Seattle Gay News
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Issue 6, Volume 43, February 6, 2015
Jeff Carpenter
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer CAROUSEL THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE February 5 - March 1 Laura Griffith has been seen in several different performances in the Seattle area, but she is anything but common. A face as beautiful as her operatic range, she’s played some of the most beloved musicals bringing new life into well-known roles. After appearing in several Broadway shows, Ms. Griffith now calls the Pacific Northwest home and returns to The 5th Avenue’s stage in Carousel, one of the most cherished musicals in American history.
Brandon O’Neill and Laura Griffith in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel
Hawaii is known for many beautiful things. The weather, the beaches, the culture, the people. by Albert Rodriguez And, also for its music. The islands SGN A&E Writer are home to thousands of skilled artists who cover a multitude of muKEKUHI KANAHELE IKANAKA’OLEOHAILILANI sical styles, from reggae to folk to &KAUMAKAIWA contemporary jazz, all fused with KANAKA’OLE the sounds of ukuleles, slack key “HULA: OUR WORLD guitars, and ipus. Some performers, CONSCIOUSNESS” however, are deeply devoted to preTOWN HALL February 13 & 14 see Music Lounge page 5
see Carousel page 7
by Sharon Cumberland SGN Contributing Writer
Angela Sterling
Town Hall Seattle
Kekuhi (l) and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole
Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were your earliest influences in becoming a performer? Laura Griffith: I started performing when I was in second grade. I used to watch The Wizard of Oz over and over again, so Judy Garland was somebody I saw a lot. I watched as many of her movies as I could, so I’d say that was my first influence before I even thought of a career as acting. Sometimes it was a show I was obsessed with, like An-
nie. As a kid, I wanted to be Annie and never got the chance to do it. In junior high school I was fascinated with The Phantom of the Opera. At that age I started imaging myself in that role as Christine. We went to Paris (when I was a girl) with my family and to the Paris Opera House. I wandered away trying to get into the basement of the theater. Andrews-Katz: What was the first show that gave you the “Performance Bug”? Griffith: That was definitely The Wizard of Oz. I used “Over the Rainbow” as an audition song in second grade and the entire room went silent. I thought, “This is something I can do.” Andrews-Katz: You’ve performed roles that are considered traditional musical theater and roles considered operatic. What kind of voice training have you had? Griffith: I did study opera in high school. I had a teacher that pulled me aside and said that I had this part of my voice that I wasn’t using. I started training in opera and competed in the Los Angeles Center Music Spotlight Awards. Part of the prize was I got to sing at the Dorothy Chandler and the
“DON QUIXOTE” PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET MCCAW HALL January 30 There’s simply nothing like ballet for the pure, joyful collision of music, spectacle, costumes, physical beauty and jaw-dropping talent. Just looking at video clips in preparation for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Don Quixote” gave me that thrill of excitement that lifted my spirits days before the actual performance. When I attended the full-length ballet on January 30 I was delighted beyond all my optimistic expectations. The words that come to mind are “delightful,” “charming,” “exciting,” “funny,” “moving,” and “Wow!” This wonderful ballet, choreographed by the great Marius Petipa
Carla Körbes with company dancers in Don Quixote
with later additions by Alexander Gorsky, takes place in the imaginary Spain where love is everblooming, jealousy is temporary, and flirtatious dancing is universal. The Spanish-style music by Ludwig Minkus gives us a Spain
without the exaggerated tragedy of flamenco and without cante jondo. Instead, it is the Spain of the romantic imagination, where the sun is always shining, toreros [bullsee Quixote page 8
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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The Grammys: Madonna, Lady GaGa, Sia, Grande, AC/DC set to appear BB Gun Press
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer THE 57TH GRAMMY AWARDS MAIN TELECAST: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 8 P.M. on CBS PREMIERE CEREMONY WEBCAST: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 – 12:30 P.M. WWW.GRAMMY.COM/LIVE Star-studded are the words to describe this year’s Grammy Awards telecast, set for Sunday night beginning at 8 p.m. Madonna, Kanye West, Rihanna, AC/DC, Lady GaGa and Tony Bennett, Sir Paul McCartney, Usher, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Mary J. Blige, Hozier with Annie Lennox, Beck with Chris Martin, John Legend and Common, Brandy Clark with Dwight Yoakam, Tom Jones with Jessie J, Adam Levine with Gwen Stefani, and Ed Sheeran are all performing on the show. Last-minute additions are expected in the final hours before the event, with Iggy Azalea and Meghan Trainor most likely to be folded into the three-hour broadcast from LA’s Staples Center; no confirmation on Beyonce or U2 joining the lineup, despite reports they would be performing. Taylor Swift, apparently, is not. Of the 83 categories, only 13 of them will be presented on the main telecast. The remaining 70 will be handed out during the Premiere Ceremony, previously called the Pre-Telecast Ceremony, taking place Sunday afternoon next door at Nokia Theatre. Country nominee Hunter Hayes will host that event with scheduled performances by Angie Fisher, Cheyenne Jackson and Alexandra Silber (West Side Story), Old Crow Medicine Show, Ana Tijoux, and several others. At press time, presenters for the main telecast were not revealed. A few LGBT artists are nominated this year, including Sia, who is openly Bisexual, Sam Smith and John Waters, who are both Gay. And, to my knowledge, this is the first time Madonna and Lady GaGa will perform on the same stage, same night. Here are my picks and predictions in 10 exciting Grammy races. ALBUM OF THE YEAR Nominees: Morning Phase - Beck; Beyonce - Beyonce; X - Ed Sheeran; In the Morning Hour - Sam Smith; Girl - Pharrell Williams Will win: Beyonce It’s not Queen Bae’s best album, though it is her most ambitious. And while she has a trophy case filled with Grammys already, a coveted AOTY win has eluded her. Should Win: Morning Phase Beck’s Odelay suffered an embarrassing defeat to pop screecher Celine Dion back in 1997, and therefore is owed. Besides, Morning Phase is such an expertly written singersongwriter album with a mood-swinging set of beautiful, complex tracks. RECORD OF THE YEAR Nominees: “Fancy” - Iggy Azalea featuring Charlie XCX; “Chandelier” - Sia; “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)” - Sam Smith; “Shake It Off” - Taylor Swift; “All About That Bass” - Meghan Trainor Should/Will win: “Chandelier” Not only was this a mammoth hit in 2014, it artistically stood head and shoulders above the rest as well. A sweeping, infectious ballad we’ll be listening to years from now. SONG OF THE YEAR Nominees: “All About That Bass” - Kev-
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Madonna
in Kadish and Meghan Trainor, songwriters; “Chandelier” - Sia Furler and Jesse Shatkin, songwriters; “Shake It Off” - Max Martin, Shellback, and Taylor Swift, songwriters; “Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)” - James Napier, William Phillips, and Sam Smith, songwriters; “Take Me to Church” Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter Should/Will win: “Chandelier” All of these songs are wonderful, including the pro-plus size women ditty by Trainor. But, again, “Chandelier” is too good.
Outsiders - Eric Church; 12 Stories - Brandy Clark; Platinum - Miranda Lambert; The Way I’m Livin’ - Lee Ann Womack Will win: The Outsiders or Platinum too close to call Should win: Platinum or 12 Stories Both of these women kicked ass with albums released in different years, 2013 (12 Stories) and 2014 (Platinum). Yet, both face stiff competition from Church, a very credible singer-songwriter in his own right.
BEST SPOKEN WORD ALBUM (INCLUDES POETRY, AUDIO BOOKS & STORYTELLING) Nominees: Actors Anonymous - James Franco; A Call to Action - Jimmy Carter; Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America - John Waters; Diary of a Mad Diva - Joan Rivers; A Fighting Chance Elizabeth Warren; We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song - Gloria Gaynor Should/Will win: Diary of a Mad Diva The idea of Waters giving an acceptance speech is tempting, although this award belongs to the late great Rivers, whose brilliant recording What Becomes a Semi-Legend Most? unfortunately lost to Eddie MurBEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM phy in 1985 for Best Comedy Album. Nominees: This Is All Yours - Alt-J; ReBEST SONG WRITTEN FOR flektor - Arcade Fire; Melophobia - Cage VISUAL MEDIA the Elephant; St. Vincent - St. Vincent; LazNominees: “Everything is Awesome!!!” aretto - Jack White (The Lego Movie); “I See Fire” (The Hobbit: Will win: Lazaretto The universally respected rocker faces The Desolation Of Smaug); “I’m Not Gonna some competition here, but he does have Miss You” (Glen Campbell...I’ll Be Me); “Let deep support within the Recording Academy. It Go” (Frozen); “The Moon Song” (Her) Will win: “Let It Go” Should win: St. Vincent With the exception of Ed Sheeran’s HobAs a fan of White and Arcade Fire, I’d have no problem seeing either get called to the po- bit entry, each of these movie tunes was, or is dium. But the most creative work of the bunch currently, nominated for Best Original Song was turned in by St. Vincent, who finally – two competed in 2014’s Academy Awards, the other two are in the running this year. That broke through with her self-titled album. said, the Frozen theme seems invincible. Should win: “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” BEST RAP PERFORMANCE Country legend Campbell deserves it, Nominees: “3005” - Childish Gambino; “0 to 100/The Catch Up” - Drake; “Rap even slightly more than Karen O’s adorable God” - Eminem; “I” - Kendrick Lamar; “All number from Her. I Need is You” - Lecrae BEST MUSIC VIDEO Will win: “I” Nominees: “We Exist” - Arcade Fire; Grammy voters need to redeem themselves for letting Lamar go home empty- “Turn Down for What” - DJ Snake and Lil handed last year, after being nominated 7 Jon; “Chandelier” - Sia; “Happy” - Pharrell times. Here’s a perfect opportunity to do it. Williams; “The Golden Age” - Woodkid Should win: A victory for Lamar would featuring Max Richter Should/Will win: “Chandelier” not disappoint me, but my vote goes to EmiThere’s a slim chance that the whimsinem’s 6-minute long single from The Marcal, choreography-heavy video for “Happy” shall Mathers LP 2. could upset, but Sia’s “Chandelier” with interpretative dancing by reality TV star BEST COUNTRY ALBUM Nominees: Riser - Dierks Bentley; The Maddie Ziegler is the one to beat. BEST NEW ARTIST Nominees: Iggy Azalea; Bastille; Brandy Clark; Haim; Sam Smith Will win: Sam Smith This is a cakewalk for Smith, who’s had this award in his back pocket since early 2014. Should win: Brandy Clark After penning songs for Grammy winners Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Darius Rucker, and LeAnn Rimes, to name a few, it’s time Clark gets recognition for herself. From moms lighting joints when the kids go to bed (“High”) to her personal dislike of prison outfits (“Stripes”), her brand of country music is a breath of much-needed fresh air.
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Memorable performances, so-so programming at Seattle Chamber Music Society Winter Festival SEATTLE CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY WINTER FESTIVAL BENAROYA HALL January 29 One great work brilliantly played and two mediocre works brilliantly played: that’s my summary of the Seattle Chamber Music Society (SCMS) concert I attended last week. Artistic Director James Ehnes, himself one of the finest violinists around, has introduced some extraordinary musicians to Seattle audiences. You can attend any SCMS concert with complete confidence that the quality of performance will be top-notch. However, his selection of compositions for each concert is not equally reliable. The January 29 concert began with a masterwork: Johannes Brahms’ Opus 101 piano trio. One of the wonders of Brahms is that he makes a few instruments sound like many. This pared-down late work, his final piano trio, grows from a three-note theme, which is developed and varied throughout the four movements. Ehnes, cellist Andrés Diaz, and pianist Orion Weiss interpreted the piece with feeling and played it splendidly. At the end of their performance, my companion said, “Brahms is always so satisfying. Dang!” If Brahms makes three instruments sound like ten, composer César Franck makes the five instruments of his piano quintet sound like two: a piano and a very loud stringed instrument. Scoring strings to play in uni-
Music Lounge continued from cover
serving the most ancient traditions of Hawaii, passed on from their forebears, that combine music, dance, spiritual teachings, and maintaining the native language. Kekuhi Kanahele Keali‘ikanaka‘oleohaililani and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, a mom and daughter duo from the Big Island, are musicians who intertwine traditional elements of song, hula, poetry, and cultural practices into unique concerts around the country and world. They are scheduled to perform back-to-back nights at Town Hall, on February 13 with a performance called “Hula: Our World Consciousness,” and February 14 as part of the venue’s ongoing Global Rhythms series. Tickets for both events are available at www.townhallseattle.org. By phone, I spoke with Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole, who is openly Transgender, about her lifestyle and about details for the upcoming show. Here is what she shared with me inside The Music Lounge. Albert Rodriguez: Can you describe your sound, so that anyone not familiar with
son can be an effective dramatic device, but Franck overdoes it and then some. Unlike Brahms, he uses the number of players primarily for volume, not for harmonic richness. Although both the Brahms trio and the Franck quintet are based on a single theme, Franck repeats his theme without enough variation to create interest. Nonetheless, five superb musicians – violinists Karen Gomyo and Yosuke Kawasaki, violist Beth Guterman Chu, cellist Wendy Sutter, and pianist William Wolfram – gave the best performance imaginable of the Franck. Gomyo deserves special praise for her beautiful tone and expressive playing. The other three string players are new to SCMS, and they are all a welcome addition. Wolfram is capable of so much more than this piece gave him to do, but he did it admirably. Between the Brahms and the Franck, violist Che-Yen Chen and pianist Anton Nel played Schubert’s “Arpeggione” sonata, which was written for an archaic sixstringed instrument and is today arranged for either cello or viola. The piece is not one of Schubert’s best – it’s overlong, repetitious, and boring – but it certainly showcases the virtuosity of the soloist. Chen’s formidable technique and warm tone so impressed the audience that he received an immediate and prolonged standing ovation. Nel is one of my favorite SCMS musicians. In more than 20 years at the summer and winter festivals, he has consistently demonstrated great musicianship, a sure touch, and subtlety of interpretation. His pre-concert recital of two wonderful Mozart pieces (the fantasy in C minor, K. 475, and the sonata in
Hawaiian music or your work can get an idea of what they’ll be listening to? Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole: I think it is the perfect harmonic relationship between nature and man. If nature in all of its sounds and vibrations had to communicate in a language, I think that it would be Hawaiian music and Hawaiian language that would be its closest relative. Rodriguez: Is it acoustic, or a cappella? Or, do you have a band? Kanaka’ole: I guess the music would be considered acoustic. We have a guitarist, Shawn Pimental, who is also our producer, and we travel with just him on guitar. We use a few samples and effects pedals, and my mother and I are on vocals most of the time. We have dancers, as well, that we’ve invited. Rodriguez: Yes, I was going to ask if you are including dance in your performance. Kanaka’ole: We are. My mother and I come from a rich hula tradition and we will be sharing hula, both the kahiko and ancient genre, as well as the contemporary genre done with Hawaiian music or instrumentation. Rodriguez: Have you performed in Seattle before? Town Hall Seattle
Kekuhi (l) and Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole
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by Alice Bloch SGN Contributing Writer
Seattle Chamber Music Society Artistic Director James Ehnes
C minor, K. 457) was one of the main reasons I wanted to attend this particular evening of the Winter Festival. He made the unusual choice of playing the two pieces without interruption, with the fantasy as a prelude to the sonata. Now that I’ve heard the two pieces played as one, I never want to hear them any other way. Bravo, Mr. Nel! The Winter Festival will have ended before press time, but the Summer Festival is coming
up in July, with a roster of excellent musicians. Please keep in mind that the pre-concert recitals are free, as are open rehearsals, interviews with the musicians at Benaroya Hall, and an outdoor concert at Volunteer Park. In addition, all concerts are broadcast live on KING-FM and in several Seattle parks. For information about the concerts and educational events sponsored by SCMS, visit seattlechambermusic.org.
Kanaka’ole: Many times. Rodriguez: Have you performed at Town Hall? Kanaka’ole: I have, I was a soloist then. It was a year, maybe two years ago. Shawn Pimental, our producer who will be with us, and myself, we were both there for a concert that I headlined and it was amazing. I’ve also performed at Benaroya Hall before and in other various places in Seattle. Rodriguez: Outside of your performances, is your music available for anyone to download or listen to on iTunes, Pandora, or Rhapsody? Kanaka’ole: All of the above. It’s on iTunes and another (retail) outlet called CD Baby; on iTunes my mother and I are available individually and our joint works as well. Rodriguez: You’re very open about your Transgender lifestyle. Do you get a lot of support when you’re on the road? Kanaka’ole: I was into my third album and having had a public profile especially in the genre of world music and in Hawaiian music, and I was touring around the world already, as a male. It wasn’t until two years ago that I was going to make the transition complete and begin my hormonal treatment, in addition to living a consistent lifestyle of a female both personally and professionally. Rodriguez: Has that been met with support from the music community? Kanaka’ole: It really has, yes. I can’t say that for everyone, but from my own experience it’s been amazing. From the local press to the international press we’ve dealt with, since embracing my Transgender experience it’s been amazing. I’ve been on the cover of a few magazines here in Hawaii, where the focus was actually Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual relationships, as well as Transgender identity. So, they’ve been very supportive, music venues included. I can’t say that about everybody and everywhere we’ve played at, but thus far it’s been great. Rodriguez: The Transgender community has gained exposure in the mainstream media with TV shows like “Transparent” and actress Laverne Cox. This helps enhance the awareness of the Transgender community, right?
Kanaka’ole: Of course, I think they do help. Not “I think,” I know they help. I think that it’s our prerogative and up to us to fill in the blanks. Defining the multi-faceted shades and subcultures within our community, that’s equally as important, in addition to bringing awareness to the general public. Rodriguez: The music you’ll be performing in Seattle, is it a mix of original material and covers, or all original? Kanaka’ole: Yeah, actually it is. The covers that we choose to do are compositions from our grandmothers, or great-grandmothers. So, they’re still familial, but covers nonetheless. But a good majority of the performance will be original compositions done in our native Hawaiian language, as both my mother and I are native speakers, and then we do have one or two original English compositions that we may add to it as well. Rodriguez: Do you pay attention to pop music trends? Do you like pop music? Kanaka’ole: I do! I actually don’t listen to a lot of Hawaiian music. Rodriguez: Who or what do you listen to specifically? Kanaka’ole: If you were to flip on my iTunes account, you would see Mahalia Jackson, Tina Turner, and a little bit of Edith Piaf, and then mixed in there would be people like Hozier, or some indie/alternative rock and singer-songwriter types. My mother raised us on classical music, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Rachmaninoff. Rodriguez: Since you’ve been to Seattle before on multiple occasions, are there any places you like to see or go back to when you are here? Kanaka’ole: We’re nature people (laughs). We’re born and bred nature girls from Hawaii, so we are more inclined to the primieval forests and the beautiful Northwestern wilderness that you have. So, we tend to gravitate more towards the natural features of Seattle and Washington. We love to go and walk down to Pike Place (Market) and get whatever’s fresh, have a little urban experience, and then head out to the countryside, or as “country” as the greater Sea-Tac area will provide.
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Celebrating 41 Years!
Seattle Public Theater’s Humble Boy a well-done production courtesy of Seattle Public Theatre
Mike Dooly & Jason Marr in Humble Boy
by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer HUMBLE BOY SEATTLE PUBLIC THEATER Through February 15 If you boil Shakespeare’s Hamlet down, you might get something like: a young man broods after his father’s death, while his mother quickly marries his uncle. If you ignore all the palace stuff, the royalty and inheritance and deaths, you might then focus on the family drama.
continued from cover Aspen Music Festival. It was an incredible opera program and a great experience to get my toes dipped into the opera world. As I started to see musical theater and opera in New York, I realized my heart was more in musicals. Andrews-Katz: Your first show (with several more following) on Broadway was The Sweet Smell of Success. What was your audition like? Griffith: That’s a good story! I was the last person to be cast in that show. The casting director saw me here [in Seattle] performing in A Little Night Music [with Hayley Mills]. Mark Simon asked me to come in and audition for the final part they were casting in New York. They were not sure if they wanted more of a dancer or a singer, but they knew they needed an understudy for the lead. I was brought in and asked how my dancing was. I realized they wanted a dancer, but they had me come in for the final call back – which was the day before they started the first rehearsal! It was a nerve-wracking audition. I sang my 16 bars of “I Could Have Danced All Night” and finished on the high “C.” Andrews-Katz: What brought you out to the Pacific Northwest and how did you get involved with The 5th Avenue Theatre? Griffith: I moved here about a year and a half ago. I spent a year at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2012. When I finished there I was going through a re-evaluation of my life, and didn’t want to go back to New York. I was pretty sure I didn’t want to go to L.A. either. I came to Seattle to do The Music Man [at The 5th Avenue] and afterwards was chatting with David Armstrong. I mentioned that I was look-
ing for a change and he was encouraging. It felt like the right thing. It took about six months to make that decision. [Seattle] is somewhere I could call home and find a balance between my personal and my private lives. Andrews-Katz: Which do you prefer and why: modern or more traditional musicals? Griffith: I prefer the traditional ones. Doing a show like Carousel literally makes you appreciate how Rodgers and Hammerstein became masters of their craft. That tradition has fallen away – in some ways for the better – as today’s musicals seem to follow forms outside of the box. But I think finding a new musical with a great book is really hard these days. The art of the libretto has been lost. The score [to Carousel] is such a real treat to work on. Andrews-Katz: After performing in Richard Rodgers’ musicals (Carousel and Oklahoma) and those of his grandson Adam Guetell (Light in the Piazza), what do you notice as similarities and differences between their works? Griffith: I think Adam really understands certain structural elements that Rodgers and Hammerstein used. R/H always started off a musical with a small, two-person intimate scene. It’s a glimpse into these two important people and their lives, and how they go on from there. Then the plot blooms into a bigger world and we are drawn in by further intimate moments. Adam did that with Light in the Piazza; it was just the two women on a huge stage sharing a very intimate moment. Then he blossomed and the audience sees the world around them. It’s a great way to draw the audience in as opposed to a big flashy number. That can grab an audience’s attention too, but doesn’t necessarily draw us into the psychology of what is to come. Andrews-Katz: What do you think are Mark Kitaoka
Spectrum Dance Theatre performers Alex Crozier and Madelyn Koch in Carousel
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character of George, which is funny. Keene and Marr tackle each other in an amusing sexual exchange, until interrupted. (This may make the play less “family friendly” than you thought.) There’s even a tiny bit of slapstick involved! Throughout the play, Felix is given opportunities to remake his life and revisit his decisions. He never takes advantage of those options. If the character in the play that goes through change is the character that the play is “about,” then it turns out that the play is about Felix’s mother Flora, after all. Flora is the person who does the most changing, though how and why are best discovered by being an audience member. She begins emotionally distanced and seems like a super bitch, self-centered, narcissistic and self-serving, even when she talks about her mothering in past tense. By the end of the play, we understand Flora much better and witness her thaw. That’s the transformation that allows us to be touched by the play. Gordon is able to play both the comedy, the disconnected, almost mean, mother, and to reconnect us to the character.
The whole play takes place in the garden of their home (designed with functional panache by Richard Shaefer) where the long hot summer unfolds. Aided by a family friend, Mercy (Marty MukHalian) and a mysterious gardener, Jim (Kevin McKeon), the relationships ebb and flow. While there is a lot of scientific talk, and Felix’s scientific quest is to find the “mother theory” – the theory that will unify everything via quantum string theory, you don’t need to know any science. Nor do you need to know any botany. Those themes are vehicles to explain the characters and move the story forward. The script seems to come to an end several times over. When it doesn’t, it allows the characters to change direction, sometimes abruptly. It’s a well-done production, directed by Marcus Goodwin, who understands the characters and their shifts well. For more information, go to http://www. seattlepublictheater.org/2014/10/21/humbleboy/ or call 206-524-1300. Discuss your opinions with sgncritic@ gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/SeattleTheaterWriters. More articles can be found at miryamstheatermusings.blogspot.com. Jeff Carpenter
Carousel
Charlotte Jones’ play, Humble Boy, now at Seattle Public Theater, can be summed up similarly: a young man broods after his father’s death, while his mother quickly takes up with a family friend. Felix Humble (Jason Marr) is an astrophysicist with a distinct dis-ease about social interactions. He arrives home after hearing about his father’s death to find his mother, Flora (Macall Gordon), has gotten rid of all of James’ things, including the bees from the family hives. Not only that, but she has taken up quite quickly with a family friend, George Pye (Mike Dooly), who has great animosity toward Felix due to Felix’s former relationship with George’s daughter, Rosie (Alyssa Keene). When we meet Rosie, she seems to have adjusted pretty well, seven years after their breakup, though George holds a bigger grudge. A good deal of focus remains on Felix, throughout the play. The audience is privy to his discomfort and his moments of despair while he even contemplates suicide. But there are also funny parts. In fact, the play seesaws often between comedy and seriousness, with ease. Dooly, in particular, brings a lot of energy and bombast to the
Laura Griffith and Brandon O’Neill in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel
the excitements and challenges of performing in a pre-Broadway musical like A Room With a View? Griffith: It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in show business. I’ve been through outof-town tryouts, and pre-Broadway productions, but that’s really hard. Nobody really knows which direction to go in, and you end up trying a lot of them. As an actor, you have to be willing to change everything you based your character on with a day’s notice. You get handed a different song, or a new scene that changes your character’s arc. I saw others do that with their shows. Kelli [O’Hara] in Sweet Smell of Success went through that. They changed it frequently, as happens, but she handled it with such grace. I learned a lot from her. That’s how I try to go into it, it’s all part of the job to come in every day, take those new pages and learn them. I had them spread out all across my dressing room. Sometimes before a scene, I’d go through new pages for the next scene; not exactly what you want to be doing as an actor but it’s all part of the job. The biggest challenge is to keep both feet on the ground and rise to the challenge without panic. It’s better to make something up [and improvise if needed] instead of forgetting and grinding everything on stage to a halt. Andrews-Katz: Carousel made its debut in 1945. What makes the show so enduring? Griffith: I think it’s a complicated show for some people. I’ve always had mixed feelings about it. I think the revival [1994, Lincoln Center] proved how timeless the show is, and while it feels uncomfortable to do a show that characters behave so badly in, it can be a lot for people to take in. We’ve [the members of The 5th Avenue’s production] talked about how it is applicable today. It’s not condoning
Laura Griffith has appeared on Broadway four times: Sweet Smell of Success (with Kelli O’Hara, John Lithgow, and Brian D’Arcy James), Oklahoma! (with Patrick Wilson, Shuler Hensley, and Andrea Martin), The Light in the Piazza (with Kelli O’Hara, Victoria Clark, and Matthew Morrison), and South Pacific (with Kelli O’Hara, Danny Burstein, and Matthew Morrison). At The 5th Avenue Theatre, Ms. Griffith’s credits include: The Lady of the Lake (Spamalot), Lucy (A Room With a View), and Marian (The Music Man) among many others.
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or romanticizing these characters and their behavior, but it is telling a story that highlights important issues. The show deals with domestic violence, to a degree, and crime. To judge it from a modern standpoint is easier to do if you romanticize the issues. It’s not saying Julie [the female lead] is correct, it’s more like saying there are people that get caught in situations and don’t know how to get out of them. It’s also about how a community views domestic violence. It’s something that strikes a nerve with people. It can be an incredibly dark show, it really is. But one thing I look at is how tough these characters are, and how resilient they can be. Julie isn’t just a pretty ingénue; she’s a tough girl. Andrews-Katz: If you could play any role – regardless of any limitations – which would it be and why? Griffith: Off the top of my head, when I was doing Light in the Piazza I was thinking: I would love to play that role, Margaret Johnson. It’s an incredible role and they don’t write a lot of them these days. I’m sure there are male roles too, but I can’t think of them off the top of my head.
All-male dance troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo to appear at Edmonds Center for the Arts’ on February 19 Widely respected as some of the most technically gifted dancers outside of Moscow and London, the all-male ballet troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte
courtesy of Edmonds Center for the Arts’
Carlo will delight audiences with their without falling flat on their faces. The loving knowledge of dance, their comic performance will take place on Thursday, theatrical approach and the astounding February 19 at 7:30 p.m. fact that men can, indeed, dance en pointe Founded in 1974, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are a critical and audience favorite and have appeared in more than 30 countries and 500 cities around the world. The company of professional dancers perform the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles. The Trocks’ Edmonds engagement will include, among others, “Le Lac Des Cygnes (Swan Lake Act II),” “Esmerelda,” and “Paquita.” Regarding the troupe, the New York Times stated, “Their program of grand ballet is as much food for the mind as it is for the eye and the funny bone!,” while the Sydney Star Observer asserts: “The Trocks are a guaranteed hoot for people who know nothing of ballet and an absolute must for those who think they All-Male Dance Troupe Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo know the originals.”
8 Seattle Gay News
February 6, 2015
continued from cover
Edmonds Center for the Arts (EC4A), is a non-profit performing arts facility located in scenic downtown Edmonds, Washington. Located in the historic original Edmonds High School building, EC4A was remodeled and opened in October 2006 to be a cultural resource for the Puget Sound region through performing arts presentations, community partnerships and education outreach programs. Courtesy of Edmonds Center for the Arts Angela Sterling
fighters] in their trajes de luces are never confronted by death, and true love reigns supreme (after some humorous detours). This exuberant combination of music and dance in the service of love is the antidote for any form of gloom or depression (Seahawk fans, take note). The ballet is only partially about Don Quixote, the character invented by Spanish poet and adventurer Miguel de Cervantes. “Don Quixote” took the European reading public by storm in 1605 with its humorous account of an old man driven mad by immersing himself in the fantasy world of chivalric Romances – epic poems featuring brave knights, star-crossed lovers, and feats of glory. They were the
(and a delightful troupe of dancing cacti) offers an emotional undercurrent to the lively contest between young love and old practicality that forms the heart of the ballet. On the night I attended, Kitri was danced with bouncy charm by Carla Körbes next to the mischievous Basilio, Batkhurel Bold. The foppish aristocrat, played with hilarious pratfalls and wounded dignity by Jonathan Porretta, provided the perfect foil for the triumph of love. In this act – as in the third act that ends with Kitri’s wedding to her handsome Basilio – the array of folk dances, flamenco-style dance, and spectacular duets are executed by a marvelous corps of townsfolk, toreros, and principals, notably Karl Cruz as the dashing toreador, Espada. Petipa was particularly adept at using the corps de ballet as a living backdrop for the feats of soloists in the foreground, providing
Quixote
Tickets to Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo are $54, $49 and $44, $15 youth/student, 10% discount for seniors and military. Please call the ECA Box Office at 425-275-9595, go online at www. ec4arts.org or visit us in person at 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. ECA is a proud member of TeenTix, and offers $5 tickets to teens at the box office on the day of the performance, pending availability. To become a TeenTix member, register at www. teentix.org.
Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancer Batkhurel Bold with company dancers in Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote
Angela Sterling
pure pleasure. The audience on the evening perfectly matched musical accompaniment. I attended provided its own chorus of oohs, It shows off the skill and precision of PNB’s aahs, and applause all the way through this world-class performers in a way that the spectacular act. I was particularly grate- “Nutcracker” never attempts. Its beautiful ful to see a significant role given to the ten sets of sunny Spanish castles, flower-filled young girl cherubs, students from the PNB courtyards, shimmering Cupid’s Cave, and school of dance, whose skipping and skit- even a smiling moon are matched with Don tering steps – accompanied by adorable Quixote’s nightmare of looming saguaro poses that only baby cupids could pull off cacti and animal monsters (I wish they – framed the virtuoso dancing of the adults had stuck around longer in their fabulously like lace encircling a bouquet of roses. strange costumes). No one stands around I wish there were as many performances looking pretty in this perfect exemplar of of Pacific Northwest Ballet’s “Don Quix- a story ballet – though everyone looks gorote” as there were of the “Nutcracker” geous executing the best of ballet at its most since this would be the dance to bring new elevated and sparkling. “Don Quixote” is a audiences to ballet. Unlike the now-retired perfect introduction to this great art form Stowell & Sendak version of Tchaikovsky’s for children, families, and anyone who PNB principal dancers Carla Körbes and Karel Cruz in Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote Christmas extravaganza, this story ballet wants to spend three of the happiest hours thrillers of their day, but Cervantes was a lively embrace of tambourines, castanets, manages to tell its delightful tale with the imaginable. Don’t miss it – performances the first to address a common fear of that snapping fingers, and cries of Olé! full vocabulary of challenging dances set to continue through February 8. period – similar to anxieties about elecThe second act – which is produced in tronics in the present era – that books some companies as a stand-alone ballet would isolate readers from the real world called “Don Quixote’s Dream” – contains and make people forget who they are. some of the most virtuosic dancing of the “Don Quixote” tells the story of what hap- evening by the bright-winged Cupid of Rapens when you obsess on stories so much chel Foster, the Queen of the Dryads, Lesley that you loose your ability to tell the dif- Rausch, a trio and quartet of lovely Dryads ference between reality and fantasy. and a troupe of little girl cherubs, each carIn this version of Cervantes’ story, the ad- rying one of Cupid’s arrows. In other stagventures of Don Quixote – sweetly played ings of this famous sequence of dances Don by veteran actor Tom Skerritt – and his side- Quixote wanders through the formations kick, Sancho Panza (the very funny Allen as if sleepwalking, but fortunately for the Galli) are broadly referenced in pantomime audiences at McCaw Hall, the current stagto form a framing story for the central dra- ing by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky ma of Kitri and her lover, Basilio, who want sends Don Quixote to the sidelines after a to marry in spite of her father’s plan to wed few moments of supporting the Queen on his daughter to a wealthy aristocrat. Don his outstretched arm. This allows for an unQuixote’s fantasy of ideal love and his val- distracted cascade of gorgeous music and Allen Galli (l) and Tom Skerritt with PNB dancers in Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote iant struggle with windmills and monsters dancing that unfolds in wave after wave of Angela Sterling
Celebrating 41 Years!
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Seattle Gay News
February 6, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
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Seattle Gay News
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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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 disabilities? See Jean’s List webpage www. scn.org/activism/calendar/disabilities.html for Marla Nonken’s disabilities accommodations lists. NOTE: Phone numbers accompanying listings are within area code (206) & locations of meetings/ events are in Seattle unless otherwise noted.
community calendar
SATURDAY - February 7
Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Film Festival (2/62/8). EMP, 325 5th Ave N. For list of films & times visit www.empmuseum.org Ski Buddies. Every Saturday & Sunday. Ski, board or snow shoe locally with fellow club members! www. skibuddies.org Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 9am. Greenlake (outside Evans Pool). Every Saturday. GLBT running & walking club sponsors weekly runs, monthly potlucks, track & field activity, annual Run With Pride. 448-8518. www.seattlefrontrunners.org. Greater Seattle Postcard & Paper Collectibles Show (2/7-2/8). Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 10am-4pm. Kent Commons, 525 4th Ave N, Kent. Dealers from throughout the West Coast will be displaying and selling almost half a million old postcards, paper collectibles and ephemera. FREE appraisals of all old paper collectibles will be given with the price of admission - $5 for both days or FREE with ad that has been running in the SGN in January. “Reel Women” - Seattle Women’s Chorus in Concert (2/5-2/8). Sat: 2pm & 8pm. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, 201 Mercer St. SWC presents a musical tribute to some of the silver screen’s most famous and scintillating women. Tickets: $28-$63. 206-388-1400; www. flyinghouse.org National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: “deepsouth” Screening. 3-5pm. Central Library, 1000 4th Ave. “deepsouth” is a documentary about the neglected crisis of HIV/AIDS in the rural American South. Beneath layers of history, poverty & now soaring HIV infections, three Americans redefine traditional Southern values to create their own solutions to survive. Free testing for HIV & Hepatitis C will be available. SEAMEC’S 38th Annual Meeting. 3-5pm. Ingersoll Center/Equal Rights Washington office (lower level next to clinic) at Kaladi Brothers Coffee/Gay City Health Project/Michael C. Weidemann Library complex, 517 E Pike St. Help chart SEAMEC’s course for 2015 and elect Steering Committee members and officers. To vote you must be a SEAMEC member. SEAMEC annual membership: $35 individual; $50 family. Come for the discussion and the election. Support SEAMEC. Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle Coronation 2015: Curtain Up! Doors 5pm, Ball 6pm. Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison St. $50 Ball Ticket. Northwest Bears Potluck and Meet & Greet Beer Bust. 6pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave at E. Pine St. Meets 1st Saturday each month. Northwest Bears is a Gay men’s social and service organization providing a focal point within the Gay community for Bears and Bear admirers. www.nwbears.com. 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 “Reel Women” - Seattle Women’s Chorus in Concert (2/5-2/8). Sat: 2pm & 8pm. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center, 201 Mercer St. SWC presents a musical tribute to some of the silver screen’s most famous and scintillating women. Tickets: $28-$63. 206-388-1400; www. flyinghouse.org For information on GLBT-friendly religious/spiritual organizations in the Greater Seattle area, call or email Rick at the SGN office: 206-324-4297; sgn2@ sgn.org. Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Film Festival (2/62/8). EMP, 325 5th Ave N. For list of films & times visit www.empmuseum.org Ski Buddies. Every Saturday & Sunday. Ski, board or snow shoe locally with fellow club members! www. skibuddies.org Hiking Group. 8:45am. Uptown Espresso, 500 Westlake Ave N. Every Sunday year-round, rain or shine for moderate to strenuous day hikes. 323-8382. http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/TheSeattleGayHikingGroup/ Gay Men’s Bowling in Everett. 10am. Evergreen Lanes, 5111 Claremont Way, Everett. Every Sunday. Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards! For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com Greater Seattle Postcard & Paper Collectibles Show (2/7-2/8). Sat: 10am-6pm; Sun: 10am-4pm. Kent Commons, 525 4th Ave N, Kent. See listing for Saturday
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Seattle Gay News
LCS Foster Care Monthly Information Meeting. 6-8pm. 433 Minor Ave N. Meets 2nd Monday each month. LCS is a non-profit foster care program in King & Snohomish counties. LCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation. Couples & singles encouraged to apply. RSVP to April at 694-5713. Healing Words. 6:30-8pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. Drop-in group open to all who are healing from trauma, addiction, or just the challenges of life in general. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. 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 Orca Swim Team Workout. 7-8:15pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.) PFLAG/Seattle Monthly Meeting. 7pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Meets 2nd Monday each month. (A spouse’s support group runs concurrently with this meeting; PFLAG/FOCUS meets concurrently with this meeting.) PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724. www.seattle-pflag.org. PFLAG/Skagit County Monthly Meeting. 7pm. Skagit Valley Food Co-op Bldg, Room 309, 202 South 1st St., Mt. Vernon. Meets 2nd Monday each month. PFLAG/ Puget Sound: 325-7724. Trans Youth Group. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. A chance for youth to talk with others about their experiences & concerns related to identifying as Transgender. www.lamberthouse.org Lambert House Art Night. 7:30-9:30pm. 1818 15th Ave. Every Monday. Bring your ideas & let’s have some fun. 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline. 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Meets every Monday. For information email info@washingtongender alliance.com Les Be Honest. 8-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org.
TUESDAY - February 10
2/7, 10am. FREE with ad that has been running in the SGN in January. Seattle Sunday Bowlers. 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 for 3 games + $2 if you need bowling shoes. (425) 785-4729. Lotus Sisters. 11am-1:15pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Meets the 2nd Sunday of every month. Drop-in Buddhist meditation Sangha for LBTQ women. Lotus.sisters@ yahoo.com; www.sasgcc.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. Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle Coronation 2015: Victory Brunch. Doors 11am, Brunch 11:30am. Fred Wildlife Refuge, 127 Boylston Ave E. $20 per plate. 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. Every Sunday afternoon. Location varies. Ripple Effect soccer team plays a weekly recreational scrimmage game for Gay guys in Seattle. Perfect for guys 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 No Safeword Writers Group. 1-3pm. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. NSWG exists to provide mutual support for members’ efforts. For info & location, NSWG@ sexpositiveculture.org; www.nosafeword writersgroup. org. (Also meets 4th Monday, 7-9pm.) Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle Coronation 2015: Alaska Birdwater Party. 2pm. CC Attle’s, 1701 E Olive Way. No cover. “Reel Women” - Seattle Women’s Chorus in Concert (2/5-2/8). Sun: 2pm. Cornish Playhouse at Seattle
SUNDAY - February 8
February 7 thru February 15
Center, 201 Mercer St. SWC presents a musical tribute to some of the silver screen’s most famous and scintillating women. Tickets: $28-$63. 206-388-1400; www. flyinghouse.org 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. Knights of Mantra Monthly Meeting. 7:30pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. A fun-loving leather/Levi social & charitable organization that raises money for various causes & organizations. 329-0886, mailbox@jetchapterkofm.com Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.
MONDAY - February 9
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 All City GSA Dance Planning (2/9, 2/23 & 3/9). Snacks 4-4:30pm; Meeting 4:30-5:30pm. Cal Anderson Park Shelterhouse, 1635 11th Ave. Planning meetings open to all teens whether or not they are in a GSA (Gay/ Straight Alliance). Gay Social Dinner Club of Snohomish County. Every Monday. An informal group of Gay men living in Snohomish County meet for dinner at Snohomish County restaurants. For information, location & to RSVP contact Ricardo at socialdinnerclub@yahoo.com or phone (360) 722-1664.
Simply Positive. 2:30-4pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. Drop-in support & social group for anyone HIV/AIDS positive. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Northwest Flower & Garden Show Opening Night Party & Auction. 5-9pm. Washington State Convention Center. Hosted wine & hors d’oeuvres reception, live entertainment, buffet dinner & dessert plus 23 display gardens. Co-chaired by Ed Murray & Michael Shiosaki. Tickets: 206-325-4510 or www.arboretumfoundation.org Artful Expression. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. This is an ongoing art group to visualize the journey thru creative expression. 322-2437; www. sasgcc.org LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton. 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Meets every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 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 Alzheimer’s Association’s LGBT Caregivers’ Support Group. 6:30-8pm. Elderhealth Northwest, 6555 Ravenna Ave NE (entrance on NE 68th St). Meets 2nd Tuesday each month. A free information and support group for care partners, family members and friends of individuals with dementia. For more information, contact group facilitator Caila Nickerson, 781-248-3524 (cell) or email: cailanickerson@gmail.com 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
Celebrating 41 Years!
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. Maybe Baby. 7-8:30pm. Kaladi Brothers Coffee, 511 E Pike St. Meets the 2nd Tuesday each month. Maybe Baby is a support group for LGBTQ people who are interested in becoming parents. groups.yahoo.com/ group/maybebabyseattle. 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. Learn traditional African & Afro-Caribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com What About Me? 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for maturing Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org 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 Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Otter Hotline 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com. Seattle Poetry Slam. Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm. Rebar, 1114 Howell St. Every Tuesday. A spoken word poetry event that features a weekly open mic, feature poet, and slam (poetry competition). Come out and express yourself. LGBTQ- & QTPOC-friendly; all genders welcome. $5. 21+. seattlepoetryslam.org
community calendar
FRIDAY - February 13
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 Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm. The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.raincountrydance.org. Gay City Arts presents “Member-Dismembered” (2/12-2/15). 2/12-2/14 7:30pm; 2/15 2pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. When Ken’s penis disappears into the Internet, his partner & friends embark on a surreal & often naked odyssey into interchangeable torsos, anonymous genitalia, a gigantic atomic-penis straight out of the 1950s & the question “who are we, when can we be anything?” 18+. www.gaycity.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.) LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 7:45pm. Seattle Counseling Service, Rainbow Room, 1216 Pine St at Melrose Ave. Every Friday. (See Sunday listing at noon for details.) Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org Bach in the Subways Fundraiser Concert. 8pm. Greenlake United Methodist Church, 6415 First Ave NE. Bach in the Subways founder cellist Dale Henderson comes to Seattle to perform a fundraiser concert with Seattle-area musicians. On the program: varied and interesting work by Bach. Advance donations of $15 or more include a guarantee of front rows seating - call 206-789-6059. Suggested donation of $20 will be solicited at the door. Seattle Symphony [UNTITLED 2]. 10pm. Benaroya Hall, 3rd Ave & University St. No stage. No preconceptions. Late-night. Features new & contemporary works. Tickets: $20. seattlesymphony.org
WEDNESDAY - February 11
Mature Friends Morning Exercise/Health & Fitness Get-Together. 10am. Ballard Odd Fellows Hall Bldg, 1706 NW Market St. Every Wednesday. An hour of health-related activities, followed by a walk around Greenlake & lunch at a local restaurant. www.mature friends.org Mature Friends Dining Out Luncheon. 12:30pm. Call for details, location & to RSVP. Meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday most months. MF is a social organization 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, (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 with Arinna Weisman. 6:30pm. Columbia City Church of Hope, 3818 S Angeline St. Meets every Wednesday. Drop-in Buddhist meditation Sangha for LBTQ women. Lotus.sisters@yahoo.com; www. lotussisters.org. Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park (in front of Black Sun across for museum). Every Wednesday. (See Saturday at 9am.) Entre 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. entrehermanos.org 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 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/ group/seattlemoviebears; or e-mail: seattlemoviebearssubscribe@yahoogroups.com
group that is strictly focused on sexual topics and relationship issues related to being a Gay male. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. (See Tuesday listing at 8pm.) Mr Trans Seattle 2015 Valentines Pagent. 8pm. Kremwork, 1809 Minor Ave. The first pagent created by & for Trans men. 6-10 local Trans men will be competing for the title of “Mr Trans Seattle 2015, in 3 categories: Swim, Evening Wear, Talent. 21+. Tickets $10. kremwork. strangertickets.com/events/22942695/mr-trans-seattletop-surgery-benefit.
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.) “StageFright” - Youth Open Mic - For Aspiring Writers & Performers, Ages 14-24. 7:30pm. Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave. Meets 2nd Wednesday each month. FREE. Everyone welcome to attend. StageFright not only features young folk, but is also MC’d by young folk & attended in great majority by young folk. 322-7030; www.hugohouse.org. 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. Border Riders Motorcycle Club Meet & Greet. 8-9pm. The Cuff Complex, 1533 13th Ave (at E Pine St). Meets the Wednesday before the 3rd Saturday each month. BRMC provides a social & educational fraternity for individuals interested in recreational motorcycle touring. www.borderriders.com
Queer Parent Networking Dinners (Sept-Oct, JanJune). 6-8pm. Calamus Auditorium at Gay City, 517 E. Pike St. Meets 2nd Thursday each month. Open to all LGBT, Two-Spirited, Queer & Questioning families including parents, co-parents & other people who have a significant role in the life of a child. RSVP requested to facilitate planning for dinner and childcare. 568-7777 or info@nwnetwork.org. 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. Boys’ Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. 322-2515 ext 16. www.lamberthouse.org PFLAG/Whatcom County-Bellingham Monthly Meeting. 7pm. First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. Meets 2nd Thursday each month. 360-733-1500; www.whatcompflag.com; PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724. Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Thursday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.) THURSDAY - February 12 Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.” Ave E. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Open meeting of 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org AA. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting. Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium. 12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of Gay men who are currently or previously married. For women facing HIV together. 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; information, community events & “questioning” visit www.babesnetwork.org. www.gfas.org or our message board at http://groups. Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, yahoo.com/groups/gayfathersseattle Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages Gay City Arts presents “Member-Dismembered” 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thurs- (2/12-2/15). 2/12-2/14 7:30pm; 2/15 2pm. Gay City day. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. When Ken’s penis Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.) disappears into the Internet, his partner & friends embark Queer Night at the Bremerton/Kitsap Health Depart- on a surreal & often naked odyssey into interchangeable ment. 4:30-7pm. 109 Austin Dr, Bremerton. Meets 2nd torsos, anonymous genitalia, a gigantic atomic-penis Thursday each month. HIV/AIDS & STD testing in a straight out of the 1950s & the question “who are we, GLBT positive environment. Call Sue or Steve at (360) when can we be anything?” 18+. www.gaycity.org 337-5235. Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave. E. Every Thursday. A discussion
Visit us online www.sgn.org
February 6, 2015
SATURDAY - February 14
Valentine’s Day (See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.) A Gathering of Men in Edmonds. 8:15-11:30am. Edmonds UUC, 8109 224th St SW, Edmonds. Meets 2nd Saturday each month. Men gather monthly for drumming, singing, storytelling & sharing of life experience. www.agatheringofmen.org Between the Covers - Gay City LGBT Library Book Club. 1pm. Gay City, 517 E. Pike St. Meets 2nd Saturday each month. Informal group of Queer folks talking about Queer literature. Visit www.gaycity.org for monthly reading selection. Kekuhi & Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole in Concert. Doors 6pm, Luau 6:30pm, Concert 8pm. Town Hall, 8th Ave & Seneca St. Features Hawaiian mother & Trans daughter (Mahu) duo - descendants of the most prolific Hawaiian chanters of the 20th Century - plus a traditional Hawaiian feast. www.townhallseattle.org Rainbow City Band - “Swingin’ With Your Sweetie!” 6:30pm. Seattle Renaissance Hotel, 515 Madison St. Celebrate the sweetest night of the year with dinner and dancing to the music of the Purple Passion Swing Band. Tickets: $100 includes dinner and dancing. Proceeds to Rainbow City Band. 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; www. rainbowcityband.com Lambert House QUEER Youth Valentine’s Dance. 7-11pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E at E Republican St. Come enjoy the music, food. and fun games. No alcohol, no drugs, no hate. Suggested donation: $5-$15 to support Lambert House programming is requested, but not required. Lambert House events are for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Ally youth, ages 14-22. (Youth 11-13 may participate in the Lambert House drop-in center with a signed parental consent form.) Gay City Arts presents “Member-Dismembered” (2/12-2/15). 2/12-2/14 7:30pm; 2/15 2pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. See Friday listing for details. www.gaycity.org
SUNDAY - February 15
(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.) Ethyl Forever Car Club, Pacific NW Region Lambda Car Club Monthly Tire Kick/Social. 10:30am. Randy’s Restaurant, 10016 E Marginal Way S (south of the Museum of Flight). Meets the 3rd Sunday each month. This monthly informal auto enthusiasts event starts with breakfast at this location with a show & tell and continues to a chosen point of interest. ethylforever@ hotmail.com
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Gay City Arts Present “Member-Dismembered” (2/12-2/15). 2/12-2/14 7:30pm; 2/15 2pm. Gay City Calamus Auditorium, 517 E Pike St. See Friday listing for details. www.gaycity.org Seattle Prime Timers Monthly Potluck Social & General Meeting. 2-4pm. Seattle First Baptist Church Recreation Hall, 1111 Harvard Ave (at E Seneca St - enter thru glass doors on Harvard Ave.) Meets 3rd Sunday most months. Bring a dish to serve 6-8 people. $4 door fee covers hall rental. www.seattleprimetimers.org. “Reel Women” - Seattle Women’s Chorus in Concert on Whidbey Island. 3pm. South Whidbey Island High School Performing Arts Center, 5675 Maxwelton Rd, Langley. SWC presents a musical tribute to some of the silver screen’s most famous and scintillating women. Tickets: $25. Benefits Citizens Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse. www.cadacanhelp
community calendar
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQ Allyship. org, allyship@yahoo.com, 279-8169. American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us 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. Seattle Bisexual Women’s Network - www.sbwn.net. Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994. DIFFA/Seattle (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). 763-8885; www.diffaseattle.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Network - support & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025. In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault. Equal Rights Washington - 324-2570; www.equal rightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freely speaking.org Gay City organizes events & activities for Gay & Bi men & offers anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing at the Center for LGBT Health, 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, 860-6969. www.gaycity.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country. GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - 3639188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. 205-7837. 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. LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Lifelong AIDS Alliance - 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org MEN: Gay City: 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.mature friends.org; Northwest Bears: www.nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians.net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.org; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: 888-809-5035, www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples. org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www.seattle primetimers.org. MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony.org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band.com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: 388-1408, 323-0750. www.flyinghouse. org. Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support
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Seattle Gay News
& 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; Maybe Baby, https://groups.yahoo.com/group/maybebabyseattle; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup. com/proud-and-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@ aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: 5687777, info@nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Washington State: 325-7724, www.seattlepflag.org, with directory of PFLAG chapters in Washington State; www.pnwpflag.org; National PFLAG, www.pflag.org PEOPLE OF COLOR: Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, 7813565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo. com, www.macctsea.org; Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; Seattle Two Spirit, SeattleTwoSpirit@ hotmail.com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, 322-7061, 255-8951; Sistah Sinema, www. sistahsinema.com, info@sistahsinema.com; TrikoneNorthwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www. trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-6850164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle. Pride Foundation - 323-3318; www.pridefoundation. org Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - 682-6711; www.q-law.org; Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - 235-7235. Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond. Call 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned. Or
February 6, 2015
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. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities - 684-4503. Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities is a community mental health service for GLBT persons & their families. 323-1768. Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org SHIFT: A Peer Recovery Network - www.shift recovery.org Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan - 860-3666; www.theabbey.org Snohomish Health District HIV/AIDS Program provides free confidential/anonymous HIV counseling & testing 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, until 7pm Tuesdays. (425) 339-5298. Social Outreach Seattle (SOSea) - www.facebook. com/socialoutreachseattle South Sound Q Calendar - LGBTQ events in Tacoma, Olympia & Sound Puget Sound area; www.South SoundQCal.com Spokane/Inland Northwest - www.outspokane.com; www.stonewallnews.net 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.em-
erald citysoftball.org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: http://Clubs.Hemmings.com/ EthylForever CarClub/; Hiking Group: 323-8382; Jet City Hoops: www.jetcityhoops.org; 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.seattlefrontr unners.org; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswim team.org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otter polo. com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby. com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www.seattletennis alliance. org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@aol.com, www.teamseattle.org/bowling. htm, www.theprideleague.com, Century 21 League; Seattle United Soccer League: www.seattleunitedsl.com; 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.ingersoll center.org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftm group.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: BABES: support groups for HIV+ women. 720-5566, 1-888-292-1912; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes.com; Lesbians Over 40: 7220729; 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; WOWS: a fun, member-driven social group for Lesbians, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/womenofwest seattle; 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. Yakima: First Fridays - (509) 576-0276. www.gayakima.com/1stfridays.html 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; Health Education Youth Outreach: for LGBTQ youth, ages 16-24 - Jessica Hatlo, 206-957-1665, jessicah@llaa.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 322-2515, www.lamberthouse.org; www.MatthewsPlace. com; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 1425, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcen ter. org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag.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; Queer Youth Space: 206495-9963; www.queeryouth space.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) (non-emergency), 1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): 860-9606, www.sypp.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@chsnw.org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, 509-396-5198, www. vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/Orion Center: 622-5555; YouthCare/Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): 522-8412; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoud-GLBTQ): 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www.yspp.org
Celebrating 41 Years!
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10 housemates
10 housemates
_______________________________ RENTON TOWNHOUSE – 2 GWM seek GM. Own large bedroom, full bath, nice patio, gas fireplace, 2 car garage. $440/mo incl utils. Clean & quiet. 425-647-7379. 06/3 _______________________________ 11 for rent
11 FOR RENT
_______________________________ CAPITOL HILL CONDO FOR RENT 2 bedroom, 1 bath, storage room, 1 parking space, 850 sq. ft. Summit & Olive location. $1,800/mo. 1st/last/$350 deposit. No Smoking. 206-334-4924. 06/3 _______________________________ 12 12 housing wanted
HOUSING WANTED
_______________________________ 13 13 housing for sale
HOUSING FOR SALE
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14 HELP WANTED
14 help wanted
_______________________________ 19 19 home services
SERVICES
_______________________________ HOUSECLEANING – CENTRAL SEATTLE. Done by visual artist with an eye for detail. References. Reliable. Experienced. Licensed. Grego Rachko 206-719-3769. 09/6 _______________________________
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20 health & health & well being
WELL-BEING
_______________________________ ENERGY/BODYWORK Therapeutic massage. 29 years experience. Relaxation, major/ minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Queen Anne home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.) First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available. Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again. Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/BMIBrochure.html. 44/21 _______________________________
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21 licensed LICENSED massage MASSAGE non-sexual
- NON-SEXUAL
_______________________________ EXCEPTIONAL BODYWORK Given by highly trained LMP. I specialize in injury treatment, acute, chronic, and repetitive stress motion. I have a studio on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Insurance accepted. Matt Shafer, LMP, 206-235-7766. 10/12 _______________________________ RELAXATION and DEEP TISSUE massage on Capitol Hill. Last minute appointments welcome until 9 pm. Jeff, LMP, 206-6500542. www.broadwaymassage. com. 06/3 _______________________________
22 for sale
22 FOR SALE
_______________________________ I LOVE LUCY 46 VCR tapes – The Collectors Edition - featuring 3 episodes each. $100 cash or best offer. Rick, 206-324-4297 or sgncopy@ yahoo.com. 08/3 _______________________________ 36 escorts
36 ESCORTS
_______________________________ BROWN SUGAR COLOR. Smooth, 141 lbs, bodywork & good time!!!! 8-1/2” cut. Call Tony, 206-8862286. 07/3 _______________________________
37 BODYWORK
37 bodywork
_______________________________ AMAZING BODYWORK! Deep tissue, erotic bodywork by handsome, hairy-chested, hung therapist. Reasonable rates. Photos, phone number and reviews at website: www.amazingbodywork. com. Robert. 07/6 ________________________________
I’m known for my magic touch for the best bodywork. Please contact me between 12 noon and 9pm. Bear, 206-328-5828. 08/3 ________________________________ EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area. Scott, 206-355-4469. 01/9 ________________________________ GREAT MASSAGE given by highly-trained, clean-cut, handsome guy. I have two private studios, one on CapHill, and one just north of the UW. Call/ text Matt, 206-235-7766. In/out calls. 10/12 ________________________________ HANDSOME LATINO MASSEUR AWESOME MASSAGE Excellent Full Body Rubdown. Strong Hands, Awesome Relaxation!! North Seattle home studio. $55 for 1 hr & 15 min. (Inquire OutCalls). 206-9928375. 50/3 _______________________________ 38 men
38 MEN
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FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. MON-FRI: 3pm-8pm SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969 _______________________________ LOOKING FOR TRUE LOVE My name is Marc, 64 y/o, 5’9”, GWM, homebody, soft spoken, looking for unconditional love, lonely and alone, empty. Looking for new Gay White Male friends who are honest, have values, understanding, devoted, loyal, non-smoking, non-drinking, no drugs, who’s not into the bar scene, stable, who’s into kissing, hugging and snuggling, cuddling, caring, sincere, kind, gentle and loving, supportive, discreet, trusting and trustworthy, etc. Looking for goodlooking, clean shaven, smooth and slender, companions/ lovers. No STDs, clean and safe only a must, young and hung, sexually active, who love sex. Gorgeous muscular Gay Male Guys, 18-40 y/o only. Please write with written serious responses only, to Marc, PO Box 12192, Seattle WA 98102. 04/3 _______________________________
DADDY WILL SPANK. Rob, 206-324-2617. 08/3 _______________________________ RAIN CITY JACKS Seattle’s own JO Club, RCJ hosts three group jack-off events every month. Hot, friendly, safe fun! Adult men only. 888-809-5035. info@raincityjacks.org; www. raincityjacks.org. 07/12 _______________________________ SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS A social organization for Gay and Bisexual Men over 40 and their admirers. www.seattleprimetim-
dress for the occasion use a condom to prevent hiv & other stds
High-flying Jupiter an ambitious, imaginative mess by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer JUPITER ASCENDING Now playing
Visit us online www.sgn.org
thrown in for good measure adding a level of emotional involvement that otherwise might not have existed without it. As stated, it’s a mess, things flying so fast and furious it’s not exactly surprising that the Wachowski’s have trouble assembling everything into anything close to a cohesive whole. It’s difficult not to wonder if there was some sort of behind-the-scenes squabbling between the siblings and the studio during the six month delay, and whether true or not it feels as if large portions of the narrative have been left for whatever reason on the cutting room floor. Was there a mandate to get rid of all the emotional stuff? To jettisons the exposition? To get to the action and let audiences figure the rest out for themselves? I obviously don’t know, but that sense that those conversations might have taken place is impossible to dismiss nevertheless.
But, who am I kidding? It’s obvious I don’t care, Jupiter Ascending sweeping me up inside its beautifully manufactured and meticulously crafted mind-blowing visual charms, the rest proving to be nowhere near as important as they by all accounts should be. The Wachowskis let their ambition overstep their reach, no surprise considering what happened with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, I know, but at least they’re making the attempt, refusing to kowtow to convention and going for broke when others would be content to follow the superhero comic book status quo. This is a movie, even with all its faults, even with all its missteps, to treasure, and I have this odd feeling as the years go by we’re going to start appreciating everything that’s happening inside it a whole heck of a lot more than we right now realize or imagine we will. Warner Bros. Pictures
Jupiter Ascending, written and directed by The Matrix and Bound wunderkinds Andy and Lana Wachowski, is as crazy and as absurd as it is imaginative and inspired. It is a messy, unkempt amalgam of science fiction and mythological tropes pulled from works as far-ranging (and as far-reaching) as that of the ancient Greeks, the Bible, Isaac Asimov, George Lucas, William Gibson and Japanese anime. It’s a cyberpunk odyssey that’s as much Blade Runner as it is Ghost in the Shell, all of it infused with a jolt of Frank Herbert eccentricity that’s so unbelievable it’s downright endearing. None of which I’m certain makes the movie itself anything close to good, the whole thing haphazardly connecting one idea or theme with another almost as if the Wachowski’s and their talented cast and crew were making them all up as they went along. Some sequences are almost laughable in their lunacy, while others are just plain head-scratching as the viewer fails miserably to make heads or tails out of what is going on and why. And it’s beautiful. Beautiful because the Wachowski’s are reaching for the skies. Beautiful because the brother-sister directorial tandem doesn’t know when to quit and don’t have a clue as to how to keep their voluminous ambitions in check. Beautiful because the parts are so gorgeous and spellbinding I not-really-all-that-embarrassingly loved them more than I did what it was they ultimately added up to in the end. In many ways this makes Jupiter Ascending, delayed six months by the studio after worries it couldn’t compete in a crowded summertime marketplace, featuring a reported $175-million price tag and a central actor – Eddie Redmayne – who has seeming-
ly done all he can to distance himself from it in order to not jeopardize his Best Actor Oscar hopes for The Theory of Everything, the 21st century companion to David Lynch’s illfated 1984 crack at Herbert’s Dune. Visually stunning, featuring performances ranging from spectacular, to cartoonish, to emotionless, to outright over-the-top bonkers, magnificently scored within an inch of its life by Michael Giacchino (Up, Super 8), the movie is a wildly flamboyant and a joyous ambisexual whirligig that doesn’t know when to stop and refuses to quit. In short, I kind of loved it, and I simply don’t care what sort of critical limb that puts me out on by saying it. Summing things up is both impossible and unimportant. Long story short, Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is an illegal Russian immigrant brought into the U.S. as an infant. Smart, quick with a comeback and overflowing with personality, she’s nonetheless taken aback when an intergalactic soldier, Caine (Channing Tatum), saves her from being executed by what only can be described as a malicious cadre of little green aliens. Next thing the Chicago maid knows she’s being referred to as, “Her Majesty,” by species all across the galaxy, thrust into an epic adventure that pits her against the vitriolic Balem Abrasax (Redmayne) for control of the Earth and all who call it home. The movie posits a number of things, not the least of which is that the Earth was “seeded” by the Abrasax family – Balem’s siblings Titus (Douglas Booth) and Kalique (Tuppence Middleton) envy their brother’s control of the planet – and that the only reason humans exist upon it at all is to feed their massive, and lethal, corporate ambitions. It then blends in a number of additional factors including reincarnation, genetic crossbreeding of species and cyber-enhancements to the human organism. It thrusts all of this into a primordial sci-fi stew that travels the extent of the known and the unknown, a mangy-eared love story
Scene from Jupiter Ascending
February 6, 2015
Seattle Gay News 17
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Seattle Gay News
February 6, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
February 6, 2015
Seattle Gay News 19