Seattle Gay News
Issue 40, Volume 43, October 2, 2015
Arts & Entertainment SLGFF OPENING NIGHT FILM: Seattle Women’s Chorus presents
An interview with Freeheld co-star Ellen Page
Ellen Page stars as ‘Stacie Andree’ in Freeheld – Photo by Phil Caruso
by Gary M. Kramer SGN Contributing Writer Freeheld opens the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival on Thursday, October 8, 7:15 p.m. at the SIFF Egyptian Theatre; general release October 9.
The affecting drama Freeheld is based on the true story (and Oscar-winning short documentary), about Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a dedicated detective in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, who must fight for justice when her legal domestic partner,
“Hallows in the Cathedral: Spirits Rising”
with Guest Star Rebekah Del Rio (10/23 & 24 ONLY)
Guest Star Rebeka Del Rio will be performing with Seattle Women’s Chorus Oct. 23-24 ONLY – firstenttheshow.com
SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS “HALLOWS IN THE CATHEDRAL: SPIRIT RISING” ST. MARK’S CATHEDRAL October 23 & 24, October 30 & 31
see ellen page page 9
Seattle Women’s Chorus returns to Saint Mark’s Cathedral this October for their annual All Hallows Eve concerts. This is Seattle Women’s Chorus’ fourth consecutive year performing inside the historic Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle’s Capitol see “spirits rising” page 6
Seattle Lesbian & Gay Pacific Northwest Ballet: “See the Music” Film Festival celebrates
20th Anniversary Oct. 8-18 by Jason Plourde Executive Director Three Dollar Bill Cinema Special to the SGN
Pacific Northwest Ballet company dancers in Jerome Robbins’ The Concert (or, The Perils of Everybody), which PNB is presenting as part of its season-opener, SEE THE MUSIC, September 25 – October 4, 2015. Photo © Angela Sterling.
by Sharon Cumberland SGN A&E Writer PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET “SEE THE MUSIC” MCCAW HALL Through October 4 Pacific Northwest Ballet’s season is off to a tremendous start with three wonder-
ful dances performed to the kind of music you want to hear, by a company that can do anything – as these very diverse ballets illustrate. Artistic Director Peter Boal and his PNB teams have created a deeply satisfying evening of broad visual, musical, and emotional range. If “See the Music” were a single work in three acts, it could not be a more complex, moving, funny, and yet harsee “see the music” page 8
It was October 1996. Movie audiences were enjoying Bette Midler in THE FIRST WIVES CLUB and Whoopi Goldberg in THE ASSOCIATE in theaters. DVD was fighting off VHS for home viewing superiority, where families were watching rentals of Tom Cruise’s first MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE or possibly Wes Anderson’s BOTTLE ROCKET. And in Seattle, at the Harvard Exit, the very first Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival was held over five days, kicking off with BEAUTIFUL THING, Hettie Macdonald’s story of young Gay love, and followed by EVERYTHING RELATIVE, described as “the Lesbian BIG CHILL.” The festival, which first launched with a sold out presentation of short films and a flyer that said “Queer as a Three Dollar Bill Cinema,” aspired to bring the worldwide boom in Queer filmmaking to Seattle’s LGBT community and help the community see itself on screen. The city was immediately supportive: In his welcome letter, festival founder Skylar Fein thanked a long list of local people and companies who made it all possible, many of whom remain allies today. Since 1996, the list of the incredible,
groundbreaking, funny, heartbreaking, and crucial works of LGBT cinema that have been screened at the festival is just too long to name, but some highlights include the sold out premiere of the Northwest-set BIG EDEN in 2000; the archival screening of Dorothy Arzner’s WORKING GIRLS in 2003; the 2002 U.S. Premiere of TIPPING THE VELVET, with Sarah Waters in attendance; and 2013’s Opening Night Gala for I AM DIVINE. And the purpose of the festival, now presented by the prolific year-round organization, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, remains the same: to showcase extraordinary and award-winning work relevant to the LGBT community, and to encourage members of this community from around the world to express their creativity and tell their stories through film and video. The 20th anniversary of the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival will take place October 8-18, 2015 with a lineup as impressive as ever, including a glitzy opening night gala, starstudded centerpiece presentations, and a closing night party that’s the must-attend event of the season. The full program and ticketing options are available online at threedollarbillcinema.org. Get ready to #QueerItUp for this spectacular 20th birthday!
2 Seattle Gay News
October 2, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
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October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 3
An interview with Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald – Sara Krulwich / The New York Times
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer AUDRA MCDONALD BROADWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS PANTAGES THEATER – TACOMA October 25 The Theatre Gods have definitely blessed Audra McDonald. She has won acclaim from acting on television, full-feature films, opera, and the stage – for singing and non-singing roles alike. More than anyone else, she has broken the Tony Awards record (twice) for being the ONLY woman ever to have won in the four major categories, as well as the most Tony Awards ever won by a single individual. Miss McDonald is a force to be reckoned with. As a huge advocate for LGBT equality, challenging politicians and citizens alike to recognize diversity, Miss McDonald proves she is as beautiful on stage as off. With her recent win of a Creative Arts Emmy Award (September 2015) her indomitable talents show no signs of stopping as she continues performing on stage and in concert. The Seattle Gay News was granted a 10-minute interview with this Great Goddess of Song as she continues on her touring schedule, performing in Tacoma on October 25. Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were your earliest influences in becoming a performer? Audra McDonald: I would definitely say Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. Those were the main two. Well, Lena Horne, too. I grew up hearing Lena Horne a lot in my house. Andrews-Katz: You’re equally talented in non-musical roles, musical theatre as well as opera. Which do you find the most challenging? And which do you find the most enjoyable? McDonald: I find opera the most challenging. Musical Theatre is the most enjoyable. I find all of them enjoyable, don’t get me wrong, but I like to say Musical Theatre was my first language. Andrews-Katz: The roles you perform are so diverse. What do you look for in the roles you choose?
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McDonald: I look for roles that will challenge me, and those that help me grow as an artist. They don’t have to be roles that have a lot in common emotionally, but it’s more about the journey or the truth of the story. I look for roles that speak to me, whether I have a lot in common with the character or not. Andrews-Katz: You won your sixth (and record breaking) Tony Award for playing Billie Holliday. Do you think she was a tragic figure? McDonald: That’s a tough question to unpack. It depends on whom you are asking, and I know you’re asking me, so I’ll say I think there were tragic elements to her life. She would not have viewed her life as a tragedy but there are people that would argue [the point]. She was complicated and had a lot of tough breaks – as well as astonishing victories in the end – given the time she lived, and the color of her skin, gender, her personal set of circumstances…she was forced to make certain decisions. She didn’t have the options that someone else would have in her position today. Andrews-Katz: Your next role on Broadway is the Eubie Blake/Noble Sissle musical Shuffle. What can you tell us about the role you play, Lottie Gee? McDonald: She as an actress and singer in the 1920s. She was someone who had worked on the “Chittlin Circuit” [a term used for a string of performances in certain venues allowed to African-American performers of the time] here and in Europe. She was considered established in her own way. Shuffle was the height of her Broadway success. She didn’t do anything after that. Andrews-Katz: If you could play any role – regardless of any limitations – what would it be and why? McDonald: I think I would like to play Sweeney Todd. It’s an incredible character with some glorious music. The entire show is filled with great music but that character in particular sings some glorious songs. I think I would like to play Sweeney Todd. Audra McDonald was born in Fresno, California and received classical vocal training at Julliard. She made her Broadway debut in the musical The Secret Gar-
den. Next she appeared as Carrie Pipperidge in the 1994 revival of Carousel, rewarding her with her first Tony Award (Best Featured Actress in a Musical) and setting her on a course that would break all previous records. Ms. McDonald has won 2 Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Carousel, Ragtime), 2 for Best Featured Actress in a Play (Master Class, A Raisin in the Sun), 1 for Best Lead Actress in a Musical (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess), and 1 for Best Lead Actress in a Play (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill). She now holds two Tony Award Broadway Titles: 1) as the only person to win in all available categories as an actress, and 2) the (actor/actress) winning the most Tony Awards in history. Other Broadway appearances have been in Marie Christine and 110 in the Shade (both Tony nominated roles), as well as Dreamgirls, the Concert. Her television roles include the Peabody Award winning program (CBS) “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years.” She went on to co-star in Disney’s remake of Annie (1999), and a recurring role on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2000). She received her first Emmy Award for HBO’s production of “Wit.” She’s appeared in “The West Wing,” “The Bedford Diaries,” the NBC series “Kidnapped” and the live presentation of The Sound of Music. She also hosts the PBS series, “Live From Lincoln Center,” earning her a third Emmy nomination. As of September 2015, she won a Creative Emmy Award. Ms. McDonald has released five solo CDs, which have earned her two Grammy Awards. Audra McDonald will appear back on Broadway in Shuffle Along, Or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, beginning April 21, 2016.
Celebrating 41 Years!
The Art of Bad Men an unusual story brought to life with verve by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer THE ART OF BAD MEN MAP THEATRE (AT INSCAPE) Through October 17 We’re all pretty used to POW films focusing on how hard it is/was to be a prisoner as a U.S. soldier. We don’t usually get a focus on enemy soldiers, but the world premiere play at MAP Theatre, The Art of Bad Men, by local playwright Vincent Delaney, brings us a trio of German POWs held in the pasturelands of Minnesota! The “art” mentioned in the title refers to the fact, a true story, that German POWs in that Minnesota prison camp put on a Moliere play while incarcerated there! I guess it was because they could, and to ward off the tedium and have something to do. The bad men are, by definition, the German soldiers. They are a trio of different kinds of men: a stalwart Nazi (Ben McFadden) trying to keep working on escaping and undermining their captivity, a musician (Ben Burris) who entertained the German soldiers and never saw real action, and a boy (Sean Schroeder) recruited to the Nazi Youth – too young to know what the whole war was about. The soldiers are guarded by a not-verygood U.S. soldier (Brandon Ryan) who had
to pull strings to be allowed to be a soldier at all. But then, where are these prisoners going to escape to? The rolling hills of Minnesota? How far can they run? The local farmgirl (Grace Carmack) falls for the musician, though it’s likely that their relationship is doomed from the start. And the Nazi has an immigrantAmericanized sister (Peggy Gannon) who is disappointed in her brother’s acceptance of Hitler’s propaganda, while he denies her existence. The entire experience of the evening is unified by director Kelly Kitchens’ ingenious staging, which includes choreographed scene changes with music, and fluid fun set pieces, like a bale of hay turned into a car! The show is at the old INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) building, in the space known as INScape (815 Seattle Blvd. S., near 5th Ave. S. & S. Dearborn St.), and is set in the round. Many audience members are practically in the soldiers’ laps. It is a very intimate space. The cast is uniformly solid and brings this unusual story to life with verve. Even so, while Delaney keeps us interested in the characters and their struggles, I continue to wonder whether this is a story that compels in the telling. The story is true. The research that Delaney did included a trip to Germany to interview living ex-POWs, which is mirrored in the play. The idea that they put on a Mo-
Grace Carmack and Ben Burris in The Art of Bad Men – Photo by Shane Regan
liere play as prisoners is startling (there is a real picture of them doing it). MAP Theatre does a bang-up job of presenting the play. Before going, I worried that the subject matter would be dark and unpleasant. It is far more entertaining and even funny, at times, than I expected. Ultimately, it works as a piece of theater, even if the reasons for writing it are more obscure than Delaney might wish. The technical aspects are quite wonderful also, from the inventive costuming by Jocelyne Fowler and the wonderful lighting touches by Tess Malone. The set by
Brandon Estrella works to create the simple, stripped down barracks. For more information, go to www.maptheatre.com or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/829261 or call 800-8383006. Discuss your opinions with sgncritic@ gmail.com or go to www.facebook.com/SeattleTheaterWriters. More articles can be found at miryamstheatermusings.blogspot.com.
Glyndebourne La Traviata with Michael Fabiano by Rod Parke SGN A&E Writer LA TRAVIATA AT GLYNDEBOURNE GIUSEPPE VERDI LONDON PHILHARMONIC BLU-RAY To be honest, I ordered this new Bluray of Verdi’s La Traviata only because the tenor role of Alfredo is sung by Michael Fabiano. This outstanding young tenor recently sang in Seattle the best Rodolfo (La Boheme) I have ever seen or heard. You may remember he was the last of the winners announced in the Met Audition documentary of a few years ago. Vocally, Fabiano does not disappoint. His technique appears flawless, allowing him to sing with much expression, beauty, and excitement. However, throughout this performance at Glyndebourne in 2014, all the singers appear to have been left to their own devices dramatically, and Fabiano does not yet appear to have acquired a big enough palette of emotive gestures to make his acting altogether convincing. He is always passionate and involved but appears sometimes to be forcing it. In Seattle, under apparently better direction, his Rodolfo suffered no such deficiency. In fact it was his acting, on top of his spectacular singing, that made his performance really special. I do think Alfredo is the more difficult role dramatically because he has long periods (very long, as in his first scene with his father) when he does not sing but must convey his reactions to what another is singing. In such moments,
his emotional message appeared confused and awkward. The all-important role of Violetta is sung by the young Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva. She is beautiful and charming, and her voice is at all times lovely, including some nice soft singing in high notes. She reminds me, in fact, of Anna Netrebko. But she appears in need of better coaching when it comes to making the most of this very expressive music. (At the other extreme, I long ago saw a rather old Licia Albanese at the old Met overact every moment of this role in a rather grand but old fashioned operatic mode of acting. Albanese recently died at 105.) Gimadieva merely skirted the surface of her most emotive lines, often missing the phrasing and accents that can tear your heart out. She needs far more study of how Verdi was guiding her to express her feelings. Greek baritone Tassis Christoyannis sings Alfredo’s father, the other major role. He sings well but lacks the warmth in his voice that I want in a papa Germont. He too acts in a rather wooden manner. (One could run off on a tangent on the big subject of how the memory of the greatest singers such as Leonard Warren and Robert Merrill can forever spoil a role for an opera lover. But I resist...) The production is of no particular period, rather sparse, but might be adequate were it not for the poor direction. The choreography of the second act party scene is just awful. Mark Elder is the excellent conductor who manages to keep it all together.
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Reviewer Rod Parke can be reached at rmp62@columbia.edu.
October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 5
“Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic” recreates the Queen sensation
The cast of “Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic” – courtesy of itsakindamagic.com
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer “QUEEN: IT’S A KINDA MAGIC” BROADWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS PANTAGES THEATER – TACOMA September 26 There is no doubt that QUEEN was one of the greatest rock-n-roll bands in history. Led by the prolific talents of lead singer Freddie Mercury, Queen (Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor) has created a string of classic hits dabbling in every kind of music. From country tones (“Crazy
“spirits rising” continued from cover
Hill neighborhood as Dennis Coleman begins his final season as artistic director for Seattle Women’s Chorus. Together Coleman and Seattle Women’s Chorus will take audiences on a spooky, spectacular musical journey that includes ethereal harmonies and enchanting melodies. With “Hallows in the Cathedral: Spirits Rising” the women stir the soul with Schubert and Rossini and raise the spirit with musical theatre tunes from Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast and Cats. Special guest star Rebekah Del Rio joins the women for the first weekend of performances (Oct 23 and 24 only). This talented singer/songwriter is well-known for a unique style that is best represented in her signature song, the wrenchingly beautiful ballad “Llorando.” Her Spanishlanguage version of Roy Orbison’s classic “Crying” was featured in David Lynch’s award-winning film Mulholland Drive. On Halloween costumes are encouraged at both the matinee and evening performances. SWC hosts a special Family Performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31; call to reserve discounted $15 tickets for children age 12 and under and join in the costume parade! Seattle performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays, October 23 & 24 and October 30 & 31 at Saint Mark’s Cathedral (1245 10th Ave. E.) at 8 p.m. (with a special matinee performance on Saturday, October 31 at 2 p.m.) Tickets to Seattle performances are $25-$45 and available at SeattleWomensChorus.org or via the Flying House box office at (206) 388-1400. The Seattle area box office is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. The Renton preview concert will be
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Little Thing Called Love”), to rock’n’roll (“We Will Rock You”), to unofficial sports anthems (“Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Are The Champions”). Their undisputed signature of “Bohemian Rhapsody” is considered one of the top three singles of all time. The collective talents of the group easily captured an audience fan base ranging in styles and ages. The simulation/tribute band Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic does an incredible job of recreating the Queen sensation. What Beatlemania did for recreating the Fab Four, “Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic” does to evoke the spirit of Queen. With Richie Baker (as guitarist May), Steven Dennett (as bass
Deacon), Kyle Thompson (as drums Taylor) and an incredible facsimile of Giles Taylor (as Freddie Mercury), this group does a great job. They are all playing their instruments and doing their own vocals, and somehow the magic takes place to transfer the audience to a Queen concert circa 1989. Giles Taylor does an incredible job of capturing the strutting, highly talented and energetic, bandicoot rooster that was Freddie Mercury. Tapping into the raw energy and incredible vocals, Taylor uses Mercury’s subtle sexual energy to play with the audience – and they yelled out their encouragements! The playlist consisted of Queen’s greatest hits. Starting off with the title song, “It’s A Kinda Magic,” they immediately went into “Radio Gaga” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” Taylor/Mercury playfully chatted with the audience never once breaking the facade of being Queen. Inviting the audience to participate, Taylor/Mercury went on to lead the audience in the echoing of “Day-Oh” before going into “Fat Bottom Girls.” Set One ended with “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” After a 20-minute intermission Set Two continued with “I Want It All.” In true Freddie Mercury style, “I Want to Break Free” was performed with Taylor in full drag. Without fail, the set continued on with “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You.” As can be expected, “Bohemian Rhapsody” was saved as an encore – even though it was listed on the playlist. “Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic” is the brain
child of Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury’s personal assistant of 15 years. Peter “Phoebe” Freestone personally chose Giles Taylor to represent Freddie Mercury on stage. Encouraging the audience to act as if it were more a concert than a theatrical experience, the group did an amazing job of summoning up the true spirit and essence of Queen. While the sensation of the stage musical We Will Rock You does a good job of incorporating songs by Queen into a storyline, “Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic” is definitely more about experiencing what Queen was like in their heyday. Tacoma is an easy ride from Seattle – less than 45 minutes. The Broadway Center for the Performing Arts and Tacoma theater district (Pantages Theater, Rialto Theater, Theatre on the Square, Tacoma Armory) offers a great selection of entertainment from facsimile concerts (“Queen: It’s a Kinda of Magic”), to impressive performers (six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald coming up October 25), to classic theater (Hal Holbrook in his oneman show, Mark Twain Tonight November 7). For more information, visit www. broadwaycenter.org or call 253-591-5894. Several restaurants and cafes are found in the area (some offering “Express Show Menus”), parking is not difficult, and it’s a comfortable and easy place to walk around pre-show or after. The Tacoma Film Festival is scheduled for October 8-16. (www. tacomafilmfestival.com; #TFF2015.)
held on Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m. at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S. Second St., Renton). Preview tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance by calling the Flying House box office at 206388-1400 (Mon.Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.) and at the door on the day of the preview concert. About the Seattle Men’s Chorus/ Seattle Women’s Chorus The internationally renowned Seattle Men’s Chorus Seattle Women’s Chorus – Photo by Conrado Tapado for eQuality Images (founded 1979) and Seattle Women’s Chorus (founded 2002) comprise the largest community chorus and associate members who support both organization in North America. Both cho- Choruses. A leading voice for the Lesbian, Our Mission ruses stand out as the largest LGBT-iden- Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) is to entertain, enlighten, unify and tified men’s and women’s choruses in the community, FHP offers 30 outreach events heal our audience and members, using the world. Flying House Productions, the home and 20 main stage concert performances power of words and music to recognize the of SMC and SWC, is among the Pacific annually. Concerts, often including nation- value of Gay and straight people and their Northwest’s largest, most vibrant and suc- ally-known guest artists along with our re- relationships. cessful music organizations, with an annual gion’s professional talents, receive critical audience of more than 30,000 patrons in acclaim for their combination of high musiOur Vision: Seattle’s most prestigious venues. cal quality, wit, and celebration of people A world that accepts and values its Gay Each Chorus currently has a small en- of all sexual orientations and identities. and Lesbian citizens. semble of 9 to 11 members (Captain Smart- FHP cannot be considered simply a local ypants and Sensible Shoes), which furthers arts organization; thousands more experiCourtesy of Seattle Women’s Chorus the FHP mission by performing throughout ence each Chorus at other performances the Pacific Northwest. In addition to the throughout Washington and the world each 600+ singing members, Flying House Pro- year. ductions has a base of over 50 volunteers
October 2, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
October 2015 brings another month of exciting theater openings by Miryam Gordon SGN A&E Writer
lives intersect in surprising and deeply moving ways. Written by acclaimed and Tony-nominated Quiara Alegría Hudes. http://www.theatre22.org/current-season/water.php
October theater openings bring us biting religious comedy, a Thai superstar in a world premiere, a couple of cutting edge immersive theatrical experiences, and more. The Addams Family, Burien Actors Theatre, 10/2-11/1 This is the musical version and the wonderfully macabre Addams family is put to the test when Wednesday, the ultimate princess of darkness, grows up and falls for a “normal” young man from a respectable family. When the boyfriend and his parents come to dinner, they plunge the Addams family into a night that is sure to change the family forever. http://burienlittletheatre.org/ Bad Jews, Seattle Public Theater, 10/2-25 Bad Jews is a biting comedy about family, faith, and contemporary Jewish identity in America. The night after their grandfather’s funeral, cousins engage in an explosive verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. Daphna is a “real Jew” who is volatile, selfassured, and unbending. Liam is a secular and entitled young man, who has his shiksa (non-Jewish) girlfriend, Melody, in tow. When Liam stakes his claim to their grandfather’s chai necklace, a vicious and hilarious brawl ensues. www.seattlepublictheater.org Listening Glass, Seattle Immersive Theatre, 10/1-30 (at a warehouse at 2724 6th Ave S) Jamie Bennett was the dishwasher on duty the night Jon Wurtz was killed. He was right there when it happened. So why is he lying about what he saw? Is he an unreliable witness, or a cold-blooded killer? Immerse yourself in a working homicide department. The performance starts the moment you set foot in the space, and is limited to a maximum of seventeen participants per night. ht t p://w w w.st r a nge r t icket s.c om / events/27889294/listening-glass Waterfall, The 5th Avenue Theatre, 10/1-25 This world premiere musical stars an actual Thai pop “superstar,” Bie Sukrit Wisetkaew, as Noppon. Based on the contemporary Thai novel Behind the Painting, this tempestuous romance is set in 1930s Thailand and Japan as the monarchy crumbles with Japan on the brink of war. In this turbulent time, a young Thai student and the American wife of a Thai diplomat fall into forbidden love whose dangers parallel the shifting world around them. Co-produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse. https://www.5thavenue.org/show/waterfall Winter Bird, Eclectic Theater, 10/1-25 (Equity Member Project) A Gothic fantasy about a librarian and a sub-arctic vampire. A world premiere by local playwright Stephen Delos Treacy. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/2055241
Welcome to My Secret Lair, Theater Schmeater, 10/23-31 An online serial dating mad scientist brings a number of women to his secret mountain laboratory but finds little satisfaction in romance. Workshop world premiere by local playwright Courtney Kessler. h t t p s: // w w w. s c h m e a t e r.o r g /s e a son/2015/welcometomysecretlair
Still from Listening Glass – Photo by Fedora el Morro
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!”, Seattle Children Theatre, 10/811/29 When Gerald and Piggie get together, anything is possible. These two pals and their devotion to each other through ups and downs will remind you of how good it feels to put friends first. Bring your “bestus” friend and share the laughter. Recommended for families with children ages 4+. http://www.sct.org/ Molly Sweeney, KTO Productions, 10/8-24 (at Theater4, Seattle Center Armory) Brian Friel’s 1994 drama tells the story of Molly, blind since early infancy, who describes her world before and after an operation to restore some of her sight. http://mollysweeney.brownpapertickets. com/ One Slight Hitch, Phoenix Theatre, 10/9-11/1 This wedding day romantic comedy, written by comedian Lewis Black, takes place at the Coleman’s house – where Delia Coleman has planned the perfect wedding day for her daughter. The doorbell rings and “one slight hitch” brings about romantic confusions. http://www.phoenixtheatreedmonds. org/ Mr. Burns, a post electric play, ACT Theatre, 10/16-11/15 Hailed by the New York Times as one of the Top Ten Plays of 2013, this imaginative dark comedy takes place nearly one hundred years in the post-apocalyptic future. Survivors must begin again and bond over the greatest common cultural icon, the popular “Cape Feare” episode of “The Simpsons.” http://www.acttheatre.org/Tickets/OnStage/MrBurns My Mañana Comes, ArtsWest, 10/2211/15 Just beyond the elegant dining room of an Upper East Side restaurant, four busboys angle for shifts, pray for tips, and cling to dreams of life beyond their dingy backof-house grind. Expertly juggling delicate entrees, fussy customers and beer-swilling line cooks, the young men face off with management and each other. As tensions reach a boiling point, how far will each of them go to see his own mañana come?
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https://ar tswest.secure.force.com / ticket#details_a0Si0000004meChEAI My Dear Miss Chancellor, Annex Theatre, 10/23-11/14 First loves, vindictive exes, lavish balls, all the latest fashions-and secret fencing clubs! Janet Chancellor comes to London, giddily anticipating a season of dancing and parlor visits. But once she meets Hazel McGovern, she discovers a world of women living just under the covers of polite society…women who drink, duel, and call each other sweetheart. A world premiere by Caitlin Gilman. http://www.annextheatre.org/2015-season/main-stage/my-dear-miss-chancellor/ Buyer & Cellar, Seattle Repertory Theatre, 10/23-11/22 An actor’s life is never easy. One day you’re the Mayor of Disney’s Toontown, the next you’re the resident shopkeeper for Barbra Streisand’s basement mall. Turns out it’s lonely at the top (and the bottom) of the Hollywood food chain. This comedy takes an insider’s look at fame and friendship and pushes it to the limit. http://seattlerep.org/Plays/1516/BC/ Synopsis Little Shop of Horrors, SecondStory Repertory Theatre, 10/23-11/15 Brad Walker stars as Seymour Krelborn in everyone’s favorite boy-meetsgirl, plant-eats-world love story. Seymour works in a struggling flower shop where a blood-thirsty plant from another world eagerly awaits its next victim. Enjoy a night of bloody good fun with doo-wop inspired songs like “Skid Row,” “Somewhere That’s Green,” “Feed Me” and “Suddenly, Seymour.” http://www.secondstoryrep.org/mainstage/season17/little.html Water by the Spoonful, Theatre22, 10/23-11/14 (at West of Lenin) This Pulitzer Prize winning play weaves together the stories of Iraq war veteran Elliot, desperately trying to move forward with his life at home, his cousin Yaz, whose love for music has led her from poverty into the faculty of a prestigious university but questions the cost of this, Odessa, the motherly moderator of an online support group for recovering addicts struggling to stay sober, and three other lost souls who make up a fascinating community whose
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Mother Courage and Her Children, Seattle Shakespeare Company, 10/27-11/22 Blending elements of vaudeville, soapbox, and alehouse, Bertolt Brecht’s powerhouse anti-war play features one toughas-nails matriarch. Anna Fierling, a sly and artful entrepreneur known as Mother Courage, strives to keep her family and her business held together while war rages all around her – a war that she profits from. Shot through with satire and peppered with music and song this is an epic theatrical experience about resilience in the face of bitter struggle. http://www.seattleshakespeare.org/ shows/mother-courage-and-her-children-2015/ CODENAME: KANSAS, Witch Hunter!, Copious Love Productions, 10/2911/21 (at 12th Avenue Arts) In the post-apocalypse, a war rages between the last human survivors and the malformed techno-mancing Witches. Witch Hunters are the elite warriors highly trained in analog combat, out to kill these super-powered enemies living by the codes embedded into their Codename. Transported into the far future (the post-postapocalypse) by a pair of time traveling red combat boots, Kansas is sent on a mission to recover the sentient A.I. program called OZ to restore balance between four witches who seek to overrule the last human settlement. Join Copious Love in partnership with the Academy of Interactive Entertainment Seattle Campus (AIE) in a fully immersive audiovisual experience, using a set made entirely of digital projection. http://www.copiouslove.org/ Festen, New Century Theatre Company, 10/29-11/22 (at 12th Avenue Arts) At a family-run hotel, friends and family have gathered to celebrate patriarch Helge’s 60th birthday. Dark secrets revealed during the course of the evening expose the false cheeriness of the family as Helge’s adult son Christian struggles to set himself free from his past. This family drama is adapted by David Eldridge from the Danish film The Celebration. http://www.wearenctc.org/#!festen/ c21m1
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“The Concert, or The Perils of Everybody” (1956) Choreography: Jerome Robbins Music: Frederic Chopin
Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist Joshua Grant and principal dancer Maria Chapman in Christopher Wheeldon’s Tide Harmonic, which PNB is presenting as part of its season-opener, SEE THE MUSIC, September 25 – October 4, 2015. Photo © Angela Sterling.
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monious work. To the artists who brought this terrific program together: Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! To Seattle dance and music lovers, get to McCaw Hall ASAP – you don’t want to miss this one! “Tide Harmonic” (2013) Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon Music: Joby Talbot When this ballet concluded my companion turned to me with a face that fairly glowed in the dark and said “Wow! I feel like a better person for having seen that!” – and I couldn’t agree more. Talbot’s lush, percussive music together with Wheeldon’s strange variations on familiar moves evoked a mysterious, tidal world without being overly literal. It makes you feel privileged just to visit this other universe of creatures – sometimes beautiful, sometimes weird – as the couples organize and re-organize themselves into duets, trios, quartets and various other configurations that merge and melt away. Wheeldon creates the unfamiliar through the devices of the familiar – moves we love to see in conventional ballet, but which are cleverly and subtly transformed. One of my favorite passages was performed by a male duo, arms entwined, whose legs moved together but whose torsos created variations that conjured a symbiotic mirror-creature that must surely exist somewhere in the waterworld. Another favorite moment, occurring at the opening and the closing of this brilliant work, involved all four couples in a move (almost impossible to describe) in which the man holds his partner horizontally as she twists her outer leg into the space between them, resting it, bent, on a single toe as her partner rocks her body
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back and forth. Four couples doing this – the women peering out with wide eyes and puckered lips – summons an alien, intriguing, and gorgeous world in a single gesture. When you see this ballet you realize that it’s something you always wanted to see, but had no idea it could possibly exist.
It’s not often you can laugh out loud at a ballet, but during Jerome Robbins’ witty dance the audience was delighted from one scene to the next. At first, as virtuoso Allan Dameron sits onstage at the Steinway playing a romantic prelude, one “audience member” after another enters with a folding chair to portray every kind of concertgoer you’ve ever seen – the man who sits in deep contemplation, the girls who persist in chatting, the bored man who rattles a newspaper (today he would be texting), the officious wife, the dreamy romantic who wraps her arms around the piano. We laugh out loud because at one time or another we have been these very people, annoying those around us, being evicted from our seats by the usher. As Chopin’s delightful music merges with the orchestra, and as the dancers show us an entire buffet of buffoonery, we recognize that ballet – and all the ways a dancer can trip up – is funda-
mentally hilarious. My favorite sequence was a corps of eight girls, carried on stage like mannequins in positions of increasing awkwardness, who perform the classic airy ballet we associate with Swan Lake or Giselle, floating like dryads in graceful patterns with wand-like arms – yet one girl or another floats off in the wrong direction, or collides with her sister, or messes up the effects by bending left when the troupe is bending right. Robbins’ genius is to do this in small doses, so that the audience remembers how it loves these gorgeous ensembles, while seeing how easy it is to get stuck on the wrong foot. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s 2015-2016 season opening program “See the Music” is performed at McCaw Hall (321 Mercer St.) through October 4, so hasten over to Seattle Center and start your dance season with a trio of wonderful, wonderfully performed, ballets. For more information and tickets, call 206-441-2424; email tickets@pnb.org; or visit www.pnb.org.
“Prodigal Son” (1929) Choreography: George Balanchine Music: Sergei Prokofiev We all know this story, about the bad boy who takes his inheritance and squanders it on wine, women and bad company, only to crawl home, broke and broken, to a forgiving father. George Balanchine was only twenty-five when he created this work so the character of a Son who runs off to cavort with a Siren, False Friends, and a troop of goofy Drunkards might not have been far from his own youthful experience. Benjamin Griffiths, as the Son, embodied the frustration and longing of a young man who is pent-up with his family when all he wants is to see the big world. Lesley Rausch as the Siren, whose long body and billowing cape are erotica incarnate, made a spectacular seductress. And while the loving sisters and God-like Father are the whole point of the story, the stomping core of hilarious Drunkards are more fun to watch. “Prodigal” is a terrific work by a young man who went on to become one of the greatest choreographers of modern time. Peter Boal, who danced the role of the Son himself in the New York City Ballet, is giving us a great opportunity to compare the young Balanchine of “Prodigal” with the seasoned Balanchine of “Nutcracker” later in the season – and to see the humor and depth of feeling Balanchine was able to develop in all stages of his career. Pacific Northwest Ballet principal dancers James Moore and Laura Tisserand in Prodigal Son, choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust, which PNB is presenting as part of its season-opener, SEE THE MUSIC, September 25 – October 4, 2015. Photo © Angela Sterling.
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Celebrating 41 Years!
Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore) and Stacie Andree (Ellen Page) in Freeheld – Photo by Pil Caruso
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Stacie (Ellen Page), is denied pension benefits after Laurel developed terminal cancer. Although domestic partnerships were legal in the state at the time, the Freeholders of Ocean County had the power to determine the pension benefits for state employees. However, they refused to grant Laurel’s pension benefits to the couple which would likely force Stacie out of her house when Laurel died. The film, written by Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) and directed by Peter Sollett (Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist), chronicles how Laurel and Stacie reluctantly but emphatically challenge this decision. They enlist the help of Steven Goldstein (Steve Carell), a Garden State Equality activist. In addition, Laurel’s partner on the force, Dane Wells (Michael Shannon), a straight ally, also helps mobilize the fight for equality within the precinct. While it may not be a surprise how the story turns out, Freeheld generates its greatest emotional power not in the fight for equality but in the intimate moments between Laurel and Stacie – on a date, or setting up their dream house – and Moore and Page are incredibly endearing as a couple. The openly Gay Page, who plays Stacie as a tough but tender-hearted partner, spoke about making her passion project, Freeheld. Gary M. Kramer: You have a producer credit on the film. Why was this story important to be told, and told now? Ellen Page: I attached myself to this film when I was 21, so it’s been a long time. I was involved pre-screenplay, predirector, pre-Julianne. I think the film is important now because while the Supreme Court decision is amazing, and unbelievable and the progress is astonishing, there is so much more work to do for true equality. In many civil rights movements, there is always some backlash. I think this film shows why that recent decision is so important. Freeheld tells the story in the macro
and micro perspectives. How inequality makes people feel: we’re not going to value your love; you are less than us. And the couple’s socio-economic situation has the real impact – especially when we talk about equality in the large political sense. And to convey what that decision means and what discrimination does is to make people feel that they are validated and that their love is, and it is being respected. Gary M. Kramer: What emotional buttons does the story press for you and why? Ellen Page: I think I have a similar response to what it means to be together in a relationship that’s closeted. It was exciting to explore that in a slightly more layered way. This wasn’t just a fight about coming out. It is about why do we have to live and compromise our love and relationships? I found that in my personal experience. I think telling this story is important because Stacie and Laurel did something crucial in a time of unimaginable difficulty and I wanted to be a part of telling their story. Gary M. Kramer: You tend to play tough, determined women, but in Freeheld, your character is more passive. How did you approach this character? Ellen Page: Stacie is a very shy person. You get to know her and she’s incredibly funny and deeply, deeply sensitive. But she’s very quiet. Her journey is powerful. She did not want to invest in the activism at first. Doing so would acknowledge that her lover is going to die. She was doing her job, navigating the insurance companies, and activism. So she didn’t have an opportunity to be vulnerable. Gary M. Kramer: What sparked with you about Stacie in your meeting? Ellen Page: When I met Stacie, the thing that was most evident is her desire to tell this love story and make that the emotional through line: her complete and utter dedication to Laurel; to do what she thought Laurel would want. Having the visceral experience of meeting her, and sitting with her and hearing her talk about Laurel, and take me to the spot where Laurel got coffee or where she works. There was something
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about spending that time with her and connect emotionally and understand that experience in a deeper way. Gary M. Kramer: How did you personally relate to Stacie? Are you into volleyball, motorcycles and older women? Are you a good dancer, and can you rotate tires in under 8 minutes and are you good with dry wall? Ellen Page: I’m horrible at all things like that. I wish I had more hands-on skills, but I don’t. Motorcycles kind of scare me. Older women are super hot, though. Stacie and I don’t have that much in common. That said I’d be delighted to have the opportunity to learn some of those skills. Gary M. Kramer: How did you develop your on-screen relationship with Julianne Moore? Ellen Page: That was fun. What Julianne and I had going for us is we just connected really quickly. I don’t know if she was trying to make me feel more comfortable, but she was all-physical, putting her leg and arm around me. We got rid of physical barriers right way, and all the barriers were gone after that. She’s extraordinary, fun, and goofy and I felt protected by her. We became close and still remain close. We really did form a partnership on screen and off screen too. I was excited to see her every day. We had our own special bond. Gary M. Kramer: Laurel has to live a double/secret life. You had a secret life for a while, too. What can you say about that experience and your decision to come out? Ellen Page: It was the best decision I ever made, wish I had made it sooner. But I had to go on whatever journey I went on. Some people have a risk of being thrown in jail or killed for being Gay. For me, being closeted was an incredibly sad and toxic experience, and it got to a point where I was done living like that. It created a ripple effect of happiness in every aspect of my life. Being closeted does affect every aspect of who you are. There are people in the community who are far more vulnerable than me. I want to help them. Gary Kramer: What do you think Freeheld says about Gay and Lesbian ste-
reotypes? The women are in traditional male roles, while Steve Goldstein is very flamboyant. Ellen Page: The film is a true story. In regards to Stacie and Laurel, we did our best with the info we had – pictures, costumes, etc. to tell the story authentically as possible. I understand you see a stereotype of a Gay man, but that’s the benefit of having the closeted cop in the police office in the film. His coming out is moving. Steve Carrel is playing Steven Goldstein a little quieter than he is in real life – and Goldstein is an amazing, passionate man. Gary Kramer: The film is very much about Laurel and Stacie’s dignity, and giving visibility to marginalized people who become citizen-activists. What prompts you to speak up and out? Ellen Page: For me, I’m living my life. I was closeted because of my job. I’m not anymore. My goals and intentions are positive. I’m doing this show [on Vice] called “Gaycation,” where I explore the LGBT communities and issues and difficulties in different countries. It hopefully will create a larger conversation about LGBT communities around the world. I want to talk about more experiences. Trans women of color have life expectancy of 35, and 40% of homeless youth are LGBT. Those are troublesome statistics. I want to do what I can to talk about these issues and bring them to the forefront and give visibility to those who are vulnerable. Gary Kramer: The film is about creating a legacy. What do you want your legacy to be? Ellen Page: I feel really fortunate that I can be out. I thought it wouldn’t be a possibility for me to be out and walk down the red carpet with my girlfriend. And the pain and suffering that people who don’t have that privilege and luck is to be mindful and conscious of my situation and do what I can with it.
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© Gary M. Kramer
Visually thrilling Walk an emotional coup
Charlotte Le Bon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in The Walk – www.slashfilms.com
by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer THE WALK Now playing There is a sublime, quiet beauty to Robert Zemeckis’ The Walk that sneaks up on the viewer, grabs them by the jugular and refuses to let go. It is an ethereal, ultimately hopeful journey into the unknown, the director of films as disparate as Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Castaway, The Polar Express and Flight delivering a soaring testament to the human spirit that’s as inspiring as anything released in all of 2015. Not that it doesn’t take its time to get there. For roughly 90 or so minutes, Zemeckis toys with the audience much in the same way Jules Dassin did with his 1964 jewelry heist comedic classic Topkapi. That mercurial little gem took a while getting to the be-all and end-all driving the narrative forward, focusing roughly two-thirds of its plot on the bumbling mechanics of the crew of amateurs (led by seasoned veteran Maximilian Schell under the direction of the beautiful Melina Mercouri) attempting the impossible before finally depicting the actual theft they’d all been training for. It was an odd decision on the Rififi and The Naked City filmmaker’s part, but one that ultimately paid out great dramatic dividends, the connection between this troupe of supposed numbskulls bracingly intimate when push came to shove and jewel-laden daggers needed to be stolen.
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Zemeckis, working with co-screenwriter Christopher Browne, utilizes an audaciously similar approach, the pair’s dramatization of Philippe Petit’s 1974 highwire walk between the World Trade Center towers a miraculous feat of chutzpah and daring, a surprisingly jaunty and buoyantly comedic affair for much of its 123 minute running time. They present the daring showman’s gambit as something akin to a lark, his assembling of his crew a keystone caper straight out of Mack Sennett silent comedy. The old school approach is disconcerting, in its way, and one can’t help but wonder just how seriously they are supposed to be taking things as events continue to move forward to Petit’s “coup” (as he likes to call it) on the high-wire 110 stories above the streets of New York City. But then the coup begins, and it is instantly obvious why things were orchestrated as they were. Much like a master magician using his wiles and his fanciful sleight of hand to distract, a lot like how Dassin fooled everyone into thinking Topkapi was a broad comedy before unleashing one of the tautest heist sequences in movie history (arguably only eclipsed by the director’s own Rififi made nine years prior), Zemeckis has the viewer right out there on the wire standing alongside Petit. Featuring dizzying cinematography from Dariusz Wolski (who lensed Ridley Scott’s The Martian, also opening this week), immersive 3-D visuals unlike anything dreamt of or experienced before, excruciatingly effective sound design and Alan Silvestri’s (The Abyss, Forrest Gump) simple yet still
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sublime score, the filmmaker sees all his themes of faith, family, friendship and hope coalesce into one, the idyllic joviality of it all as thrilling as the wire-walk itself. Granted, James Marsh’s Academy Award-winning Man on Wire covered pretty much all of this in 2008 to glorious effect, the dramatics fueling Petit’s adventure gone into in astonishing, resplendently gripping detail inside the documentary. But Marsh could never put the viewer 1,400 feet above the ground, could never recreate, at least in some small way, the feeling of weightless rapture that this high-wire magician found back in August of ’74. Zemeckis is able to do just that and more, transporting me to a time and place I could barely fathom let alone believe, reminding us all once again that even the most outlandish and impractical of dreams have the power to engage and inspire in ways almost nothing else can. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Petit, telling the story in his own words as he stands atop the Statue of Liberty overlooking a city, and a pair of towers, he would slowly grow to love. Once you get used to the accent, he actually nails the high-wire walker’s vocal patterns and inflections quite nicely, it’s easy to get lost inside the actor’s performance. He seems to understand the deceptively playful tone Zemeckis is gunning for, tapping into it straightaway, hinting at a carnal hunger lingering inside Petit that leads him to attempt what by all rational thought should have been impossible. He balances the man’s ego with his gregarious roguishness, while at the same time mak-
ing sure it is blatantly clear just how deep and powerful the man’s commitment to his plan proves to be. The rogue’s gallery of friends and compatriots who make up the team who will help Petit in his quest include Ben Kingsley as mentor Papa Rudy, Charlotte Le Bon as girlfriend Annie Allix, César Domboy as best friend and photographer JeanFrançois, Clément Sibony as wide-eyed mathematician Jean-Louis and a scenestealing James Badge Dale as fast-talking New Yorker Jean-Pierre. There are others who come into play as well, but these are the most important five, each of them working as one to bring the disparate elements of Zemeckis and Browne’s script to life. While the film can feel a little silly, especially early on, and while not all of the over-the-top shenanigans and caricatures work near as well as I’m sure the director intended them to (Ben Schwartz and Benedict Samuel as the final pair of conspirators who join Petit’s team are too thinly realized and broadly performed to be anything other than pointless distractions), the air of magical electricity that travels throughout the feature is undeniable. Zemeckis, by bringing Petit’s story to the screen in the way he has, reclaims the World Trade Center as a symbol of hope, a beacon of vision and enlightenment. The Walk is an entertainment coup for the ages, a family-friendly adventure of the human condition reminding us all a little madness now and then shouldn’t just be encouraged, but oftentimes deserves to be celebrated for its inspirational genius.
Celebrating 41 Years!
Roth’s Inferno a horrific descent into inhuman madness by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer THE GREEN INFERNO Now playing For a variety of reasons, Eli Roth hasn’t directed a feature film since 2007’s Hostel: Part II. While he’s done a little acting (Inglourious Basterds, Rock of Ages), a little writing (The Man with the Iron Fists) and a lot of producing (Aftershock, The Last Exorcism, The Sacrament, Netflix’s “Hemlock Grove”), as far as being the driving force propelling a production forward he’s been M.I.A. That changes as of now, two new features spearheaded by Roth hitting theatres and VOD in the next few weeks, his return to the director’s chair very long in coming indeed. The first of these is The Green Inferno. Originally premiering at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, the Peruvianset survivalist exploitation thriller was set to hit the multiplexes last September, but for a variety of crazy legal reasons this never happened. Bought back by Roth and executive producer Jason Blum, the movie is the first theatrical release for the latter’s indie distributer BlumHouse Tilt, their other releases (notably Patrick Brice’s terrifically disconcerting Creep starring Mark Duplass) going strictly VOD, eschewing
theatres altogether. It’s easy to see why Blum chose Roth’s unsettling, uncomfortable chiller as the one to send out to cinemas, because it’s just made to be seen in the confines of a darkened auditorium alongside a squirming audience. The director has honed his craft during his hiatus, and as confident and as self-assured as he was before, his filmmaking chops are even more impressive now. He knows how to assemble scenes into a demoralizing whole, his use of splatter and gore as strong, and as disturbing, as it has ever been. Roth ratchets up tension in a way that is devastating, the knots my stomach found itself in beyond anything I could have prepared myself for before watching. Do not be fooled. This is still exploitation filmmaking. The story of a small group of college activists led by the sexy Alejandro (Ariel levy) who go into the jungles of Peru to stop the bulldozing of the rain forest and the slaughter of indigenous tribes, the film quickly turns on its ear in ever-escalating extremes. After a plane crash over a remote part of the jungle, the survivors, including wide-eyed freshman Justine (Lorenza Izzo), discover they’re next on the dinner menu, one of the tribes they were hoping to protect mistaking them for the soldiers and loggers that have been systematically destroying their villages. What follows is indescribable, and not
always in a good way. Roth is still prone to letting his more juvenile, adolescent tendencies get the better of him, and while influxes of humor are welcome, the way he goes about delivering on them at times is anything but. Additionally, considering the extreme low budget nature of the production, some of the acting leaves a little to be desired, the performances ranging from pretty good to barely passable amongst the primarily bilingual cast of college kids. Then there is the elephant – or should we say panther – sitting in the middle of the jungle. The cannibalistic tribe at the center of things is not made up of professional actors. Instead, Roth went into the heart of Peru and found a real village and a real tribe, the Callanayacu, to star in his film. As effective as they are, and I honestly don’t know how the movie could have been made without them, much like No Escape there is an air of xenophobia permeating throughout that’s unavoidable, and how much that’s going to matter depends entirely on just how politically incorrect a person allows themselves to be. Those faults aside, The Green Inferno is a barnburner through-and-through. Filmed almost entirely on location, stunningly shot by Antonio Quercia (Aftershock), tensely edited by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza (Mandrill) and eerily scored by Manuel Riveiro (The Stranger), this is still Roth’s show and
his expert handling of all the carnage is undeniable. The introduction to the village and their carnivorous appetites is horrifying, while a later reveal as to the identity of an unexpected victim, leading directly to a shocking suicide, put a lump in my throat – I almost had to self-perform the Heimlich on myself in order to get back to breathing somewhat comfortably. Roth’s next, a home invasion thriller with a comedic bent starring Keanu Reeves called Knock Knock, hits limited theatres October 9, and as positive as early reviews from the festival circuit might be, it’s hard to envision it will play near as well as this does. While not without its missteps, and certainly not going to satisfy the masses, for those knowing what it is they are about to see The Green Inferno is about as terrifying an experience as any that can be imagined. I’m not positive I liked it, but that doesn’t make me any less glad I took the time to give the horror effort a look, Roth’s directorial return a startlingly, efficiently brutal reminder of just how strong a genre impresario he can be when he’s of a mind to be one.
Mercilessly tense Sicario a descent into drug-fueled darkness
Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Matthew Page and Benicio Del Toro in Sicario – www.movies.com
by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer SICARIO Now playing In director Denis Villeneuve’s world, hope and happiness are difficult to find. From Incendies to Prisoners to Enemy, the talented Canadian filmmaker looks straight into the darkest heart of the human condition and refuses to blink, going places few are comfortable hinting at let alone dealing with on an intimately personal level. He makes the viewer uncomfortable while also challenging their intellect, producing thought-provoking pieces of dramatic entertainment that blur every single moral and humanistic line they come into contact with. Working with actor-turned-screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, Villeneuve has turned in his most unnervingly emotional cinematic effort yet with Sicario. Mercilessly tense, the film is a look at the dark side of the drug
war, chronicling a driven, battle-hardened FBI Agent name Kate Mercer (Emily Blunt) who for all her experience is wholly unprepared for the moral and legal ambiguities she’s about to face. Urged to volunteer for a covert project by mysterious government operative Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), she and her partner Reggie Wayne (Daniel Kaluuya) are suddenly so deep inside the rabbit hole “up” instantaneously becomes impossible to differentiate from “down.” Then there is the item that’s truly throwing the two for a loop. It’s a man, a secretive gentleman in a suit calling himself Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro) that everyone, including the very much in-charge Graver, keeps deferring to seemingly at every turn. He’s not a U.S. citizen, that much Kate can tell. But he’s also by all accounts on their side, body and soul, ready and willing to do whatever it takes to see a downtick in violence permeating throughout the Texas/ New Mexico/Arizona border area with Mexico no matter what the cost. There are no heroes in Villeneuve and Sheridan’s Sicario. There are, however,
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plenty of victims, and not all of them end up dead. Some have only the best of intentions, driven to do what it takes to see justice done as long as it follows the rule of law. But when those rules do not, cannot apply? When the villains doing the evil are beyond it? When they are protected in ways lawyers and courts can never penetrate? What happens then? And, for those who refuse to believe no one is above the law, what happens to them when their illusions are shattered and the wolves come braying at their door thirsting for blood? Villeneuve pushes right into the middle of the carnage straightaway, Kate and Reggie leading an FBI tactical unit on a raid inside a cartel safe house in Arizona reportedly containing a handful of helpless hostages. But there are no hostages, and what they find inside the walls is beyond unspeakable. It is this discovery that leads Kate to accept Graver’s offer. It is this discovery that allows her not to flinch when she finds herself part of a military convoy heading across the border to bring back a high-ranking cartel boss. It is this discovery that makes her force Graver into putting Reggie on the team, too, knowing he’ll hopefully be a voice of reason as darkness descends. And does it do just that. Things get progressively murky, Villeneuve and Sheridan allowing the grey areas to wash away all the black and white so only indecision, chaos and mayhem remain. At the center, propelling things forward, is Alejandro, and even if events are not seen exclusively through his eyes, make no mistake, it is he that knows best what is happening and why. Del Toro inhabits this wounded, psychologically scarred man living in the shadows down to the marrow, his pain permeating every pore as he quietly
longs for a justice he knows does not exist. It’s a towering, deeply complicated performance, surpassing even his Oscar-winning turn in another drug drama, Steven Soderbergh’s modern classic Traffic, that left me wowed by the depth and breadth of his magnificence. At barely over two hours, the movie was over before I even knew it, in such constant motion, heading deeper and deeper into the gloomy waters of the subconscious, revealing answers to personal questions those who must grapple with them only thought they wanted to know, before finding themselves gob-smacked by the truth. Triumphantly shot by the great Roger Deakins (Skyfall, Unbroken), magnificently edited by Joe Walker (12 Years a Slave) and kinetically scored by Jóhann Jóhannsson (The Theory of Everything), every piece fits together perfectly. It’s a relentless exercise in suspense. The anxiety throbbing through my veins was almost overwhelming as events ran their course, the emotional shock of the final moments so all-encompassing they overtook me completely. Orchestrating all of this brilliantly is Villeneuve. The avenues left unexplored are few, far between and all by choice, the questions left dangling entirely by design. He allows Kate’s growing uncertainty and despair to insidiously feed into every second of the proceedings, so even when we stop seeing things as she does and begin to look at events coldly, unsympathetically anew through Del Toro, the overall effect is shattering. Sicario lives up to its title, this Mexican slang for a hitman aiming its gunsights at the viewer, leaving those of us who watch broken and battered into a reinforced shell of regret and understanding we might not be able to emerge from anytime soon.
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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Celebrating 41 Years!
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October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 17
Emotion and nature walk hand-in-hand in Wildlike by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer WILDLIKE Now playing When her troubled mother checks herself into rehab, 14-year-old Mackenzie (Ella Purnell) leaves Seattle to live with her mysterious uncle (Brian Geraghty) in the far off reaches of the Alaskan wilds. But things turn sour, the teenager compelled to flee, pulling out all the stops as she attempts to make the long, arduous trip home. Eager to find help, but unsure of how to go about it, Mackenzie runs across backpacker Rene (Bruce Greenwood), the grieving widower dealing within his own issues, so the last thing he needs is some kid following him around. Yet the two still manager to make a connection, and soon they’re hiking across the countryside, in the process learning life lessons that will compel them to keep moving forward no matter what difficulties should arise. Wildlike is the kind of simple, delicate, nondescript little independent film that sneaks up out of nowhere and melodiously breaks your heart clean in two. It’s a flower of a film growing to unimaginable heights in the cruelest of conditions, never wearing its emotions out in the open yet showcasing them just enough so they have a searing power that earn their tears with subtle, barely perceptible precision. Writer/director Frank Hall Green has created a visually resplendent drama that never forgets the human story lurking at its center, Mackenzie and Rene’s unanticipated parallel jour-
neys taking both exactly where they need to go. It’s almost too subtle. Blink or turn away from the screen at just the wrong moment and you might end up thinking the reasons for Mackenzie trekking into the wilderness are not what they really are. The interactions with her uncle are almost overly friendly, the underlying tension and abhorrence voyaging through these times together close to imperceptible. As for Rene, while it takes quite a while until his reasons for helping the teen reveal themselves, in all fairness nothing that’s disclosed comes as a shock, thus diluting their inherent power to move the emotional needle, if only just a little. Yet less really is more the majority of the time, and the fact Green knows this, and relies upon it, even, is a blessing in more ways than one. Audiences are not dumb. They like to put pieces of an interesting, thought-provoking puzzle together for themselves. They don’t need every nuance, every facet of the equation quantified and explained for them. What Mackenzie is running from, as horrible as it ultimately might be, is no great surprise. For that matter, neither is Rene’s growing fatherly streak that begins to blossom by being in her company. The friendship that develops between the two might be born of necessity, but it’s built of stronger material than that by the end, allowing for the ambiguity of the finale to have a hopeful ebullience that’s naturalistic yet concrete all at one time. Purnell’s performance is strong. A teenager without direction, coming from a place of ineffable hardship, she’s both streetwise and hopelessly naïve, thinking she knows
Ella Purnell and Bruce Greenwood in Wildlike – Napa Valley Film Festival
exactly what it is others want from her, only to be caught dumbstruck when her advances are turned aside. Watching her grow as a young woman and yet find comfort by being allowed to digress into being a little girl under another’s protection is amazing to behold, the Kick-Ass 2 and Maleficent bit player showing great potential and I’m eager to see what the actress is going to do next. As for Greenwood, this is just another reminder at how superb, and consistently underrated, the veteran character actor continues to be. His work in films as diverse as Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter and Below speaks for itself, while a strong case could be made he should have received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his turn as John F. Kennedy in 2000’s Thirteen Days. Here, Greenwood deftly underplays things, only letting his dander or his excitement level rise when absolutely necessary,
Philadelphia lives up to its name: City of Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Rich with history and culture the city’s founding goes back to the early European colonists of the 1600s. The city was an important part of this country’s formation hosting the original Continental Congress, the Liberty Bell and the first Capital of the (future) United States of America. Today Philadelphia is a melting pot for diversity and religious freedom celebrating the rules of founder William Penn: a Quaker who believed that all religious people should be able to be who they are and practice what they’d like. Getting to Philadelphia is an easy trip from Seattle. Direct flights last about five hours and can be found through several airlines including Alaska Air. Arriving at the International Airport it is a half hour taxi ride (about $30) or an approximate thirty-minute subway ride (about $7) to the City Center, although there may be a walk waiting for you if taking the subway. Once there, most major sites are accessible within a healthy 30 minutes walk, or an inexpensive taxi ride depending on your requirements (and the weather). And the sights to see are numerous. While Philadelphia is a large city, most needs are met within the City Center limits.
18 Seattle Gay News
Residents and visitors crossing the intersection at 13th and Locust Streets in the city’s “Gayborhood” pass over rainbow-colored crosswalks – one more indication that the city is a welcoming place for the LGBT community – Photo by M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
HISTORY If American History is your forte there is plenty to see and experience. This is the cradle of the American Revolution. One can easily visit the sight of the First Continental Congress and see where the Declaration of Independence was formed. The famous names most American children have come to admire, (Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams,) were considered traitors and criminals when they planned to have the
October 2, 2015
colonies break away from the Motherland; a feat that none had ever done in the history of the world. Tickets to tour Independence Hall are easily accessible, free, and can go quickly on a daily first come-first served basis. Or you can reserve your ticket on line for a very inexpensive fee: (http://www.nps. gov/inde/daily-ticket-information.htm). The Liberty Bell can be accessed (free) during business hours, or viewed through glass windows (and good lighting) for night
maintaining an airy calm that’s spellbinding. Green uses his Alaskan exteriors magnificently, Hillary Spera’s (Black Rock) cinematography showcasing these wide open vistas in ways that augments the on-screen journey of the protagonists, never overshadowing or minimizing it. He also finds just the right moment for a variety of actors to pop in and make their mark, Geraghty, Ann Dowd, Joshua Leonard and Nolan Gerard Funk all adding just the right touch to their respective scenes allowing for their appearances to matter as far as the overarching story itself is concerned. It really is a pity more people won’t take the time to watch Wildlike, especially in a darkened theatre where it will be showcased the best. Even so, make no mistake, the movie is excellent, and here’s my hope people out there will put forth the effort required to give it a look.
viewing and photographs. Across the street from Independence Hall is The Constitution Building (for a separate $12 ticket price) that houses an original copy of The Bill of Rights. Quotes carved into the stone around the building easily remind us that our forefathers HAD NO INTENTION OF EVER MIXING RELIGIOUS THEOLOGY WITH THE LAWS OF THE NEW BUDDING NATION. Other historical sights are easy to get to and enjoy. The homes of Betsy Ross (who was only one of many to sew the original flags of our country) and Benjamin Franklin can be toured. The original post office is still standing and, if you ask nicely, they will even stamp the postcards that you’re mailing with Benjamin Franklin’s (founder) original stamp. Busts of Mr. Franklin can be found in several places but his final resting place is in the graveyard of Christ Church (www.christchurchphila. org/burial/). Although he may be the most easily recognizable resident, he is far from the only notable one. Also interred in this quaint resting place are four other signers of the Declaration of Independence (some also of the Constitution), several Revolutionary heroes, and Sarah Knowles, an eleven year old girl who has the distinction of holding the oldest (readable) tombstone of this graveyard dating back to 1721. Notably, there is also a marker for Major David Salisbury Franks, the highest-ranking Jewish office in the Continental Army,
Celebrating 41 Years!
thoughts and brains work. Special exhibits here are informative, such as the one about the great Genghis Khan, the greatest strategic general the world has ever known. For a darker look at science (which may be disturbing to younger viewers) the Mutters Museum (http://muttermuseum.org/) displays a large variety of human maladies. While not on Museum Row, it is still easy to get to by either a healthy walk or a short cab ride. Displays include pieces of Einstein’s brain (only one of two museums that can claim that) and many human specimens preserved in jars. Other displays are casts made from humans, including the original co-joined (Siamese) twins, Chang and Eang. A Philadelphia City Pass is available for the full museum experiences at a discounted price.
Bust of Benjamin Franklin – Photo by Eric Andrews-Katz
who was buried in the churchyard, out of respect, instead of a mass, unknown grave, when he died of the infamous yellow fever outbreak in 1793. Christ Church is down the block, still a working church, where several more Declaration signers are buried (seven in total). Originally founded as a Church of England, the colonists broke off from England, as well as her church, and the first Episcopalian Church was founded in Philadelphia. Inside the building plaques mark the pews where Washington, Franklin, and (John) Adams worshipped. For a more sinister look at Philadelphia’s history you may want to take one of the many Grim Philly Walking Tours (www. grimphilly.com/). All stories are looked into so that only “actual and authentic” stories are retold. There are several tours to try that will entice those with a darker side, including an “adults only” history lesson that looks into Ghosts and Serial Killers of Philadelphia, including stories of American’s First Noted (and prolific) Serial Killer, H.H. Holmes. The adult tour ends up at a tavern using spirits to chase away the spirits. Informative and fun, these walking tours have something for all interests. MUSEUMS Museums are abundant, as one can imagine, in such a big city as Philadelphia. Most buildings are located on Museum Row. Buildings here date back to the 1920s and were established to have Philadelphia rival Paris as a center of culture and the arts. The Philadelphia Museum of Art (www.Philamuseum.org) houses an incredible collection of classic to modern art with many fantastic special exhibits. Two that were going on simultaneously while I was there were The Impressionists (a collection of Impressionist Art collected by the famed art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel – special ticket required), or The Wraith of the Gods in art. The latter is a smaller exhibit (free) showing the influences of Michelangelo and Titian on the works of Peter Paul
FOOD If you are a member of the quickly emerging “Foodie” groups, you cannot be disappointed with this city. Far beyond the Cheesesteaks or Pretzels, Philadelphia is home to many great restaurants of all types. Go to IndieBlu (www.indebluerestaurant. com) and you may have one of the best Indian food experiences you’ve ever enjoyed. Jones (www.jones-restaurant.com/) has a diner atmosphere serving comfort foods from burgers and salads to an excellent Matzah Ball Soup that will make you want to call a Jewish Mother to tell her about it. For something on the run try Big Ass Slices Pizza (www.bigassslicesphiladelphia. com/) – not just a boast – or Jake’s Pizza and Grill (www.Jakespizza.net) which brags the world famous Cheesesteak – and not without merit. Jake’s is located by City Hall, a destination between City Center’s Historical District and Museum Row. Delicious torn pieces of steak, mixed with peppers and onions and REAL cheese (“Whiz” is an option in many places) served on a large hoagie bun, there is a type of “Cheesesteak” for all people. There are also several outdoor markets including the Reading Market (www.readingterminalmarket. org/). Housed in the original Reading Railroad (think Monopoly) Terminal, this market offers bustling food courts, Amish crafts, traditional candy stores, and all sorts of booths expected at an indoor market.
celebrates more than 50 years of GLBT activity having its first protests for equality BEFORE New York’s Stonewall. For a great place to stay try the Alexander Inn (www.alexanderinn.com). It boasts being a “boutique hotel” in every way with great service, comfortable rooms, marble floors, a good Continental breakfast, and perfect location; all offered for a very reasonable price in any city. The staff is friendly and eager to help with suggestions and sights not to be missed. Just down the street from this hotel is Giovanni’s Room – the “Longest Consecutively Running GLBT Bookstore” (www.phillyaidsthriftatgiovannisroom.com/about.html) in the United States. First opened in 1973, Giovanni’s Room has been providing books to the GLBT community non-stop, except for a short hiatus for management transfer and remodeling. A good place to find your favorite GLBT authors (new and used books), Giovanni’s Room offers author readings and has expanded to include an AIDS Thrift Store for shoes, cards, clothing etc… Check out their listings to see when your favorite author will be reading from their work. If theater is your Arts preference there is no shortage. Broadway caliber theaters (such as the Hal Prince Theater) offer the major touring shows while you can find more fringe style with Quince Productions (www.quinceproductions.com/) founded by Rich Rubin. Mr. Rubin is an essential part of bringing GayFest! Philly’s only LGBT theater festival, to life. GLBT presentations are advertised frequently, so definitely take a look at their websites to see which interest is best suited for your tastes. Philadelphia is a large city – there’s no doubt about that – but with a small-town feel. It has everything New York offers without the feeling of hustle and bustle. People are friendly. The parks (in City Center at least) are open spaces safe to walk through after dark. It is easy to see why – even after over 400 years – it lives up to the name “The City of Brotherly Love.”
Rubens’ masterpiece, Prometheus Bound. All three of these Masters (along with others) are represented by their works in this special exhibit. To continue the theme, The Barnes Foundation (www.barnesfoundation.org/) hosts one of the greatest Renoir collections (among many other Impressionists) in the United States. Guests can move through this incredible building where Renoir, Degas, Seurat, Cezanne and many others fill the walls with masterpieces of Impressionist Art. Although a small building, the art collection is massive and can be overwhelming but in no way should it be missed! The Rodin Museum (www.rodinGLBT COMMUNITY museum.org/) boasts the Master Sculptor’s The GLBT community is a thriving part greatest collection outside of Paris includ- of Philadelphia. Listed on most local maps ing casts of The Thinker, Eve, The Bronze as the “Gayborhood,” food, hotels and Age, and The Gates of Hell. sightseeing are all in the area. Philadelphia If science is more your style, The Franklin Institute (www. fi.edu/) is another excellent choice. Definitely a handson museum for the younger set, this museum still holds many delights for attendees of any age. Guests can walk through a huge model of the human heart and follow the pathway of blood through ou r bodies. There is another room representing the human brain that allows guests to climb Built in 1926, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which traverses the Delaware River, connects Philadelphia, through hoops and the nation’s fifth largest city, and New Jersey. More than 100,000 cars, dozens of pedestrians and high-speed rail lines cross the bridge daily – Photo by B. Krist for VISIT PHILADELPHIA™ follow the way our
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October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 19
community calendar
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.
SATURDAY - October 3
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. Northwest Tea Festival (10/3 & 10/4). Sat 10/3 - 10am6pm; Sun 10/4 - 10am-4pm. Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. Tickets: $10 for one-day pass, $15 for two-day pass, includes porcelain tasting teacup, reusable shopping bag, lectures, tea tastings & access to vendors. www.nwteafestival.com Medicare Made Clear. 2pm. Queen Anne Branch Library, 400 W Garfield St. Learn abour Medicare Parts A, B, C, D & supplemental plans, including who is eligible, what is covered, pros & cons, approximate costs & enrollment guidelines. FREE. www.spl.org 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
Except, No Bowling:
*9/27/15 *11/15/15 *11/22/15 *12/6/15 *1/17/16 *1/31/15 *4/10/16
SUNDAY - October 4
Border Riders Motorcycle Club First Sunday Ride. Contact Border Riders for details and rendezvous point. Meets 1st Sunday most months. BRMC provides a social & educational fraternity for individuals interested in recreational motorcycle touring. www.borderriders.com Seattle Soto Zen. 9:15am-Zazen Instruction, 9:30amZazen. 101 Nickerson St, Lower Level. Follow the traditional forms of the Soto school of Zen in a spirit of warmth & inclusion. Anyone interested in meditation, whether new or experienced in Zen practice or other traditions, is welcome. 323-1659, www.seattlesotozen.org Gay Men’s Bowling in Lynnwood. 9:30am. Brunswick Majestics Lane, Lynnwood. 9:30am Every Sunday. Spectators welcome. Join us for lunch afterwards! Sponsored by the Snohomish County Gay Men’s Task Force. For info email John at johndmarsh@mac.com; www.gaysnohomish.org Northwest Tea Festival (10/3 & 10/4). Sat 10/3 - 10am6pm; Sun 10/4 - 10am-4pm. Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. Tickets: $10 for one-day pass, $15 for two-day pass, includes porcelain tasting teacup, reusable shopping bag, lectures, tea tastings & access to vendors. www.nwteafestival.com Seattle Sunday Bowling. 10:30am. West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave SW (at SW Oregon St). Open bowl every Sunday for the GLBT community & friends. You don’t have to worry about how you bowl! $6.50 + $2 shoe rental. (425) 785-4725. Meditation for GBT Men. 11am-1pm. Cal Anderson House, 400 Broadway. Suitable for beginning & experienced meditators. Sponsored by Dharma Buddies. Contact Forrest Rode, 920-6117, Mike Chin (509) 990-0007, or Doug Allison, doug.l.allison@gmail.com. www.dharmabuddies.org. (Women may wish to contact our sister meditation group at www.LotusSisters.org.) 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 CroatiaFest. 12-8pm. Seattle Center Armory. Seattle Center Festal: CroatiaFest introduces the music, art, food, history and heritage of Croatia. Acclaimed dance ensembles and musicians, intricate costumes, folkdance lessons, wine tasting, tourist information and historical displays showcase Croatia’s rich past and vibrant present. www.seattlecenter.com.
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 PFLAG/Kittitas County. 4-5:30pm. First United Methodist Church, 3rd & Ruby Sts, Ellensburg. Meets the first Sunday of every month. For information, (509) 925-7937. 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 Seattle Jazz Vespers. 6-8pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, Seneca St & Harvard Ave. 1st Sunday of every month (October-June). The historic Gothic sanctuary of Seattle First Baptist Church is offered to the best jazz groups in the city to perform 100 minutes of their own popular music. FREE. For info 325-6051, www.seattlefirstbaptist.org/sjv 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. “POUND” by Marga Gomez. 7:30pm. Theatre Off Jackson. Gomez plays a desperate version of herself as well as her Gay nephew Mikey ‑& a delicious assortment of cinema’s most obscure & toxic Lesbian characters. Tickets $15-$30. www.theatreoffjackson.org Noche Latina - Latino Night. 10pm. Neighbours, 1509 Broadway. Every Sunday.
20 Seattle Gay News
October 2, 2015
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 LGBTQ Meet & Greet With New Superintendent of Seattle Parks & Recreation. 5:30-7pm. Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave E. A special meeting for the public to share ideas, suggestions & concerns about Parks & Recreation for LGBTQ children, youth & adults with Superintendent Jesus Aguirre. Hosted by the Seattle LGBT Commission. FREE. www.seattle.gov/lgbt 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.) 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 Unity Gay Men’s AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St. Tacoma. Every Monday. (253) 474-8897. Washington Gender Alliance Support Group Meeting in Shoreline. 7:30pm. Center for Human Services, 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline. Meets every Monday. For information email info@washingtongender alliance.com Queers, Crackpots & Fallen Women AA. 8-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Monday. Open women only AA group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org.
October 3 thru October 11 gestions & attendance. Come join us as we build community in Snohomish County.” David, (425) 339-5238. LGBTQ Questioning & Allied Youth Drop-in Group in Renton. 6-8pm. Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), 1025 S 3rd St, Renton. Meets every Tuesday. Confidential. Snacks provided. Bring friends or come alone - anyone 12-18 is welcome. Questions? Call Sarah Hardin, 425-271-5600 ext 155, or email sarahh@rays.org Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12 step) for Gay & Bi men who desire recovery from meth. For information visit www.strengthoverspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Diverse Harmony. 6:30-9pm. Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave. Every Tuesday. Diverse Harmony is the nation’s first Gay/Straight Alliance Youth Chorus. Youths ages 13-22 are welcome regardless of sexual orientation. www.diverseharmony.org Queer Young Females Group - For Female-Identified Youth, Ages 22 & Under. 6:30-7:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Tuesday. Topics range from family issues to school happenings to like/lust/love relationships. All Queer females welcome. Come discuss how smart. strong Queer women live their lives. 322-2515, www. lamberthouse.org Tuesday Night Sex Addicts Anonymous (GLBTQI). 7-8:30pm. All Pilgrims Christian Church, 500 Broadway E (enter at 509 10th Ave E; buzz in, Dickson room). Every Tuesday. SAA is a fellowship of men & women whose primary purpose is to stop addictive sexual behavior & help others recover from sexual addiction. Seattle SAA helpline 237-8828. SAA International Service Organization 1-800-477-8191. Over 40’s Group - For Lesbian Women 40 & Older. 7-8:30pm. University Congregational Church, 4515 16th Ave NE, Pilgrim Room. Every Tuesday. Open group for Lesbian women, 40 & older, in every stage of coming out or being out. Lots of social activities in addition to Tuesday meetings. 545-3521. Rain City Jacks. 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month at 7pm; 4th Sunday each month at1pm. West Queen Anne/ Interbay. Location & membership details provided upon request. RCJ is a traditional jack-off club. Friendly, sexpositive, non-profit and private. Membership required. Adult men only. Enroll at the door. www.raincityjacks. org, email info@raincityjacks.org or call 1-888-809-5035. Rainbow Duplicate Bridge. 7pm. Bus-accessible Central Area location. Every Tuesday. (See Saturday listing at 6pm.) Different Drummers. 7:15-8:30pm. Every Tuesday. Hand drumming classes for Gay men. It’s easy, it’s fun & anyone can do it! Learn traditional African & AfroCaribbean rhythms & basic hand drumming techniques. Experience connection, community & spirituality. Drums are provided. For info & location call Dennis at 363-4500 or www.outdrum.com What About Me? 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Tuesday. Drop-in social, support & discussion group for Gay & Bi men of all ages. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Here & Now Gay & Lesbian AA Meeting in Tacoma. 7:30pm. Christ Episcopal Church, 310 N “K” St, Tacoma. Every Tuesday. Spiritual Empowerment. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. A group for all LGBT & friends of any spiritual belief to explore how spiritual practice can enrich their life. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Bellingham. 7:30-9pm. St James Presbyterian Church, 910 14th St., Bellingham. Every Tuesday. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com. (See Wednesday listing at 7:30pm for details.) Seattle Otters Water Polo Team. 8-9:30pm. Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave E (at E Cherry St). Every Tuesday & Thursday. GLBT & GLBT-friendly co-ed water polo team is open to all who want to play. Beginners & experienced players welcome. Check our website for up to the minute details, or call the Otter Hotline 414-8797. www.otterpolo.com. Seattle Poetry Slam. Doors 8pm, Show 8:30pm. Rebar, 1114 Howell St. Every Tuesday. A spoken word poetry event that features a weekly open mic, feature poet, and slam (poetry competition). Come out and express yourself. LGBTQ- & QTPOC-friendly; all genders welcome. $5. 21+. seattlepoetryslam.org
WEDNESDAY - October 7
Mature Friends Morning Exercise/Health & Fitness Get-Together. 10am. Ballard Odd Fellows Hall Bldg, 1706 NW Market St. Every Wednesday. An hour of health-related activities, followed by a walk around Greenlake & lunch at a local restaurant. MF is a social group for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www. maturefriends.org True Colors: Connecting LGBTQ Teens in Shoreline. 4-5pm. Every Wednesday. Discussing your important issues, building a supportive community. For information, location & to REGISTER call Lindsay Bagley 362-7282 x 8018 or email lbagley@chs-nw.org GLOBE (GLBTQ Loving Ourselves, Becoming EmTUESDAY - October 6 powered): A Support Group & HIV/STD Prevention MONDAY - October 5 Gay Men’s Task Force of Snohomish County in Ev- for Youth (14-20) in Everett. 6-8pm. CCA Building, 3331 SOBER - On Meds. 1-2pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave erett. 6-8pm. Snohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Broadway - Bottom Floor, Everett. Every Wednesday. E. Every Monday. 12-step group open to anyone in Ave Ste 309A, Everett. Meets 1st Tuesday each month. Sponsored by PFLAG Everett chapter. David/Brenda, recovery & living on a medicine regimen. 322-2437; Open to all Gay & Bisexual men in Snohomish County. (425) 263-2908. globeleaders@hotmail.com www.sasgcc.org “We will be discussing issues concerning the local Gay community & value your opinion, voice, comments, sug-
Celebrating 41 Years!
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 Southeast Seattle Lesbian Evening Group. 6pm. Southeast Seattle Senior Center, 4655 S Holly St. Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month. RSVP to Kate Hawkins 722-0317. www.sessc.org. FREE. Lotus Sisters Meditation & Dharma Discussion North. 6:15-8pm. Ravenna Bryant neighborhood. Meets every Wednesday. Call 525-7295 for location. www. LotusSisters.org. Seattle Frontrunners Fun Run. 6:30pm. Volunteer Park (in front of Black Sun across for museum). Every Wednesday. (See Saturday at 9am.) HIV/AIDS Support Group. 7-8:30pm. SASG, 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 PFLAG/Renton Monthly Meeting. 7pm. St Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave S, Renton. Meets 1st Wednesday each month. PFLAG/Renton: 425-2354139. PFLAG/Puget Sound: 325-7724. www.seattlepflag.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 Mature Friends Weekly Bridge Group. 7:30pm. Call for location. Every Wednesday. All levels welcome. MF is a social organization for Gay men & women, 40 years & over. www.maturefriends.org Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.) Washington Gender Alliance Open Support Meeting in Everett. 7:30-9pm. Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave, Everett. Every Wednesday. Trained peer facilitators lead a structured support meeting helping people deal with issues of gender identity & expression. All adults are welcomed, including those who are questioning, allies, or identify as FTM, MTF, Transgender, Queer, or Intersex, among others. (360) 445-2411; www.washingtongenderalliance.com. Pride Skate Seattle. 9-11pm. Southgate Roller Rink, 9646 17th Ave SW. First Wednesday of every month. $7 admission includes skate rental. Must be 18+. After-party at Company, 9608 16th Ave SW, with drink specials & karaoke. www.southgaterollerrink.com
THURSDAY - October 8
community calendar
(253) 474-8897. Orca Swim Team Workout. 7:30-8:45pm. Seattle University, Connolly Athletic Center, 14th Ave & E Cherry St. (See Sunday listing at 5pm.) “Raise It Up” Benefit Concert for Atlantic Street Center. 7:30pm. Benaroya Hall Taper Auditorium, 3rd Ave & University St. An exciting & soulful evening of music starring Grammy Award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum & Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Eric Benet. www.atlanticstreet.org. Tickets: $54.50, $79.50, $107, $212. www.benaroyahall.org LGBT Friday Night Al-Anon Family Group. 7:45pm. Seattle Counseling Service, Rainbow Room, 1216 Pine St at Melrose Ave. Every Friday. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000; www.seattle-al-anon.org
SATURDAY - October 10
Senior Center of West Seattle LGBTQ Group: Pizza & Game Night. 6pm. 4217 SW Oregon St. www.sc-ws.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. Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation - Contemplative Service. 6:30pm. 7141 California Ave SW. 935-0418, office@wsuu.org, www.wsuu.org Boys’ Group - For Male-Identified Youth, Ages 1422. 7-8:30pm. Lambert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Thursday. Youth take the opportunity to talk about issues that relate to their everyday lives, with the facilitation of a male volunteer. 322-2515 ext 16. www.lamberthouse.org 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.) Buddhism & Recovery. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Every Thursday. A meditation/recovery group. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. 7:30-9pm. Group Health, 201 16th Ave E, Central Bldg, Lower Atrium. Every Thursday. Support meetings for Gay fathers & Gay men who are currently or previously married. Safe, anonymous, non-judgmental environment of caring fathers & friends. Ywww.gfas.org or our message board at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/gayfathersseattle Gay Male Sexuality & Relationships. 7:30-9pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave. E. Every Thursday. A discussion group that is strictly focused on sexual topics and relationship issues related to being a Gay male. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org 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.)
20th Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (10/8-10/18). www.threedollarbillcinema.org Alcoholics Anonymous “Safe & Sober Group.” 12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Open meeting of AA. 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org. BABES Women’s Support Group/Lunch Meeting. 12 noon-2pm. Call for location. Every Thursday. The BABES Network is a peer led agency; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. 720-5566 or 888-292-1912; www.babesnetwork.org. HIV & Aging Health Fair. 12noon-3pm. Seattle Counseling Service, 1216 Pine St. Noon-1pm: Group discussion on aging with HIV & remaining healthy inside & out. 1pm2pm: SASG presents groups on HIV, aging & recovery. 2pm-3pm: Health Fair tabling. FREE food & beverages, great giveaways. Seattle International Auto Show (10/8-10/11). Thurs 10/8: 2pm-9pm; Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: 9am-9pm; Sun 10/11: 9am-7pm. Admission: adults $15, military $12, seniors $12, children 12 & under FREE. www.seattleautoshow.com Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages 14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Thursday. (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Fridays 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.) Capitol Hill Arts Walk. 5-8pm. Participating shops & galleries in the Pike/Pine corridor. 2nd Thursday each month. Keep your eyes out for curbside A-boards that mark each participating venue. Pick up a walking map from any location & you’re on your way. Enjoy refreshments & meet the featured artists as you stroll the Hill. www.caphillchamber.org 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 FRIDAY - October 9 to facilitate planning for dinner and childcare. 568-7777 or info@nwnetwork.org. 20th Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (10/8-10/18). www.threedollarbillcinema.org
Visit us online www.sgn.org
(See previous Saturday for ongoing activities.) 20th Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (10/8-10/18). www.threedollarbillcinema.org Olympic Peninsula Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival (10/9-10/11). Port Angeles. Come for the food, stay for the fun. www.crabfestival.org 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. We create a safe, confidential & sacred space in which a man can speak his truth from the heart, to heal & empower himself. We are fiercely non-political, non-sectarian & non-judgmental. All men are welcome. www.agatheringofmen.org Seattle International Auto Show (10/8-10/11). Thurs 10/8: 2pm-9pm; Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: 9am-9pm; Sun 10/11: 9am-7pm. Admission: adults $15, military $12, seniors $12, children 12 & under FREE. www.seattleautoshow.com 55th Annual St Demetrios Greek Festival (10/910/11). Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: 10am-9pm; Sun 10/11: 12noon-7pm. St Demetrios Church, 2100 Boyer Ave E. Features traditional Greek food, music & dance plus Greek imports & deli items. www.seattlegreek festival.com Georgetown Art Attack. 6-9pm. 2nd Saturday each month. Reflects the industrial-strength character of the neighborhood. For information stop into Georgetown Records at Airport Way S & S Vale or visit www.georgetownneighborhood.com Ballard’s Second Saturday Artwalk. 7-10pm. Pick up maps at participating shops & galleries located in the Ballard business district (Ballard Ave NW & NW Market St area). Meets 2nd Saturday each month. Enjoy an evening of art as local galleries & businesses showcase artists from Ballard & beyond. 784-9705. Bechdel Test Burlesque (10/9 & 10/10). Doors 7pm, Show 7:30pm. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Naked. Nerdy. Feminist. The superpowered byproduct of the intersection of feminism & pop culture. 14 performers join forces to build a more feminist world thru smart, sexy, nerdy Olympic Peninsula Dungeness Crab & Seafood burlesque. General admission $20, VIP $35. Festival (10/9-10/11). Port Angeles. Come for the food, stay for the fun. www.crabfestival.org SUNDAY - October 11 55th Annual St Demetrios Greek Festival (10/9(See previous Sunday for ongoing activities.) 10/11). Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: 10am-9pm; 20th Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (10/8-10/18). Sun 10/11: 12noon-7pm. St Demetrios Church, 2100 www.threedollarbillcinema.org Boyer Ave E. Features traditional Greek food, music & dance plus Greek imports & deli items. www.seat- Olympic Peninsula Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival (10/9-10/11). Port Angeles. Come for the food, tlegreek festival.com stay for the fun. www.crabfestival.org AA Ageless in Recovery. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Meets every Friday. A drop in AA group for Seattle International Auto Show (10/8-10/11). Thurs 10/8: 2pm-9pm; Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: older & wiser people 55+. www.sasgcc.org 9am-9pm; Sun 10/11: 9am-7pm. Admission: adults $15, Re-Parenting Ourselves. 12noon-1pm. SASG, 303 military $12, seniors $12, children 12 & under FREE. 17th Ave E. Meets every Friday. A peer support group www.seattleautoshow.com for adult children of any addiction. www.sasgcc.org Lotus Sisters Guided Meditation. 11am-1:30pm. SLAA Road to Recovery. 12noon-1:30pm. SASG, 303 SASG, 303 17th Ave E. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. 17th Ave E. Meets every Friday. Ongoing 12 step group Senior students lead the meditation, provide dharma for sex & love addicts. www.sasgcc.org talks or reflections & lead discussion. 329-5908; www. Seattle International Auto Show (10/8-10/11). Thurs LotusSisters.org; www.sasgcc.org (Meets in 2nd floor 10/8: 2pm-9pm; Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: meeting room; no elevator.) 9am-9pm; Sun 10/11: 9am-7pm. Admission: adults $15, 55th Annual St Demetrios Greek Festival (10/9military $12, seniors $12, children 12 & under FREE. 10/11). Fri 10/9: 12noon-9pm; Sat 10/10: 10am-9pm; www.seattleautoshow.com Sun 10/11: 12noon-7pm. St Demetrios Church, 2100 Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma - For Gay, Lesbian, Boyer Ave E. Features traditional Greek food, music Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning Youth, Ages & dance plus Greek imports & deli items. www.seat14-25. 4-10pm. Call for location & details. Every Friday. tlegreek festival.com (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcenter.org (Also Thurs- Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Cineoke! 6:30pm doors; days 4-10pm & Saturdays 6pm-12 midnight.) 7pm show. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Meets 2nd Sunday Strength Over Speed. 6-7:30pm. SASG, 303 17th Ave each month. It’s like Karaoke - only better! You’re the star E. FREE drop-in support group (not a 12-step) for Gay & of your favorite movie musical. Pick any scene to sing Bi men who desire recovery from meth. www.strength- along to, while the film and lyrics are projected onto the overspeed.org. SASG 322-2437; www.sasgcc.org screen. There are hundreds of songs to choose from, Lambert House Queer Movie Night. 7-9:30pm. Lam- or you can bring your own special request (on DVD). $8 bert House, 1818 15th Ave. Every Friday. Lambert House cover ($5 for Three Dollar Bill Cinema members). www. is a nationally-recognized activities & resource center threedollarbillcinema.org. for GLBT & questioning youth, ages 14-22. 322-2515, Knights of Mantra Monthly Meeting. 7:30pm. The www.lamberthouse.org Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. Meets 2nd Sunday each month. Rain Country Dance Night. 7-11pm, lessons at 7:15pm. K of M/Jet Chapter is a fun-loving leather/Levi social & The Cuff, 1533 13th Ave. An evening of country-western charitable organization that raises money for various dancing for the LGBTQ community. FREE. www.rain- causes & organizations. Social functions include Mr & Ms Wrangler Contest, La Femme Grotesque, Movie Auccountrydance.org. Bechdel Test Burlesque (10/9 & 10/10). Doors 7pm, tion Night, Memorial Day Weekend Camp-Out, Sir Guy Show 7:30pm. Re-bar, 1114 Howell St. Naked. Nerdy. Contest, Beggars Feast, holiday parties & other events. Feminist. The superpowered byproduct of the intersec- 329-0886, mailbox@jetchapterkofm.com tion of feminism & pop culture. 14 performers join forces COMMUNITY RESOURCES to build a more feminist world thru smart, sexy, nerdy Allyship - an organization of LGBTQ individuals fighting burlesque. General admission $20, VIP $35. Destiny Gay AA Group in Tacoma. 7:30pm. New for economic and social justice. www.LGBTQ Allyship. Heart MCC, 759 S 45th St, Tacoma. Every Friday. org, allyship@yahoo.com, 279-8169.
October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 21
American Veterans for Equal Rights - www.aver.us Another Gay Social Club! - www.meetup.com/AnotherGay-Social-Club/ Bellingham/Whatcom County - www.theslowlane. com/guide.html BiNet Seattle is a mixed gender, social group for Bisexuals, their partners & other Bi-friendly folks - www. binetseattle.org. Bremerton/Kitsap County - www.outwestsound.org Capitol Hill Alano Club - www.chacseattle.org Central Washington University GALA Hotline: (509) 963-1994. DIFFA/Seattle (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). 763-8885; www.diffaseattle.org DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT: Crisis Clinic, 461-3222 (24 hour line); King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) - 24-hour crisis line for information, support, & medical & legal assistance: 1-888-99-VOICE; Northwest Network - support & advocacy for Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse & Dating Violence, 568-7777 (voice), 517-9670 (tty), www.nwnetwork.org; Pierce County Domestic Violence Helpline: Teresa, (253) 798-4166; Seattle Counseling Service for Sexual Minorities - offers on-going support groups for men: 323-1768; Seattle Police Dept Domestic Violence Unit, 684-0330; State Wide Domestic Violence Hot Line, 1-800-562-6025. In an emergency call 911. Report domestic violence and sexual assault. Equal Rights Washington - 324-2570; www.equal rightswashington.org Everett/Snohomish Cty - www.gaysnohomish.org Freely Speaking Toastmasters - www.freely speaking.org Gay City organizes events & activities for Gay & Bi men & offers anonymous & confidential HIV/STD testing at the Center for LGBT Health, 517 E Pike St. More info or to schedule an appointment, 860-6969. www.gaycity.org Gay & Lesbian National Hotline (GLNH): 1-888-THEGLNH (1-888-843-4564). Non-profit, peer-counseling, information & local resources telephone hotline for GLBT people across the country. GLSEN/WA - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network - 330-2099; www.glsenwa.org Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) - 3639188; www.thegsba.org HIV/AIDS Program, Seattle/King County Dept of Public Health, provides confidential/anonymous information about & testing for HIV/AIDS. 205-7837. For a comprehensive list of HIV/AIDS service organizations see the GSBA Guide or visit www.thegsba.org or call Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979. Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle & the Olympic & Rainier Empire - www.facebook.com/ISCSORE; www. imperialcourtofseattle.com Lambert House - 322-2515; www.lamberthouse.org LGBT Library - 517 E Pike St. Open Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction for the LGBT community and allies can be borrowed free of charge. LGBT MS Connection - 250-5002; LGBTMS Connection@gmail.com. Support group for LGBT persons with MS and their partners and their caregivers. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Lifelong AIDS Alliance - 328-8979, www.lifelongaids alliance.org MEN: Gay City: 860-6969, www.gaycity.org; Knights of Mantra: 329-0886, www.jetchapterkofm.com; Mature Friends: Gay men & women 40 & over, www.mature friends.org; Northwest Bears: www.nwbears.com; The Olympians: www.TheOlympians.net; POZSeattle: www.pozseattle.org; Q-Squared: www.qsquared.org; Rain City Jacks: 888-809-5035, www.raincityjacks. org; Seattle Gay Couples: www. seattlegaycouples. org; Seattle Men in Leather: www.seattlemeninleather. org; Seattle Prime Timers: Gay & Bi men 40 & over, www.seattle primetimers.org. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.) MUSIC: Diverse Harmony: www.diverseharmony.org; Rainbow City Band: 1-866-841-9139 ext 2126; rainbowcityband@onebox.com; www.rainbowcity band.com; Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus: 388-1408, 323-0750. www.flyinghouse. org. Northwest Lesbian & Gay History Museum Project - gayhistnw@aol.com Northwest Rainbow Alliance for the Deaf - www. nwrad.org Olympia/Thurston County: www.RainbowCenterOly. org Out & Equal Workplace Advocates/Seattle Regional Affiliate supports the work of LGBT employees and the growing number of ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) making a difference within local companies, including Alaska Airlines, Amazon.com, Amgen, AT&T, Bank of America, Deloitte, Macy’s, Microsoft, Russell Investments, Safeco Insurance, Starbucks Coffee, Xerox. www.outandequal.org/affiliates/seattle PARENTHOOD: Families Like Ours provides a gateway for LGBT families interested in adoption & provides a network of safe placement agencies, training, support & resources: 441-7602, www.familieslikeours. org; Family Works offers support, information & activities for LGBT families: 694-6727, www.familyworksseattle. org; Gay Fathers’ Association of Seattle offers support groups & social activities: www.gfas. org; Proud & Loud Families - Northwest, www.meetup.com/proudand-loud-families-northwest, plfnorthwest@aol.com; Queer Parent Networking Dinners: 568-7777, info@ nwnetwork.org; Rainbow Families of Puget Sound: www.rainbowfamiliesps.org PFLAG is the national organization for parents, families, allies, and LGBTQ people united for equality with
22 Seattle Gay News
community calendar
chapters in Seattle, Bellevue/Eastside, the Puget Sound region and across Washington state. PFLAG Seattle: 206-325-7724, info@pflagseattle.org, and www.pflag seattle.org; PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside: 425-4836642, info@bellevue-pflag.org, http://community.pflag. org/PFLAGBellevue; PFLAG Pacific Northwest: www.pnwpflag.org; PFLAG Washington state: www. pflagwsc.org. PEOPLE OF COLOR: Asian/Pacific Islander Queer Network Program at API Chaya, 467-9976; Center for MultiCultural Health, 461-6910, www.multiculturalhealth.org; Entre Hermanos, GLBT Latinos/as, 322-7700, www.entrehermanos.org; Ile LaiLai, 7813565, iya@ilelailai.org; Men of All Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT), 923-8313, macctseattle@yahoo. com, www.macctsea.org; Nubian Pride Productions, nubianpride@gmail.com; People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN) offers rapid HIV testing, M-F, 10am-5pm, 322-7061, www.pocaan.org and on Facebook; Seattle Two Spirit, SeattleTwoSpirit@ hotmail.com; Sistah 2 Sistah, LBT women of African descent, 322-7061, 255-8951; Sistah Sinema, www. sistahsinema.com, info@sistahsinema.com; TrikoneNorthwest, GLBT South Asians, (425) 985-4376, www. trikonenw.org; Two-Spirit Honor Project, 1-866-6850164; U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle. Pride Foundation - 323-3318; www.pridefoundation.org Project NEON is a program of Seattle Counseling Service providing FREE information & services to Gay & Bi men to reduce health risks associated with methamphetamine use. 323-1768. www.crystalneon.org Public Health-Seattle & King County Online Comprehensive Health Information for Sexual Minorities: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/ glbt.aspx Q Law: The GLBT Bar Association of WA - 682-6711; www.q-law.org; Q Law GLBT Legal Clinic - 235-7235. Resource & Referral Line can connect you to LGBTfriendly resources throughout Puget Sound and beyond. Call 323-LGBT Mon-Fri 2-8pm; Sat 2-5pm. At other times leave voice mail and your call will be returned. Or visit www.gaycity.org to view list of resources online or through Facebook. Safe Schools Coalition - www.safeschoolscoalition. org; 451-SAFE (451-7233). SEAMEC interviews, researches & rates candidates for public office on issues of concern to the LGBT community. 905-9941, www.seamec.org Seattle Area Support Groups & Community Center (SASG) is a non-profit organization that builds commu-
October 2, 2015
nity 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 providing comprehensive mental health services on a sliding scale. 323-1768. Seattle Out & Proud - 206-322-9561; www.seattle pride.org Seattle Police Department Sexual Minorities Community Advisory Council: kim.bogucki@seattle.gov Seattle PrideFest - www.seattlepridefest.org Seattle Treatment Education Project (STEP) E-zine is an electronic resource distributed to people affected by HIV/AIDS, case managers, front line workers & other health professionals. Now a part of Lifelong AIDS Alliance, 328-8979, www.thebody.com/step/steppage.html Servicemembers Legal Defense Network - (202) 328-3244; www.sldn.org 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.emerald citysoftball.org, www.eteamz.com/womensecsa; Ethyl Forever Car Club: ethylforever@hotmail.com; Festival of the Babes: www.festivalofthebabes.com; Olympic
Yacht Club: www.oycnw.org; OutVentures: outdoor education & recreation activities, www.outventures.org; Pacific Northwest Gay Rodeo Association: www.pacificnwgra.org; Puddletown Squares: www.puddletownsquares.org; Rain City Soccer: www.raincitysoccer.org; Rain Country Dance Association: a country-western dance organization catering to the LGBTQ community but open to all, www.raincountrydance.org; Sea Dawgs: LGBT ice hockey - SkateSeaDawgs@gmail.com and on Facebook; Seattle Frontrunners: www.seattlefront runners.org; Seattle Gay Basketball Association: www. seattlegaybasketballassociation.com; Seattle Orca Swim Team: www.orcaswimteam.org; Seattle Otters Water Polo: www.otterpolo.com; Seattle Quake Rugby: www.quakerugby.com; Seattle Tennis Alliance: www. seattletennisalliance.org; Seattle Unified Bowling Association (SUBA): magee98106@aol.com, www. teamseattle.org/bowling.htm, www.theprideleague. com, Century 21 League; Seattle Volleyball Club: www.seattlevolleyballclub.com; Ski Buddies: www. skibuddies. org; Team Seattle Gay Sports Network is an umbrella organization for a wide range of local GLBT sports activities, 367-4064, www.teamseattle.org (see website for comprehensive list of sports clubs); Triangle Recreation Camp at Bender Creek: recreational camping for GLBT folks. Must be 21; ID required. trc@camptrc.org, www. camptrc.org, 1122 E Pike St #1069, Seattle 98122-3934. Strength Over Speed - www.strengthoverspeed.org Tacoma/Pierce County - Rainbow Center, 2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, a resource center for the LGBTIQA community of Pierce County, (253) 383-2318, www. rainbowcntr.org TRANSGENDER: Emerald City Social Club: (425) 827-9494; Gender Alliance of the South Sound: www. SouthSoundGender.com; Gender Justice League: www.genderjusticeleague.org; Gender Odyssey: www.genderodyssey.com; Hermanos Trans Latino & Foreign-Born Support Group: 322-7700; Ingersoll Gender Center: 329-6651, www.ingersollcenter. org; The New BoyZ Club: www.olympiaftmgroup. webs.com; Olympia Trans Discussion Group: www. facebook.com/pages/Olympia-Trans-DiscussionGroup/262449878114; Washington Gender Alliance: (360) 445-2411, www.washington genderalliance.com WOMEN: 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. (See also listings under Bisexual, Parenthood, People of Color, Transgender.) 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, 206957-1665, jessicah@llaa.org; It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org; Lambert House: an activities & resource center for LGBT youth, 14-22, in Seattle, 3222515, www.lamberthouse.org; www.MatthewsPlace. com; Oasis Youth Center: for GLBTQ youth, ages 14-25, in Tacoma, (253) 671-2838, www.oasisyouthcen ter.org; Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)/Puget Sound: 325-7724, www.seattle-pflag. org; 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: 206-495-9963; 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-SAFESAFE (1-877-723-3723) (crisis line); Seattle Young People’s Project (Queer Youth Resource Board): 860-9606, www.sypp.org; Teen Link: 461-4922, 1-888431-TEEN; The Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor; www. thetrevorproject.org; True Colors - Connecting LGBTQ Teens: in Shoreline, 362-7282 x 8018, lbagley@chs-nw. org; Vista Youth Center: for LGBTQ, questioning and allied youth, ages 14-21, in Kennewick, 509-396-5198, www.vistayouthcenter.org; YouthCare/Orion Center: 622-5555; YouthCare/Isis Program (Transitional Living Home for LGBTQ Young Adults, 18-22): 5228412; Youth Suicide Prevention Program (OUTLoudGLBTQ): 297-5922, ext 116, 1-800-273-TALK, www. yspp.org
Celebrating 41 Years!
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10 housemates
10 housemates
real estate REAL ESTATE
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_______________________________ SEATTLE’S TOP GAY REALTORS Buying a Home? Choose a Top Seattle Gay Realtor Offering FREE Buyers Representation! Relocating anywhere in the country? Visit: WWW.GAYREALESTATE. COM 37/6 _______________________________
11 for rent
11 FOR RENT
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12 12 housing wanted WANTED HOUSING _______________________________
13 13 housing for sale
HOUSING FOR SALE
_______________________________ SKAGIT HOME FOR SALE Classic Craftsman home for sale in Mount Vernon. 4 bedrooms (upstairs, with full bath) and 1 additional bedroom or home office (by main floor, with bath/shower). Full basement and attic. Update according to your own needs and style. On corner lot, up the hill from downtown Mount Vernon (out of the flood plane!) with view west over Skagit River and beyond. Yard with garden, trees. Adjoining yard (not for sale) is a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Within walking distance of downtown Mount Vernon, including commuter bus station, YMCA, and Skagit Hospital. $335K. Call 206-322-2621. 40/3 _______________________________
14 Help wanted
14 help wanted
_______________________________ 19 19 home services
HOME SERVICES
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20
20 health & health & well being
WELL-BEING
_______________________________ ENERGY/BODYWORK Therapeutic massage. 29 years experience. Relaxation, major/ minor injuries, chronic muscle pain. Small Queen Anne home office/studio. Massage table or massage chair. Convenient parking. (I’m a Gay-friendly straight male graphic artist, web author.) First session 50% off = $45/1.5 hours (travel extra). By appointment only. References available. Chris Pringer, Reiki Master, 206286-0899. If you get a voice message mentioning “extension #,” please hang up and call back again. Brochure, testimonials, etc. via chalicebridge.com/BMIBrochure.html. 44/21 _______________________________
21
21 licensed LICENSED massage MASSAGE non-sexual
- NON-SEXUAL
_______________________________ RELAXATION and DEEP TISSUE massage on Capitol Hill. Last minute appointments welcome until 9 pm. Jeff, LMP, 206-6500542. www.broadwaymassage. com. 36/6 _______________________________ 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. 46/12 _______________________________
37 BODYWORK
38 MEN
37 bodywork
38 men
_______________________________ 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. 37/6 ________________________________ DADDY BEAR The magic touch of bodywork. 12 noon-9pm. 206-328-5828. 42/3 _______________________________ EROTICALLY CHARGED nude full body rubdown from playful top, stimulating the senses. Get seduced. Incalls in Renton area. Scott, 206-355-4469. 25/3 ________________________________ 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. 46/12 ________________________________
_______________________________ 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. 43/12 _______________________________ FREE & ANONYMOUS HIV & STD COUNSELING/TESTING Walk-In or by Appt GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT 517 E. Pike St. MON-FRI: 3pm-8pm SAT: 12:30pm-5pm More Info & to Schedule Appt 206-860-6969 _______________________________ SEATTLE PRIME TIMERS A social organization for Gay and Bisexual Men over 40 and their admirers. www.seattleprimetimers.org; info@seattleprimetimers. org SGN/ _______________________________
Prehistoric, patriarchal Intern unworthy of a permanent position by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer THE INTERN Now playing Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) is a 70-year-old widower who has been trying to make the most of his retirement, but all this pointless inactivity is starting to get the better of him. Things change when he applies for an internship at an online clothing retailer that’s been doing rather well but is also looking to find ways to diversify its twenty-something workforce and learns he’s been selected for the position. Not only that, he’s working directly for the CEO entrepreneur that started the business, Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), seeing right away the kind-hearted businesswoman could use a hand even if she’s loathe to admit it. Nancy Meyers’ (It’s Complicated, The Holiday) latest female-driven confectionary comedy The Intern made me angry. Angry, because for a large portion of its 121-minute running time I was enjoying myself immensely until the point I suddenly no longer was. Angry, because it presents a strong, intelligent, fiercely-independent lead character who’s a savvy businesswoman and loving mother and then unceremoniously throws her under a misogynistic, patriarchal bus for no real reason that I could surmise. Angry, because this should have been a good movie, both De Niro and Hathaway, both of whom are terrific, deserving of so much more than Meyers ultimately gifted them. The basic thrust of the film is that Jules, wanting to make her own mark, understanding her business better than just about anyone (it’s an e-commerce fashion web-
site that promises to give the customer “the perfect fit” no matter what), is under pressure from her investors to hire a seasoned CEO to take over the day-to-day running of things. She doesn’t want to do it, lose control in this way, but pressure from both her partners as well as from home place her into a state of almost constant indecision, thus making this prime territory for Ben to add some fatherly input whenever the opportunity arises. It’s nice enough, politely cordial a majority of the time, and much like most Meyers comedies it rarely overplays its hand or pushes the issue to the point of annoyance or discomfort. I liked the way she allows De Niro to build his character, and while he’s not too different than the elder statesmen she crafted for Jack Nicholson in Something’s Gotta Give or Steve Martin in It’s Complicated, Ben is still just multifaceted enough to make hanging out with him hardly a chore. His relationship with Jules is a strong one, especially early on, their growing friendship having a beguiling spunk and sparkle to it that’s positively divine. But things start to unravel around the midpoint, Hathaway forced to turn on the eye faucets as if she were still going after that Oscar she already won for playing the tragically doomed Fantine in 2012’s Les Misérables. She allows herself to be judged by the men around her (as well as more than a few of the women), all in search of their approval even though she’s done more with her life in a few months than the majority accomplish in an entire lifetime. On top of that, even in a year when there are two viable female candidates for the Presidency of the United States every single person she agrees to interview for the CEO position
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Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro in The Intern – dailymotion.com
just happens to be a guy, the fact it never even occurs to her to add a single woman to the list of potentials rather baffling. The wheels don’t completely fall off, however, until the final act. It’s at this point secrets involving those at home reveal themselves, emails to intrusive, condescending relatives are sent and a decision on whether or not a CEO will indeed be hired all come to the forefront, the overall weight enormous. Jules, so in control, so in charge, all of the sudden she can’t make a decision to save her life, and it’s not only up to Ben to decide things for her but also another benefactor I’d rather not name. Problem is, the latter has done something beyond heinous, driven a stake through this smart woman’s heart with unimaginable force, the fact she’d even be open to hear and process all he says as if it were gospel before he even makes an attempt to apologize for his misdeeds well beyond me. I’m not saying forgiveness cannot be found. I’m also not saying decent advice
shouldn’t be listened to. But the manner in which all of this takes place in the final few minutes is something extraordinary, and the fact Jules is so willing to fall back into the arms of someone who wronged her so personally is beyond reprehensible. Yet, worse than all of this, making me more furious than just about anything, is the fact she has to be told what to do by the men surrounding her in the first place, a slap in the face to both the character as well as the audience that had grown to love her over the course of the majority of the film. There’s so much more I could say, but in honesty I find myself thinking that’s enough. The Intern has great potential, De Niro and Hathaway making a terrific team deserving of a better script. But Meyers lets them all down, and that includes herself, unleashing a cavalcade of old ideas so prehistoric they went out of date around the same time women won the right to vote, making the film a bad candidate unworthy of a permanent position.
October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 23
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HAIR CONNECTION•
E. OLIVE ST. THE SGN GLSEN ONYX LEATHER • SEA-MEC
BATHS
CLUB Z - (men) 1117 Pike near Boren - 622-9958 HOT HOUSE SPA & SAUNA - (women) SW corner of Pike & 11th (stairs behind Wildrose) - 568-3240 STEAM WORKS - (men) 1520 Summit - 388-4818
RESTAURANTS & BARS
88 KEYS - 315 2nd Ave. S. - 839-1300 BALTIC ROOM - 1207 Pine St. - 625-4444 THE BOTTLENECK LOUNGE
2328 E. Madison St. - 323-1098 C.C. ATTLE’S BAR & GRILLE 1701 E. Olive Way - 726-0565 THE CANTERBURY - 534 15th Ave. E. - 322-3130 CHANGES IN WALLINGFORD 2103 N. 45th - 545-8363 THE CRESCENT - 1413 E. Olive Way - 720-8188 THE CUFF COMPLEX 1533 13th Ave. - 323-1525 DIESEL BAR - 1413 14th Ave. - 322-1080 DOUBLE HEADER - 407 2nd Ave. S. - 464-9918 GLO’S - 1621 E. Olive Way - 324-2577 JAZZ ALLEY - 2033 6th Ave. E. - 441-9729 JULIA’S - 300 Broadway Ave. E. - 860-1818 KREMWERK - 1809 Minor Ave. #10 - 682-2935 THE LOBBY - 916 E. Pike St. - 328-6703
•WILDROSE • HOT HOUSE
MAE’S CAFE 6412 Phinney Ave. N. - 782-1222 MADISON PUB - 1315 E. Madison - 325-6537 NEIGHBOURS - 1509 Broadway - 324-5358 OUT WEST - 5401California Ave. SW POCO WINE ROOM 1408 E. Pine St. - 322-9463 PONY - 1221 E. Madison St. - 324-2854 PURR - 1518 11th Ave. - 325-3112 R PLACE - 619 E. Pine - 322-8828 RE-BAR - 1114 Howell at Boren - 233-9873 SEATTLE EAGLE - 314 E. Pike - 621-7591 TOMMY GUN - 1703 E. Olive Way WILDROSE - 1021 E. Pike - 324-9210
RETAIL SHOPS
CASTLE SUPERSTORE #17 206 Broadway Ave. E. - 204-0126 THE CRYPT - 1516 11th Ave. 325-3882 DOGHOUSE LEATHERS 1312 E. Pike St. - 257-0231 EMERSON SALON - 909 E. Pike St. - 323-7437 METRO CLOTHING CO. 231 Broadway Ave E - 726-7978 ONYX LEATHER - 1605 12th Ave. #8 - 328-1965 PANACHE - 225 Broadway E. - 726-3300 STAN’S ADULT SUPERSTORE 9630 16th Ave. SW - 762-3299 TABOO VIDEO - 1012 1st Ave. - 622-SEXY TOYS IN BABELAND - 707 E. Pike St. - 328-2914 UNDER U 4 MEN 709 Broadway Ave. E. - 324-6446 WILD AT HEART 1111 NW Leary Way - 782-5538
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THE HERON INN & WATERGRASS DAY SPA 117 Maple Ave. - (877) 883-8899 info@theheron.com
OLYMPIA
DARBY’S CAFE 211 5th Ave. S.E. - (360) 357-6229 LOVER’S 3959 Martin Way E. Suite D - (360) 456-7300 JAKES - 311 4th Ave. E. - (360) 956-3247 URBAN ONION 116 Legion Way - (360) 943-9242
PORT ANGELES MAPLE ROSE INN 112 Reservoir Rd - (800) 570-2007
SPOKANE
ANDY’S 1401 W. 1st Ave. - (509) 747 - 0304 IRV’S (Drag Shows) 415 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 4450 NYNE BAR AND BISTRO 232 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 474 -1621 SPOTLIGHT LOUNGE 321 W. Sprague Ave. - (509) 624 - 0722
TACOMA
BAR MYX - 1212 California St. - 425-610-4071 LOVER’S - 112 SE Everett - (425) 353-3607 LOVER’S - 3402 Broadway - (425) 252-8754
CASTLE SUPERSTORE 6015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. - (253) 471-0391 CLUB SILVERSTONE 739½ St. Helens Ave. - (253) 404-0273 THE FANTASY SHOP 2301 6th Ave. - (253) 272-6640 LOVER’S 7002 Tacoma Mall Blvd., #F - (253) 475-2271 THE MIX - 635 St. Helens Ave. - (253) 383-4327 RAINBOW CENTER 2215 Pacific Ave. - (253) 383-2318 SHAKABRAH JAVA CAFE 2618 6th Ave. - (253) 572-2787 TANDEM FOR GEAR, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES 3019 6th Ave, Ste. B - (253) 301-3026
KENT
TUKWILA
LOVER’S 193 Telegraph Road - (360) 752-1862 RUMORS CABARET 1119 Railroad - (306) 671-1849
EVERETT
LOVER’S 25801 104th Ave. S.E. - (253) 852-1720 THE VOYEUR 604 Central Ave. S. - (253) 850-8428 NASHVILLE’S SPORTS BAR (Drag Shows) 114 - Railroad Ave. N. - (253) 852 - 0909
October 2, 2015
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24 Seattle Gay News
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E. UNION ST.
SEATTLE
• THE GASLIGHT INN
LOVER’S 530 Southcenter Blvd. - (206) 248-5085
WENATCHEE
THE CELLAR CAFE 240 N. Mission St. - (509) 662-1722
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 25
26 Seattle Gay News
October 2, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
October 2, 2015
Seattle Gay News 27
28 Seattle Gay News
October 2, 2015
Celebrating 41 Years!