Seattle Gay News
Issue 25, Volume 45, June 23, 2017
Photo courtesy of Cuba Travel Network
10th Annual March Against Homophobia and Transphobia with Mariela Castro
A visit with MCC’s Rev. Troy Perry, meeting an OUT Lesbian minister and a Gay labor camp survivor by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News As I was standing in Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba, May 11, looking at the giant silhouette of Che Guevara, I smiled, recalling the Che Guevara Café I once visited in Beirut where I watched a male belly dancer as I was reporting on Lebanon’s first LGBT organization. It occurred to me that the relationship between the United States and the Middle East is easy to explain compared to the relationship our country has with Cuba, as well as Cuba’s position on LGBT issues. It was 20 years ago when I reported on the state of LGBT life in Havana. The difference could not be more apparent than it
was in the procedure to arrange my travel to Cuba. In 1997, as an out LGBT journalist – and refusing to be anything but out – I received no assistance from the U.S. government, except the warning that I could have trouble re-entering the United States, since the U.S. government might not recognize LGBT reporters as legitimate journalists. As for Cuba, its embassy refused to return calls. It was almost a clandestine trip. I had to travel via Mexico and arrange hotel and other necessities through third- and fourthparty connections. At times, it was cloak and dagger. And there was reason for Cuban hesitance in having an LGBT journalist in the country: Life for LGBT people at that time was like 1950s America, or worse.
Pride Flag in Havana – Photo courtesy of Mark Segal
(Read more about that trip at http://bit. ly/2q46XUQ.) Twenty years would bring some surprises and a brush with the past, both in the United States and Cuba. Modern U.S. travel protocol made the arrangements slightly easier than 20 years ago. The Cuban Embassy not only sped up my visa, they arranged for me to have official Cuban press credentials, which they also did for other U.S. LGBT media on the same trip. This is an amazing fact that should not be overlooked, as it makes the point clear that Cuba is attempting – with baby steps – to open its society and go after the lucrative worldwide LGBT tourism market. The timing could not have been better, since Cuba was about to commemorate the
Mariela Castro – Photo courtesy of alchetron.com
10th Annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 13, spearheaded in the country by the Cuban National Center for Sex Education. CENESEX is headed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of the current president of Cuba and niece to its former president, Fidel Castro. My first evening’s dinner on May 10 proved that Cuba had changed – but at the same time is even more complex. That dinner was spent with old friend and U.S. LGBT pioneer the Rev. Troy Perry of Metropolitan Community Church, who was scheduled to receive an award from CENESEX. We dined with members of his Cuban church, headed by Elaine Saralegui, an out lesbian from Matanzas, Cuba. Their work begins to explain the story of the culture of the Cuban people and how change occurs. It’s an eye-opener for many in our country since when we speak of socialist/communist Cuba, many often think of a godless society, but indeed the last three popes have made it a point to visit Cuba. Now, about 40 percent of Cubans identify as Catholic while others follow the African Caribbean Santería faith. In order to understand Cuba and Cubans, you must know that religion is a large part of their culture, and religious views on the LGBT community are intertwined with the country’s politics. Example: As the see CUBA page 8
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Celebrating 43 Years!
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Celebrating 43 Years!
Reflections from an “old” reporter by Mark Segal Philadelphia Gay News I thought I’d use this space to share with you some of the fun I had while reporting in Cuba last month, and some observations I had. Getting my press credentials was a good example of what the culture is like in Cuba. I went to the address that was supplied to me in Revolution Plaza, but it seemed the office had moved and I found myself miles away. I thought that, since I was (or thought I was) close to Old Havana, it would be a good time for a stroll to get some local culture and color. Cell phone Google maps do not work in Cuba (nor does much of the Internet). AT&T claims to be the only U.S. carrier operating in Cuba but even that is very limited. So, I’d have to use my eye and look for landmarks, like the capitol building, which is similar to ours. The walk was long and took me through numerous neighborhoods, which allowed me to see how the average Cuban was living: long lines for essentials. The economy is on the brink. After a little sightseeing and lunch at a café in Old Havana, I made my way to La Rampa to get my credentials – only to discover that the person in charge was out for the day. I was told to come back the next day, which I did. It took about an hour and when I got my credentials I noted that there was a mistake: Instead of “Philadelphia Gay News,” my credentials said “Philadelphia Cat News.” Assuming that it was done on purpose, I mentioned it to the man in charge. He told me he could redo the paperwork … I knew this would be a process
Photo courtesy of Huffington Post
so I told him I’d use the original credential. What a great souvenir. Any time Trump was mentioned and I groaned, a Cuban would always say, “Now you know how we have felt for 60 years.” The Cuban people are wonderful and resilient under an embargo that must end. Normalization between the U.S. and Cuba will bring change. Personally, the trip was like back to the future – similar to stories that I’ve covered in Beirut and the Middle
East, Russia and the fall of the Berlin Wall. All those changes were made, from my viewpoint, on the ground due to more communication. Likewise, it will be with Cuba. I wanted to do this story because it seemed a time that Cuba was on the brink like Berlin, Beirut and Eastern Europe, about to join the world from a closed society. There were three things I learned. First, it will get better there, but it’s a guessing game as to how long that will take. Second,
I was proud of the way LGBT media is covering these baby steps. Finally, I’m getting a little old to be a working reporter, but I must admit that it really is in my DNA. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. His recently published memoir, And Then I Danced, is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your favorite bookseller.
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Seattle Gay News 5
Rev. Troy Perry win’s Cuba’s CENESEX award, alongside is Mariela Castro – Photo by CENESEX
CUBA
continued from cover country opens its doors even further, U.S. fundamentalists are looking for influence and to apostolize. A story that’s making the rounds is that American fundamentalists offered to bring in a million Bibles and the Cuban religion minister (yes, they have a religion minister) stated, “Let the U.S. end the embargo and we’ll buy our own Bibles.” Things have changed. But faith and that embargo influence almost all aspects of Cuba today, as its youth look to the future with a skeptical eye. But Perry’s church has a distinction. It is the first official non-government LGBT organization in Cuba, a distinction that has plagued individuals who have tried to organize independent LGBT organizations. Perry takes pride in stating
that Cuba now becomes the 34th nation with MCC churches. “We even have one in Kuala Lumpur,” he noted. Perry’s Cuban church was conceived when he visited the island two years ago as an invited speaker for a religious conference. A local Baptist church was sponsoring a small LGBT meeting group, but after those in attendance heard Perry and his story about the battle to form MCC in the United States, and how his faith community is LGBT-inclusive, they asked and received permission to form MCC Cuba. The distinctions and progress don’t end there. Perry tells me that the Catholic Church in Cuba imports its priests from other Latin American countries and that all MCCs will have Cuban-born ministers. The first is Saralegui, making her the first independent out lesbian activist in
Cuba who tells me with a grin that she identifies as an LGBT Christian activist. She’s one of those individuals who was in the audience two years ago when Perry spoke and said that “God is my pastor and he knows I’m gay.” Saralegui, who was in the seminary at the time studying to be a minister for Cuba’s Baptist Church, was inspired by the address and asked her bishop about creating a church for LGBT people. A few disagreements later, MCC Matanzas (a city that considers itself Cuba’s art capital) became Cuba’s first out Church. When she’s not tending to her own church, which varies between 20-40 members, Saralegui travels the country performing liturgies for LGBT Cubans and anyone else who wants to hear her message of inclusion. “I want our community to be proud,” she says with a smile through a translator. Saralegui has already tackled some major issues. A week ago, her church held a service officiated by three international transgender ministers: from Brazil, Canada and the United States. When I ask her if she’s had any issues from members of the LGBT community about her activism, she smiles broadly and states, “Some don’t believe you can be Christian and gay.” If you bring up the issues of trans people in Cuba, people will reference CENESEX and its program to support gender-reassignment surgery. They’ll proudly point to Clinico Quirurgico, a government-run hospital that specializes in such operations, and explain that like all medical needs in Cuba it’s free, and like most things in Cuba, you can’t get exact numbers. Cuba’s past often clashes with its present. The convoluted connections and disconnections when you attempt to explain how open or repressed the LGBT community in Cuba can be is displayed by looking
Louis, a labor camp survivor, holding is papers from 1964 – Photo courtesy of Mark Segal
6 Seattle Gay News
June 23, 2017
at a part of its shameful past – then realizing it’s something that is very present in the United States. Meet Louis. Now 74, he survived one of Cuba’s labor camps for gay men in the 1960s. When you ask him what it was like when, at 16, he was taken to a camp, he smiles and says, “Everyone in my neighborhood said I was that way.” If you ask him how bad it was, he’ll tell you that “the second day they yelled and yelled at me, ‘Be a man, be a man.’ All day.” And when asked if they ever physically harmed him, he says, “They never hit those of us in the camps; they only spoke at us.” On most days, the men had to sit through what today we’d call re-programming. “They had signs everywhere: ‘The revolution needs men.’ And they kept telling us we had to be men and gay people were not men.” When I ask what it was like each day, he tells me that, aside from listening to the psychologist camp officials brought in from Havana, the men were put to work. I try to ask him about the harshness of that work, but fail and he notices, smiles and shakes his head. According to Louis, there were many camps and each had about 120 men in it. No physical harm, but hard work that allegedly attempted to make you a hard (read: real) man. The government used to attempt to deny it ever had such camps but before his death, Fidel Castro admitted it and apologized. Louis, a short, jovial man, wanted a personal apology and he eventually received it from another Castro: CENESEX’s Mariela. Louis is not clear on how he left the camp but he’s clear about what he did afterward. “My old life was no more and I couldn’t go home or get work so I went to the capital [Havana],” he recalled. “I told them I lost my papers and was given new papers; they never knew about my past life.” He studied and became a technical draftsman. He found love, and settled into life. When I ask what he thinks the future holds for Cuba’s LGBT community, he shrugs and says he’s “hopeful.” And you can see he wants people not to forget their history, but he doesn’t want that connection to the past to impede progress. It’s a hard line he walks, but he does it with a joyous style. It amazed me a couple days later as I watched him dancing at the CENESEX rally, doing a rhumba with his friends. Louis was enjoying life and its new freedoms, but never letting go of the papers that recall his time in the labor camp. Americans, especially LGBT Americans, use the camps as a hammer against Cuba, but while Cuba has moved on, the U.S. still has its equivalent: conversiontherapy camps. And some of those camps do hand out corporeal punishment. As to numbers, Louis tells me that several-thousand gay inmates were housed in a section of Cuba far from Havana. In the U.S, conversion therapy is still flourishing and is associated with that word again: religion. If you don’t get the theme, think about Uganda and its “Kill the Gays” legislation. Again, it’s fundamentalism. The reality is that you can’t judge Cuba on its treatment of LGBT people in the past. Louis wants to live for today, and in today’s Cuba, at least for the LGBT community, things have changed. It’s not all about weekend dance parties that are now all the rage with the LGBT community. My tour guide, Leandro Velazco, states about LGBT tourism: “We have bars, nightly ‘inclusion’ parties, a couple of good restaurants, a state-run LGBT organization, occasional festivals and even Grindr.” When I look quizzically at him, he tells me about something called Planet Romeo, which he said was the first LGBT socialnetworking site to hit Cuba several years ago. His business, GaytoursHavana.com,
Celebrating 43 Years!
Louis, age 16, when he was sent to a labor camp – Photo courtesy of Mark Segal
like many in Cuba, is adjusting to the ’Net, hoping that the promise of LGBT tourism in Cuba becomes a reality. Before leaving for Cuba, it was handy to Google Amnesty International to see what it had on Cuban repression. The background states: “The re-establishment of relations between the USA and Cuba in 2015 led to increased trade and tourism between the two countries in 2016. For example, commercial air services from the USA to Cuba resumed after more than 50 years.” You can read the full report at www.amnesty.org/en/countries/americas/cuba/reportcuba/#. So where’s the repression? Each time I asked someone to name a famous LGBT person, they all said the same. They’d mention a name and say, “We know, but they keep it to themselves.” I thought of that as I marched in the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia rally, along with almost 1,000 Cubans. They shouted socialist slogans peppered with “End Homophobia and Transphobia Now.” There were no corporate sponsors, which reminded me of our first gay Pride in the United States, and indeed this looked more like a gay Pride celebration than a march of defiance. At the rally, there were a few speeches and then
a dance and festival. CENESEX used the time and event for HIV education, condom distribution and testing. Once you work out the political dissertation, you can then try and unravel the country’s views on LGBT tourism. There’s no question that Cuba wants to get in the game. There are at least four LGBT tourguide sites on the web and numerous individuals and travel groups in the United States who specialize in LGBT tourism to Cuba. And surrounding the 10th Annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the government gave official press credentials to several LGBT media outlets. So Cuba is open. How open, and to what kind of travel? Cuba is home to great weather, beaches, mountains, incredible colonial architecture and some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet, but at times due to that touchy subject of the U.S. embargo – which some claim is keeping this country in economic turmoil while others say it is the government’s political repression that stifles Cuba – it seems the country is in a time capsule. That can be a curse or a charm. The old U.S. Buicks and Chevys are an example. They’re charming but their prevalence points out that new cars are at
Cabaret Las Vegas in Havana – Photo courtesy of Mark Segal
a premium – although that has begun to change, as has the hospitality industry, which languished for years. On the way to the airport, you notice parking lots full of new taxis and tour buses waiting for the explosion of tourists. Cubans call their country “The Pearl of the Caribbean,” but that pearl is trapped by the U.S. embargo, which wreaks havoc on tourism. There is not one place in all of Cuba that you can use an American credit card. Therefore, cash is a requirement. How many Americans want to travel with a wad of cash in their pockets? There is no way to write about Cuba and not elicit strong views on one side or the
other. What I can say after speaking with Cubans themselves is that they want change and they don’t want to be the pawns among governments. Mark Segal, Philadelphia Gay News publisher, is the nation’s most-awardwinning commentator in LGBT media. His recently published memoir, And Then I Danced, is available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or at your favorite bookseller. You can follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarkSegalPGN or Twitter at https://twitter.com/PhilaGayNews
CENESEX information booth – Photo courtesy of Mark Segal
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June 23, 2017
Seattle Gay News 7
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Celebrating 43 Years!
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Seattle Gay News 9
SGN Exclusive Interview: CUFF PRIDE STREET PARTY:
Terri Nunn of Berlin still “Take[s] My Breath Away” by MK Scott SGN Contributing Writer You know what Pride weekend means? Another epic street party at the Cuff Complex on Sunday, June 25th. Last year I chatted with disco diva, Martha Wash (“It’s Raining Men”) and this year the Cuff has a headliner with the group Berlin headed by a diva (Terri Nunn) that should heat up your summer nights. I had a great opportunity to chat with Terri Nunn by phone last week on June 15th. MK Scott: Happy Pride. I was so excited to learn that you will be heading Seattle’s annual Cuff Party on June 25th. What does Pride mean to you? Terri Nunn: It means an awesome time, to be honest with you. (Chuckle) It’s one of my favorite shows. Yeah! They’re just fun. I mean it is the most fun you can have standing up. It’s outrageous, it’s wild, it’s creative, and it’s safe. All of those things are coexisting at the same time. And that’s unusual in an environment that’s created by Pride shows. So whenever I get an offer for a Pride show, it’s instant. (Chuckle) I’d just say, yep! Where? When? I’m there! I just love it! I performed at a lot of Prides because of that reason. My first one, god, it was probably 15 years ago in San Diego. And it blew my mind. It was so wonderful. And the people were so kind and fun and alive. And I had one of the best times I’ve ever had doing a show. So yeah, and I was like, okay, I begged Los Angeles Pride to book us, and they wouldn’t book us, I don’t know why. And finally they did. And then they booked us a lot. So that was really wonderful. Because yeah, it’s my hometown, you know, it’s where I’m from. MK: Well, I had an opportunity to see you perform about five years ago at Snoqualmie Casino. Terri: Thank you! Did you enjoy it? MK: Yes, my friends and I, we were right there in the front row. My next question, I have been a big fan ever since I was 13. It was when my sister brought home a 45” record of “Sex.” I loved it. And it had a great beat, and it was probably the dirtiest song I had ever heard in my life at that time. Terri: Yeah? (Laugh) So what’s your question? MK: So as a “closeted Gay kid” it really spoke to me from “Bi to Bitch,” and the song was glorious. I also noticed at the Snoqualmie performance you had a nice way with the ladies, you sang to the ladies, so I thought that was quite amazing. You don’t see that much. Terri: Thank you. That’s not a question. MK: Well, more a comment than a question. I had to get that out there. That’s how long I’ve known of you. Oh, yes, of course, the biggest one of them all was “Take My Breathe Away” from the Top Gun soundtrack. Interesting that Kelly McGillis ended up being a lesbian. Terri: Yes. And there’s been questions about Tom Cruise for years. MK: Well, still is. Still is. Yes. Terri: Still is, yeah. So I’ve always wondered, wow, was that one of the biggest love songs to one of the biggest love scenes in the history of movies between two gay people? MK: That is correct. That’s amazing!
10 Seattle Gay News
Terri Nunn – Photo courtesy of Paradise Artists
Terri: That would be pretty amazing. Now, I’m not saying that he is, because he hasn’t come out, and he hasn’t confirmed anything like that, but yeah, it’s been a question in a lot of people’s minds. So I had wondered that myself. I just met, actually, Kelly McGillis, for the first time ever? MK: Ever? Oh, my god! Terri: Yeah, ever, in Rome, it was last month. And they have a show there that honors the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s and they invited me out there. And they had gotten Kelly to come on the show. And I met her for the first time in all these years. And she was lovely. She cried, actually, when I finished the song and said you’ve done so much for me! And she was there with her wife. And they’ve been together five years. MK: Wow. Amazing. And then also you heard about the proposed sequel? So I assume if they’ll come calling you’ll probably accept? Yeah? If they asked you to do a
June 23, 2017
soundtrack. Terri: Yeah, I mean, it was an amazing experience getting to be part of that and work with Giorgio [Moroder] on something else. You know, I happened to be at the right place at the right time when that song and that movie came along, we had been working with Georgio on “No More Words.” We hadn’t even had a hit yet. We were just an up-and-coming, you know, little band, and we hired him for one song. We wanted him for an entire album, but he was way too expensive at that point. So we got him for one song. And so while we were working on that he got the job for Top Gun. And he tried out a number of way bigger singers than I was, I mean, I hadn’t even had a hit yet. We had underground songs, with “Sex” and with “Metro,” but none of those were Top Forty hits, so that, you know, we weren’t considered big time. And, anyway, he tried all these singers, and the producers, Jerry Bruckheimer and John Simpson,
they didn’t like anybody. They didn’t like how any of them sounded. So Kelly was like, he’s like, well, I’m working with this girl Terri Nunn from Berlin, you know, they’re up-and-coming. You want me to try her? And they said, sure. (Laugh) So he did and they liked it. And the rest is history. So a very lucky, wonderful experience for us. And just, it keeps, it’s the gift that keeps on giving, because it’s still used in movies and television shows, and people, it’s like a calling card, you know, everywhere I go people, the door’s open in a lot of places because of people’s connection with that music, that song. Yeah, we thought Kenny Loggins’ song would be the big one. We thought, what was it? “Danger Zone.” That was the first release. And we thought, oh, that’s going to be the number one. And then they came out with “Take My Breath Away,” and as a single it didn’t do well in the beginning. We thought, oh, it’s not going to do very well.
Celebrating 43 Years!
And then all of the sudden it started to go and go and go. And then it started to go internationally. And I mean it was, for us, you know, amazing, because there were countries that couldn’t give a shit about Berlin before that, and because of that song they invited us to come play. So that was all new for us. And it was all based on that experience and that song, so yeah. Amazing! MK: Yes. Well, actually there is this little theater group that we have in Seattle called the Brown Derby Series. And they, a couple of months ago, they did a parody of Top Gun. Terri: (Laugh) Yeah? MK: A very – more, that you thought that Top Gun was very homoerotic, this was even more homoerotic. Majorly. Terri: Awesome! MK: Yeah, and Tom Cruise’s character, and Val Kilmer’s character, they end up together in the end. Terri: Well, you kind of expect that, right? MK: I know, it’s such a missed opportunity. (Chuckle) Terri: (Laugh) I know, Val Kilmer, man. He’s a hottie. MK: Yes. I had noticed in your bio that you had auditioned for the original Star Wars. And you were up for the part for Princess Leia. Terri: Oh, yeah. You Tube. Just put in Terri Nunn, Star Wars audition and you’ll see me sitting with Harrison Ford in director’s chairs doing the lines. Mm-hmm. (Chuckle) MK: I read that Harrison didn’t like you for the part, so and, of course. Terri: No, he didn’t like me at all. I don’t know why that was. I hear different reasons over the years, you know, maybe he was coming on to me and I wasn’t getting it? I don’t know. But yeah, he was just not very nice to me and I didn’t get the part and I’m actually happy because Berlin happened shortly after that, and this band, and the music is my biggest dream of all. So that would’ve not happened if Star Wars had happened. I’d be an actor probably now, I don’t know, but I’m really happy how the way things have turned out. MK: Have you ever run into Harrison Ford since then? Terri: No, I haven’t actually. I don’t
see him anywhere. I ran into Mark Hamill. I ran into George Lucas, but not Harrison Ford, no. MK: Another question was were you, would you ever go back to doing acting? Terri: I don’t have a pull for that. I’m still fascinated with music and what we could do with it. Our next album is actually going to be with the original Berlin guy. So it will be the original, yeah, Berlin III, John Crawford, David Diamond and I. You know, before I called you I was thinking; why don’t I invite David Diamond to come do the show with me in Seattle? Because he was so young at the time in the first couple of albums that he worked on with us. He was like 16, 17. And he came out and was loud and proud about it. And it was, I mean, even as late as 1982 that was a big deal. Not many people were doing it then. And even our record label, which was headed by David Geffen, who came out later, he had not yet. And so when David Diamond is loud and proud in interviews about his lifestyle and who he is, we got a little bit of a contention from the record deal. It was like, why are you talking about this? And I supported David. You know, he was always just so honest about who he was. And I thought it was great. And so I backed him up and the record label people did, you know, they quieted down and saw that it wasn’t hurting us at all, and it wasn’t hurting them, or their record sales. And then, of course, later David Geffen himself came out. So I just thought with all that history why don’t I invite David Diamond to come? He’s been guesting with us onstage for a few shows. By the way it’s my birthday when I do my show up there when I do the show. Actually the 26th, but I’m celebrating the whole weekend. MK: Oh, gosh! (Laugh) Terri: (Laugh) So, yeah! So I’m thinking maybe I’ll invite David Diamond to come play with us. I’ve got dancers come in. I’ve got girl dancers come up before, but for this one I got two hot guys dancing with me. I think it’s going to be great. MK: For this crowd you need the hot guys, okay? Terri: You do? You need the hot guys? MK: Oh, yes, yes. We’re talking for this particular crowd, they love the divas, but also they love the hot guys.
Terri: Okay. Well, then that’s a good choice. MK: For Pride season, under the current administration, how should we cope during this administration? Terri: Well, I wish I could tell you. Honestly, oh, gosh, like I think the whole, pretty much, you know, the country that didn’t vote for him is still in shock. I don’t know how it happened. I just can’t say President Trump without laughing. And I, my personal feeling, I wish I could advise other people, but I don’t know how to do that, my personal feeling is that I want him to go away and do his job. I don’t ever want to hear him again. I’ve heard him enough. I’ve heard him speak enough for the rest of the four years he’s going to be in office. I don’t want to hear him anymore, it’s annoying, it’s awful, it’s mean, it’s belittling, I don’t like this guy. I’m hoping that whoever, that 42% or whomever voted for him saw in him that there’s something that they saw that will actually do something good. (Chuckle) I don’t know, but it might be, you know? Somebody said to me, because I came out on my Facebook page about Trump and I got hammered by, you know, the people who voted for him. One guy said to me this that did resonate with me. And he voted for Trump. He said; you know, it is true that some people who are not very socially adept are very good at their jobs. And I’m like, yeah, that is true, because he’s definitely not social adept. MK: Well, then also he’s not very good at his job either. Terri: Yeah, I think, MK, the one good thing that’s come out of this is people have joined together so much more than I’ve ever seen with the President in my lifetime because of the contention that he’s brought into this country with the stuff that he said that I think that, that people coming together is a good thing. And that is my only advice that I would think in doing that, you know, stick together, stand together, say what you feel, say what’s important to you, and we will get through this. And somehow, I have a great faith in the universe, somehow the world will be better because of this. I can’t see it now, but it’s coming, it’s going to happen. And maybe that is one of the ways it will happen, people coming together, and standing together, for what they
believe in. MK: I have one last question, my burning question, an important question, which I want to know what the answer to this. If you had recorded “Sex” today, what additional racy lyrics would you add to it? Because based on current music today, you know, anything’s possible. Anything goes, you know. Terri: Yeah, sometimes, you know, when I’ve done the song I’ve thrown in other lyrics just that I felt like saying that night. You know? Just for fun, because that’s what I was feeling that night. So what have I said? I’m a dog, you’re a dog. I’m an asshole. I’m tired. (Laugh) Oh, let’s see. Hmm. Gosh, I don’t know, I’d have to give that a little bit of thought just for other ones I would say. I’m a diva. Because I sure am sometimes. MK: I’m a Divaaaaaaa. Terri: (Laugh) Yeah, that’s it. Yeah, so there’s a few anyway. How about you? What would you put in there? What would you add? Michael: Let’s see here. Hmm. I’m a cat, I’m a cad, I’m a fab! Or sex is fab! Terri: I’m so fab! Yeah. MK: It was a pleasure and I hope you enjoy Seattle and we look forward to seeing you. Terri: You bet. Come and see Berlin Ft. Terri Nunn and stay to see Vicci Martinez (“The Voice”), Sabrina Johnston (Dance Diva), and Melanie Amaro (X-Factor). Emceed by Miss MeMe with DJ Disco Vinnie. Plenty of food featuring Jack’s BBQ and awesome drinks all day. This event is for 21 yrs and older and runs from 12 noon - 10 pm, after 10 pm continue the party dancing on The Cuff dance floor until 2 am. Cover Is $25.00. Wristbands go on at 8 am on Sunday June 25. Please get there early to avoid the line. Expanded Security Screening – so PLEASE NO BACKPACKS. Hear more of this interview on MK’s podcast; podomatic.com/podcasts/itsfab MK Scott is a Seattle-based arts blogger. Check out his blog at outviewonline. com
Terri Nunn – Photo courtesy of Berlin
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Celebrating 43 Years!
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Celebrating 43 Years!
OPEN NOW – SEPTEMBER 4
pacsci.org “If you’re in the Seattle area, I HIGHLY recommend the Terracotta Warrior exhibit at @PacSci - This may be the best exhibit I’ve seen there!” – Joseph H. | Twitter
Local Major Sponsors:
Media Sponsors:
Additional support provided by Alaska Airlines and The Boeing Company This exhibition was organized by Pacific Science Center, Seattle and The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, The United States Of America and the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau and Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Centre, People’s Republic of China.
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Seattle Gay News 15
THE Mozart to Macklemore. Make an entrance with jaw-dropping arrangements to your favorite songs. CLASSIC Book Today. REMIX. Dates fill fast. 206 948 9033 | windsongtrio.com |
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Seattle Gay News 17
Going out for music? Go to the clubs that treat musicians fairly...
FAIR TRADE MUSIC! These clubs have signed a FAIR TRADE MUSIC PLEDGE to provide musicians with a written contract, with accountability and transparency:
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88 Keys (Pioneer Square) Barboza (Capitol Hill) Blue Moon Tavern (U District) Capitol Cider (Capitol Hill)
Neptune Theatre (U District) Neumos (Capitol Hill) The Paramount Theatre (downtown)
Chop Suey (Capitol Hill) Columbia City Theater (Columbia City) Couth Buzzard (Greenwood) The Crocodile (Belltown) Egan’s Ballard Jam House (Ballard)
Re-bar (downtown) Royal Room (Columbia City)
Fiddler’s Inn (Wedgwood) Highway 99 Blues Club (downtown) Hopvine Pub (Capitol Hill) J&M Café (Pioneer Square) Latona Pub (Greenlake) The Moore Theatre (downtown) Nectar Lounge (Fremont)
Seamontser Lounge (Wallingford) Showbox (downtown) Showbox SoDo (SoDo) Skylark Café (West Seattle) Stone Way Café (Fremont) Tula’s (Belltown) Vito’s (First Hill) Watershed Pub & Kitchen (Mapleleaf) Waving Tree Winery (Kirkland) . . .and Seattle Theatre Group (STG) productions
Celebrating 43 Years!
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Apollo Capsule – Photo courtesy of Museum of Flight
by Albert Rodriguez SGN A&E Writer APOLLO MUSEUM OF FLIGHT New permanent exhibit How awesome is it that we have a worldclass museum right here in Seattle dedicated to aviation? Even better, it includes exhibits on space travel and exploration, too. If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the Museum of Flight, or have never been to it at all, it’s time to go. With indoor and outdoor exhibits spread out in multiple galleries on opposites sides of East Marginal Way, this 30,000 square foot Emerald City attraction is the largest private air and space museum on the planet, not to mention Raisbeck Aviation High School is just up the road, a STEM school with emphasis on aviation that exists from a partnership between the Museum of Flight, Highline Public Schools, Boeing and other industry members. The museum itself is huge – 20 acres total – so give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to see it all. Admission allows you to join a group tour for free, just meet by the entrance of the Great Hall, footsteps from the ticket desks. Admission does not include entrance into the 3D Movie Theater, although tickets for the films, like the just added 25-minute 3D experience “Aircraft Carrier,” are reasonably priced.
the third man to walk on the Moon, on the Apollo 12 mission. He was also part of Gemini 5 and Skylab 2 mission crews, and commanded the Gemini 11 mission. Some of Conrad’s personal belongings are available to see in the exhibit, including his actual spacesuit, Princeton University letterman’s jacket and his personal preference kit with flags. Also on display in “Space: The New Frontier,” where you’ll find the new Apollo exhibit, is an Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle Module, built in 1971, Goodrich Gemini spacesuit gloves, circa 1964, an Apollo
“APOLLO” New to this museum, located just south of the Georgetown district and at the tail end of the Boeing facilities, is “Apollo,” a permanent exhibit that opened on May 20. On display for the first time to the public are the long-lost rocket engines that launched the Apollo astronauts to the Moon, as well as an authentic NASA control panel from the 1960s, the kind often seen in Hollywood space-themed films. Charles “Pete” Conrad unfortunately died in a motorcycle accident in 1999, but during his astronautical career he became
20 Seattle Gay News
Command Module 007A from 1965, a piece of Moon rock, John Young’s Apollo 10 spacesuit, from 1969, and the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to Seattle-born astronaut Dick Gordon, who completed two space flights, Gemini 11 and Apollo 12. GREAT GALLERY After paying admission, most guests begin their experience in the Great Gallery, a grand exhibit hall adjacent to the main lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows. Various aircraft, from some of the earliest inventions to several military fighter jets, are ei-
ther shown on the ground floor, or are hanging from the ceiling. Worth pointing out, a Lockheed Martin RQ-3A DarkStar, a McDonnell F-4C Phantom II, a Cessna CG-2 Glider, a Taylor Aerocar II, a Northrop YF5A Freedom Fighter, Boeing Models 40B, 80A-1 and 100, an Insitu ScanEagle and a reproduction of the Wright 1903 Flyer, credited as the first successful heavierthan-air powered aircraft. There’s also a 4DX Simulator and 1360 Simulators, for those wanting a more soaring experience, and the lobby has a few replicas and reproductions of gliders and vintage aircraft on
Viking III Lander – Photo courtesy of Museum of Flight
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Celebrating 43 Years!
hand as well. “Space: The New Frontier” is also part of the Great Gallery. AVIATION PAVILION Across the skybridge and through the Space Shuttle exhibit is my favorite wing of the Museum of Flight, the Aviation Park, where various aircraft are not only on display, but guests are welcome to view their interiors. Among the retired airplanes parked permanently here is an Air Force One, which transported three former US Presidents – Eisenhower, Kennedy and Nixon, who traveled to China aboard this particular specially-designed jumbo jet. Guests can see the whole interior, from the cockpit to the back galley, where food was cooked on burners and self-serve beverage (coffee, water, etc.) dispensers were available for the President and his entourage; there is an identical galley with another beverage dispenser at the front. The President’s private bathroom, staff conference room and original leather passenger seats can also be seen. I was so excited to board the 747, as it’s the one long-haul aircraft that has eluded me in my travels, however, it was a rippedout interior with not much to see except some old photographs. In contrast, the 787 Dreamliner, which is the newest addition to the Boeing long-haul fleet, was worth the walk through; I’ve flown on a 787 twice, to Tokyo and back, but didn’t get to see much of the plane inside. But perhaps the most astonishing aircraft parked at the Aviation Pavilion, a covered yet wall-less giant lot, is the British Airways Concorde. I’ll never get to ride in one of these beauties, so this was the next best thing and I at least got to see what it looked like from the inside; you can literally stand under the bird beaked-shaped nose for a selfie afterwards. SPACE GALLERY You’ll have to walk through the Space Gallery, in order to access the Aviation Pavilion, so you can’t miss the NASA Full Fuselage Trainer and Soyuz TMA-14 Descent Module on the floor, plus hanging are the Hubble Space Telescope (1.2 model), Boeing Global Positioning System IIF Satellite, mock-up of Boeing Inertial Upper Stage and Scaled Composites: SpaceShipOne (1.1 scale model). This is a really cool part of the museum to look at if you’re even remotely interested in space travel.
Moon rock, Early space suit gloves, and Pete Conrad’s space suit liner – Photos courtesy of Museum of Flight
Apollo Command Module – Photo courtesy of Museum of Flight
RED BARN / PERSONAL COURAGE WING See where it all began for Boeing in the Red Barn with the Original Factory Floor on the ground level and the Original Drafting Room and the office of Claire Egtvedt, the former chairman of Boeing. The Personal Courage Wing is split into two galleries on two floors. On the first floor are aircraft from World War II and on the upper level are a variety from World War I. Combined, you’ll see a Caproni Ca.20, Fokker, D. VII, Republic P-47D, General Motors FM-2, Yakovlev Yak-9U and a Lockheed P-38L Lightning. WINGS CAFE The Wings Cafe at the Museum of Flight resembles a deli with a good selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries and other items, plus daily specials. If the weather is nice, sit outside and take advantage of an unobstructed view of Boeing Field with multiple charter and test flights scheduled weekly. An excursion to the Museum of Flight, accessed by Metro (bus #124 from downtown), is well recommended for yourself, family, friends and out of town visitors. For more information, go to www.museumofflight.org.
Apollo F-1 rocket engine – Photo courtesy of Museum of Flight
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| 2017 21-27, June
| ME 42 VOLU
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Seattle Weekly’s
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Seattle Gay News 23
Concert for America coming to Seattle by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer CONCERT FOR AMERICA: STAND UP, SING OUT! 5TH AVENUE THEATRE July 6 Seth Rudetsky is best known for his work on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s program, “Seth’s Big Fat Broadway.” He has been nominated for an Emmy Award (three times) for his writing on the “Rosie O’Donnell Show,” has appeared on Broadway, written books (fiction) about theatrical life, and has played in the orchestra “pit” for several Broadway shows. Aside from putting on the Broadway Concert of Dreamgirls, Seth, along with his husband James Wesley, have also put together Concert for America: Stand Up, Sing Out!, a concert traveling across America and appearing in different cities, with different artists. The 7th edition of Concert for America is coming to Seattle on Thursday, July 6. Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were your earliest influences in the Broadway theatre? Seth Rudetsky: The first voice I became obsessed with was Susan Johnson in The Most Happy Fella. I do a “deconstruction” [that can be found on line]. [Seth Rudetsky’s “Deconstructing Broadway” can be seen on YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/user/zonkzink.] After that, my next big obsession was A Chorus Line. James Wesley: Seth had the benefit of growing up in the New York City area, but I grew up in San Francisco. I saw touring companies, and they didn’t get as many “big names.” Most of my [musical] influences were from movies and the biggest was Barbra Streisand. I’d say she and another woman, who has done many of our concerts, Chita Rivera were the most influential. Andrews-Katz: What was the first show that gave you the theatre bug? Rudetsky: That’s very easy; it was a one-month revival of The Pajama Game. When I was in the second grade, my family stayed home for the Winter Holiday, and they took us to see three shows. Since I was a small kid, I fell asleep in them, but the one that I became obsessed with was The Pajama Game. I was obsessed with the opening number. The best thing I love about musical theatre are the scenes that are musicalized;
Seth Rudetsky – Photo courtesy of Seth Rudetsky
I love the fight scene from Dreamgirls, the baseball scene from Falsettos, so I was obsessed with the opening scene of The Pajama Game. Wesley: For me it was a regional theatre of The Wizard of Oz. I remember everything including exactly where I was sitting in the theatre. Andrews-Katz: What was the first show you played piano for? Rudetsky: It was My Favorite Year (or as I like to call it, My Favorite Week because of how short it ran). I have been obsessed with Andrea Martin since SCTV days. I feel very lucky that every person I was obsessed with as a child, I got to work with later on in life. I got to meet Andrea Martin, and flipped out. In those days I did a lot of “sub” work playing piano for these shows. My Favorite Year led to Les Miserables, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Phantom. I enjoy subbing since I play one show for the matinee and then another in
the evening. Andrews-Katz: Seth, you have worked on many Broadway shows. What is your favorite Broadway memory and what is your worst one? Rudetsky: My favorite was when I was conducting for The Producers on Broadway. At the end of the song, “I Want to be a Producer,” the ladies come out of the file cabinets, and I’d conduct the final beat of the song. It was so theatrically thrilling because the lights would change, and the music would swell, and it was an exciting moment of Broadway synchronicity for me. And I got to be a part of that. My second memory was that I wanted to conduct Dreamgirls with Lilias White (and eventually did for the Broadway Concert). When she sang “I Am Changing” at the end, I was in charge of bringing the music up to change the scene. I use to delay for a few seconds to allow her to get the applause she deserved for that number. It’s an
Broadway First Dates: Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley – Photo courtesy of theatermania on youtube.com
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amazing memory. My worst memory is because I am such a baby about insects. I was playing for Seussical, the Musical, and above me was a giant water bug. Since the orchestra pit is below the floor of the stage, the actors would be dancing above and the bug was clinging above me, shaking and vibrating. I couldn’t stop playing and I was terrified the bug was going to fall on me. I remember watching it and being completely terrified. Andrews-Katz: How did the two of you meet? Rudetsky: We met at a mutual friends’ game night in December 2006. It was a single’s game night, but James claims he didn’t know that. We’ve had mutual friends over the years, but never met. I had just broken off a long-term relationship and looked forward to having a year to be a “tramp.” James was one of the many guys that I called after the party, and we went out on two dates before I had conflicting feelings. I remember being happy because I knew we were going to be together, but I was looking forward to my year of being a tramp. Wesley: Seth knew it was a single’s night but I didn’t. I had been to this friend’s game nights before, so I didn’t think anything of it. I went to it late. I was previously out with a friend for dinner and a movie, and thought I’d stop by afterwards. There was Seth with all of these single gay guys, and I still didn’t realize it was a single’s party. We all had numbers around our necks (and I still didn’t get it). I got the clue when I saw the contact sheet for all the guys who attended. Andrews-Katz: You two have worked together on concerts as well as the Broadway homage musical, Disaster. What is the most challenging thing about working together as a couple? Rudetsky: We are always working on it [the concerts] even when we aren’t in the office. We’ll be out to dinner and have to make it a point to say, “let’s NOT talk about something related to the concert.” Literally, we are together twelve hours a day, our date nights have often changed to becoming discussions about the concerts. Wesley: It’s difficult to turn it off. You are with each other so much. We may have dinner or go to a movie, or be on the subway and an idea pops into my head. We’ll start
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Concert for America – Photo courtesy of goldstar.com
having a discussion. Andrews-Katz: The first Concert for America was performed in January 2017 and is now touring the country. What made you decide to put this show together? Rudetsky: James came up with the idea first, and I said forget it, it’s not going to happen. Then he called me and said, “we have to do this.” Once that was said, I agreed. We only had about three weeks to get it going, but James convinced me and we just did it. I trust James so much, that I listen when he says stuff. Wesley: For me it was a method of survival for one’s mental health. Rudetsky: I agree. Wesley: That was the initial reasoning behind the show, and now it’s expanded. In the aftermath of the election, we looked at each other and said, “This is something we can do well.” We made a list of our friends and a few days later we started to contact people. There were rumors that a major concert event was happening with Pop Stars, and that it was going to be performing across the country. It turns out they were rumors, but we decided to do it. We raise money for organizations, but it’s more about giving these great charities publicity for the wonderful work they do. There is an American gay man that wants to marry his fiancé (who happens to be from a Muslim country where there is a travel ban going on). Not only can they NOT get married now, but they can’t even visit because one of their countries is banned from immigration to the U.S., and if the American travels there, he’ll be killed for being a gay man. That helped me understand the reason for all of what we are trying to do. Most of the concert’s beneficiaries focus on gay rights and the undermining of hate groups. Our concerts give them a platform to say what they do, as well as being entertaining for the audiences. Andrews-Katz: Every city across America has a different line up of stars performing. How does it get decided which play at what venues? Rudetsky: There will be no sad love songs in the show. We want everyone to leave feeling happy and uplifted. Wesley: We have our set of friends that we’ve known for years, and friends that are new because of the concert. We’ll reach out
(or they will reach out to us) and say, “these are the upcoming dates, where would you like to fit in?” A lot of it depends on the locality of the performer. For Seattle, we have lined up the pop star Maureen McGovern. Not only was she on Broadway (Little Women, Three Penny Opera) but her song “There’s Got To Be A Morning After” has lyrics that are very relevant in recognizing what is going on today. Under all the negativity, there is still an optimism and positivity, and it’s all about the joy. Andrews-Katz: The performers are mostly Broadway talents. Will they be singing songs from the theatre or songs from a more traditional Americana songbook? Rudetsky: If we are lucky to have the
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performer that originated a song (example, Marissa Jaret Winokur singing “Good Morning, Baltimore” from Hairspray) we always like them to present that. But in San Francisco, we had “Last Dance,” and “I Will Survive.” James and I are big Pop fans as well, but it’s Pop from the 1970s and ’80s. We always like to have a mix. Andrews-Katz: Is the concert made up of songs only or will there be other acts involved? Rudetsky: We do it all. We’ll have a song, then a (four minute) conversation about one of the beneficiaries, then another song or a comedy act. We keep it very entertaining. Wesley: We don’t have a standup comic
in Seattle, but it is the first stop we’ll have a dance crew performing. Andrews-Katz: You have worked with practically every notable name on Broadway. Is there a favorite person you like to work with, and is there a person you’d like to avoid working with in the future? Rudetsky: My favorite person(s)… I’d have to say a lot of them have to do with my childhood. I love the new stars as well, Jesse Mueller, Gavin Creel or Norm Lewis (Gavin and Norm are my favorite male performers). When I play for Patti LuPone, or Betty Buckley, or Andrea McArdle, it’s a thrill because these were people I never saw performing these great roles when I was a child, but now I get to sit with them, chat and hear them perform these great songs live. I’d also have to say I love working with Audra McDonald; we’ve known each other since our 20’s. I don’t think there is anyone I’d avoid working with … I tend to have a good reputation with people deemed as “being difficult.” They know that I’m so obsessed with musical theatre that they know I’m going to make them look good because of it. The star lineup for Seattle’s concert includes: Maureen McGovern, Sierra Boggess, Kerry Butler, Dinah Manoff, Shoshana Bean, Megan Hilty, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Billie Wildrick and several other talented artists. Concert for America started on January 20, 2017 at The Town Hall in New York City. The mission is to “raise money and infuse fellow Americans with hope and inspiration and the desire to become more active citizens.” There are five beneficiaries for Concert for America, all working to protect human rights: Southern Poverty Law Center, National Immigration Law Center, The Sierra Club Foundation, NAACP, and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Tickets ranging from $250 (VIP seating with Meet/Greet with the cast) to $25 are available through the 5th Avenue Theatre at the box office (1308 5th Avenue), by phone at 206-625-1900, or online at https:// www.5thavenue.org/ For more information, please go to: http://www.concertsforamerica.com
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Seattle Gay News 25
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SeattleChoruses.org | 206.388.1400 26 Seattle Gay News
June 23, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
Teatro ZinZanni’s beloved “Love, Chaos, and Dinner” returns for a limited engagement at King County’s Marymoor Park
Photo courtesy of Teatro Zinzanni
With great excitement, Teatro ZinZanni has announced the highly anticipated return of their production of “Love, Chaos, and Dinner,” the beloved original show combining the best of cirque, cabaret, spectacle, live music, comedy, and fine dining. The iconic institution found an ideal location and perfect partner to present its truly one-of-a-kind experience at King County’s Marymoor Park near Redmond. Performances are scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 19, 2017 for a six-month engagement within the same stunning, velvet-laden, and iconic Belgian spiegeltent Seattleites will remember from Teatro ZinZanni’s former location on lower Queen Anne. “We are thrilled to join forces with King County Parks as we make ourselves at home on the Eastside,” Norm Langill, company founder and artistic director commented. “They have established Marymoor Park as a first-class entertainment destination for the region providing a diverse array of spectacular live entertainment to residents within King County’s most scenic location. Furthermore, the Eastside has always represented a considerable part of our audience since we opened. I am delighted that this opportunity allows us to get a little closer to this wonderful community while remaining accessible to our Seattle fans. I can think of no better place to launch the next chapter of Teatro ZinZanni’s history.” “Hosting events like Teatro ZinZanni supports our arts community and creates significant economic benefits for local cities and businesses,” Kevin Brown, director for King County Parks commented.
“We are delighted to partner with Teatro ZinZanni and bring its one-of-a-kind performance to Marymoor Park.” More than 3 million people visit Marymoor Park annually to explore the 640 acres of recreational activities, rare amenities, and culturally-enriching events. Productions like Teatro ZinZanni, the Marymoor Park Concerts, and sports tournaments provide a direct benefit to the local economy by bringing in new dollars from outside of the area that are spent on lodging, meals, and incidentals throughout Eastside communities. Since 1998, Teatro ZinZanni has captivated over one million audience members with its signature dinner show, featuring performance artists at the top of their craft from around the world. The work of Tommy Tune, Ann Wilson, Liliane Montevecchi, Joan Baez, amongst many others has graced the tent. More recently, Teatro ZinZanni’s popularity shows no signs of waning as 2016 represented one of its biggest years ever, performing to over 60,000 people and seeing a record-breaking year in sales. Looking forward, the company is working on future plans to grow as an organization including continued efforts for securing a permanent home in the Seattle area. “Stay tuned,” Langill teases. “The best is yet to come for the most amazing and dedicated fans in the world.” Casting and ticket on sale information will be available in the coming weeks. For more information, visit zinzanni.com/seattle.
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About Teatro ZinZanni Teatro ZinZanni was founded in 1998 launching a wholly original new form of entertainment combining a unique fusion of cirque, comedy, cabaret, spectacle, and live music while serving up a multi-course feast. The show is presented in a gorgeous, climate-controlled, antique cabaret tent (known as a spiegeltent). Imported from Belgium, the spiegeltent is nicknamed the Moulin Rouge. Built in 1910, it boasts stained glass, hand-carved wooden interior columns, polished crystal and mirrors, and comfortably seats 285 people.
About King County Parks King County Parks – Your Big Backyard – offers more than 200 parks and 28,000 acres of open space, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, 215 miles of backcountry trails and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Courtesy of Teatro Zinzanni
Photo courtesy of Teatro Zinzanni
June 23, 2017
Seattle Gay News 27
A SIGNATURE NORTHWEST CULINARY EVENT The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival returns for 16th year Oct. 6-8 PORT ANGELES, WA – Come and “embrace your inner crab” at one of the most acclaimed seafood festivals in the country! The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival is a grand celebration of the coveted crustacean that derives its name from the Olympic Peninsula town where it was first commercially harvested in 1848 – Dungeness. Sharing the aquaculture, agriculture and maritime traditions of the Olympic Peninsula, the festival brings food, art, music, Native American activities and children’s events into one spectacular experience for the whole family! This signature Pacific Northwest event will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 6-8, at the Port Angeles City Pier. Hours are Friday, 12pm-10pm; Saturday, 9:30am-10pm; and Sunday, 9am-5pm. Admission is free. “CrabFest” has been named one of the Top 100 Events by the American Bus Association and has been recognized by Coastal Living Magazine, GQ Magazine, Saveur, and others as one of the top seafood festivals in North America. We were even a question on Jeopardy! The Food! More than 14 tons of Dungeness crab are pulled from local waters each year, enabling festival-goers to savor the freshest crab available. A crab feed in the 10,000 square foot Kitsap Bank Crab Central tent features large whole crabs, fresh Sunny Farms corn and Nash’s organic cole slaw. At Crab Central and throughout the grounds, 14 local and regional restaurants will serve-up everything from crab bisque to Dungeness paella and much more! Nonseafood and vegetarian dishes will also be available. The full price for a crab dinner is
28 Seattle Gay News
Cuisine. A Perfect Getaway Crabfest is a seasonal highlight for Port Angeles, located at the Gateway to Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Center. The region is long known as an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with a growing reputation for culinary adventure. During the fall, travelers can visit artisan wineries, take a county farm tour and savor local cuisine at a waterfront resort. The area’s diverse geography features glacially sculpted peaks and towering old growth forest, wild ocean beaches and lush estuaries enhanced by living tribal cultures, historic seaport towns, and rolling agricultural land.
Photo courtesy of McKenzie News Service
$29.00. During the Friday Community Crab Feed, dinners can be purchased at a discounted price of $25.00. Active members of the military and their spouses can enjoy a full, fresh crab dinner for $25.00 throughout the weekend. Tickets are available online at www.crabfestival.org with special benefits. The Fun! The festival kicks-off with a welcoming ceremony and blessing featuring the Lower Elwha Drum Group on Saturday at 11am at the Gateway Pavilion. There will be live music all three days, local beer and wine, a Sunday non-denominational “Crab Revival,” Marine Debris Art and a 5K Fun Run. A Chowder Cook-Off, craft and merchant
June 23, 2017
booths and our family Grab-A-Crab Derby will round out the event. Chef Demonstration Stage Featuring Celebrity Guest Chefs The chef demonstration located in Gateway Pavilion will feature an outstanding line-up of culinary talent from around the Olympic Peninsula and beyond. This year, Crabfest is proud to host Shaun O’Neale, the winner of FOX TV’s MasterChef Season 7, Kate McDermott, James Beard Award finalist and author of the “Art of the Pie” cookbook, Seattle Chef and cookbook author Cynthia Nims, Jonas Stadtlander, executive chef, Sooke Harbour House and more! Each chef will use fresh, local ingredients to prepare authentic Olympic Coast
MORE ABOUT CRABFEST Getting There To get to Crabfest, visitors can drive Route 101 to Port Angeles, with options for multiple ferry connections. Those from Canada will find special packages on the Coho Ferry from Victoria, which docks right next to the festival! Sponsors Crabfest could not exist without the support of our more than 40 sponsors. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsors: Black Ball Ferry Line, Kitsap Bank, Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles. For details, visit www.crabfestival.org, e-mail operations@crabfestival.org, or phone 360-452-6300. Courtesy of The Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival
Celebrating 43 Years!
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Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 23, 2017
Seattle Gay News 29
30 Seattle Gay News
June 23, 2017
Celebrating 43 Years!
Northwest Harvest invites you to join us in making a difference in the lives of those who struggle with hunger. We know that fighting hunger requires much more than just feeding the hungry. Eliminating hunger requires addressing its root causes in poverty and social disparities. Poverty and hunger are experienced at disproportionately higher rates for people of color, women, LGBTQ communities, and other oftenmarginalized minority groups. The reasons for the disparate impact of poverty are often rooted in structural barriers created by discriminatory laws, racist policies, and prejudicial societal practices—resulting in generations of lost opportunities for education, employment, health care, and housing. In order to better understand and identify solutions, we need to question these structural barriers. And to end hunger, we must help end practices that widen opportunity gaps, as well as instill the practices that help create opportunities and lead to a more equitable society. Advocacy on behalf of marginalized people is nothing new to Northwest Harvest. For 50 years, we’ve been building coalitions and partnerships to help those in need. During this time, we’ve grown from a project of local social activists to our position today as the foremost leader in fighting hunger in the state of Washington. Every day, we are proud to be a loud and active voice for those who are too often voiceless in our society. And, in today’s current social and political climate, we must do everything we can to turn up the volume. We ask you to join us. Make yourself heard. Donate. Volunteer. Be a voice. Together, we can end hunger in our state.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
June 23, 2017
Seattle Gay News 31
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this product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product and For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children.