Seattle Gay Scene

Social Sustainability Conference in Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Social Sustainability Conference by OUT for Sustainability is on Saturday November 14, 2009 from 1pm - 6pm at the Hyatt at Olive 8 (the first LEED certified "green" hotel in Seattle).

Election results are showing that Seattle voters care about diversity and social issues, in addition to the environment. Social sustainability is the next frontier of the green movement. Social issues and environmental issues overlap in everywhere. Put another way, sustainability is everything, not just carbon and climate. Gender, education, race and housing are all areas that impact and are impacted by the environment of our planet and our how we treat our local and global community.

Join OUT for Sustainability for our 1st annual conference to discuss "what is social sustainability?" Speakers on 5 panels join us from the city, county and state government, local businesses and non-profits. The goal is to see how demographics and logistics intersect and impact each other, to build awareness into action.

Seminars include:

1pm Gender + Healthcare: Focused on access for women and transgender people.

2pm Age + Community: Focused on planning community for urban elderly.

3pm Class + Education: Focused on the impact of resource differences by area.

4pm Orientation + Family: Focused on the non-political side of domestic partnership.

5pm Race/Ethnicity + Housing: Focused on the debate between affordability and density.

Koch and Platt go Ham For The Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:14:00 +0000

Seattle favorites Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt (aka Dos Fallopia) serve up another steamin' portion of pork with “Ham For the Holidays: Lard Potion No. 9!” opening November 27 at the Theatre Off Jackson, 409 7th S. (off Jackson in the Int'l district). Koch and Platt have collaborated as sketch-comedy partners since 1990, and have toured extensively as Dos Fallopia.

“Lard” is the ninth incarnation of the ever-popular “Ham” series (Son of Ham, Bride of Ham, Glazing Saddles, Cinco de Porko, Swine, Women and Song). Directed by veteran Seattle actor/producer David Koch (Cabaret de Paris), "Lard" is a daffy concoction of dysfunctional, screwball characters:

Country superstars The Spudds host “Trailer Park's Got Talent”

Archie and Edith Bunker (plus cousin Maude) travel to Game Show Land in “All in the Family Feud”

70's lounge act The Colonel and Shenille warble about light rail

The tiny Sequim Gay Men's Chorus sing with Pride.

Shows are November 27 - December 27, 2009 with tickets $20 - $23 and $15 tickets for students and seniors. A half-price preview is on Wednesday November 25 for $10 and a pay-what-you-can show is on Wednesday December 2. Wednesday November 9 and 16 is bargain night with tickets just $17. Shows on Wednesday through Saturday are at 7:30pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm. For more info and tickets go here.

Seattle Red Dress Party in two weeks!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:22:00 +0000

Seattle's Red Dress Party, on Saturday November 21, 2009, is fast approaching. For those unfamiliar, it is an all inclusive fundraiser aimed to support our friends and neighbors living with HIV and AIDS. Beneficiaries include community service organizations that focus on HIV and AIDS education, prevention, care, advocacy and youth and family services.

While the color red is commonly accepted as the international symbol of AIDS awareness, the Red Dress Party builds on that idea by encouraging all guests, despite age, gender or sexual orientation, to attend the event and wear a red dress. Red Dress is required; attitude optional!

The doors open at 9pm with the party going all the way until 3am.

They are expecting another sell out this year, so if you plan on getting tickets you should do it now. Don't put it off! Only a very limited number of VIP tickets remain for $50 in advance, or general admission tickets are just $25 in advance.

For more info, tickets and to see pictures for last year's fabulous party, visit www.seattlereddressparty.org.

"Have a fabulous dress but can't bare the thought of being seen in the same thing twice?"

Come to Baltic Room on Thursday November 12, 2009 from 6pm - 9pm and bring your red dress from last year for credit towards a different one. The Sister's of Perpetual Indulgence will be on hand to help you find that perfect gown.

For more info about the Official Red Dress Exchange, go here.

It's Over, We Won!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:20:00 +0000

Media outlets are calling Referendum 71 Approved this evening. There is currently a 55,000 vote and four percentage point lead which the Seattle Times says is insurmountable. Gays and lesbians (and people over 62) will retain "everything but marriage" and the state makes history with the first voter approved initiative of its kind.

But votes still remain to be counted and opponents are not conceding yet.

Larry Stickney, head of Protect Marriage Washington, which worked for rejection of R-71, said: "There are a lot of votes out there still. We continue to have some hope that the votes cast later will move in our direction."

More details are here.

PNB's Director's Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Pacific Northwest Ballet presents Director's Choice featuring works by Val Caniparoli, Marco Goecke, Jiri Kylian and Jerome Robbins. November 5 - 15, 2009 at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer Street, Seattle Center.

This season’s DIRECTOR’S CHOICE program features the PNB premiere of master choreographer Jiri Kylian’s Petite Mort, the world premiere of Val Caniparoli’s The Seasons, the return of Marco Goecke’s solo, Mopey, and a reprise of last season’s major acquisition, Jerome Robbins’ West Side Story Suite.

The line-up for DIRECTOR’S CHOICE will include:

The Seasons – World Premiere
Music: Alexander Glazunov
Choreography: Val Caniparoli
Using Alexander Glazunov's lush score, originally composed for choreographer Marius Petipa at the turn of the 19th century, Val Caniparoli will create a full ensemble work drawing on the ballet's original allegory of the four seasons. The Seasons will be Caniparoli's fifth work for Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Petite Mort – PNB Premiere
Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Choreography: Jiri Kylian
Signifying a major arrival at PNB, Petite Mort is a ballet for six men, six women, and six fencing foils, and set to two of Mozart's most beautiful and popular piano concertos. It is the first work by Jiri Kylian to be acquired by Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Mopey
Music: C.P.E. Bach and The Cramps
Choreography: Marco Goecke
Mopey was originally commissioned by Peter Boal for performances by Peter Boal and Company at the Joyce Theater in 2004 and made its PNB premiere in 2005. Set to music by C.P.E. Bach and the 80's rock band The Cramps, Mopey is an inwardly reflective yet volatile solo tour de force—dark, moody and potentially unsettling.

West Side Story Suite
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Choreography: Jerome Robbins with Peter Genarro
Choreographer Jerome Robbins extracted a sequence of dances from the musical West Side Story to make this suite for New York City Ballet in 1995, and the ballet was enthusiastically-received by Seattle audiences when it made its Seattle premiere as part of PNB’s BROADWAY FESTIVAL during the 2008-09 season.

Tickets to DIRECTOR’S CHOICE start at $25 and may be purchased online at www.pnb.org. Discounted rush tickets for students and senior citizens (with ID) may be purchased day-of-show, subject to availability.

$15 tickets for age 25 and under for both Friday performances: November 6 and 13 at 7:30pm. One ticket for $15 and two for $25 for patrons 25 years and younger!

6pm Update on Ref. 71

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:55:00 +0000

I took the current percentages of voters from each county that either voted to Approve or Reject Ref. 71 and mulitiplied by the estimated remaining ballots from each county.

Estimated Remaining Ballots: 394,482
Estimated Final Approve Voters: 802823 - 51.98%
Estimated Final Reject Voters: 741705 - 48.02%

This estimate is not completely accurate since the counties are not really reducing the total of their estimated ballots left to be counted.

Projection For Ref. 71

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:29:00 +0000

I took the current percentages of voters from each county that either voted to Approve or Reject Ref. 71 and mulitiplied by the estimated remaining ballots from each county.

Estimated Remaining Ballots: 389,665
Estimated Final Approve Voters: 717,246 - 51.52%
Estimated Final Reject Voters: 675,018 - 48.48%

It's going to be very close. We will have a much better projection later today when 20 counties count more ballots and report between 3pm and 7pm.

Selected Gay Seattle Events November 6 - 8, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:42:00 +0000

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2009:

The Tiger Lillies @ The Moore Theatre 8pm, $20. For the first time in years they perform songs from Shockheaded Peter.

SAM Remix @ Seattle Art Museum 8pm-12am. Dance music, performances and activities including a talk by artist Heide Hinrichs, Michelangelo-inspired temporary tattoos and mashups spun by Tigerbeat. Mention Seattle Out and Proud (SOAP) for $5 entry.

Director's Choice @ Pacific Northwest Ballet 7:30pm.
Under 25 Fridays: 1 ticket for $15, 2 for $25 for ages 25 and under.

Sonya's Sirens @ Sonya's, 1919 First Avenue 8pm, $15.
An evening of Burlesque, Cabaret, and Drag with Ben DeLaCreme, Sassy DeLure, Fuschia Foxxx, Lucky Penny, & Bunny Monroe.

Red Star in Bremerton @ Eagles Lodge, 205 6th St. Bremerton, WA.
Featuring special guest DJ Matt Stands 9pm-2am, $5 cash only.

Cuff Country @ Cuff - Country Western Dancing - 7:15-10:30pm.
Basic 2-step & "Duck Soup" with Klint and Ruby.

Cuff Complex: HiNRG Dancing with DJ Stacey 10:30pm-3am: $5.

Purr Cocktail Lounge: DJ John (Toast) 6pm-9pm. DJ Freddy King of Pants 9pm-2am. Start the night at this popular gay lounge.

Lily Armani "UnTucked" @ Neighbours 8pm-10pm, $10.
Lily Armani appears as Reba McEntire and featuring Jennifer Burdette.

Neighbours: "Ultimate Dance Party" with DJ Richard J. Dalton.
$5 till 12am, $8 until 2am. After 2am is all ages 18+: $10.

Caliente @ Neighbours Underground: Efren & Divas showcase the latest in Latino house music. DJs Fernando and Luis. Whitney Houston Tribute starring Gaysha Starr!

The Cherdonna & Lou Show @ Century Ballroom 9pm, $12.50.
Lip sync, piano sync & tap sync their way through the decades.

Seattle Eagle: "Tainted Love" 80's Wave Dance with DJ KC.

R Place: Swollen Fridays DJ E plays r&b/top 40 & VJ Flo'w rocks the video booth: 10pm. Lashes Cabaret w/ Lady Chablis at 9pm.

Martins Off Madison Piano Bistro - Joseph Rojo 9pm-12am.

Le Faux @ Julia's On Broadway with host Shannel: 10pm - $20
"Voted Seattle's Best Female Impersonator/Cabaret Show!"

SHIFT Flicks @ Gay City: Bring a film to share! 8pm - Midnight.
SHIFT: A Peer Recovery Network hosts this monthly movie night.

Correction: Game Night is not this weekend. Every 2nd - 4th Friday.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7, 2009:

Cuff Complex: HiNRG Dancing with DJ FunkyBear 10pm-3am, $5.

Bacon Strip @ Rebar with host Sylvia O'Stayformore. 10:30pm.
Super-hero Birthday Party, $5 with costume, $7 without.

Bear Meet @ CC Attle's - NW Bear's biggest bar event of the month.
Wall-to-wall fur and absolutely the best drinks in town! 6pm - 12am

Director's Choice @ Pacific Northwest Ballet 2pm & 7:30pm.

Lord of the Dance @ Paramount Theatre 2pm & 8pm.

Madison Pub: No DJ, Never A Cover! Line forms by 11pm.

Neighbours Nightclub Powermix with DJ Randy Schlager.
Cover: $5 till 12am, $8 12am-2am, $10 all ages (18+) 2am-4am.

Vogue Night @ Neighbours Underground. 80s-Goth-Industrial.
DJs Evan Blackstone, Chance and Eternal Darkness: 9pm - 3am.

Purr Cocktail Lounge: DJ Derek 9pm-2am.

Seattle Eagle: "Bear-O-Meter" with DJ Freddy King of Pants, $3.

Latino Night @ Galerias Dance Lounge until 2:30am: $5

Bus Stop (1552 E Olive Way): Happy Hour with DJ Jerri Blank 4-8pm. DJ John (Toast) 9pm - 2am

Martins Off Madison Piano Bistro - Larry Knapp 9pm - 12am.

Twisted in Everett: DJ Trent Von at 10pm.

Le Faux @ Julia's On Broadway with host Shannel: 10pm - $20
"Voted Seattle's Best Female Impersonator/Cabaret Show!"

R Place: Therapy Saturdays DJ Flo'w spins r&b/house and VJ E rocks the video booth: 10pm. Lashes Cabaret w/ Lady Chablis at 9pm.

Zodiac Party @ Wildrose with Lady Jane DJ (Lesbian)

Hot Flash Dance Party @ Neighbours 6pm-10pm (Lesbian)

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2009::

Rufus Wainwright @ Benaroya Hall 7:30pm, $19-$80.
One of the great vocalists and songwriters of his generation.

Martins Off Madison Brunch 9am - 1pm, accompanied by music (11am - 1pm) from Ruby Bishop, Seattle’s classic queen of the piano, playing classic ragtime, standards and oldies.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions @ Madison Pub, 1pm.
Watch the game with the wildest gay football fans in town.

Cuff Complex: Popular T Dance with DJ John England, $5.
$1 Drafts/$2 Wells/$4 Doubles: 6pm - 12am.

Sunday T-Dance @ Re-bar with DJ Dana Dub 4pm-9pm, $3.

Sunday Skool T-dance @ Chapel with DJ Skiddle 5pm..

Noche Latina @ Neighbours Nightclub. 10pm-2am, $6.

Martins Off Madison Piano Bistro - Tim Kennedy, 8pm - 11pm.

Bus Stop: (1552 E Olive Way) Happy Hour with Valpak, 4-8pm.

Some Events Immediately Following The Weekend:

10/09 Cineoke! @ Jewelbox Theater 7pm, $5. It’s like Karaoke - only better. You’re the star of your favorite movie musical.

10/09 & 10/10 Amsterdam or Bust @ Rebar

11/10: Toasting Equality Breakfast @ Seattle Hilton.
Referendum 71: Where will it lead us in our continuing fight for marriage equality? 7:30am - 9am. Special guests County Executive elect Dow Constantine, Senator Ed Murray and Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire.

11/11: Legendary Lip-Sync Contest @ Neighbours Nightclub
Gaysha Starr hosts 11:30pm - 2am, no cover.

It's Not Over Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:38:00 +0000

Referendum 71 is currently 509,673 - 51.1% Approved to 487,808 - 48.9% Rejected. The Secretary of State estimates 339,665 ballots remain to be counted statewide. About 1/3 from King County alone (115,000 ballots).

I have plugged in the percentage of people that Approved or Rejected Ref. 71 from every single county into a spreadsheet and multiplied it by the number of estimated remaining ballots from each county. When you add up the projected results of the remaining ballots you get 181,985 additional people Approve Ref. 71 and an additional 157,680 Reject Ref. 71.

This means if everything remains constant (which it won't) and the remaining ballot estimates are accurate (which they probably are not) then Ref. 71 would finish with those voting Approve at 51.7%. But for some reason they estimate zero ballots remaining from Pierce County which that alone cannot be accurate.

UPDATE: Pierce County now expects 50,000 more ballots which will make the measure a lot closer to 50%.

Maine's Anti-Gay Marriage Forces Claim Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:14:00 +0000

With 87% of the vote counted supporters of same-sex marriage are still holding out hope but Question 1, which would repeal same-sex marriage in the state of Maine, appears to be passing by 52.75%. The Secretary of State in Maine expected a 35% voter turnout and got 53% so far.

Maine was the fifth New England state to legalize gay marriage but the National Organization for Marriage, or NOM, forced a statewide vote on the issue by donating one and half million dollars in an effort to repeal same-sex marriage, which represented 63% of the total money raised by the anti-gay group Stand For Marriage Maine. 20% of the groups money came from the Catholic Diocese and an estimated 20% of Maine's population is Catholic.

Go here for a picture of a woman so happy that the gays have lost the right to marry in Maine.

Forgot to vote? There still may be time.

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:45:00 +0000

The Stranger has pointed out that McGinn volunteers will be on Capitol Hill in front of the QFC at Pike and Broadway (1401 Broadway) to take your ballot up until 11pm tonight and drive them to a post office that is open late.

There are other locations. Details are here.

The post office near SeaTac is open till midnight and it looks like we are really going need your vote. You will find that post office HERE. I know it's late but consider having a clear conscience if you do.

Pierce County votes coming in

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:26:00 +0000

Pierce County still uses the old system of voting (Remember back when you had to go to a polling station and fill out your ballot). Numbers do not look good out of Pierce County with 52% rejecting Ref. 71.

Statewide the lead to Approve Ref. 71 is now down to just 51%. Not looking good going into a long week of counting votes from all over the state.

More results from Pierce County at 10:30pm, midnight and again at 5am tomorrow morning. After that, Pierce County will continue to count their absentee ballots. Sadly the only results we have left to see tonight is from Pierce County which means Ref. 71 could finish out the night at less than 50% but with still over 100,000 ballots left to count in King County.

Rob Holland winning Port of Seattle position

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Rob Holland, the openly gay candidate for Port of Seattle Comissioner Position #3 is winning that race 55% to 45%. Things are looking good so far all around. Not sure if the gay friendly voters voted early and if later returns will yield different results.

Ref. 71 is close but we're winning!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:58:00 +0000

Voters are Approving Ref. 71 by just less than 52% after tonight's one and only election result update from King County. The measure is being Approved by an amazing 66% in King County. While the ballots counted so far could represent as little as half of the expected ballots for this election, the trend is still very exciting! Still waiting for results from Pierce County.

Meanwhile at the Reject campaign, they have set up a media quarantine, with security guards even, afraid that the gays may infiltrate their celebration. Their melodrama is a sick attempt to appear like they have been victims.

The Stranger was able to get into the Reject 71 event and their report is here.

Election Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:39:00 +0000

Election night won't quite have the same feeling it did last year since everything is vote by mail now. There will be only one update of results at 8:15pm and that will include ballots received on Saturday and possibly some from Monday. In King County only 20% of the ballots had been received by Saturday and under 25% by Monday. They are expecting 56% voter turnout statewide for this election so tonight's results may only represent half of the vote.

It is so not right that we are even having to vote on a referendum to repeal our rights. Having been heavily involved in local politics throughout much of the mid to late 90's I approach just about every election with trepidation. It's like watching the closing minutes of a very close football game yet the stakes are higher and the effects are more personal.

Two Watch Parties Tonight:

43rd District Democrats Election Night Party at Purr Cocktail Lounge (21+) from 7pm - 9pm. Light snacks and happy hour until 8pm. $5 donation requested but not required.

Approve Ref. 71 Election Night Party at Pravda Studios (All ages), 1405 10th Ave from 7pm - 1:30am. Complementary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar staffed by Baltic Room and music by DJ Leslie.

If you can't attend you can watch the event live here:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/election-night-with-approve-71.

Accusations of Intimidation

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:52:00 +0000

A tip over at The Stranger is reporting intimidation by followers of a Pastor Roy who is most likely from a church that holds services out of the Holiday Inn Express in Lacey.

They had summoned 40 - 50 young men and a few young women who bullied us out of their way by jostling us and blowing painfully loud air horns close to where we were already standing.

Read about it for yourself here. And the Holiday Inn in Everett is holding the "celebration" for the Reject Ref. 71 campaign. Coincidence? Probably.

The End of an Era - Bailey/Coy Books is Closing

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Bailey/Coy Books closing at the end of November. Details are here.

Bailey/Coy Books opened on Broadway back in 1983...

...specifically designed to welcome a lesbian and gay clientele...a store where the best in general literature existed side by side with the best in lesbian and gay books. Today that seems like a fairly pedestrian idea, but in 1982 it was nothing short of revolutionary.

It's a similar theme that is being repeated all over the country, the local indepedent gay bookstore closes down, but it really hurts so much when it happens so close to home. Throughout much of the 80's and 90's, Bailey/Coy represented a very important life transition for many gay people in Seattle.

Starting this week, everything in the store is marked down 20 percent. Gift certificates and redeemable book cards will be accepted until the final closing date, at the end of November.

Don't miss this over at the Capitol Hill Seattle blog.

Vote Today! Approve Ref. 71!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Please take time out today to mail back your ballot. Thousands of King County ballots go uncounted every year because they are put in the mailbox on election day AFTER the last pickup. It MUST be postmarked by November 3, 2009 so sticking the letter in the mailbox after work on Tuesday probably won't be acceptable. Mail it today, one day early!

Also today, be sure to remind all of your friends, relatives and co-workers that they need to vote by tomorrow and get it in the mailbox BEFORE last pickup on Tuesday. This is it! The other side has been working non-stop around the state making sure every single person who opposes marriage equality it getting their vote in an effort to repeal domestic partnerships. So this last push to make sure Ref. 71 is Approved is now riding on all of our shoulders. "If you don't vote, we won't win!"

Approve Ref. 71!

Approve Ref. 71 Election Night Party: Pravda Studios, 1406 10th Ave, Seattle.

Enjoy complementary hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar staffed by Baltic Room, and music by DJ Leslie as we celebrate the hard work of so many people, organizations, and communities to approve 71. Election results will be streamed live throughout the evening.

Ref. 71 Election Party goes from 7pm - 1:30am. Details are here.

43rd District Democrats has their Election Night Party at Purr Cocktail Lounge from 7pm - 9pm. Light snacks and happy hour until 8pm. $5 donation requested but not required. Details are here.

Teatro ZinZombie Halloween is sure to be a howling good night

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:33:00 +0000

What better place is there to celebrate Halloween then at Teatro ZinZanni on Saturday October 31, 2009? They have a new show (Beaumount & Caswell - Together Forever... Again!) featuring the incredibly talented and hysterically funny Kevin Kent (Quest for Queendom) and they have added Christine Deaver. Think of a female version of Kevin Kent only much funnier. The two make for an incredible gender bender combo for three hours of a ridiculously entertaining dining experience. With a fabulous five course dinner along with a three hour show by top tier actors and acrobats, most would agree that there is not a better value for dining and entertainment in the city.

But I will be posting more details about the new show soon; a dinner show you shouldn't miss and playing through January 17, 2009.

Halloween at Teatro will feature some extra features such an "All Hallows Eve Happy Hour" with howlingly good beverage in the cocktail lounge beginning at 5pm and stay after the show and dance the night away in the beautiful antique spiegeltent. Be sure to get decked out in your most creative costume because you could win some faBOOlous prizes as well.

For more details and tickets to Teatro ZinZombie, A Macabre Ball, visit http://dreams.zinzanni.org/zinzombie.

Comeback! is Tonight at Chop Suey

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Comeback's annual Halloween party blowout starts tonight Friday, October 30, 2009 at 9pm.

Fresh off of tour with Fischerspooner and gearing up for the 2nd leg of The Gossip tour, Ssion front man Cody Critcheloe is taking a quick break to lay it down as Total Shit for this Halloween's Comeback blow out.

And little about Ssion: Referring to the old John Waters adage asserting entertainment is inseparable from bad taste, few bands exercise that sentiment to the degree of Ssion. Ssion (pronounced "shun") is a ten-years-strong art-punk dance/design/film collective from Kansas City, Missouri, headed by cosmic man-sisters Cody Critcheloe (singer, director, visual artist) and J.A.M.(producer, co-writer, and boho space-cadet mystery man).

Ssion has gained notoriety not only for their gay-disco-meets-punk-rock musical stylings, but for their outrageous stage shows and videos, which incorporate a harem of dancers and backup singers, comically cheap home-made props, supersized video projections, over-the-top costumes and make-up, and a visual sense of wonder recalling something between twisted humor of Pee Wee's Playhouse and the decadence of the cult musical, The Apple.

Watch the video directed by Cody himself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGM5q0IfY6U

Comeback features DJ Colby B, DJ Pony Boy, DJ Fucking In The Streets and special guest Cody Critcheloe Ssion.

Chop Suey, 1325 E Madison on Capitol Hill. 9pm - 2am
Costume Contest at Midnight.
Cover is $7 in costume and $10 without.

Positive at Re-bar

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Friday, October 30th, is Seattle's first HIV+ dance party at ReBar which includes a costume contest with celebrity judges, various silliness and of course completely fantastic disco, soul and electro music to shake your money maker.

Two long time denizens of the Seattle nightlife scene have had the supreme displeasure to witness the diagnosis, health struggle and sometimes death of many close friends, performers and otherwise vital and vibrant people as they battle with this epidemic.

No matter the person or the spirit, one thing has always remained the same, the loneliness of that first year, feeling as though they will never find love and that their health status will be a modern day scarlet letter that will keep them from living a full and fruitful life. We've witnessed the shame and guilt. We've witnessed the secrecy and blame. We've witnessed these inspiring people cower and retreat to a shell of their former selves.
We say NO MORE!

The ladies of Protocol invite all HIV+ people AND their friends to Positive at Rebar on Friday October 30 starting at 10pm. There is a $5 cover with a portion of the proceeds going to Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Featuring the beats of DJ Barbarella and DJ Miss Problematic.

More info is here.

Cafe Nordo discount for Thursday October 29

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:53:00 +0000

CAFE NORDO discount for Thursday October 29, 2009. If you purchase your tickets on BrownPaperTickets.com for Cafe Nordo using the code BabyChick, you will receive a $50 ticket instead of $85. That's $50 for 5 courses and a flight of four wines!

We will send you out into the night air, inebriated, satiated, and gloating over your success this evening!
- Nordo

A temporary dining room has been installed in the warehouse of Fremont's Theo Chocolate, and it's Oriental carpets and backlit scrims make a setting that's warm, elegant, and close to magical.
- The Stranger

You sense a chef who somehow intuitively understands what you want and is lovingly, slowly creating it just for you.
- The Stranger

And from the Gastrognome.

Visit cafenordo.com for more info or go here for tickets.

Halloween 2009 in Gay Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:08:00 +0000

You'll get a pretty good rundown of events in Gay Seattle for Halloween in the Gay Seattle Weekend Calendar. Since Halloween is on a Saturday this year this one is going to be really big. Also it's the ending of daylight savings time when we "fall back" at 2am on Sunday morning, meaning several bars will be hosting an extra hour of drinking.

What are the legal hours of sale or consumption by a licensed business?
EXCEPTION: When turning back the clock at the end of Daylight Savings Time, an extra hour is added making 2:00 a.m. Pacific Standard time the closing hour.

It is up to the bar if they want to stay open later (some don't) but Neighbours Nightclub has a tradition for keeping the liquor flowing into the extra hour. Every year Neighbours announces last call just before 2am and then at 2am they announce they will keep serving for another hour. It's funny because many do not stick around long enough for that announcement of extra drinking time.

Neighbours has Circus Hell on Friday and Psych Ward on Saturday:

Neighbours Nightclub will be charging $10 throughout the night on Halloween Saturday.

Don't miss BUMP! on Friday October 30, 2009.
Not only is this the largest LGBT Fundraising Party in the northwest, it is also one of the most anticipated Halloween parties in Seattle. There will be shuttles from Capitol Hill to the Showbox. Tickets start at just $25.

And following BUMP! is GRIND afterhours from 1am - 6am at Chapel hosted by the group behind NXposure Weekend every August. Cover is $12 at the door with discounts for those with BUMP VIP tickets.

Proceeds from both events benefit Gay City Health Project.

Two nunneries go head-to-head on Friday with Sister Dawnna's popular Nightmare at R Place 8pm from The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence ($10) and Nuns Go Bump In The Night at Cafe Metropolitain from The Sisters of the Mother House of Washington State ($3).

Comeback! hosts their Halloween party at Chop Suey on Friday night. Get there early or you might not get in at all.

Seattle Eagle has "Fetish In The Crypts, of Hallowed Halls."

The walls have been blacked out, the mirrors tainted, and of the ghosts that rumble in the night... On Friday at Seattle Eagle it's "Super Hero Costume Contest" with DJ Up-Above ($3) and on Saturday it's "Brut Halloween" Vampire Theme night with DJ Mr. Smith ($3).

Cuff Complex invites back DJ Kimberly S. (Hollywood) for the special night with dancing till 3am. Costume contest at midnight includes a $1000 1st prize!

There are a ton of Halloween parties all over Capitol Hill on Saturday. Most bars are hosting costume contests with cash prizes such as Purr ($1000 1st prize), Madison Pub (Under the Sea), Re-bar (Magnum Men), Chapel (Evils of the Night) and BottleNeck Lounge's Harvest Feast with Skillet starting at 4pm.

And for the ladies, Hot Flash is at Neighbours from 6pm-10pm ($10) and Le Freak hosts a special Halloween event at Wildrose with DJ Amateur Youth at 9pm ($5). Le Freak is open to men as well.

So many events with so many choices and such a long Saturday night, don't let this one pass you by!
Please check out the Gay Seattle Halloween Weekend Calendar which I will be updating all week.

Degenerate Art Ensemble's Sonic Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:25:00 +0000

SONIC TALES, Degenerate Art Ensemble's most ambitious work to date, is a concert and movement theater spectacle - video projection and breathtaking costumes enhance this totally one of a kind experience.

This work sets DAE's surrealist dance theater style and hallucinatory visuals against fierce music that ranges from driving rocking rhythm to rich soaring melodies to far out atmospheric soundscapes - telling interwoven short stories in the form of bizarre invented fairy tales. SONIC TALES is both music concert and dance spectacle - video projection and breathtaking costumes enhance this totally one of a kind experience.

Friday October 30 and Saturday October 31, 2009 at 8pm.
Tickets are $20 for either performance at The Moore Theatre.
There is no late seating for this event.
For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.stgpresents.org.

A little video from DAE's Cuckoo Crow back in 2006:

SLGFF Awards Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Bill W.) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:46:00 +0000

The 2009 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (SLGFF) wrapped up its 14th run October 25 after a stellar run featuring unique and edgy stories told on eleven screens throughout Seattle. SLGFF, produced by local nonprofit Three Dollar Bill Cinema, is well-known for offering the best in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film and video. The festival’s juried and audience awards have been announced.

2009 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Juried Awards:

BEST FEATURE FILM: The Man Who Loved Yngve
Directed by Stian Kristiansen.

An unexpectedly delightful film, THE MAN WHO LOVED YNGVE tells a compelling and beautifully cinematic coming-of-age story which captures the cynicism and innocence of self-discovery. Amazing performances and solid storytelling allow Stian Kristiansen to direct a memorable and fully engaging film.

FEATURE FILM HONORABLE MENTION: I Can't Think Straight
Directed by Shamim Sarif

As a genre, I CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT, is film that needs to be recognized for its complex story and politics. Filmmaker Shamim Sarif is a remarkable storyteller that will continue to push the boundaries of world and social issues.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM: Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement
Directed by Gréta Olafsdóttir and Susan Muska

A timeless and timely love story that transcends being gay and is truly universal. This deeply intimate portrait of two charming, intelligent women and their life together engages the audience to consider the nature of love, commitment, and the definition of marriage. A movie that touched our hearts and brought the entire audience to tears.

BEST SHORT FILM: Diana
Directed by Aleem Khan

For a powerful and expressive portrayal of alienation based on complex identity. This film uniquely tackles all of the multiple challenges—cultural identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and family relationships—in a single character.

SHORT FILM HONOURABLE MENTION: Claiming the Title
Directed by Jonathan Joiner and Robert H. Martin

For shedding light on an important part of our combined historical struggle against blatant discrimination. For reminding us that progress is not about winning or losing but about taking courageous, continual, incremental steps.

MOST INNOVATIVE SHORT: The Apple
Directed by Emilie Jouvet

For transcending our expectations of queer cinema. THE APPLE was a visual feast that showed us the sensuality of the forbidden.

2009 Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival - Audience Awards:

Favorite Narrative Feature: PRAYERS FOR BOBBY, directed by Russell Mulcahy

Favorite Documentary: EDIE & THEA: A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT, directed by Gréta Olafsdóttir and Susan Muska

Favorite Local Film: WAXIE MOON, directed by Wes Hurley

Favorite Short: CLAIMING THE TITLE, directed by Jonathan Joiner and Robert H. Martin

Favorite Boys Short: DIRTY MAGAZINES, directed by Jay J. Levy

Favorite Girls Short: ONE NIGHT, directed by Laura Jean Cronin

For more info about the awards or the Seattle's Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, visit http://threedollarbillcinema.org.