Frontiers Vol. 35, Issue 04

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JUNE 9 - 22, 2016 | VOL. 35, NO. 04

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FILMS TO AVOID BEFORE GETTING IN THE WATER (P. 4 7)

2016 TONY AWARDS PREVIEW (P. 45)

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO YOUR PHONE? (P. 34)

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SWIMSUIT ISSUE A look at the upcoming season’s sexiest suits

MEXICO’S GAY MARRIAGE DRAMA OUR FAVORITE PALM SPRINGS POOLS GIFTS YOUR DADDY’S SURE TO LOVE SINFUL SWEETS COME TO CITYWALK


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Brief Summary of Patient Information about ODEFSEY ODEFSEY (oh-DEF-see) (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir alafenamide) tablets Important: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. There may be new information about ODEFSEY. This information is only a summary and does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including: • Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis may happen in some people who take ODEFSEY or similar medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: – feel very weak or tired – have unusual (not normal) muscle pain – have trouble breathing – have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting – feel cold, especially in your arms and legs – feel dizzy or lightheaded – have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems may happen in people who take ODEFSEY. In some cases, these liver problems can lead to death. Your liver may become large and you may develop fat in your liver. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms of liver problems: – your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) – dark “tea-colored” urine – light-colored bowel movements (stools) – loss of appetite – nausea – pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time. • Worsening of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and take ODEFSEY, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking ODEFSEY. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. – Do not run out of ODEFSEY. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your ODEFSEY is all gone. – Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider. – If you stop taking ODEFSEY, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking ODEFSEY.

OdefseyA_Frontiers_8.367x10.875.indd 3-4

What is ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine that is used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older: • who have not received HIV-1 medicines in the past and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL, or • to replace their current HIV-1 medicines in people who have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have a viral load that is less than 50 copies/mL, and have never failed past HIV-1 treatment. It is not known if ODEFSEY is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age or who weigh less than 77 lb (35 kg). When used to treat HIV-1 infection, ODEFSEY may help: • Reduce the amount of HIV-1 in your blood. This is called “viral load”. • Increase the number of CD4+ (T) cells in your blood that help fight off other infections. Reducing the amount of HIV-1 and increasing the CD4+ (T) cells in your blood may help improve your immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or getting infections that can happen when your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. You must keep taking HIV-1 medicines to control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others. Do not share or re-use needles, injection equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood.

Who should not take ODEFSEY? Do not take ODEFSEY if you also take a medicine that contains: • carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro ®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®) • dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, BaycadronTM) • dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®) • esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo ®) • lansoprazole (Prevacid®) • omeprazole (Prilosec ®, Zegerid®) • oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) • pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®) • phenobarbital (Luminal®) • phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125 ®, Phenytek®) • rabeprazole (Aciphex®) • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) • rifapentine (Priftin®) • the herb St. John’s wort or a product that contains St. John’s wort

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY? Before taking ODEFSEY, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have liver problems including hepatitis B or C virus infection • have kidney and bone problems • have had depression or suicidal thoughts • have any other medical conditions • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY.


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Pregnancy registry: there is a pregnancy registry for women who take HIV-1 medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take ODEFSEY. – You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. – At least one of the medicines in ODEFSEY can pass to your baby in your breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in ODEFSEY can pass into your breast milk. – Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with ODEFSEY. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. • You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with ODEFSEY. • Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with other medicines. How should I take ODEFSEY? • Take ODEFSEY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take

• •

• • •

it. ODEFSEY is taken by itself (not with other HIV-1 medicines) to treat HIV-1 infection. Take ODEFSEY 1 time each day with a meal. Do not change your dose or stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking with your healthcare provider. Stay under a healthcare provider’s care when taking ODEFSEY. Do not miss a dose of ODEFSEY. If you take too much ODEFSEY, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away. When your ODEFSEY supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider or pharmacy. This is very important because the amount of virus in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. The virus may develop resistance to ODEFSEY and become harder to treat.

What are the possible side effects of ODEFSEY? ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY?” • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Rash can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash. In some cases, rash and allergic reaction may need to be treated in a hospital. If you get a rash with any of the following symptoms, stop taking ODEFSEY and call your healthcare provider right away: – fever – skin blisters – mouth sores – redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis) – swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat – trouble breathing or swallowing – pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area – dark “tea-colored” urine

• Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right

away if you have any of the following symptoms:

– feel sad or hopeless – feel anxious or restless – have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself

• Change in liver enzymes. People with a history of hepatitis B or C

virus infection or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening liver problems during treatment with ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen during treatment with ODEFSEY in people without a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health effects of these conditions are not known. • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after starting your HIV-1 medicine. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before you start and while you are taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems can happen in some people who take ODEFSEY. Bone problems may include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to check your bones. The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache. The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. • These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. • Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information about ODEFSEY. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about ODEFSEY that is written for health professionals. For more information, call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.ODEFSEY.com. Keep ODEFSEY and all medicines out of reach of children. Issued: March 2016

ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and GSI are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. GILC0217 03/16

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Contents

JUNE 9 - 22, 2016

FEATURES

62

Swimwear Product Guide

64

VACATION READY: LEO CASTRO FOR CA-RIO-CA

A Man and His Dog

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Summer’s Hottest Swimwear

ON THE COVER Photograph by Leo Castro, courtesy of CA-RIO-CA Sunga Co., cariocawear.com JUNE 22, 2016

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Contents

JUNE 9 - 22, 2016

DEPARTMENTS NEWSBOX 17 18

18 20 22

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Marriage Drama in Mexico Say Goodbye to a Runyon Canyon Basketball Court Flashbulb Watercooler Director of ACLU Georgia Resigns Over Issue of Trans Bathroom Rights Datebook

17 25

THE GAY AGENDA 25

26 26 28 28

Voodoo Doughnut Comes to Universal City Walk 5 Gifts Your Daddy Will Love What’s New, DTLA? Paddle the L.A. River Our New Favorite Summer Cocktail

34 38

HEALTH 31 32 32 34 34

Brand-New Kicks for the Summer How Pretty Is Your Penis? Fitness Q&A Are You Addicted to Your Phone? Stay Cool for the Summer

CALENDAR 37 38 38 40 41

Smorgasburg Comes to L.A. Cindy Sherman: Imitation of Life Snapshots Kay Sedia’s Taco Kisses Eating Out: Norah

45 68

ENTERTAINMENT 45 46 47

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2016 Tony Awards Preview Music Reviews 5 Films Not to Watch Before Getting in the Water Poolside Playlist Set Your DVR

Frontiers magazine is published by New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC, 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 470, Los Angeles, CA. 90036, and distributed throughout Southern California. Up to the first three copies of any single issue are free; additional copies are $10 each. Violators caught stealing or destroying issues will be prosecuted under California Penal Code 484. For magazine subscriptions, please call (323) 930- 3220. The contents of Frontiers may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor, artwork, photography, manuscripts and other correspondence may be submitted to Frontiers at the above address. We cannot acknowledge or return material unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Allow at least three months for processing. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Frontiers is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV/AIDS status of such person or organization. Copyright © 2015, New Frontiers Media Holdings, LLC.

COLUMNS 68 70

Palm Springs Billy Masters

PEOPLE INDEX Stacey Dash Brian De Palma Ben Gibbard Macy Gray 8

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22 47 46 18

Erika Jayne Carly Rae Jepsen Joanna Lumley Lin-Manuel Miranda

38 37 18 45

Thomas Schoos Duncan Sheik Stephen Sondheim Justin Timberlake

41 46 22 47


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Christopher Cappiello, Dr. Greg Cason, Peter DelVecchio, Jim Larkins, Dan Loughry, Drew Mackie, Billy Masters, James F. Mills, Dominic Preston, Eric Rosen, Patrick Rosenquist, Dominik Rothbard, Aaron Savvy CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND ILLUSTRATORS

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Marriage Drama in Mexico Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto won’t back down in his support of same-sex marriage despite church opposition By Dominic Preston

MORE THAN

70%

The percentage of Latin Americans who now live in countries where same-sex marriage is permitted, which includes Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia

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exican president Enrique Peña Nieto has reiterated his intention to legalize same-sex marriage across Mexico following criticism from both the Catholic and Mormon churches within the country. Peña Nieto first proposed a constitutional change “to recognize as a human right that people can enter into marriage without any kind of discrimination” last month, going on to specify that people should be allowed to marry without discrimination on the basis of “gender or sexual preference.” To pass the bill, Peña Nieto will require a two-thirds majority vote in Congress, while a simple majority of states will then need to ratify the constitutional change before it can go to Nieto to sign. At present, same-sex couples are legally able to marry in some, but not all, of the Mexican states. The religious backlash was predictably swift. Hugo Valdemar, spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico City, told lawmakers to listen to their “conscience” and oppose the proposal. “Marriage has some very concrete aims which, of course, two people of the same sex do not fulfill,” Valdemar said, calling Peña Nieto’s initiative a “distraction” in a country where “there are more serious issues that should be attended to,” such as violence and corruption. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints took a similar line, sending a statement to each of the country’s more than 2,000 congregations to be read before upcoming meetings. “We encourage members of the Church to unite our voices with those of other citizens in exercising our rights, as they are listed in the Political Constitution of the United

Mexican States, which establish and honor religious liberty, expression of beliefs and thoughts, both in public and private,” LDS Mexican area authority Elder Benjamin DeHoyos said. Peña Nieto seems to have been prepared for the religious response, and is uncowed in a new statement published by The Huffington Post. “I understand that these measures will be met with some resistance and that a number of taboos related to the topic still persist,” he writes. “However, as President, it is my duty to ensure that the personal beliefs and customs of some do not limit the human rights of others.” He cited a study showing that 64% of Mexicans recognize homosexuality as an “acceptable way of life,” while 66% fully or partially agree that same-sex marriage should be allowed under the constitution. “Building a Society of Rights means there is no room for first- and second-class citizens,” Peña Nieto concludes. “It means choosing inclusion over discrimination. It means creating unity from diversity.”

“We need a government that represents all of us, not just the 1%.” Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders to the gay brunch crowd at Hamburger Mary’s West Hollywood on Sunday, June 5, the day before California’s primary. The candidate took a trip down Santa Monica Boulevard alongside actor Wilson Cruz.

JUNE 22, 2016

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FLASHBULB

BYE-BYE, B-BALL: A LOCAL COURT BLUNDERED

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OUT

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, The Abbey, May 24—West Hollywood landmark and the world’s most famous gay bar The Abbey celebrated a quarter-century of serving the local LGBT community with a night of flowing cocktails and celebrity guest appearances. Midway through the evening, CEO/Founder of The Abbey, David Cooley, was presented with a Key to the City from Mayor Lauren Meister. Top, from left: The Real O’Neals star Noah Galvin (on right) with friends, Candis Cayne, Ross Mathews, Gilles Marini, David Cooley. Bottom: Heather McDonald, Jai Rodriguez, Michael Sam with guest

SPEAK

any local residents were excited that once Runyon Canyon’s four-month closure came to an end (it’s been closed for renovations since April), there would be a brand-new basketball court in place of the abandoned tennis court many know to be the hiking trail’s biggest eyesore. Unfortunately, those hopes have been dashed. The important idiom here would be “no good deed goes unpunished.” On June 1, the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners rescinded approval of the basketball court that had been proposed two years ago by Neima Khaila, CEO of the Pink Dolphin clothing company. Not only did Khaila promise to build a court for free (estimated cost: $260,000), replace the retaining wall and chain link fence and install a water fountain, but he would also maintain the court for a decade—all in exchange for placing his company’s logo in the center of the court. But neighbors went ballistic at the thought of their park being “commercialized.” (Yes, the same park known not for its challenging hikes but its nonstop celebrity stalkings.) They sued, arguing that the project hadn’t gone through environmental review before being approved. So with the commissioners’ recent rescinding of the project, Khaila must be reimbursed for the money he’s spent so far, $210,000, meaning there will be less money available for other needed park projects around the city. As the LA Times Editorial Board says in a June 2 piece, “The city of L.A. doesn’t have enough money to maintain its parks,” which is why public-private partnerships are often the only way park projects can get done these days. Saddest of all is the chilling effect this recent hullabaloo over Runyon Canyon could have on businesses and individuals donating time and money to the betterment of our city in the future. As the LA Times notes, “Going forward, the Recreation and Parks Department ought to develop clear policies on when, where and how sponsors may put logos on public property.” The city will need to find a balance between the “over-commercialization” of local landmarks and muchneeded renovations and projects that are worth a little private intrusion. —Stephan Horbelt

“We tried very hard, but gay people refused to be offended. And I admire them for that. Thank God you’re hanging on in there.” Joanna Lumley, known by most as Patsy Stone on the series Absolutely Fabulous, speaking to V magazine, before noting that her character is also transgender

EVENING: MATT WINKELMEYER, JONATHAN LEIBSON/GETTY IMAGES; ABBEY: ROLLING-BLACKOUTS

AN EVENING WITH WOMEN, Hollywood Palladium, May 21—The annual sold-out gala, which raises money for women’s services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, features a cocktail reception, seated dinner, silent and live auctions and performances by some of the music industry’s leading talents. Event co-chair Brent Bolthouse revealed the event would be Linda Perry’s last year as co-chair, after developing the event back in 2009. Top, from left: Macy Gray, James Blunt, Lance Bass with NCIS star Pauley Perrette, Tal Wilkenfeld. Bottom: Bruce Vilanch, Linda Perry, Fortune Feimster with L.A. LGBT Center CEO Lorri L. Jean


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Start Talking. Stop HIV. JUNE 22, 2016

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WATERCOOLER

Your cheat sheet for intelligent conversation — By Peter DelVecchio

1

Suspected UCLA Shooter Had ‘Kill List,’ Motive Unclear

Mainak Sarkar, 38, a UCLA grad student, shot and killed William Scott Klug, a professor in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department, on the Westwood campus June 1 before turning the weapon on himself. Police are calling it a murder suicide and have yet to identify Sarkar’s motive, but say he had a “kill list” of three names, including Klug, another UCLA professor and a woman later found shot dead in Minnesota. Police believe the “heavily armed” Sarkar intended to kill both professors on his list, but for reasons as yet unknown failed to do so. “The campus remains in a state of sorrow,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Scott Waugh said during a June 1 press conference.

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Obama Calls for End to AIDS as Epidemic Turns 35

President Obama issued a statement on June 5 marking the 35th anniversary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “The past 35 years tell a story that bends from uncertainty, fear and loss toward resilience, innovation and hope,” he said, noting that “stigma and silence ... foster transmission and give life to a plague.” Obama lauded the American role in “shaping the world’s response to the crisis,” referring to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR. The president recommitted to “ending this epidemic by 2030.” “So today, let’s call the names,” the statement said in closing. “Let’s remember those we lost too soon. And let’s rededicate ourselves to end this epidemic once and for all.

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Desperate Migrant Men Selling Sex

The ongoing turmoil and war in Syria and Iraq has generated a human tide of penniless refugees who has crashed ashore, largely in Greece. Some refugee men have taken to selling sex to other men to survive. The men, typically in their 20s, are meeting their customers, mostly older men, often closeted, in cruisy public parks or in seedy Athens gay bars, and charging as little as 2 or 10 euros. In the past, Athens’ male sex workers were typically from the Balkans—Albanians, Bulgarians, Romanians and Roma. Many of the young men entered Greece hoping to go on to fruitful futures in other European countries, but new European Union border restrictions have left them stranded in Greece with no legitimate means of support.

Will Bottega Louie Further Dilute Boystown?

Plans to open a Bottega Louie Italian restaurant in the space originally planned for Cooley’s on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood are inciting concerns by a few that Boystown, the gay heart of America’s gayest city, is being colonized by straight businesses. The original Bottega Louie is a hugely popular eatery and bakery in DTLA. “This business appears to be a Connie and Ted’s version of dining in the heart of Boystown,” Larry Block, owner of The Block Party store wrote on his Facebook page, referring to the pricy seafood place built where the old Silver Spoon used to be. “Soon the heart of Boystown that is gay-owned and operated will shrink a bit more.” Still, many support Bottega Louie. WeHo Dodgeball CEO Jake Mason called the restaurant “amazing,” adding, “I don’t understand how a restaurant is inherently a ‘straight’ one.”

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Robbie Rogers Tosses First Pitch at Dodgers LGBT Night

Soccer player Robbie Rogers threw the first pitch at the L.A. Dodgers’ fourth annual LGBT Night on June 2. Rogers is a winger and left back for the L.A. Galaxy, and has also participated in the U.S. men’s national soccer team. He came out in February 2013. In addition to LGBT Night, the Dodgers also annually host Hispanic Heritage Night, Yoga Day, Sinatra Night, Filipino Heritage and Night and Military Appreciation Night. Out former NFL player Michael Sam and retired NBA player Jason Collins also attended, while former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, who came out after retiring, sang the national anthem. Listed among the attending VIPs were Mitch Eby, the first out college football player, and lesbian college basketball coach Julie Shaw.

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Uber Driver Sacked for Calling Passengers ‘Faggots’

Proving you can never be sure who will show up when you summon an Uber, an Australian driver has been sacked for using homophobic slurs against two lesbian passengers, Lucy Thomas, CEO of an anti-bullying group, and her girlfriend. The women’s mentioning plans to attend a football game the next day set off the driver’s rant. He hated football, because it was just “a bunch of faggots touching each other.” After learning the women were a couple, he turned his ire on them. Thomas recorded his words: “What, are you going to give me a one star rating and make a complaint ... and when I write my report about two faggots who don’t like being called faggots, then what are they going to say?” Uber confirmed the driver’s termination, as it “does not tolerate any form of discrimination,” a spokesperson said.


JUNE 22, 2016

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become “a special interest organization that promotes not all, but certain progressive rights.” “I understood it to be the ACLU’s goal to delicately balance competing rights to ensure that any infringements are narrowly tailored, that they do not create a hierarchy of rights, and that we are mindful of unintended consequences,” she said. “I believe there are solutions that can provide accommodations for transgender people and balance the need to ensure women and girls are safe from those who might have malicious intent.” As of press time, neither ACLU Georgia nor the national ACLU have issued any statement on Smith’s resignation, referring to it as a “personnel matter.” When the news broke, the organization published a new statement on transgender rights: “We’re in the midst of a major civil rights battle, one that’s likely to continue for some time.” Smith has now launched her own website, Finding Middle Ground, which promises a “safe space” to discuss civil rights issues. For the moment it consists only of a video, published by Smith, featuring a girl who is presumably one of her daughters questioning whether trans women should be allowed into women’s restrooms. —D.P.

“I wish we could go back to Mad Men days. I love those days. Men were men. And I love them.” Stacey Dash, Fox News contributor and a star of the 1995 film Clueless, promotes her new book, There Goes My Social Life: From Clueless to Conservative, on Entertainment Tonight, railing against trans rights and Hollywood’s “liberal agenda”

SAT. | JUNE 11

L.A. FEAST & FUNDRAISER

Fr o m 6 -1 0 p . m . , Patina Restaurant Group Co-Founder and Master Chef Joachim Splichal opens up the patio at Café Pinot for this inaugural benefit to fight Rett Syndrome. A reception-style dinner will have Patina’s culinary icons serving their best dishes. rettsyndrome.org

SUN. | JUNE 12

100 YEARS OF CAROUSELING

The Looff Hippodrome, home to the iconic carousel on the Santa Monica Pier since 1916, is set to commemorate its centennial exactly 100 years to the day with a special day of activities, including tours of the rarely seen secondfloor apartments and a 1920s photo booth. santamonicapier.org

FRI. | JUNE 17

SAN DIEGO EQUALITY AWARDS

Equality California will honor LGBT families at this annual event, held at the Prado at Balboa Park. Three families, including that of local trans teen Zoey Luna, will receive Equality Awards for their leadership, courage and service. eqcaawards.com

SAT. | JUNE 18

S.T.A.G.E.: SONDHEIM NO. 5

The 32nd annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event will take place at Beverly Hills’ Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles. One of Broadway’s most prolific composers will be honored with songs by an all-star cast. stagela.com

WED. | JUNE 22

RAINBOW KEY AWARDS

This year the Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board honors Jay M. Kohorn, Mark Lehman, Carol Taylor-DiPietro, the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation and Ruth Williams with awards for their dedication to the community, inside the WeHo City Council Chambers. weho.org

AP/DAVID GOLDMAN

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he American Civil Liberties Union has made a name for itself worldwide for fighting for equal rights for all U.S. citizens, but the director of its Georgia branch has resigned because she didn’t feel comfortable supporting its work fighting for equal trans bathroom rights. Maya Dillard Smith told Fox News on June 2 that she and the ACLU were “principally and philosophically unaligned on a number of issues,” specifically citing the question of whether trans people should be allowed to use the bathroom of their gender identity, explaining that her own children were left “frightened” by an encounter with trans women in a restroom. “I have shared my personal experience of having taken my elementary school age daughters into a women’s restroom when shortly after three transgender young adults, over six feet with deep voices, entered,” she wrote in a statement published by right-wing site LifeSiteNews. “My children were visibly frightened, concerned about their safety and left asking lots of questions for which I, like many parents, was ill-prepared to answer,” she continued. She went on to argue that the ACLU has

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DIRECTOR OF ACLU GEORGIA RESIGNS OVER ISSUE OF TRANS BATHROOM RIGHTS

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THE

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“G

A Sweet Deal

ood things come in pink boxes,” says the iconic packaging of Voodoo Doughnut, and while gay men might disagree with such a bold statement, L.A. locals are stoked at the recent announcement that the world-famous donut shop—currently based in Portland, with satellites in Eugene, Denver, Austin and Taipei City—will soon call Universal CityWalk home, its first-ever California locale. Founded by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon in 2003, Voodoo is renowned for its rotating roster of more than 100 varieties, most of which call on uncoventional ingredients (Cap’n Crunch, M&Ms, Tang and other outlandish confections) and offer clever names, like the Grape Ape (vanilla frosting, grape dust and lavender sprinkles) and the Cock-N-Balls (a penis-shaped donut topped with chocolate frosting and filled with Bavarian cream, naturally). Voodoo Doughnut will make its anticipated move to the Valley this fall. —Stephan Horbelt JUNE 22, 2016

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SUMMER’S HERE. DRINK UP.

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AGENDA

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Paddles Up THE LOS ANGELES CONSERVATION CORPS—an organization that seeks to provide at-risk youth and young adults with job training, education and work experience in the fields of conservation and service projects—is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and part of that celebration included the May 25 announcement of Paddle the L.A. River 2016. From June 4 through September, on Saturdays, $30 guided kayak tours will lead locals down a 1.5-mile stretch of the L.A. River in the San Fernando Valley. “Every year we look to enhance the Paddle the L.A. River

program,” says Pablo Cardoso, a program director of the L.A. Conservation Corps. “The overall experience has always achieved outstanding remarks, yet we still strive to make the program better. In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the LA Conservation Corps, we lowered the price with absolutely no compromises on the experience. By reducing the number of days on the river, we can continually make adjustments to create a distinctive memory this summer.” Trips are expected to sell out quickly. You can book your on-thewater tour at lacorps.org. —S.H.

NEW BURGER CREATIONS IN THE SEVEN YEARS since the very first Umami Burger opened in Los Angeles, the chain has become a go-to spot for those not satisfied by the four “established basic tastes” we learned about in elementary school. (That’d be sweet, sour, salty and bitter, with “umami” being the fifth, meaning savory.) Regular customers of Umami’s many local spots are familiar with its ever-changing menu, and those who stop by in the coming months will find three new additions: (1) Negroni BBQ Burger: Timed with Campari’s Negroni Week, it features a “blended patty” of beef and wild mushrooms; kale, apple and bacon slaw; smoked gouda; and a Campari BBQ sauce (pictured). (2) Manly Chick Burger: The latest addition to the core menu, it has a chicken breast patty, house beer-cheddar cheese, bacon lardons, smoked-salt onion rings, Umami ketchup and mustard spread. (3) Falafel Burger: A falafel patty, beet-infused couscous, crushed avocado, romaine, tomato, tzatziki and pickled red onion. Suck it, Shake Shack! —S.H. 26

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f you’re like us, you spend the beginning of summer each year hunting down the perfect warm weather cocktail—a drink that is at the same time cool, crisp and, most importantly, refreshing. Well , we may have just found it. Our new favorite sipper, the Summerthyme Fling, can be found at STK LA, inside the W Los Angeles - West Beverly Hills (930 Hilgard Ave., wlosangeles.com/stk), but luckily for your upcoming pool party guests, we were able to secure the recipe. Made with Brugal Especial, an extra dry rum courtesy of the Dominican Republic, it’s doctored up with blueberries, fresh lemon and thyme, meaning it will treat you right during the upcoming heat, but we also won’t shame you for serving it up come fall and winter. 1.5 oz. Brugal Especial .75 oz. lemon juice .75 oz. simple syrup 5 blueberries 2 sprigs thyme splash club soda Muddle the blueberries and thyme. Add the Brugal, lemon and simple syrup. Shake and strain over ice in a tall glass. Top with soda. Garnish with a blueberry and thyme sprig. —S.H.


JUNE 22, 2016

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WHAT’S NEW, DTLA?

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HOP AROUND DOWNTOWN

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5 Gifts Your Daddy Will Love Thanks to Jeffery Bowman—the man responsible for packing Hamburger Mary’s West Hollywood every Wednesday for Legendary Bingo—a night of drag queens handling balls and berating the crowd has become one of our city’s favorite pastimes. But now, thanks to a little innovation on Bowman’s behalf, you no longer need to leave the house for a bout of cut-throat camaraderie. Drag Queen Bingo: The Home Game ($30, dragqueenbingo.com) pits its players (drag queens) against each other in a contest to make the most “Drag Queen Bingo Bucks,” all in an effort to become “Bingo Queen of the Universe.” (Let’s keep the shade to a minimum, though, lest your former friend sets fire to your wig.) Purchase the game at Hamburger Mary’s in WeHo. —S.H.

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Come June 19, make sure your Father’s Day gift is more thoughtul and stylish than your siblings’ 1. Herschel’s Roswell Collection Just made available for purchase on June 2, the Vancouver-based label Herschel—a leading brand in the backpack, duffel and tote arena— combines its contemporary, monochromatic aesthetic with very subtle Southwestern motifs (via geometric embroidery) for this new collection. Personally, we’re suckers for the navy (so chic!), but it’s also available in black and white. $30-$90, herschelsupply.com 2. Makr X Deus Tool Roll Leave your dad looking just as fashionable in the garage as he does during a night on the town with this tool roll, built to conveniently hold all the tools needed to strip an engine. Each one in this limited run is individually hand-crafted, made of waxed canvas and drum-dyed U.S. harness leather that is durable and will only improve with age. $180, shop. us.deuscustoms.com 3. Shark Jaw Bottle Opener After a long day at work, your old man wants to crack open a beer and see what’s on the TV. Now he can ravage a bottle of Amstel like an animal with this metal bottle opener, finished in gold,

Downtown has been invaded by larger-than-life rabbits, as Australian artist Amanda Parer’s public art installation Intrude arrived in DTLA as part of a fourcity national tour. Free and open to observation by the public, these two-story-tall inflatable rabbits, made of white nylon and lit from the inside, are located at FIGat7th (on Figueroa), the Bank of America Plaza (on Hope) and Wells Fargo Center (on Hope), but only until Saturday, June 11.

and turn every week into Shark Week. $10, available at CB2, 8000 Sunset Blvd., WeHo, cb2.com 4. The Dad Box Not sure what your father needs? This year, think outside the box by thinking inside the box. The Dad Box is great for the guy who cleans up well. Inside you’ll find a waxed twill dopp kit (available in navy, olive or charcoal), a leather-bound journal, a set of three pocket squares, a polka dot silk necktie, a wooden tie bar and a Swissmade pocket comb. Basically it’s every item you’ve ever gifted on Dad’s Day in one superconvenient package. $198, ernestalexander.com 5. Around the Fire Cookbook It’s common knowlege that dads (and daddies, too) love grilling. Give him a slab of meat and an open flame—he’ll feed 20. Around the Fire: Recipes for Inspired Grilling and Seasonal Feasting from Ox Restaurant is a new cookbook by Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñonez Dentons, the duo behind the hot Portland restaurant. It’s a book for the guy who wants to take his grill skills up a notch, turning a casual skirt steak recipe into something truly magnificent. $35 on Amazon.com —S.H.

SAY IT AIN’T SO Owners of two DTLA venues popular among the city’s queer community— all-ages concert venue The Smell and the dive-y New Jalisco Bar—arrived to what appeared to be a notice of demolition late last month. It’s since been uncovered that demolition isn’t necessarily imminent, though owners (and patrons) are spooked. The Smell has since launched a GoFundMe campaign with a $1.4M goal to find a new home.

DON’T LOOK DOWN Adventurous diners, the gauntlet has been dropped: Dinner in the Sky, responsible for serving four-course meals 150 feet in the air, are coming to Los Angeles. They’ve been serving skyhigh meals since 2006 (22 guests get strapped into bucket seats, with the waitstaff in harnesses), and dinner will cost you around $400. Make reservations now, as dinners will be held throughout the month of July. dinnerinthesky.com


LGBT FILM FESTIVAL • JULY 7-17, 2016 • OUTFEST.ORG

PUSHING DEAD WED | JULY 13 | 9:45PM | DGA 1 Starring James Roday, Robin Weigert, Danny Glover and Khandi Alexander. For tickets and more information, visit outfest.org PRESENTED BY

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JUNE 22, 2016

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health FOR YOUR

1.

A Bright Future These 6 pairs of kicks from footwear giants prove that incandescent colors are set to be all the rage this summer By Stephan Horbelt

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s the days grow shorter on our quick approach to summer, many a man’s wardrobe will turn a shade or two more luminous, and that includes his kicks—a staple of SoCal life and our local culture’s enduring obsession with a healthy lifestyle. This summer, make a statement with your footwear—the demure need not apply—and, as an added bonus, decrease your chances of getting scuffed up by a car while on your morning jog. 1. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080, $150 2. Asics Gel-Quantum 360 NYC, $170 3. Zoot Men’s Makai, $135 4. Nike Sock Dart SE, $130 5. Under Armour UA SpeedForm Slingshot, $140 6. Reebok Crossfit Nano 5.0, $100

JUNE 22, 2016

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FOR YOUR

health

In Search of a Pretty Peter Sure, every penis looks a little bit different, but there are a few anatomical anomalies that affect quite a few men below the belt By Jim Larkins

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rom L-shaped schlongs to tiny-headed manhood missiles, the world of penises is as diverse as the male population itself. While every dick is pretty much unique to its owner, there are a number of aesthetic anomalies that are shared among the hung herd.

Boner Blemishes Pearly Penile Papules (PPP) consist of raised globular dots along the rim of the corona, or penis head. This phallic tongue-twister isn’t an STD, but it is a non-malignant variation of genital warts, which can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing. PPP doesn’t require treatment unless one is concerned about appearance; if so, carbon dioxide laser treatment is the commonly preferred solution. Occurring in about 90% of the male population are Fordyce Spots. Like PPP, these bumps along the penis shaft ordinarily require no treatment, but if there are cosmetic concerns, one can use Tretinoin

FITNESS WITH AARON SAVVY

➸ Send your questions to aaronsavvy@ gmail.com

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gel or cream, along with alpha hydroxy acids like those used in acne treatments. Another phallic flaw is Phimosis, which involves the inability to fully retract the foreskin in uncircumcised males. Although the pre-pubescent male will remain unaffected by Phimosis, it does need to be corrected once reaching adulthood. Possibly the oddest looking erectile irregularity is also one of the most physically debilitating. Peyronie’s Disease is a curvature of the penile shaft that occurs in 1-4% of men. While a slight arc in the shape of an erect penis is normal, extreme conditions can result in pain upon erection and can make intercourse difficult if not impossible. A Member Makeover For some, these aesthetic anomalies might be a turnoff, while others may not mind them at all. Certainly the beauty of the boner is in the eye of the beholder. For the most part, man must live with what nature

intended, but these days there are some appearance improvements that weren’t available to our forefathers. For instance, if you feel you lost something more than foreskin during your post-natal penile procedure, you have options. Those who long for the uncut member that nature intended can partake in “stretching” methods or even surgical procedures. As with any surgery, though, there is no guarantee things won’t go awry. “Penile skin expansion—by progressive stretching or plastic surgery to gain extra skin length—are certainly feasible procedures, but they are not without considerable risks, not the least of which is loss of sensation of the penile shaft,” says Dr. Jim Bigelow, author of The Joy of Uncircumcising. In the end, there is only so much one can do to alter his phallic appearance. Most men are better off accepting that he possesses something between a beauty and a beast, and to find a partner who genuinely cares enough not to sweat any small penile imperfections.

Other than a fat burner, what can I take to lose weight?

How do I know if I’m lifting the proper weight?

—James, Palm Springs

—Patrick, Hollywood

80% depends on eating healthy. With that said, to expedite weight loss, I suggest taking an L-Carnitine. Instead of a traditional fat burner that usually makes your heart race, L-Carnintine converts your body fat into energy without giving you the jitters.

Proper form is key in lifting. You want to keep your chest out and your shoulders back. If this form breaks, the weight is too heavy. Everyone’s strength will vary. I like to keep my reps in the 10-12 range, which allows good control. Your breathing should also be controlled. If at any time you start to scream or grunt, you’re lifting too much.


JUNE 22, 2016

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FOR YOUR

health ARE YOU COOL FOR THE SUMMER?

Push notifications and woofs from that little brick in your pocket have hijacked your mind, wreaking havoc on your personal relationships, your work ethic and—occasionally—even your safety By Dr. Greg Cason

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our phone is an addiction machine. It’s like having a casino in your pocket with lots of little slot machines (apps) that continually beg for your attention with buzzes, dings and flashes. Then it rewards you for glancing at it with treats in the form of texts, pics and likes. Only the sound of clanking quarters is missing. Whenever you check your phone, you don’t know if it will be a text from that hot guy you met out while your boyfriend was home studying (ka-ching), an email from your mom (clank clank), more likes on your Facebook post (ding, ding, ding) or Kris Kardashian asking you to enter a sham marriage with Kendall Jenner because she loves your mirrored muscle selfies on Instagram (jackpot). Most of the time, there is nothing (silence). Then a little while goes by and you, pretending to wonder what time it is, check your phone again. Each check is a metaphorical lever pull on the slot that happens an average of 150 times per day—all in hopes of getting more of those precious treats. The reason you get hooked to your phone is something called Variable Ratio Reinforcement, a fancy psychological term that means your treats come in an unpredictable pattern (just like slot machines). So the more you play, the more your brain thinks something good is just around the corner. Eventually you’re hooked. Dating apps are the worst offenders. (OK, I realize dating isn’t exactly what these apps are for.) Apps like Scruff, Grindr and Tinder are more like man catalogues that allow you to quickly check out the wares in your area before requesting package delivery. Much like the more generic slot machines of Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, dating apps give you unpredictable reinforcements like woofs, unlocks and matches—and lots of “Hey” and “Sup.” But unlike those other platforms, dating apps center around one primary goal: sex. The resulting sexual arousal when looking at these apps makes us feel more powerful, more alert and more alive. That makes them the most enticing slot machines (slut machines?) in your pocket casino. When the day comes to delete your dating apps (for the

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hundredth time), you still have all your other pocket slots to play with: Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, texts, WhatsApp, et cetera. Not to mention games like Candy Crush that work on these same principles. I’m not saying you need to enter rehab or give up apps altogether, but I am saying you might want to wake up to the fact that you’re less in charge of your obsession with that little brick in your pocket than you think. It’s hijacking your brain, and the consequences can be bad. How many reading this right now have had a fenderbender due to checking your phone while driving, or have incited an argument because you were texting while your boyfriend told you about his day? Perhaps you were passed over for a promotion at work because whenever the boss walks by you are looking down at your phone. Maybe you need to be more in charge of your time and attention. If you’ve been able to read this entire article without checking your phone, you’re on your way. Let’s see if you can take it to the next level. For one week, try these: 1. Driving: Put your phone in the trunk every time you drive. If you’re a passenger, keep it in your pocket and converse with the driver. 2. Eating: Leave the phone in another room when you’re having a meal (or your car if in a restaurant), either alone or with another. 3. Sleeping: Turn your phone off completely one hour before bed, and keep it off for one hour after you wake up. That should be a total of 10 hours per day. If you can’t do any of these, your little casino has you hooked. If you can only do one or two, you have some dependence issues, and you need to start practicing moderation. If you can do all three, congratulations, you are the one in charge … for now.

Contact Dr. Cason by going to DrGreg.com, or interact with him on Twitter @DrGregCason

2. Sweet Thing Good news for those who find themselves on a mission to drop pounds every year before the oncoming summer: while they aren’t required to appear on food until July 2018, new nutrition facts labels have been finalized by the FDA. Manufacturers must now list products’ added sugar (which should be no more than 10% of your daily calories). The worst culprit? Soda, naturally. 3. Best Foot Forward They’re the footwear of the summer, but those Havaianas could be doing more harm than your ’vacation vibe’ is worth. Thonged sandals force you to clench your toes while walking, creating unnatural stress and ultimately causing issues in your feet and calves. Your best bet (other than nixing flip-flops from your wardrobe) is to opt for sandals with arch support. 4. Slather It On We all know that sunscreen is of the utmost importance, but did you know that most people apply 25-75% of the proper amount of sunscreen to their bodies, greatly reducing protection from the sun? Elizabeth Hale, M.D., dermatologist and NYU professor, says you should be applying the equivalent of a full shot glass every two hours.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

ADDICTED TO YOUR PHONE?

1. Before You Dive In A new report from the CDC confirms that public pools are more gross than you ever thought imaginable. Data in five states (including Cali) says 79% of public swimming holes violated at least one safety test, and one in eight resulted in immediate closure “due to serious health and safety concerns.” Eek. Since you aren’t going to bring pH strips with you to the pool, always wear goggles, shower after your swim and if you can’t see the drain at the bottom of the deep end, don’t go in.


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events

nightlife

theater

exhibits

■ Fri. | June 10 FLAMING MAN PrototypeLA

■ Thu. | June 9 MAPPLETHORPE: THE PERFECT MEDIUM The Getty

Iconic shots of his celebrity friends, floral still lifes and graphic S&M depictions come together to celebrate the photographer’s enduring legacy. Through July 31. mapplethorpe.la

San Francisco DJ collective Honey Soundsystem create a downtown discotheque on Pride weekend alongside Jackie House, Bézier and the night’s special guest, DJ Harvey. Purchase a ticket at residentadvisor.net

■ Thu. | June 9 HOME/SICK Odyssey Theatre

New to Market

The West Coast premiere of a theatrical reimagining of the history of the Weather Underground, developed and devised by New York City theater collective The Assembly and members of the cast. odysseytheatre.com

Already a Brooklyn sensation, Smorgasburg brings its unusual culinary delights to DTLA By Patrick Rosenquist

Y ■ Fri. | June 10 L.A. PRIDE West Hollywood Park

■ Thu. | June 9 L.A. DESIGN FESTIVAL Throughout the city

More than two weeks of pop-up galleries, events inside local architecture studios and—of course— cocktail parties. Focus this year is on DTLA, Silver Lake and La Brea Avenue. Through June 26. ladesignfestival.org

SMORGASBURG

■ Fri. | June 10 VANYA & SONIA & MASHA & SPIKE International City Theatre

A send-up of Chekhov’s plays that is so completely hilarious, it doesn’t even matter if you think Chekhov is just that Russian guy on Star Trek. The off-kilter romp is set in bucolic Bucks County, Penn. Through July 3. internationalcitytheatre.org

The weekend is finally here! Three days of programming in West Hollywood that includes big-name pop acts at the festival— Carly Rae Jepsen, Charli XCX and Shamir among them—plus Friday’s Dyke March and Rally, Sunday’s annual parade down Santa Monica Boulevard and the community coming together as one. lapride.org

■ Fri. | June 10 QUEER ROCK EXPLOSION Viper Room

Coinciding with L.A. Pride, this two-evening event is curated by Chris Freeman of Pansy Division to feature queer rock acts like Black Sabbitch, GAYC/DC and Psychic Friend (featuring Will Schwartz of Imperial Teen). Through June 11. viperroom.com

nearly a million visitors per year, making them ou remember the Ramen Burger, two of the most popular tourist destinations in right? That culinary creation sparked the borough. One of the reasons Smorgasburg a ton of headlines a few years ago, has taken off is because of its very specific becoming one of those Instagram-worthy mission—to highlight unusual and delightful foods everyone wanted to nosh. Well, the offerings—meaning there’s food here you can’t venue that launched that filter-ready treat find anywhere else. When evaluating a venis coming to Los Angeles this month. dor, Smorgasburg asks three simple quesSmorgasburg, the Brooklyn-based flea tions: Is what you’re doing special? Can market-cum-gastronomic fair, is takyou maintain a world-class booth ing up residence at the Alameda every weekend? Will you make Produce Market in Downtown Smorgasburg a place where people L.A. Occupying the space every SMORGASBURG can do, see and eat things unique we e ke n d , th e We s t Co a s t Alameda Produce Market to the market? venture of what The New York June 19 The new L.A. venture isn’t just la.smorgasburg.com Times called “the Woodstock about food, though. There will be of eating” is looking to upstage vendors selling a variety of items— its NYC counterpart in every way; most from SoCal, some making the trek with nearly five acres at its disposal, from Brooklyn. The final list of venues hasn’t Smorgasburg L.A. is both larger and more been settled just yet, and as of press time, diverse than its precursor. Smorgasburg is still taking applications. Think of it as Grand Central Market on steThis marriage of the coasts could become a roids. You can grab a cone from McConnell’s, big draw for visitors to Los Angeles. The sheer based out of Santa Barbara, and try a Goa size of the venue, along with its unique offerings, Taco—a New York creation mixing Mexican is the brainchild of Atlas Capital, which itself food with Indian bread. The mix of both coasts has helped steer the redevelopment of DTLA is what makes this version of Smorgasburg over the last decade. The continued revitalizaso exciting; the original had a heavy focus on tion of Downtown—like the reconfiguration of foods and trinkets from New York, while ours Grand Central Market or the endless litany of will feature offerings from both coasts. Pair an hip restaurants dotting its streets—means Los import like the Raindrop cake—a gelatin-based Angeles finally has a traditional core, attracting treat that, yes, looks as clear and clean as a visitors who were formerly more inclined to raindrop—with a drink from Venice Cold Brew. check out the beach or Hollywood. The chance Smorgasburg grew out of Brooklyn Flea, to finally try a Ramen Burger? Now that’s a launching its more food-focused mission in 2011. reason to head downtown. Combined, the Brooklyn institutions attract JUNE 22, 2016

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■ ■ ■ ■

■ Fri. | June 10 BEARRACUDA L.A. Dragonfly

■ Fri. | June 10 MR. BLACK L.A. Union

It's Bearracuda's sixth annual L.A. Pride party, where you can dance and socialize with more than 500 guys in two rooms and a huge patio. DJs include Matt Effect (Sydney), Freddy, King of Pants (Seattle), Ryan Jones and Mateo Segade. bearracuda.com

The event that for years brought you ass-less cocktail servers and party people sporting furs, bowties and sequins has returned, this time with Erika Jayne—ready to give her first performance since joining Real Housewives— and a slew of local DJs. tinyurl. com/gvmj8ap

■ Fri. | June 10 GREAT HORROR CAMPOUT Elysian Park

■ Sat. | June 11 SUBMERGE Mondrian Hotel

An interactive 12-hour overnight event that puts guests into an immersive horror adventure on the Camp Stillwater campgrounds. You can opt for a twoperson or four-person tent. greathorrorcampout.com

DJs Corey Craig and Glovibes will be providing sweet sounds from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at this party that will take over the restaurant’s bar patio in addition to the Skybar Pool. tinyurl.com/ z8wmemf

SNAP SHOTS ✱

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PORTRAIT OF AN ART STAR

CINDY SHERMAN: IMITATION OF LIFE The Broad Museum June 11 thebroad.org

The Broad gives contemporary art darling Cindy Sherman her first big Los Angeles show in two decades

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t’s been nine months since the Broad Museum opened its doors in Downtown L.A., confirming our city’s rightful place as a vanguard of the world’s contemporary art scene. This month will see the Broad’s very first special exhibition, set to showcase the work of one of contemporary art’s leading names, Cindy Sherman. Running through October, Imitation of Life will fill the museum’s first-floor galleries with nearly 120 of her works, most of which are part of the Broad collection, marking the first major museum show of Sherman’s work to hit L.A. in 20 years. “There are 125 Cindy Sherman photographs in the Broad collection, the largest holding of her work in the world, and inaugurating our special exhibitions with an artist whose work sparked the Broads’ deep commitment to contemporary art could not be more appropriate for us,“ says The Broad’s founding director, Joanne Heyler. Sherman is renowned for her self-portraits, in which she embodies a litany of personas and guises, and which she directs and photographs herself, in addition to handling makeup, hair and wardrobe. This exhibit will largely focus on the 20th century’s fascination with popular film and celebrity, pulling photos and film works from her more-than-four-decade career. —Stephan Horbelt

DRAGULA | FAULTLINE Photos by Jeremy Lucido


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OVERBOARD | QUEEN MARY Photos by Jeremy Lucido

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■ Sat. | June 11 SPLAASH Andaz Hotel West Hollywood

■ Sat. | June 11 SWAGGER LIKE US Los Globos

One of the city’s biggest pool parties takes place during Pride weekend, walking distance to the festival and bars of WeHo, all day until sundown. Enjoy the flow of cocktails, DJ sets and private cabanas. tomwhitmanpresents.com

This party for the city's queer community will feature guest DJs, a live performance by Saturn Rising and an appearance by UNiiQU3, a sought-after vocalist of the Jersey Club movement.

■ Sat. | June 11 BONKERZ! Precinct

For Pride weekend, this “big dumb gay party” is bringing none other than drag terrorist Christeene to L.A., along with live performances by Sissy Spastik and Disasterina. precinctdtla.com

■ Through June 12 LA BOHÈME Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

LA Opera’s mainstage season of masterpieces closes with this production of a timeless classic, reveling in the cinematic romance of Paris. laopera.org ■ Sun. | June 12 SUNSET TEA 1 OAK

■ Sat. | June 11 PLAYBOY JAZZ FEST Hollywood Bowl

This L.A. Pride closing party will feature Dan Slater (Sydney) and Dawna Montell (L.A.) on the turntables. Celebrate another year of a Pride survived! The first 100 tickets are only $29 at pridesunday.com.

There's an all-star roster of guests planned for this year's festivities, including host George Lopez, Stephen Colbert, Seth MacFarlane and Janelle Monáe. Through June 12. laphil.com ■ Sat. | June 11 DANCE CAMERA WEST Throughout the city

■ Fri. | May 27 ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS El Capitan Theatre

This 15th annual event incorporates dance as explored through film and live performance. All forms of dance are showcased, from modern to tap to ballet to hip-hop. Through June 19. dancecamerawest.org

Catch the film in Dolby Vision 3D and Dolby Atmos, and before the movie, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Underland in an all-new light and projection show. Through June 12. elcapitantickets.com JUNE 22, 2016

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GIRL BAR | THE ABBEY Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

KAY SEDIA WANTS YOU TO PUCKER UP

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ay Sedia is returning to the L.A. stage, bringing her spicy one-woman-show, Taco Kisses, back to the Cavern Club Theater in Silver Lake for two weekends in June. The audience will watch as a young girl from the simple streets of Tijuana becomes an international high-fashion model of today! Sedia—known by many as one-third of the local crime-fighting trio Chico’s Angels—recently sat down with us at her favorite taco truck to talk Tupperware, all-around sexiness and her favorite subject, herself. —Mike Pingel Tell us, Kay—how did you come up with this great show, Taco Kisses? This is my story, so I guess it came up with me. I yust found a way to tell it through music and sexiness. But how does this new show affect your role as a part of Chico’s Angels? Are you still part of the group? No effect at all, but I must say I feel TACO KISSES a lot lighter not sharing the stage wif Cavern Club Theater the other two Angels. They take up a June 10-25 autoconevents.com lot of space.

Is there a special man in Kay Sedia’s life? Special? As in very pretty special? Or as in not so smart? ... JES! How do you stay so sexy, Kay? Tijuana don’t crack! So I thank the sexy gods, ’cause this is a natural born gift. My yob is to chare it wif eberyjuan ... jur welcome. One last question before you go: Any makeup advice for the ladies out there? Wear very little. I like the ooh so natural look! 40 FRONTIERSMEDIA.COM

SIMPLY DIVINE: COURTESY L.A. LGBT CENTER

For years you’ve been known around the L.A. area as the city’s most popular Tupperware salesperson. Are you still selling Tupperware? Oh, jes, I’m still changing lives through the juse of plastics. I’m still one of the top sellers in all of the USA and Canada. That’s a different country! Ju can get Tupperware from me on my site, kaysedia.my.tupperware.com.


EATINGOUT ■ Sun. | June 12 BEAR BUST Precinct

The bar may be downtown, but Precinct is getting in on the Pride action, with a beer bust offering $3 Miller Lite and Blue Moon drafts and $5 Honey Bear shots. Love Connie hosts, with DJ Nubar spinning for the dance Floor. precinctdtla.com ■ Wed. | June 15 PRIDE COMEDY NIGHT Silver Lake Library

The Friends of Silver Lake Library celebrate the city's LGBT heritage with a night of comedy hosted by Faith Choyce. Suggested donation of $8. fosll.org

■ Fri. | June 17 TRANS PRIDE The Village at Ed Gould Plaza

This year’s celebration kicks off with a screening of Free CeCe, followed by a conversation with activist CeCe McDonald. The art exhibit We Can Be Heroes opens to the public later that evening. Through June 18. tinyurl.com/jjkynkt ■ Sat. | June 18 CELEBRATING ALL LIFE AND CREATION POW WOW Plummer Park

Red Circle Project of APLA celebrates Native American heritage with a day-long exploration of Native foods, arts, music and history. Red Circle will also be providing free HIV testing and resources. redcircleproject.org ■ Thu. | June 16 TOUCH THURSDAYS The Abbey

SES eater 5 com

SIMPLY DIVINE: COURTESY L.A. LGBT CENTER

As the gay weekend starts Thursday, Frontiers presents a night of dancing, drinking and rabble-rousing before it gets fully underway. Join us as we people-watch some of the city’s sexiest men and women ... and maybe ogle a go-go dancer or two. abbeyfoodandbar.com ■ Thu. | June 16 4 DAYS OF HIP-HOP DANCE The Music Center

Walt Disney Concert Hall is transformed overnight into a new location for Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours with a hip-hop special edition featuring roller skating, DJs, graffiti and more. And that's just on Friday. Through June 19. musicenter.org

■ Sat. | June 18 TOM Theatricum Botanicum

This adaptation (with music) brings new eyes to Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which demanded freedom and equality for all, changed how Americans view slavery and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. Through Oct. 1. theatricum.com ■ Sat. | June 18 OPENING NIGHT Hollywood Bowl

You know summer is quickly appraching when Bowl season begins, and this year Steely Dan—featuring founders Walter Becker and Donald Fagen—kick things off. Oh, and fireworks. hollywoodbowl.com

A ‘New American’ Newbie

I

with mild fresh ricotta, pickled green garlic t seems like a lifetime ago (at least in gay and parmesan. years) since O-Bar closed its doors, a The wild-nettle gnocchi with roasted brief stint as WeHo piano bar Don’t Tell cauliflower cream, oyster mushrooms and Mama notwithstanding. But this buzzing hazelnuts is a nice blend of light and rich, and new eatery from restaurateur Rohan Talof earthiness and greenery, while the grilled war and designed—like O-Bar—by Thomas merguez sausage with green garlic spaetzle, Schoos is a worthy reincarnation. red cabbage purée and harissa yogurt is Seating areas abound, from high-top equal parts Morocco and Mitteleuropa. communal tables near the entrance and Cooked on a custom wood-burning grill, seats at those familiar twin bars (one now the third section of the menu is comprised clad in white marble, the other in black of main dishes (if you make it this far)— stone) to lounge-like low-slung tables and specialties like wood-grilled swordfish with your average two- and four-tops. The strikromesco, smashed fingerling potatoes and ing chandeliers, leather chairs, textured salsa verde. The hangar steak is simple but walls, exposed ceiling and indoor trees are hearty, with a flavorful horseradish crème also signature Schoos. fraiche, paprika butter and crispy potatoes. The menu was created by chef Mike You can’t go wrong with that. Williams (The Tasting Kitchen) and plays T h e swe et co rn ice to his and SoCal’s strengths, cream with coconut caramel, including seasonal ingredialmond crunch and sea-salt ents, fresh seafood and woodflakes is a stellar dessert. It’s grilled simplicity, though with even vegan, if you’re sharing Southern accents. with mixed company. There are some large T h e win e lis t is a n dishes, but the focus here interesting compilation of is on small plates for sharlittle-known Californian and ing. It may be bathing-suit European labels, while creseason, but that’s no reason Norah ative cocktails come courtesy not to order the cast-iron 8279 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood of barman Hamish McShane. cornbread with savory-sweet (323) 450-4211 The Blood Orange has a rosemary-honey butter. The norahrestaurant.com Jameson base with dashes crispy cauliflower—popcornof yellow chartreuse, lemon fried in rice-flour batter and $$$$$ juice, handmade blooddusted with smoked paprika orange syrup and an eggand a chickpea tahini—is also Atmosphere white topper for just the right worth a nibble, as are the little Indoor garden party touch of tang. sausages served with kaffir Standout Dishes Since opening earlier this lime-chili jam, herbed salad Sausages, spring, the restaurant has and toasted rice powder. It’s wild nettle gnocchi already established itself with like a very high-end taste of Drinks the likes of Laurel Hardware Saigon street food. Blood Orange cocktail, and Connie & Ted’s as a neighOn the lighter side, the Sweet Tea cocktail borhood mainstay. Here’s shaved asparagus and aruHours hoping the trend continues gula with charred Meyer 5:30 p.m.–midnight daily and Santa Monica Boulevard lemon, mushrooms and parReservations becomes the city’s next dining mesan is spring-fresh, while Recommended destination. —Eric Rosen the chilled English peas arrive

★★★★★

JUNE 22, 2016

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FRESH FRIDAYS | FLAMING SADDLES Photos by Jason King

■ Sun. | June 19 DIRTBAG The Lash

■ Tue. | June 21 UNRULY NATURE The Getty Center

You won't hear Lady Gaga or Beyoncé at the inaugural installment of this rock 'n' roll beer bust, hosted by local queen Squeaky Blonde. A pack of local DJs will provide the soundtrack, and there will be a grill and drink specials. thelashsocial.com

An exhibition of 75 paintings and drawings of landscapes by 19th century French painter Théodore Rousseau. Through Sept. 11. getty.edu ■ Wed. | June 22 COCK, PAPER, SCISSORS Plummer Park

Featuring collages from 15 LGBT artists recycling print and media works, this ONE Archives-presented exhibit focuses on the history of the gay movement, from Stonewall to the present day. Through July 10. one.usc.edu ■ Sun. | June 19 YOGA IN THE PARK Plummer Park

In celebration of World Yoga Day, bring your mat, towel, water and $25 for this Best in Drag Show fundraiser, held from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. yogaintheparkweho.com

This traveling photo exhibit, featuring more than 40 iconic images of the rocker, was curated by the Grammy Museum at L.A. LIVE and defines his career in a new light. grammymuseum.org ■ Sun. | June 19 BOOZY BRUNCH BINGO The Love Song Bar

Enjoy bottomless mimosas while you play Bingo to win concert tickets to upcoming shows at the Regent next door. The shenanigans start at 1 p.m. and it's free to play. theregenttheater.com 42

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■ Wed. | June 22 BEAUTIFUL Pantages Theatre

A musical about female music icon Carole King that takes you from her Brooklyn childhood to being a true force in the '60s music industry. Through July 17. hollywoodpantages.com ■ Thu. | June 23 WRITE THAT DOWN West Hollywood Library

Author Kirk Frederick discusses his book Write That Down: The Comedy of Male Actress Charles Pierce, part of One City One Pride. weho.org/pride ■ Through Aug. 7 A NIGHT AT THE BLACK CAT CABARET Edgemar Center for the Arts

This original cabaret is set in 1940s Paris, where soldiers, smugglers and society’s elite all try to escape the war by dancing and drinking. edgemarcenter.org

DIRTBAG/SQUEAKY BLONDE: AUSTIN YOUNG

■ Through June 19 SPRINGSTEEN: A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY Grammy Museum


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䴀愀渀漀 䄀䴀愀渀漀

JUNE 22, 2016

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2016 Tony Awards Preview

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It’s theater’s biggest night, so here’s a look at cutthroat categories and the industry’s current crop of wunderkinds By Christopher Cappiello

FORBIDDEN LOVE

LOGO ADDS TO ITS SLATE of powerful LGBT docs with Out of Iraq—the love story of two Iraqi men working with the U.S. military, in a country where their love is banned—airing June 13. Same-sex relationships were only recently decriminalized in Iraq but were very much illegal in 2004 when Nayyef Hrebid, a translator, met Btoo Allami, a soldier. They carried on a relationship until Hrebid was forced to flee in 2009 when he became the target of an honor killing. He obtained a U.S. visa but was committed not to leave Allami behind. The film is the latest production by World of Wonder, shepherded to the screen by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, also behind HBO’s recent Robert Mapplethorpe documentary. Out of Iraq arrives shortly after Logo launched its “Global Ally“ campaign to promote stories of LGBT activists worldwide. —Dominic Preston

O

n June 12, the Broadway theater community gathers at the Beacon Theatre on Manhattan’s Upper West Side to honor the best of the season with the 70th annual Tony Awards. This year’s show is hosted by James Corden, host of CBS’s The Late, Late Show, and a Tony winner himself for 2012’s madcap English comedy One Man, Two Guvnors. For theater lovers in the Southland tuning in, here are some factors to bear in mind:

The Hamilton Juggernaut Lin-Manuel Miranda’s highly acclaimed hip-hop take on the life of founding father Alexander Hamilton is a once-in-a-generation sensation that has deservedly sucked up all the oxygen of the Broadway season. With a record 16 nominations, the show has the potential to win 13 awards, which would break the record of 12 set by Mel Brooks’ The Producers in 2001. Miranda is reportedly at work on a special medley for the Tonys, which will be for most viewers a first-glimpse of this revolutionary (pun intended!) show. A touring production is scheduled to invade Los Angeles’ Pantages next year. JUNE 22, 2016

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Clockwise: Peter, Bjorn and John; Caveman’s Matthew Iwanusa; The Monkees

continued

Category Cannibalism This year’s noms include an unusual number of artists from the same show competing against each other. The highest profile case is Miranda’s titular Hamilton facing off against Leslie Odom, Jr.’s Aaron Burr for best actor in a musical. For best featured actor in a musical, three of the five nominees are from Hamilton (including Looking’s Jonathan Groff for his hilarious King George). The Roundabout’s sterling revival of Noises Off has Megan Hilty and Andrea Martin competing for featured actress. In an even more unusual twist, the late, great American dramatist Arthur Miller competes against himself for best play revival, with stellar productions of The Crucible and A View from the Bridge both nominated (and both staged by Belgian director Ivo van Hove).

#TonysSoDiverse Unlike the perennial criticism of the Oscars, this year’s Tonys broadcast will display a glorious diversity in performers. In the genius of Miranda’s Honoring the invention, Hamilton’s foundyear’s best ing fathers are all played productions of Broadway by black and Latino actors. The second-most talked CBS about musical of the season, Sunday, June 12 Shuffle Along, tells the story of a real-life 1921 Broadway sensation that starred an AfricanAmerican cast. That show’s televised number is likely to feature Brian Stokes Mitchell and six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald. The revival with the most buzz is The Color Purple, whose mostly black cast includes Cynthia Erivo, expected winner for best actress in a musical. And in an ironic twist, Lupita Nyong’o—one of the few actors of color honored by the Oscars (12 Years a Slave)—is nominated for her work in best play nominee Eclipsed.

70th Annual Tony Awards

From 99 Seats to Broadway The past year has seen a simmering controversy between Actors Equity and its L.A. membership over the 99-seat agreement that allows union actors to work in small theaters for little pay. In an example of the agreement’s undeniable potential, Deaf West Theater’s 2014 99-seat staging of the Duncan Sheik musical Spring Awakening has made the journey to Broadway and is nominated for best revival.

The Kids Are Alright It seems the best play award often goes to a writer who is either old, British or both. But this year’s four nominated playwrights are all in their mid-30s: Mike Bartlett (King Charles III), Danai Gurira (Eclipsed), Stephen Karam (The Humans) and Florian Zeller (The Father). When you consider that Lin-Manuel Miranda is only 36, a line from Hamilton seems particularly appropriate for this year’s Tonys: “I’m just like my country—I’m young, scrappy and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot.” It was an exciting season and should be an exciting show. 46

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For Your Ears Only CAVEMAN: OTERO WAR

*****

THE MONKEES: GOOD TIMES!

*****

PETER, BJORN AND JOHN: BREAKIN' POINT

*****

Available June 17 // It pains me to admit this, but facts are facts: it’s been a good year for indie pop. After Ra Ra Riot’s superior fourth release, Need Your Light; Bear Hands’ personal best, You’ll Pay for This; and Brooklyn quintet Caveman’s third album, Otero War ... well, these bastards are making it hard for me to keep hating their genre. If you go by Otero War’s cover of a fallen spaceship with a vaguely human shape you might expect a concept record based on an as-yet-unknown YA dystopian fiction. And though there are plenty of big spaces and major chords and large emotions in the music, there’s nary an alien in sight. What we get is an of-the-moment report from the frontlines of being Brooklyn indie kids. (They’re just like everyone else. Who knew?) Good love, bad love, no love, why can’t I find love? It’s all swaddled in beautiful tunes with rousing choruses delivered in Matthew Iwanusa’s warm phrasing. This is the indie summer record of 2016. —Dan Loughry

Available June 10 // To a young mind in the middle of the 1960s, there wasn’t much to differentiate television’s The Monkees from their spiritual English cousins, The Beatles. Well, in retrospect, there was plenty, but at the time they seemed to a 5-year-old more alike than not: a bunch of silly guys running around to hyper-catchy tunes that put a smile on your face and made you want to sing along. And that’s basically what The Monkees still do on Good Times! with the help of some surprising acolytes who contribute here: from Fountains of Wayne, Adam Schlesinger (production duties and one song); Andy Partridge’s perfect ’60s pastiche “You Bright the Summer”; “Me & Magdalena” by Ben Gibbard (which would have made a great addition to the last Death Cab for Cutie record) and more. Good Times! is just that—from the ’60s summer-of-love chimes to the posthumous Davy Jones contribution “Love to Love.” Sure, it’s a nostalgia trip, but it’s certain to light up your inner 5-year-old. —D.L.

Available June 10 // After five years of inactivity, everyone’s favorite Swedish trio Peter, Bjorn and John have returned with an album. Not content with lapping up royalties from their unfortunate 2 Broke Girls theme song, P,B & J have set out to update their cheery, tuneful sound. Breakin’ Point sounds like a Squeeze album filtered through a Miike Snow cheesecloth. The songs are all solid. The ideas are there. It’s just innovation that is lacking. Ten years ago, the band made whistling sound cool on their twee showstopping signature tune “Young Folks.” Now the band makes whistling sound like wallpaper. An inevitability of the Peter, Bjorn and John sound? It doesn’t have to be. With six (!) producers working on this mildly pleasant album, it’s a shame the group couldn’t come up with something more interesting. —Dominik Rothbard


4 TRACKS FOR YOUR POOLSIDE PLAYLIST

Clockwise from top left: Dead Calm, Tentacles, Open Water, Zombi 2, Jaws: The Revenge

“CAN'T STOP THE FEELING”

5 FILMS NOT TO WATCH BEFORE GETTING IN THE WATER

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aws ruined water for most humans. So much so that when listing movies that make people scared of getting into the water, you have to exclude the 1975 film, as it so successfully accomplished Steven Spielberg’s goal of making people fear not only the ocean but lakes, rivers and swimming pools— beyond all reason of how a shark could possibly be lurking underneath. But Jaws is hardly the only flick designed to drive people away from the water. Yes, there’s the Blake Livelystarring The Shallows, in theaters June 29—which looks scary for reasons including and in addition to shark-infested waters—but it’s just the latest in a history of water terror cinema. Here are five more films that should rightly scare you into being a lifelong landlubber.

Open Water (2003)

Carrie. Dressed to Kill. The Untouchables. Scarface. These are but a handful of the best known films by iconoclastic director Brian De Palma. Now nearing 70, he’s been called a sadist, a misogynist and other pejoratives by detractors, and has been hailed by more than a few champions (including the late film critic Pauline Kael). De Palma—writers/directors Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow’s lively documentary, out June 10—allows the auteur to speak for himself. Over the course of nearly two hours, that’s all you need (and some fantastic film clips from his career). He’s unfiltered and cleareyed. For fans, it’s a must-see. For novices, watch and learn. —D.L.

A film that features sharks as a the primary villain but human incompetence as the true big bad, Open Water revolves around a married couple left to shark-infested water when their scuba-diving group heads back to shore without them. The film is all the more horrifying because it was based on a real-life incident.

Tentacles (1977) Perhaps the scariest part of Jaws was the eagerness with which studios ripped it off. Among many other imitators, there was 1977’s Orca, which features a killer whale terrorizing Charlotte Rampling; 1978’s Piranha (and its sequel, its remake and its remake’s sequel); 1977’s Tintorera, which features an incomprehensible plot; and 1976’s Mako, which

COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN OUT NOW Me Before You Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

just plain sucks. But who needs Roy Scheider chasing a shark when you could have Shelley Winters and a homicidal octopus? For sheer icky dread, suckered tentacles beat shark teeth any day.

Justin Timberlake rolls old-school and newschool into one to get your party started right.

Dead Calm (1989) Not all water-based thrillers must feature apex predators. This 1989 film features Sam Neill and Nicole Kidman’s old face opposite an in-his-prime Billy Zane. It should serve as a stern warning against ever helping stranded shipwreck victims and also against ever sailing around the Pacific with your significant other.

Zombi 2 (1979) An Italian-made zombie film starring Mia Farrow’s little sister Tisa, it features one of the most traumatic eye injuries in the history of horror flicks. But the scene to deter most viewers from entering the water is a lengthy underwater fight between a member of the shambling undead and a real, live shark. It looks damn real, as far as zombie fight scenes go, and should make any viewer terrified for the safety of the stuntman wearing zombie makeup, risking life and limb to tussle with a shark.

Jaws: The Revenge (1987) Yes, it’s the fourth Jaws movie, but it gets an entry on this list for reasons wholly independent of the reasons making the original an aquatic horror legend. Who the hell decided Lorraine Gary could lead a movie? And who decided she was more interesting than Jaws 3 ’s Lea Thompson? Oh, what’s that? You say Gary was married to the president of Universal Pictures? Well, Hollywood nepotism is itself a terrifying force in its own right. —Drew Mackie

JUNE 10

JUNE 17

The Conjuring 2 Genius Now You See Me 2 Warcraft

Central Intelligence Finding Dory Independence Day: Resurgence

JUNE 24 The Duel Free State of Jones The Neon Demon Swiss Army Man Wiener Dog

“LIKE I WOULD”

From the old JT to the new one: ZAYN (no small letters for him) is only interested in going in one direction, and that’s straight to your … let’s just say heart.

“ALL FOUR WALLS”

Gorgon City, the best dance duo of 2014 (sorry, Disclosure), enlists upand-comer Vaults and rages back strong with this house-y taste of their August-dropping, worldconquering double-dose of disco: Kingdom, Pt. I and Kingdom, Pt. II.

“SEXY MF”

Pay homage to the master himself, Prince, and get the temperature rising with this sexy motherfucker of a dance track that just never lets up. —D.L.

JUNE 22, 2016

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SET YOUR

DVR 1. OJ: MADE IN AMERICA

1

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You’re probably wondering what’s going on with OJ Simpson. After all, it’s been a few hours since he’s been on TV. Well, have no fear. ESPN Films presents a 10-hour, fivepart look at The Juice over the course of one week. (Saturday, June 11, ESPN)

2. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

After four years, is orange still the new black? The answer’s a resounding yes. With Alex on the verge of being killed, Piper in hot water and a truckload of new inmates to contend with, Season 4 is as exciting as ever. Bonus: Flaca and Big Boo have been added as series regulars! (Friday, June 17, Netflix)

3. MOTHER, MAY I SLEEP WITH DANGER?

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4

Every week Lifetime tries to top itself in the weirdness department. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, it has remade a notoriously hilarious made-for-TV classic, only with a twist. Using a story by James Franco, it reunites original stars Tori Spelling and Ivan Sergei for a lesbian/vampire spin on the original. Huh? (Saturday, June 18, Lifetime)

4. EJ & THE CITY

E! proves it’s not yet done dismantling the world with reality programming, as its latest breakout star, the androgynous EJ Johnson (son of Magic) stars in this enigmatically titled series where he and his gaggle of hangers-on travel from coast to coast being fabulous or something. (Sunday, June 19, E!)

5. PERSON OF INTEREST

6

TELEVISION LONG DIVISION

1989’s Uncle Buck

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27 Years

John Candy

Mike Epps

Uncle Buck, June 14, ABC

6. BIG BROTHER

It just isn’t summer until Julie Chen says “...but first.“ Big Brother isn’t a TV show but a way of life, and this season it’s widely speculated to be partially populated with returning house guests. We’d love to see last season’s Jason, Johnny Mac and even Vanessa give the newbies a run for their money. Anybody but (say it with me now) Frankie Grande. (Wednesday, June 22, CBS) —Dominik Rothbard

PHOTO CREDIT TK

5

After five seasons, this series turns on “The Machine“ one last time. Our inside sources tell us the POI saw the writing on the wall and crafted a satisfying series finale, but unless there’s some kind of crazy Taraji P. Henson Cookie-crossover, I’m not going to be satisfied. (Sunday, June 19, CBS)


“MESMERIZING. PROBING, SUBTLE AND AFFECTING.” – David Rooney, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

ALFREDO CASTRO LUIS SILVA OFFICIAL SELECTION

A FILM BY

LORENZO VIGAS

strandreleasing.com

STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 17

WEST HOLLYWOOD Sundance Sunset Cinemas sundancecinemas.com Free 3-Hour Validated Parking. All Shows 21+

FRONTIERS THUR 6/09 8TH PAGE 4C (3.719" x 2.328")

JUNE 22, 2016

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READY

LEO CASTRO

57 pieces of swimwear that are travel-tested—from the lush rainforests of Brazil and the beaches of Spain to local pools and scorching weekends in the desert By Stephan Horbelt

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LEO CASTRO

CA-RIO-CA

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MR TURK

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RETROMARINE

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RADICAL ENERGY

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TIM PALEN

RUFSKIN

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A Man and

His Dog In the brand-new novel Lily and the Octopus, local writer Steven Rowley deftly captures the feelings of love and loss that accompany a pet’s death By Drew Mackie

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Y YOU CAN DECIDE for yourself what is the most remarkable aspect of Lily and the Octopus, the debut novel by L.A. writer Steven Rowley. It could be that Rowley turned his grief over the death of his beloved dachshund into a story about a man who thinks his dog can talk and who envisions the dog’s brain tumor as an octopus attached to her head. It could be that Rowley, 45, had worked as a screenwriter for years without much success yet managed to snag a nearly $1 million advance from Simon & Schuster. Or it could be that, at least initially, Rowley developed the book in an effort to impress a guy. He had only recently begun dating his boyfriend, Byron Lane, when he ended a six-month-long break from writing following the death of the real-life Lily. When he gave the initial text to Lane to read, Lane told him this was a project he should see to completion. In Rowley’s head, he had already completed what he’d set out to do. “But he was someone I wanted to impress, so I sat down and wrote chapter two,” Rowley recalls. Perhaps the most notable part of the story behind Lily and the Octopus is that Rowley, tired of waiting for screenplays to materialize into movies, had planned to self-publish the book—and was only stopped from doing so when Molly Pisani, the freelance editor he’d hired, asked if she could forward it to Simon & Schuster. “That was on a Friday,” Rowley says. “I got a call from them on Monday.” By the following Saturday, the deal had closed, and while that Great Dane-sized advance was reason to celebrate, Rowley had to resign himself to waiting more than a year for the book to hit shelves. “There was a part of me that knew how badly I wanted to get this book out there,” he says. “I thought about all the ways the world could end before the book saw the light of day.” That day arrived this month, on June 7, when the general public finally got to crack open Lily and the Octopus and read Rowley’s unguarded exploration of the heartache that can come with the loss of a pet. “Everyone says this is a dog book, but to me it’s very much about a

man who’s stuck in his life and who’s trying to break through,” Rowley says. “I never imagined this out there in such a major way, and maybe that helped me, because in writing it, I didn’t pull any punches.” Like Rowley himself, his analogue in the story, Ted Flask, is gay, and while years of screenwriting compromises had prepared him to defend his choice to have a gay protagonist, his editor at Simon & Schuster was happy to retain this element. “I was writing a personal story, and I don’t know how to separate myself from my gay experience. My politics, my humor, my interests— everything is intertwined with being gay,” he says. “So when I said I don’t want to de-gay the character, my editor actually teared up. She said, ‘It pains me to think that we would even ask you that.’” In real life, Rowley and Lane eventually adopted a new dog, a rescue they’ve named Tilda Swinton. Despite the pain of losing Lily, Rowley says he knew he had to open his home—and himself—to a dog that needed love. “For gay men in particular, it’s a specific bond that other relationships may not provide. Oftentimes, gay men can lead lives where our needs are front and center and we’re not responsible for more than ourselves. For me, having another living being whose needs come before my own was a new experience,” he says. “Getting a dog and seeing her through her entire lifetime, that’s unique. I think it’s important to do it again and again—to put yourself up for that pain. It’s so worth it.” Of course, Lily and the Octopus proved to be worth it, financially speaking, but Rowley maintains that his book adds a necessary queer coloring to the oeuvre of dog literature. “There are a lot of books about dogs out there, and I tried to add something interesting to it,” he says. “The ‘a man and his dog’ stories are surprisingly heterosexual, and I’m proud to add a gay entry to all that.” The excerpt on the following page from Lily and the Octopus is an early scene between Ted and his therapist. JUNE 22, 2016

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continued

FRIDAY

“HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?” It’s Friday again, which means I’m back in Jenny’s office having scant recollections of Wednesday or Thursday. There was supposed to be another date with the hugging guy, but I cancelled since I was feeling gross and unattractive and unworthy of being loved. Ironically, this will probably help him clarify his feelings; men are hunters and tend to like other men who don’t make it easy. Mostly, this week I withdrew. Withdrawing, however, is difficult in therapy—even therapy with Jenny. It’s especially hard today, as Jenny sits forward on her chair with renewed zeal for her occupation. As if another patient weary of her obtuse observations has reported her to some board and she’s trying to avoid additional complaints. I don’t want to answer her question, or maybe I don’t know how. How was my week? The visit to the vet was... irritating? Not knowing the difference between a straight bar and a gay bar was... humiliating? My mouth is empty of adjectives and qualifying words, so I relent and swallow and sigh and tell her something else. “I might as well fill you in on our visitor.” “When you say our...” Jenny pauses. This is the kind of thing she never would have questioned in previous sessions. She would have figured it out contextually, or just not have been invested enough to care. This is an entirely new Jenny, and I don’t like her. “Lily and me. And my. And mine.” The proper syntax eludes me. “You and Lily. Okay. Proceed.” Jenny licks her upper lip, hungry for more of the story. “Lily and I have an octopus.” I pause for dramatic effect, but only get a confused stare. I launch into the whole ordeal. It’s already becoming like the package of stories I have pre-selected to recount on dates; I bore myself in the telling. Jenny nods as she listens and her eye contact is unwavering. I almost don’t know who this woman is that I’m pouring my heart out to. Seriously, her scrutiny is unnerving. “And when you say octopus, you mean...” “Octopus. When I say we I mean Lily and I, and when I say octopus I mean octopus.” Jenny still looks uncertain, so I pull out my phone and show her the picture of Lily and I with the lei. “Look. Right here. Except now it’s bigger and more prominent and angry.” Jenny studies the photo and uses her fingers to zoom in on the octopus. This in itself enrages me (even though I did the same thing), like she’s saying I’m making mountains out of molehills, that I have now been living a week and a day on the edge of hysteria for nothing. Plus, I just told her it was bigger now. Meaner. When she looks up there’s something akin to pity in her eyes. Something more than a sorrowful understanding, yet shy of commiseration. But I don’t want her pity, or whatever is pity-adjacent. I don’t need it. I am going to fix this. I am going to prevail over the octopus. Jenny hands me back my phone. “Have you been to the veterinarian?” “On Monday.” “What did she say?” Jenny does this thing where she defaults to the feminine pronoun to make some sort of point about a male-dominated society, something she probably picked up in a women’s studies class in the late 1990s and that now feels woeful and stilted. “He”—I emphasize the he—“couldn’t say much of anything.” “How do you feel about that?” When I don’t want to answer the question someone asks I just give the answer to another, unasked question. I realize in this moment that I do this a lot. “I find myself leaving her alone for short periods. I don’t want to be apart from her, but to be with her means I also have to be with him.” I pause and Jenny nods. “Plus, the octopus came when I wasn’t there, and there’s a part of me that thinks I need to be gone for him to leave.” “Maybe the octopus isn’t going to leave.” My answer to that is a glare.

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“Maybe the octopus isn’t going to leave, and what you’re doing is emotionally detaching from Lily.” My stomach turns. “That’s offensive. You’re being offensive.” “I’m not meaning to be. It’s a natural reaction to grief.” “Grief?” I say it with three question marks, as the word catches me by surprise. “What are you talking about? I’m not grieving.” Jenny raises an eyebrow as if to say, aren’t you? “Grieving what? I’m fully focused on forcing the octopus to leave.” “Why can’t you do both?” she asks. Look who showed up to play. Jenny continues. “Why can’t you focus on getting the octopus to leave and prepare yourself for the possibility that he may not?” “He will leave.” “I’ll leave that for you and the vet to say. But Lily is older, and you’ve said yourself that she was the runt of her litter and her health has at times been tenuous. Unless something catastrophic happens to you in the near future, in all likelihood she is going to predecease you, and in the greater context of your life, relatively soon. If it’s not the octopus that takes her, something else will eventually. A rhinoceros or a giraffe.” “A rhinoceros or a gir – how would a dog have a giraffe?” New Jenny has gone completely around the bend. “It’s natural, as our loved ones age, to start grieving their loss. Even before we lose them.” I run her words by my imaginary therapist, the one who I count on to take Jenny’s bungled advice and turn it into something less botched. He’s strangely silent for once; I’m afraid it means he finds nothing wrong with her diagnosis. “What is grief, anyhow? What does it even mean?” I’m being obstinate. “People describe it in different ways. I’d say it’s a temporary derangement. Freud put it as something like a departure from the normal attitude toward life.” I stare Jenny square in the eyes so she can see my annoyance. “One, my questions were rhetorical. I know what grief is. Two, thank you for calling me deranged.” Jenny smiles as if to soften her insult. “Grief is a pathological condition. It’s just that so many of us go through it in life that we never think to treat it as such. We just expect people to go through it, endure it, and come out the other side.” The sun pours through the window and lands in a puddle just beyond Jenny’s feet. She kicks off her shoes and stretches her naked toes into the sunlight. It reminds me of Lily, who makes a catlike effort to find whatever sun she can to nap in. I think of the Valium and Vicodin that have sometimes been my sunshine; my desire to crawl into their warming rays. “Fine. I’m grieving. Maybe you can write me a prescription.” Unfortunately, Jenny knows my fears about addiction and doesn’t bite. “We’ll see.”

Lily and the Octopus By Steven Rowley 320 pp., $26 (Simon & Schuster) Available now


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PALM SPRINGS Clockwise from top left: The Skylark, The Saguaro, Hard Rock Hotel, The Parker, Ace Hotel & Swim Club

5 POOLS FOR A DESERT DIP

Lounging poolside in Palm Springs is a must for SoCal residents, and there’s no lack of options for the sun-craving Angeleno with a brand-new suit to show off By Patrick Rosenquist

W ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. acehotel.com/palmsprings

THE SAGUARO 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr. thesaguaro.com

THE PARKER 4200 E. Palm Canyon Dr. parkerpalmsprings.com

SKYLARK HOTEL 1466 N. Palm Canyon Dr. skylarkps.com

HARD ROCK HOTEL 150 S. Indian Canyon Dr. hrhpalmsprings.com

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hat pairs better with Palm Springs’ dry heat and desert landscape than a nice, refreshing dip in the pool? Palm trees, pools and air conditioning are the holy trinity of this resort town, and you don’t have to go far to find a nice body of water to lounge around. But with so many options, which ones are best? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for: Quiet time to catch up on a book? A great place to people-watch while you idle the night away? Maybe you’re looking for something a little more sexy—a place to show off that new suit. You’ll find nearly every vibe in Palm Springs, especially at these favorites of ours.

Ace Hotel & Swim Club Considering it has the word “swim” in its name, the Ace takes its aquatic ventures seriously. There are two pools on site, with the Commune Pool serving as the quieter, familyfriendly venue perfect for daytime relaxing. The Swim Club pool, though, is a real desert draw. Weekends bring DJs to the popular and gay-friendly hangout, with food and drinks served until 2 a.m. It’s the premier place to people-watch in the desert, and you’ll see some of SoCal’s finest taking in the scene. Not staying at the Ace? Snag a day pass for $30.

The Saguaro Palm Springs There’s no mistaking The Saguaro for any other hotel. Drenched in eye-popping colors inspired by desert flora, its bright and cheery feel extend to the heart of the hotel— a massive collection of pools and hot tubs. A poolside bar offers cocktails as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its acclaimed Mexico City-inspired restaurant, El Jefe, also offers Taco Tuesday deals and happy hour specials, with a wide range of tequilas on-hand. Margaritas, tacos and sunbathing—what could be missing?

The Parker Palm Springs Nothing captures a sophisticated desert vibe like The Parker. Its sprawling estate is littered with fire pits, forested trails and a gigantic chess set, making it easy to hide out and relax at this upscale resort. You’ll find three pools: the Silicone Valley pool is a family-friendly way to escape the heat; the Gene Autry pool is an adults-only, 24-hour piece of Coachella paradise. Want to swim but can’t stand to leave the AC? The indoor body temperature pool—part of the spa, Palm Springs Yacht Club—offers a reprieve from those afternoon mercury spikes, and even features two Jacuzzis. It’s the perfect place to grab a single-malt scotch and while the day away, Rat Pack-style.

Skylark Hotel Billing itself as not just a “gay-friendly” hotel but a “friendly” hotel, The Skylark is an easygoing alternative to Palm Springs’ abundance of action-oriented LGBT hotels. This pool is open around the clock, offering visitors the chance to take a dip whenever the mood strikes. Its recent makeover reflects the locale’s mid-century heritage—both Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis were reportedly guests during its heyday—with invigorating pops of color. There’s also a pool party every Saturday, complete with free hot dogs and hamburgers.

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs Its central location makes the Hard Rock a popular spot to hang while exploring the town. Exuding a proper party vibe (it’s the Hard Rock, after all), the pool is best known for its coveted cabanas. Snag one in advance, and be prepared to shell out for prime poolside real estate. (They start at $150 per day and can reach up to $2,000 during peak season.) Weekends feature DJs spinning until early evening. If you’re not staying on site, passes range from $10 on weekdays to $20 on Saturday.


PALM SPRINGS Fri. | June 10 SPLASH HOUSE Saguaro and Riviera Hotels

This weekend-long poolside music festival takes place at two venues, plus an afterhours party at the Palm Springs Air Museum. splashhouse.com Mon. | June 13 TRIVIA CONTEST Ace Hotel

Put all that minutia cluttering your mind to use as Bella da Ball hosts the weekly contest, starting at 9 p.m. acehotel.com/ palmsprings

Thu. | June 23 DRAG COMPETITION Toucan’s Tiki Lounge

Fri. | June 17 LOVE, SEX AND THE IRS Joslyn Center

Weekly drag competition at 10 p.m., with the winner determined by audience applause. toucanstikilounge.com

Two straight roommates claim to be a married couple on their income taxes, prompting a visit from the IRS in the Billy Van Zandt/Jane Milmor comedy, playing through June 25. joslyncenter.org

Fri. | June 24 PARTY Desert Rose Playhouse

Fri. | June 17 KIM KUZMA Purple Room

The Canadian sensation sings ‘70s-style disco and more. purpleroompalmsprings.com Tue. | June 21 SHORTFEST Camelot Theatre

Hundreds of short films will screen during the annual six-day film festival. psfilmfest.org

David Dillon’s hilarious off-Broadway hit about seven gay friends playing a risqué version of Truth or Dare, playing through the end of July. desertrose playhouse.org Fri. | July 1 LESLIE JORDAN Copa Room

Best known for playing Beverly Leslie on TV’s Will & Grace, Jordan presents his new one-man show, Stra?ght Outta Chattanooga, for three shows, playing through July 3. copapalmsprings.com

PLAY WHERE LEO PLAYS HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY to stay in an Oscar winner’s lavish Palm Springs home during the height of the desert’s winter season? One lucky person paid $336,000 for the privilege of staying at actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s 1.3 acre estate in the city’s Old Las Palmas area. The recent Academy Award winner (for The Revenant) auctioned off a week-long stay at his home during the American Foundation for AIDS Research’s 23rd annual Cinema Against AIDS event, held during the Cannes Film Festival last month. DiCaprio paid $5.2 million in early 2014 for the 7,022-square-foot, six-bedroom, 7.5-bath mid-century house designed by architect Donald Wexler. Built in 1965 for Dinah Shore, the house is frequently rented out as an event space. The lucky bidder can bring up to 11 guests and can stay from Jan. 16-23, provided they abide by “house rules.” —James F. Mills JUNE 22, 2016

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THE WORLD OF BILLY MASTERS From left: Richard Simmons, Jan Crouch, Trey Pearson, Cher, Mark Brent, Zac Efron

MOURNING THE LOSS OF A BEWIGGED LEGEND, THE SIMMONS SAGA CONTINUES, WHO WANTS TO CLONE ZAC EFRON? A Legend Lost Before tackling any big stories, I must acknowledge the death of someone who gave me hours of laughs: televangelist Jan Crouch. Most would not consider her a laugh riot, while others don’t know who she was. Jan and her husband Paul founded Trinity Broadcasting Network, the largest religious TV network in the world. Jan was known for her pink hair—well, hair is really stretching it. I think a more accurate word is wig, or, more specifically, wigs. There were usually three to four wigs in use simultaneously, of varying shades and styles. I once ventured to the TBN home in Costa Mesa, hoping to meet Jan. I was told she was not “receiving,” but I could visit the Virtual Reality Theater. I suspect that would have been more real than seeing her in the flesh. RIP. The Simmons Saga Continues Recently fitness guru Richard Simmons’ housekeeper noted her boss was “acting strangely.” She called 911 to report “bizarre behavior,” and paramedics were dispatched from the LA Fire Department. They determined he should be brought to the hospital for further evaluation. Reportedly, he was released the next day and returned home. Shortly thereafter, a string of posts appeared on his Twitter account regarding disjointed subjects like the killing of gorilla Harambe or the release of some new emojis. Stay tuned... Inside the Christian Closet The story of Christian rocker Trey Pearson is an interesting one. He’s the lead singer of the Columbusbased band Everyday Sunday, which he founded in 1997. He’s also married to a woman and has two kids, but he always felt something wasn’t right. As time went on, less and less was right. His relationship with his wife was strained, and a proposed tour with his band was abruptly cancelled. Pearson tried to 70

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make ends meet by driving for Uber. During one of his trips, he met a writer and just began telling his story. That’s how it all started. “I never wanted to be gay. I was scared of what God would think and what all of these people I loved would think about me,” he wrote in his coming out letter. As a result of his revelation, he’s getting a flurry of attention—and a gig! Everyday Sunday will be headlining Columbus Pride on June 17. The Circle of Theater Bette Midler is doing her due diligence in preparing for the role of Dolly Levi. While she has watched virtually every filmed performance of Hello, Dolly at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, she also went to the horse’s mouth by visiting Carol Channing. Now, that’s how you do your research. The fact that Channing won the Tony for Dolly over Streisand in Funny Girl, only to have Babs snap up the film version of Dolly adds to the circuitous nature of life in the theater (to say nothing of Bette doing her remake of Gypsy 23 years ago). The long-gestating musical based on the life of Cher is still inching along. Cher: The Musical has landed Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller. Plans still persist for the role of Cher to be played by three different actresses, each focusing on a specific era of the actress’ life—her childhood days, her days with Sonny Bono and her solo years. There continue to be reports that Cher herself will appear in the finale. But like many dates on her last tours, I bet she simply sends out the hologram instead. Sting Like a Bee It was just announced that over 100 props from the film Dirty Grandpa are being auctioned off. When the film came out, we were flooded with photos of Zac Efron in that bumble bee jock strap (and a few inches of what was underneath popped up on my

site). So we were intrigued when we saw Lot #99: Jason Kelly’s Stunt Hornet Jock Strap. (Jason Kelly was the name of Efron’s character.) Here is how the item is described: “A wardrobe tag reading ‘Stunt Jason w/Hornet’ is included. The item shows minor wear and dirt stains from storage after filming, but remains in good condition.” You know what that means? With scientific technology advancing, you might be able to get some DNA out of those stains and grow your very own Zac Efron—or, at the very least, his stunt double! Either way, count me in! Ask Billy: Model Citizen Our question comes from Patrick in San Diego: “Do you know model Mark Brent? I’ve heard there are some nude photos of him floating around out there. If anyone can find them, you can.” Much like Miss Lana Turner at the soda counter, Mark Brent was just a normal 18-year-old boy who was discovered in a shopping mall. In the past few years, the fetching fella has been featured in a number of high-profile campaigns for H&M, Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch, et cetera. Allegedly, Brent sent out some photos and videos of a very graphic nature. He was smart enough to not show his face, but, alas, his downfall was a distinctive tattoo on his hip. You know what they say—hips don’t lie! You can see every inch of Brent on my site. When I’m trotting out a reference to Lana Turner, it’s definitely time to end yet another column. As usual, you can find more details about these and other breaking stories on BillyMasters. com, the site that never sleeps. If you have a question for me, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before we get our hands on Zac’s stinger! Or before Brent appears in a Shakira video! So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.


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