OUTscene: Coverage of Dan Savage and Terry Miller's "It Gets better" Comes Home!

After spending a week on a four city tour promoting their new book, It Gets Better, Seattle's most famous gay couple Dan Savage and Terry Miller returned home Tuesday night for a public discussion at Town Hall of their “It Gets Better" book and video project.

Dan’s normally shy and reclusive HICBFIA (“Husband in Canada, Boyfriend if America”) Terry blossomed in the spotlight as he feilded questions from the audience, and Dan displayed his usual sarcastic and incisive wit. About a dozen contributors were in the audience, and a few read their passages aloud. It Gets Better (already a New York Times Best Seller) is available at Amazon.com.

OUTscene: (Photos) Blow Pony’s 4th Anniversary!

The outfits were amazing. The crowd was bumpin’. The spirits were high. Last weekend’s 4 year anniversary Blow Pony in Portland was a rousing success. The contingent arrived in spring regalia to celebrate the season including two outfit winners: a unicorn and a flower covered maiden, Alley Hector of QPDX reports.

Everyone else looked fantastic as well. I was too busy having fun to want to worry about a camera but luckily Sara Dee Ditson and the Drag Mansioners were all over it, so you can see several outfits and partygoers in all their glory in the Blow Pony photo album below.

OUTscene: (PRE-view) Hugh Jackman Coming to San Francisco to Sing Showtunes!

Undeniably straight [*cough* - site NSFW] and proud actor Hugh Jackman just can't shake the Broadway bug, and he'll be coming to San Francisco in May to do a one-man revue of sorts! Jackman appeared on Broadway in '03-'04 and won a Tony for his work playing Australian homosexual Peter Allen in "The Boy from Oz." Now, the Curran Theater is giving him the opportunity to "develop new work" in the form of a musical revue in which he'll be singing and dancing some of his favorite Broadway and Old Hollywood numbers, backed by a 17-piece orchestra. The show will run from May 3 to May 15, and tickets will go on sale to the general public on April 1.

Details at SFist.

OUTscene: (PRE-view) Three Dollar Bill’s “Velvet Goldmine” Dinner and Auction, this Friday!

The only thing better than a Goldmine, is a Velvet lined Goldmine and Three Dollar Bill is GIVING us a “Velvet Goldmine” this Friday, March 25 with their 4th annual dinner/auction/fundraiser, previews Seattle Gay Scene. It’s being held at the lovely Sodo Park, 3200 1st Avenue South starting at 6pm and features delicious food from Herban Fest and the chance to bid on some amazingly decadent prizes including a 5 night vacation from Mead Brown Costa Rica Vacation Rentals, a private party at the ultra swank Grim’s Butterfly Lounge, or a 7-day Holland America cruise to Alaska or Mexico and much, much more.

To buy tickets, donate an item, or volunteer, visit the Three Dollar Bill website or call 206-323-4274.

SLDN recognizes LGBT service members, veterans, Lady Gaga at annual dinner!

More than 1,300 guests packed the National Building Museum on Saturday as the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) held its 19th annual National Dinner – Making History, Moving Forward, reports the San Diego Gay News.

Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball” and NBC’s “The Chris Matthews Show,” headlined the evening as master of ceremonies, while Sen. Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., and former Rep. Patrick Murphy served as co-chairs of the event.

The Anna M. Curren Service Award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions and extraordinary service of those who fight for full equality in the military, was presented to House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., who provided the event’s keynote address.

“I’m honored to receive this award from the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. I was proud to help repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’—a step that makes our military stronger by allowing for open service by patriotic gay Americans, who no longer have to lie about who they are in order to wear our nation’s uniform. But our work isn’t done; now, it’s our responsibility to monitor repeal and see that it is implemented quickly, fairly, and professionally,” Hoyer saod.

OUTscene: (EVENTS) Portland's Q-Center loses Director to State Post, but her Legacy will Live On!

On Saturday, March 12th, 2011 the Portland Q Center staff, board of directors, donors and friends all gathered together for the unveiling of the Kendall Clawson Library and to kick-off the capital campaign to buy the building at 4115 N. Mississippi Ave.! Here are some photos from the evening, courtesy of Logan Lynn:

OUTscene: (EVENTS) Seattle celebrates Oscars with a Star-Studded Party!

This past Sunday, Seattle brought out the Stars, Red Carpet and Gold paint for the 6th Annual Three Dollar Bill/Gay City Health Project Oscar viewing Party at the Infamous Cinerama. This years event was once again sponsored by Seattle Realtor, Phillip Heier (Pictured with Special Guests The Black Swan and Bjork) and keeping up with tradition,  Living Oscars were on hand for Photo Ops. So Much food and champagne it was evening of High Glamour. The Oscars itself was on the Giant screen and after that experience, I may never want to see it on a smaller screen again! Joining MK was OUTview Cutie, Ryan Burr; Seatlle Lesbian's Sarah Toce; GSBA Marketing Director, Jerome Bader, Phil Sternola and Liza(?).  

OUTscene: (Events) Dot429 'Storm' Seattle!

MK with Jason Dorn

MK was delighted to attend the Dot429 Winter Networking Party to Benefit the Gay City Health Project in Downtown Seattle this past Stormy Wednesday at the Super-Fine, Roche Bobois European Furniture store. it was also reunion of sorts with the Dot429 Event director, Jason Dorn, who MK knew in Portland and hadn't seen in years. It is remarkable that neither of us has aged. Also spotted were Sarah Toce of The Seattle Lesbian, Gay city's Peter Jabin, and Seattle Realitor, Eric Robison.

SL's Sarah Toce was all smiles!

MK Catchs up wth Jason and Meets Hottie,  Philip!

Gay City's Peter Jabin

Check Out more Photos by Stephanie Brusig at The Seattle Lesbian.

OUTscene: Photos and video from Crave’s Red Party in PDX!

The ladies of Portland were out in full force last night for Crave‘s Valentines Day themed Red Party and we’ve got the photos to prove it. And just give you you a little extra flavor, whether you were there and can (barely) remember or you’re sad you missed it there’s also a brief bit of video showing just a slice of the V Day mania. For More check Out QPDX

Click Here for More Photos!

OUTscene: Portland's Winter Gala – Vive La Q! was the most successful one yet!

Portland's Q Center thanks to the efforts of all involved and the generosity of those who attended, bought raffle tickets, bid on the silent auction or gave to the cause in their absence, this year’s Winter Gala was the most successful one on record! They brought in over $131,000.00, well over double what was made at last year’s event.

Congrats Q!

Photos By Logan Lynn and Chris Rentzel

Darcelle Makes her Grand Entrance!!!

Portland's Hot and Eligible Men!

Maria Peters Lake

Mayor Sam Adams Honors Darcelle

Q Center's Kendall Clawson Farewell before starting

her new Governor appointed position! 

OUTScene: Seattle Rings in New Year with Color!

Last night the BEST way to celebrate New Year's Eve was indoors because it was COLD! For me I did my usual routine had dinner with my closest friends at one the best restaurants in town. Later we headed over to the home of Retired, Emmy-winning broadcaster, Brook Stanford for his 24th annual New Year's bash.

 What I like about Brook's parties is 1) It is walking distance from my house, 2) Many Friends are there, and 3) Lot's of different races, ages, and economic status. When the clock stroked midnight We all huddled together in this small room and watch the Firecraker (I mean, Space Needle) lit up with fireworks. For the year past that saw the Rainbow Flag flown on top this past Pride, the multi colors of the fireworks match the colors of the Rainbow Flag. One the Best displays I have ever witnessed.

OUTscene: Highlights from 'Homo for the Holidays"!

By MK Scott
OUTscene Editor

Dina Martina who? Another Great Holiday show for Gay Seattleites has got to be 'Homo for the Holidays'. Hosted by spirited Drag Diva, BenDeLaCrem. (who unfortunately had never heard of before this).

But don't take my word for it listen to what other outlets said;

"...the premier event of the true gay yuletided season. ...everything you've ever dreamed of in your queerest Nutcracking Xmess hallucination..."  -The Stranger

"...a surprisingly sophisticated evening of entertainment" -Seattle Gay Scene

"...you'll wanna come back for seconds." -Seattle Gay News

"Editor's Pick" -Seattle Magazine

The show had everything for Lesbians and straight men (Female Burlesque stars Fuchsia FoXXX and Shanghai Pearl), Eye Candy for Gay men and Straight women (Paris Original), Camp (BenDeLaCrem and Cherdonna w/ Lew) and Religion (Jesus and "Frosty").

The FUNNIEST moment was when DeLaCrem with Cherdonna w/Lew and Paris Original performed a Holiday inspired Gaga Medley with Paris Original in wearing "Tight" red shorts and a big Santa head and Cherdonna w/Lew as backup dancers.


The SEXIEST Moment(s) was the performances by Seattle Burlesque queens, Fuchsia FoXXX and Shanghai Pearl.

The most SHOCKING moment was when Frosty the snowman came to life and started talking like a Bible fanatic, but was luckily silenced.

All in all it was very Gay way to spend a Christmas Eve. SPOTTED in attendance were Waxie Moon and Mark 'Mom" Finley.

OUTscene: Highlights of Phoenicia and Vic's 22nd Anniversary!

Seattle's perennial favorite musi-comedy duo PHOENICIA & VIC are back by popular demand with a 22nd Anniversary Show for the 21st Century!!!!....Original Songs included "It's Christmastime!!!" "Fruitcake Blues" "Christmas In the Bahamas" "Alone on New Years Eve"...."It's Phoenicia!" and the now-classic "Born In A Tent"...plus some twisted versions of your Holiday faves.

When I attended their closing performance this past Monday, they also featured some special guests including the Hysterical, Cherdonna (Without Lew) and the gorgeous rising star, Paris Original (Think Ballet meets Burlesque) dressed as a female ballerina to taking it all off to only a g-string! Speaking of Phoenicia and Vic, this was the first time I have ever seen Phoenicia (Wade Madsen)  and was quite entertained. Vic (Victor Janusz) and I go way back and his real talent is taking popular songs and adding to new lyrics that are both funny and make sense. It is also a treat to hear Seattle's resident piano man take center stage and sing.

I had heard that Phoenicia and Vic was Seattle's version of NY Cabaret stars, Kiki and Herb, but in my humble opinion,  Phoenicia and Vic were better than anything I have (dare if I say it) heard from Kiki and Herb and that is what makes them still a class act after all these years. Also noteworthy was spotting Divas Arnaldo! and Aleksa Manila in attendance.

OUTscene: (PRE-VIEW) Holiday legends, Phoenicia & Vic are BACK, 12/19-20!

Before Kiki & Herb, before Cherdonna & Lou, before Sylvia & Tor there was the two and only Phoenicia & Vic and the iconically ironic musical/comedy cabaret stars return for an all new show this coming Sunday/Monday, December 19/20 at the West Hall in the Oddfellows Building on Capitol Hill. Created and performed by singer/dancer/actor Wade Madsen and Seattle's own Piano Man, pianist/singer/actor Victor Janusz, the duo have been delighting sophisticated Seattle audiences since the dawn of time, ie the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Join them for a night of familiar holiday favorites (but slightly twisted), as well as original songs, and a couple of special guest appearances!

Tickets still available HERE and they're only $15/Adv and $20/Door. Show starts at 7:30pm; hilarity starts at 7:31...Check it out.

Courtesy of the Brilliant Michael Strangeways
of Seattle Gay Scene!

OUTscene: Highlights of Arnaldo's "A Evening in December"!

By MK Scott
OUTscene Editor

It had been awhile since I had seen Arnaldo! and loved that Victor Janusz , who I have worked with on more that one occasion was going to back him up!

Arnaldo! The New York Bistro Award winner is joined by  Janusz (piano) and Troy Kendrick (bass) performing holiday standards include "Merry Christmas Darling", and  "What Are You Doing NY's Eve" but really shined with Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby". and when they added the Yule log backdrop it all started to come together. I had heard that for the final 4 changes that would add some more configurations.

 $15 advance purchase +2 drink min

$20 at the door + 2 drink min
December 11, 12, 17 & 18 @ 7:30PM
This is an all age appropriate show.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/138627
Please call Julia's at 206.334.0513 for your seating reservation after your online purchase.

OUTscene: (PRE-view) A weekend with bears, queers and Jackie Beat!

If you are going to be in Portland this weekend, please consider the following events, courtesy of QPDX:

Saturday
Radical Reflections a collaborative release party – An unthemed, untamed combustion of 5 local radical queers: Sossity Chiricuzio, Tash Shatz, Galadriel Mozee, Alysia Angel and Nandi LaSophia should set the house on fire. I’m not sure what to expect but I do expect to be bowled over.

Bearracuda - Santa may be the OG bear but there will be plenty of scruffy little elves with bellies that jiggle when they laugh like bowls fully of jelly. And I have no doubt that they’d be happy to let you sit on their lap and listen to your Christmas wish list. Only question is, have you been naughty or nice this year?

Sunday
Jackie Beat‘s All-You-Can-Eat Christmas - I’m not entirely sure what to make of this maniacal looking drag queen in a Santa hat brandishing cutlery but if you’re prepared for a mouthful I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.

OUTscene: (PRE-view) Arnaldo! AN EVENING IN DECEMBER starts Friday, December 10th with 5 performances!

Arnaldo! brings holiday cheer and warmth to you and your loved ones with "AN EVENING IN DECEMBER-a holiday cabaret". The New York Bistro Award winner is joined by Victor Janusz (piano) and Troy Kendrick (bass) performing cabaret classics like Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby", Maltby & Shire's "I Don't Remember Christmas" and NY's living cabaret legend Julie Wilson's "Season's Greetings" to name a few. Other holiday standards include "Merry Christmas Darling", "What Are You Doing NY's Eve" and of course, what's a holiday show without a sing along! So come join us at Julia's On Broadway and bring the whole family along. You will be glad that you did.

$15 advance purchase +2 drink min
$20 at the door + 2 drink min
December 10, 11, 12, 17 & 18 @ 7:30PM
This is an all age appropriate show.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/138627
Please call Julia's at 206.334.0513 for your seating reservation after your online purchase.

OUTscene: (EVENTS) Seattle honors World AIDS Day with a Star-studded Lunch!

By MK Scott
OUTscene Editor

Seattle's AIDS Organizations and Community Leaders Honored World AIDS today by being "Stronger Together", the 7th annual World AIDS Luncheon at the Washington State Convention Center.

The event was hosted by Multifaith Works, Dunshee House, Gay City, and Seattle Counseling service and was emceed by KING 5's Joyce Taylor. Guests munched on a full salad plate, rolls, and Cheesecake while being entertained by Performance Artist (Elaina Ellis) and the cast of the Upcoming production of the "Infection Monologues". The most uplifting was when the AIDS Service award went to Rise 'n' Shine founder, Janet Trinkaus. Started a Camp for Children of Parents living with HIV or AIDS in 1988.

I found myself sharing a table with Dale Rogers (ED of Dunshee House, still reeling from the break in the day before), State Rep Jamie Pederson (The triplets are walking now!) and George Bakan (Publisher of the Seattle Gay News is Busier than ever!) Also spotted were King County Exec, Dow Constantine and the new State Rep-elect Hottie,  Joe Fitzgibbons.

OUTscene: (PRE-view) Come to Seattle for Dina and Homo or Ham for the Holidays!

HOMO FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a hearty holiday fruitcake packed with dancing reindeer, sexy sugar cookies, ghostly visitations, a Chanukah pageant for dummies, and new ways to define coming home. It’s not Christmas in July, it’s Pride in December! Light your menorah, stuff your stockings, and join our chosen family in celebrating our favorite wintry holiday of all, HOMO FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Featuring Local Sensations:
* BenDeLaCreme * Fuchsia FoXXX *
* The Cherdonna and Lou Show *
* Paris Original *and via Satellite, Ms. Honeysuckle
with a different special guest each night, including:
Indigo Blue, Sarah Rudinoff, Nick Garrison, Waxie Moon, Sylvia O’Stayformore,
Victor Janusz, and The Shanghai Pearl

The First Day of Chanukah, Thursday December 2
Friday December 3
Saturday December 4
Christmas Eve, Friday December 24
all shows at 8pm

Location: West Hall, OddFellows Building 2nd Floor
915 E Pine Street, Capitol Hill
Full bar in West Hall by The Tin Table
Call 206-320-8458 for dinner reservations before or after the show.

Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door
www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/135531

And, the HoliGay season wouldn't be complete without a visit to Re-bar and an evening with internationally acclaimed sensation, Miss Dina Martina. And, that's not hyperbole...the Divine Dina is playing shows EVERYWHERE now including London, NYC and a gig in January in Los Angeles. Our girl is getting big! (Figuratively and literally...) Joining Miss Dina for her 45th annual Xmas Show will be her beloved accompanist, Stranger Genius winner Chris Jeffries. Except lots of mangled songs lyrics, bizarre sentence structures, ill-fitting costumes exposing hairy backs, and considerable amounts of headache inducing laughter. The Dina Lovetrain starts this Friday, November 26 at 8pm at Re-bar, 1114 Howell Street at the foot of Capitol Hill for the first of 26 shows playing through December 31. These shows sell out! Seriously! Book tickets NOW to get the night that works best for you.

Wacko sketch mavens Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt celebrate 20 years of comic togetherness with the latest incarnation of their cult holiday show, chock full of dysfunctional characters, cheesy costumes, and more wigs than Cher. This year's show features a cornucopia of questionable taste:

*Country duo The Spudds offer up Mama's version of a biblical epic with "Spuddacus"
*Game show "Deck the Pauls" features panelists Ru Paul, Rand Paul and Paula Abdul, hosted by Sir Paul McCartney
*Choral music meets the Undead in "Night of the Living Glee"
*Granola duo Mud share their new eco-friendly invention
*The tiny Sequim Gay Men's Chorus sing with Pride

"Ham" runs through December 24 at Theatre Off Jackson, in the International District, (409 7th Ave South, aka, 7th & Jackson). Check these hilarious ladies OUT!

Also returning for its umpteenth installment is Open Circle's "The Judy Garland Christmas Special" starring the iconic Troy Mink as everyone's favorite gay icon in a scarily realistic recreation of Judy's actual 1963 television holiday special. (I've seen the original; it's AWESOME!) With appearances by her kids, Lorna, Joey and that other gay icon, Miss Liza Minnelli and enough schmaltzy but glitzy corn to sink the Titanic! It all starts Friday, November 26 and runs through December 18 at Open Circle Theater, 2222 2nd Ave, 2nd Floor in beautiful Belltown.

Those are just the long run fringe shows for the holiday season...there are tons of one-off shows as well and I'll work up a post about those!

Check'em all out! It's a Holly, Jolly Xmas, as usual!

OUTscene: (PRE-view) Seattle Men’s Chorus Delivers Loads of Holiday Glee, 11/27 – 12/20!

For the 2010 Seattle Men’s Chorus (SMC) Holiday Concert, Holiday Glee, the Chorus will take a few cues from the wildly popular TV series Glee. “For over 30 years the gay choruses in particular have been doing what the show Glee is doing now,” said artistic director Dennis Coleman. “This show has just made it popular. But, it does call attention to choral music and singing, and however that happens, it’s wonderful!” SMC pays homage to Glee, but with a twist. The show’s unofficial anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin” has been re-worked as a parody with holiday-themed lyrics and individual Chorus members will represent several of the main characters including Kurt, the openly gay student at McKinley High. Coleman continues, “There’s a lot of ‘camp’ to Glee, and camp is a gay art form. Everything about the show screams ‘gay chorus!’” The concert will be funny, but also serious. The Chorus will celebrate different American holiday traditions focusing on the music and style of Las Vegas, Nashville, Broadway, and the Southwest (especially Arizona). And SMC’s beloved rendition of Silent Night and other traditional holiday tunes will not disappoint.

Guest artist Kelli O’ Hara will join the Chorus for the first two performances on November 27 at 8pm and November 28 at 2pm. O’Hara has her own personal connection the TV show Glee; she starred opposite Matthew Morrison (Will Schuester the Glee Club’s fearless leader) twice on Broadway, in the Lincoln Center revival of South Pacific (2008) and in The Light in the Piazza (2005). She has been nominated for a Tony Award 3 times and is returning to Seattle after an extended stay back in 2003 when A Light in the Piazza was in development at Intiman Theatre.
 
Go for it at http://www.flyinghouse.org/store/individualform.asp#SMC-HOL