SGN December 18, 2015 - Section 2

Seattle Gay News

Issue 51, Volume 43, December 18, 2015

Arts & Entertainment

Danish Girl a gender journey of self-discovery

Abrams’ Star Wars brings balance back to The Force

Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo) in Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures via hypebeast.com

Alicia Vikander (l) and Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl – Focus Features

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer THE DANISH GIRL Now playing Rising landscape artist Einar Wegener

(Eddie Redmayne) is married to Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander), a fellow painter specializing in portraits. They are best friends with renowned dancer Ulla (Amber Heard), going to parties with many of see The danish girl page 8

BEST OF MUSIC 2015: Hottest Artists of the Year

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Now playing One can’t help but walk into Star Wars: The Force Awakens without a great deal

Some artists had a better year than others. And some had a better year than everybody. Here are ten that towered above the rest, in ranking order.

1. TAYLOR SWIFT Taylor Swift’s massive 1989 World Tour provided a magical “my first concert” moment for many a starstruck teen (and adults loved it, too). J. Price 2. ADELE Adele came roaring back in 2015, with a new single, “Hello,” and then with her third see hottest artists page 3

see star wars page 7

Ham for the Holidays with Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt is amazing comedy FINAL WEEKEND

3’s Custody – Photo by Chris Bennion

Taylor Swift – Big Machine Records

by Albert Rodriguez and Jessica Price SGN A&E Writers

of trepidation. While the prequels, which began back in 1999 with Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, carried their own baggage, director J.J. Abrams’ and company’s return to the core events of creator George Lucas’ original trilogy are a whole different ball of wax. For many, myself included, the

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer HAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS: WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA HAM? TONGUEINCHIC PRODUCTIONS (AT ACT THEATRE) Through December 20

I’m going to put a suggestion in the box for Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt to develop another regularly scheduled show during the year, maybe for Summer Solstice!

Because once a year is simply not enough to enjoy their unique minds and amazing comedy. But so far, all we have is the Christmas time offering of Ham for the Holidays. see ham page 7

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December 18, 2015

Celebrating 41 Years!

BEST OF MUSIC 2015: Feature Artist Interview

Allen Stone says Gay marriage legalization and playing Apollo Theater were highlights of year

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer You can count on at least one Northwest artist breaking through each year, and in 2015 it was Allen Stone. The long-haired, hippie-soul musician, who splits residences between Seattle and his hometown of Chewelah, released his major label debut, Radius, in May to positive reviews and spent much of his time since then touring North America, including a performance at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City. To help us celebrate the Best of Music 2015, the singer-songwriter chatted with Seattle Gay News recently via email to offer his thoughts of this past year and reveal his plans for the upcoming holidays. This is what Allen Stone had to say.

Albert Rodriguez: What were some of your favorite albums or singles of 2015?

Allen Stone: Lianne La Havas – Blood; D’Angelo and The Vanguard – Black Messiah; Emily King – The Switch; Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color.

Rodriguez: When you look back at the past 12 months, what sticks out for you – professionally and/or personally?

Stone: The USA legalizing Gay marriage. What a highlight of my lifetime. This was one day where I was proud to be an American citizen.

Rodriguez: Tell us about your experience performing at the Apollo Theater.

Stone: It was very humbling. The amount of legends that have played on that stage is incomprehensible. To be on that stage and feel that energy just for that one night was something I will never forget.

Rodriguez: What do you miss most about Seattle when you’re touring?

hottest artists continued from cover

studio album ­­– her first in four years – titled 25; both shattered sales records domestically and internationally. An appearance on Saturday Night Live, a TV concert filmed at Radio City Music Hall, and guest spots on the late night talk show circuit put her back in the limelight, where she was all too missed. A. Rodriguez 3. KENDRICK LAMAR The Compton native rose to superstar status with another critically praised album, a rap masterpiece called To Pimp a Butterfly, and capped a bountiful year that saw him lead all Grammy nominees with 11 nods, including the top three awards – Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Lamar’s collaborations with Taylor Swift, the #1 single “Bad Blood,” and electronic act Flying Lotus, “Never Catch Me,” also accounted for his success in 2015. A. Rodriguez 4. THE WEEKND With a smash single, “Can’t Feel My Face,” a top-selling album, Beauty Behind the Madness, and a featured track on the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack (“Earned It”), the Toronto-based artist spent much of the year in the spotlight. He matched Taylor Swift’s 7 Grammy nominations and com-

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Allen Stone – ATO Records

Stone: I mostly miss the food and my friends. I’ve been lucky enough to cultivate a community of really beautiful humans in Seattle that are hard to say goodbye to. The food culture in Seattle is bonkers. So many good restaurants in that city. Still haven’t visited all of them either.

Rodriguez: Have you had any interesting or cool fan experiences on the road?

Stone: I met a couple recently that met at one of my shows. Got pregnant that same night after my show. He then proposed to her at my show this last time I came through town. I thought that was pretty special.

Rodriguez: How will you ring in the New Year?

Stone: Probably with a kazoo or half empty bottle of Pinot Noir.

Rodriguez: What can we expect from Allen Stone in 2016 – tour, new music, etc?

Stone: The universe has smiled upon me and Capitol Records has graciously accepted my request for being released from their clutches. I will be taking my record Radius back to ATO Records and releasing

it with all the songs it was supposed to have originally. It will also be released globally, and we will then go to Australia and Europe to bring the music to the people.

Rodriguez: What was your favorite holiday gift growing up?

Stone: I got a Redline BMX bike from my parents when I was 10. They made up a little scavenger hunt and everything. It was mad rad.

Rodriguez: Gay marriage became legal in all 50 states this year, and I saw you posted a Tweet on that in late June. Are you available to play wedding receptions, and if so can we pay you in vintage clothes?

Stone: Throw in the box set of “Cheers” and we got a deal.

Rodriguez: 2016 is a leap year, an Olympics year, and a Presidential Election year – your thoughts on any of this, or any predictions?

Stone: The whole leap year thing confuses me. Usain Bolt will win one event but somehow seem like he won the entire Olympics, and I am feeling the Bern.

petes for Album and Record of the Year, and in 2016 he already has a slate of stadium shows booked in Europe. A. Rodriguez

and Skrillex, which earned the trio a Grammy nod for Best Dance Recording, and then released a solo hit, “Sorry,” that went to #1 in 11 countries. His much-anticipated tour will launch March 9 in Seattle, so get ready to be invaded by thousands of Beliebers. A. Rodriguez

5. MILEY CYRUS Musically, the Disney star-turned-pop phenom didn’t release anything in 2015 that got our attention; that Dead Petz album was a letdown, though she still managed to have a big year. Her introduction of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was spot-on, while her hosting gig for the MTV VMAs was better than decent. But the biggest accomplishment in the past twelve months for Cyrus was her tie-ins with the LGBT community – she bravely came out (as Bisexual) to the public, affirmatively backed Gay marriage, and founded an organization called The Happy Hippie Foundation that assists homeless and LGBT youth with a variety of resources. A. Rodriguez 6. MADONNA Though the Rebel Heart album was spotty at best, M delivered on her world tour as always. J. Price 7. JUSTIN BIEBER We love to hate him, don’t we? But the little shit won’t go away. In fact, in 2015 besides being photographed naked (nice ass, I admit), The Biebs actually scored a comeback hit, “Where Are U Now” with Diplo

December 18, 2015

8. BETTE MIDLER Bette’s still got it, enough said. Her 2015 tour featured classics along with material from the hit album It’s the Girls. J. Price 9. EDM (ELECTRONIC DANCE MUSIC) No other music genre had the kind of year that EDM did. It impacted mainstream, from TV commercials to its infusion into pop, R&B, and hip hop. Major Lazer, Grimes, Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, Zedd, Galantis, The Chainsmokers, Skrillex, Flosstradamus, Martin Garrix, Disclosure, and Jamie xx are some of the electronic artists who enjoyed commercial and artistic success in 2015. A. Rodriguez 10. FLORENCE + THE MACHINE Flo’s album and tour for How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful usher in a more mature sound for one of music’s most promising female songwriters and performers. J. Price

Seattle Gay News 3

BEST OF MUSIC 2015: Albums

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer

song of the year, delivered by the always smooth Jazmine Sullivan, who took a fiveyear sabbatical in between albums. Thank goodness she’s back; we needed to hear tracks like “Mascara” and “Dumb” (featuring Meek Mill) again.

One or two hit singles doesn’t define the overall quality of an album. It’s a strong collection of well-composed and timely songs, strung together by a concept, or a mood, or a sound that does. Here are the 10 Best Albums of 2015 that overall outshined the others, in ranking order.

1. To Pimp a Butterfly – Kendrick Lamar Hip hop might not be your cup of tea, but you have to appreciate the envelope being pushed here by Kendrick Lamar. To Pimp a Butterfly is a fascinating, bold album packed with political and social commentary that is also fun to listen to; you can’t help but get up and dance to “King Kunta” or sing along to “Alright.” To Pimp a Butterfly is one-of-a-kind.

2. Carrie & Lowell – Sufjan Stevens “Should Have Known Better” is one of those beautiful songs you’re never going to hear on the radio, so make a beeline for it on You Tube. It’s perhaps Sufjan Stevens’ best-written track, off perhaps the New York singer-songwriter’s best album, which is saying a lot because he’s consistently put out superb music.

3. Sound & Color – Alabama Shakes Alabama Shakes was just getting started when they bowed to audiences in 2012 with its full-length debut Boys & Girls. The

Kendrick Lamar – Interscope

Southern act’s second album is certainly more adventurous and unpredictable, but that only works in their favor, because it’s been well received by fans and the industry alike. “Don’t Wanna Fight” is worth listening to, if you haven’t already.

freshing to come across Chris Stapleton.

The polished songwriter-turned-performer seems to channel all the legends – Hank Williams, George Jones, Johnny Cash – with this sensational grouping of songs, including the gritty “Tennessee Whiskey.”

4. Art Angels – Grimes There were a dozen great electronic albums that came out in 2015, but the most impressive was Art Angels by Grimes. The Canadian artist, with songs like “Realiti” and “Flesh Without Blood,” elevated herself to another level; this record was sweet candy to my ears.

6. Beauty and the Madness – The Weeknd There’s something interesting and exciting about The Weeknd, who skyrocketed to worldwide fame this year on the strength of his mega single “Can’t Feel My Face.” But don’t ignore the rest of his album, or his hit “Earned It” from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack.

5. Traveller – Chris Stapleton At a time when country albums don’t really sound like country albums, it’s re-

7. Reality Show – Jazmine Sullivan “Let It Burn” gets my vote for best R&B

8. Pageant Material – Kacey Musgraves “Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy,” sings Kacey Musgraves on the first single, “Biscuits,” from her Grammy and CMA-nominated album Pageant Material, a very satisfying follow-up to 2013’s Same Trailer, Different Park. It’s appropriately titled because Musgraves is indeed country’s newest queen.

9. Kintsugi – Death Cab for Cutie Minus one Cutie, guitarist Chris Walla who voluntarily left the group, the Western Washington-based band still managed to put out a rather solid new album in 2015.

It felt deeper and more explorative than 2011’s Codes and Keys, especially its leadoff single “Black Sun,” proving that the well hasn’t run dry for DCFC. 10 Everything is 4 – Jason Derulo A surprisingly wonderful pop album this year was turned in by Jason Derulo.

The Miami-born singer got lots of attention for the first hit single, “Want to Want Me,” but the second released track, “Cheyenne,” is even better.

BEST OF MUSIC 2015: Singles

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer

7. “King Kunta” – Kendrick Lamar If you still haven’t heard any of Kendrick Lamar’s music, start here. This groovy single from the highly acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly proves why he’s rap’s new king.

These are the songs that stood way out from an impressive long list of amazing singles from 2015, in ranking order.

8. “Freedom” – Allen Stone This soulful pop track from Stone’s Radius album begs to be sung and danced along to in the shower. A catchy chorus, slick horns, funky guitar riff, and a few hallelujahs – what more could you want?

1. “Let It Happen” – Tame Impala This trippy number, off the Grammynominated Currents album, is further proof that Tame Impala is one of rock’s best newest bands. From beginning to end, but especially the last couple of minutes, it’s a genius track. “Let It Happen” was the song I most couldn’t get out of my head in 2015.

2. “Runaway (U & I)” – Galantis This global club smash by Swedish electronic duo Galantis inspired a lot of great remixes, but the Kaskade Remix is tops.

Credit goes to the original track, though, a dreamy and infectious tune I kept blasting and dancing to all year.

3. “Hello” – Adele She may have been absent for 3 or 4 years, but Adele made up for lost time with this emotional, near-haunting ballad that had us rolling in a deep box of Kleenex.

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Tame Impala – endoftheroadfestival.com

4. “Lean On” – Major Lazer & DJ Snake (featuring MØ) Hard to believe both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj turned down this mid-tempo single, but fortunately Danish artist MØ came to the rescue and helped make it a worldwide hit, a collaborative project with Diplo-led Major Lazer and producer DJ Snake.

5. “Blank Space” – Taylor Swift Technically, this hit from Swift’s mega-

December 18, 2015

selling 1989 album came out last year, but it carried over to 2015 and is up for Record and Song of the Year honors at the forthcoming Grammy Awards. It’s one of TayTay’s finest.

6. “Let It Go” – James Bay No, this isn’t a cover of the Disney song.

It’s an original, gorgeous, effortless track from English singer-songwriter James Bay. That delicate guitar background is to die for.

9. “Pedestrian at Best” – Courtney Barnett If Liz Phair and The Breeders had a baby, and that baby wrote a song, it would be this punkish cut from Australian newcomer Courtney Barnett.

10. “Roses” – The Chainsmokers (featuring Rozes) The coolest slow jam of the year goes to this electronic plum from NYC-based DJs The Chainsmokers featuring Philly vocalist Rozes. The bubbly keyboards and heavy synthesizer riffs make it memorable.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Adele gives Seattle a big hello with two concerts next July

by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer She had us with “Hello.” Now she’ll have us eating from the palm of her hand, when she comes here, of course, next summer. Adele announced plans for a 2016 North American tour with a two-night stop in Seattle. The multiple award winner is

scheduled to perform July 25 and 26 at Key Arena, the fifth city on her extensive fivemonth tour that includes mostly shows in the U.S., but ten of them are set for Canada and Mexico. This will be the first performance by Adele in the Emerald City since August 2011; prior to that, she performed at Neumos in 2009, which I was fortunate enough to be at. The popular singer-song-

writer just released her third studio album, 25, that contains the record-shattering hit single, “Hello,” which as of this writing its music video has accumulated close to 725 million views on YouTube. Her full concert special, “Adele Live from New York City,” that aired on NBC this week, scored the highest ratings for a TV concert in a decade. Tickets to see Adele at Key Arena

went on sale Thursday, December 17, and can be purchased at the Key Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster. com, or charge by phone toll free at (800) 745-3000.

BEST OF MUSIC 2015: Live Performances

by Albert Rodriguez and Jessica Price SGN A&E Writers

how good Grande was in concert. It was a sophisticated show, yet suitable for all ages, with sharp choreography, slick LED graphics, cute costumes, smoke bombs, and the pint-sized beauty singing all the way through. In fact, she hit all those high notes flawlessly during “Break Free.”

Every show is different. Every crowd is different. Every set list and tour is different.

From everyone and everything we saw in 2015, these are the five shows that were just better than the rest, in ranking order.

5. Rick Springfield – Neptune Theatre, January 25 The singer-actor’s “Stripped Down” appearance at the Neptune Theatre was an intimate one that allowed fans to see and hear him in a small setting. He sang, shared stories and photographs from his childhood and early days of his career, and then concluded with a Q&A session with the audience.

ALBERT RODRIGUEZ’s picks: 1. Zedd – Key Arena, September 6 (Bumbershoot) The only way to describe Zedd’s concert at Bumbershoot is explosive. It was the biggest Key Arena crowd for a festival performance I’d ever witnessed with the main floor at capacity 90 minutes before it even started. It was fun and wild with colorful fireworks, strobe lights, smoke bombs, and confetti I wish we could turn back time and experience “Beautiful Now” from that night all over again.

2. Taylor Swift – CenturyLink Field, August 8 60,000 “Swifties” showed up for the pop superstar’s grand spectacle at Centu-

Zedd – fanart.tv

ryLink Field this summer, and she didn’t disappoint. She performed all of her big hits, interacted with the crowd, brought out special guests (Fetty Wap, Russell Wilson, Ciara), and kept us entertained with dazzling stage sets and well-choreographed numbers.

music from its then-forthcoming album Kintsugi during a special, intimate concert at The Crocodile (500 person capacity) that also included terrific versions of “Marching Bands of Manhattan,” “I Will Possess Your Heart,” “The New Year,” and “You Are Not a Tourist.”

3. Death Cab for Cutie – The Crocodile, January 21 DCFC introduced local diehards to

4. Ariana Grande – Key Arena, April 14 I was surprised and impressed with

JESSICA PRICE’s picks: 1. Madonna – Moda Center (Portland), October 17 2. Bette Midler – Key Arena, June 1 3. Florence + The Machine – Key Arena, October 27 4. Nikki Lane – Neumos, November 19 5. Chelsea Wolfe – Neumos, September 29

BEST OF MUSIC 2015: Worst Music

by Albert Rodriguez and Jessica Price SGN A&E Writers The duds. The disappointments. The total stinkers. The stuff we hoped would go away, but didn’t. And though we could’ve filled this list with many more, here are the 10 worst offenders of pitiful music that was ushered out in 2015.

1. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson (featuring Bruno Mars) I know everybody loves this song. But it was EVERYWHERE! And it wasn’t even original, or funky. It’s a musical crossstitch of at least a half dozen songs from four decades ago that sounded much better than this. A. Rodriguez 2. “Bitch I’m Madonna” – Madonna / “Bitch Better Have My Money” – Rihanna

As much as we love our leading ladies, maybe it’s time to retire the women calling each other “bitch” parlance. Show some real respect, ladies. J. Price 3. “Trap Queen” – Fetty Wap This gimmicky track from hip hop upstart Fetty Wap is headed directly to a Now That’s What You Call Music CD, and then we’ll never hear of it – or, him – again (thank God!). A. Rodriguez 4. “FourFiveSeconds” – Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney I know Sir Paul wants to be relevant and fit in with the kids, but collaborating with an ego-bloated rap star and a hit-and-miss pop diva isn’t the way to do it. What a waste of four and five seconds! A. Rodriguez 5. “Cheerleader” – OMI The peppy vibe of this overplayed summer smash by Jamaican singer OMI can’t

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cover up the fact that it really sucks, and it gave me a migraine (and I never get migraines). A. Rodriguez 6. Miley Cyrus and her Dead Petz – Miley Cyrus This experimental collaboration with The Flaming Lips was an ill-advised vanity project for both artists. The results are abysmal, unless you’re stoned or sipping codeine. J. Price 7. “Writing’s on the Wall” – Sam Smith After winning four Grammys in February, much of 2015 was a wash for Sam Smith. This forgettable tune, the latest addition to the James Bond theme song series, should be fittingly tucked away in the DVD bonus features, or maybe the blooper reel.

A. Rodriguez 8. Title – Meghan Trainor

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With songs as annoying as “Dear Future Husband” and a cringeworthy, awkward album cover, Meghan Trainor’s fame is inexplicable and undeserved. Stop the madness.

J. Price 9. “Hymne à L’Amour” – Celine Dion Though a good effort was made to pay tribute to those lost in the Paris attacks, the Canadian power-belter used the opportunity to smother a beautiful Edith Piaf number at the AMAs ceremony last month. My heart was heavy, but my ears were bleeding. A. Rodriguez 10. “Everything is Awesome” – Tegan and Sara “Everything is Obnoxious” is a more fitting title for this wacky, irritating theme song for The Lego Movie that carried over from 2014. Why it received an Oscar nomination is beyond me. A. Rodriguez

Seattle Gay News 5

STG presents “So You Think You Can Dance” at the Paramount Dec. 26 “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” PARAMOUNT THEATRE December 26 “So You Think You Can Dance” comes to Seattle’s Paramount Theatre on December 26 at 8 p.m., featuring Season 12’s Top 10 finalists performing the season’s most popular routines as well as original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour.

19 Entertainment, dick clark productions, and Nigel Lythgoe present to audiences nationwide all the sizzling, one-of-a-kind dance routines they loved from this season’s hit show.

“So You Think You Can Dance,” the 13time Primetime Emmy® Award-winning show that sparked America’s fascination with dance, captivates audiences again with a nationwide live tour. Celebrating its momentous 12th season and its exciting new Stage v. Street format, “So You Think You Can Dance’s” Top 10 finalists make their way across North America performing in 70 cities as part of the “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 12 Tour.

The Season 12 Tour lineup includes the

ductions; Beverly Frank of 19 Entertainment, James Breen and Jeff Thacker.

So You Think You Can Dance press photo – Courtesy of Seattle Theatre Group

following Top 10 finalists: Team Stage’s Gaby Diaz, Edson Juarez, Jim Nowakowski, Hailee Payne and Derek Piquette; and Team Street’s Megan “Megz” Alfonso, Eddie “Neptune” Eskridge, Virgil Gadson, Jessica “JJ” Rabone and Jana “Jaja” Vankova. Visit the official “So You Think You Can Dance” site at www.fox.com/dance to view exclusive videos, photos and contes-

tant profiles.

“So You Think You Can Dance” was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and is from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, and dick clark productions. The series is executive-produced

by Fuller, Lythgoe; Allen Shapiro, CEO of dick clark productions; Barry Adelman, Executive Vice President of dick clark pro-

Ticket Information: Tickets are now on sale at $35.75, $45.75, $65.75 (not including applicable fees). Available online at Tickets.com, 24-hour ticket kiosks located outside the Paramount, Moore, and Neptune Theatres, Sonic Boom Records in Ballard, in person at the Paramount box office, or may be purchased by phone at 1-877-STG-4TIX. For more information, visit STGPresents.org.

ABOUT STG Our mission is to make diverse performing arts and education an integral part of our region’s cultural identity while keeping three historic venues, The Paramount, Moore and Neptune, alive and vibrant.

STG presents a range of performances from Broadway, off-Broadway, dance and jazz, to comedy, concerts of all genres, speakers and family shows – at these three iconic theatres in Seattle and venues throughout the Puget Sound region and in Portland, Oregon.

Seattle Musical Theatre presents She Loves Me

Laura Medford, Jorie Jones, Dustyn Moir, and Doug Knoop in SHE LOVES ME at Seattle Musical Theatre – Photo by Jeff Carpenter

by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer SHE LOVES ME SEATTLE MUSICAL THEATRE Through December 20 The musical She Loves Me, music by Jerry Brock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, book by Joe Masteroff, is one of the most perfect musicals ever, to me. It has a smallish cast, a fun and charismatic storyline, and killer songs. The songs, lyrics especially, are little bits of brilliance. Pretty much all of them!

You know the story if you’ve seen the old movie, The Shop Around the Corner, or the new movie, You’ve Got Mail – two people who work together and seem to hate each other have pen pals they think they love who turn out to be each other. Watch-

6 Seattle Gay News

ing them fall in love with each other is a lot of fun.

The musical is done here every so often and the current production is at Seattle Musical Theatre. Directed by Alan Wilkie, it sports a cast of very good singers, which is great for the somewhat tricky music. A few of them are pretty new to the Seattle musical scene, which is always fun to discover.

The main roles of Georg and Amalia are ably managed by Brian Lange and newcomer Laura Medford. Lange is a local veteran and has all the right chops for the role.

He’s got great comic instincts and is also a good actor and this role calls for both.

Medford plunges in with enthusiasm with a lovely soprano. (She needs to be a bit careful of going off the vocal rails and getting a little screechy when she’s rushed.)

Supporting players in the parfumerie (this is set in Budapest in the 1930s) are the

December 18, 2015

owner (a lovely turn by Bill Higham), an unassuming clerk (Doug Knoop), a scheming clerk (newcomer Paul Gauger with a terrific voice), the other female clerk (Jorie Jones), and a bike messenger (funny standout Dustyn Moir). All contribute well and each gets his or her own great song to sing.

The ensemble singers are also all solid singers with some tricky songs to sing.

They do most of the choreography created

by Taylor Davis, which ties in amusing movement to augment the story comedy.

The orchestra is larger than many SMT shows and has a particularly talented violin section! Music-directed by Josh Zimmerman, they sound great. Usually, I end up feeling frustrated by how loud the music is compared to the singers. On this occasion though, the musicians were way too muted!

I even think the cast had a hard time hearing them to stay on beat and in tune. The music for this show is terrific and the orchestration

deserves to be heard in a bigger way.

This is a solidly good production. However, there is a certain amount of restraint in it that is a bit puzzling. Everyone feels careful. The directing seems to have been more “presentational” (facing the audience) than interactive on stage, and that undercuts the relationships a bit.

I wish the actors would demonstrate that they’re having more fun on stage. Moir, in particular, seems to get that. Let go, have fun! You’re in a great show. If you’re having fun, it will translate to the audience and we will have more fun, too.

For more information, go to www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org or call 206-363-2809.

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

Dustyn Moir, Doug Knoop, Laura Medford, and Brian Lange in SHE LOVES ME at Seattle Musical Theatre – Photo by Jeff Carpenter

Celebrating 41 Years!

ham

continued from cover The current sketch night is subtitled Who’s Afraid of Virginia Ham? I don’t think the title has much to do with any given year’s sketches, but it’s part of the pun.

This year, we get the return of the Colonel and Shenille, as they sing along the Duwamish and point out the sights, such as they are. Be forewarned that, while the barge is billed as a casino and bar, they’re so new that they’ve yet to procure either the gambling license or the liquor license, but chug along they go! (Platt’s costume here is one of the funniest ever!)

A brief presentation of the new bingeable TV show, “Three’s Custody,” combines the sensibility of “Orange is the New Black” and “Three’s Company.” More please!

The annual game show this year is Presidential Family Feud, featuring presidential-contender family members, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Maryanne Trump Barry (a Circuit Court Judge.

The idea is good, although the execution is a bit lacking in this sketch, but it’s the fun

star wars

continued from cover initial Star Wars trilogy was a cinematic rite of passage, all of it leading to places of imagination and adventure that have stuck with the majority of viewers for four-plus decades now.

If Abrams had a seemingly impossible task as it pertained to his reboot/reimagining of Star Trek in 2009, the challenge here is unfathomable, the director tackling the iconic Star Wars franchise by bringing back all of the principal 1977 players while also introducing a number of new faces for modern audiences. He is asked to compose a story and scenario that will launch a new trilogy, one that pays deft homage to Lucas’ first set of films yet also erases the bad taste left in the mouths of many who found the prequels underwhelming.

With the aid of Little Miss Sunshine Oscar-winner Michael Arndt and, arguably more importantly, franchise returnee Lawrence Kasdan (a screenwriter on both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, but also the writer/director of complex, character-driven genre fair like The Big Chill, Silverado and Body Heat), Abrams accomplishes his task. Not perfectly. Not without a lump or a bump here and a lump there. But overall? Beginning to end? The Force Awakens is a triumph, and whether one is a fan of Star Wars or a newcomer uncertain what all the fuss is about this is a science fiction spectacular worthy of celebration.

It has been thirty years since The Empire fell, the Emperor was defeated and the Rebel Alliance scored a major victory for freedom and democracy throughout the galaxy. In that time, a new evil has grown, the nefarious First Order, while the rebels have blossomed into the Resistance; both armies in a desperate race to find the whereabouts of the last remaining Jedi Knight, the one and only Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). With time growing short, General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) has sent her most trusted pilot, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), to the backwater desert planet of Jakku, looking for the final pieces of a puzzle that has mystified them all for over a decade.

By happenstance, fate or something

Mama & Sissy Fay – Photo by Chris Bennion

audience participation time, where you can win prizes and be teased.

A perennial presence in this show, the Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus, led by Kenneth Dolman, touted a new land development they’re building called Peninsula Housing

For Aging Gays (PHFAG). You can buy a piece of it now, though electricity is not yet included! Don’t miss their Beatles medley in only the way the SGMC can do it!

The rest of the evening is filled with the usual video clips that make you scratch

greater, maybe even mystical, the missing information, the key to learning where Skywalker is, has found its way to scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley). Assisting a lost BB-8 droid, aided by a former Stormtrooper calling himself Finn (John Boyega), Rey is forced to flee Jakku with a whole fleet of First Order warriors, led by the powerful

Boyega, Driver and Isaac all acquit themselves admirably, each delivering rambunctious, full-bodied performances that do the series proud. On the flip side, Domhnall Gleeson fumbles around as the risibly evil General Hux, puffing out his chest and locking his shoulders with authority yet still unable to make this villain feel vital

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or noteworthy at any point. As for Gwendoline Christie as Stormtrooper leader Captain Phasma, she’s got precious little to do, so here’s hoping the trilogy does more of merit with her at some point in the next two adventures.

As for the original cast, there is Ford and there is everyone else, the veteran superstar the only one of the initial Star Wars trio given all that much to do. He’s more than up to the challenge, and for all his documented reticence over the years to return to Han Solo he sure seems to be having quite a blast slipping back on that signature leather jacket. He shares a pair of sensational scenes with Ridley, one sitting next to her in the Millennium Falcon, no less, that are just superb, while a climactic sequence that sets the course for where things go next is unbelievably powerful in large parts thanks entirely to him, the actual actions that transpire not nearly as surprising as I can’t help but think the filmmakers themselves intend them to be.

Then there is Ridley herself. As far as coming out parties go, the one the young actress has as Rey is astonishing, cementing the character as an instant Star Wars essential as well as a figure fans and nonfans alike are going to be cheering for with-

out reservation. It is immediately apparent this new trilogy is going to revolve in large parts around her, the journey this orphaned scavenger is about to undertake one I can’t help but be intrigued by. Ridley delivers a vigorously emotional performance, her reactions wondrous, and by the time she finds the courage to take a heroic step forward I was all but ready to climb out of my seat, leap up onto the screen and take it alongside next to her.

Beautifully shot by Dan Mindel (John Carter), featuring an amazing array of practical and digital effects that are continually eye-popping, the most important technical facet remains John Williams’ (Jurassic Park, Superman) instantly recognizable score, the veteran Oscar-winning composer delivering deft orchestrations and memorable themes that fit the onscreen action flawlessly. There’s also some deft motion capture work turned in by 12 Years a Slave Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong’o, but the less said about her and what her character is doing the better, audiences deserving to learn that information for themselves.

I will say the movie moves too fast at times, almost as if Abrams is worried if he slows down viewers will lose interest. Also, he, Kasdan and Arndt follow signature moments and ideas from the original trilogy too closely, and once the big threat to the Resistance is ascertained there is a feeling of interstellar cinematic déjà vu difficult to initially get past. Finally, as marvelous as the last scene might be – and it is really, really wonderful – the climactic cliffhanger is slightly annoying, and I’m not altogether certain everyone is going to be happy with it.

Be that as it may, the moment that Lucasfilm logo appeared on the screen, the second the theme came blaring through auditorium, I was suddenly a wide-eyed three-year-old again, shedding a couple of tears for a movie that hadn’t even shown its first character let alone depicted its initial star fighter flashing across the screen.

Abrams doesn’t just live up to that reaction, he makes me glad I had it, Star Wars: The Force Awakens giving new life to a franchise of hope, resilience, courage and family that’s been missing from theatres for far too long.

December 18, 2015

Seattle Gay News 7

Daisy Ridley and John Boyega in Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures via cinemablend.com

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), hot on her tail.

When all is at its worst, when hope appears lost, a rogue smuggler comes to Rey and Finn’s aid as if drawn there by destiny, exRebel leader Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his best friend and co-pilot Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) swooping in just when needed most.

There’s plenty more to say, but to do so doesn’t feel right. Abrams, Kasdan and Arndt haven’t designed a story filled with surprises (most of them are pretty easy to figure out) so much as they’ve engineered one that the realization of what is about to transpire hits the viewer like an out-ofcontrol Tie Fighter. What is learned, who is who and what is what, all of it matters, not just so much in regards to the greater picture as far as the new trilogy goes, but also as it pertains to the narrative here. The filmmakers maintain remarkable focus, a singularity of purpose, doing yeoman’s work fleshing out Rey and Finn while also giving Solo an astonishing arc no fan of the series will ever be able to forget. They also set up an intriguing villain in Ren, and seeing where he goes next, and how his descent will be juxtaposed by the ascent of his forceful doppelganger, has piqued my curiosity something fierce.

your head and wonder who the hell actually produces these things, and a visit by the Slam Poet, a lovely Moment with Lisa, and the new extravaganza by Mama Euomi Spudd where she steals Doctor Suess and inserts herself into How the Bitch Stole Christmas! Mama never fails to pervert some iconic story or other….

The show seems to grow just a little bit each year, and veterans D.J. Gommels and Michael Oaks are joined by Joel Domenico (last year’s addition who really rocks the house) and Abbey Drake. Domenico is eyecandy for both men and women, and gets a chance to show off some killer pipes.

Don’t miss this holiday favorite and put it on your calendar as an annual treat. And here’s hoping Koch and Platt decide that they, too, would like to skewer more holidays than just Christmas in the near future!

For more information, go to www.acttheatre.org or call 206-292-7676.

THe danish girl continued from cover

Copenhagen’s most prominent citizenry at her behest on a somewhat regular basis. But Einar feels out of place at these affairs, like he doesn’t fit in, and as such it takes a lot of time and effort on Gerda’s part to oftentimes convince him to attend a single one of them.

A chance opportunity leads to a realization of self and identity that in some ways takes both of them by complete surprise, yet in other ways feels utterly rational when they step back and allow themselves to think more about it. After attending one of Ulla’s events dressed up as a girl, due in large part to Gerda’s prodding, the two thinking of it as a game they are playing to fool the rest of the stuffy and clueless attendees, Einar discovers he doesn’t want to let newfound femininity go. With his wife uncertain of what to do or who to ask for help, her painter husband begins to disappear, a new, dainty creature calling herself Lili slowly emerging in his place.

I saw director Tom Hooper’s (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables) cinematic accounting of Lili Ilse Elvenes, better known as Lili Elbe, The Danish Girl, over a month ago, and in all honesty I wasn’t altogether certain I’d be able to write a review of the film. The Danish Transgender woman was the first known person to go through sexual reassignment surgery, doing so at a German medical clinic in 1930 under the supervision of sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld and carried out by Dr. Kurt Warnekros (portrayed by Sebastian Koch in the film). Dying in June of 1931 from complications from a fourth surgery, which included a potential uterus transplant, a book based on her diaries, Man into Woman, was published in 1933, becoming an instant bestseller.

Based on the 2000 novel by David Ebershoff, The Danish Girl does not claim to be an entirely factual accounting of Lili and Gerda’s relationship, as many of the actual events that propelled them forward on their respective journeys were changed for both

8 Seattle Gay News

Eddie Redmayne, (l) and Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl – the-numbers.com

creative and narrative reasons. Lucinda Coxon’s (The Wild Target) screenplay follows suit, and, if anything, changes things up even more, and as such should not be looked at as a definitive accounting of this pair’s momentous and important adventures in gender. There’s a ton of historical butchering at play in the film, a thing I don’t necessarily have a problem with, but also something I feel should be pointed out at the exact same time.

None of which is why I find this movie so gosh darn difficult to write about. No, the reasons for that are much more personal, as so much of Lili’s journey, even at eight-plus decades after the fact, mirrors so many of the footsteps, conversations and footsteps I myself have taken, trying to react to it in words as it encompasses a critical review

damaging a relationship still exceedingly near and dear to her heart. As Transgender individuals, sadly far too often we hide large facets of our personality out of fear of discovery, ridicule and hate, attempting to be what others expect instead of who we know ourselves to be. When we finally embrace our inner selves, the initial gut reaction can be to run towards it not thinking of anyone else around us, and as such this directness of purpose can come across as egocentricity run amok.

This won’t be palatable to some. Most, who’ve never had a Transgender family member or friend, aren’t going to grasp what’s happening, more than likely, and they’ll look at Lili’s treatment of Gerda and shake their head wondering why she’s putting up with it. But this is also what makes

Eddie Redmayne, (l) and Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl – Agatha A. Nitecka/Focus Features

is agonizingly difficult. The simple truth is that, while Hooper and Coxon stumble here and there, while the melodramatic entanglements Lili and Gerda end up facing can be on the stilted side, the core events, the items dealing with one person’s gender transformation and the other’s reactions to it, are close to perfect. More, they’re bracingly authentic, a thing I never could have anticipated before walking into the theatre for my press screening.

What’s most remarkable is how confident Hooper and Coxon are in showing just how selfish Lili can be, how taking the giant leap to be herself ends up irrevocably

December 18, 2015

Gerda such a stunning character and, in point of fact, arguably the film’s main – and maybe titular – character. In more ways than one this is her story, one where she learns not just to accept who her husband is transforming into, but to embrace it herself, even if she doesn’t entirely understand all of what is taking place. It’s a remarkable tale, one so many families have experienced and embraced, as well as one so many others have sadly turned their back upon. Gerda looks at what is happening to Lili and puts pieces together one after the other; and as hurtful as things might become, the knowledge that the person clos-

est and most important to her can’t continue as-is trumps all else.

It’s the surrounding material that’s a little limp. Hooper and Coxon play it very safe, very traditional as far as the exterior, secondary plot mechanics are concerned, almost as if they realize they’re presenting material some will find uncomforting (even if they shouldn’t) and so they don’t want to make waves with any of the rest of it. It’s all very straightforward, very matter-offact, having a BBC television quality that’s moderately forgettable. The movie is also obnoxiously framed in certain moments, much in the same way Les Misérables was, Danny Cohen’s (Room) camerawork getting so in the face of some of the characters you can almost count their nose hairs.

Redmayne is superb, delivering a delicately nuanced performance that’s easy to relate and respond to. But as great as he is, the real star here is Vikander. In a year where she’s already been wonderful in Ex Machina, Testament of Youth, Burnt and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., what the actress does here is extraordinary. Her Gerda is a breathtaking creature, watching her come to life so intricately, with such complexity, a real joy. Vikander is electric and alive, a spectacular lithe and limber creature of elegance and understanding who only grows in importance and impact as events progress.

But it’s the fact that The Danish Girl gets the core stuff right that makes it important, and equally difficult for me to talk about. While I wish the movie didn’t play so fast and loose with many of the facts, Hooper and Coxon have still structured a story of self-acceptance and discovery that transcends its historical inaccuracies and allows it to ascend to a level of magnetic emotional resonance I found impossible to resist. It understands sex and gender are not the same thing, and that the former isn’t a binary construct that only allows for two norms. The options are endless, and the fact the film not only embraces this, but celebrates it, makes it as important a piece of a cinematic entertainment as any to be released this year.

Celebrating 41 Years!

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December 18, 2015

Seattle Gay News 9

10 Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2015

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

December 18, 2015

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December 18, 2015

Celebrating 41 Years!

Rambunctious Sisters a Poehler-Fey gem

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer SISTERS Now playing When their parents Bucky (James Brolin) and Deana Ellis (Dianne Wiest) decide to sell the family home, sisters Maura (Amy Poehler) and Kate (Tina Fey) are tasked with cleaning out the remainder of their childhood remembrances before the new owners can take control of the property. Not wanting to leave without one final goodbye, they invite as many of their old high school classmates as they can to a party, believing that this last rambunctious affair will be just what’s needed to get them both excited about tackling their respective lives once again.

This is necessary because neither is in a great place at the moment. Straight-laced, by-the-book Maura just seems to be running in circles right now, so obsessed with making sure everyone else is doing all right she forgets to check in on her own wellbeing. As for Kate, she’s maybe the loving mother of teenage daughter Haley (Madison Davenport) but that doesn’t make her any less irresponsible, going through jobs and boyfriends as if both were a bag of chips ready for consumption. This party will change everything, both sisters just know it, the future going to be even brighter in large part because they were willing to let their hair down and go crazy one last

time.

The glory of Sisters is how honest and authentic it feels. As crazy as things might get, as absurd as events might become, everything stays centered directly upon Maura and Kate no matter what, making their respective journeys mean something by the time drunken chaos reaches its unavoidable breaking point. Directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), written by “Saturday Night Live” veteran Paula Pell, this movie is a delightfully hysterical foray into frivolity and family that’s a continuous hoot, everything building to a nicely comforting coda I absolutely adored.

To no one’s surprise, Poehler and Fey make a sensational comedic team. It’s been a joy to watch their chemistry evolve over the years, their ability to work one with the other on such a symbiotic level recalling Robert Redford and Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting. If Baby Mama was the test run for their cinematic abilities and their time hosting the Golden Globes a way to hone them, then Sisters is the fruit of their collective labors. The two have such an easy give-and-take one could watch them recite the alphabet and probably enjoy every last second of it, the ease in which they play one off the other continually stupendous.

The supporting cast is made up of a number of familiar faces, a great majority of them fellow “Saturday Night Live” veterans, and almost all of them down the line produce a number of solid laughs. But

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey in Sisters – comingsoon.net

it’s Maya Rudolph as Brinda, a former high school “mean girl” who Kate can’t stand, who steals the show, her performance so beautifully complex, yet also just as incredibly hysterical, watching her is a continuous delight. Better, her final showdown with Fey is surprisingly personal, revealing hard-edged truths that actually brought a tiny little tear to my eye.

As for the rest, John Cena follows up on his scene-stealing work in Trainwreck with another unforgettable little portrait of stone cold silliness here, while veteran character actor John Leguizamo has a number of terrific little moments as a local liquor store owner who’s always had the hots for Kate.

Then there is “The Mindy Project” and “The League” regular Ike Barinholtz. He’s the sexy single who just moved into the neighborhood that catches Maura’s eye, he

and Poehler crafting an air of sweet, simple romanticism I couldn’t help but be won over by.

It’s all a little thin at times, and the level of destruction that ends up transpiring ends up feeling more suitable to something like The Blues Brothers or The Money Pit than it does with the story taking place here. But Pell’s script, inspired in no small way by her own relationship with her own sister, is so smart, so genuine, as crazy as things might get, the human saga at the center remains pure and realistically heartfelt no matter what. With Poehler and Fey working at such a high level, and with the laughs being as constant, and as massive, as they prove to be, Sisters is just a joy to behold, watching it a rambunctious riot I almost didn’t want to see come to an end.

Howard’s Sea a whale of a disappointment

Chris Hemsworth in In The Heart of the Sea – www.youtube.com

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer IN THE HEART OF THE SEA Now playing Author Herman Melville (Ben Whishaw) has come to Nantucket to hear a story that by all official recorded accounts never happened. According to the company that owned the boat, the Essex was sunk by running aground and that was all there was to it, anything more just fantasy and fairytale nonsense that no one with an ounce of intelligence should take seriously. Yet, here he is, in the boarding house of Tom Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) and his loving wife (Michelle Fairley) to have his curiosity satiated, the real truth behind the sinking of Essex far more incredible than anything the writer could have imagined on his own.

When he was only 14-years-old, orphan Thomas (Tom Holland) set out on his first voyage aboard a Nantucket whaling ship.

The Captain of the Essex, George Pollard

(Benjamin Walker), is on his freshman voyage, his seasoned First Mate. Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), not exactly happy about this. The pair do not get along, not at all, but they agree to put up with one another until their ship’s hold is filled with 2,000 barrels of whale oil, scouring the oceans for their prey in hopes of making these desires come to pass.

What ends up happening to the Essex is what will inspire Melville to write his masterpiece Moby Dick, Capt. Pollard and Owen Chase coming face-to-face with an undersea demon unlike anything encountered before, young Tom there to witness it all – chaotic start to bloody finish. It is this whale of a tale that director Ron Howard (Rush, Apollo 13) and screenwriter Charles Leavitt (Seventh Son, The Express) tell in their new film In the Heart of the Sea. Using Nathaniel Philbrick’s best-selling book In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex as inspiration, the pair bring forth an account of survival on the high seas that purports to showcase human-

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kind’s insignificance where Mother Nature is concerned, the mashed and mangled bodies of the seamen trying to live to another dawn the instruments they play their tune upon.

The framing device of an older Nickerson telling his story to a fascinated Melville actually works quite well, the film’s emotional highpoint one that concerns them both as well as Fairley, the latter achieving an emotional elegance that’s superb as she learns a horrifying truth about her husband only to respond with tenderness and love. The opening sequences of the Essex heading out to sea are also excellent, Hemsworth charismatically dominating, showing a robust athletic masculinity that fits these moments perfectly. There’s also a terrific sequence showcasing the ship’s crew in action, their initial assault on a small pod of whales glorious.

Even so, Howard and Leavitt always kept me at arm’s length, never let me embrace the characters or the struggles they were enduring like I kept hoping would come to pass. The adversarial relationship between Chase and Pollard is never developed, while secondary characters, most notably a key one played by veteran character actor Cillian Murphy, are frustratingly one-dimensional. When the White Whale does show up, the sense of awe that should coincide with his appearance is shockingly minimal, and while there are some incredible moments involving the creature, there aren’t near enough of them to allow for a meaningful impact.

The movie ends up playing like an odd, uncomfortable cross between Unbroken, Jaws and Alive, almost the entire second half focused upon the surviving sailors stranded in the middle of the ocean dying one-by-one as the massive whale stalks them like Michael Meyers leering at a half-

naked teenager. While the actors do what they can, and future Spider-Man Holland is particularly good throughout this portion, it all feels much too tidy, much too matter-offact, and even those completely unfamiliar with the source material will likely never worry much about who is going to make it back to Nantucket alive.

I will say, even with the wonky and unnecessary 3-D, In the Heart of the Sea is marvelously shot by Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog Millionaire), his use of texture, light and color phenomenal throughout.

There is a filtering effect utilized that’s glorious, much of the film looking as if it is shot through glass, giving me the feeling as if I were looking at a tempestuous saga of adventure and survival taking place upon a ship sailing inside a liquor bottle. Also, while the CGI effects aren’t seamless, the veteran cinematographer manages to make them look far more gorgeously photorealistic than they have any right to be, the initial above-the-water appearance of the White Whale monstrously impressive to say the least.

There are additional pluses, not the least of which is Roque Baños’ (Evil Dead) invigorating score, but the core problem involving an emotional attachment to the characters and their collective plight is an obstacle sadly much too mammoth for Howard and company to ultimately overcome. As Moby Dick stories go, Melville’s book still stands head and shoulders above all the rest, John Huston’s 1956 adaptation with Gregory Peck a fine version of the story as well. In attempting to ground things in historical fidelity, Howard’s In the Heart of the Sea loses the human intimacy that makes this epic what it is, the resulting movie nothing more than an empty voyage to nowhere that sinks far more often than it swims.

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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 visible or hidden 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 - December 19

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.

Lambert House Queer Rec. 1pm. 1818 15th Ave. 3rd Saturday each month. Outdoor & indoor adventures for youth ages 22 & under. www.lamberthouse.org 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 Dim Sum Dialogue with Pride ASIA at Seattle Asian Art Museum. 6:30-10pm. SAAM, Volunteer Park, 1400 E Prospect St. Pride ASIA, in collaboration with The Seattle Public Library and the Seattle Asian Art Museum will host something the LGBTQ and Allied Asian and Pacific Islander advocacy and art organization calls Dim Sum Dialogue. “Join the Library for a night of music, art, dancing, and community building among Queer people of color and allies through an API (Asian & Pacific Islander) lens,” announce Pride ASIA officials. “Come listen and share stories to celebrate and convene Queer communities of color.” Community partners include Seattle U.T.O.P.I.A. (United Territories of Pacific Islanders Alliance) and Lifelong’s HEYO program. In addition, Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) will provide support.

Dim Sum Dialogue will feature an evening of sass and social justice,” say The Seattle Public Library officials.

Dim Sum Dialogue is hosted by local drag icon and Pride ASIA founder Aleksa Manila with music by JK POP!, DJ Reverend Dollars and DJ Moist Towlette. Throughout the evening guests will enjoy interactive performances by Amaya, Kince, Nic Masangkay, U.T.O.P.I.A. and more!

As the name implies, Dim Sum snacks will be available at the event. Dim Sum Dialogue is FREE to attend and is all ages appropriate. A full bar is available for attendees who are 21 or older with a valid ID. Gay City Arts Presents: “Mom-O-Logues” (12/1012/13 & 12/17-12/20). 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. Did your mom tuck you in at night?

Whisper “I love you” into your ear? Bake cookies for your birthday? Call to see how you are? That’s great!

But those are not our stories. Our stories are about how to love yourself even when you have non-traditional & fucked-up families. It can be radical, revolutionary & takes a lot of damn work. Tickets: general $15, students/ seniors $12, sponsors $20. www.gaycity.org/arts-season Imperial Court of Seattle - A Christmas Cabaret Jewelbox Revue. Doors 6pm. R Place, 619 E Pine St. Suggested donation $5.

Seattle Men’s Chorus “Home for the Holidays” in Everett. 7:30pm. Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave, Everett. The proud voices of SMC will envelope you in harmony for an evening of heartfelt holiday magic, sprinkled with a pinch of fairy dust. Tickets $25-$78. www.seattlemenschorus.org

SUNDAY - December 20

Center for Spiritual Living. Services 8:25, 9:45, 11:30am. 5801 Sand Point Way NE. Blessings & we hope to see you soon! Info 527-8801 ext 203, www. cslseattle.org Ravenna United Methodist Church. 5751 33rd Ave NE. 8:30am “Seattle’s most dangerous Sunday school;” 9:45am worship. A reconciling congregation, fully inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ persons. 525-7988.

Seattle Unity Church. 9am & 11am-Sunday Services.

200 8th Ave N. “Come join our Gay & Lesbian-friendly, spiritual family at Seattle Unity Church. Our mission is to bring love, miracles & spiritual awakening into everyday life!” 622-8475; www.seattleunity.org.

Seattle Soto Zen. 9:15am-Zazen Instruction, 9:30amZazen. 101 Nickerson St, Lower Level. Follow the traditional forms of the Soto school of Zen in a spirit of warmth & inclusion. Anyone interested in meditation, whether new or experienced in Zen practice or other traditions, is welcome. 323-1659, www.seattlesotozen.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

14 Seattle Gay News

December 19 thru December 27 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 Grace Gospel Chapel. 2pm-Worship. Gift of Grace Lutheran Church, 2102 N 40th St. Oldest independent church ministering primarily to the Gay & Lesbian community. An exciting fellowship ... a place to believe, a place to belong. 784-8495.

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, 303 17th Ave E. 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 Pride League Bowling. 6:30pm. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW. Every Sunday (except during the summer). Regular league bowling. Jeff, 932-3731. [NO June, July, August - resumes after Labor Day] Gay City Arts Presents: “Mom-O-Logues” (12/1012/13 & 12/17-12/20). 7pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. (See Saturday listing at 7pm for details.) Tickets: general admission $15, students/ seniors $12, sponsors $20. www.gaycity.org/arts-season Integrity/Puget Sound. 7pm-Worship & Fellowship. St. Mark’s Cathedral, Thomson Chapel, 1245 10th Ave E. Integrity is an international ministry of Gay & Lesbian Episcopalians, their friends & families, dedicated to education, support & service within the Church & the GLBT community. (425) 226-2746.

Seattle Men’s Chorus “Home for the Holidays” (12/20 & 12/21). 7:30pm. S Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. The proud voices of SMC will envelope you in harmony for an evening of heartfelt holiday magic, sprinkled with a pinch of fairy dust. Tickets $25-$78. www.seattlemens chorus.org Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.

MONDAY - December 21

Tacoma First United Methodist Church. 9:30amWorship, 11am-Adult Education. 423 Martin Luther King Way, Tacoma. This reconciling congregation welcomes with warm hands, warm hearts & open minds GLBT persons seeking a spiritual home. (253) 627-0129, www. fumctacoma.org Baha’i Prayer & Fellowship Circle. 10am. Pearl Warren Bldg, 606 12th Ave S. Meets the 3rd Sunday each month. Share prayers, readings, thoughts & music. All backgrounds, all faiths welcome. 391-2188.

Central Lutheran Church. 10am-Worship. 1710 11th Ave (just north of E Pine St). An open & affirming church, which in Lutheran churches is called “Reconciled in Christ.” “We seek to share God’s love with all people regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation.”

All are welcome. 322-7500.

East Shore Unitarian Church. 10am-Sunday Service.

12700 SE 32nd St, Bellevue. An open & affirming congregation. (425) 747-3780.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church. 10am-Worship. 911 Stewart St. A downtown faith community centered in justice. An open & affirming congregation. 682-3620.

Unity Church of Kent. 10am. 218 State Ave S, Kent.

A welcoming congregation open to people of all races, religions, creeds & lifestyles. Join us any Sunday for an inspirational message, joyful fellowship & a fresh spiritual outlook. 253-854-9747.

University Congregational United Church of Christ.

All ages education 9am, Worship 10am. 4515 16th Ave NE. UCUCC is an open & affirming congregation. 5242322; www.universityucc.org.

Wallingford United Methodist Church. 10am-Worship.

2115 N 42nd St. A progressive congregation. In 1984 Wallingford UMC became the 9th reconciling Methodist church in the U.S. 547-6945 (office); 285-5077 (George).

All Pilgrims Christian Church. 10:30am-Worship.

500 Broadway E. Come as you are. All are welcome.

A congregation of the Disciples of Christ & the United Church of Christ. 322-0487, www.allpilgrims.org 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. Open to all LGBTQ persons & friends who have an interest in the automobile, not just collector or performance vehicles. ethylforever@ hotmail.com

December 18, 2015

Living Water Fellowship. 10:30am-Worship. 7204 NE 175th St, Kenmore. All GLBT welcome. Pastor Susan George. 963-0807. www.livingwaterwa. com 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.

Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

10:30am. 7141 California Ave SW. 935-0418, office@ wsuu.org, www.wsuu.org Emerald City Metropolitan Community Church Seattle. 11am-Worship. Chapel at University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 NE 43rd St. MCC is a progressive Christ-centered faith community committed to providing a nurturing environment for individual & community growth thru Jesus Christ while celebrating unity in diversity. MCC is Seattle’s oldest Gay-friendly church. 325-2421, www.mccseattle.org.

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.)

St Paul’s United Church of Christ. 11am-Worship.

6512 12th Ave NW. An “open & affirming” congregation.

“We celebrate our diversity in religious background, sexual orientation, race, age & abilities.” 783-6733; www. stpauluccseattle.com.

Holy Covenant International Christian Community Church. 12pm. 4525 19th Ave NE. Outreach to the LGBT community. holycovenantccc@gmail.com Just for Today. 12-1:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Sunday. Drop-in 12-step (Narcotics Anonymous) group open to anyone in recovery. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org Paths to Recovery Al-Anon Family Group. 12-1:30pm.

Seattle University Student Center, 901 12th Ave, Room 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

Winter Solstice SOBER - On Meds. 1-2pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. 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, 303 17th Ave E. 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.

Pozitively Me! 6:30-8pm. Gay City Health Project, 517 E. Pike St. Every Monday. A group and conversation 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. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses & families of GLBT persons, as well as those minorities. PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724.

PFLAG/Everett Monthly Meeting. 7pm. First Congregational Church of Everett, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Meets 3rd Monday each month. Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays is a national support organization for parents, spouses & families of GLBT persons, as well as those minorities. 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 Seattle Men’s Chorus “Home for the Holidays” (12/20 & 12/21). 7:30pm. S Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. The proud voices of SMC will envelope you in harmony for an evening of heartfelt holiday magic, sprinkled with a pinch of fairy dust. Tickets $25-$78. www.seattlemens chorus.org

Celebrating 41 Years!

Unity Gay Men’s AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St. Tacoma. Every Monday.

(253) 474-8897.

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, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.

community calendar

TUESDAY - December 22

Lesbian & Gay Child Care Task Force Monthly Meeting. 12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Meets 4th Tuesday each month. The Task Force, in conjunction with Child Care Resources of King County, offers referrals to GLBT-welcoming child care centers & provides training, support & curriculum materials to child care providers. (To access this, call 329-1011 & ask for the “Gay-welcoming” child care programs in your zip code area.) The task force meets monthly to assess their progress in achieving their goals.

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, 303 17th Ave E. 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 LGBTQ MS Connection/National MS Society. 6:308pm. Swedish Conference Center, Cherry Hill Campus, James Tower, 550 17th Avenue, Room E, 1st Floor.

Meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month. MS Connection is a support group with the goal of providing a safe environment for the LGBT community to express their experiences and the impact of MS on their lives and the lives of their loved ones, as well as provide support for one another. Contact Shelly at 206-250-5002 or LGBTMSConnection@gmail.com.

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. Lots of social activities in addition to Tuesday meetings. 545-3521.

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. It’s easy, it’s fun & anyone can do it! Learn traditional African & AfroCaribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques.

Experience connection, community & spirituality. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com What About Me? 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Here & Now Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting in Tacoma.

7:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma.

Every Tuesday.

Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. A group for all LGBT & friends of any spiritual belief to explore how spiritual practice can enrich their life. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org 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

WEDNESDAY - December 23

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. MF is a social group for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.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,

Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Contemplative Service. 6:30pm. 7141 California Ave SW. 935-0418, office@wsuu.org, www.wsuu.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 Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Thursday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.)

Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group.

322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm.

SASG, 303 17th Ave. E. 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

FRIDAY - December 25

Merry Christmas!

(Because of the Christmas holiday some regularly scheduled events may be cancelled or rescheduled.

Check with the sponsor of your event to confirm date, time & place.)

AA Ageless in Recovery. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Meets every Friday. A drop in AA group for older & wiser people 55+. www.sasgcc.org Re-Parenting Ourselves. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Meets every Friday. A peer support group for adult children of any addiction. www.sasgcc.org SLAA Road to Recovery. 12noon-1:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. 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, 303 17th Ave E. 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 Destiny Gay AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St, Tacoma. Every Friday.

(253) 474-8897.

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

SATURDAY - December 26

Boxing Day - First Day of Kwanzaa (See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.)

(425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com 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, 303 17th Ave E. 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.

Center for Spiritual Living. 6:30pm-Meditation, 7pmService. 5801 Sand Point Way NE. Blessings & we hope to see you soon! Info 527-8801 ext 203, www. cslseattle.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, 303 17th Ave E. Every Wednesday. Please arrive by 7:00pm.

FREE peer-facilitated emotional support group for HIV+ men who are newly diagnosed or newly dealing. 3222437; www.sasgcc.org Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born Support Group. 7pm. Entre Hermanos, 1105 23rd Ave. Bilingual (Spanish/English) Transsexual support group meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month to provide information, counseling, healthcare, sisterhood & social activities for Latino & foreign-born people in their transition. For more information contact Abby 322-7700, www.entre hermanos.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 Seattle Movie Bears Movie Night. Check website for details. Every Wednesday night. Gay & Bi men enjoy a movie at a local theater with opportunity to socialize before & after movies. More info: http://groups.yahoo.com/

Visit us online www.sgn.org

group/seattlemoviebears; or e-mail: seattlemoviebearssubscribe@yahoogroups.com 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 who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com.

THURSDAY - December 24

SUNDAY - December 27

(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.)

Seattle Prime Timers Rap Group. 12:30pm. SASG House, 303 17th Ave E., Room 1 (upstairs in the southwest corner). Topic: How do we approach end-of-life matters? This meeting is open to all members and the public in general. On or near Metro routes 8, 10, 12 & 43. www.seattleprimetimers.org No Safeword Writers Group. 1pm. Meets 4th Sunday each month. NSWG exists to provide mutual support for members’ efforts. Support is in the form of critique & commentary on each other’s work, information about publishing opportunities, & discussion of issues facing writers. NSWG’s primary focus is erotic writing - but they welcome anyone who writes. The only requirements are to write, to attend, & to be respectful. For info & location, NSWG@sexpositiveculture.org; www.nosafeword writersgroup.org (Also meets 2nd Tuesday, 7pm.)

Rain City Jacks. 4th Sunday each month at 1pm; 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at 7pm. 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.

Christmas Eve Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.”

12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. 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.

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.)

Everett-Snohomish County Friendship Dinner for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. 6pm. Grace UMC (formerly Firs United Methodist). Meets last Thursday most months. FREE. Everyone welcome. Sponsored by the Evergreen AIDS Foundation & SNOCO Gay Men’s Task Force. For information call (425) 252-7751.

Shifting Gears. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. 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.

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 Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html 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

December 18, 2015

Seattle Gay News 15

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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. For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba.org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979.

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. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge.

LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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 Olympia/Thurston County: www.RainbowCenterOly. 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 & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: 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/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking 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.pflagseattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: 425483-6642, 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.

16 Seattle Gay News

community calendar

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. Or visit www.gaycity.org to view list of resources online or through Facebook.

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

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) is a non-profit organization that builds community and cultivates powerful, healthy lives by providing emotional support and personal development services to those affected by HIV/AIDS, the Queer communities, and those who love them. Our work is done in a spirit of safety, trust, inclusiveness, and celebration of individual differences. 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 providing comprehensive mental health services on a sliding scale. 323-1768.

Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) E-zine is an electronic resource distributed to people affected

by HIV/AIDS, case managers, front line workers & other health professionals. Now a part of Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979, www.thebody.com/step/steppage.html Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org

December 18, 2015

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.emerald citysoftball.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 LGBTQ 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 Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born 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-DiscussionGroup/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

Happy Holidays from the Seattle Gay News 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.

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

E. VALLEY ST. 14TH AVE. E.

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• CLUB Z BATHS

• THE STRANGER

NAGLE PL.

Cal Anderson Park

• LAMBERT HOUSE

BROADWAY

Seattle Central Community College

HARVARD AVE. E.

• LINDAʼS • BILLʼS OFF BROADWAY

C.C. ATTLEʼS• TOMMY GUN• THE SOCIAL•

B&O ESPRESSO • BOYLSTON AVE.

BELMONT AVE.

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• HILL HOUSE

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• THE LOBBY • PLATINUM RECORDS

• SEATTLE EAGLE

GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT •

• NEIGHBOURS

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• BAUHAUS • BALTIC ROOM

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METRO CLOTHING CO. • STUDIO 229 • PANACHE • LAUGHING BUDDHA TATTOO •

BELLEVUE AVE.

• SEATTLE COUNSELING SERVICE FOR SEXUAL MINORITIES MELROSE AVE.

HAIR CONNECTION•

E. OLIVE ST. THE SGN GLSEN ONYX LEATHER • SEA-MEC

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 DOUBLE HEADER - 407 2nd Ave. S. - 464-9918 GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577 JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729 JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818 KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - 682-2935 THE LOBBY - 916 E. Pike St. - 328-6703

•WILDROSE • HOT HOUSE

ON

E.

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

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 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 TOMMY GUN - 1703 E. Olive Way WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210

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CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17 206 Broadway Ave. E. - 204-0126 THE CRYPT - 1516 11th Ave. 325-3882 DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231 EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437 METRO CLOTHING CO. 231 Broadway Ave E - 726-7978 ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965 PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - 726-3300 STAN’S ADULT SUPERSTORE 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299 TABOO VIDEO - 1012 1st Ave. - 622-SEXY 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

IS AD

ST.

M

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

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

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

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

Visit us online www.sgn.org

• POCO WINE ROOM

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SEATTLE

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December 18, 2015

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

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Seattle Gay News 17

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

Sorrentino’s Youth an emotionally obvious fable

by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer YOUTH Now playing Revered, and retired, composer Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine) is in the Swiss Alps on vacation. He’s joined by his daughter, Lena (Rachel Weisz), who is also his assistant, and Hollywood director Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel), his best friend, who is currently putting the finishing touches on a script he claims will be the most important cinematic statement of his five decade career. Up-and-coming actor Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) is also at the resort, trying to decide if the latest, somewhat controversial part he’s been offered is one he should accept. Additionally, everyone at the exclusive hotel waits with bated breath for the arrival of the newly crowned Miss Universe (Madalina Ghenea), the gorgeous beauty queen not shy where it pertains to sharing her opinions or flaunting her flawless body.

It will shock absolutely no one that writer/director Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth in tone, style and theme recalls the works of Vittorio De Sica and Federico Fellini. His last effort, the exquisite and heartbreakingly intimate The Great Beauty, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, did that as well, the filmmaker emulating his countrymen pretty much to perfection with that one. Visually and contextually Sorrentino appears to be on familiar footing here, his treatise on ag-

18 Seattle Gay News

Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel in Youth – Cannes via collider.com

ing, love, parenthood, friendship and the creative process hitting a number of the requisite narrative beats throughout.

All of which makes me rather surprised to be forced to admit that Sorrentino didn’t deliver this time as far as I was concerned.

As sensational as all of this might look – Luca Bigazzi’s (This Must Be the Place) cinematography is superb – and as universally well-acted as the film proves to be – Caine is fantastic; this might just be one of 2015’s best performances – emotionally Youth left me strangely cold. It meandered and wandered around, seemingly more content to show off Ludovica Ferrario’s (Certified Copy) impressive production

December 18, 2015

design and Carlo Poggioli’s (Divergent) sumptuous costumes than it is doing anything emotionally meaningful. There’s a lot of style but precious little substance, the statements it makes neither particularly profound nor one’s I cared a heck of a lot to hear more about.

Not that there are not special moments of wonderment to be savored. A bit involving Dano’s disgruntled superstar getting verbally shutdown by the not-as-dim-asshe-appears Miss Universe wonderful, as is another featuring him walking around the resort in full costume as a certain mustachioed WWII Nazi leader. Then there is the appearance of Boyle’s chief muse, Hol-

lywood grande dame Brenda Morel, portrayed with fiery foul-mouthed resolve by an impeccably cast Jane Fonda. This têteà-tête between the two is divine, providing energy and electricity to a movie sadly devoid of both for the majority of its almost two-hour running time.

As for Caine, his mastery of his character as well as the motion picture itself cannot be understated. There’s a sublime sequence where Ballinger is enduring the badgering of an emissary from the Queen (an appropriately fidgety Alex Macqueen) and the way the two-time Oscar-winner navigates the emotional peaks and valleys of the scene is something special. He encapsulates Ballinger perfectly, balancing his regrets as both husband and father nicely with his pride and his exhilaration at leaving a lasting legacy the world will treasure long after he is gone. Caine is as great as he has ever been, making the film worthy of at least a passing glance thanks to his efforts alone.

Yet, for me at least, this feels sadly like much ado about nothing. Sorrentino’s musing are tiredly obvious throughout, and as pretty as the images he composes might be, the fact the emotional content simmered right around zero made caring about anything going on impossible. In the end Youth has nothing new to say, its Italian thematic esthetic nothing more than a mask for an emotional Schadenfreude impossible to take pleasure in.

Celebrating 41 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

December 18, 2015

Seattle Gay News 19

20 Seattle Gay News

December 18, 2015

Celebrating 41 Years!