O&AN August 2011

AUG 2011

VOLUME 10 I ISSUE 8

f o

n m o i o d s e F re r e s p Ex

Jos ey Greenwell

Chris Bur k e S teff M ah an Ch asen Iglehart

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Mus ic w ith a m e aning

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Josey Greenwell, best known as a bartender at Tribe Nashville, is working to make a name in another arena: country music. The Colgate Country Showdown champion in 2006, Greenwell is currently working on music for an upcoming project, songs drawn from his experience in the barroom and the bedroom.

Telling stories of heartbreak and happiness through music has been a long-time goal for the Kentucky native. After graduating from Bethlehem High School with honors, Greenwell enrolled at Western Kentucky University and started attending writer’s nights in Nashville in hopes of making connections. After a record deal fell by the wayside, Greenwell recorded an independent project, My Life On the Radio, that helped him make major headway in the music business. Career highlights include a slot as opening act on Little Big Town’s “A Place to Land” tour, and appearances at the 2010 Detroit Hoedown and the 2010 CMA Festival.

Greenwell credits his sturdy work ethic and a strong fanbase for his achievements to date, and he takes a break from slinging drinks and singing hits to chat with Out & About Newspaper about what the future holds.

What about a piece of music---melody, lyric, instrumentation---grabs you first?

Well, it’s funny because I’m drawn to different things when listening to a song than I am when writing a song. When listening I usually am pulled in by the instrumentation and chord progressions or beats if it’s pop. When writing a song, the melody will usually come to me first and then I build around that. But as a songwriter myself, it’s always crazy to hear new songs and think of how they created that or what they had to be thinking when writing the piece together....good or bad!

People always ask me if I write songs about girls or guys. I actually think because of the fact I’m gay it puts a more interesting twist on who my songs are about or who they are directed to. Suspicion is always very enticing to the human mind, but like I said it’s just interesting. Who I write my songs about is just an interesting factor about the making of it, not a makeor-break key factor to the listener. I hope people will take my songs and apply it to their own personal lives, whether they like boys or girls. Most of the time though they are about relationships I have with people, certain situations I’ve been in with them, or different wants and desires I have.

What’s the best part about performing in front of a live audience?

I think the best part about performing in front of a live audience is really the fact that you are being given this opportunity to touch someone with a

message, that’s why I like to write all my songs based on personal experiences. Music is so powerful and can really just define someone’s life and I think that is what a lot of mainstream artists are lacking in their songs is true depth, so I always try to keep a balance of emotion as well as that fun factor in everything I write.

How has working as a bartender influenced your music?

It honestly has really helped me a lot. Seeing so many people every time I work has really helped me to see just what certain people like, what gets them in a good mood or what they don’t like. With the diverse crowd that comes in, it’s great writing material! (laughs) As much as I put myself into the songs I write, I think if certain people would like them just to keep it very universal. I like to hone in on the songs that people are having a good time with and kind of analyze why they like them. When I first started bartending, no one really knew I had already been through a lot with my music career and with a label here in town, so I kind of kept to myself and observed while I started to write for this next project. Everyone has a song; it’s just about pulling it out of them! So if you’re ever seeing me with this blank look on my face, that’s usually what I’m doing is thinking. Being a bartender not only has influenced my music, but also given me the opportunity to be flexible with my schedule if I needed to go somewhere on a whim. So I owe most of that “thank you” to everyone at Tribe for allowing me to chase my dreams and still be a part of their team.

What are your main goals for your music career?

Breaking out! I’m working my way up to hopefully becoming a household name and just getting myself out there to the world. You can get so wrapped up in a bubble here in Nashville and that’s why I’ve been wanting to and in fact have taken a step out on this next project with my sound.

I’m definitely going to keep my online presence strong because after all that’s what is pushing me today. I love seeing all the comments and answering all the messages and different things on my YouTube videos and it’s fun to let everyone in on different things happening. I definitely am going to be filming everything...so stayed tuned in to JoseyTV! I have a lot going on on my own and definitely feel I’m ready to team up with some different producers, a booking agent who can help me start performing in various places hopefully all over the world, or a record label to start getting everything out there to people even more.

I have been also working on a lot of new “projects” and gearing up for the fall with some great exposure opportunities, so I’m excited for a few articles to come out and even more excited to release a single here soon.

Photos by: Terminal Image Design

JULY 2011

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Ar t imitates life

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Artist Chasen Igleheart, a student at Western Kentucky University, has gained numerous awards and accolades for his socially-conscious art pieces. In the past few years, his work has taken him to many parts of France, Thailand, and Turkey. He exhibits regularly in the United States and abroad.

Igleheart, who has developed a series of paintings concerning HIV and desires to use his platform to publicize social issues, explains that his art is an extension of his daily life in this interview with Out & About Newspaper.

I understand you’re doing an internship with the Frist this summer. What does that involve and how has your experience been so far?

My Frist internship is for the summer art camp; I am an assistant teacher there. It mainly involves helping the professor better explain the processes they are trying to teach. Our age group is 5 - 10 years old so a lot of what I do is help them understand the directions and materials they are working with, along with discipline and keeping order within the classroom.

You’ve done a series of paintings concerning HIV. What motivated you to tackle that subject in your art?

The HIV series I created in 2010 is based on my

own sero-conversion early that year. I found out I was HIV-positive and left for Istanbul two days later for school. It was a very intense time being both confused about the virus and coming to grips with it, while being in a place that didn’t accept me and where I was seen only as an outsider. The dichotomy I felt between my invasion into a culture and that invasion that was taking place inside my body. I felt the virus gave me insight, a vision that only I could see. I used this prophetic relationship with the disease as a vessel for art making, I had to make the virus tactile and see it as symbols to fully understand what it was that was happening to me.

Only after objectifying HIV and coming to grasps with it did it finally lose power over me.

What are the core messages and themes that you want to display in your art?

My core messages are still being understood. I try not to staple words or final thoughts to my process.

It’s very organic, making and making to try and find something that sticks out to me, that’s my success. The message lies in my Statement, mainly that there are no truths, no absolutes in life. The only thing we can do is process and be aware, or in my case slash, or brush, or paint to try and get closer to that unknowable thing.

Why is painting so important to you and where do you see your career going from here?

Painting is not all I do. I have been active in performance work as well as installations with my new series Salo. It all comes from the same source, September 27 – November 15-20, 2011 October 2, 2011 January 3-8, 2012 painting, performance sculptures, they all come from that questioning and awareness to the truth in reality. Art making of any kind is motion. I need that motion to feel any kind of fulfillment in life, March 20-25, 2012 through paint I understand May 1-6, 2012 February 7-12, 2012 the history of a disease; through images I feel the weight of violence and shows war, through the dialectic See all six season 50! process of substance to for less than $1 tpac.org/broadway s 2011-12 SEASON surface interplay I create my 40!# "OX /FlCE (Downtown or inside The Mall at Green Hills) Some shows may contain adult language and content. Memphis contains mature subject matter. own answers. That means As always, we encourage you to contact TPAC directly for more specifics. Artists, schedules and show titles are subject to change. everything to me.

As for now, I am trying to show locally and keep 20EC11IA-1LS2: pumping out the artwork.

SP October 19 – November 6, 2011

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January 27-28, 2012

JULY 2011

Photos by: William Cory

ever ythin g in its r ight place

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Originally from Birmingham, Ala., singer– songwriter Chris Burke spent several years performing in the Atlanta area before moving to Nashville.

His latest album, Everything, is a graceful collection of all original material that explores matters of the heart with sharp insight and soulful arrangements.

Burke, a regular at Nashville’s 12th & Porter among other Music City venues, discusses his particular place in the music industry with Out & About Newspaper.

What can someone expect if he or she is seeing your show for the first time?

My show, as well as my music, is very laid back and comfortable. I grew up listening to and singing classic soul music, like Etta James and Sam Cooke, and my show has the same uncomplicated and smooth feel of that music. If someone were to see my show for the first time, he/she could expect to sit back and relax into some smooth pop/soul tunes with strong melodies. I am a singer at heart! It’s easy and comfortable and fresh music.

What’s the biggest difference being a musician in Nashville compared to, say, Atlanta or Chicago or even New York City?

I can’t really speak of the music scene in Chicago or NYC, but I lived in Atlanta for 10 years and had some luck here and there with pursuing music. It was ultimately unsatisfied though, and I picked myself and my two cats up and moved here to Nashville. The main difference I can see is that Nashville is really saturated with musicians who are likewise pursuing a career in music, and Atlanta seems to have so much else going on. It is a huge city with about every opportunity in the book, but there seems to be a cap on just how far you can go with those opportunities. There definitely is a music scene in Atlanta and, I would imagine, Chicago and NYC, but Nashville is truly bubbling over with incredible musicians. There seems to be a a much greater percentage of true musicians here who live and breathe their art. That is both a blessing and a curse, but it has revolutionized my own music and how I create it.

How do you go about carving out your own niche in Nashville, a town brimming with musical talent?

This is a difficult question. As I said before, the sheer amount of people that are here in Nashville that have the same dream to make a life and a career out of their music makes getting heard and seen that much more difficult. Again, it is an amazing place to figure out who you are as an artist, but not an easy place to carve out a niche, and I am still in the process of

figuring that out. It seems logical that your music and talent should bring success and fans, and as hard as I have worked to define who I am as an artist should somehow magically be rewarded with people to attend the shows.

But, that step in the process is not well defined and can be elusive. Because most everyone is making music and playing out as well, it can be an arduous task to bring people out to a show. I am still figuring that out with mixed results. I actually have a show tonight, so I will have to let you know just how it goes!

At this point in your career, what brings you the most enjoyment—performing or songwriting?

I grew up singing, and my voice is the first thing that a listener usually notices. So, up to the last few years, I would say that performing brings the most enjoyment. However, the last few years have really been an amazing transformation from vocalist to artist for me, and songwriting has been a huge part of that.

I always believed that my voice would be it for me, and if I worked on that I should be okay, but I have found that what I have to say is just as important if not more so, and the songs I write and sing are just as much a part of me as my voice and how I deliver the songs is. So, at this point, I would have to say that songwriting is more fulfilling.

listening to classic soul music. Those artists delivered simple messages in their songs back then, and it made you feel what they are saying down to your toes. I always wanted to emulate that. My main musical influences are those soul singers that created passion and soul out of thin air through only their voices and a simple message: Aretha, Sam Cooke, Etta James, etc.

Also, because of my mother’s unconditional support and love, I have always believed that everything I ever dreamed of with my music was and still is fully possible.

Read more at outandaboutnewspaper.com

What influences— musical or otherwise— were most important in feeding your creative position and putting you on this journey as a singersongwriter?

Again, I grew up JULY 2011

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‘O&AN’ staffer publishes first book Sam P. Jones issues ‘Sexy Funny Nashville,’ the story of a young gay professor in Nashville

by O&AN STAFF REPORTS

Sam P. Jones, a regular contributor to Out & About Newspaper, has published his debut novel, available now on Amazon.com.

In Sexy Funny Nashville, a third-person narrator describes the fictional story of a gay protagonist named Mark, a young professor who lives in Nashville. Mark is on a romantic quest to find a lover as part of his American dream. Joining Mark on this quest are his best female friends: Sharon, a weight-obsessed schlimazel who has a complicated relationship; Becky, a married Southern Baptist who struggles to conceive; and Rain, a distrusting and promiscuous female who learns to trust men after finding long-distance love.

Jones, a graduate of Vanderbilt University and vice-president of the institution’s first Gay-Straight Alliance, holds a firm grasp on the eccentricities of Southern culture. That firsthand knowledge was a key in developing the novel.

“I really could have fictionalized Tennessee culture as an idealist’s picture of what a gay man’s experience should be like in Nashville,” he says. “But, inspired by realism and regionalism like that in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, I wanted to be a realist and to reflect local color in my dialogue and in the culture reflected by my characters’ experiences. So, Mark--the protagonist in Sexy Funny Nashville--is just as politically, socially, and culturally restricted in his options for an American dream as any gay man in Tennessee.”

According to Jones, Sexy Funny Nashville contains veiled theoretical links to political science, women’s studies, queer studies, American and Southern studies, and communication studies. Though it was a challenging task, he set about portraying gay man’s experience in the mainstream with a mix of humor and heart.

“Ultimately, I hope the reader will have a cathartic experience upon finishing this novel,” Jones says. “I hope gay readers will latch onto the idea that they can realistically dream of having and planning a wedding one day and that, even in Tennessee, a gay man can strive for the American dream. I hope straight and gay readers will find ways to identify with and to understand the characters in Sexy Funny Nashville through a variety of emotional reactions, but most importantly through laughter.”

In these volatile times for the GLBT community, Jones hopes to offer ample evidence of how alike we really are.

Sam Jones is a screenwriter, an author, and a staff writer and blogger for Out & About Newspaper. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Memphis in Tennessee.This link will take you to the book’s page on Amazon.

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song s from the he art

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

An alt-country artist with a soulful voice and intensely personal songs, Steff Mahan has grown into one of the most respected live performers in Music City.

Mahan grew up in Brighton, Ill., a small town near St. Louis. After attending York University in Nebraska, the singer-songwriter moved to Memphis and accepted an advertising job. Unsatisfied by that 9-to-5 routine, she soon relocated to Nashville to pursue her true passion: songwriting and performing.

Although life has thrown its share of curves, she continues to succeed as a selfemployed musician. A career highlight: an opening-act slot with Patty Griffin. More of those milestones are sure to come for this incredibly moving performer.

In her interview with Out & About Newspaper, Mahan gives us a taste of her musical future.

Your career remains a proven commodity with a solid list of shows scheduled in the coming months. What’s the biggest thrill for you in performing for a live audience?

There is no bigger thrill than when a total stranger comes up to me and tells me a certain song touched them and why. About a month ago I was doing an afternoon show in a record store as a promotion for a show later that night. I sang my song “Pray for Peace” and afterwards, an elderly man came up and told me a story. He said that he used to be a baseball coach. One day after a game, he was driving four of his players home when they were struck by a drunk driver. Three of his players died in that accident. He was teary eyed when he took my hand and said “there is not a day I don’t ask God to give me peace from the torment I still feel about that day.” Maybe “thrill” isn’t the right word; it’s more humbling. It’s humbling to know that in the big scheme of things, we’re all pretty much the same and we all feel the same things. It’s nice that a song can mean that much to someone and can bring people together.

How has your music evolved, musically and lyrically, as you’ve matured as an artist and as a person?

I think I feel braver to say what really needs to be said, more so then when I was younger. This often involves admitting my fears, my down falls, and failures to total strangers. I think the writing on my first two CDs definitely showed where I was at the time. My first two CDs, Steff Mahan and 42.50, are really about having a broken heart. The first CD is a bit more ballad heavy. The second is a little bit more alternative country, more upbeat, but still about a broken heart. Several years passed between my first two CDs and my newest one and with age comes wisdom. I think my melodies and lyrics have much more range on Never a Long Way Home, which comes from digging deeper and deeper into your craft.

Do you find it harder to write songs of heartache or songs of happiness?

Why? I’m in a really great relationship right now, so happy songs are pouring out of me lately. I’ve actually had people come up to my girlfriend and ask her to break up with me because they miss my sad song! Those songs are still inside me, the sad ones I mean, but now I would describe them as more introspective rather than sad. Heartbreak is heartbreak, no matter who you are or where you are coming from and I can go to that place easily in my songs. I do think my sad songs on my latest CD offer a sense of hope. My ballads are not as sad as they are bittersweet. It is easier for me now in both my writing and my life to look back on sad and happy moments and feel grateful for both.

What are your goals going forward?

I just got signed with a new label called Luna Chica Records International and am really looking forward to working with them. They have a great staff and a passion for independent artists. I plan to keep on touring and writing. I will always want other artists to keep recording my songs.

I love touring and playing my own music but songwriting is really where my heart is.

Don’t get me wrong, I would love to walk on the stage at the Ryman as an artist... for me it is about carving out time for both writing and touring. It’s a different kind of life but I love it.

Tour schedules and music samples are available at www.steffmahan.com.

JULY 2011

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A weight is lifted

Dana Baker, a participant on ‘Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition,’ comes out and comes forward with his improbable journey

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Former Nashville resident Dana Baker, 45, was recently featured on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition. Topping out at 516 pounds, the social worker and special education teacher now living in San Diego was also carrying a secret that only compounded his physical problems. During his appearance on the show, Baker acknowledged that he was gay.

Sharing his internal struggle with a national audience, not to mention his family and friends, freed Baker to pursue his weight loss goals. He’s now lost over 20 inches and 200 pounds since he began his mission, an incredible transformation for a man who has dedicated his life to Dana Baker, a longtime Nashville serving others through music. In his spare time, Baker resident, recently completed a stint has sung the National Anthem at various sporting events on ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition." Above is a photo of including Nashville Predators home games, and regularly Baker at his starting weight of 516 pounds. performed at local churches.

In an interview with Out & About Newspaper, Baker describes his journey.

How has your coming-out process influenced your weight loss?

I’ve seen countless therapists and one of the many finally got it right. He said “You won’t be able to move on with your life until you get this out and until you start talking about this.” Then of course I was storming out of his office. I’m a very religious person, and from the get-go I said, “Lord if I get on the show, this is one

thing I don’t want to.” I had no intentions of losing weight. I would try to overeat on purpose. And God said “No, I’m gonna bring this guy Chris into your life.” So I battled God back and forth, and I believe he downloaded this into my mind. He said, “Remember when you were 15, 16, 17 years old and you were running to food. There are kids out there and they need to stop doing the same thing. I got sick and tired of the producer asking me about it. As soon as I said it , I didn’t run to food anymore.

I’ve received thousands of emails and people appreciate the honesty. It was a good thing. I’m still losing the weight, and I don’t have anything to hide. I did what I believed God wanted me to do, and He has given me so many opportunities now.

What’s the reaction among your family and friends since your appearance on the show?

They couldn’t be happier for me. Three days before it aired, I showed them my audition tape. I told them that I needed everybody to come over to my sister’s house, and that something is going to come out on this documentary that they needed to hear from me. I told them and the reaction was, “Yeah, we knew.” (laughs) I told my dad in 1982 and he said what a good Christian man would say: “I love you anyway.”

My theater friends and other people knew, but between the church and the rest of the world, no one did.

What would you say to those who believe you can’t be gay and Christian?

Being gay doesn’t define me. I’m not a mistake; God doesn’t make mistakes.

I’m Christian and I’m living proof. I’m going through the same things. God made me different. So I want to get my story out to people and tell others there’s nothing wrong with them. I’m gay, I’m Christian, and I’m going to heaven. I’m not trying to seek others’ approval. My relationship with God is closer than ever. He’s holding my hand and blessing me.

What sort of insight or advice could you give to people who are struggling with their own weight, whether that be because of issues with their physical or emotional health?

Running to the gym is not the answer. The first thing that you need to do is talk to a good therapist and talk it out, as many sessions as it takes. Otherwise you’re going to continue to kill yourself with food. Food did exactly what it was supposed to---it numbed the pain, it didn’t argue back with you. The second thing would be to go to a local OA (Overeaters Anonymous) meeting. There you can say what you want, and 9 times out of 10 there is someone who’s going what you’re going through. What’s said there stays there, so you can get it all out of your system. And if you give yourself an hour a day to exercise, that will help. Join the local Y. I worked there and they helped me a lot, too.

What does the future hold for you as an out gay man?

What I’d like to do is what I’m doing now, which is getting out my story. I have speaking engagements come up: my manager Kathy Dixon is setting up some and GLAAD is wanting to book me for some speaking engagements. Not every obese person is gay. Maybe it’s because they had a traumatic childhood or maybe a parent said something to them they can’t forget.

I don’t know what the future looks like in terms of a relationship. You know, I love my freedom and my football and my TV. But if I meet someone who’s Christian, who loves children, and I really care about, then I do.

The cameras left March 4, but the true test of a man is what he does when no one’s watching.

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JULY 2011

Tomato, tomahto

However you pronounce it, East Nashville’s Tomato Art Fest has something for everyone

by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Throughout my summer of ripe tomato use, I am always plagued by the question: “Are they a fruit or a vegetable?”

The good folks with the Tomato Art Fest don’t particularly care, calling the tomato “a uniter, not a divider.”

Founded in 2004 by Meg and Bret MacFadyen, owners of the Art and Invention Gallery in East Nashville, the Tomato Art Fest started as an art show celebrating the tomato, with a couple of neighborhood events scheduled to promote the show. Since then, the festival has very much taken hold and grown steadily with 18,000 tomato lovers coming to join the celebration at last year’s festival.

Tomato Art Fest will be held August 13 The festival combines sprawling art displays with in East Nashville’s Five Points area. activities like tomato recipe contests, biggest/littlest tomato contests, costume-friendly parades, and a kid’s stand with crafts. There’s also multiple stages with live music, plus food, services, and tomato-themed products from tons of local vendors. Even their sponsorship levels are tomato-themed: from Roma and Homegrown to Heirloom and Brandywine.

Amazingly, all of this is organized entirely by a crew of volunteers. So understandably, they could use a helping hand.

This year’s festival will be held on August 13 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Five Points in East Nashville. All are welcome! Visit tomatoartfest.com or check them out on Twitter (@tomatoartfest) for more information.

Artrageous bids a fond farewell

Charity event supporting Nashville CARES concludes its run after 25 years

by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com

All good things must come to an end, and so it goes for one of the most popular and powerful fundraisers in the Nashville area.

Artrageous, an event founded by John Bridges completed its final edition in November of 2010 after 25 successful years.

A thank-you party was hosted June 30 to celebrate the franchise and acknowledge those who had devoted their time and talents for the Artrageous founder John Bridges addresses the crowd cause. at the event's thank-you party June 30. Artrageous completed its 25th and final edition last November.

Artrageous raised over $3 million to Nashville CARES to aid in their mission to support those living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones.

“The event helped bring the GLBT community and Nashville community together to support a critical public health issue,” says Susan Bradley Meador, a former administrator and long-time volunteer for Artrageous. “It was a spectacular fundraiser which many people looked forward to and enjoyed annually. For a fundraiser to go as long as Artrageous and still generate the interest it did was amazing.”

Each year Artrageous included a gallery crawl with 5 to 10 galleries displaying their finest art, along with a post-party featuring food, friends and entertaining guests. In previous years, Artrageous has boasted a bevy of local entertainers and top stars such as Martha Wash, RuPaul, Gloria Gaynor and K. D. Lang.

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Q&A: Dolly Parton

The country music legend looks for a “Better Day” with her new album, tour

by JERRY NUNN, CONTRIBUTING WRITER jnunn@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Dolly Parton, the “Queen of Country Music,” is reigning on our gay parade with a new album and new tour. She is tied with Reba McEntire in having No. 1 country singles in four consecutive decades.

Her movie career has been a hoot to watch over the

years from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas to Steel Magnolias, and she has a new movie called Joyful Noise.

And she’s kept us chuckling with multiple television appearances and singing with a hit musical version of her 1980 flick 9 to 5.

From her humble roots in Tennessee our “Backwoods Barbie” has continued to be our doll. Sit a spell as she takes us behind the scenes beneath the makeup and glitter with this down home interview.

Hello, Dolly! The last time I saw you was at the 9 to 5 Musical debut in Chicago.

Dolly Parton: Oh my! That was on the road tour.

Well, good to talk to you again.

We made it Dolly Parton Day in the city.

DP: That’s right you did. That was a really fun time.

I even took off from the movie I was doing in Atlanta because it was a real important thing for us to come to Chicago.

Well, thank you for coming.

DP: Well, thank you for having Dolly Day! (both laugh) How was it working with Queen Latifah?

DP: It was great. We had a ball. I never enjoyed anything more. We were there for three months, January, February and March.

The movie comes out January the 12th of next year. It is a Warner Brothers film called Joyful Noise. It is a music driven movie with gospel music. It is about a choir that competes around the country in the economy being bad with the unlikely friendship of these two women, which is Queen Latifah and myself. We had a wonderful time working with all of the people.

I think it is very uplifting and you better go see it!

I will! You sing on the soundtrack right?

DP: I wrote four of the songs plus I sang on bunches of the stuff on the soundtrack, yes.

Great. You just did a cartoon movie called Gnomeo and Juliet, too.

DP: Ha! Well, that was short and sweet.

I actually didn’t do much. I called in a lawnmower race announcer voice. They had this little character in there. It was fun to do.

I did that mostly because my little nieces and nephews and all the little kids I know. I thought, “Well, why not?”

Let’s talk about your new album Better Day. The first track is so feisty. I really love it.

DP: Oh, “In the Mean Time?” That is one my favorite songs because it sums up what is going on in the world, my attitude about it. Everybody is so down in the dumps and waiting for the end of time instead of doing something about it, enjoying the time they got.

This whole album I wanted to write stuff to uplift people and give a positive spin on this negativity.

Good for you. Is there a video you are making for the first single “Together You and I?”

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DP: Yes, the video comes out next week. Trey Fanjoy, who is the Director of the Year here at CMT this year, she did a wonderful video that shows people from all over the world, love in all forms and fashions, more of a universal love. It is a beautiful video. The album just came out June 28th. We got all sorts of good things going with our tour coming up on July 17th we start our Better Day World Tour named after the album of course. We have a lot of good positive stuff in that from doing different things for the fans.

What is your favorite thing about touring?

DP: People, the audience. I love that. ‘Course I love to travel because I am a gypsy. But I actually enjoy performing for the fans that love to see it. I have been around so many years, worked so many audiences, and had so many types of shows. Since the beginning for me it is kind of fun to watch how things have changed.

I have fans from little bitty kids now watching Hannah Montana with Aunt Dolly to some of my older fans and the new ones that have discovered my music. It is a really fun trip for me as you can imagine.

That is true.

DP: Can you imagine yourself in that situation? It wasn’t like it was a kitten or a puppy dog. It was a baby named Jolene!

Well, maybe Jolene will be coming to your concert.

DP: I have often wondered that. I don’t think that person would ever even know about the way that went down. There was no way to track it and I didn’t want to.

I couldn’t take the bay and I didn’t want to be involved.

I wanted the police and the people involved to know we had nothing to do with it. We just made our statement but to answer your question that was the wildest thing.

You have a huge gay following and they will always love you.

DP: Hey, a big shout out to them! We have fun with my gay crowds and we always have them. In fact we are going to California and be in LA for two days at

the Hollywood Bowl then in San Francisco. All ready so many of my gay fans have said they are going to be there and be on the front row. I love it. I have always loved my gay fans. They accept me and I accept them.

We get along just fine. I am very proud and honored when they dress up like me or whatever they want to do!

You are going to Australia too on this tour.

DP: Yes, actually we start our world tour in July in Knoxville. In August we go to Europe, in October we do some more shows here then in November we go to Australia to finish out the year. We are looking forward to that whole deal.

I grew up in Hendersonville.

DP: You did? I go to Hendersonville all the time! I have a lake house out in that area.

Read more at outandaboutnewspaper.com

Describe the tour bus for our readers.

DP: My tour bus is set up great. I have always had a bus. I have traveled on a tour bus since 1967. The bus I have now is an updated and modern version, where there is room. Especially when it has stopped you can let the sides out and have a real home. I don’t stay in hotels so I just live on my bus. I’ve got everything from my kitchen to my televisions, DVDs, and books. It’s a way to carry my wigs and my costumes. I am set up good for that.

Are you able to take off the wig and shop at Kroger without people recognizing you?

DP: Well, if I went to Kroger I wouldn’t take off my wig. I don’t go grocery shopping too much but when I do it usually in the wee hours after midnight. If I am really wanting to cook certain things for a special occasion that I really need and I don’t trust anyone to find it I still will go to the store. But I usually dress like myself and go in. I can’t be disguised because if I open my mouth you know it’s me! I sound as different as I look. There is no point in going and embarrassing myself by looking like hell.

That’s a good point. What is the craziest thing a fan has ever asked of you?

DP: There are all kinds of things that people ask me to do but I tell this story and it’s a true story but freaky. Years ago when I first started being a big star I had fans that were fanatical. It was when “Jolene” was a big hit. We came home one day and there was a baby in a box at our gate with a note in it. The note said, “My name is Jolene, my momma has left me here and she wants you to have me.” Of course we all freaked out!

We immediately called Human Services and took care of the baby until they got there. We never did know or hear anything about it. I knew nothing else. What do you do in a situation like that? There are some loony people in this world!

JULY 2011

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Photos by: Keith Hinkle

Photos by: Keith Hinkle

Photos by: Kelly Searcy

Photos by: Kelly Searcy

Photos by: Keith Hinkle

Photos by: Kelly Searcy

Photos by: Kelly Searcy

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Photos by: Kelly Searcy

JULY 2011

A Â BENEFIT Â FOR Â

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bars  please  visit:  Â

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Exclusive and late breaking news at outandaboutnewspaper.com

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Warhol Live is produced by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in partnership with The Andy Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. Warhol Live: Music and Dance in Andy Warhol’s Work is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and Humanities.

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Andy Warhol. Dolly Parton, 1985. Acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen, 42 x 42 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.624. Š 2011 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

JULY 2011

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New Orleans readies Southern Decadence

Q&A with Sandy Sachs, owner of the city’s largest gay club

by JOSHUA MILLER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER jmiller@outandaboutnewspaper.com

was one of the biggest ever since Katrina, so I was very pleased with the turnout.

Do you have any tips for first timers?

Pace yourself. Most places don’t party 24 hours a day, but down here in New Orleans we do! You won’t want to miss anything so take it easy.

How has Southern Decadence changed over the years?

It has really grown. It used to be a small event for a regional crowd and now guys come from all over the world to experience the largest block party in the country.

What can we expect this year at Southern Decadence?

There will be some great entertainment, great DJs and great MCs like Rhea Litre’!

You always bring amazing Entertainment to The Bourbon Pub for Holiday Weekends. Who will we look to see this year?

You’ll be seeing Debra Cox who just got a great gig on Broadway, Jeanie Tracy, and a couple of other surprises.

What was your first Southern Decadence like?

My first Southern Decadence was amazing but a little overwhelming. So many men, so little time. It

Tell us a bit of your history with New Orleans?

I came to New Orleans when I was 18 when I was recruited by the tennis coach of Tulane University where I accepted a full scholarship. I stayed here after I graduated until I moved back to New York several years later.

How was it working with Jeff Parsley and Adam Bouska on the photo shoot and what do they have planned at the Pub? The photo shoot was a lot of fun and very quick.

These guys have the shoot down to a science and are very professional. I’m looking forward to having them here in New Orleans. People here are very excited about having Adam and Jeffrey here.

Where is your favorite place to eat in the French Quarter?

Maximos!

You moved back to New Orleans from California.

How do the two cities differ?

I haven’t actually moved to New Orleans. I still have businesses in L.A. so I end up going back and forth. The two cities are very different which makes my life very interesting. New Orleans is a big tourist attraction and there are always people visiting here.

Why do you enjoy most about living in the “Big Easy?”

Just that, it is “easy” to live here. The cost of living is low, and there always seems to be something to celebrate.

GENERATION

BE THE

Southern Decadence is by no means, a new party weekend: it’s been around for almost 40 years. What started out as a going away party to shut up a New Yorker who kept complaining about the New Orleans summer heat, has become one of the nations biggest and most decadent gay celebrations. People from all over the world fly in to New Orleans Labor Day Weekend to let loose, have fun, dance to great music and most importantly to meet new people.

Whether from a big city or a small town, they all enjoy the hospitality, camaraderie and inclusiveness that “Big Easy” provides. I was able to chat with Sandy Sachs, owner of New Orleans largest gay club, The Bourbon Pub, on how Southern Decadence has progressed over the years and what she plans to do to make this year more “Decadent” than ever.

What is it about a gay party in New Orleans and in the French Quarters so special for visitors and locals alike?

New Orleans and especially The French Quarter is really great adult playground. Not only can you party all night long, but the food and restaurants are among the best in the world. It’s the birthplace of Jazz and there is just so much culture that it make New Orleans one of the most interesting cities in the country. The combination of it’s European feel and it’s easy lifestyle, it’s a perfect place to get away and just let loose.

First the Trevor Project benefit at Mardi Gras and now the NOH8 campaign for marriage rights - why do you feel it’s important to keep the Pub politically active as well as a fun place to party?

Well, while I like to throw a good party and create an atmosphere where people can enjoy themselves, it’s important for all of us to stay socially conscious and to participate in human rights.

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JULY 2011

F I N D O U T H O W YO U C A N M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E AT

www.bethegeneration.nih.gov This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN266200600023T.

Veronica Electronika wins Miss Tennessee Continental

I am blessed to have such great supporters, from both on and off the stage.

Wayne Chandler, one of my promoters, and owner of Miss TN Continental had this to say when I asked him if he would like to contribute to this article: “We are excited to have Veronika represent Tennessee Continental. We have already had a chance to meet to prepare for the national pageant and talk about ways he can become involved in the state’s gay community. It’s encouraging to have someone with passion and a commitment to make this world a better place to be our title holder. Expect great things during this next year.” Needless to say I was very touched by his words.

I look forward to meeting, and entertaining, more of you this year, and If there is anything that I can do to make the state a better place, or perhaps just entertain in your area, please do not hesitate to ask.

You can find me on Facebook at www. facebook.com/DigitalDivaVE or e-mail me at PozziEntGroup@hotmail.com. My personal website will be up within the next few weeks.

If you would like information about the Continental Pageant in Chicago, please check out my Facebook page for more details. Thank you so much for your support.

To compete for national title in Chicago

by STEVE RAIMO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER sraimo@outandaboutnewspaper.com

Editor’s note: Steve Raimo performs as Veronika Electronika.

On July 17, I was given the amazing opportunity to become the next Miss Tennessee Continental at the pageant hosted by PLAY Dance Bar. As Miss Tennessee Continental, I will represent Tennessee at the national level to compete for the title of Miss Continental in Chicago during Labor Day weekend.

The Continental system has always been known as the finest in drag competition and also has one of the largest collection of preliminary contests in the nation. There are an average of 32 preliminaries across the US each year, and Tennessee has over 25 years of history with the Continental system. The owners of Tennessee Continental paid tribute to Rita Ross who celebrated her 25th anniversary of being a former Miss Tennessee Continental on July 17. The celebration included a video presentation, award, and a special performance by Rita Ross herself. I feel very blessed to be in such rich company as our reigning Miss Tennessee Continental.

I am excited to represent the Volunteer State in Chicago this September, and do not take my role lightly. It is very easy to hold a title and just let it collect dust, or fade into memory. I, however, would like to make the most out of my one year reign and travel the state and become more involved with state and local politics. Just since being crowned I have been able to connect with clubs, and performers from across the state about coming to visit and perform with their casts. I just spoke with Samantha LaBlonc from “Images” in Chattanooga, and Sabre Patton from “Purple Heys” from here in Nashville about joining their cast for a show to help me prepare for my journey to Chicago. This journey in not cheap, ladies and gentlemen, and the cost of the hair, costumes, gowns, and not to mention the Chicago pizza, all can become very pricey!

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JULY 2011

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Don’t waste your valuable time

EXPOSED william andrew p atter son Birthday

April 3, 1989 Current Town

NASHVILLE, TN Zodiac ID

aries Hometown

jackson, TENNESSEE

Photo by: Ethan James

An interview with andrew One item you can’t leave home without:

Cell Phone

I feel most confident when:

I want to start a successful career in the performance industry, whether it be a model, a dancer, or any other art form. I want to reinvent the way people view art as a whole and show them something they have never seen before.

Expect the unexpected.

Boxers or briefs:

If you won $1 million (tax free) and had to give half of it away, who'd get it:

What is your favorite food?

Anything Italian & Breakfast Food

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What do you hope your next greatest achievement will be?

I am on the dance floor. I’m a professional hip–hop dancer so music lights me up like nothing else.

Trunks. Enough coverage to hold it all in but small enough to keep it sexy!

My greatest achievement has been:

Helping to support my family and raise little brother while continuing to create new life experiences for myself.

My mom. She has raised me to be the best man I can be and I have no idea what I would do without her. She’s my hero.

hope. healing. relationship.

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Specialist in LGBTQ Concerns Please see website for other areas of specialization

615.887.6942 parrishlpaul.com 30 Music Square West, Suite 310 Nashville, TN 37203

Timberfell odge L

Entering the gates of Timberfell, you feel its spells immediately.

The sensation intensi es as you drive past a meadow dotted with tents and RVs. Men are everywhere, enjoying the pool complex, with hot tub and sauna. The road continues into the hollow, passing a willow-draped pond, and then opens at the lodge itself. It is a three-story stone and log house, with a colorful mixture of eclectic and antique furnishings. Steep ridges rise on three sides, so close you can almost touch them. You feel safe in this gay world apart, and the mood is both re ected and reinforced by the attentive staff. You will be greeted by owners/innkeepers Bill and Steve. Hospitality is home here.

UPCOMING EVENTS August 12 – 14 Mr. Timberfell 10th Annual Competition Last year, more than 15 men competed for cash, lodging prizes and the coveted title of Mr. Timberfell. With the weekend packed with great parties and music, book early to get your choice of room.

Interested contestants call for details.

August 26 – 28 Cowboys ‘N’ Boots Weekend Country music and men in Wranglers!

Cowpoke Ho-Down on Saturday night at The Tavern. Dust off your hats boys and get back on that horse...it is going to be a long hard ride!

September 2 – 5 Labor Day Weekend

Always a huge party with plenty of food, fun and MEN! Book early to get your room and RV spot of choice.

2240 Van Hill Road Greeneville, TN 37745 Lodge: (423) 234-0833 Toll-Free: (800) 437-0118 www.timberfell.com

JULY 2011

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