October 14 – 27 Volume 1 ■ Issue 13
Governor Backs 3 McCoy: ‘She bought into scare tactics’
PFLAG National Conference in SLC Opening show open to public
Utah Bear Alliance Wins Film Festival ‘Casey’s Dad’ video invited to SF, DC festivals
New Gay Club Heads Up an upscale dance club — gay every day
Louisiana Justice Nixes Marriage Ban Ultra-conservatives vow to appeal A&E Feminist Theatre Troupe Launches First Production
AberRant Mecham gives advice on dealing with telemarketers
News LOCAL AND REGIONAL
National PFLAG Conference to be Held in Salt Lake the citizens of the valley,” said local PFLAG spokesperson Gary Watts. “It’s a chance to get acquainted with PFLAG and understand that we’re a viable national organization with a single goal of improving the lives of our GLBT family members.” The Salt Lake chapter of PFLAG was founded in 1995 and has maintained an active schedule. Watts says that the offers of volunteer support have been so great that they have outstripped his needs for the conference. “I have more volunteers than I have space for,” Watts said with a laugh. The conference includes a number of panels, speeches and workshops designed to educate parents, families and friends of the queer community about the various issues the community faces. Discussion topics include legal rights and status, same-gender couple parenting, faith issues, science and biology, and a variety of leadership training seminars. “Personally, I think the plenaries are going to be terrific,” said Watts. “We’ve got some outstanding presenters on some terrific topics.” “We have a genuine grassroots presence in communities all over the country,” said Schlittler. Currently, the organization boasts approximately 250,000 members in 500 chapters across the country. Schlittler said the organization chose Salt Lake because they like to surprise people by turning up in communities you wouldn’t expect to see
By Jere Keys
In 1972, Morton Manford was physically attacked at a gay rights protest demonstration in New York. Morty’s parents, Jeanne and Jules Manford, saw the attack on a local newscast and witnessed the police’s failure to intervene. Their outrage turned them into activists. The idea for Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford marched with her gay son in New York’s Pride Day parade. After many gay and lesbian people ran up to Jeanne during the parade and begged her to talk to their parents, she decided to begin a support group. The first formal meeting took place in March 1973 at a local church. Approximately 20 people attended. 30 years later, PFLAG has grown into a large and influential national organization. This year, the organization has chosen Salt Lake City as the location for their national conference. The conference, which marks the official 30th anniversary of the group, will be held at the Little America Hotel from October 22 to 24. “The National PFLAG conference comes at an incredible time,” said acting Executive Director Ron Schlittler. “There is so much going on right now regarding marriage equality and other civil rights and protection issues at the local, state, and federal levels, and so much at stake in the national elections.” “I think this is a great opportunity for
Owners Brandon Hurst, Kathy and David Hurst stand in their new bar, Heads Up, which opened October 1 at 163 West Pierpont Avenue in Salt Lake City. The bar caters to gay people every day, bucking the trend for higher-end dance clubs to devote only a single night as “gay nights.” Monday nights feature karaoke with Jamie and Wednesdays are Latin Nights. On Tuesdays, draft beer is just 50 cents and on Thursdays shots are two dollars. An official grand opening party will be held on Friday, October 22. them in. “Really, there are two reasons. One, many of the issues we often face and work with are rooted in a point of view about faith, and the LDS presence in Salt Lake is a great metaphor for those issues,” Schlittler explains. “Also, we’re currently on a five state tour of communities facing anti-gay marriage amendments and we’ll wrap that up in Salt Lake City. We’re doing our part to tell people that putting discrimination into constitutions is wrong.” In fact, prior to the official conference, PFLAG and the Don’t Amend Alliance are putting on a show titled “Family Voices For Equality” at Abravanel Hall. The show will include a concert featuring Kate Clinton, Catie Curtis, Barry Lynn and others. Tickets and details are available at the Don’t Amend Alliance website.
“We’re really promoting this as a family event,” said Watts. He hopes that queer people will bring their entire immediate and extended family to the concert. “There’s a large number of people who think that the only people in Utah with ‘family values’ are the Mormons. We want to show that they don’t have a market on ‘family values.’” While the conference is open to all, it is geared toward the parents, families and friends of queer people. Most of the workshops are being presented by PFLAG members. Many workshops will focus on engaging straight allies of the queer community who may or may not have LGBT relatives. “It’s a great opportunity to come together, rekindle old friendships and make new ones, and to learn from one another,” said Schlittler.
WILLIAM MUNK
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OCTOBER 14, 2004
Respect for Pink On Friday, October 1, the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints received a large delivery of pink carnations meant to symbolize love and emotional support for gay members of the church. The statement was organized by Bridget Foster of the Safe Space campaign, which believes that the church ought to make sure gays and lesbians feel welcome. Additionally, Safe Space supporters who attended the annual L.D.S. General Conference that weekend wore pink or white flowers. Organizer Duane Jennings made a statement as the flowers were delivered, saying, “We do not believe that God intends for some of His children to be treated differently than others, especially in the most significant matters of the heart. The Safe Space Campaign stands up for our knowledge that God makes no mistakes in the creation of His children. All humans are endowed with both the desire and the right to form lasting, nurturing relationships built on honesty and love.”
Utah Bear Alliance Wins at Film Festival
Walker Supports Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment McCoy: Governor’s hesitation shows Amendment 3 to be a complex issue On Thursday, October 7, Gov. Olene Walker finally took a stance on Amendment 3 and decided to endorse the controversial measure. While speaking at a news conference about another ballot issue, Walker declared her support for the amendment after previously stating that she was unsure about the proposal. Referring to the first part of the amendment, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman, Walker said, “My choice would have been to have just that one line. That isn’t an option.” Walker’s hesitancy in supporting the Amendment was with the second part, which may infringe upon the legal rights of unmarried partners. But after several months of avoiding a position on the issue, Walker finally decided that it was important to pass the Amendment despite reservations about the second part. “It will be most unfortunate if Utah didn’t pass Amendment 3,” the Deseret News reported her as saying. “At this time, I am supporting Amendment 3.” “The Governor’s decision demonstrates
the conflicts many conservative Utahns are having with Amendment 3,” said Scott McCoy, head of the Don’t Amend Alliance. “It certainly shows that the Governor considers Amendment 3 to be a complicated issue.” Walker claims that because courts in Massachusetts opened the door to gay marriage, there isn’t time to come up with better wording for the amendment. “It seems as though she has bought in to the scare tactics,” responded McCoy. “There is no imminent threat that if we don’t pass Amendment 3, gay marriage will come to Utah.” McCoy points out that there are already three laws on the Utah books defining marriage as between a man and a woman. He also notes that the legislature will be back in session just two months after the election and could pass a new proposed amendment with less complicated, and potentially less expensive, language at that time. “What’s happening in Massachusetts doesn’t affect Utah at all.” McCoy said. — JK
Tribune Says No on 3
Southern Utah Plans AIDS Walk
Sports Editor David Nelson Contributing Writers Scott Abbott, Brandie Balken, Lee Beckstead, Xenia Cherkaev, Janice Eberhardt, Jace Garfield, Beau Jarvis, Lynette Malmstrom, Laurie Mecham, LaDonna Moore, Rob Orton, William T. Park, Scott Perry, Jim Pitts, Nicholas Rupp, Mandy Q. Racer, Ruby Ridge, Joel Shoemaker, Jim Struve, Eric Tierney, Darren Tucker, JoSelle Vanderhooft, Ben Williams Proofreader Nicholas Rupp Photographers Lucy Juarez, William H. Munk, Shauna Sanchez Art Director Michael Aaron Graphic Designer Kris Kramer Sales Director and Office Manager Steven Peterson Sales Executives 801-323-9500 | 877-870-0727 Sebastian Cruz | sebastian@slmetro.com Janis Gardner | janis@slmetro.com Bob Tubbs | bob@slmetro.com Distribution Steven Peterson Courtney Moser, Northern Utah Copyright © 2004 Salt Lake Metro.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner, including electronic retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of the publisher. One copy of this publication is free of charge to any individual. Additional copies may be purchased for $1. Anyone taking or destroying multiple copies may be prosecuted for theft at the sole discretion of the publisher. Reward offered for information that leads to the arrest of any individual willfully stealing, destroying or trashing multiple copies. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or staff. Salt Lake Metro is published bi-weekly on alternating Thursdays by
Metro Publishing, Inc. 352 S. Denver Street, Suite 350 Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 323-9500 Fax: (801) 323-9986
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st. george – Organizers are hoping many people will come out in Southern Utah to participate in the 10th annual AIDS Awareness Walk. Planned for Saturday, November 13, the event raises money for HIV/AIDS education and people impacted by the disease in Southern Utah. Registration for the event begins at 8:00 a.m. in the School District Office parking lot (121 W. Tabernacle) in St. George. The walk continues all morning and closing ceremonies will be held at 11:00 a.m. Participants should sign up in advance by contacting chairperson Aimee Selfridge at (435)635-0624 or (435)313-4528. You can also sponsor walkers or donate money to the cause by contacting Selfridge. — JK
Events Editor Greg Harrison
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every decision that might be made, under their proposal is absurd.” The paper’s official position comes after the first television advertisements on both sides of this issue have begun to air. “When newspaper editorial boards make endorsements like this, it shows that the thoughtful, educated people who have access to all sides of this debate generally understand that discrimination is wrong,” commented political organizer Liz Moore of Los Angeles. “It tells us that if we can train the general public to recognize and ignore the rhetoric and lies, they will likely side in favor of equal treatment under the law.” The Tribune joins the Provo Daily Herald, Ogden Standard-Examiner, Salt Lake Metro and City Weekly in opposing the amendment. — JK
Editor Jere Keys
OCTOBER 14, 2004
“Their imagination is horribly limited. Their faith is misplaced. Their amendment is misguided,” wrote the Salt Lake Tribune on October 9. The paper, while uncomfortable with an endorsement of gay marriage rights, argues that the amendment will cost the state millions of dollars in federal lawsuits. The Tribune is Utah’s largest daily newspaper, reaching more readers than any other print news source in the state. “It wasn’t that long ago that nobody dreamed of a state’s supreme court ordering gay marriages, or another state’s legislature creating formal civil unions,” writes the Tribune in response to Amendment 3 supporter claims that challenges will not have a financial impact. “The idea that the amendment’s backers can foresee every challenge that might be brought,
The Utah Bear Alliance swept the awards ceremony at the Octobearfest Oscarbear V Film Festival with their music video “Casey’s Dad (I Really Want Him Bad).” Octobearfest is an annual event sponsored by the Front Range Bears of Denver, Colorado. The event attracts hundreds of gay men who identify as “bears” or “bearadmirers” from around the country for a weekend of activities and fun. The Oscarbear Film Festival is one of the highlights of the weekend. Groups and individuals can participate in the Oscarbear Film Festival by submitting film no longer than 8 minutes in length. Additionally, the films cannot be pornographic. Produced by Todd Bennett and directed by Ken Baker, the Alliance put together a video parody of the pop single “Stacey’s Mom (Has Got It Going On).” Members of the group worked together to accomplish all the tasks requires for video production from acting and singing to post-production and location catering. “Casey’s Dad” was named Best Picture at the Film Festival. Other awards include: New Talent – Larry McPhail (listed as Frank Martini); Soundtrack – Frank Perricone, Kenneth Wayne and Joe Phono; Leading Bear: Jim (listed as Butch Jefferson); Supporting Bear – Jake Morris; and Claw Award (for Editing) – Jake Morris. “Casey’s Dad” took home 7 of the 10 possible awards. “Casey’s Dad” first premiered in Salt Lake City at Club 161 on September 24. The Oscarbear awards were held October 2. An awards ceremony and celebration will be held October 15 at Club 161 at 9 p.m. “Casey’s Dad” will be screened and awards will be presented to the member of UBA who participated. Due to their success in Colorado, the UBA has been asked to participate in San Francisco and Washington DC film festivals as well. — JK
Publisher Michael Aaron
Opinion
From the Publisher Winds of Change by Michael Aaron
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OCTOBER 14, 2004
Our Culture, Our History Among academic circles, there are certain groups of people in constant debate about whether the gay community is most properly labeled a culture, a subculture, or a minority group. While the debate over semantics and definitions can be interesting and may ultimately affect how the rest of the world sees us, we will end up having the final say because we’ll simply force the word upon the larger society (like we did with “gay” and “fabulous”). For our part, we come down on the side of “culture” for its positive associations and broad, inclusive meaning. Like other cultures, we have our own traditions such as gay pride, or the formal customs of drag queen organizations. We have our own values, although we recognize that even within our group, there may be dissent from these cultural values — not every queer believes in diversity or feminism, for example. Recognizing and accepting the differences in values is a cultural value unto itself. We have our own cultural arts, music (where would Cher be without us? or the modern Broadway musical?), and entertainment (gender bending lip sync acts). What makes us different from other cultural groups is the way we pass these traditions, values, customs and arts from one generation to another. Very few of us were raised by queer parents, after all. Heck, most of us won’t even be
able to talk our families into attending the PFLAG conference in Salt Lake this month, which is a shame. As a culture, we pass along those things that define us as a group through public gatherings, media resources and mentorship. This month is Gay History Month. While it’s a great opportunity for each of us to learn more about our history, it’s also a great opportunity to mentor a young person about those things you already know. With the excitement of the November election looming ever closer, let’s not forget about our history. Let’s not forget about the historic marches on Washington that created National Coming Out Day (October 11) or the sixth anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death at the hands of anti-gay violence (October 12). Let’s also take the time to remember our civil rights pioneers, our allies, and our enemies. So encourage everyone in the queer community to make two resolutions this month. First, take the time to learn one new thing about the history of our culture. Second, find one person with whom you can share your knowledge about all things gay, bi, lesbian or trans – that person can be a sibling, a friend, a niece or nephew, or just about anyone else. By doing these, we can see our culture flourish and our traditions continue.
But what do YOU think? Take our online Readers’ Survey at slmetro.com
If you are not one to religiously read the staff box in each issue of this newspaper, you may have missed the fact that Salt Lake Metro has a new editor, Jere Keys. Jere joins the Metro staff after leaving his post of four years in Las Vegas as editor of the Las Vegas Bugle, QVegas and Out Las Vegas. He has also been very active in the Las Vegas gay community, serving as Youth Program Director at Vegas’ Center, Volunteer Coordinator for Equal Rights Nevada and as volunteer in over a dozen organizations. He has returned to Salt Lake City to help support his family. Jere first approached me about working for Salt Lake Metro the day we put our first issue to bed back in April of this year. At the time, he was just considering a move back to his birth state and was feeling around for options. We had a long discussion about our goals and dreams for the newspaper and I know that he kept a close eye on us as we periodically received feedback from him. I believe Jere brings a fresh eye and a wealth of direct knowledge to our endeavor to bring a professional, thoughtful and readable newspaper to Utah’s gay community. Jere was at the helm of the Las Vegas Bugle when it was a small publication just developing its voice. He saw it through its growth to a healthy biweekly, 88+ page, gloss-covered newspaper filled with full-page ads and great content. He also saw it through its blossoming into the slick 100+ page QVegas Magazine that it is today. With the introduction of Jere comes the departure of the newspaper’s first editor, Brandon Burt. Our staff and I feel a tremendous void without Brandon’s participation in the daily workings of the Metro. Brandon was stalwart in creating a newspaper of quality and integrity that this community is proud of. Our readers and fellow news organizations look to Salt Lake Metro as a trusted news source largely because of his efforts. When I first asked Brandon to join me in this venture, it was as if the earth or gods or stars had brought us together for that one purpose. I had no idea at the time that it was to be but a short ride, but I appreciate that it was likely the most important time of this newspaper’s life. I know it was a very important time in my life. We have asked Brandon to continue writing for the newspaper, as many of you have gotten used to looking to this column space for incisive, relevant and often poignant words. His ability to bring emotion, wit and reason to this page, most often in the wee hours of the night before press date, never ceased to amaze me. I get wistful as I realize that autumn has breezed in and I will no longer be able to bask in the sun, dash about the desert in my Jeep or run the waves of East Canyon Resevoir. But I know that autumn brings with it the beauty of the turning leaves, the promise of a blanket of snow and an excuse to get new clothes. I also know that summer will come back again.
Ruby Ridge Living Welcome to Gym Mart By Ruby Ridge Pumpkins, as if I don’t have enough aversions to working out, now I have to deal with the new Gold’s Gym in West Valley City. Have you seen this thing people? It has all the charm of an aircraft hangar and a color scheme that would make Jackson Pollack hurl. The walls are painted ochre, purple, teal, terracotta, and gray, which can only mean somewhere in New Mexico a whore house is missing its decorator. Don’t get me wrong, the gym has every machine and amenity you could ever want in a fitness center and then some. But the sheer size and corporate unfriendliness of the place leaves you feeling like a battery chicken. Remember when you went to the gym to work out, get the endorphins going, and decompress, and it was such a pleasant validating experience that you wanted to go back? Well kiss that notion goodbye babies, because the Gold’s corporate business plan is in rapid growth phase and now you’re contracted into franchise hell. From a business perspective it’s really phenomenal that a little gym from Venice, California could expand into a corporate monolith with over 550 gyms in 25 countries and over 2.5 million members. But the corporate fixation on unchecked growth, market dominance and economies of scale are destroying the basic ideas that made the original Gold’s Gym great in the first place… a neighborhood gym with a sense of community. Let me get totally nostalgic. I joined Spa Fitness in Sugarhouse way back in the 1980’s, when I was still thin. I worked out about 4 p.m. several days a week and got
to know all of the regulars. County Sheriffs, plumbers, bankers, all sorts of people mixed together, shared the machines, and it felt like home. Some of the best political conversations I have ever witnessed occurred in the sauna, when the older guys would just break into these hilarious and insightful rants about current events. And for me, the best thing was that the staff knew my name and my health goals. If I missed a few days, they wanted to know why, and encouraged me to get back into a routine. They were genuinely interested in their customers’ well being, not just their membership contract. Eventually, Spa Fitness was bought out and became Lifestyles. Now they have been bought out by Gold’s. And with every change in ownership and management, the gym gets a little more impersonal, and the target market of customers gets younger and younger. In my opinion that is the fitness paradox that these mega-chain gyms seem to be missing. The older you are the more you actually need a gym, not just for appearances sake, but your real health. Unfortunately most of the “fitness” franchises are marketed and designed to exclude older people. They need to make space for the never-ending stream of new contracts and young buffies. That’s a shame. If Gold’s wants to be successful in the long term beyond just numbers and actually promote a fitness/health agenda, they need to ask themselves why people drop their memberships as they age. Why are these shiny new mega gyms so incredibly intimidating for older people (and in gym terms that’s anyone over thirty), or God forbid, anyone with over 7 percent bodyfat? Why do people feel so disconnected from their gym? I think it’s time for Gold’s to answer these questions and get back to basics. And they can start by using my damn name. Ruby Ridge is a member of the Utah Cyber Sluts, a camp drag group of performers who raise funds and support local charities. Her opinions are her own, and fluctuate wildly due to bloating and irritability.
ACCOMPANIST WANTED
The ideal candidate will have previous experience and be skilled at sight-reading and playing from up to four staves at once.
SALT LAKE METRO
Interested applicants may submit a resume and cover letter to SLMC, 1601 Treeview Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124.
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We welcome candidates who share our dedication to building bridges of understanding and tolerance through musical excellence.
OCTOBER 14, 2004
Salt Lake Men’s Choir is seeking a parttime piano accompanist for weekly Thursday evening rehearsals, four annual concerts and various special events throughout the year.
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15FRIDAY Invenio, the UTAH GAY MEN’S HEALTH SUMMIT, begins with a keynote speech by Rev. Matthew Cockrum, parish minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ogden, followed by an open bar social. Workshops dealing with every aspepct of heath run Saturday and Sunday beginning at 8am. 7:30pm, Salt Lake Hilton, 255 S. West Temple. $25 for all workshops includes three meals. www. ugmh.com
The People With AIDS Coalition of Utah presents their 11TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY AWARDS RECEPTION honoring the efforts of Chuck Whyte, Ron Johnson and the Utah Gay Rodeo Association to fight against HIV/AIDS. 6pm, Sheraton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South. $50, 484-2205, pwacu.org.
The public is invited to a first-of-its-kind performance — the 2004 DANIEL CROWLEY MEMORIAL STORYTELLING CONCERT PRESENTS WALTER LARRABEE at the 2004 American
Folklore Society Meeting. Artist Walter Larrabee tells (and demonstrates!) how drag is a positive outlet that helps men and women bridge the gap between the societal constraints of reality and the limitless potential that exists in the world of imagination and fantasy. 9pm, Little America Hotel, Ballroom B. $10 suggested donation at the door. 533-5760.
16SATURDAY The City of Hope WALK FOR HOPE TO CURE BREAST CANCER walk and run is a 5k timed event and leisure walk to support breast cancer research, treatment and education at the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute. 2.1 million women are living with breast cancer and more than 200,000 are diagnosed each year. 9am, Sugarhouse Park. Register at 800-732-7309.
For those living with HIV/AIDS and their family, friends and caregivers, PWACU presents their 16th annual LIVING
MAVREEN DAVID
THE GAY AGENDA Singer/sogwriter Ember Swift and guitarist/violinist Lyndell Montgomery. See Saturday, October 16.
WITH AIDS CONFERENCE. Speakers include Kathy Wick, Shelley McKittrick and Dr. Larry Reimer. 10am–5pm, Jubilee Center, 309 E. 100 South. $25 includes a continental breakfast and lunch, 484-2205, pwacu.org.
Lambda hiking club takes off for an intermediate hike up DEAF SMITH CANYON, a magnificent narrow that opens to the Salt Lake Valley between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. This is a steep trail that climbs 3000 feet in three miles. 10am, Chevron parking lot, 201 S. 700 East. Carpool to the trailhead. gayhike.org
sWerve will spend a spooky evening at ROCKY POINT HAUNTED HOUSE, followed by pizza and gab. 6:30pm, Rocky Point Haunted House, 3400 S. State Street. Meet on the west side in the party room. swerveutah.com
Utah Opera brings back AIDA, a story of forbidden love, betrayal and death – all standard opera fare.
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7:30pm even days through Oct. 22, 2pm Oct. 24, Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South. Tickets $16–62, 355-ARTS, arttix.org.
DON’T AMEND FUNDRAISER at the Trapp with a silent auction, buffet and show. 8pm, Trapp Door, a private club for members, 102 S. 600 West.
EMBER SWIFT and her band speak their minds and their truths boldly and without fear from stages across Canada, the U.S. and Australia. Their songs shed light on issues such as globalization, consumer awareness, food politics, disengaging from capitalist greed, feminism, queer politics, racism and environmentalism. Her newest album was voted #1 on Outvoice.net. Accompanist Lyndell Montgomery said, “If
we have a pulse, we have a responsibility to work toward dismantling oppression.” 9pm, MoDiggity’s, a private club for members, 3424 S. State. $10 adv., $12 door. 8329000, modiggitys.com
17SUNDAY Sing along with the Salt Licks to your favorite peace songs at the SING OUT FOR PEACE CONCERT. Lyrics will be provided and all proceeds go to the Landmine Removal Project of the Ghandi Alliance for Peace. 7pm, First Unitarian Church, 569 S. 1300 East. Tickets $10. Amy 484-3026.
18MONDAY The Utah Chamber Artists’ annual Autumn Collage Concert will be held on Monday and Tuesday, October 18th and 19th at 8pm at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. 8pm, Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple. Free, 572-2010.
21THURSDAY Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays kicks off their national conference with FAMILY VOICES FOR EQUALITY — a huge event featuring Kate Clinton, Rev. Barry Lynn, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, folk singer Catie Curtis and the Joe Muscalino band. All proceeds benefit the Don’t Amend Alliance. 6:30pm rally against Amendment 3 on the Abravanel Hall plaza, 7:30pm concert, Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple. Tickets $10–40, 355-ARTS or arttix.org. $100 VIP tickets available at 746-1314.
The Salt Lake City electronic hip-hop band SUMMERHEAD will be holding a special concert to raise awareness about the consequences of Utah Constitutional Amendment Proposition 3. Summer-
head will perform their entire ‘Watershed’ album as a live soundtrack while the film of the same name, a collaboration of band members Joel Holmes and Gary Svedin, is being projected. Don’t Amend volunteers will make a presentation after the concert. 7:30pm, Sugarbeats, 2100 S. 1100 East. $5 at the door.
The Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City is presenting the Grammy awardwinning EMERSON STRING QUARTET performing the music of Beethoven, Tower and Shostakovich. Libby Gardner Hall. Tickets $25, 582-8746.
22FRIDAY Women’s theatre group Avalon Isle, presents DESOMONA, A PLAY ABOUT A HANDKERCHIEF. See the full story to the right.
23SATURDAY Logan’s gay community invites you to GENDER BLENDER 2004, a Halloween costume party and dance benefiting Logan’s queer programs. 9pm–1am, Aspen Grove Reception Center, 860 North 600 East, Logan. $15 at the door
LATIN AMERICAN DANCE SPECTACULAR will showcase the best of Latin American folkdance and culture. The audience will experience the sounds, flavors and traditions of Mexico, Bolivia, Chile and many other Latin American countries. Colorful costumes, vibrant music and native performers from the Utah Hispanic Dance
Kelexis Davenport, Miss Gay USofA at Large 2004 See Sunday, October 24
Alliance promise to produce a truly authentic culture event. 4pm and 7pm, Jeanne Wagner Theatre, 138 W. Broadway. Tickets $10, 355-ARTS, arttix.org.
24SUNDAY DEBI GRAHAM joins HEIDI HULL in a benefit performance for the Mariposa Project, a grassroots effort to bring help to an orphanage in Mariposa Venezuela. There will also be a raffle and art show featuring art from organizer Sally Neilson and other artists. 6–10pm, The Bayou, 645 S. State Street. 7:30pm through Oct. 24, Babcock Theatre, 300 S. University Ave. $12 through 355-ARTS and ArtTix.org
A $2000 cash prize and the ability to go to Dallas in December to compete in the Miss Gay USofA At Large pageant await the winner of MISS ROCKY MOUNTAIN AT LARGE. Current and former titleholders are special guests of the evening. 7:30pm, Club Sound, a private club for members, 579 W. 200 South. $6 at the door. 577-3837, www. USofA.org
UPCOMING Tuesday, November 2 ELECTION DAY and ELECTION NIGHT PARTIES. Friday, November 12 GLBT Public Safety Liaison Committee CYBER SAFETY WORKSHOP Sunday, November 21 Plan-B Theatre Company CHOCOLATE PARTY
Feminist Theatre Tackles Shakespeare’s Heroines By Mandy Q. Racer
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Desdemona will begin at 7:30 pm at the UAA Center on October 22, 23, 30, and November 5, 6, and 13. Shows will begin at 7:00 pm on October 31 and November 14. For reservations, call 971-7866 or email avalonisleslc@yahoo. com. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students.
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Christensen, will cast “a new light, a subversive light,” on the world of theatre. “Come and join us,” Christensen says. The performance group’s doors are open to local playwrights, actors, directors and technicians of all genders, requiring only that participants believe in the equal treatment of men and women, and desire to uphold that belief in their art. Holtz-Lagor said that they are especially interested in locally written plays in which “the subject matter, the treatment, is about women, about their stories.” They wish to tell the untold, the stories that are often drowned out by the language of patriarchy. The community theatre is composed fully of volunteers, but with the assistance of their umbrella nonprofit, the Utah Arts Alliance, they hope to soon become a fullfledged theatre group driven by private and public monies. Charitable contributions are tax deductible through the UAA. No more than a thought in April, Avalon Isle is smoothly approaching its opening night on October 22, largely with the help of Derek Dyer, UAA founder. Dyer assists with fund raising, has opened up an area of the new Utah Center for the Arts to the troop and may also be found, hammer in hand, working on the stage itself. Dyer, involved with the arts all his life, has long wanted to establish a community center for the arts, one that would offer affordable or free programs to the public. The Utah Center for the Arts is one such community center, offering not only a venue for Avalon Isle, but also two dozen classes including dancing, drawing and painting. The UAA Center is located on the second floor of 2191 S 300 W and may be found at utaharts.org. The production, which Christensen calls “a little Marquis de Sade,” is recommended for mature audiences.
OCTOBER 14, 2004
Salt Lake City may now lay claim to its first and only feminist theatre: Avalon Isle, Women’s Theatre Group. Avalon Isle’s first production, Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief, was written by Paula Vogel, the first out lesbian to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Avalon Isle’s founders, Candace Christensen and Aina Holtz-Lagor, were delighted when they discovered Desdemona, a feminist take on the classic text, Othello. Playwright Vogel transformed Shakespeare’s painfully chaste heroine into a sexual being who sleeps with Othello’s entire encampment. Desdemona, played by Christensen, is one third of a sensuous triangle of women, which includes the deathly religious Emilia (Holtz-Lagor) and the ingenuous Cockney streetwalker, Bianca (Charla Brinkpeter). Each of the three is constantly yearning for what the other has yet does not want. The result is an endless circuit heavily reminiscent of Jean Paul Sartre’s No Exit, in which the characters’ unrequited selfish desires forge a literal hell. The play highlights the struggle of the feminine in a patriarchal society while managing to artfully weave threads of sensuality and comedy throughout. Christensen dubs Desdemona Avalon Isle’s “calling card to the public.” Not only does the play offer three strong female roles, its dissident nature reflects the troop’s intention to open a conduit for feminist expression in all areas of live theatre production. Christensen was born and raised in Utah. Holtz-Lagor is from Sweden, and has lived throughout Europe. In contrast to the relatively conservative Germany and Austria, “I worked in Vienna, and there was art and music and theatre all over the place,” HoltzLagor said. While both founders stressed that groups such as the Pioneer Theatre Company and the Salt Lake Acting Company are valuable to Utah’s theatre, Holtz-Lagor said, “As feminists, we wanted to do plays that reflect our values.” Avalon Isle, according to