SGN February 12, 2016 - Section 2

Seattle Gay News

Issue 7, Volume 44, February 12, 2016

Arts & Entertainment

How To… definitely succeeds!

Theatre22 presents Annapurna – A conversation with director Julie Beckman

(l to r) Smitty (Sarah Rudinoff), Mr. Bratt (Jeff Steitzer), Hedy La Rue (Jessica Skerritt) and Bud Frump (Adam Standley) in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the 5th Avenue Theatre – Photo by Tracy Martin

by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING 5TH AVENUE THEATRE Through February 21 How To Succeed (in Business Without Really Trying) – aka H2$ - is a classical musical with a great score. Originally pro-

duced in the early 1960s the show released several hit songs including the classic I Believe in You and The Brotherhood of Man, and has enjoyed not only a successful motion picture release but also two Broadway revivals.

The plotline is typical ’60s, not difficult to follow, and full of characters that may be a touch sexist and stereotypical, but are zany and fun to watch. J. Pierrepont see h2$ page 4

2016 Grammy Awards:

A preview for “Music’s Biggest Night” with picks and predictions, list of performers

John Q. Smith and Teri Lazzara in Annapurna – Photo by Ahren Buhmann

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer ANNAPURNA THEATRE22 (at 12th Avenue Arts) Runs 2/19-3/12

The next offering by Theatre22, Annapurna by Sharr White, seems like an actor’s paradise. It’s a two-hander, as they say, two actors who get to throw themselves see annapurna page 5

PNB presents Maillot’s

Romeo et Juliette

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Noelani Pantastico and James Moore in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette – Photo by © Angela Sterling Alabama Shakes – ATO

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer “THE 2016 GRAMMY AWARDS” CBS-TV February 15 The Super Bowl of music award shows is being staged this week at LA’s Staples

Center. Gold-plated gramophones will be handed out in 83 categories, most of them during a Pre-Telecast Ceremony and about a dozen on the main ceremony televised to a global audience of millions.

Among the nominees are hometown favorites Brandi Carlile, Death Cab for Cutie and the Seattle Symphony, as well as the see grammy awards page 4

by Sharon Cumberland SGN A&E Writer PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET ROMEO ET JULIETTE MUSIC: SERGEI PROKOFIEV CHOREOGRAPHY: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE MAILLOT MARION OLIVER MCCAW HALL February 5 (through February 14)

I know it takes years of arduous training to be a ballet dancer, but it must also be a world of fun to dance the way PNB’s delightful crew was dancing on the opening night of Romeo et Juliette at McCaw Hall.

This is a story about young people – their love, honor, enthusiasm, humor – and choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot takes see romÉo et juliette page 6

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February 12, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Troye Sivan doesn’t disappoint live, plays terrific set at sold out venue

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer TROYE SIVAN THE SHOWBOX SODO February 4 There were two camps of people at the Troye Sivan concert. Screaming girls and screaming Gay men. That’s it, from front to back and wall to wall.

The 20 year-old musician crammed The Showbox SoDo to capacity on February 4, the second stop on his spring North American tour, where nearly every performance is similarly sold out. He opened with “Bite,” a track from his Wild EP, released last year, along with his full-length album, Blue Neighbourhood. Wearing black jeans and pocked-patterned jacket, which he removed midway through his concert, the tall and skinny artist pleased fans with cool, lively versions of “for him,” “Fools” and “Suburbia.”

“What’s up Seattle?!” he asked the crowd. They screeched in return.

Sivan utilized the identical stage props – illuminated house frames with windows and doors – for this show as he did for his previous appearance in Seattle, when he played to a packed audience at Neumos last October. There was no fancy footwork, but he beautifully swayed his lean body against a colorful backdrop of lights, or sometimes against an unlit stage so that only his sil-

Troye Sivan – Photo by Cybele Malinowski via smh.comau

houette appeared.

A surprise entry on Thursday night’s set list was a sweet, unplugged cover of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” which, like everything he sang at The Showbox, the fans knew each word to and joined in. Sivan’s acoustic delivery of “Happy Little Pill” was dreamy, especially with a chorus of highpitched concertgoers chiming in throughout the venue.

“Let’s have a fucking party!” the young Australian suggested to everybody, as if they weren’t riled up already. “You guys are wearing me out. Shit.”

“Ease,” “DKLA” and a really great, hushed rendition of “Talk Me Down” closed out the main set. Sivan wasted no time going into an encore, in fact I’m not

even sure he left the stage before singing the opening line of “Lost Boy” and then wrapped it all up with “Youth.” Two songs mysteriously left out from his performance were “The Fault in Our Stars” and “Papercut.”

You’re going to be hearing a lot about Troye Sivan in the coming months and years, a lot. Adele knows about him, Taylor Swift listens to him, and he’s got fans around the world that can’t get enough of him. This is a superstar in the making.

To read Troye Sivan’s recent interview with Seattle Gay News, where he shares his coming out story and musical crushes, visit www.sgn.org and type “Troye Sivan” in the search box, or locate the past issues archives and click on January 29, 2016.

Beyonce, Bruce Springsteen announce Seattle concerts

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer Make way for the Queen and the Boss!

Both of these music superiors are coming to Seattle very soon.

First up, Beyonce. The mega star followed her super performance during the big football game last weekend with an announcement of a world tour, which includes a stop in Seattle, on May 18, her only appearance in the Northwest. “The Formation Tour” launches April 27 in Miami and includes shows in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Boston, New York City, London, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, Paris, Stockholm and its final destination, Brussels. Queen Bey is teaming up with TXH Ltd. to provide the highest quality audio experience, so even though she’s playing football and soccer stadiums fans will still get a state-of-the-art sound. She’s also partnering with United Way to assist with relief efforts for the contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan. This is the first solo tour for Ms. Carter since 2013; her previous outing was summer 2014 when she hit the road with rap maestro/hubby Jay Z. Tickets for Beyonce at CenturyLink Field go on sale to the general public on February 22 (10 a.m.) at LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

Members of her official fan club, The Beyhive (Twitter: @BeyHive), will have access to a pre-sale beginning February 15, as will American Express cardholders.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Bruce Springsteen had already secured a date for Key Arena, when he announced an extension of “The River Tour” a couple weeks ago, though the exact date was not confirmed until this week. The Boss and his E Street Band are set to play Seattle on March 24, promoting his latest release, The Ties That Bind: The River Collection, a boxed set containing The River original album, along with outtakes, unreleased songs and a two-hour concert film from 1980.

This is the first time in years that the veteran rocker will perform in Seattle, something his local fans will appreciate as they don’t have to plan trips to San Francisco or Vancouver to see him in action. Aside from songs on The River, Springsteen has also been rotating classic tunes from his lengthy catalog onto his set lists for this tour, including “Brilliant Disguise,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “The Rising,” “Born to Run” and “Hungry Heart.” Tickets for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band go on sale February 12 (10 a.m.) at LiveNation. com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

Daryl Hall & John Oates have also booked an upcoming show. The pop duo will appear September 9 at White River Amphitheatre with soul-funk outfit Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, along with Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Other stops on the 21-city tour include Washington DC, Chicago, Las Vegas and Boston. Hall & Oates, as they’re more commonly known, released a long string of hit singles from 1973 to 1985, such as “Maneater,” “Kiss

February 12, 2016

on My List,” “You Make My Dreams,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” “She’s Gone,” “Out of Touch,” and “Adult Education.” They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Sharon Jones and her crew have released an acclaimed set of albums since 2002 and earned their first Grammy nomination for 2014’s Give the People What They Want. And, you might recall Trombone Shorty joining Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Madonna and Queen Latifah on the Grammy stage a couple of years ago when they collaboratively performed “Same Love,” where several Gay and Lesbian couples tied the knot.

Tickets go on sale February 13 (10 a.m.) at LiveNation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

There’s more. Pentatonix, who opened for Kelly Clarkson last summer, will headline a concert at WaMu Theater on April 27, Andrew Bird will perform at The Showbox Market on May 19 and The Lumineers, who recorded their first album here in the Seattle area, will appear June 3 at Marymoor Park. Tickets for all these shows will be available at axs.com.

Finally, farewell to Maurice White, founding member of legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire who passed away last week. He was, truly, one of the most gifted musicians. If you’ve never listened to the band’s music, start with “Fantasy” and “September.”

Seattle Gay News 3

grammy awards

BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM nominees: Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes, Vulnicura - Bjork; The Waterfall My Morning Jacket, Currents - Tame Impala, Star Wars - Wilco Should/Will win: Sound & Color For best alternative music single, if there were a category, I’d easily give it to Tame Impala’s “Let It Happen”. But the finest album in this bunch is Alabama Shakes’ unpredictably brilliant sophomore effort.

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Seattle Symphony’s conductor Ludovic Morlot.

A multitude of A-list performers and presenters have already been confirmed for the 3-hour event, but expect to hear a few more artists added to the lineup down the homestretch. Adele, Lady GaGa, Carrie Underwood, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding, James Bay, Little Big Town, Tori Kelly, Andra Day and Justin Bieber with Skrillex and Diplo are scheduled to perform. Also appearing on the program is the cast of Hamilton, who will sing the opening number from their Broadway hit musical via live satellite from the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City. A tribute to David Bowie falls on the shoulders of Lady GaGa, under the musical direction of Nile Rodgers, while a salute to the 2016 MusicCares Person of the Year recipient Lionel Richie will feature John Legend, Luke Bryan, Demi Lovato and Meghan Trainor.

The 58th Annual Grammy Awards can be seen on CBS, February 15 at 8 p.m. Here are my picks and predictions in 10 categories going into “Music’s Biggest Night.”

ALBUM OF THE YEAR nominees: Sound & Color - Alabama Shakes; To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar; Traveller Chris Stapleton; 1989 - Taylor Swift; Beauty Behind the Madness - The Weeknd Should/Will win: To Pimp a Butterfly All of these albums are great, but the most deserving are those by Lamar and Swift. That said, even though Grammy voters have denied hip hop artists awards in the major categories – except for wins by OutKast and Lauryn Hill – I think Lamar has the edge.

RECORD OF THE YEAR nominees: “Really Love” – D’Angelo and the Vanguard; “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars; “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran; “Blank Space” – Taylor Swift; “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd Should win: “Can’t Feel My Face” The irresistible groove of The Weeknd’s smash hit gets my vote, just slightly over

h2$

continued from cover Finch is an eager go-getter wanting to rise (quickly) to the top from being a window washer. He finds a book (How to Succeed in Business) and uses the book as a guru guide for his ambitious climb. “Ponti” (as he is called) climbs the corporate ladder at an amazing rate causing eyebrows to rise, a co-worker to become romantically interested, and creating an enemy from the sycophant nephew of the boss.

How to Succeed is a fun show and there is not a single person on the stage that does anything but a stellar performance. Eric Ankrim portrays J. Pierrepont Finch with the eagerness, vocals, and stage presence required. His boyish charm gives the character that extra “umph” that is needed to make Finch believable in his charismatic climb to the top. Ankrim’s talents exude in this show, whether it is singing/dancing or just having stage presence with a smile, and it is easy to see why he is the lead. Sarah Rose Davis is Rosemary, a corporate secretary that is determined to make Finch hers.

While the character is written as satire, Rosemary is overly anxious to settle down with married life, Davis gives her personality that is easily endearing to the audience.

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Kendrick Lamar – Interscope

Swift, who probably should’ve submitted “Bad Blood” instead.

Will win: “Thinking Out Loud” Though he’s been nominated multiple times, the number of golden gramophones in Sheeran’s trophy case is a big, fat zero.

Monday night could deliver the ginger musician his very first.

SONG OF THE YEAR nominees: “Alright,” “Blank Space,” “Girl Crush,” “See You Again,” “Thinking Out Loud” Should/Will win: “Blank Space” Don’t count Sheeran out; though with Lamar probably claiming AOTY the voters will likely give this to Swift and her cowriter team, Max Martin and Shellback.

BEST NEW ARTIST nominees: Courtney Barnett, James Bay, Sam Hunt, Tori Kelly, Meghan Trainor Should win: Bay or Hunt I love Barnett’s spunky style, but singersongwriters are my weakness, therefore it’s Bay or Hunt for me.

Will win: Hunt MIA from this bunch is Hoozier, who was eligible yet mysteriously not nominated, leaving the door wide open for anyone to take it home. Kelly has a shot, as does Bay, but I’m going with country newbie Hunt to walk away with it.

BEST DANCE RECORDING nominees: “We’re All We Need” - Above & Beyond featuring Zoë Johnston; “Go” - The

Her voice (as she has proven in several 5th Avenue productions) is strong and Davis knows how to use her talents.

The two-standout performances are noticeable from the moment they walk on stage, the whiney nephew Bud Frump and the vivacious secretary Hedy La Rue. Adam Standley plays the oily nephew of the big corporate boss. Standley is a newcomer to the 5th Avenue and should definitely become a main staple in their repertoire. His voice is strong and he uses his body as a tool for comic precision. From simple facial expressions or tones in his voice to an overly exaggerated walk-off stage, Standley uses his talents to the best of stage abilities. He steals the scene (seemingly without trying) presenting an excellent counter-presence as Finch’s nemesis.

Without a doubt Jessica Skerritt owns this show. As Hedy La Rue, the vivacious sex-kitten secretary, Skerritt wiggles charm with every hip-movement and step she takes. Not only beautiful, she finds a way to take the “dumb-blonde” secretary to a new level of enjoyment capturing the attention of the males on stage, as well as every member of the audience. It takes a great deal of talent to portray a stereotype and still make it believable; this Skerritt does, and with excellent style. It may be sexist to

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Chemical Brothers featuring Q-Tip; “Never Catch Me” - Flying Lotus featuring Kendrick Lamar; “Runaway (U & I)” - Galantis; “Where Are Ü Now” - Skrillex and Diplo with Justin Bieber Should win: “Runaway (U & I)” One of the best dance records of this decade, hands down.

Will win: “Where Are Ü Now” Grammy voters may not love The Biebs, though they have a soft spot for Skrillex.

Also factor in that Diplo is nominated for Producer of the Year and the trio is performing during the ceremony, so it’s in the bag.

BEST ROCK ALBUM nominees: Chaos and the Calm - James Bay; Kintsugi - Death Cab For Cutie; Mister Asylum Highly Suspect; Drones - Muse; The Gray Chapter - Slipknot Should win: Kintsugi If DCFC is ever going to bring a Grammy back to the Emerald City, this might be it. They’ve been nominated several times over the past 10 years, but always come up short. Here’s hoping they finally get called to the podium.

Will win: Chaos and the Calm Bay has three Grammy nods, including Best New Artist, so this might be where voters reward him for his major breakthrough and a well-executed album of folkrock tracks.

watch every male character on stage lustfully follow her movements or make consistent innuendo about the character, but it is also easy to see why.

As with any musical the songs and dancing are a big part of the show. The choreography (by Bob Richard) is planned very well. The larger group numbers “Coffee Break” and “Paris Original” are staged beautifully allowing subtle movements to shine through. The breakout hit “I Believe in You” staged in a men’s washroom is done very well as is the rousing eleven o’clock number, “The Brotherhood of Man”. The songs (music and lyrics) are written by the master Frank Loesser, who captured the early 1960s sentiment with rhythm and words. It is no wonder this satirical show won the Pulitzer Prize (1962) for Best Drama. Oddly, his Tony Award nomination was the only one not to win in its category for this show.

The 5th Avenue Theatre excels when focusing on the shows from the classical musical era. H2$ is not an exception in any way. The entire cast is highly enjoyable with several standout performances. The music is catchy and the storyline, while completely sexist and dated, is written in brilliant satire making the chauvinistic attitudes comical enough to laugh. How To…

BEST RAP ALBUM nominees: 2014 Forest Hills Drive - J. Cole; Compton - Dr. Dre; If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late Drake; To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar; The Pinkprint - Nicki Minaj Should/Will win: To Pimp a Butterfly No one else stands a chance.

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM nominees: Montevallo - Sam Hunt; Pain Killer - Little Big Town; The Blade - Ashley Monroe; Pageant Material - Kacey Musgraves; Traveller - Chris Stapleton Should/Will win: Traveller Musgraves put out a wonderful sophomore record and Hunt’s full-length debut is quite good, but Traveller is the perfect country album and an easy favorite here.

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA nominees Birdman - Antonio Sanchez; The Imitation Game - Alexandre Desplat; Interstellar Hans Zimmer; The Theory Of Everything - Jóhann Jóhannsson; Whiplash - Justin Hurwitz Should win: All of them deserve to win.

This is the toughest category going into Monday night’s awards, featuring five incredible scores. My heart says Interstellar or The Theory of Everything, either of which should’ve won the Oscar. On the other hand, Birdman and Whiplash were ineligible for the Academy Award, so here’s a chance for either to receive some recognition. And then there’s The Imitation Game, another gem. I’ll be happy with any of them, really.

Will win: Birdman Interestingly, all of these scores were from 2014 films; none from 2015 made the cut. Sanchez’s work on Birdman is the frontrunner here.

definitely succeeds.

How to Succeed… first opened on Broadway October 12, 1961 and ran for over 1400 performances. Nominated for eight Tony Awards that season (including Best Musical, Best Author, Best Actor, Best Featured Actor) winning in every nomination except Best Composer (Frank Loesser writing music and lyrics). Originally starring Robert Morse as the eager Finch (who went on to recreate the role in the 1967 film), the original cast also boasted Rudy Vallee (JB Biggley) and Charles Nelson Reilly (who won a Tony as Bud Frump).

The show was awarded the coveted Pulitzer Prize in Drama in 1962. The musical enjoyed a revival on March 10, 1995 (running for 548 performances) starring Matthew Broderick (Finch) and Megan Mullally (Rosemary Pillkington). The show was revived once more in March 2011 allowing Daniel Radcliffe to star as Finch originally and Nick Jonas and Darren Criss to eventually take over that role.

How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying continues at the 5th Avenue Theatre through February 21. For more information and tickets, call 206-625-1900 or visit www.the5thavenue.org.

Celebrating 41 Years!

ACT’s Buzzer doesn’t quite stack up

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer BUZZER AJ EPSTEIN PRODUCTIONS AT ACT THEATRE Through February 21 A lot could be said about gentrification.

There are all kinds of sides to look at: the people who live in a blighted area because they must (no income options, red-lining, etc.); the people who move there early to take advantage of lower costs in anticipation of the boom; the people who move there after most or all the dangerous elements have been displaced. Plays have examined this, somewhat, like Clybourn Park.

Since so often gentrification has happened to areas that start with poor black residents and become majority white, there are powerful stories to be told in play format. Tracey Scott Wilson has written one that defies easy categorization as commentary on gentrification. It’s called Buzzer, now onstage at ACT Theatre, co-produced with AJ Epstein Productions. She includes an uncommon trio, and in this production, the trio on stage feel uneasily linked. So, should the play be seen as commentary on gentrification?

We meet Jackson (Andrew Lee Creech), who is a successful, black lawyer who has purchased a condo in his old, dangerous neighborhood, where gentrification is already in full swing. Cafes and upscale restaurants have begun moving in, but much of the blight still remains. Young black men hang around in small groups, surly about those moving into the neighborhood who would not have wanted to live there before.

Jackson wants to make a home for long-time love, Suzy (Chelsea LeValley), a white schoolteacher who is unsure of her

annapurna continued from cover

into meaty, emotional material. It’s about a long-extinct marriage where the ex-wife comes back to nurse her dying ex-husband and rehash their relationship.

Most won’t get the title reference. Annapurna is a mountain in the Himalayas; the play is set in mountains of Colorado; so the mountains are the struggles of the relationship. Very poetic. White wrote the play in 2013-14, and it was done Off-Broadway in 2014. So, it’s very new. White has other plays that have been well received, and you might think of him as “up and coming.”

SGN spoke to director Julie Beckman about this play. Beckman is an award-winning director (she won the Gypsy Rose Lee Award in 2014 for directing A Small Fire at Sound Theatre Company and was nominated for directing Water By the Spoonful for Theatre22 in 2015). Here’s a taste of how she goes about directing a play.

“Having recently directed Water by the Spoonful, which was one of my all-time favorite projects, it is a pleasure to dive into the new year with Theatre22. Corey McDaniel (artistic director for Theatre22) and I work really well together. About a year ago, Corey brought me a stack of plays and asked me what I thought. Annapurna was by far the favorite of everything he gave me. I love telling this beautiful story about love and reconciliation, with amazing characters and a gripping, very human story.

“The first thing I usually do is ask what is this play about? What is the message that

safety, but wants to commit to Jackson. A plot about the two of them could involve just this one choice of property with plenty of substance. But Wilson includes a best friend of Jackson, Don (Spencer Hamp), who is a recovering addict, and also white, and also was raised with a golden spoon in his mouth.

The title comes from the broken buzzer that sounds when people push the button but the condo-dwellers can’t respond to them. They’ve got to go to the door (“downstairs”). It’s a subtle commentary on the upscale building with broken amenities. Similar to a neighborhood that is renovated, but not yet ready for use.

There seem to be too many plot insertions: Jackson worked hard to go to top law schools, Don was born in a rich family and became the family dropout. Jackson lived in the neighborhood, but spent much time staying indoors to avoid the dangers, Don lived on the street in that same neighborhood, getting to know it in ways Jackson may not have. Don is in recovery, but in danger of using again for the ninth time after a rehab. Suzy has become sick of Don’s failings and doesn’t want him to live with the couple.

There are black/white issues, money issues, trust issues, neighborhood issues. The play is packed!

Creech, here, fails to convince in his role, and is the most “act-y” I have ever seen him. He seems to be convincing himself that he can play a successful lawyer, and that translates to the audience not believing him. His chemistry with LeValley is uneven.

LeValley does a nice job in the role of Suzy and Hamp is a smashing addict, maybe because the writing of his character is the most interesting.

Wilson is a playwright to know and it’s very clear why the play would be chosen.

It’s difficult to know whether its shortcomings are production issues that make it less compelling or writing issues. I “wanted” it to be great, from hearing about it. For me, this just didn’t quite stack up to what it seems to aspire to.

For more information, go to www.act-

theatre.org or call 206-292-7676.

it gives to the world? Corey and I like plays where something is hopeful or offers the possibility of growth or change or positive development.

“In this case, it attracted me because ultimately it’s about the power of love and it’s a message we can hear over and over because it’s so core.

“Finding the people who you are excited about going through the process with is a fun part of it. Having worked with Teri Lazzara on A Small Fire and with John Q. Smith on The Bells (Strawberry Theatre Workshop), I know that both of them are truly gifted. I had great faith in their chemistry on stage. And believe me, their electricity is palpable. They will not disappoint!

“Then design meetings, sometimes before the show is cast. I really like the collaborative process that happens between the director and the designers. I like to take advantage of the talent we have in the design world and get their contributions.

“I’ve worked with set designer Michael Mowery before and know how talented he is, and he is the perfect designer for this show. His skill and attention to detail are really showcased in this production, which is set in an intimate trailer in Paonia, Colorado.

“And we have Jennifer Ewing who created our ‘mountain’ – an incredible visual – so beautifully rendered. Sound designer Kyle Thompson also designed Water by the Spoonful, and it’s great to work with him again. Lighting designer Ahren Buhmann has worked with Theatre22 before, but it is my first time working with him – he’s also really smart and talented. And it’s

great to work with Jen Moon on props (of which there are hundreds!) and costumes (of which there are a total of two for each actor). Altogether, it’s a fantastic team.

“One of the first things you discuss is stylistic choices for the production and that makes a huge difference in the design. This is very realistic. It’s set in a trailer. You need to see Mount Gunnison through the windows. That makes a lot of choices for us.

“Then how do we want to configure the space. In 12th Avenue Arts you have that choice. We decided to go in a standard configuration (proscenium) because we needed this backdrop and needed the audience to share that perspective. Do we want to have the audience be inside the trailer or outside the trailer looking around it? And we chose, because this is an intimate story and the space is intimate, that we’d embrace it and that we audience members are in the world with them. That informed the set choices.

Instead of seeing the exterior walls and roof of the trailer, you can see through their windows.

“For lighting, you discuss the quality of the light, the time of day, the environment, but also the emotional tone. It’s different if you’re in an interrogation room and the light is bright and cold, or in a home with lamps. All of that is in the lighting designer’s toolbox. As a director, I just talk about the quality and let them decide how they want to create that quality.

“Sound is similar, both in that there are a lot of dog-bark sounds that have to happen at specific times, but then also questions about whether we want to integrate music, and do we want sound at the beginning and ends of

the play to shape people’s experience?

“Then we get into rehearsal. With the actors, we talk about the story we’re telling and the character’s background and the journey they go through in the course of the play. Ultimately, my job is to help the actors do the best they possibly can. A lot of that comes from creating an environment where the actors feel respected and that they can bring their own strengths to the process. I really welcome their insights and discoveries. Again, it’s a collaborative process.

“The last part is ‘tech,’ where you try to put all the pieces together. We integrate all the technical aspects into the performances. It’s rehearsals where every piece of technical element, lights, costumes, and sound are brought into the piece. We do a ‘cue-to-cue,’ a moment-to-moment check to make sure we know we’re all on the same page for each moment. And we’ll have ‘dress rehearsal,’ where the actors put on all the costumes and the makeup and we try to refine the process so it works smoothly.

“Finally, we have opening night! There are a lot of layers in this play. The other thing that is really fun for me is working with Corey because we’re on our third show together and we have a great rhythm. Altogether, working on this show has been a pleasure, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences!”

February 12, 2016

Seattle Gay News 5

Visit us online www.sgn.org

Andrew Lee Creech and Spencer Hamp in Buzzer – Photo by © Michelle Bates

Discuss your opinions with sgncritic@ gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/SeattleTheaterWriters. More articles can be found at miryamstheatermusings.blogspot. com.

Annapurna runs February 19-March 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 800-838-3006 at http://www. brownpapertickets.com/event/2405204 and at the theater box office day of show, if available. www.theatre22.org.

romÉo et juliette Prokofiev’s alluring music. Instead she is continued from cover

full advantage of the dancers’ youthful energy.

In the town square scenes (we know it’s Verona, but in this version it could be anywhere) the entire company is bustling around, flirting, fighting, joking, forming pairs, trios, quartets, then fading back while the main characters dance out the story – the Capulets in black and maroon, the Montagues in lighter shades of blue and beige. If you don’t recall the plot you had better read the program notes. Maillot’s version leaves out so many key elements of the play that it might be hard to follow a tale in which the son and daughter of rival families fall in love, get married secretly, and trigger a sequence of events that leads to their deaths. How it all happens is murky.

Friar Laurence takes on a larger role than in Shakespeare’s tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, but we don’t see his failure to warn Romeo of the only thing that explains Romeo’s despair and suicide – that Juliette is not dead but only sleeping. Because of this missing plot point everyone seems subject to tragic Fate rather than to the irreconcilable hatred between powerful families.

But oh, well – who cares? You don’t go to this ballet for the narrative, but for the emotions, the music, and the fabulous dancing. The audience is swept up in the excitement of being young, strong, silly, ambitious, frustrated, and in love. James Moore’s ardent Romeo and Noelani Pantastico’s playful Juliette describe the immortal joy of young love in their meeting at the Capulet’s ball. Maillot has them enact the famous encounter sonnet, “If I profane with my unworthiest hand…” in such detail that the soul of Shakespeare suddenly infuses the scene as the two young lovers show us “palm to palm is holy palmer’s kiss.”

Their balcony scene is equally expressive as the privacy of their encounter allows them to enter fully into the throes of discovery – Romeo practically faints with astonishment, throwing himself onto the floor and sliding to her like a bouquet of flowers flung at her feet. Juliette is far from the shy, tentative figure we often see in the play – and the one made famous in the Kenneth Macmillan hyper-romantic staging of

coltish and impulsive, as aggressive in her attraction to Romeo as he is to her. I confess that I missed the elegant romance of the Macmillan version – one I have seen many times – but I enjoyed Maillot’s commitment to the lovers’ unsophisticated abandon.

They looked every bit the fourteen or fifteen year olds they are in the play as they approached each other and jumped away, breaking down barriers of parental disapproval and social rigidity with each round of bird-like courting display – patterns that Maillot repeats in tragic mode as they choose to be together in death at the end.

Prokofiev’s music is the perfect medium for this bubbling cauldron of joyous and tragic dance, in which everyone is young.

Juliette’s mother, the Nurse, Friar Laurence – all are performed by dancers as young and lithe as the heroes, and there are no other adult Capulets, Montagues, or authority figures in Maillot’s version of Verona.

This distinct absence of older and wiser heads goes some way toward explaining the tragedy, but it led to some confusion in Act I about who was who. Is that girl acting silly Juliette or the Nurse? Is that woman in black Tybalt’s sister or his mother? And that very handsome fellow with two servants in white – is he hankering after Juliette himself? The episodes don’t quite connect, so you just sit back and enjoy the music and dancing while waiting for the details to resolve themselves.

One great pleasure is that Maillot’s choreography particularly favors the young men – an unusual phenomenon in story ballets. They leap, roll, and clown around with the infectious brio of a herd of young stallions. I particularly enjoyed the trio of Romeo, Benvolio (Benjamin Griffiths), and Mercutio (Jonathan Poretta), whose perfect match in height and body type made their trios especially powerful as they executed sequences of steps and leaps in exact simultaneity. I also enjoyed the way Maillot extracts group movement out of an apparent crowd of individuals, suddenly showing us pairs or quartets where there were meandering citizens before.

And while I’m not a big fan of interpolations, I found that another impressive element to this Romeo et Juliette was the role of Friar Laurence (Miles Pertl) and his two

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Seth Orza as Tybalt and Jonathan Porretta as Mercutio in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Julliette – Photo by © Angela Sterling

white-clad acolytes (Kyle Davis and Price Suddarth). Pertl danced Friar Laurence with the passionate commitment of one who knows he is carrying the moral weight of the tragedy, and who also knows he will cause the death of those he hopes to save.

Maillot’s addition to the story brought a great deal of depth in a sequence of dance pantomimes, using the elegant, romantic movement he largely withholds from the rest of the ballet. The broad, passionate gestures of the three dancers, which at times suggested the suffering and crucifixion of Christ, reminded the audience that despite the exuberant music a tragic ending is in-

evitable. Since Friar Laurence was himself young, I got the sense that his wisdom was dearly bought by the deaths of Romeo and Juliette.

Jean-Christophe Maillot’s choreography is entirely new to me and a wonderful discovery. I came to opening night certain that I had seen this performance before, but in fact the last Romeo and Juliet I saw at PNB was Kent Stowell’s version, done to a constructed score of various Tchaikovsky works. Now that PNB has the Maillot production – complete with compelling scenic design by Ernest Pignon-Ernest and gorgeous costumes by Jeróme Kaplan, both recreated from the original Monte Carlo Ballet production – it is unlikely that we will see the Stowell version again. Since Prokofiev’s music has become the iconic voice of this immortal story, I’m glad Seattle has a beautiful, textured production to look forward to in the years ahead.

I only wish the production did not begin with the cast list being projected onto a movie screen at the start of the dance.

Seattle audiences are so sentimental that they applaud every name as it comes up, completely ruining the overture that Emil de Cou and the valiant orchestra are playing. I’ll bet the patrons of the Monte Carlo Ballet are not so corny as to applaud names, which is probably why the designer projected names with confidence. But then ballet-goers in Monte Carlo probably don’t whistle through their teeth and shout WooHoo! at curtain calls, either. The New Yorker in me wishes Seattle audiences were a touch more sophisticated – but then there’s a charming, familial quality that would be missing if they were. There’s no such thing as the Seattle freeze at the ballet!

Romeo et Juliette is performed at McCaw Hall through Valentine’s Day, so grab your valentine and go for a beautiful, exuberant, romantic evening of gorgeous music and unforgettable dancing at PNB.

Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers Lesley Rausch and Jerome Tisserand in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette – Photo © Lindsay Thomas.

6 Seattle Gay News

February 12, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Gay City and Three Dollar Bill Cinema – The 11th Annual Academy Awards Party Gay City Health Project and Three Dollar Bill Cinema present the hottest Academy Awards event in town, their 11th Annual Academy Awards Party benefit, hosted by the delightful Robbie Turner!

Join Seattle’s swanky glitterati on Sunday, February 28 at 4 p.m. to support two prominent LGBT non-profits, and enjoy an exquisitely fabulous Oscars experience.

Join the party at the amazing Seattle Cinerama (2100 4th Avenue at Blanchard St.) and enjoy the Academy Awards broadcast on their giant screen in their well-appointed theater.

Everyone will enjoy a glamorous Hollywood experience, with savory hors d’oeuvres, fully stocked no-host bar, Oscar Ballot contest with door prize entries, and, of course, the opportunity to participate in our fabulous Oscar raffle.

Our exclusive VIP experience includes the best seats in the house reserved just for you! VIP tickets also include a special VIP bar featuring complimentary champagne service (while supplies last), VIP only hors

d’oeuvres, and complimentary coat check.

There are only 100 VIP tickets available, so act fast!

General Admission ($25) includes the Academy Awards broadcast on the Cinerama’s giant movie screen, delicious food throughout the evening, a no-host bar with specialty cocktails, and chances to win fabulous prizes.

VIP ($95) includes all of the General Admission benefits PLUS reserved seating, a dedicated VIP bar with complimentary champagne service (while supplies last), VIP hors d-oeuvres, free coat check, and a fabulous gift bag. Only 100 VIP tickets will be sold.

This is a 21+ only event.

For more information about the 11th Annual Academy Awards Party, visit gaycity.org/oscars.

Courtesy of Three Dollar Bill Cinema

Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Gay City announce their 2nd Annual Rainbow Cinema Awards – Cast your ballots NOW! As part of the film awards season, Three Dollar Bill Cinema and Gay City are pleased to announce their 2nd Annual Rainbow Cinema Awards, recognizing and honoring the incredibly diverse talents of actors and filmmakers from 2015. The awards will given out during their 11th Annual Academy Awards Party, taking place on Sunday, February 28 at Seattle Cinerama.

“There are a number of amazing actors,

actresses, directors, and filmmakers that we want to honor at our event,” said Gay City Executive Director Fred Swanson.

“These awards recognize the performances and work of queer people and people of color, and celebrate the diversity that exists in cinema today.”

The 11th Annual Academy Awards Party serves as a benefit for both organizations, and is a fun and exciting way to honor their combined four decades of service to Seat-

tle’s queer community. The Rainbow Cinema Awards, introduced last year at their 10th Annual Academy Awards Party, has become a way for the community to honor the richness and diversity in cinema shown in the previous year.

“It’s important to both organizations that we acknowledge under-represented talent and stories,” said Three Dollar Bill Cinema Executive Director Jason Plourde.

“We want to recognize a wide range of cin-

ema through our event.”

Voting is now live for the 2nd Annual Rainbow Cinema Awards. Go to threedollarbillcinema.org to view nominations, and vote for your favorites before February 26th.

For more information about the 11th Annual Academy Awards Party, visit gaycity.org/oscars.

Courtesy of Three Dollar Bill Cinema

Time for a TWIST The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival has a new name!

Introducing TWIST Seattle Queer Film Festival After a successful 20th anniversary festival this past October, Three Dollar Bill Cinema is excited to announce a name change for their iconic film event. This year, The Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival becomes TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival.

The intention to change the name was announced by Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Executive Director Jason Plourde on opening night of the 2015 fest, where he stated: “After 20 years of producing an amazing festival, we felt it was time to give the event a more special, inclusive, and engaging name.”

The organization then launched a survey that garnered hundreds of responses and held numerous meetings with staff, board, and stakeholders. “We made sure to listen to many people and considered the extensive list of suggestions we received.

It was important to make a well-informed, collaborative decision. We also enlisted our talented Design Director Corianton Hale to create a compelling visual identity that reflects the fun, inclusive nature of this festival.”

So, why TWIST? The word has film connotations: a physical filmstrip winding through a projector, or the elements of story structure such as a plot twist or an intriguing revelation.

Moreover, “twist” evokes a festive, social, and celebratory spirit that is so often

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cited by Three Dollar Bill Cinema audiences and industry, who applaud the unique, appealing quality of the festival experience in Seattle.

Additionally, “twist” connects with “queer” by suggesting something unique and off-center, an unexpected surprise to be discovered and revealed, beyond the usual norms and conventions. It transcends the traditional LGBTQ nomenclature to create something new and different – a little more daring and a lot more fun – and sets a tone and direction that reflects our distinct com-

February 12, 2016

munity.

Says Plourde, “We heard from hundreds of people and held discussions to figure out what could capture the fun, unique, and cinematic qualities of our queer film festival. It became clear that TWIST captures our sensibility and will be more relevant and exciting to our audiences.”

The name change will be a continuation of the beloved annual event – this October 13-23 will bring the 21st TWIST: Seattle Queer Film Festival. Explains Plourde, “We’re just bringing a new name and fresh attitude to our steadfast community event.

Our fans can still expect the spectacular films, great parties, and creative programs we’ve produced all along.”

Find out more at: www.threedollarbillcinema.org Courtesy of Three Dollar Bill Cinema

Seattle Gay News 7

Coens’ Caesar a Hollywood satire worth hailing

George Clooney as Baird Whitlock in Hail, Caesar! – Universal Pictures International

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer HAIL, CAESAR! Now playing Eddie Mannix (Josh Brolin) is a fixer working his magic for Capital Pictures.

He’s the best in Hollywood, a fact his employers are aware of. At the moment, he’s got his hands full with a variety of problems. His number one starlet, aquatic musical sensation DeeAnna Moran (Scarlett Johansson), is both unmarried and pregnant, not a great combination if she’s going to maintain the squeaky clean wholesome image the studio has engineered for her. Esteemed director Laurence Laurentz (Ralph Fiennes) is starting production on his latest prestige picture, and the powers that be seem to think B-Western singing cowboy Hobie Doyle (Alden Ehrenreich) is the right actor for the job even if his Texas twang is as thick as fresh molasses.

Then there are the issues with Capital Pictures’ most ambitious effort to date, the

8 Seattle Gay News

big budget spectacle “Hail, Caesar!” featuring international movie star Baird Whitlock (George Clooney), a so-called Tale of the Christ that Mannix is obsessed with making sure remains wholesome enough to offend no particular religious denomination. But Whitlock has disappeared just as production is nearing completion. Complicating things even more, a group calling themselves “The Future” has sent a note claiming they’ve kidnapped him, wanting $100,000 in cash for his return unharmed.

Joel and Ethan Coen are in screwball territory with their latest comedic concoction Hail, Caesar!, a motion picture that leans more in the direction of The Hudsucker Proxy, Raising Arizona and Intolerable Cruelty than it does Blood Simple, Miller’s Crossing or No Country for Old Men. It’s a frantic frolic through Hollywood’s Golden Age, events transpiring in an unspecified post-WWII, early 1950s sunny California wonderland where dreams are printed on celluloid and contracts are written so that they’re impossible to break. A place where communist sympa-

February 12, 2016

thizers band together, musical numbers can lighten even the saddest heart and quitting smoking is as impossible a task as any ever invented.

More than all of that, though, the film is another Coen creation that takes an interesting sideways look at religion and faith, depicting a man of dubious moral character who loves his wife, adores his child and goes to church every morning to ask for forgiveness of his sins all the same. It is a story where, above all else, Eddie Mannix must decide who he is and what that means, finding solace in a life of chaos and temptation, eschewing one of comfort and ease in the process. It’s an odd, ungainly hodgepodge of cinematic celebration and intimate, emotionally complex self-examination, both pieces working together in a way that shouldn’t work yet somehow gloriously does.

It’s hard for a die-hard cinephile not to fall in love with the movie. Not only is the humor giddily idiosyncratic, the voluminous amount of knowledge the awardwinning filmmakers showcase is amazing.

They’ve done their homework, each visual stylization keyed directly to the type and style of whichever feature is being showcased at any various moment. Big, splashy musical in the vein of director Vincente Minnelli and dancer/star Gene Kelly? Huge widescreen epic resembling Henry Koster’s The Robe? A Gene Autry-style Western with silly acrobatic stunts and impromptu musical numbers under a starry sky? Drawing room melodramas with society ne’erdo-wells professing their undying love in hushed tones coupled with furtive glances?

It’s all here and more, the Coens maintaining complete control no matter how insane it all might seem from the outside looking in.

For Roger Deakins, a frequent collaborator of the brothers, this could be the vaunted cinematographer’s finest hour. The 13-time Oscar nominee – nominated again this year for Sicario – has outdone him-

self, forced to emulate the visual framings and styles of the period ranging from widescreen period pieces, to black and white melodramas, to backlot B-movie Westerns, the task set in front of him by the Coens was massive to say the least. While the fact he pulls it off isn’t exactly surprising, that he does it with so much passionate, eyepopping elasticity is, the resulting film a visual marvel I wouldn’t have been able to pull my gaze from even had I felt the need to try.

There isn’t a complex plot. Assuming the kidnapping of Baird Whitlock by communists is going to be the most important narrative element driving all other important actions contained within would be a mistake. Thinking stars like Clooney, Johansson, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Fiennes, Christopher Lambert or Alison Pill are going to be around for more than a moment or two would be an even bigger one. The movie is a snapshot, a quick glance inside a world of fantasy and make-believe that’s been gone for decades, all of it centered on a quick-thinking man who seemingly lives to multitask and multitasks to live.

It can feel slight, appear inconsequential, but, like almost everything else hiding within the Coen brothers’ newest attraction, it’s all an illusion, the celebrated directors hiding universal truths in plain sight most so obvious they’re almost impossible to see for what they actually are on initial viewing. Much like their superb, achingly personal satire A Serious Man, the world of Hail, Caesar! ends with a final image that will leave many perplexed, some annoyed and almost all questioning what it is exactly Joel and Ethan are trying to say. In other words, it’s perfect, and like the best of the duo’s achievements it’s an ending I’m going to be pondering for quite a long time to come.

Celebrating 41 Years!

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February 12, 2016

Seattle Gay News 9

10 Seattle Gay News

February 12, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 12, 2016

Seattle Gay News 11

12 Seattle Gay News

February 12, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!

Zoolander 2 walks the comedic runway

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer ZOOLANDER 2 Now playing At its worst, Zoolander 2 is a reminder of just how good a technical craftsman Ben Stiller is as a director. While his films behind the camera are notably hit or miss, Tropic Thunder and Reality Bites being epic highs while The Cable Guy is a frustrating, if still fascinatingly peculiar, low; as far as cinematography, editing, musical choices and all the rest are concerned, everything on that front is notably strong. He has an idiosyncratic eye for detail so many of his comedic contemporaries do not, and as such, even relatively forgettable trifles like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and the original Zoolander end up having more staying power than they otherwise would have.

Fifteen years after the fact, the character of mentally challenged male supermodel Derek Zoolander (Stiller) hasn’t aged particularly well, neither have the satirical jabs at the fashion industry or the growing celebration of celebrity for the sake of celebrity.

If anything those things have become just the kind of joke the original 2001 pointedly predicted they might become, that film’s political assassination subplot a not exactly subtle red herring as the whole point was to put a mirror up to society’s materialistic self-obsession and knowingly smirk.

With that being so, it’s hard to know exactly what it was that made Stiller so eager to revisit the character. There’s just not a lot new to say, many of the central conceits

and more subversive gags just confirming what’s happened in society over the past decade-and-a-half. Finding something original, discovering new targets for the satire, it is there Stiller and his creative team (made up of Tropic Thunder maestro Justin Theroux, Get Him to the Greek impresario Nicholas Stoller and franchise returnee John Hamburg) can’t help but fail, and as such I can’t say how much staying power this sequel will ultimately prove to have.

Strange thing? I actually laughed more watching Zoolander 2 than I did its predecessor. The pre-credits opening, ruined somewhat by the trailers which sadly spoil the central cameo reveal, is a hoot, elements involving rival supermodel Hansel (Owen Wilson) and his beloved orgy are a hoot and Will Ferrell’s return as evil fashionista mastermind Mugatu is positively glorious (even if it does take him about an hour to finally show up). The onslaught of celebrity cameos can get tedious, but when they do work, they do so gloriously, a certain “Cosmos” scientist, a Titanic heartthrob, a “24” ass-kicker and a Resident Evil megastar (reprising her role from the first film) making the most indelible imprint.

The plot, what there is of one, revolves around Derek and Hansel both being called out of retirement by fashion icon Alexanya Atoz (Kristen Wiig) to star in a new runway show by happily nihilistic designer Don Atari (Kyle Mooney) in the heart of Rome.

But it’s all a ruse, and Interpol agent Valentina (Penélope Cruz) – fashion division – is there to warn them. She’s trying to solve the brutal assassinations of a number of notable Pop singers, all of whom died flashing one

Owen Wilson, Ben Stiller and Penélope Cruz in Zoolander 2 – www.youtube.com

of Derek’s signature looks including Le Tigre, Magnum and, of course, Blue Steel, and she’s all but certain they’re trying to send him some sort of message. Also, Valentina knows where the supermodel’s longlost son Derek, Jr. (Cyrus Arnold) is, promising to reunite father and son in return for a little help putting the pieces of this crazy messed-up fashion puzzle together.

The film is superbly shot by Daniel Mindel (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), the fluidity of his images and use of a number of iconic Rome landmarks rather wonderful. It’s also edited with crackerjack precision, Greg Hayden (Tropic Thunder) doing his typically wonderful job for Stiller as far as that facet of the production is concerned.

In regards to the director, his sense of timing, the way flows one scene into the next, all of it works, oftentimes beautifully, and as

purposefully nonsensical, complex and silly as the plot might prove to be keeping track of the story is still exceedingly easy to do.

It’s always hard to know how much to say and what to hold close to the vest when it comes to comedies like this. For one thing, the humor is entirely subjective, and what made me laugh is very likely to leave the person sitting right there next to me absolutely cold. What I find annoying could lead them into fits of uncontrollable laughter, the stuff tickling my funny bone enough to enrage another to the point of vitriolic fury. But for me, while not a film likely to have a lot in the way of staying power, I still enjoyed Zoolander 2, the sequel reminding me that Stiller is a creatively inspired director who should probably step behind the camera more often than he right now does.

Deadpool a gleefully anarchic super-powered trifle

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer DEADPOOL Now playing Former Special Forces operative turned quick-witted mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is dying of cancer. His stripper girlfriend Vanessa Carlysle (Morena Baccarin) doesn’t want to give up on the fight, letting her beloved know in no uncertain terms she’s going to stand right there next to him no matter what. But after being approached by a shady, if well-dressed, recruiter (Jed Rees), Wade believes he’s found a shortcut to beating what ails him.

Not telling Vanessa, he’s going to participate in a medical experiment that, if successful, will activate the dormant mutant genes lurking within his DNA, and in doing so cure his cancer.

Things do not go as planned. Not only does the scientist running things, another former mercenary calling himself Ajax (Ed Skrein), intend to transform all those who come asking him for help into super-powered slaves, he also slaps control collars on them and sells these soldiers to the highest bidder as lethal, if mindless, drones. Not that Wade is going to go along with any of this peacefully. His mutation has the unintended side effect of making him practically indestructible, allowing him to destroy Ajax’s facility as he goes out the door, leaving him horrendously disfigured in the process.

Deadpool exists in the same world as Fox’s X-Men films. At the same time, this Marvel comic book character isn’t familyfriendly. His antics are hardly warm and fuzzy. Nicknamed the “merc with a mouth” in the series originally created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist/writer Rob Liefeld,

the movie is violent, gory, foul-mouthed and features plenty of nudity (both male and female). The character is also prone to breaking the fourth wall, speaking wisecracks directly to the viewing audience as if he were in The Muppet Movie or a Mel Brooks comedy from the 1970s. In other words, The Avengers or X-Men: Days of Future Past this is not, and those thinking otherwise will have another thing coming.

As oddly amiable and pleasant as the script by Zombieland impresarios Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick can be, as strong and confidently self-assured as newcomer Tim Miller’s direction undeniably is, for all its four-letter creativity and blood-splattered vitriol, Deadpool follows a pretty standard superhero template. This origin story doesn’t shake up the status quo, and, if anything, follows that Spider-Man, Iron Man, Batman Begins, so-on and so-forth, etc., etc., etc. template pretty much number by number. There’s a been-there done-that feeling that’s undeniable, and as such the movie isn’t always as interesting as I found myself wanting it to be.

Even so, the movie is sitting well with me. It made me giggle. It made me laugh.

I liked Wilson’s motor-mouth. I adored Reynolds’ delivery of his colorfully crass lines. More than that, though, I liked that Reese and Wernick gave him an arc, made the character more than just nonstop quips.

There is a story to this man, a deeply rooted pain that’s expansive. His insecurities, the items making his aching angst what they are, all of that is relatable, and while Wilson’s relationship with Vanessa isn’t exactly as multidimensional as it maybe could have been, there is still an undeniable tragic eloquence to it that is perceptively effective.

Additionally, Deadpool’s remorseless violence against those who wronged him is nicely counterbalanced alongside

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Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson in Deadpool – 20th Century Fox

heavyweight (literally, he’s made of metal) member of the X-Men Colossus (voiced

by Stefan Kapicic) and his petulant heroin-training Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). The pair of them add an intriguing angle to the film, giving it a little extra weight, a bit more meaning than it would have had without them. They allow the screenwriters to explore ideas of right, wrong, heroism and villainy in an expansive, if still comical, way, and as such it gives things – of all traits for something this anarchic and lewd to possess – a welcome sense of maturity.

Considering the budget restraints (Fox insisted on frugality on the part of the filmmakers if all involved were insistent on going ahead with an R rating), Miller does a pretty terrific job. A visual effects specialist who made his mark handling some of the second unit duties for Thor: The Dark World, even if some of the CG visuals are a little on the cheap side, there is still a kinetic energy that’s emphatically palpable.

He also stages a sensational climactic bout aboard a vessel that will be familiar to fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, namely

a successful sequel involving a guy known for embracing all things Red, White and Blue and fighting with a shield. It’s a magnificent sight gag and an even better inside joke, easily one of the best the movie offers up for water cooler conversation.

For Reynolds, who originally played this character in the execrable X-Men Origins: Wolverine (and openly pokes fun at that fact), the finished product is an undeniable success, the veteran actor finally getting a franchise that suits his comedic talents perfectly. As for Deadpool itself, while the movie doesn’t subvert the genre as much as it thinks it does, Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass and James Gunn’s Super beat it to the punch ages ago, thankfully that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. This is a fun, hyper-violent, gleefully perverse frolic into the super-powered absurd, and if a sequel does end up happening, I could envision a scenario where it does get the opportunity to push the sort of boundaries of good taste this origin tale only hints at trying to demolish.

February 12, 2016

Seattle Gay News 13

Meetings Events Activities

FOR A CALENDAR LISTING: Send details to: SGN, Attn: Community Calendar, 1605 12th Ave, Ste 31, Seattle, WA 98122. SGN phone: 324-4297. Fax: 3227188. E-mail: sgn2@sgn.org. INCLUDE: Date, time, location, contact phone # for publication (if possible), brief description of event & sponsoring organization.

DEADLINE: Tuesday 5pm.

ACCESSIBILITY: Is your event accessible to LGBTQ people with disabilities? See Jean’s List webpage www. scn.org/activism/calendar/disabilities.html for Marla Nonken’s disabilities accommodations lists.

NOTE: Phone numbers accompanying listings are within area code (206) & locations of meetings/ events are in Seattle unless otherwise noted.

community calendar

SATURDAY - February 13

A Gathering of Men in Edmonds. 8:15-11:30am.

Edmonds UUC, 8109 224th St SW, Edmonds. Meets 2nd Saturday each month. Men gather monthly for drumming, singing, storytelling & sharing of life experience. All men are welcome. www.agatheringofmen.org Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 9am. Greenlake (outside Evans Pool). Every Saturday. GLBT running & walking club sponsors weekly runs, monthly potlucks, track & field activity, annual Run With Pride. 448-8518. www.seattlefrontrunners.org.

Yoga With Andrew Conner. 9:30-11am. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Saturday. A love offering is suggested but no one will be turned away.

Emerald City Softball Association Field Day. 10am.

North SeaTac Park, S 128th St & 20th Ave S. Find your team. All skill levels welcome. Representatives from many of ECSA’s 35 teams will be on hand to introduce themselves & invite new players to their teams for the 2016 softball season (April 3-June 12). emeraldcitysoftball.org Crystal Meth Anonymous. 10:30am. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Imperial Court of Seattle Coronation Hospitality & Protocol. 11am-3pm. Renaissance Hotel, Governor’s Suite, 27th Floor.

Valentine’s Day at Chihuly Garden & Glass (2/13 & 2/14). Reservations beginning at 4:30pm. Join us for s four-course dinner, music, wine & artcentered in the exhibition’s awe-inspiring Glasshouse. chihulygarden andglass.com/events/valentines-day Imperial Court of Seattle Coronation: “A Return to the Paramount: A Presidents Ball in Black & White Deco.” Door 5pm, Ball 6pm. Renaissance Hotel, Madison Ballroom. Celebrate the reign of Rainier XLI The Surreal Victor Girthwood and Olympia XLIV Shirley Todae Bradshaw. $50 admission.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 6pm-12 midnight. Call for location & details. Every Saturday. (253) 671-2838. www.oasisyouth center.org.

(Also meets Thursdays & Fridays 4-10pm.)

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 6pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Saturday. Games also on Tuesdays & Thursdays. $4 fee includes coffee & snacks.

For more information visit www.rainbowbridgeclub.org or email rainbowbridgeclub@gmail.com

SUNDAY - February 14

Valentine’s Day For information on GLBT-friendly religious/spiritual organizations in the Greater Seattle area, call or email Rick at the SGN office: 206-324-4297; sgn2@ sgn.org.

Gay Men’s Bowling in Lynnwood. 9:30am. Brunswick Majestics Lane, Lynnwood. 9:30am Every Sunday.

Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards!

Sponsored by the Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task Force. For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com; www.gaysnohomish.org Seattle Sunday Bowling. 10:30am. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW (at SW Oregon St). Open bowl every Sunday for the GLBT community & friends. You don’t have to worry about how you bowl! $6.50 + $2 shoe rental. (425) 785-4725.

Lotus Sisters Guided Meditation. 11am-1:30pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. Senior students lead the meditation, provide dharma talks or reflections & lead discussion. 3295908; www.LotusSisters.org; www.sasgcc.org (Meets in 2nd floor meeting room; no elevator.)

Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies.

Contact Forrest Rode, 920-6117, Mike Chin (509) 990-0007, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com. www.dharmabuddies.org. (Women may wish to contact our sister meditation group at www.LotusSisters.org.)

Imperial Court of Seattle Coronation Victory Brunch.

Door 11am, Brunch 11:30am. Comet Tavern, 922 E Pike St. $25.

Just for Today. 12-1:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Sunday. Drop-in 12-step (Narcotics Anonymous) group open to anyone in recovery. 3222437; www.sasgcc.org Paths to Recovery Al-Anon Family Group. 12-1:30pm.

Seattle University Student Center, 901 12th Ave, Room

14 Seattle Gay News

February 13 thru February 21 about HIV for Gay & Bi men newly diagnosed and for Gay & Bi men facing the challenges of living with HIV longterm. www.gaycity.org.

Freely Speaking Toastmasters. 7pm. FredLind Manor, 1802 17th Ave. Every Monday (except holidays & the last Mondays in August & December). Seattle’s only LGBT speaking club. www.FreelySpeaking.org Lotus Sisters South End/Columbia City Meditation & Dharma Discussion. 7-8:30pm. Meets 3rd Monday each month. Call 206-725-3608 or 434-5521 for details and location; www.LotusSisters.org. (Not wheelchair accessible.)

Orca Swim Team Workout. 7-8:15pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

PFLAG/Bremerton Monthly Meeting. 7pm. St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 700 Callahan Dr, Bremerton. Meets 3rd Monday each month. PFLAG/Puget Sound: 3257724.

PFLAG/Everett Monthly Meeting. 7pm. First Congregational Church of Everett, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Meets 3rd Monday each month. PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724.

Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org Lambert House Art Night. 7:30-9:30pm. 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. Bring your ideas & let’s have some fun.

322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline. 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Meets every Monday. For information email info@washingtongender alliance.com Queers, Crackpots & Fallen Women AA. 8-9pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

TUESDAY - February 16

122. Every Sunday. LGBTQ supported. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org Rain City Soccer Club - Ripple Effect. Sunday afternoon. Location varies. Ripple Effect soccer team plays an almost weekly recreational scrimmage game for LGBTQ players in Seattle. Perfect for individuals looking for more relaxed play, who are just getting back into soccer, just learning the game and/or want to supplement their competitive play with a recreational team. To sign up visit www.raincitysoccer.org Imperial Court of Seattle Coronation Week Alaska Birdwater Party. 2pm. CC Attle’s, 1701 E OLive Way. No cover.

Valentine’s Day at Chihuly Garden & Glass (2/13 & 2/14). Reservations beginning at 4:30pm. Join us for a four-course dinner, music, wine & art centered in the exhibition’s awe-inspiring Glasshouse. chihulygarden andglass.com/events/valentines-day Orca Swim Team Workout. Sun: 5-6:15pm; Mon/Weds/ Fri: 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. Every Sun, Mon, Wed & Fri. Pre-registration required. Orca Swim Team workouts are for both competitive & recreational swimmers. www.orcaswimteam.org Shame to Grace Sunday SAA. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Sunday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with each other so they may overcome their sexual addiction & help others recover from sexual addiction or dependency. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828, SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Ski Buddies Monthly Potluck. 6-8:30pm. Meets 1st or 2nd Sunday each month (Oct-Feb). Come & hear about all the great ski trips & winter activities Ski Buddies has planned. Whether you snow board, downhill, cross-country, or telemark, there are trips & events for you. Bring a potluck dish to share. www.skibuddies.org Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Pride League Bowling. 6:30pm. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW. Every Sunday (except during the summer). Regular league bowling. Jeff, 932-3731.

February 12, 2016

Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Cineoke! 6:30pm doors; 7pm show. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. It’s like Karaoke - only better! You’re the star of your favorite movie musical. Pick any scene to sing along to, while the film and lyrics are projected onto the screen. There are hundreds of songs to choose from, or you can bring your own special request (on DVD). $8 cover ($5 for Three Dollar Bill Cinema members). www. threedollarbillcinema.org.

Burien Actors Theatre Valentine’s Fundraiser Concert. 7:30pm. 14501 4th Ave SW, Burien. Enjoy the musical stylings of Rat City Brass while indulging in chocolate & champagne, beer, or wine. Tickets: $15 general admission, $12 seniors, $10 students. www. burienactorstheatre.org Knights of Mantra Monthly Meeting. 7:30pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. A fun-loving leather/Levi social & charitable organization that raises money for various causes & organizations.

329-0886, mailbox@jetchapterkofm.com Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.

MONDAY - February 15

SOBER - On Meds. 1-2pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Monday. 12-step group open to anyone in recovery & living on a medicine regimen. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Strength Over Speed. 2-3:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Women’s HIV+ Support Group in Tacoma. 2-3:30pm.

Pierce County AIDS Foundation, 3520 S Pine St, Tacoma - 3 blocks east of Tacoma Mall. Meets 3rd Monday each month. (253) 383-2565.

Seattle Women’s Commission Meeting. 5:30-8pm.

Municipal Bldg, 600 4th Ave Rm 221. Meets 3rd Monday each month (except December). SWC is a 20-member volunteer advisory board that advises the Mayor, City Council, & all City of Seattle departments on matters concerning women & women’s rights. Meetings open to the public. 684-4537.

Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Thurs @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Pozitively Me! 6:30-8pm. Gay City Health Project, 517 E. Pike St. Every Monday. A group and conversation

Safe Schools Coalition Monthly Meeting. 3-5pm.

Planned Parenthood, 2001 E Madison. Meets 3rd Tuesday most months (schedule varies in summer). A Public-Private Partnership in Support of LGBT youth.

All are welcome at meetings; lots of volunteer opportunities are discussed. 632-0662 ext 49; CRISIS LINE: 1-877-SAFE-SAFE; www.safeschoolscoalition.org.

Amor Open Meditation. 5-6pm. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Tuesday.

Amphitheater Project Public Meeting. 6-8pm. Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave E. Project lead architects will present & explain the draft which contains findings & recommendations from their months of community outreach and study. The design team would like your input and feedback. volunteerparktrust.org LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton. 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Meets every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Diverse Harmony. 6:30-9pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Every Tuesday. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Gay/Straight Alliance Youth Chorus. Youths ages 13-22 are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. www.diverseharmony.org Queer Young Females Group - For Female-Identified Youth, Ages 22 & Under. 6:30-7:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Tuesday. Topics range from family issues to school happenings to like/lust/love relationships. All Queer females welcome. Come discuss how smart. strong Queer women live their lives. 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI).

7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Dickson room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191.

Over 40’s Group - For Lesbian Women 40 & Older.

7-8:30pm. University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave NE, Pilgrim Room. Every Tuesday. Open group for Lesbian women, 40 & older, in every stage of coming out or being out. 545-3521.

Rain City Jacks. 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at 7pm; 4th Sunday each month at1pm. West Queen Anne/ Interbay. Location & membership details provided upon request. RCJ is a traditional jack-off club. Friendly, sexpositive, non-profit and private. Membership required.

Adult men only. Enroll at the door. www.raincityjacks. org, email info@raincityjacks.org or call 1-888-809-5035.

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Tuesday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Different Drummers. 7:15-8:30pm. Every Tuesday.

Hand drumming classes for Gay men. Learn traditional African & Afro-Caribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com

Celebrating 41 Years!

What About Me? 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. A group for all LGBT & friends of any spiritual belief to explore how spiritual practice can enrich their life. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Bellingham. 7:30-9pm. St James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham. Every Tuesday. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com. (See Wednesday listing at 7:30pm for details.)

Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Beginners & experienced players welcome. Check our website for up to the minute details, or call the Otter Hotline 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com.

Seattle Poetry Slam. Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm. Rebar, 1114 Howell St. Every Tuesday. A spoken word poetry event that features a weekly open mic, feature poet, and slam (poetry competition). Come out and express yourself. LGBTQ- & QTPOC-friendly; all genders welcome. $5. 21+. seattlepoetryslam.org

community calendar

FRIDAY - February 19

WEDNESDAY - February 17

Northwest Flower & Garden Show (2/17-2/21). Washington State Convention Center, 8th Ave & Pike St. www. gardenshow.com Mature Friends Morning Exercise/Health & Fitness Get-Together. 10am. Ballard Odd Fellows Hall Bldg, 1706 NW Market St. Every Wednesday. An hour of health-related activities, followed by a walk around Greenlake & lunch at a local restaurant. www.mature friends.org True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline.

4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): A Support Group & HIV/STD Prevention for Youth (14-20) in Everett. 6-8pm. CCA Building, 3331 Broadway - Bottom Floor, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Sponsored by PFLAG Everett chapter. David/Brenda, (425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com Pierce County AIDS Foundation New Volunteer Orientation in Tacoma. 6-8pm. Pierce County AIDS Foundation, 3520 S Pine St, Tacoma - 3 blocks east of Tacoma Mall. Meets 3rd Wednesday each month. PCAF is seeking volunteers to provide practical & emotional support services for clients, assist with administrative needs, & plan & work at special events. More info & to receive application, call Colleen at (253) 383-2565 ext 206.

The Rowing Team Peer Recovery Group. 6-7:30pm.

All Pilgrims Church, 500 Broadway E. Meets every Wednesday. This peer recovery group provides a safe & supportive faith community to share your recovery journey with, God answers our prayers & sends us a boat.

Sometimes rowing furiously for yourself & sometimes for others. All are welcome.

Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Wednesday. Discuss the best LGBT novels with other book-lovers in a safe, comfortable conversation. Come once or come every week. Check our website for this month’s book. http:// faculty.washington.edu/swittet/SGLBookClub/ SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Lotus Sisters Meditation & Dharma Discussion North. 6:15-8pm. Ravenna Bryant neighborhood. Meets every Wednesday. Call 525-7295 for location. www.

LotusSisters.org.

Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park (in front of Black Sun across for museum). Every Wednesday. (See Saturday at 9am.)

HIV/AIDS Support Group. 7-8:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Wednesday. Please arrive by 7:00pm. FREE peer-facilitated emotional support group for HIV+ men who are newly diagnosed or newly dealing.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Ingersoll All-Trans Drop-In Support Group. 7-9pm.

Seattle Counseling Services, 1216 Pine St, Suite 300.

All Transgender, Gender Variant, Gender Queer, Gender Questioning, allies, family & friends are welcome. This is a drop in group to get & give support, social interaction & information for the whole Gender community. www. ingersollcenter.org “Family Affair” - Cabaret Served Up Family-Style.

7pm doors; 7:30pm show. Rendezvous/Jewel Box Theater, 2322 2nd Ave. Every 3rd Wednesday. Performers from all disciplines gather to share their stories and feelings about family. Now you’re probably thinking this is a sweet evening of cute stories about family. Nope.

This is dark, crazy, sweet, frustrating, loving mess that is every person’s family. Presented on stage by storytellers, writers, dancers, musicians and visual artists who share their sick, hilarious, and ultimately relatable familial skeletons. Hosted by Jennifer Jasper. Tickets: $10 cash at the door. Must be 21 + over. www.therendezvous.rocks/ Mature Friends Weekly Bridge Group. 7:30pm. Call for location. Every Wednesday. All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Everett. 7:30-9pm. Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Every Wednesday.

Trained peer facilitators lead a structured support meeting helping people deal with issues of gender identity & expression. All adults are welcomed, including those

our message board at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/ gayfathersseattle Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. A discussion group that is strictly focused on sexual topics and relationship issues related to being a Gay male.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Amor Chorale Rehearsal. 8-9pm. Amor Spiritual Center, 2528 Beacon Ave, Suite B. Meets every Thursday.

Calling all sopranos, altos, tenors & basses. The Amor Spiritual Center currently has openings for singers in its Chorale group.

Debauchery. Doors 7:30pm, Show 8pm. Neighbours Nightclub, 1509 Broadway. Queers stripping for Queers in a hot, anti-oppressive space, raising money for organizations that serve the Queer community. The show features stripteases, lots of audience interaction & even birthday lapdances on stage! Be sure to bring plenty of dollar bills - a portion of the proceeds goes to non-profits providing health & social services within the Queer community. Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at the door. www.lilydivine.com Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. (See Tuesday listing at 8pm.)

who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com.

Border Riders Motorcycle Club Meet & Greet. 8-9pm.

The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave (at E Pine St). Meets the Wednesday before the 3rd Saturday each month.

BRMC provides a social & educational fraternity for individuals interested in recreational motorcycle touring. www.borderriders.com

THURSDAY - February 18

Northwest Flower & Garden Show (2/17-2/21). Washington State Convention Center, 8th Ave & Pike St. www. gardenshow.com Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.”

12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Open meeting of AA. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting.

12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org.

Seattle LGBTQ Employees for Equality (SEqual).

12noon. Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave, Room 4070. Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month. Open to the public.

Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thursday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Q Hour. 4:30-5:30pm. Orion Center, 1828 Yale Ave. 1st & 3rd Thursday each month. A group for LGBTQ youth 13-21 & their allies. Sponsored by Youthcare. FREE. 622-5555 x 212.

Shifting Gears. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. Drop-in support group (non 12-step) for anyone of any orientation or gender who desires recovery from drugs or alcohol. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group). 6:30-8pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. Sponsored by Youth Eastside Services, which offers many programs for GLBT youth.

(425) 747-4937.

Crystal Meth Anonymous. 6:30pm. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 1729 Harvard Ave. Also meets Mon @ 6:30pm, Sat @ 10:30am, Sun @ 6:30pm. More info: crystalmeth.org.

Visit us online www.sgn.org

History Cafe: Queer People of Color Artistry Explored. 6:30-7:30pm. MOHAI, Compass Cafe, 860 Terry Ave N. A panel of Seattle artists discuss their experiences as Queer people of color & the representation & visibility of QPOC in media, history, activism & the art world. DJ SassyBlack of Cat of THEESatisfaction will moderate the conversation. FREE. www.mohai.org Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities. 6:308:30pm. Municipal Bldg, 600 4th Ave, Room 221. Meets 3rd Thursday each month. SCSM is made up of 15 volunteer members who work to ensure that the City of Seattle fairly & equitably addresses sexual minority concerns. Meetings open to the public. 684-4514.

Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club Monthly Potluck & Meeting. 7pm. Meets 3rd Thursday each month. Bottom Dwellers promotes safe & responsible scuba diving & other outdoor activities for the GLBT community & friends at all experience levels. For info & location, www. bottomdwellers.org.

Boys’ Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth take the opportunity to talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. 322-2515 ext 16. www.lamberthouse.org GLBT Legal Clinic. 7-9pm. Meets the 3rd Thursday each month. QLaw Foundation holds a monthly legal clinic addressing the legal needs of LGBT individuals & couples. Volunteer attorneys provide FREE 30-minute consultations. For information and to schedule an appointment, call 235-7235. Clinic volunteers return calls on Tuesdays between 12noon-3pm. For information, visit www.q-law.org/legalclinic PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside Monthly Meeting. 7-9pm.

First United Methodist Church, 1934 108th Ave NE, Bellevue. Meets 3rd Thursday each month. See http:// community.pflag.org/PFLAGBellevue. Contact us at info@bellevue-pflag.org or 425-483-6642.

Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Thursday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium.

Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & Gay men who are currently or previously married. Safe, anonymous, non-judgmental environment of caring fathers & friends. You are not alone. For information, community events & “questioning” visit www.gfas.org or

February 12, 2016

Northwest Flower & Garden Show (2/17-2/21). Washington State Convention Center, 8th Ave & Pike St. www. gardenshow.com AA Ageless in Recovery. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. A drop in AA group for older & wiser people 55+. www.sasgcc.org Re-Parenting Ourselves. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. A peer support group for adult children of any addiction. www. sasgcc.org SLAA Road to Recovery. 12noon-1:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets every Friday. Ongoing 12 step group for sex & love addicts. www.sasgcc.org Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Friday.

(253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Thursdays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.)

Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12-step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org First Fridays in Yakima. 7-9pm. 223 N 1st St, Yakima.

Meets 1st & 3rd Fridays. Social, support, education & advocacy group for the Yakima area GLBTQ community & their allies. All are welcomed & invited. (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm.

The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.raincountrydance.org.

Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.)

LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 7:45pm.

Seattle Counseling Service, Rainbow Room, 1216 Pine St at Melrose Ave. Every Friday. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org GaYme Night 4 the LGBT Community. 8pm-1am.

SASG, 115 15th Ave E, Suite 201. Meets the 3rd & 4th Friday of every month. Board games, cards & fun. www.sasgcc.org

SATURDAY - February 20

(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

Northwest Flower & Garden Show (2/17-2/21). Washington State Convention Center, 8th Ave & Pike St. www. gardenshow.com Lambert House Queer Rec. 1pm. 1818 15th Ave. 3rd Saturday each month. Outdoor & indoor adventures for youth ages 22 & under. www.lamberthouse.org “Earth Tomes: Celebrating the Earth.” 8pm. Taoist Studies Institute, 225 N 70th St. DAIPAN butoh presents “Earth Tomes.” A welcome revelation of the body as earth, revealing the changing landscape of the body.

First performed as a site-specific solo in a greenhouse in Malmo, Sweden, as part of a symposium on body & memory in February 2015. $10-$15 sliding scale. laagekogut@fastmail.com

SUNDAY - February 21

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Northwest Flower & Garden Show (2/17-2/21). Washington State Convention Center, 8th Ave & Pike St. www. gardenshow.com Ethyl Forever Car Club, Pacific NW Region Lambda Car Club Monthly Tire Kick/Social. 10:30am. Randy’s Restaurant, 10016 E Marginal Way S (south of the Museum of Flight). Meets the 3rd Sunday each month.

This monthly informal auto enthusiasts event starts with breakfast at this location with a show & tell and continues to a chosen point of interest. ethylforever@ hotmail.com One Love Wedding Showcase. 12noon-5pm. Fremont Foundry, 154 N 35th St. The premier West Coast wedding showcase that celebrates ALL couples in love.

Seattle Gay News 15

Grab a cocktail & make the rounds meeting the most elite & talented Northwest experts, venues, caterers & more. Couples can trust they will be treated with respect & professionalism during this exciting time. oneloveseattle.com Seattle Prime Timers Monthly Potluck Social & General Meeting. 2-4pm. Seattle First Baptist Church Recreation Hall, 1111 Harvard Ave (at E Seneca St - enter thru glass doors on Harvard Ave.) Meets 3rd Sunday most months. Bring a dish to serve 6-8 people. $4 door fee covers hall rental. SPT is a social club for Gay men & their friends. www.seattleprimetimers.org.

Seattle Poly Potluck & Discussion Group. 5-8pm.

Center for Sex Positive Culture (Main Space), 602 15th Ave W. Meets 3rd Sunday each month. $5 donation; please bring a potluck dish. This event is open to the public. Look for us on Facebook or Meetup.

community calendar

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQ Allyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, 279-8169.

American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org.

Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994.

DIFFA/Seattle (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). 763-8885; www.diffaseattle.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Network - support & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025.

In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault.

Equal Rights Washington - 324-2570; www.equal rightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freely speaking.org Gay City organizes events & activities for Gay & Bi men & offers anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing at the Center for LGBT Health, 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, 860-6969. www.gaycity.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country.

GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - 3639188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. 205-7837.

Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com Lambert House - 322-2515; www.lamberthouse.org LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm.

LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers.

Lifelong AIDS Alliance - 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org MEN: Gay City: 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.mature friends.org; Northwest Bears: www.nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians.net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.org; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: 888-809-5035, www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples. org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www.seattle primetimers.org.

MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony.org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band.com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: 388-1408, 323-0750. www.flyinghouse. org.

Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption: 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proud-and-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking

16 Seattle Gay News

Dinners: 568-7777, info@nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: 206-325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflag seattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: 425-4836642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community.pflag. org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington state: www. pflagwsc.org.

PEOPLE OF COLOR: Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, 7813565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo. com, www.macctsea.org; Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; Seattle Two Spirit, SeattleTwoSpirit@ hotmail.com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, 322-7061, 255-8951; Sistah Sinema, www. sistahsinema.com, info@sistahsinema.com; TrikoneNorthwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www. trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-6850164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle.

Pride Foundation - 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - 682-6711; www.q-law.org Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - 235-7235.

Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond.

Call 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned.

Safe Schools Coalition - www.safeschoolscoalition. org; 451-SAFE (451-7233).

February 12, 2016

SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. 905-9941, www.seamec.org Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) builds community and provides emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities - 684-4503.

Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families. 323-1768.

Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org SHIFT: A Peer Recovery Network - www.shift recovery.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - 860-3666; www.theabbey.org Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays.

(425) 339-5298.

Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) - www.facebook. com/socialoutreachseattle South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.South SoundQCal.com SPORTS & RECREATION: Bent Car Guys: www. bentcarguys.org; Border Riders Motorcycle Club: www.borderriders.com; Bottom Dwellers Scuba Club: www.bottomdwellers.org; Capitol Hill Cyclers: join their Facebook group or email capitolhillcycling@ groups.facebook.com or jordan.l.simonson@gmail.com; Cascade Flyers: www.cascadeflyers.org; Different Spokes Bicycling Club: www.differentspokes.org; Emerald City Mudhen Rugby: www.mudhenrugby. com; Emerald City Softball Association: www.emeraldcitysoftball.org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@ hotmail.com; Olympic Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www. puddletownsquares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer.org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LG-

BTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance. org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@ gmail.com and on Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefront runners.org; Seattle Gay Basketball Association: www.seattlegaybasketballassociation. com; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam. org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www.seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@ aol.com, www.teamseattle.org/bowling.htm, www. theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; Seattle Volleyball Club: www.seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies.org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, 367-4064, www. teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@camptrc.org, www.camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934.

Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www.

SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Diversity: www. genderdiversity.org; Gender Justice League: www. genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & ForeignBorn Support Group: 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: 329-6651, www.ingersollcenter.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup.webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www.facebook.com/pages/ Olympia-Trans-Discussion-Group/262449878114; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www. washington genderalliance.com WOMEN: Aging Lesbians in South Seattle (ALISS): Fai, 722-0729, alissquestions@gmail.com; BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. 720-5566, 1-888-2921912; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes. com; Lesbians Over 40: 722-0729; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.maturefriends.org; Older Lesbians Organizing for Change/WA State Chapter: gloria@oloc.org, mary@oloc.org, www.oloc. org; Pacific Northwest Lesbian Archives: www. pnwlesbianarchives.org; RainshadowWomen: RainshadowWomen@aol.com; Seattle Girls of Leather: www.sgol.org; Tacoma Lesbian Concern (TLC): www. tacomalesbianconcern.org; Women of West Seattle (WOWS): a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwestseattle; YWCA Women’s Health Outreach: providing low or no-cost mammograms for income eligible 40+ LBTQ individuals. Follow us at http://lbtqhealth-ywca.blogspot. com, twitter.com/ingridWHO or email lbthealth@ywcaworks.org, 461-4493.

YOUTH: B-GLAD (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Trans & Questioning Adolescent Drop-In Group): Youth Eastside Services offers many programs for GLBT youth, including B-GLAD, (425) 747-4937; Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony. org; GLSEN/Washington State (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) & Washington State GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) Network: GLSEN works to create safe schools for LGBT students. WA GSA Network supports youth-led GSA’s to fight harassment & homophobia in Washington state schools. 330-2099; www.glsenwa. org; www.wagsa. org. GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming Empowered): a support group & HIV/STD prevention program for GLBTQ youth, 14-20, in Everett, (425) 263-2908, www.globeyouth.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 3222515, www.lamberthouse.org; Lifelong HEYO (Health Education Youth Outreach): for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24: 957-1665; www.llaa.org/HEYO; www.Matthews Place.com; The Mockingbird Society: 323-KIDS (5437), www.mockingbirdsociety.org; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcen ter.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag.org; Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS): 7268500; www.psks.org; Pizza Klatch: weekly lunchtime support groups for LGBTQ youth in Thurston County, www.pizzaklatch.org; Prism: for LGBTQ youth, 14-21, in Puyallup - Cherise.Alexander@ multicare.org; www. facebook.com/PuyallupPrism; Proud Out Wonderful (POW!): for LGBTQ youth, 13-21, in South King County, 206-326-9112, www.facebook.com/proudoutwonderful; Q Youth Resources: in Kitsap County - 360-698-3335; www.kchaf.org; Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS): LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth drop-in group, ages 12-18 - Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600, ext 155; sarahh@rays.org; Safe Schools Coalition: www. safeschoolscoalition.org; 451-SAFE (451-7233) (nonemergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Street Youth Ministries (SYM): 524-7301 ext 111; www.streetyouthministries.org; Teen Link: 461-4922, 1-888-431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www.thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, 509-396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/ Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): 522-8412; YouthCare/Orion Center: 622-5555; Youth in Focus: 723-1479; www. youthinfocus.org; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273TALK, www.yspp.org

Celebrating 41 Years!

Volunteer Park

• BACON MANSION

E. PROSPECT ST. • SHAFER MANSION E. ALOHA ST.

12TH AVE. E.

E. ROY ST.

16TH AVE. E.

15TH AVE. E.

13TH AVE. E.

• B&B ON BROADWAY E. ROY ST. • UNDER U 4 MEN

E. VALLEY ST. 14TH AVE. E.

11TH AVE. E.

FEDERAL AVE. E.

10TH AVE. E.

BROADWAY AVE. E.

E. WARD ST.

E. MERCER ST.

MALDEN AVE. E.

BROADWAY E.

• THE CANTERBURY E. REPUBLICAN ST. E. HARRISON ST.

E. THOMAS ST.

E AV

10TH AVE. E. Cal Anderson Park

• UPS STORE

11TH AVE.

E. HOWELL ST.

• CLUB Z BATHS

• THE STRANGER

NAGLE PL.

BROADWAY

HARVARD AVE. E.

Seattle Central Community College

• LINDAʼS • BILLʼS OFF BROADWAY

C.C. ATTLEʼS• BOYLSTON AVE.

BELMONT AVE.

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• SIMPLY FRAMES & MINER GALLERY

NEW YORK EXCHANGE • STUDIO 229 • PANACHE • LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO •

BELLEVUE AVE.

• SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICE FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES MELROSE AVE.

• JULIAʼS

DENNY WAY

BATHS

CLUB Z - (men) 1117 Pike near Boren - 622-9958 HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women) SW corner of Pike & 11th (stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240 STEAM WORKS - (men) 1520 Summit - 388-4818

RESTAURANTS & BARS

88 KEYS - 315 2nd Ave. S. - 839-1300 BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444 THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE 2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098 C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE 1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565

THE CANTERBURY - 534 15th Ave. E. - 322-3130 CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD 2103 N. 45th - 545-8363 THE CRESCENT - 1413 E. Olive Way - 720-8188 THE CUFF COMPLEX 1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525 DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - 322-1080 GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577 GNOCCHI BAR - 1542 12th Ave - 328-4285 HOT MAMA’S PIZZA - 700 E. Pine St. - 322-6444 JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729 JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818 KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - 682-2935 MAE’S CAFE 6412 Phinney Ave. N. - 782-1222 MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537 NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358 OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW POCO WINE ROOM 1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463

GLSEN ONYX LEATHER • SEAMEC • STOUT • PURR

• POCO WINE ROOM

• THE CUFF COMPLEX • GNOCCHI BAR

• UNICORN • POST OPTIONS •WILDROSE • HOT HOUSE

E. PINE ST. E.

PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - 324-2854 PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112 R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828 RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - 233-9873 SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591 SHORTY’S 2222 2nd Ave - 441-5449 STOUT -1530 11th Ave - 397-3825 TOULOUSE PETIT 601 Queen Anne Ave N - 432-9069 UNICORN - 1118 E Pike - 325-6492 WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210 ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS 5633 Airport Way S - 466-5954 9614 14th Ave SW - 763-1347

RETAIL SHOPS

CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17 1017 E. Pike St - 204-0126 DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231 EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437 NEW YORK EXCHANGE 231 Broadway Ave E - 726-7978 ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965 PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - 726-3300 RUCKUS 1465 E Republican St. - 257-4805 STAN’S ADULT SUPERSTORE 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299 TOYS IN BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - 328-2914 UNDER U 4 MEN 709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446 WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - 782-5538 YOUR CHOICE VIDEO 9811 16TH AVE SW - 768-0711

LOVER’S 193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862 RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (306) 671-1849

EVERETT

BAR MYX - 1212 California St. - 425-610-4071 LOVER’S - 112 SE Everett - (425) 353-3607 LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425) 252-8754

KENT

LOVER’S 25801 104th Ave. S.E. - (253) 852-1720 THE FANTASY SHOP 604 Central Ave. S. - (253) 850-8428 NASHVILLE’S SPORTS BAR (Drag Shows) 114 - Railroad Ave. N. - (253) 852 - 0909

February 12, 2016

D MA

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• DOGHOUSE LEATHERS

E. PIKE ST. • CHOP SUEY • MADISON PUB • DIESEL BAR • PONY

BELLINGHAM

Visit us online www.sgn.org

• THE GASLIGHT INN

E. OLIVE ST.

E. UNION ST.

SEATTLE

• RUCKUS

E. UNION ST.

LA CONNER

THE HERON INN & WATERGRASS DAY SPA 117 Maple Ave. - (877) 883-8899 info@theheron.com

OLYMPIA

DARBY’S CAFE 211 5th Ave. S.E. - (360) 357-6229 LOVER’S 3959 Martin Way E. Suite D - (360) 456-7300 JAKES - 311 4th Ave. E. - (360) 956-3247 URBAN ONION 116 Legion Way - (360) 943-9242

PORT ANGELES MAPLE ROSE INN 112 Reservoir Rd - (800) 570-2007

SPOKANE

ANDY’S 1401 W. 1st Ave. - (509) 747 - 0304 IRV’S (Drag Shows) 415 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 4450 NYNE BAR AND BISTRO 232 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 474 -1621 SPOTLIGHT LOUNGE 321 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 0722

TACOMA

CASTLE SUPERSTORE 6015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. - (253) 471-0391 CLUB SILVERSTONE 739½ St. Helens Ave. - (253) 404-0273 THE FANTASY SHOP 2301 6th Ave. - (253) 272-6640 LOVER’S 7002 Tacoma Mall Blvd., #F - (253) 475-2271 THE MIX - 635 St. Helens Ave. - (253) 383-4327 RAINBOW CENTER 2215 Pacific Ave. - (253) 383-2318 SHAKABRAH JAVA CAFE 2618 6th Ave. - (253) 572-2787 TANDEM FOR GEAR, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES 3019 6th Ave, Ste. B - (253) 301-3026

TUKWILA

LOVER’S 530 Southcenter Blvd. - (206) 248-5085

WENATCHEE

THE CELLAR CAFE 240 N. Mission St. - (509) 662-1722

Seattle Gay News 17

_______________________________ 10 housemates

19 19 home services

_______________________________

_______________________________

10 housemates

11 for rent

11 FOR RENT

_______________________________

12 12 housing wanted WANTED HOUSING _______________________________

13 13 housing for sale

HOUSING FOR SALE

_______________________________

14 Help wanted

14 help wanted

_______________________________ HEALTH & WELLNESS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY working part or full time follow this link to: teamfusionwebsite.com/ mobileapp enter 2381534 and watch the webinar call Jim @ 206.604.1477 for more details and join our team 09/4 ________________________________ RESIDENT MANAGER or Resident Manager Team needed for a 49-unit apartment building on Capitol Hill. The Resident Manager(s) will be responsible for general custodial duties, administrative work, tenant relations, leasing, collecting and depositing rents, daily exterior clean-up, and showing units. Some maintenance, painting, and repair skills are required. The Resident Manager(s) are required to live on-site. Compensation is in the form of a monthly rent credit, plus a monthly salary. Interested candidates should reply with a cover letter and resume to bdinehart@ phillipsre.com. 08/4 _______________________________

HOME SERVICES 20

20 health & health & well being

WELL-BEING

_______________________________ ENERGY/BODYWORK Therapeutic massage. 29 years experience. Relaxation, major/ minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Queen Anne home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.)

First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available.

Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again. Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/BMIBrochure.html. 44/21 _______________________________

21 21 licensed LICENSED massage MASSAGE non-sexual - NON-SEXUAL

_______________________________ EXCEPTIONAL BODYWORK Given by highly trained LMP. I specialize in injury treatment, acute, chronic, and repetitive stress motion. I have a studio on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Insurance accepted.

Matt Shafer, LMP, 206-235-7766.

09/12 _______________________________ RELAXATION and DEEP TISSUE massage on Capitol Hill. Last minute appointments w¥elcome until 9 pm. Jeff, LMP, 206-6500542. www.broadwaymassage. com. 05/3 _______________________________

18 Seattle Gay News

22 for sale

22 FOR SALE

_______________________________ 36 escorts

36 ESCORTS

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37 BODYWORK

37 bodywork

_______________________________ AMAZING BODYWORK! Deep tissue, erotic bodywork by handsome, hairy-chested, hung therapist. Reasonable rates. Photos, phone number and reviews at website: www.amazingbodywork. com. Robert. 07/1 _______________________________ DADDY BEAR Magic touch bodywork.

12 noon-8pm.

206-328-5828. 52/3 _______________________________ EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area.

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February 12, 2016

GREAT MASSAGE given by highly-trained, clean-cut, handsome guy. I have two private studios, one on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Call/ text Matt, 206-235-7766. In/out calls. 09/12 ________________________________ 38 men

38 MEN

________________________________ RAIN CITY JACKS Seattle’s own JO Club, RCJ hosts three group jack-off events every month. Hot, friendly, safe fun!

Adult men only. 888-809-5035. info@raincityjacks.org; www. raincityjacks.org. 03/12 _______________________________ FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. MON-FRI: 3pm-8pm SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969 _______________________________ SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS A social organization for Gay and Bisexual Men over 40 and their admirers. www.seattleprimetimers.org; info@seattleprimetimers. org SGN/ _______________________________

dress for the occasion use a condom to prevent hiv & other stds

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 12, 2016

Seattle Gay News 19

20 Seattle Gay News

February 12, 2016

Celebrating 41 Years!