a mother determined to forge a liberated life for her two kids; Isaac, a discharged soldier, and Max, a third-sex youth. $20-$60. Tue 7pm.

Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Previews.

Opens Feb. 6. Thru Feb. 23. Fort Mason Center, Building D, 3rd floor. 441-8822. www.magictheatre.org

Hot Draw @ Mark I. Chester Studio The gay men’s erotic drawing group welcomes two hot models who’ll pose in leather and kink-themed settings. Donations. 6:30-9:30pm. 1229 Folsom St. RSVP day of: 621-6294. www.markichester.com

Il Trovatore @ Elk’s Ballroom, Alameda

The Scion @ The Marsh Solo performer Brian Copeland’s new show focuses on privilege, murder and sausage in his retelling of the triple murder crime at the Santos Linguisa Factory. $15-$60.

Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Sean Strub @ Fior d’Italia, LGBT Center The prominent AIDS activist and publisher of POZ magazine reads from and discusses his compelling memoir, Body Counts: A Memoir of Politics, Sex, AIDS, and Survival, at the Luncheon Society, Jan. 30, 12pm, Fior d’Italia, 2237 Mason St. 986-1886.

Also Jan. 30, 7pm, at Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave. (831) 460-3232. www.bookshopsantacruz.com Also Jan. 31, 7pm at the Let’s KickASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) event, LGBT Center, 1800 Market St. 865-5555. www.sfcenter.org www.SeanStrub.com

SF Sketchfest @ Castro Theatre The massive multi-venue comedy festival returns, with events at dozens of venues.

Full festival (thru Feb. 9) schedule at www.sfsketchfest.com

Untitled Feminist Show @ Lam Research Theater

Dance Brigade @ Dance Mission Theater The politically vibrant women’s dance company presents Hemorrhage: An Ablution of Hope and Despair, a dance installation that explores local and world politics. $15-$25.

Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 6pm. Thru Feb. 8. 3316 24th St. at Mission. (800) 838-3005. www.dancebrigade.org www.dancemission.com

Sarah Roland

Eric Roberson @ Yoshi’s R&B vocalist with a velvety smooth voice performs with guest singer Algebra Blesset. $25-$67 (with dinner). 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel’s lounge, which draws a growing swing-dance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com

Leslie Jordan @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The diminutive gay performer shares his big-hearted show Fruit Fly, a tribute to motherhood, at the elegant nightclub. $25-$35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

LA DO

Major Barbara @ Geary Theatre

SEPTE

American Conservatory Theatre presents a co-production with Theatre Calgary of George Bernard Shaw’s classic satirical play of morality and religion, centered around a Salvation Army official who must confront her organization when it takes donations from a weapons manufacturer, who happens to be her estranged father. $20-$140. Thru Feb. 2. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

Sinc synony 150 bre pivotal pe the jewe sev

Man in a Case @ Berkeley Repertory Mikhail Baryshnikov stars in Annie B Parson and Paul Lazar’s theatre-dance-music adaptation of two short stories by Anton Chekhov. $45-$125. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm.

Wed 7pm. Sun 2pm (Jan. 25 7pm). Thru Feb. 26. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Obie Award-winning playwright and director Young Jean Lee’s new work shakes up the concept of gender norms with a witty style, and more than a bit of onstage nudity. Free-$35. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Feb 1. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St. 978-2787. www.ybca.org

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in collaboration with Bulgari. Curator’s Ci and Wells Fargo. Patron’s Circle: Jeri Dexter.

Media Sponsor

Fri 31 Martha Graham Dance Company

Sautoir, 1969. Platinum with sapphires and diamonds. Formerly in the collection of Elizabeth Taylor. Bulgari Heri

Martha Graham Dance Company @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley The venerable modern dance company performs classic works, including Appalachian Spring, Cave of the Heart, and Graham’s final work, Maple Leaf Rag. $30-$92. 8pm. Also Feb. 1. Bancroft Way at Dana St., Berkeley. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.org

Virago Theatre Company’s production of Verdi’s opera about vengeful gypsies and romantic rivalries. $25-$45. 7pm.

Thru Feb. 1. 2255 Santa Clara Ave. (510) 337-1354. www.brownpapertickets.com

Jerusalem @ SF Playhouse Local production of Jez Butterworth’s Tony and Olivier-winning witty British drama, where the values of losing ancient Celtic ruins vs. building council flats compare to the loss of family cohesion. $20-$100. Tue & Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm, Sun 2pm. Thru March 8. 450 Powell St., 2nd. floor. 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org

Noir City @ Castro Theatre 12th annual festival of dark, seedy, tragic black and white underground classics and obscure thrillers films from the 1940s1960s. Thru Feb. 2. $10 each. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com

Jess Curtis/Gravity @ Joe Goode Annex

The Oy of Sex @ The Marsh Alicia Dattner’s solo show explores her life with ex-boyfriends, family, love addiction, and how they all sometimes clash. Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 8:30pm. $20-$100.

Thru Feb 22. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

The innovative dance-theatre artist premieres Performance Research Experiment #2.2, a work that examines (literally) the body in performance, including a bit of audience participation. $15-$20.

Thu-Sat 8pm. 401 Alabama St. www.jesscurtisgravity.org John Deane

Pam Benjamin @ Mutiny Radio Does This Joke Make Me Look Fat?, the stand-up comic’s solo show; also, comic Aaron Barrett and Christopher Conatser. $10. 8pm. 2781 21st St. www.mutinyradio.org

The Paris Letter @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Jon Robin Baitz’ drama concerns a Wall Street powerhouse who finds his personal and professional life threatened by the unraveling secrets of his past. $25-$45.

Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb. 23. 25 Van Ness Ave. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

The Pornographer’s Daughter @ Z Below Liberty Bradford Mitchell’s one-woman show tells her story of growing up on the fringes of an X-rated world as the daughter of notorious pornography pioneer Artie Mitchell; performed with the three-piece band The Fluffers; directed by Michael T. Weiss. $32. Thu-Sat 8pm. Also Sat 10pm.

Sun 5pm. Thru Feb. 16. 470 Florida St. www.PDtheplay.com

t

Out&About>>

Sheela Bringi @ Red Poppy Art House

Feral Creatures @ Modern Eden Gallery

The talented multi-instrumentalist (harp, bansuri, harmonium) and vocalist performs her unique blend of traditional and contemporary South Asian music, with trumpter Clinton Patterson. $15-$20.

7:30pm. 2698 Folsom St. www.sheelabringi.com

Colorful group exhibit, curated by Stephanie Chefas, full of unusual, contemporary, painterly and sculptural animal imagery (artists include Michael Alm, JAW Cooper, Peter Gronquist, Michael Page, Caitlin Hackett, Anita Kunz, Christina Mrozik, Jason Wheatley, Zoe Williams, and Kikyz1313). Reg. hours Tue-Sat 10am-6pm.

Thru Feb. 8. www.moderneden.com

Ubu Roi @ Exit on Taylor Cutting Ball Theater’s production of Alfred Jarry’s 1896 parody of Shakespeare’s Macbeth (the original premiere induced riots, and is considered a pivotal early experimental absurd comedy), newly translated

by Rob Melrose. $10-$50. Thu 7:30, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 5pm. Thru Feb. 23.

277 Taylor St. 525-1205. www.cuttingball.com

The House That Will Not Stand @ Berkeley Repertory World premiere of local playwright Marcus Gardley’s historical drama about Creole Women in 1830s New Orleans who had common-law marriages with wealthy white men. $29-$59. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm.

Wed & Sun 7pm. Also Sat & Sun 2pm.Thru March 16. Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2918. www.berkeleyrep.org

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

Wed 5 Jason Lazarus: Live Archive @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Mon 3

Mayer Hawthorne @ Fox Theatre

The Speakeasy @ Boxcar Theatre Nick A. Olivero’s immersive up-close experiental theatrical spectacle, where audience members enjoy a three-hour retro-drama while gambling and drinking at a “speakeasy” dive bar. $60-$90. Thu, Fri & Sat, admission times 7:40-8pm. Thru March 15. (hush! Address provided for guests only!) www.boxcartheatre.org

Student and Faculty Concerts @ SF Music Conservatory Feb 1, 8pm: Del Sol Quartet perform contemporary string works. Feb 4, 8pm: Violin students perform masterworks. Feb. 6, 8pm: Guitar department students perform masterworks. Feb 6, 8pm, Voice department students perform classical works.

50 Oak St. 503-6215. www.sfcm.edu

Tommi Avicolli Mecca @ Eric Quezada Center

EM B ER 21, 2013–FEB RUARY 17, 2014

ce its founding in Rome in 1884, Bulgari has become ymous with innovation and luxury in jewelry design. With eathtaking pieces, this exclusive US exhibition highlights a eriod in the evolution of Bulgari’s distinctive Italian style and elry loved and worn by celebrities and jet-setters, including veral from the legendary collection of Elizabeth Taylor.

Golden Gate Park • deyoungmuseum.org

ircle: Mr. and Mrs. Carl F. Pascarella. Benefactor’s Circle: Mrs. George Hopper Fitch, Dr. Alan R. Malouf,

itage Collection. Photograph by Antonio Barrella, Studio Orizzonte Roma

Sat 1

Life/Cycle Kickoff Party @ County Fair Bldg.

The Art of Bulgari @ de Young Museum

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s annual bike trip fundraiser’s kick-off party and expo includes food, drinks, cycling gear and more. 11am-3pm. Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Ave. www.aidslifecycle.org

La Dolce Vita & Beyond, an exhibit of 150 pieces of exquisite Italian jewelry made between 1950 and 1990, including gems from Elizabeth Taylor’s personal collection.

Thru Feb 17. $10-$25. Tue-Sun 9:30am5:15pm. (til 8:45pm Fridays) Thru Dec. 30. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.famsf.org

Can You Dig It? @ The Marsh Berkeley Don Reed’s autobiographical solo show explores the 1960s: Beatles, Black Panthers, MLK, JFK and the KKK. $20-$50.

Sat 8:30pm and Sun 7pm thru Feb. 2. 2120 Allston Way. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Dance and Diaspora @ ODC Theater Farima Berenji and Shahrzad Khorsandi perform classical and contemporary Persian dances. $20-$25. 8pm.

Also Feb. 2. 3153 17th St. 863-9834. www.odcdance.org

The local gay activist and musician performs This Boy is Just So Strange, a concert of autobiographical original songs, with Joel Mark and Diana Hartman. Free/ donations. 6pm. Also Feb. 2 at 3pm. 518 Valencia St. at 16th. www.518valencia.org

Our Vast Queer Past @ GLBT History Museum

Mon 3 All About Image @ Robert Tat Gallery New exhibit of exceptional images from a variety of 20th and 21st-century photographers. Thru Feb 22. 49 Geary St. #410.

781-1122. www.roberttat.com

Thu 6

Blue is the Warmest Color @ Castro Theatre

Geoff Hoyle @ The Marsh, Berkeley

Abdellatif Kechiche’s intimate epic film of tenderness and passion between two young women, based on the graphic novel, it also stars Salim Kechiouche; in French with English subtitles. $8.50-$11.

4:30, 8pm. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

The veteran comic actor returns with his solo show, Geezer, a nostalgic meditation on his lengthy career and life. $25-$50.

Thu 8pm. Sat. 5pm. Thru March 1. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Kevin Fisher-Paulson @ Books Inc.

Ginger Snap @ Glama-Rama Exhibit of abstract sculptural works by the local drag performer and DJ, at the local hair salon. Thru Mar. 2. 304 Valencia St. 861-4526. www.glamarama.com

Author of A Song for Lost Angels reads from and discusses his real-life experience with his partner; how they adopted triplets, only to lose them because of anti-gay social workers. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

Linedrives and Lipstick @ SF Public Library The Untold story of Women’s Baseball, an exhibit of images, and ephemera that, with text, tells the story of the world of women’s baseball since the 1870s. Thru March 16. Jewett Gallery, main branch, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Tue 4, Thu 6

Sun 2 Calvin Keyes @ Yoshi’s The veteran jazz guitarist performs with his quartet. $14-$52 (with dinner). 7pm.

1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. yoshis.com

Gay Authors Rabih Allemedine and Kevin Paulson at Books, Inc.

Proximities 3: Import/ Export @ Asian Art Museum An exhibit that explores Asian uses of commodities and ideas; thru Feb. 23.

Special events include a Lunar New Year celebration Feb 2, and a Year of the Horse celebration Feb 9. Free (members)-$12.

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500. www.asianart.org

SF Hiking Club @ Del Valle Regional Park

See blooming magnolia trees and exhibits.

Special events include walking tours and more. Thru March 31. Also, hundreds of species of native wildflowers in a centuryold grove of towering Coast Redwoods.

Free-$15. Daily. Golden Gate Park.

6612-1316. www.SFBotanicalGarden.org

Marga Gomez @ The Marsh

Super Bowl: Men in Tights @ Roxie

Lovebirds, the lesbian comic’s new solo show, portrays an array of wacky characters from different eras, each connected through a nightclub photographer, each searching for love. $15-$50. Thu & Fri 8pm.

Sat. 8:30pm. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

New exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth. Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties most Thursday nights. $20-$30. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm.

Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

See the exhibit, Vicki Marlane: I’m Your Lady, which displays video, images and ephemera documenting the pioneering local drag, cabaret and carnival perfomer, known for decades of performances. Thru Feb 28. Also, The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus: Celebrating 35 Years of Activism Through Song, includes archival materials from the historic chorus. Other permanent exhibits as well. Reg. hours Mon-Sat 11am7pm (closed Tue.) Sun 12pm-5pm. 4127 18th St. 621-1107. www.glbthistory.org

Join GLBT hikers for a 10-mile hike in a valley framed by oak-covered hills in Del Valle Regional Park near Livermore. See turkey vultures and red-tailed hawks; take a leisurely out-and-back from the Arroyo St. entrance, stroll along Del Valle Reservoir following the East Shore Trail, and enjoy lunch at Badger Cove. Bring water, lunch, layers, hat, sturdy boots, and a smile. Carpool meets 8:15 at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. (510) 684-6506. www.sfhiking.com

Magnificent Magnolias @ SF Botanical Gardens

Various Exhibits @ Cal. Academy of Sciences

Blue is the Warmest Color

Pop-R&B singer performs live. Quadron and Gavin Turek open. $27.50. 8pm.

1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.ticketmaster.com

OLCE VITA & B EYON D 1950–1990

Exhibit of unusual work by the Chicago artist who explores collective public archives, personal memory, and the role of photography and collecting in contemporary art and identity. Also, To Build & Be Built: Kibbutz History (thru July 1).

2pm-5pm. Free (members)-$12. Thu-Tue 11am-5pm (Thu 1pm-8pm) 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

The fourth annual offbeat football-watching (or not) event includes an entire team of stand-up comics riffing on the televised game and inevitably awful halftime show; hosted by David Cairns, OJ Patterson and Davis Gborie; beer and wine served.

Proceeds benefit SF Indiefest and the Roxie Theater. $10. 3pm-7pm.

3117 16th st. www.roxie.com

Tue 4 Butterflies & Blooms @ Conservatory of Flowers Popular exhibit transforms the floral gallery into a fluttering garden with 20 species of butterflies and moths. Reg. hours, 10am-4pm. Free-$7. Tue-Sun 10am4:30pm. Extended thru March 16, 2014.

100 JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park. 8312090. www.conservatoryofflowers.org

It’s Everything @ KOFY-TV Local nightlife host and singer BeBe Sweetbriar’s new streaming web talk show welcomes local celebrities. 7pm. Audience welcome at KOFY-TV, 2500 Marin St. www.BeBeSweetbriar.com

Rabih Alameddine @ Books Inc. The celebrated bestselling local author shares a conversation with author Daniel Alarcon about his new novel, An Unnecessary Woman, a portrait of a reclusive Beirut native. 7:30pm. 2275 Market St. 864-6777. www.booksinc.net

Kronos Quartet @ Z Space The acclaimed modern string quartet presents Under 30/#5 World Premiere, a series of diverse musical concerts. With Friction Quartet (feb. 6), Mobius Trio (Feb. 7), The Living Earth Show (Feb. 8) and Amy X Neuberg (Feb. 9). $20-$25. 8pm. Thru Feb. 9. 450 Florida St. (866) 811-4111. www.zspace.org

Marcus Shelby Orchestra @ Yoshi’s Enjoy a special Black History Month concert with the bassist-composer big band orchestra, and guest vocalist Miss Faye Carol. $20-$58 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

To submit event listings, email jim@ebar.com.

Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

For bar and nightlife events, go to www.bartabsf.com, and our new merged section, www.ebar.com/bartab

<< DVD

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Stritchy tells all

by David Lamble

E

laine Stritch At Liberty is out in an amazing new DVD edition, the version shot for BBC-TV/HBO at London’s Old Vic. To get to know “Stritchy,” as Noel Coward called her, is to appreciate a Broadway grand dame who’s seen it all, done it all, and never succumbed to the show-biz virus of taking herself too seriously.

As Stritch proclaims in a careerreviewing tour de force constructed

by John Lahr and reconstructed by Stritch, she was a small-town Michigan girl who rejected the trappings of wealth and her parents’ conservative Catholicism to pursue the stage.

She debuted at 19 in a student production at the New School for Social Research (a class with a pre-Streetcar Marlon Brando) before hitting Broadway at 21.

“Here I am in New York City, and I’m doing just fine as a virgin, and then there’s this boy in my acting

class. Every single girl at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research was in love with Marlon Brando. Not me. And Marlon Brando dated every single girl at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research, not me. Of course, I was still 13 years shy of age 30, so who knows, maybe the word was out.”

Stritch, adorned in her civilian nun’s habit of a large white smock and close-fitting black tights showcasing some of the best gams in the business, reveals the comic matches that will ignite this piece. She’s living in a Manhattan convent, and she’s called to the phone by the Mother Superior: “Elaine, it’s him!” Brando took her on a whirlwind tour of Gotham religious institutions, climaxing at a strip joint. “A tall redhead took off every stitch of her clothes, and I burst into tears. I think I was a lot younger than I thought I was.”

Stritch manages to milk the Brando sequence for every last morsel

without sacrificing truth for a cheap laugh at anybody’s expense. Significantly, her punch line anticipates, skewers, and reinforces our expectations in the best way. “From that moment on for the rest of the season, Marlon Brando did not speak to me, not one word! I got brave one day, and I asked him, ‘Marlon, what is the matter?’ And Marlon said, ‘Elaine, I want two things from you: silence and distance!’ I ran to the head of the company and said, ‘I want to go home!’ To which he replied, ‘If you do, Elaine, Mr. Brando is the winner!’”

Elaine Stritch At Liberty is remarkable for the light it sheds, inadvertently perhaps, on the sly but real ties cabaret-loving gay men have with boozy old broads like Stritch. Her alcoholism is hilariously documented here, director Andy Picheta offering character-driven close-ups of what was, in 2004, a mid-70s countenance.

Stritch has a handful of queer-friend-

<<

The Murray-Holman Family Trust/Universal Limited Art Editions

“Shack” (1994), three-dimensional lithograph by Elizabeth Murray.

Published by Universal Limited Art Editions.

Elizabeth Murray

From page 13

Though it may be small in scale, the show is big in artistic surprise, zaniness, playfulness, wit and inventiveness. Murray literally thought outside of the box and plunged into adventures in 3-D in both printmaking and painting. Simpatico with the Surrealists’ penchant for plumbing the subconscious, she has been called a Neo-Expressionist, but none of the conventional labels apply or will prepare you for the originality of the work, in which she merges painting, sculpture, drawing and collage, and brings innovative gusto to printmaking.

The exhibition has three of her large, unusually shaped “stuffed” oil paintings, such as “Chain Gang” (1985-86), which resembles a cartoony oversized bow-tie pasta with pinwheel propellers at its center.

“My Manhattan, January” (1987), another plump oil in swirls of white, aqua and red, is mounted on the wall like a prized swordfish catch, after a visit to an overly enthusiastic taxidermist.

But the main emphasis of the exhibition is on examples from all 42 editions of the prints Murray made from 1986 onward at Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE), a prestigious New York fine artprint publisher whose stable of artists included Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Sam Francis and Larry Rivers.

Influenced by comic books, cartoons, children’s pop-up books, Mother Goose, Miro, Picasso and Walt Disney, Murray ventured into printmaking in the 1980s, when she was 40. She was inspired to take the leap, in part, by Picasso’s Bull Series. The master’s Cubist spirit is invoked and keenly felt in “Lovers” (1996), which alludes to the domestic sphere and Murray’s roles as wife and mother. In this dark mezzotint layered over multicolor monotype, odd, bald-headed lovers lip-lock in the lower right corner, adrift in a mossy green underworld where a framed artwork hangs cockeyed and a disembodied hand in blue floats in from the wings.

“Flying Off ” (1998) depicts a headless, bodiless female form in a patterned dress. With a white skeletal hand bolted to the end of each arm, the freakish figure, which only Tim Burton could love, is seated, so to speak, on a too-big green chair surrounded by a jagged electrical field of bluish gray that hovers like a storm cloud over this Frankenstein image. Be warned: you’ll find that you’ll bring your own host of associations to Murray-world.

In the 1990s, she went 3-D in earnest. Take “Jazz” (2001), a whimsi-

ly jokes at her own expense, such as dumping a two-year fling with the young Ben Gazzara for a stab at her movie co-star Rock Hudson. “And we all know how that turned out!”

The piece de resistance is a frenetic but insanely funny skit about understudying Ethel Merman in Call Me Madam while simultaneously appearing in the New Haven tryouts for Pal Joey, where she had a second-act song. Noting her obligation to check in with Merman, who never missed a show, Stritch recalls her panic during the blizzard of 1952, when she begged Ethel for an earlier check-in time. “Oh for Christ sakes, Elaine, go on and sing the fucking song!”

Stritch concludes gloriously with Sondheim’s “I’m Still Here,” as well cal 27-color, 30-lithograph, collaged piece that seems to have sprung out of Alice in Wonderland; it reminded me of the gigantic cup-and-saucer ride at Disneyland. (Murray reportedly once applied for a job as Walt’s secretary, an indication of her youthful heart’s desire.) “Art is an epiphany in a coffee cup,” she said, and that epiphany apparently was found more often than not in a fractured vessel. Here, a jumbo spoon stands tall above the curved lip of a cracked, canary-yellow coffee cup, which looks as though it experienced a sharp internal earthquake, and its broken handle curls down toward the table-top like an elephant’s trunk.

With “Bill Alley” (2006), her final ULAE project and a joyous creation, Murray reached an exuberant pin-

t

as a bittersweet remembrance of the six-year-old Brandon de Wilde’s knocking on the stars’ dressing rooms during opening night for Carson McCullers’ A Member of the Wedding.t nacle. The intricate 28-lithograph construction with 38 hand-painted colors on paper, printed, then mounted in relief, and framed with irregular discontinuous borders, speaks of storybooks and the colorful disarray of a child’s playroom.

Think of jigsaw-puzzle pieces – some linked, others detached – that come in giraffe yellow, people-eater purple, toy dinosaur blue, a squiggle of coral – semi-abstracted, familiarseeming shapes that are more sophisticated than they first appear.

The work signified the path Murray’s painting might have taken and the art yet to come had she not succumbed to lung cancer the following year. If only “her story” could have continued.t Through March 30.

The Murray-Holman Family Trust/Universal Limited Art Editions

“Wiggle Manhattan” (1992), lithograph by Elizabeth Murray.

Published by Universal Limited Art Editions.

t

Film>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

Dark times continue at the Castro Theatre

by Tavo Amador

Everything changes when he meets and falls in love with a beautiful tourist. Can he escape and take her back to his beloved City of Light, whose Metro stops he recites by heart? Directed by Julien Duvivier.

The delightful Suzie Delair is Jenny Lamour (1947), a showgirl whom France’s legendary Louis Jouvet suspects murdered an elderly patron.

Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. A fine rendering of the noir world of Paris right after WWII. The sensitive Gerard Philippe was one of France’s top stars in the 1940s and 50s. In Riptide (1949), he plays a mysterious youth who arrives at a bleak coastal town during a harsh

winter. Why is he there? And who is the man who shows up soon afterwards? Directed by Yves Allegret.

(Sat. 2/1, matinee) France’s remarkable Jean-Pierre Melville directed and stars in Two Men in Manhattan (1959). He plays a reporter who, with a French photographer, hunts for a missing Gallic diplomat. The Big Apple has never been more terrifying. In Jules Dassin’s celebrated Rififi (1955), handsome Jean Servais and three other criminals plan the perfect heist.

The suspense is riveting, and the surprises many. Hugely influential.

(Sat., 2/1, evening) The series concludes with Hol-

lywood versions of the “mysterious Orient.” Before playing the benign father on TV’s My Three Sons, Fred MacMurray was a popular movie star. He was at his best playing morally corrupt men. He returns to postwar Singapore (1947) in search of a fortune in lost pearls, and meets the woman he loved, the glorious Ava Gardner, only she has amnesia and a different name. What happened?

With Spring Byington and Thomas Gomez. Directed by John Brahm.

The great Joseph Von Sternberg (with an uncredited assist from Nicholas Ray) recreates Macao (1952). Mysterious, possibly dangerous Robert Mitchum, nightclub singer Jane Russell, creepy William Bendix, Thomas Gomez, and the great Gloria Grahame find themselves in the thenPortuguese colony near Hong Kong.

Campy, entertaining and filled with von Sternberg’s ability to conjure up a foreign land on a studio back-lot.

Russell sings “You Kill Me” and “One for My Baby.” Von Sternberg directed The Shanghai Gesture (1941), a sanitized version of the notorious play Mother Gin Sling. Beautiful Poppy (Gene Tierney) is threatened with a life of depravity by Olga Munson.

With Walter Huston (father of John, grandfather of Angelica) and beefy Victor Mature. Von Sternberg’s incomparable cinematography takes viewers to an exotic land that seems more real than location shootings.

(Sun., 2/2, matinee & evening)t

ominous mandate from the Governor (Simon Griffiths), a briskly efficient and smug prison shrink (Martin Freeman) heads for the cell of a prideful inmate, Mr. Voorman (Tom Hollander). Besides the power to make Belgium disappear, this jailhouse magician, an inspired lunatic, has some right proper fiendish tricks with which to deflate his opponent. This tart British satire is my pick for the Oscar.

Just Before Losing Everything Academy voters may settle on this suspenseful tale of a battered French woman’s desperate bid to save herself and kids from a gun-toting hubby. Director Xavier Legrand makes good use of the wife’s big-box discount store place of work.

That Wasn’t Me Spanish director Esteban Crespo produces a chilling tale of African child soldiers.

Do I Have To Take Care of Everything? A Finnish family is all thumbs on an important morning.

Oscar Animated Shorts This category features compelling entries from France, Germany and Britain.

Feral My favorite is Daniel Sousa’s homage to Francois Truffaut’s 1970 true-life drama The Wild Child. Here the story of a wild boy forcibly removed from his wilderness surroundings and commanded to be “civilized” cuts to the thematic chase far more quickly, and with greater emotional resonance. The minimalist animation style comes off like Truffaut as re-imagined by Jules Feiffer.

Room on the Broom This spirited adaptation of a popular book is the best choice for family viewing.

Fans of British farceur Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) will have a giggle as they hear him narrate: “The Witch had a cat and a very tall hat.”

With an all-star cast equal to that in Shaun: Gillian Anderson (Witch), Rob Brydon (Cat), Martin Clunes (Dog), Sally Hawkins (Bird), Timothy Spall (Dragon), David Williams (Frog). Directors Max Lang and Jan Lachauer may find themselves needing a speech on Oscar night.

Mr. Hublot This stylized French entry is a cautionary tale for those

who suppose that a canine companion is a neurosis-defusing solution for today’s urban shut-in. The hero of Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares’ high-tech romp is a lonely soul whose life becomes unhinged when he acquires a large robot dog.

Mr. Hubot, whose body is a visually witty mesh of human and mechanical parts, suffers from extreme

OCD. This one’s for the Wired magazine crowd as well as the Howard Hughes fan club.

Possessions Devotees of Japanese animation should swoon over writer/director Shuhei Morita’s highly original ghost story.

Get a Horse! This Disney entry was unavailable for preview screening.t

E

ddie Muller’s Noir City 12 film festival finishes this week at the Castro Theatre with several foreign rarities and a Hollywood trio set in Asia.

Gay novelist and short-story writer Cornell Woolrich (1903-68) had more of his works adapted for film noir than any other writer. Among them are Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954) and Francois Truffault’s The Bride Wore Black (1968).

Never Open That Door (1952) combines two of his stories, “Someone on the Telephone” and “The Hummingbird Comes Home.” The former is about a brother avenging his sister’s death and finding more trouble than he expected. The second features a killer who whistles before committing murder. His blind mother hears him and believes he has come home.

This Argentine noir is set in Buenos Aires. With Angel Magana. Directed

by Carlos Hugo Christiansen. In Hardly a Criminal (1949), bank employee Jorge Salcedo carefully plans embezzlement, knowing he will go to jail for six years but, upon release, the money will be his to keep. Or so he thinks. Shot in Buenos Aires. Directed by Hugo Fregonese. Neither movie is on DVD. (Thurs., 1/30, evening) Fritz Lang’s masterpiece M was reworked in Argentina as Black Vampire (1953), and focuses on the

Noir City

Jean Gabin is the title character in director Julien Duvivier’s Pepe Le Moko (1937).

mothers of children victimized by a pedophile. The terrific Olga Zubarry stars. Directed by Roman Vinoli Barrato. This is the film’s first American showing. Virile Yves Montand and three other men are prepared to pay The Wages of Fear (1953) to escape from a grim Latin American town.

The price is higher than they anticipated. Directed by France’s HenriGeorges Clouzot (Les Diaboliques).

With Vera Clouzot. Suspenseful and unrelenting. (Fri., 1/31, evening) France’s great Jean Gabin is Pepe Le Moko (1937), a gangster who flees Paris to hide from authorities in the mysterious Casbah of Algiers.

Noir City

Scene from director Jules Dassin’s Rififi (1955).

Honorable shorts

by David Lamble

T

he Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences substantially upgraded its mission when it decided to let a mass movie audience sample the Oscar-nominated short films (opening Friday). This year, the Live Action program has been enhanced by chats with previous winners dotted through the program.

Oscar Live Action Shorts My favorite category sparkles with five strong entries.

Helium It’s been reported that

Denmark is home to the world’s happiest people. It’s therefore fitting for Danish director Anders Walter to offer this 23-minute fable about an eccentric hospital janitor’s heroic efforts to reinvent the joy of life in a dying young cancer patient, with the help of a red-dog balloon and a lovely story about where the magic ingredient in balloons comes from.

The Voorman Problem “Our man’s a prisoner who maintains that he’s a god. If you should decide he’s criminally insane, I can send him to an asylum.” With this

Scene from the Oscar-nominated live action short The Voorman Problem.

Scene from the Oscar-nominated animated short Mr. Hublot.

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<< TV

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Greetings from Frostbite Central

by Victoria A. Brownworth

W

hile California is under scary drought warnings, we’ve been living in the midst of that Snowpocalypse you’ve seen on the evening news, as you shuddered and pulled your hoodie tighter. It’s in the minus digits out on the East Coast, with a good ton of snow everywhere, and even the fountains of Hotlanta have frozen over.

The snowlarvortex, as we heard it called on ABC, has gripped most of the country east of the Mississippi for the past week and will continue to do so for at least another week, well past when Punxatawny Phil will be yanked out of his warren to see (or not) his shadow and predict just how long this bitter winter will hang on.

The harrowing lead story on the Jan. 23 CBS Evening News was that frostbite cases were dramatically on the rise, concomitant with amputations of noses, fingers, toes, feet and legs. If frostbite amputations are on the rise, we’re surprised there has been zero discussion of climate change on the news. Zero. As in the temperature in 20 states. It seems like the elephant in the room to us, but every network’s weather editor has skirted the issue. We mention climate change because the Republicans have been discussing the weather. A lot.

Rush Limbaugh even insisted that “liberals” and “the White House” had invented the term “polar vortex” to “push a global warming agenda.”

(Muttered expletive here.)

The myriad conservative mouthpieces on Fox and CNN have been succinct: How can there be global warming when there’s a polar vortex?

How can the planet be hot when it’s so cold?

The fact that Australia is literally on fire for the third year in a row doesn’t concern them, because it’s – waves hand – over there somewhere.

The simple answer is global warming intensifies extremes of weather. We were gratified to see Pres. Obama’s science advisor John Holden say this as the vortex left all 48 contiguous states with temperatures below freezing somewhere on Jan. 24. All 48, according to ABC World News weather anchor Ginger Zee. Holden said, “If you’ve been hearing that extreme cold spells, like the one we’re having in the US now, disprove global warming, don’t believe it. No single weather episode proves or disproves climate change.”

So that’s the science behind the snow and ice and nationwide chill (also the drought). Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Especially not a Republican.

Speaking of political agendas, MSNBC’s out lesbian pundit Rachel Maddow was on The Late Show with David Letterman on Jan. 23 skewering Republicans, as is her wont. She also talked about the Sochi Olympics, which begin airing on NBC on Feb. 7 and run through Feb. 23.

An aside about the Olympics: We love the Winter Games. There are many gay athletes competing in the Winter Games. Should we watch?

Should we boycott? It’s a conundrum for us. But if you do choose to watch (oh the skiing, the figure skating, the luge, the hockey!), we won’t judge you. The athletes are already there, after all.

Back to Maddow: People forget how smart Letterman is, and how strong he is politically. We’ll never forget him telling Tea Party Sen. Rand Paul, “You really are just making this stuff up, aren’t you?” and how every night for at least a month during the 2012 presidential campaign he kept asking when Mitt Romney was going to come on his show. Letterman told Maddow he had been dis-

Punxatawny Phil will soon have news about the bitter winter back East.

appointed that every country didn’t just refuse to engage in the Olympics because of Vladimir Putin’s repressive anti-gay laws. (Huge applause from the NYC audience.) He also ran a hilarious reel of Putin doing sporty things shirtless and asked, “What is this about?” Maddow opined that it might actually be that Putin isn’t buff at all, but just wearing one of those six-pack shirts.

Letterman asked Maddow if she wanted to go to Russia. She responded that as an “out gay person” she would “be in jail.” Maddow also made the argument that the athletes, gays and lesbians among them, deserved to be able to compete. But she also pointed the finger at the sponsors of the Olympics, noting that it must be difficult for them to see their products being promoted behind police arresting gay protesters. Maddow said, “Being openly gay in Russia is an act of bravery right now, and a one-finger salute to Vladimir Putin.”

We saw Masha Gessen, one of our fellow editors from The Advocate in the 1990s until she returned to her native Moscow, interviewed on ABC’s This Week. Gessen, author of Words Will Break Cement: The Passion of Pussy Riot, is moving to the US with her partner and children because life under Putin has become too harsh for the out lesbian journalist and her family.

Anchor George Stephanopoulos had gone to Russia for the first network interview with Putin, and had asked about the issue of gays and gay athletes. It was from this interview that Putin’s plea to gays to “just please leave the children alone” came. Love that conflation of gay and pedophile. So 19th century.

Gessen, who has been back in Moscow for nearly 20 years, has serious fears about repression once the international spotlight has been turned off, citing the backlash on Chinese dissidents after the 2008 Beijing Olympics ended. Gessen said repression of gays would likely be intense after the Sochi Olympics ended.

Vagina dialogue

Repression isn’t just an issue in Russia, however. Actress and reproductive rights activist Martha Plimpton has been getting a lioness’ share of silencing on social media and from Republican politicians on the tube in the past week, which she addressed briefly on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Jan. 24. The multi-Emmy and Tony Award-nominated Plimpton,

daughter of actor Keith Carradine, stars in the Fox sitcom Raising Hope, and also has a recurring role on CBS’ The Good Wife. Plimpton is co-founder of A Is For, a reproductive rights organization that supports state-by-state campaigns against legislative restrictions on reproductive rights.

Plimpton organized a benefit in Texas on Jan.19 featuring her famous pro-choice friends, like comedian Sarah Silverman and pundit Maddow, to benefit Texas reproductive rights. The proceeds went directly to the Lone Star State’s Whole Women’s Health Fund, Lilith Fund, Fund Texas Women, and TEA Fund. Texas women’s rights have been under attack, with Tea Party darling Sen. Ted Cruz on one side, and feminist icon and Democratic progressive Rep. Wendy Davis on the other.

Plimpton’s event was called A Night of a Thousand Vaginas. Davis and other female congresspersons had been told by Republican politicians that they could not use the word “vagina” on the House floor because it was “pornographic.” A body part, but pornographic. So Plimpton reiterated the point that women have vaginas, we are all born out of one (excepting C-sections), and they are integral to discussion of women’s reproductive rights.

But while Plimpton thought her only critics were the anti-choice Republicans, she found she had other critics when a handful of trans women activists on Twitter went after Plimpton, calling her transphobic and cissexist, saying that her use of the word “vagina” was “triggering” for trans people, trans women who didn’t have one and trans men who did. Plimpton, who has always been a strong supporter of LGBT issues, explained that vaginas were part of female reproductive biology, and that it was important for women that they be able to discuss their own biology openly. The furor is ongoing on social media, and so are the attacks on Plimpton from the right.

A Night of a Thousand Vaginas was picketed by anti-abortion protestors, but also brought the right out on TV news to protest Plimpton, who was called variously a lesbian and a slut, but mostly one of those liberals. Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst told constituents that they had to “stand with me today and stop Hollywood from its destructive liberal behavior. Hollywood believes so strongly in ending innocent life that it’s using jokes to raise money to fund abortions. It’s disturbing that people who don’t even reside in Texas feel the need to change our laws, and use comedy as a way to raise money for a medical

procedure that can deeply harm the health of a woman, not to mention end an innocent life.”

Meanwhile, fresh off his rants on climate change being an invention of liberals, Glenn Beck was irate over Plimpton’s two-hour fundraiser, saying, “What this is really about is changing the culture in Texas. They are doing everything they can, the progressives, to center in on Texas.

If they get Texas, we are done.”

On Ferguson’s show, the discussion began because Plimpton wore a red V on her dress. He asked her about it, and she spoke passionately about A Is For and her work for reproductive rights. She also talked about the importance of women being able to discuss their own bodies without censoring. Plimpton said, “I wear it [the red V] in solidarity with women’s reproductive rights.”

When Ferguson asked her whether or not the word “vagina” should be called something else, Plimpton asserted, “I like the actual word.”

Plimpton said she had no problem with people using other words if they wanted to (Oprah famously says “vajayjay”), but that this was in fact the actual word for the actual body part. She asked Ferguson if he would stop using the word “penis,” and he said he called his penis “conquistador,” which lightened the mood considerably.

As serendipity would have it, Comics Unleashed, which follows Ferguson on late night, featured trans man comedian Ian Harvie.

(Oh Universe, we love when you play with our heads!) Harvie was the opening act for bisexual comedian Margaret Cho on her The Sensuous Woman tour, is a regular on Logo, and has appeared on many TV shows. Harvie is hilarious, as well as really handsome. It was obvious Comics Unleashed host Byron Allen was having some discomfort with Harvie, and was unsure how to address the transgender comic.

Harvie talked about his breast surgery, nipple reduction and replacement, and how the nerves remain in one place but the nipples themselves are moved to another. He went on to describe how men always want to know about the “you know, you know, the, you know” and talked about phalloplasty, which made the other two male comics cross and uncross their legs. Allen tried to joke about it, saying, “Can’t you just get an addadicktome?” Oh, no. Way worse than A Night of a Thousand Vaginas, dude.

Harvie’s funniest bit was when he was talking about going to his high school reunion. “That guy who thought he was going to be voted most changed? Uh, not this year, dude.”

Saturday night

t

Speaking of comedy, the furor over the dearth of cast members of color on SNL has not abated just because the stellar Sasheer Zamata joined the cast on Jan. 18 and the show added two black female writers, LaKendra Tookes and Leslie Jones, to the writer’s room. We’ve always had a soft spot for SNL, and when it’s really on, SNL is fantastic. Last season’s finale with Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake was pants-pissingly funny, and the Nov. 3 episode with Scandal star Kerry Washington was superb.

The season opener on Jan.18 was not great. Host Drake was trying hard, but the skits weren’t well-written. Zamata was dropped into every skit whether there was a reason for her to be there or not, which hardly seemed fair, given the pressure she’s already under to perform.

The show’s two highlights (other than seeing a black woman in the cast for the first time since the brilliant Maya Rudolph left in 2007) were Pedrad Nasim’s amazing rendition of Arianna Huffington, which was more Huffington than Huffington, and out lesbian cast member Kate McKinnon’s fab turn as Justin Beiber, who has become one of her standard characters. Three new women of color to join Nasim, who is Iranian, is a step in the right direction for the show, but we would note there hasn’t been a Latino on the show since Horatio Sanz left in 2006, and the show has never had an Asian cast member. Step it up, SNL. And memo to Comedy Central: Your network has more straight white guys than Fox News. Fix that.

Here are some things that don’t need fixing: HBO’s Looking, Fox’s The Following, and FX’s American Horror Story. We would also urge you to watch NBC’s The Blacklist and the return of ABC’s queer-friendly/ queer-charactered Suburgatory.

We know some critics have complained that Looking is dull. Pardon the pun, but we don’t see it. This is what relationship TV looks like. Because there hasn’t been any for gay men since forever, maybe it seems slow. But the whole point of Looking is, this is a show by gay men for gay men, and the storylines are strong and vivid. Scott Bakula’s older gay guy? Nigh-on brilliant performance.

This show is the perfect thing to watch after Downton Abbey. Really.

The Following is possibly the best TV thriller ever, or at least in strong competition with Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, which has never been better. The new season of The Following debuted Jan. 27, and we weren’t sure what else the show could do after appearing to have killed off the antagonist last season. Where would the cult be without Joe Carroll (the incomparable James Purefoy) and his homoerotic Poe obsession with Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon)? Bring on the homoeroticism, bring on the obsession, bring on the killing.

We should have known that the dark vision of gay showrunner Kevin Williamson would take us to a new circle of hell, just as he did with the season premiere of the CW’s The Vampire Diaries on Jan. 23 with doppelganger/ killer/ Katherine/Katerina (the always surprising Nina Dobev). Williamson is a genius. And so are Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes. Which means the top three showrunners on the tube are two gay guys and a queer-friendly woman whom everyone thinks is a lesbian. Maybe the Republicans are right. Maybe Hollywood is setting the agenda for the rest of the country. Gosh, we sure hope so. To keep on top of who’s running the country, Washington or Hollywood, and so many other TV trends, remember to just stay tuned.t

t

Dance>>

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Erik Tomasson

San Francisco Ballet dancers Sarah Van Patten and Tiit Helimets in choreographer Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto.

<<

SFB Gala

one of the major ballet companies in the world, not just by displaying the dancers’ world-class skills, but also by bringing in material and dancers from Denmark, London, Paris and Russia who belong to the very top ranks of the ballet world – such as Johann Kobborg, the recently retired principal dancer of London’s Royal Ballet (before that, a star with the Royal Danish Ballet), who both a) contributed a piece of his choreography, Les Lutins, and b) partnered our Bolshoi-trained star Maria Kochetkova beautifully in the bedroom scene from MacMillan’s Manon, the sort of role at which Kobborg had excelled in his career in London.

Ballet has historically been used to make a case, to argue non-verbally. A case in point is Louis XIV’s performance as the sun, le Roi Soleil, in a court ballet that made it clear that he had vanquished all his political rivals. He did not have to say a word about it – the allegory was clear, and it established his power all the more solidly because it was non-verbal.

Tomasson has used this way of arguing the importance of ballet to San Francisco, and of San Francisco Ballet’s importance in the world, since he took charge of SFB back in the 1980s and instituted the Gala Opening Night. From the crowd’s response, it looks like they buy it.

There were some mishaps that night. The most distressing was a faux pas by Vanessa Zahorian, who slipped on her entrance in the Diana and Acteon pas de deux and went on to dance the whole thing on a broken foot, hopping and spin-

ning and darting and whirling as if there were nothing wrong. She received a huge ovation from a crowd who thought she’d just recovered Within the week, not only did SFB from an embarrassment and had no begin their own regular season idea, none, how bad it actually was. with the classical ballet they do best She will not be dancing Giselle this (Giselle), but also all round the Bay, week after all, alas. dance events of major note heaved up But she’s a trouper. God speed on the horizon – of which more later. her recovery. And meantime, we get The Gala performance defies reto see one of the best arguments that view. It’s like a royal Command Perour ballet has to world-class status as formance, where the show onstage a classical ballet company. In Giselle, mirrors the crowd who’ve come, we have a production that people and nothing taxes the royal attencould come from all over the world tion span. In form it’s an all-star vato see and find it deep, rich, and riety show, with no act taking up too moving. The temper of the times much time, with changes of mood has made it so that this ghost story (bucolic to sultry to breezy) and meshes with the hopes and fears of scene (Arcadia to Paris to Hungary, young people everywhere; the suwith a stop in a country fair), and perheroes, vampires and witches, a steady emphasis on phenomenal sci-fi and fantasy heroes and herofeats. ines that make for blockbuster movThe audience looked pretty pheies have nothing on poor Giselle and nomenal, too. Nancy Pelosi smiled the Wilis who seek vengeance on her at me as she came up the aisle, behalf. The technique of ballet alwith that look a good politician lows the Wilis to accumulate more has when they recognize someone real power in actual stage terms, as who voted for them. But while there they float, whirl, dart, like tongues were plenty of well-heeled elders, of fire leaping, flashing, attacking, what it looked like most was young, than any trick-photography effects bright, well-upholstered folk on a can build up for an actress in Lycra. date night. It was not surprising to It’s a cumulative effect that’s built up hear this crowd roar its loudest apover time, and the choreography is proval for Soviet-style tricks – e.g., genius in its power to accumulate the wheeling/scything big male this weight of righteousness. Then jumps Taras Domitro threw off in Giselle sets herself against their the Diana and Acteon pas de deux, blind blood-vengeance and pleads or Mathilde Froustey’s high-wire for mercy – spare his life, he did love balancing stunts in the Grand pas me, it’s not his fault. You should see Classique, both of which are excuses it for yourself, and decide for yourto display “gold medal” technique. It self if she’s right. will be interesting to see if this auThere are feminists who see Giselle dience sticks with the company and as a foolish victim, others who see shows similar appetite for the deepher as embodying, in fairy-tale er mysteries of classic dancform, a spiritual force like that ing during the season ahead. of Martin Luther King or NelThey have been warned. son Mandela, visionaries who Artistic Director Helgi Tosaw how to endure injustice masson included a higher and yet prevail by non-vioquantum of “deep” material lence and forgiveness. than other companies usually Meantime, dance is bustinclude in their galas. Over ing out all over. Robert Mothe years he’s made the gala ses’ excellent Rise has already into a sampler of the kinds of happened, alas (at Yerba Buedance the season ahead will na), but you can still catch include; sometimes the matethe last shows of Giselle this rial is gnarly, spiky, intimate weekend at the Opera House, in strange ways, like Edwaard or the glorious ever-fresh Liang’s duet Finding Light, ballet Appalachian Spring at which was brilliantly danced Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley,

by Damian Smith and Yuan performed by the Martha Yuan Tan, and indeed was a Graham Dance Company hit with the crowd, so I have and the Berkeley Symphony. my hopes of them.

If you feel more like smart, Even more beautiful was subversive dance-thought, the very deep, remote sadness check out Gravity’s brilliant of Sarah van Patten with Tiit Experiment #2.2 at the Joe Helimets in the Adagio from Goode Annex in Project ArShostakovitch’s Piano Contaud. And if you’re just mad certo in F, choreographed by and frightened at how hard Sir Kenneth MacMillan. It is it’s getting to be to keep a an austere music visualizatoehold in the Bay Area, the tion that relies on the dancers’ Erik Tomasson Dance Brigade’s Hemorrhage ability to float on the tides of turns feminist critique into that gorgeous music in order San Francisco Ballet dancer Luke Ingham in choreographer George Balanchine’s Brahmsfurious dance imagery at the to cast its spell.

Dance Mission Theater.

Tomasson uses his galas to Schoenberg Quartet.

More next week.t make the case that SFB is now From page 13

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Vol. 44 • No. 5 • January 30-February 5, 2014

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Duncan Sheik: The Alchemist

Pop, rock star and musical composer plays Yoshi’s

by Jim Provenzano

W

ith Grammy-winning music, seven albums, a Tony for his musical accomplishments and even a few film soundtracks, there’s no telling which of the many songs in Duncan Sheik’s repertory he and his band will play at their Yoshi’s concert on February 8. But fans and the newly interested will assuredly be entertained.

See page 2 >>

Duncan Sheik.

Courtesy The Old Globe

eights H l a n r e uge in B f e R a , de West Wild Si

by Michael Flanagan

T

he Wild Side West story reads more like fiction than fact, a tale that includes flying toilets, rock star goddesses, beat poets, folk musicians, strippers and a band of merry pranksters that held the whole thing together. Of course, if you were to read the story in a novel you would never believe it, which makes the whole thing even more magical.

See page 3 >>

Georg Lester

The BEST is yet to come

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

<<

Duncan Sheik

From page 1

The 43-year-old acclaimed composer-singer talked by phone while en route to his upstate New York home and music studio.

“I played at both Yoshi’s in Oakland and San Francisco with Suzanne Vega about a year and a half ago,” he said. “I’m excited to come back. This concert is a little bit of a moveable feast. There will be a lot of my own music, perhaps some Depeche Mode or Tears for Fears, and some from the musicals.”

With a diverse array of songs, does he stick to regular sets?

“We have a grab bag of stuff, so that we can pull certain things out if the energy is right,” he said. “If the show is 14 to16 songs, I like to have 25 things that I’m capable of playing.”

A Killer Score

Sheik’s new music includes songs from the just-premiered stage adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ disturbing 1991 hit novel American Psycho.

The controversial dark satire of corruption and soulless mania, written through the voice of serial-killing executive Patrick Bateman, was also adapted into a 2000 film starring Christian Bale. The musical’s Lon-

EDITOR Jim Provenzano DESIGNERS Jay Cribas, Scott King ADVERTISING SALES Scott Wazlowski 415-359-2612 CONTRIBUTORS Ray Aguilera, Race Bannon, Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Coy Ellison, Michael Flanagan, Dr. Jack Fritscher, John F. Karr, T. Scott King, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Donna Sachet, Jim Stewart, Ronn Vigh PHOTOGRAPHY Biron, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Lydia Gonzales, Rick Gerharter, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Monty Suwannukul, Steven Underhill BARtab is published by BAR Media, Inc. PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Michael M. Yamashita

don premiere, which closed after a limited run on January 25, starred recent Doctor Who star Matt Smith.

What drew Sheik, whose musical style is, at first listen, devoid of such obvious terror, to such a project? He’s been quoted as marveling about the “alchemy” of creating a musical and its varying creative elements.

“I had reservations about it when they first came to me and asked me about it,” said Sheik. “I did need to reread the book, twenty years after I had read it when I was at Brown [University] in 1991.” Sheik was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey.

“I found it trenchant and prescient about so many things, and it still continues to have a lot of power,” he said. “I also found it much funnier reading it as an adult. I understood the satire more because I had a sense of remove from it. Back then, I had too many friends who were their own version of Patrick Bateman. That’s why I found it really troubling. And that’s why I found it important, to get underneath all the shenanigans.”

Sheik’s prior experience with recording an “unplugged” collection of 1980s pop music became integral to his composition of music for the stage adaptation.

“We never wanted to veer into campy nostalgia,” he said, “but a critique of an ethos,” particularly Bateman’s utterly sincere critiques of the late 1980s hits.

Curious fans can expect a U.S. staging, but not too soon.

“It was the first production, so we still have work to do,” said Sheik, who remains proud of the show, despite a few critical jibes. For the most part, however, reviews raved over the show’s deft combination of sociopathic protagonist and innovative staging.

Of particular note is the casting of Matt Smith, who, despite his extensive theatre experience, “is the first one to say that he’s not a singer, in the way many musical theatre actors can be,” said Sheik. “But he has good taste in music, which I agree with. He sings in a manner that I really enjoy. His choices are really smart.”

So, what are the differences between a rock or pop-based song and musical theatre style? Sheik’s scores tend to bridge the two worlds.

“My biggest influences were essentially UK electronic music bands,” said Sheik. “They were by and large bands that used synthesizers and drum machines to make music, so it’s definitely in my DNA.” In developing the American Psycho score, said Sheik, “It became something I was chomping at the bit to do. And I was not going to pick up a guitar, but instead a few synthesizers to make the score using those tools. It was really enjoyable to immerse myself in those sounds.”

CHAIRMAN Thomas E. Horn VP AND CFO Patrick G. Brown SECRETARY Todd A. Vogt BAR Media, Inc. 225 Bush Street, Suite 1700, San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 861-5019 www.BARtabSF.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad Member National Gay Newspaper Guild Copyright © 2014, Bay Area Reporter, a division of BAR Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Duncan Sheik

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Manuel Harlan

Duncan Sheik onstage.

Matt Smith (right) in the London world premiere of American Psycho, the musical.

Those sounds contrast with the folk-rock influences in his own music, particularly songs like his 2009 hit, “Barely Breathing.”

“I’ve had this other side of me, where I love the sound of human hands on wooden objects,” said Sheik. “I’m always fighting this battle between real and electronic instruments.”

Along with original music for Psycho, composer Sheik mentioned what he referred to as “cover songs” of a sort.

“We re-imagine certain songs that are referenced in the book. For example, we do Phil Collins’ ‘In the Air Tonight,’ but it’s a capJoan Marcus pella, and a ghostly hauntLea Michel and Jonathan Groff in the Broadway production of Spring Awakening. ing version of the song, performed before Patrick murders someone. From a theatrical standpoint, it beI had no idea what they were. I’ve That success wasn’t easy, and had comes a great moment.” joked that I was going to make a a development of seven years and This is a unique twist, but facoat rack to hang all my awards on.” many workshop versions, Sheik miliar territory for Sheik, whose Along with the hopeful U.S. prenoted of his collaboration with seventh CD, Covers 80’s, includes miere of American Psycho, Sheik’s Steven Sater and director Michael stripped-down versions of songs other current project is Because of Mayer.

by New Order, Howard Jones, Love Winn Dixie, a musical about an Irish “We were neophytes, and Michael and Rockets, Thompson Twins and Wolfhound; its star is a real pair of often had other stuff going on,” he others. dogs. The show recently closed at the said. “And yet, it took a minute for “I love those songs, and they’re Arkansas Repertory Theatre, where the stars to align. I’m very glad that great apart from their production,” it had a successful run. And although it did take as long as it took. The said Sheik of both his album and the the addage of ‘Never work with kids show got better as we spent more refashioned pop songs that weave or dogs,’ may be true, Sheik is happy time to develop it.” into American Psycho’s score. to have taken that risk.

Asked about how he composed For his live concerts, expect some “There is a difficulty of working music for the stage, and if he endifferent variations of his own muwith animals,” he admitted. “But visioned scenes or actions, Sheik sic as well. there is an amazing thing when you replied, “Those things are certainly “It’s much more fun for me to see the connection. John Tartaglia of more directorial, so at the time I play the old songs in a different Avenue Q directed the show. We had was just trying to write a good song. fashion,” Sheik said. these amazing kids and Irish WolfSometimes I didn’t know which hounds. I have a real fondness for the character I was writing it for. I was Wide Awakening show. It’s literally the polar opposite so naïve about the process. Now, Sheik’s other musiof American Psycho. It uses a differhaving worked in theatre for the cals include Whisper ent part of your brian and heart.” past dozen years, I feel like I have a House, a World War II Never one to settle, Sheik’s other much better grasp of it. And, probastory set in a lighthose projects, still in development, are bly to every producer and director’s replete with ghosts. stage adaptations of the Belgian annoyance, I have a lot of ideas.”

Musical theatre fans transgendered teen film Ma Vie on When the joke that winning a may know Sheik Rose, and the musical stage adaptaTony makes him an honorary gay mostly for his score for tion of Sue Monk Kidd’s novel The (Sheik is straight, but has an underthe hit musical Spring Secret Life of Bees. standably big gay fan base), Sheik Awakening. Based on “The weird thing is, all this stuff chuckled. the controversial GerI’ve been working on, it’s all hap“The truth of the matter is, I don’t man expressionist pening this year, so I’m pretty excitreally have that many straight male play about sexually reed,” he said. “I also finished a regular friends,” he mused. “I have only gay pressed teenagers, The record, which I haven’t put out since friends. I think it’s partly because Awakening of Spring Whisper House, like, five years ago. certainly a lot of my theatre friends

by Frank Wedekind, It’s done, and we’re just kind of sortare gay. But also, I’m a practicing the musical won Tony ing out when it’ll come out.”

Buddhist, and there are a lot of gay Awards for Best OrHopefully his fans will get to hear men in Buddhism.” chestration and Best some of those songs at his upcomThe anti-materialism values of Original Score (Muing show. his faith aside, when I asked where sic), as well as Best Said Sheik, “We’ll see!”t he keeps his awards, Sheik said his Musical. The original Tony and Grammys reside “atop a cast recording album bunch of big fat art books, and they Duncan Sheik performs at Yoshi’s received the Grammy look really fantastic. When Spring Saturday, February 8, at 8pm and Award in 2008 for Best 10pm. $21-$34. 1330 Fillmore St. Awakening first came out, we won a Musical Show Album.

655-5600. www.yoshis.com bunch of other theatre awards, but

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 3

Georg Lester

The eclectic décor at Wild Side West.

<<

Wild Side West

From page 1

The story begins in Oakland, where Patricia Ramseyer and Nancy White opened the Wild Side (named for the Barbara Stanwyck film) in 1962. Back in the early days of the bar, Joan Baez would stop by with “Bobby Dylan” as Pat called him.

In 1964 they moved the bar to Broadway, in North Beach near the Broadway tunnel, and since it was on the west side of the bay it became

Wild Side West. It was a great place to see and be seen. Janis Joplin hung out in the bar, both before and after her career broke with Big Brother.

The bar was popular with writers as well. Madeline Gleason, who organized the International Festival of Modern Poetry in San Francisco (in 1947, in the decade before the Beats) gave readings at the bar with her friend the experimental writer ruth weiss (who never capitalizes her name as a protest against law and order).

At the time, Weiss was a bartender

for Wild Side West. The bar became a refuge for strippers in North Beach as well, and Ramseyer made sure they weren’t bothered by their patrons from their daily bump and grind.

At Ramseyer’s memorial in 2010, Billie Hayes, a longtime friend, caretaker and the current bar owner, noticed a number of older women.

Upon asking, Hayes was told that they were the performers from North Beach coming one last time to pay respects to their dear old friend.

See page 8 >>

MAKE CONTACT

Join us for our signature monthly networking event!

Make contact and connect with LGBT & Allied business owners and professionals at our February Make Contact event hosted by the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) and sponsored by Via Media.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm 405 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 FREE for GGBA Members | $20 for Guests

Georg Lester

The back patio swing at Wild Side West.

GGBA.COM

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

Lady Rizo

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The fearless daring singer at Feinstein’s

by Josh Klipp

T

he New York Times calls her “sensational.” The Wall Street Journal calls her “high class.” I call her breathtaking. She is Lady Rizo, and, according to Time Out London, “If you only see one cabaret show this year, see Lady Rizo.”

Lady Rizo performs in San Francisco at Feinstein’s at the Nikko February 6 and 7. Her new album, Violet, released in November 2013, is brilliance incarnate. Don’t take my word for it, just look at her accomplishments. She won her Grammy on a duet with none other than acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. She sings and records with multi-platinum recording artist Moby, and was nominated for a Music Video Production Award for the choreography on “New York, New York,” a video featuring Blondie’s Debbie Harry. Lady Rizo does it all, and does it incredibly well.

When I was 7 or 8 years old, I touched Whitney Houston’s limo and vowed to never again wash my right hand. Thankfully that vow didn’t last long. But I did in fact save the rose petals that sprung out of Lady Rizo’s mouth at her last San Francisco performance. And they are in fact in a frame. And those rose petals share the frame with a card which reads, “Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly,” because that’s what I took from Lady Rizo’s last San Francisco performance. Her integration of art forms suggests that I risk being a more integrated human. Her ability to reinvent song and movement helps me to look at old things in new ways. Her willingness to be completely vulnerable to her audience reminds me how beautiful human beings can be when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

If I could create a new world or-

hour, which is what I’m doing now in Sydney.

Channeling the pain of existence into inspiration.

How would you describe your artistic journey during a performance?

Get a hit off the audience and ease them into my body and soul.

Until this moment I didn’t realize how much the pain of your existence inspires me. What inspires you?

Right now, it’s the Frenchman next to me in bed.

Does your artistic journey onstage reflect your life offstage?

Of course. I am human – they are incredibly interconnected.

This is getting deep. Also, I love you. (more awkward silence).

Alison Orenstein

Lady Rizo

der, Lady Rizo would be its face.

Not because she is that much of an infallible superhero, but because she is that honest and authentic of a person and performer. The world needs more of this. San Francisco needs more of this. Lucky for us, we’re about to get some.

I caught up with the Grammywinning New York-based “caburlesque” chanteuse while on tour, headed to San Francisco via Sydney, Australia. Here’s what she had to say.

Josh Klipp: Lady Rizo, I think I am your biggest fan. At your last San Francisco performance, rose petals fluttered out of your lips and onto my lap. I saved them and put them in a frame!

Lady Rizo: (awkward silence)

Um, okay. So, onto my next question…I’ve heard that you coined the term “caburlesque” to describe your performances, drawing inspiration from theater, vaudeville, burlesque, cabaret and performance art. With all these influences, how do you decide what to put into a show and, conversely, what to leave out?

The most important thing is performing material I love singing or think is poignant or hilarious. Figuring out where to plug it in, I have a guide of: introduce, seduce, dig deeper emotionally, then the gown change, then something I can dance in, give them a ballad, and close with a ritual. It’s always a mathematical equation. And very hard to do in an

So uh, okay; next question here…

Do you have a pre-show ritual?

I warm up and my assistant Brenden whips up my hair into a frenzy while I paint my face. Then I touch myself in the mirror.

That’s amazing. What is the scariest thing about performing, and how do you handle that?

That I’ll have an audience that doesn’t get it at all or won’t play along or will be on their cell phones. If this happens I get very angry and confiscate the cell phones and rub them in intimate places during the show. This got me in trouble in London. (scratches head). Cell phones have intimate places? (sighs) Would you say that your performances celebrate anything and, if so, what?

They celebrate the feminine divine and music and laughter and sex.

How is performing in San Francisco differently from other places?

San Fran is all the joy and freedom of the west coast with a level of sophistication closer to New York.

It’s definitely one of my favorite American places to perform.

Yay! I love that you love San Francisco! Marry me. (crickets)

Does anyone else inspire you?

Nina, Etta, Peggy, Tina, Ella. I also love some contemporary voices – Shingai Shoniwa from the Noisettes, and belle du jour, Lorde.

Okay, let my hit you up with some questions that aren’t so cliché.

What’s your favorite color?

I love the whole goddamn rainbow. My new album, Violet, is the start of a spectrum.

Your new album is awesome.

Song selection, arrangements, quality of musicianship, graphic design – it’s an integrated work of art. Speaking of beautiful beasts, what is your spirit animal?

The honey badger.

On a more serious note, what is your legacy?

I suppose it will be the experience of people who have been moved by my songs or live performances. I hope I have inspired more freedom of expression into their existence.

I personally avow that you have.

Okay, last question: who is your favorite designer and why?

It’s wonderful to wear Marchesa onstage, but lately I’ve been rocking some Naeem Khan sequins and it’s disco-rific.

I, for one, cannot wait to see you at your upcoming show!

Looking forward to it, too! (swoons, faints, comes to).t Lady Rizo performs at Feinstein’s in Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street.

Thursday Feb. 6 and Friday Feb. 7, 8pm. Tickets are $25-35 and available online at: http:// ladyrizo.inticketing.com/evinfo. php?eventid=370382

So, if you could lead the entire world in one song at once, what would it be and why?

I think it would be just humming on a C chord.

How about San Francisco?

Um…a G chord?

Somehow that makes sense. What do you hope your audiences leave believing different than when they arrived?

I hope I’ve renewed their faith in life and art. I want to be better than a street drug.

What’s the most fulfilling aspect about being an artist?

Channeling the pain of existence into inspiration.

And what’s the hardest part about being an artist?

Hannah Houston

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Looking Good!

by Donna Sachet

M

uch has been written about the new HBO series Looking, which was filmed in San Francisco, but more importantly, who attended the Castro Theatre premiere and after party at The Café? You can rely on your faithful society columnist!

Near our seats on the second row were James Holloway, Xavier Caylor and Jeff Doney, Jan Wahl, Mario Diaz, and Cleve Jones. Hailing from Twitter were Skye Paterson, Alex Randolph, and Donald Dewsnup. At the after party, we ran into all the stars and locals Jose Cisneros and Tom Kelleher, Scott Wiener, Bevan Dufty, Johnathan Regnier, Alec Hughes and Gavin Hamilton, Alfredo Pedroza, Roberto Ordenana, Benjamin Leong, and Andrew Jolivette. Isn’t it lovely when producers have a budget for a party and can create a true red carpet, host a complimentary bar, and make everyone feel special? We wish the people behind Looking the very best and hope they’ll be back to film additional seasons in San Francisco.

And, if they are looking for a drag personality for a starring role, look no further…

If you haven’t felt it already, the harrowing weeks leading up to the 49th annual Imperial Coronation are upon us. Four candidates, Ray Tilton and J.P. Soto for Emperor and Danielle Logan and Misty Blue for Empress, were approved and introduced at last week’s first ever Winter Ball, hosted

by Imperial Crown Prince Kevin Lisle and Imperial Crown Princess Emma Peel. The Winter Ball itself was a whirl of winter white attire, creative musical numbers (including some first-timers), delicious food and drink, and financially successful fundraising. Attendees included myriad Emperors and Empresses, Mr. Gay SF Rob Huddleston and Miss Gay SF Jezebel

Joe Pessa

Xavier Caylor, Jeff Doney and Richard Sablatura at the AIDS Emergency Fund’s Dancing Queen at Beatbox. courtesy Angelina Josephina Manicotti

Reigning Empress Patty McGroin, Empress XLIV (44) Angelina Josephina Manicotti and Emperor Drew Cutler at the Imperial Court’s Wild Winter Ball.

Patel, Mr. Golden Gate Nic Hunter and Miss Golden Gate Miz Eva Sensitiva, Miss Cowgirl Piper Angelique, Khmera Rouge, Jackie Best, Sergio Fedasz, Coco Butter, Ron Ross, Frank Vera, and John Brosnan and Chad McLaughlin.

Now, the campaign for Emperor and Empress is in full swing, with large and small events all over town benefiting various organizations in the name of the Imperial Court of San Francisco. Watch for those four candidates at an event near you. Get to know them and decide for whom you’ll vote on Saturday, February 15. They each have considerable experience in fundraising, community building, and leadership and will bring creative ideas, fresh approaches, and new members to this historic organization.

It is pretty remarkable when you think that the community has elected a new Emperor and Empress in San Francisco every year for 48 years, and each one has completed

their year, adding to the legacy of the Imperial Court.

Watch this column for complete details of Reigning Emperor Drew Cutler and Reigning Empress Patty McGroin’s Imperial Coronation Week, themed A Killer View: An Evening of International Mystery, Bond Style, as the end of February draws nearer. If you’ve never attended a Coronation, there is no way to describe it fully, but you’ll be overwhelmed with the pageantry, ceremonies, and wardrobes. If you’ve been before, get your tickets soon; this one is selling out!

The size of the crowd for last Sunday’s Dancing Queen at Beatbox benefiting AIDS Emergency Fund was definitely impacted by football game-watching parties elsewhere, but those who came danced enthusiastically to the music of DJs Russ Rich and Christopher B, as

the game played without sound on remote monitors above the bar.

These retro tea dances become a family reunion of sorts with diehard dance buddies, wild flaggers, and general revelry all around.

Among this crowd were AEF’s Executive Director Mike Smith, Frank Martinez, Lee Harrington, Richard Sablatura, Xavier Caylor and Jeff Doney, Joe Pessa, Julian Marshburn, Will Swagger, and of course Brian Kent, who oversees this impressive club.

Tomorrow night, indulge in high art with San Francisco Ballet’s Nite Out performance of Helgi Tomasson’s lavish production of Giselle at the War Memorial Opera House.

This classical ballet has it all… love, deceit, the supernatural, and incredible dancing! Come early for artist interviews at 7PM and stay afterwards for a reception in the Dress Circle bar with complimentary cocktails and light bites, hosted by Principal Dancer Damian Smith and Corps de Ballet Dancer Shannon Marie Rugani. The next

Nites Out are April 4 and May 9.

This Saturday, March 1, we are crossing the Bay for Lighthouse Community Center of Hayward’s seventh annual Viva Las Vegas Casino Cabaret from 6-10:30PM in Hayward City Hall Rotunda. Funding from that night will keep this important building open and its vital programs healthy. Many local LGBT groups regularly use the facility meeting spaces. It will be a night of gaming, eating, drinking, raffling, silent auction bidding, and entertainment by The Golden Follies, a fast-paced, elaborately costumed revue featuring performers ages 55 and up. We are sure there are readers of this column in Hayward and its environs and we hope to see you all there!

Nominations for Community and Organizational Grand Marshal of the SF Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, 2014 are now open! Several wonderful names are already surfacing, but put your favorites into the mix; nominations close after the next Pride meeting, Tuesday, February 11.t

BARtab

Members of the San Francisco Ballet’s corps mixed with fans at last year’s Nite Out at SF Ballet.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Steven Underhill

James Holloway and Donna Sachet at the Looking premiere at the Castro Theatre.

1) On ARVs with an undetectable viral load 2) CD4 T-Cell above 600 3) Clean and Sober 4) No Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C

Contact Dr. Jacob Lalezari for more information Phone: (415) 353-0800 drjay@questclinical.com

<< On the Tab

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30 - February 6, 2014

Bf E TA eON 30TH 4 - February 6, 201

January

★

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Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel

Sat 1

The weekly live rock shows have returned.

9pm-ish. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel’s lounge, which draws a growing swingdance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday. This week, a special 32nd annual 21st birthday bash for DJ Bus Station John. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am.

Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Eight bars, more dance floors, and a smoking lounge; the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am.

2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Leslie Jordan @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The diminutive gay performer shares his big-hearted show Fruit Fly, a tribute to motherhood, at the elegant nightclub. $25-$35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time’s assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com

Go Bang @ The Stud

The monthly groovy retro disco dance party, hosted by DJs Steve Fabus and Sergio Fedasz, this month includes guest DJs DJ Bus Station John and Andy Trice. $7. (free before 10pm) 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.gobangsf.com

Fri 31 Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm.

3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Sat 1 DJ Bus Station John guest-spins at Go Bang

Chinese New Year @ 1015 Jose Guzman-Colon

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ur warm winter continues its heat wave as drought conditions threaten our…statewide hydration. And climate change being the worst analogy for nightlife events, let’s conclude with… Conserve water! Sweat it up on the dance floor and sip slowly.

Thu 30 Anita Gillette @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The Broadway and TV actress-singer performs After All, her song-filled story cabaret show that includes her experiences as a performer, including her work in the original Broadway cast of Gypsy with Ethel Merman. $30-$40. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Antonio Zamujo @ Yoshi’s Vocalist-guitarist, hailed as one of the most beautiful fado singers, performs at the elegant nightclub. $31-$69 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Ash @ Rickshaw Stop Popscene presents the thrashing Irish rock band; Deaf Havana opens. $15-$17. 9:30pm. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Comedy Thursdays @ Esta Noche The revamped weekly LGBT- and queerfriendly comedy night at the Mission club is hosted by various comics (1st Thu, Natasha Muse; 2nd Thu, Emily Van Dyke; 3rd Thu Eloisa Bravo and Kimberly Rose; 4th Thu Johan Miranda). No cover; one-drink min. 8pm. 3079 16th St. www.comedybodega.com

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+.

1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops

Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jockstrapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am.

2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Thu 30 Ash

Raindance Presents and An-ten-nae’s electronic dance night celebrates the Year of the Horse with a variety of DJs and Chinese-themed stage acts, including the White Crane Lion Dancers. $25-$30. 9pm6am. 1015 Folsom St. www.eventbrite.com www.1015.com

Eric Roberson @ Yoshi’s Hubert Keller @ Starlight Room The Top Chef Masters celebrity chef returns for a guest-DJ night of dance music. $10.

10pm-2am. Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St. www.starlightroomsf.com

R&B vocalist with a velvety smooth voice performs with guest singer Algebra Blesset. $25-$67 (with dinner). 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Jukebox @ Beatbox Veteran DJ Page Hodel (The Box, Q and many other events) presents a new weekly dance event, with soul, funk, hip-hop and house mixes. $10. 21+. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.BeatboxSF.com

Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony; optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am.

4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Nap’s Karaoke @ Virgil’s Sea Room Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover.

9pm. 3152 Mission St. 829-2233. www.virgilssf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Pan Dulce @ The Café Amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Fri 31 Leslie Jordan

Fedorable @ El Rio Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Go-Beaux @ Beaux Gogo-tastic weekly night at the new Castro club. Bring your dollahs, ‘cause they’ll make you holla. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun The popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. Check out the new front window lounge. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Hard @ Qbar DJ Haute Toddy spins electro beats; cute gogo guys shake it. $3. 9pm-2am.

456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Japanther @ Thee Parkside Wild rowdy punk duo known for their unusual gigs (with synchronized swimmers, BMX bikers, on bridges and moving trucks) play the Potrero Hill club.

Self-Defense Family and Creative Adult open. $10. 9pm. 1600 17th St. 252-1330. www.theeparkside.com

Pam Benjamin @ Mutiny Radio

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon

Does This Joke Make Me Look Fat?, the stand-up comic’s solo show; also, comic Aaron Barrett and Christopher Conatser. $10. 8pm. 2781 21st St. www.mutinyradio.org

Beer only $8 ‘til you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Some Thing

Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15.

9pm to 4am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com

Mica Sigourney and pals’ weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Picante @ Esta Noche Weekly show with drag queens and the Picante Boys; hosted by Lulu Ramirez; DJ Marco. 9pm-2am. 3079 16th St. 841-5748. www.jceventssf.com

WÜF @ Beatbox Don your fun kinky fetish gear at this new dance event, with DJ Brian Maier.

Proceeds benefit Folsom Street Events. $5-$10. 10pm-4am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland

Mayer Hawthorne @ Fox Theatre Pop-R&B singer performs live. Quadron and Gavin Turek open. $27.50. 8pm.

1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.ticketmaster.com

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland’s premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am.

2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

t

On the Tab>>

Sex ‘n Drags ‘n Rock ‘n Roll @ Midnight Sun Mutha Chucka’s new event is just that; drag rockers and fun, with acts by Suppositori Spelling, Sugah Betes, Kitty Tapata and Dulce De Leche. Show at 10:30pm. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Terri White @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Vocal soul powerhouse and star of cabaret and Broadway performs a variety of songs with her backup band. $25-$30. 7pm.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Sun 2 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The classic leather bar’s most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm (Also now open daily 11am-2am). 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

January 30 - February 6, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Brunch @ Hi Tops Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

Calvin Keyes @ Yoshi’s

Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

The veteran jazz guitarist performs with his quartet. $14-$52 (with dinner). 7pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Super Bowl: Men in Tights @ Roxie

Cocktailgate @ Truck Suppositori Spelling’s wild weekly drag show night has returned on a somewhat regular basis. $3. 10pm-2am.

1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

Full of Grace @ Beaux Weekly night with hostess Grace Towers, different local and visiting DJs, and pop-up drag performances. No cover. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

GlamaZone @ The Café Pollo del Mar’s weekly drag shows takes on different themes and a comic edge.

8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

The fourth annual offbeat footballwatching (or not) event includes an entire team of stand-up comics riffing on the televised game and inevitably awful halftime show; hosted by David Cairns, OJ Patterson and Davis Gborie; beer and wine served. Proceeds benefit SF Indiefest and the Roxie Theater. $10. 3pm-7pm.

3117 16th st. www.roxie.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s

Mon 3

Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. This week: headliner Guy Branum, Chelsea Lately’s “staff homosexual.” One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Irish Dance Night @ Starry Plough, Berkeley Weekly dance lessons and live music at the pub-restaurant, hosted by John Slaymaker. $5. 7pm. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. www.thestarryplough.com

Wed 5 Love on Wheels

Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am.

1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Los Lonely Boys @ The Independent Texan trio of brothers perform music from their new CD, Revelation. $29.50. 9:30pm.

628 Divisadero. 771-1421. www.theindependentsf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Strip down at the strip joint. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell.

397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Tommy Igoe Band @ Yoshi’s Accomplished percussionist and his band perform a concert celebrating the music of Woody Herman and Benny Goodman. $22-$60 (with dinner). 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Torch @ Martuni’s

Tue 4 Gary Branum at Funny Tuesdays

Veronica Klaus hosts the weekly night of cabaret, jazz and blues music, with Tammy L. Hall and special guests. $15. 7pm.

4 Valencia St. at Market. www.facebook.com/veronica.klaus

Trivia Night @ Hi Tops Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Karaoke @ The Lookout Paul K hosts the amateur singing night.

8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun Honey Mahogany’s weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm.

4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge The casts of local and visiting musicals often pop in to performs at the popular Castro bar’s musical theatre night.

7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing.

18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm.

3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Jock @ The Lookout

Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Love on Wheels @ DNA Lounge SF Bicycle Coalition’s annual Dating Game styled night (with a new MTV ‘90s dress code) includes Q&A blind date fun with straight, gay and lesbian pairings. Enjoy drinks and music with your cycling pals, and maybe find love; DJs Shooey, Aaron Pope and Sinned, and complimentary valet bike parking. $5-$10. 6:30-9:30pm.

375 11th St. www.sfbike.org

Mads Tolling Quartet @ Yoshi’s

13 Licks @ Q Bar

Liquid Brunch @ Beaux

Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Miss Kitty’s Trivia Night @ Wild Side West

The popular country western LGBT dance night celebrates a decade and a half of fun foot-stomping two-stepping and linedancing. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave., and Tuesdays at Beatbox, $6. 6:30-11pm. 314 11th St. www.sundancesaloon.org

Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Bombshell Betty & Her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall New weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm.

4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Trivia Night @ Harvey’s Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover.

8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com

Way Back @ Midnight Sun Weekly screenings of vintage music videos, and retro drink prices. 9pm-2am.

4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Thu 6 Gym Class @ Hi Tops Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jockstrapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am.

2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Marcus Shelby Orchestra @ Yoshi’s Enjoy a special Black History Month concert with the bassist-composer big band orchestra, and guest vocalist Miss Faye Carol. $20-$58 (with dinner). 8pm.

1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Pan Dulce @ The Café Enjoy amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Joe Wicht and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy cohost the weekly fun musical theatre trivia singalong night. Pull up a comfy chair or sofa, enjoy a cocktail or three, and test your Broadway knowledge. Kanpai Lounge, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. No cover.

7pm-10pm. 394-1111. www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins.aspx

Tue 4 Block Party @ Midnight Sun

Watch competitors vye for a $200 first prize in stripping, or sign up yourself by 8pm. The audience picks the winner. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm.

729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Broadway Bingo @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

The two-time Grammy-winning jazz violinist performs with guest vocalist Kim Nalley at the elegant nightclub-restaurant. $19-$57 (with dinner. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

Mayer Hawthorne

The legendary leather bar gets jock-ular, with beer buckets, games (including beer pong and corn-hole!), prizes, sports on the TVs, and more fun. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops

The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. 3pm-6pm.

3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Sat 1

Sports Night @ The Eagle

Wed 5

Rookie’s Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata.

No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

Queer Salsa @ Beatbox

Sat 1 Terry White at Feinstein’s

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland Hip-hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guests. No cover before 11pm and just $5 afterward. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 2689425. www.club21oakland.com

Weekly Latin partner dance night. 8pm1am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio Women’s burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5-$10. 7pm.

3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Want your nightlife event listed?

Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event.

Event photos welcome.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

t

Rick Gerharter

Nancy White, left, and Pat Ramseyer, owners of the Wild Side West in 1992.

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Wild Side West

From page 3

In 1976 Ramseyer and White bought a building at 424 Cortland which predates the 1906 earthquake and moved Wild Side West there.

The reception of a lesbian bar in Bernal Heights was not exactly cordial. The front windows of the bar were shot up and bathroom fixtures were thrown through the front window and left in front of the building.

Ramseyer’s response (recounted in her Bay Area Reporter obituary) was, “You will never run me out of here.”

In the spirit of taking lemons and making lemonade, Pat and Nancy took the porcelain fixtures out back into the bar’s garden and used them as planters. Many of them can still be seen in the garden. Aside from the planters in the garden, the other holdover from the bad old days is the front of the bar, which has had the windows blocked out with wood panels since the 1970s.

The Wild Side boasts an amazingly eclectic collection of fascinating history and art. You could spend days looking through the fascinating collection, with the added plus that unlike most history collections or museums, you can do it with a drink in your hand.

The back and front bar were brought by Ramseyer from the Broadway location. Behind the bar you’ll notice a door with painted art nouveau decorations. This came from one of the brothels in North Beach and was reclaimed by Ramseyer for the Bernal Heights bar. There are also several original paintings by Ramseyer in the bar (and she painted the woman on the front door as well).

Michael Flanagan

The front door.

The interior of the bar features a fireplace which is still used frequently on cold summer nights, and a piano where you will sometimes find Todd Manley playing. Manley is also the gardener for the two back patios and has sculptures there as well. “This one is my daughter,” he said as he posed with a masked beauty.

Creativity doesn’t stop with the décor of the bar. The patrons and the bartenders are quite talented as well. Bartender Mister Nancy plays bass with the band Fabulous Disas-

Michael Flanagan

Wild Side West owner Billie Hayes.

Michael Flanagan

Wild Side West bartender Mister Nancy.

ter and has been working in music venues around town since the days of Page Hodel and the Box. Anita Ellis puts her graphic art skills to use on the bar’s chalkboard (she did a stunning tribute to Lou Reed), as well as mixing a mean pomegranate margarita or Bloody Mary. And most Sunday nights from 6pm to 9pm, jam sessions feature bar patrons on the downstairs patio. On the Sunday I stopped by, there were two guitarists, a keyboard player and a singer/trumpet player. They carry on the tradition of Ramseyer, who was a percussionist in the 1970s women’s band BeBe K’Roche. She started the tradition of jamming with musicians that stopped by the bar.

The bar, now owned by Hayes, has become quite the anchor of the neighborhood these days, a welcome change from the friction of past decades. They have featured benefits for the Bernal Library Art Project, the St. James Infirmary and Lyon Martin Health Services in the past, and are the annual site of the Benefit For The Boob, a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund.

This year the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Russian River Sisters, Sister Sara and D. Love will present the seventh annual benefit on March 2 beginning at 5pm. On Wednesday nights Miss Kitty hosts a trivia round up which is quite lively. And local businesses products are featured in the drinks as well – Paulie’s Pickling, just a block away on Cortland, provides pickled green beans for the Bloody Marys, for example.

The overwhelming feeling you

Michael Flanagan

Wild Side West’s Todd Manley.

get from the bar is the feeling of community. I met a woman who used to come to the front door to ask if her moms were in the bar – now her moms come to ask if she is there. And I witnessed Mister Nancy slide a beer to a patron without even having to ask what he was drinking.

Hayes reflected on the mix of people, saying, “We get a lot of tourists, people from the East Bay and neighborhood people. I think of the bar as a refuge, as it was called in Nancy White’s obituary.”

That passage in White’s obit is this: “The Wild Side West is home to many regulars, gay and straight, male and female. The Wild Side has been a delightful non-judgmental place of refuge.”

Equally appropriate in the city’s current climate is the message from Mister Nancy regarding LGBT participation in their historic spaces.

“Queers, take back your space.

We’re getting run out of town. How many women’s bars were there back in the day? It’s sad in a city of this size.”

One thing is certain, Wild Side West will be here for some time to come, and it will remain a welcoming space and a refuge. Plus, you can play pool on a table that Janis Joplin once played on (but be forewarned, the pool players at Wild Side West are serious about their game). If you need an easy way to get to the bar the 24 Divisadero stops a block away. I know I’ll be back soon.t Wild Side West is at 424 Cortland Ave. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Farm fresh

by John F. Karr

I

ROOKIES NIGHT

FEB 5th @ 8PM - $200 CASH PRIZE Falcon Studios

Truly gay fireworks from Ryan Rose and Connor Kline in Falcon’s Bucks County.

The two parts of Bucks County take place around a pristine rural environment of fields and weather-beaten barn, its glowing, All-American young men sexualized by sun and warm hearts.

Each part is two hours, with their respective five scenes interspersed with the guys picnicking on the lawns, playing touch football, and hosing each other down while wearing only form-fitting white briefs. This frolicking doesn’t take up much more than Gladiator pseudo-porn The Legend Of eight minutes in either part. Hercules stars Kellan Lutz.

But I would gladly sacrifice it for the continuity which Connor Kline leads to sweaty sex, might have given a boost to several and Kline seems authentically excitgeneric sex scenes. ed—just look at the way he slobbers Exclusive Donnie Dean’s sixover Rose’s fine cock. That’s one film career has been almost evenly sturdy, upstanding, All-American spread between RS and Falcon; so, cock. It’s a pity they only get 23 minwhich of the two ostensibly sepautes to play, but I guess time span is rate companies is he Exclusive to? relative. With its more cohesive edHe’s attractive, personable, but a iting, this scene’s tempo feels more rather passive bottom. So his scene natural. And these guys do what with Connor Maguire in Part One comes naturally mighty fine. of Bucks County pretty much comes Bucks County Part Two opens to naught. Maguire works hard, but with Ryan Rose getting off in a major this personality-free G4P-er doesn’t way with Liam Magnuson. Wouldn’t particularly enjoy himself. I was you? They start their scene playfully, initially very attracted to him, but and maintain a congenial air even as quickly became bored. Mr. Dean’s things get tempestuous. Rose is a sex better in a long scene with Woody slave when he’s sucking Magnuson, Fox. I like Woody because he exhiband a begging-for-it bottom whose its such a distinct personality, and excitement makes Magnumson exbecause I covet his raven black hair, plode vociferously. Another sizzler all sheen and silk. Donnie salaciously scene finds hot tot Joey Cooper getcovets Woody’s foreskin, but otherting tossed (to his hold-on-for-dearwise isn’t much more than a hole for life delight) by hard-bodied, shavedWoody’s energetic plugcrotch, Jason Goodman. ging‚ although his other The remaining scenes are good, hole, the mouth, gets but more generic. I’m a real hair Woody’s yummy cum. fairy when Woody Fox tops Kip Later, Woody’s oral-only Johnson, whose straight brown hair scene with Maguire is is California boy shoulder-length. nice if you wanna watch And they’re high-spirited. Vance either’s cock.

Crawford gets to suck off Ryan Rose I rate the two remainin one scene, and in another, he ing scenes good and bottoms for Jack King, who’s newly even better. The somereleased from men.com to make his what generic, though mainstream debut. Darkly handyouthful Vance Crawsome, King’s what used to be called ford gives a strong fuck a Matinee Idol. Though he’s not a to the handsome temdynamic fucker, watching his face plate for Latin lover, was enough for me.

Lance Luciano, and then Lots of photos are at www.Bucka pair of stars exemplify CountyTheMovie.com. Direction, star quality. Ryan Rose cinematography, and editing were is truly gay, and truly a

by Tony Dimarco and Bruno Bond.

Falcon Exclusive. He’s Can you guess who did which no actor, and that’s the scene? Up next time—Open Road FalconStudios reason his blank recitaand more from RS/Falcon.t tion of a few lines is enJason Goodman and Joey Cooper are hot tertaining all the same. spots in Falcon’s Bucks County. www.FalconStudios.com Physical proximity to

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watched a lot of porn this week, but the movie that excited me the most was Hollywood’s The Legend Of Hercules. It has little to do with any legends of Hercules you may remember from Edith Hamilton, being content to mash up Spartacus, Gladiator, and some self-realization homilies from Deepak Chopra. But the spectacle is outrageous (especially in Extreme XD 3D). And the guys? In pec-ing order, Kellan Lutz, in the tit-ular role, turns the movie into The Legend of Hercule’s Pecs; his sidekick, Liam McIntyre, who actually was Spartacus (on TV), exhibits some serious macho, leavening it with a touch of cute that wipes me out; and Scott Adkins as the Wicked King is the muscle daddy of your dreams. The movie’s a spectacle of Butch on a Herculean scale.

Yet, despite the quality (and quantity) of Butch that Hollywood heaves our way, it’s bereft of the fornication that Raging Stallion and Falcon ladle out so prodigiously in their movies. Which are so numerous that I can barely extricate myself from their ongoing juggernaut of jiz. Each company plans nearly 20 releases annually. That’s approximately 40 titles a year —a new movie every 1.3 weeks. Chickens don’t lay eggs much faster.

Has that whirl of activity has lead to a blurring of brands? If you ask me, they’re both making the same movie. The producer is the same, the pool of directors (a mere five of them) is the same, the performers are (largely) the same, the stylistic hallmarks are the same.

That sameness of product is exemplified in a pair of movies—the recent Bucks County, from Falcon, and Raging Stallion’s new Open Road.

I’m not picking on RS/F; I think all of the majors make too many movies. So, I emphasize that both today’s titles are fine specimens, meeting, and in select scenes, exceeding expectations. But let’s look at a fault that is common to both RS and F, one that regularly dampens my enjoyment of an RS/F scene.

“How did you get where you are?” asks Stephen Sondheim in a trenchant lyric, before spending an entire show charting the road taken. At RS/F, the all-important road map is ditched, with a house style that consists of disrupting a scene’s continuity by deleting whatever actions bridge activities. These breaks are the jump cuts of a kid learning to drive a stick shift; they startle me out of a smooth ride down the road to a no longer inevitable climax, and become instead roadside signs announcing Suck Now, Fuck This, Brake for Climax, Get Off Here (If You Can).

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • January 30-February 5, 2014

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January 30-February 5, 2014 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

Shooting Stars photos by Steven Underhill

N

ew nightclub Beaux treated its patrons to a wild night of drag and hip hop when Trannyshack vs. Big Top featured hilarious drag acts and a special performance by gay singing hunk Cazwell (“Ice Cream Truck,” “No Selfie Control” and other hits) on Saturday, January 25 (www.beauxsf.com).

And at the Castro Theatre, SF Sketchfest got off to a rousing start on Thursday January 23, with a screening of Napoleon Dynamite, including cast members, followed by an onstage Q&A with Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass and Jack Black. (www.sfsketchfest.com) See more photo albums on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife and on www.StevenUnderhill.com

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For more photos, and to arrange your own wedding, headshot or portrait photos,

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