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Wolf Parade: They're not gay, but they like rainbows. And wigs.
Wolf Parade (which is one of my favorite bands ever—of this past year) has a video for their brilliant tune, “I’ll Believe In Anything.” There are lots of wigs (as in 1700’s powdered wigs), gun battles, duels, palaces and other such silliness. Bravo!
Fall Out Boy: They need a little Christmas, Tim Burton-style.
In other musical/visual news, uberpopular bands Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy and Fiona Apple are among those contributing to a new CD that celebrates the theatrical release of a new and improved 3-D version of the Tim Burton flick, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Yes, the bands are covering the tunes from the film. Fun!!!
Are you ready for some footbaallllllll? Pink is.
And I know this was reported a couple of days ago, but I just love that Pink is doing the NBC Sunday Night Football theme song. And I even love that she’s reworking the Joan Jett classic “I Hate Myself for Loving You” into her own “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” She kinda rocks... I don’t watch football that much (though my bf is a big fan), but it’s always a blast when I do. And Pink just ups the fun quotient, thanks.
A couple of nifty tidbits from Pitchfork:
Ariel Pink: No relation to the above-featured Pink, fyi.
Skinny arty popster Ariel Pink is veering off the usual touring route to head to rural Louisiana, specifically the town of Bogalusa. Is this some new hipster mecca, I’ve not heard of? Um... No. It’s where Pink’s dad is running for mayor, so he’s gonna go perform at the town centennial celebration and hopefully drum up some votes. Kinda cute, right?
Diplo: He's gonna start at Riottt! in San Francisco later this fall.
And if you’re gonna be in San Francisco on November 11, that’s a good thing, because it means you can catch a pretty killer line-up at the Be the Riottt! Festival. Performing at this alterna-bash will be the likes of The Rapture, Metric and Tokyo Police Club, and just as super-cool is the fact that Diplo (pictured above) and Girl Talk will also crank some tunes. Yipee!
Out singers (and Logo "Click List" favorites) Jason & DeMarco are all in the spirit of this kissing thing.
And if you’re in New York City, and not caught up in the frenzy of MTV’s Video Music Awards tonight, here’s something you can do. Pucker up and start smoochin’!!!
Does this turn you on? Madge expressing herself?
Or maybe Ari macking on the beach works for you?
How about Mariah "shaking it off"?
On Logo, tomorrow night’s the night when The Click List unveils the “Ultimate Sexiest Video” as voted on by viewers at LogoOnline. I’m not giving away any secrets, but there are some familiar sexy faces at the top of the sweaty, scantily-clad, gyrating heap. Look for Madonna, Mariah, Janet, Christina, Kylie—and Ari Gold! Tune in to Logo’s The Click List this Friday night at midnight to find out who’s the top. Er, you know what I mean..
Margaret's gonna get all Sci Fi on ya.
Hey, Margaret Cho's got a new TV gig. She's gonna be starring in the spooky Sci Fi Channel's new series, The Lost Room, alongside Six Feet Under's Peter Krause (Nate!). Krause's a detective who finds a key to a motel room, wherein lies all kids of loopy sci-fi/otherworldly stuff. Cho's character has some info to sell to the highest bidder about the mystery... And it's coming in December. Boo!
Mr. Travolta: It's in his kiss.
I agree with Defamer. I think everybody should get along and be affectionate to their friends. That's why I wouldn’t find something like this the least bit suspect. John Travolta can kiss whoever he wants as far as I’m concerned.
Give 'em Rosie with hair... Long beautiful hair...
Rosie’s not gonna get a short haircut again anytime soon. Just in case you were concerened...
The Village People (like Cowboy Randy Jones, above) will sing in your birthday card. For real!
Need a birthday card for your nice, “Macho Man” gay uncle? How about one that sings the Village People? Hallmark can hook you up!
They're everywhere you want to be... And then a few more places.
Just so you know, in their neverending string of party-going public appearances, Reichen and Lance attended Timbaland's pre-VMAs party last night at Nikki Midtown in NYC. Pass it on.
Bust out your latex short-shorts! Little Britain's headed Stateside.
The “only gay in the Village” is moving to America. Yes, Little Britain’s creators have an American version of the hit bawdy British comedy series in the works. Luckily, HBO is working on this on. So yes, the hunt is on the way to “find a suitable deep South locale for the only gay in the village.”
Ka-ching!
And who had the most successful tour this summer? Hint: She loves New York. (And I don’t mean Liza...)
It's a Simpson low-speed chase!
Jessica Simpson may have presently lost her voice, but she’s still game for a party. Last night she strapped on skates (just like in her latest video for “A Public Affair”) at the Roxy in NYC for the album launch party for her new disc. And from the looks of it (and from reports from peeps who were there) she had a blast, roller-skating around the rink with her fans. Later she even hit the town in a big way with an afterparty at G-Spa (which also included a visit from Reichen and Lance—yes, they’re everywhere!), and then she hung with the Jackass boys at the faux dive bar, The Hog Pit. The girl is busy!
Here are some cute pics from the Simpson roller romp. But where was Andy Dick?
I kinda love that she was out there skatin' around with the partygoers... Fun, eh?
Yo. She's goofy.
And yes, that's Olympic figure skater Oksana Baiul losing her sh*t, too. Crazy!
Chef Rocco DiSpirito strapped on wheels, too.
On skates, no one can hear you scream. Or something like that...
Baby, you can drive my car... The Muse men are revving up a new EP.
Dangerous Muse may get razzed on by some, but this still buzzworthy, ambi-sexual duo certainly have got a distinct following, and at the rate they’re cranking out EP’s, they’re bound to keep getting attention. And they are nice guys. I just got a copy of their newest, the three-song Give Me Danger EP. It’s got the peppy title track, which is about boys and girls and sleeping around (or something of that ilk). It’s followed by the equally electro-poppy neo-New Wavey “Break Up” and “In This Town.” I dont’ think I’m crazy about the flimsy lyrics of “In This Town,” which looks to be about fashionistas and name-drops labels like Balenciaga. Still, each song is carried snugly by catchy, zingy synth-pop. So no, it’s not deep or life-changing, but quite fun to jump around to if you’re feeling hipsterish. You can get the EP at digital outlets now! Keep it coming, boys!
The cover of Sir Elton's new CD. Nice pic, eh? Ryan McGinley shot it.
Elton John’s got a new disc looming, The Captain & The Kid, which marks a definite return to his elaborate piano ballad style of tunes, and which is again a collaboration with his longtime creative pal Bernie Taupin. It’s considered a follow-up to the pair’s 1975 landmark Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, and indeed the tunes are stylized with a more, flowery, fantasmic, folksy orchestration. It’s bluesy and rollicking (like on “Just Like Noah’s Ark”), includes an earnest paean to New York City called “Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way (NYC),” and a kind of a churchy-plonky, ragtime, fairy tale called “And the House Fell Down”--which is all over the place, and rather fun. There are lots of references to pop culture, drug use, hitting the heights and tumbling from them, and facing demons and struggling on. The first single, “The Bridge” is a lyrical piano ballad, with a simple hooky melody that would seem at home somehow in one of John’s Broadway scores as well as his seminal ’70s albums. And the single gets bolstered by ethereal choir-like backing vocals, too. The tune “Old 67” is like a class reunion of a bunch of John’s sturdier older tunes, and the final, title track also exudes a breezy nostalgia. I think this one’s likely to grow on you over time.
You’ll certainly be hearing more about this, you can bet. Certainly if outspoken Elton has anything to say about it.
King likes string. She especially like guitar strings on her new CD, ...Until We Felt Red.
Filling out this queer trio is Kaki King, who’s just announced tour dates for the fall, coming on the heels of her killer album, ...Until We Felt Red. King’s a lesbian, lives in New York City, an amazing guitarist, and has crafted an album full of instrumentals and a few tunes with vocals that fill a space with their moody charms, rich ambient sound and electronic-meets-shoegazing-at-a-strummy-coffeehouse textures. The opening song on the disc, “Yellowcake” introduces King’s delicate vocals tune “Jessica” is an homage to a woman who was crushing on the young Miss King at camp; and the disc’s final track “Gay Sons of Lesbian Mothers” is a winsome lulling oddity. Catch her when she tours all over the place, from Springfield, Massachusetts clear on to Santa Cruz, CA and most places in between throughout September and October. You’ll totally zen out.
See you somewhere on tour, Kaki!
 
John Mark Karr to be played by Johnny Depp? Not so much.
JonBenet’s not-killer, John Mark Karr gets annoyed when people suggest he’s gay. Says he: “"I'm not gay, damn it. I am attracted to female children." And evidently he was looking forward to Johnny Depp playing him in the movie version of this whole mess. Yikes!
And meanwhile, because they have nothing else going on perhaps, some folks in Zanzibar are all bent out of shape about plans to celebrate the late Freddie Mercury’s birthday there. (He was from there, originally.) Of course, since homosexuality is illegal there (you can get 25 years in jail if you’re caught having gay sex), I wasn’t really planning on making that party, anyway.
Men have sex in prison. Thus, HIV gets spread. But California seems to have plans to deal with it. Barbados? Not so much.
What do women look for when buying shampoo? A gay guy—or three—to tell them which one to get, apparently. Ka-ching!
In Cali, looks like Gov. Schwarzenegger has signed a law protecting LGBT folks from discrimination in state operated or funded programs. But you can expect the conservatives to get very riled up about this one.
Is Bill Clinton trying to make up for lost time in his current battle on AIDS? The New York Times thinks so.
And yes, it’s the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. And gay New Orleans plans to commemorate it as only the gays can. Yep, it’s time for Southern Decadance—this time with a poignant edge.
Can we call them "Leichen"? The boys hit the U.S. Open yesterday, just fyi...
Just in case you were wondering where Reichen and Lance were yesterday, why they were at the opening day festivities at the U. S. Open, naturally...
Meanwhile, today in Queens, the lovely, fab, and openly gay Wimbledon champ Amelie Mauresmo faces off against Kristina Barrios; and the second-ranked Maria Sharapova (love those “I Feel Pretty” Nike ads) will meet Michaella Krajicek. And among the men Rafael Nadal will battle Mark Philippoussis and James Blake (who enjoys an Evian bath center court) looks to splash around the court with Juan Monaco.
Andy Roddick defeated Florent Serra to advance yesterday. And he flashed that classic Roddick torso!
From the stands uber-legend Martina Navratilova gave a big “heyyyyy...” to the adoring crowds. But what's that woman's hand doing near her crotch?
And outside, more celeb types showed up, including another mega-legend, Billie Jean King. In fact, before the night session began, the entire U.S. Open tournament grounds were officially renamed the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. King is the only woman to win U.S. singles titles on all four surfaces. Work!
And here’s the rest of the Day One visitors.
Bebe Neuwirth's all like, "Er, I've got my ticket. Can I go watch tennis now?"
And Gayle King is totally not gay, and not Oprah's girlfriend, all right? She's just here to see some tennis, too. Yeesh!
And I'm not even gonna make a joke that goes like, "Hey--The Devil Wears a Cute Blood-Red Little Ensemble!" as Miss Wintour makes the scene. So don't even go there...
Cheers!
Once upon a time there were three little girls... Who gave props to Aaron Spelling last night for making them stars. Go Angels!
As you know, the Emmy Awards were last night. Yep, 24 wons lots. And Jeremy Piven won. But I was most excited by the appearance of the original trio of Charlie’s Angels (above). Now that’s quality TV. (More Emmy pics down below.)
Mario hits the showers this season on Nip/Tuck. And that's only the beginning...
Speaking of quality TV, evidently there’s a gay storyline rising on the new season of the always impressive Nip/Tuck, and it involves Mario Lopez (above), a shower scene and splashy nudity. Check the steamy stories on Towleroad and Most Proper if you’re (ahem) into that sort of thing.
Shortbus riders Raphael Baker, Sook-Yin Lee and John Cameron Mitchell. Anybody got a cigarette?
Continuing on the carnal tip, the trailer for John Cameron Mitchell’s explicitly sexy Shortbus film is now online (thanks to Andy and Queerty). I have to say, it looks good.
And now, here’s just a host of fun Emmy night pics. Enjoy!
TV veterans Leslie Jordan and Cloris Leachman both won Emmys for Guest Actor on a sitcom. He for Will & Grace; she for Malcolm in the Middle. How can you not love them?
Lance Bass hit up the Entertainment Weekly pre-Emmys party. Where's Reichen?
Mama Fisher (Frances Conroy) brought her earth-mother glowingness to the HBO after-party. Go Ruth!
Megan Mullally got a nice parting gift for her last season's work on Will & Grace. Score!
Top Model Tyra shows us her over-the-shoulder smolder. Ouch!
Speaking of smoldering, Chris Meloni brings the heat to the HBO party. Sigh...
And finally, looks like Seal and Heidi are getting along nicely. Smack!
Auf wiedersehn!
Meet Miss Prospect Park, she's your July calendar girl from Brooklyn. Pretty!
Ready for a stylin' update on how queer women are perceived? Like looking at foxy images of women (who like women)? Do you like to know what day it is? Then, you're in luck. Coming fresh out of Brooklyn is the brand new and super-cool, I Heart Brookyln Girls 2007 calendar, which features totally cool photographs of great-looking women, posed in fun and retro looks celebrating all the different flavors of femme fatale-ness, and the different 'hoods of Brooklyn.
Conceived and produced by four friends who live in Brooklyn (surprise!) and who just happen to all be lesbians or queer-identified (they also happen to work as a photographer, stylist, a hair and makeup artist and a graphic designer--very convenient), the calendar gets launched next Friday (Sept. 8th) with a party at Southpaw in Park Slope (which is also a benefit for NYC's Anti-Violence project). You can also buy it online, and after next week it will also be sold in gay-friendly stores from NYC to San Francisco.
 
The front and back of the I Heart Brookyn Girls calendar. Sweet!
"We're just showing it the way it is," stylist Laura Allen (who's also May's Miss Red Hook 1944) to Metro newspaper. "Queer girls look many different ways."
Indeed! Check 'em out!
It's Miss Ditmas Park, January 1905. Glory be!
Miss Bensonhurst, June 1955. Serving sexy!
And finally, Miss Cypress Hills, August 1979. HOT!
Have a nice year!
"Out" in the Woods: Luke (Van Hansis, left) comes out to his bud Kevin (Karl Giralamo), and tells him he's crushing on him. And then things get tricky, on As The World Turns.
Months ago I wrote about the burgeoning gay plotline on As The World Turns, wherein in young Luke Snyder (the son of ATWT's resident royal couple, Lily and Holden--and expertly played by actor Van Hansis) was dealing with his gayness, coming out to his parents, and trying to begin adjusting to the world at large. Well, that story's been chugging along nicely and on this coming Monday's episode, you can expect more gay-flavored drama to unfold on the soap.
That's when Luke (who's with all the other cool kids hanging out at Raven Lake while there's a slasher on the loose--ahhh, you gotta love soap operas) confides to his best friend (and major crush) Kevin (played by Karl Giralamo) that he has (gulp!) feelings for him. Yes, Luke spills the beans... And things get tricky and before you know it, Kevin freaks out, and then gets accidentally walloped in the head with a canoe oar. He ends up in the lake and Luke has to fish him out! Of course, he has to revive Kevin, so it's time for some life-saving (and ratings grabbing) mouth-to-mouth resuscitation! Yes, there's gonna be some man-on-man lip action, even if it is of the paramedic-style variety.
"Ummm... He's not breathing... OK, here goes!"
"Now, does mouth-to-mouth involve tongues? I forget..."
Of course, you can expect further complications to ensue... Luke then has to get Kevin to the hospital, and Kevin wakes up to discover that Luke saved his life after he (Kevin) lashed out at him. Oy! Will the pair remain friends? How does Luke feel about Kevin now? Will Luke ever find happiness? And you know what, they better watch out for snakes in those woods. We'd hate for them to have to suck some poisonous venom out of each other--and you never know where snakes will strike!
Anyway, best wishes to all in Oakdale in dealing with this new bit of drama... Watch ATWT to see how all the wet hijinks unfold!
Should there be a nice rainbow floating over this Wal-Mart sign? Maybe...
Wal-Mart is reaching out to the gays. And that’s great. Unless you don’t like gays.
 
Vintage gay-targeting Absolut & Subaru (featuring Martina!) ads from a few years back.
And Wal-Mart’s not alone. In shocking news, it seems that businesses are realizing that advertising to the gays is a good thing. Just ask Absolut and Subaru for starters; they’re among the companies who've been doing it for years.
Takei says, "Live long and prosper, gay bee-yotches!"
Also in media-circles, you gotta love the sharp weekly recap on AfterElton of its Best. Gay. Week. Ever. This week: Examining GLAAD’s report of the small number of gay characters among this fall’s TV line-up. And yes, we’re all still loving that George Takei clip from the William Shatner roast on Comedy Central. It’s rude and raunchy and right on.
 
Two of the new posters looking to promote gay awareness and health issues in NYC's African-American community.
NYC is taking on homophobia within the African-American community… A new campaign of ads around the city are looking to help combat the HIV epidemic among black men, and to educate the community in general, and to encourage the recognition of “Black gay lives in Black communities.” Check it out!
Paul Dawson stars in John Cameron Mitchell's sexy Shortbus film.
And NYC downtown legend/performer Justin Bond livens things up, too.
The word so far is good for John Cameron Mitchell’s forthcoming Shortbus film (you know, the one with the explicit straight and gay sex happening onscreen) which is getting a screening at the big Toronto Film Festival soon. Media types in NYC who’ve seen it have been impressed. People have told me it’s “very moving,” that they “really, really liked it” and that they love the music, too (Justin Bond—aka Kiki of Kiki & Herb—sings a number!). Let the buzz begin!
Kiki & Herb just keep giving and giving. This time, it's for homeless LGBT youths!
And speaking of Justin Bond, if you’re in New York City, be sure to catch Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway, the show which finally brings the boozy showbiz duo to the big Broadway stage. And if you can see it this coming Tuesday (August 29th at 7pm), you can buy tickets which benefit the Ali Forney Center, which houses and provides life-saving services to homeless LGBT youth. Bravo!
The gang's all here: A classic shot of the QAF crew, circa 2000.
Remember when Pittsburgh was the epicenter of the gay universe? Those nights when an evening spent at Babylon meant that anything could happen… And usually did. If you’re a Queer As Folk fan you certainly do. And you’ll also be very excited to hear that starting in about four weeks, Logo is going to begin airing all five seasons of the landmark gay TV drama, hitting you in double doses every Thursday night beginning at 10pm.
Yes, on September 21st, Logo will begin airing weekly two-episode blocks of the show (starting from the first episodes of the series--ever!). Go back to the time when Justin and Brian first met, when Michael was still in the closet, when Melanie and Lindsay first had Gus, before Ted was doing drugs and before Emmett became a porn star. Start fresh with the first real full-on hour-long TV show to show gay life in all its unabashed, turbulent, sassy glory. Sexy, politically charged, issue-oriented—and pulpy and totally watchable.
And yes, your PFLAG mom Sharon Gless will be there, waiting for you. Probably wearing a T-shirt that says “Got lube?”
Plus, here's some more pics to jog your memory... Awwww...
Brian's not the only gay in the village... But he's the most bad-ass. Just ask him!
Melanie and Lindsay serve some "Dykes on Bikes" realness. Sort of...
Emmett--not known for his subtlety.
"I love my big gay son!"--Michael and mom, Debbie
Brian plays house with baby Gus. For the moment...
Dearly beloved... Wish us luck!
Trouble x 4.
And what's QAF without some Brian and Justin complications...
Debbie, your PFLAG-wavin' mom sez: "Watch me on Logo, you big proud gays! And play safe!"
Wanna have some of Angela's froofy "fleurchons" of your very own?
Wanna wear what you see on Project Runway? Well, you can! Rosettes for everyone!
This Coldplay pic is not from their new video. It's breezy, got amazing dancing and features Linda Dano. For real.
Perez has a link to Coldplay’s newest video? And there’s lots of skin. Some of it taut.
History Boys actors Russell Tovey, James Corden, and Jamie Parkers. They're gonna be on the big screen, lads and lasses!
The History Boys’ is still one of the better plays seen on Broadway this past year. And now (thanks Andy) the trailer for the film version (with pretty much entirely the same cast) is online. Study it!
Madonna performed at G-A-Y when Confessions came out. That's her in pink. Could all this be over soon?
Are landmark gay clubs disappearing before our eyes? First, we hear that the Stonewall’s days may be numbered in New York. And now London’s legendary G.A.Y. is facing a dubious future… Crikey!
Boy George seemed to end his community service on a good note. But now we're not sure...
One report earlier today said that Boy George really dug his street cleaning experience. Attaboy, Boy! But what about these new reports of his mistreatment by the NYPD? Huh?
Xtina says "Let the gays marry!" And maybe she'll even come and film your service for ya...
Christina wants us gays to be able to marry. Maybe she’s bookable for performing?
Scissors Sisters: They've got a new remix, and maybe a stint on Dancing With the Stars?
Wanna hear a rockin’ remix of the new Scissor Sisters single, “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’?” Linus Loves is behind this one and it’s nice. Listen on Stereogum. And might the Sisters really performing on Dancing with the Stars next month? Crazy? Cheers!
Dutch music-meisters Arling & Cameron. Say cheese!
Poppy Dutch electronica duo Arling & Cameron have a very good new disc coming on September 12th. Arjan’s got one of their bouncy, buzzy, brilliant new tunes, “Shake It,” on his site. Listen up, yo!
Boys Like Girls: What's in a name, anyway?
And there’s a new band garnering buzz… They’ve got a slick emo/pop/rock sound and some driving tunes. But I’m not sure about their name, which is Boys Like Girls. Sez who?
Just because I pretty much love anything that Julianne Moore does (especially her Oscar-nominated turn in the very gay Far From Heaven, made by her best pal/openly gay filmmaker Todd Haynes), here’s a pic that’s being used to promote her upcoming stint on Broadway in a new play by David Hare, The Vertical Hour. The play (Hare’s first ever to premiere on Broadway; he's also the author or Plenty, Racing Demon and Stuff Happens), will open on November 30th, with performances starting on November 9th. Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Broadway’s Cabaret) is directing.
In the play, Moore plays a war reporter turned Yale professor who goes on holiday with her boyfriend and gets entangled with “a kind of Englishman whose culture and background is a surprise and challenge, both to her and to her relationship.” That’s what the press release says, anyway. I just wanna see Moore exude her turbulent still power that’s blasted her brilliantly through films like Safe, Boogie Nights, Far From Heaven and The Hours). Go Jules!!!
Mad hatter: Rockmond Dunbar boards the Arc tonight. And that's only the beginning of the drama...
Things really get rockin’ on Noah’s Arc tonight (on Logo at 10pm EST). A slew of new faces make their debut appearances, and the drama just keeps getting amped up.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Rockmond's like: "Noah, I love your script. But..."
Super-studly Prison Break and Punks star, Rockmond Dunbar, shows up as himself—super-studly Prison Break and Punks star, Rockmond Dunbar! (Typecasting!) He’s attached to Noah’s screenplay to be its action star… But there’s a catch. Mr. Dunbar's got some adjustments in mind for Noah’s script. (Ouch!)
Noah's all like: "Glad you like it! You wanna do what?..."
Noah's studio exec Brandy: This is gonna get tricky, y'all...
Meanwhile...
Guess who's coming to dinner? It's Drucilla from the Y & the R! Back up, boys!
Soap queen and primetime crime solver Victoria Rowell also makes a guest appearance on the Arc tonight… She plays a fussy wife of a colleague of Eddie’s who comes to dinner at Chance and Eddie’s. Rowell vamps it up as a somewhat judgmental snob who’s not so convinced that two gay men should be raising a child. Of course, it soon becomes clear that she's got some other queer issues of her own to deal with.
And at another tense dinner party across town...
Quincy (Keith Hamilton Cobb) is, like, really happy to see Noah...
When Noah shows up for dinner with Dre and Wade, he meets Quincy (played by the handsome, hunky Keith Hamilton Cobb), a gay blogger who gets all up in Noah’s business. He tells Noah about his latest article on “effemophobia”—which he says is “the stigmatization of effeminate black men as sexually and romantically undesirable.” Wurk! And he encourages Noah to “read his piece.” Yes, it’s getting kinda hectic these days.
Suppertime! That big-eyed look of shock and awe from Noah can only mean one thing: Wade is in the house!
Meanwhile, Ricky needs to clean his house, and Alex catches Trey getting a foot rub from Guy… And that’s just the beginning…
And yes, you'll get to see Guy and Trey wash a car together tonight. Soapy!
P.S. If you’re hungry for even more Noah’s dish, LogoOnline has tons of killer behind-the-scenes video, special exclusive “digisodes” where the boys dish and gossip about their pasts, parenting and more. They’ll keep you sated with new action between each week's on-air episodes, and new digisodes are added each week, so keep checking them out. Plus there are interviews with the cast, tours of the set, all kinds of gag-worthy stuff.
So there!
Meg & Dia Frampton: From Salt Lake to your MP3 player.
Meg & Dia, two sisters from Salt Lake City (Meg’s 21… Dia is 18-ish) have crafted a pretty irresistible, hook-laden driving pop/rock album with their debut, Something Real, which hit record sellers a couple of weeks back. They spent the summer headlining the MySpace tent at the testosterone-fueled Warped Tour, but these smart siblings didn’t let the boys push them around. They just rocked out! (Check out their video and debut single “Monster” to get a taste of their articulate, melody-driven rock.)
They’re going to be in NYC this week with an appearance at the Virgin Megastore on Thursday, August 24th, and they’ve got a CD release party that night at The Annex, so check them out! And they’re going to be touring all over the Southwest, California and the Northwest for most of September, so catch them if you can!
I chatted with the sisters when they hit New York a while back. Here’s what they had to say about skipping school, homo fans and the dark literary roots of their tunes.
Congratulations on the record. “Monster”—the first track—has kind of a big sound. Was it your intention to come off with such a big sound, or did it happen as you grew?
Meg: It definitely didn’t start out like it ended up. “Monster” was one of those songs that started out with a circus-like tone; like a happy, little country song more or less. But the song’s about East of Eden, by John Steinbeck; it’s about the monster that the child was, the child who grew up to be a murderer or rapist, and that’s his definition of monster, so the song wasn’t supposed to be all happy. So I was like, “You know, I’m just going to change this chord and make it more minor.” And it just kind of evolved from there.
It turned out great. What kind of music do you guys strive to make? Can you describe your sound?
Dia: I hate anything that’s sterile, or specific. We can play any style, as long as it’s honest.
Meg: I want to play rock. Sometimes we play songs and it comes out country; and we had this acoustic and vocal thing that went pretty slow and I wanted it to be rock. I want it to be a full-on rock band, concentrating more on instruments, even though our focus is vocal harmony—something like “Monster.” I think we captured it on that track pretty well, rather than some other tracks on the album that are more acoustic.
Well, it’s good to have a nice balance. I think gay people will plug into the album. Have you had any gay audiences yet on tour?
Meg: Yeah, in Salt Lake we had some gay guys that were very into it. My boyfriend played bass for a little, and they hit on my boyfriend. [Laughs.] At first, I didn’t know how to handle that, but they were really into the music.
Dia: They’ve been so nice, so supportive.
Are your parents supportive? Are they involved in the music at all?
Meg: I’d say our parents are the most supportive people in the entire world.
Dia: Our dad was a radio DJ for quite a while, so he listens to music a lot, they’ve been really supportive.
Meg: In fact, they actually wouldn’t let me go to college. They gave me the option, but they said that they, “preferred for me to do music because I had something going, so we don’t want you to go to college.” And I thought that was the opposite of what most parents would say, but I’m thankful they’re so supportive.
The band's all here: Kenji, Dia, Meg & Nick...
Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of Asians out in the world of rock—there are a few, but not a lot. Is that something you’re conscious of, or want to represent?
Dia: I guess I have a sense of it. It doesn’t play into our everyday lives or anything. But sometimes Asians will come to a show and talk to us, after. It’s pretty cool!
Meg: In our hometown and in Las Vegas, most of the crowd is Asian, so it’s just a crowd full of Asians the last time we were there. And Dia said something like, “Asian pride!!!” and the crowd went, “Yeah!!!”
How do you deal with being one of only a few female-fronted bands in this very male-dominated world, or is it an issue?
Meg: I think it’s an advantage. Sometimes you’ll get people who’ll say, “Oh, it’s a female guitar player, they’re not any good, we don’t have to watch this,” which can almost be an advantage, because they’ll go, “Wow, you really impressed me.” It will stick in their minds. People will think it’s awesome that there are girls rocking out.
Dia: Exactly, and I get really happy when some girls come up to me, and say, “Hey, that’s what I want to do.”
How did you begin playing music?
Meg: I think it happened accidentally. I mean, we’ve always been into music. I actually started out singing, and Dia would be in the other room and she’d start singing. I just got my heartbroken one day, wrote a little song on an old guitar. My friends were like, “That’s good, let’s form a band.” It started from there.
Reading is fundamental. And it can help when songwriting, too!
Books have inspired your songs. What are you reading now?
Meg: I just finished a book, Women In Love, by D.H. Lawrence. It was probably one of the most interesting things I’ve ever read. It’s very interesting, their outlook on love and life. It talked about how love is an emotion, like fear or sadness; like sometimes you’re scared or sometimes you’re happy. Likewise, you’re sometimes in love, and sometimes you may not be feeling it. I thought that was an interesting concept—you’re in love sometimes, sometimes you’re not.
Do you guys have a favorite city or a place to play?
Dia: Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s really small, but the people there are so amazing. Every time we go there the people are so nice, we make friends easily there. And we can go play out on the street for like, 20 bucks.
Meg: I like Madison, Wisconsin. I played the best show I ever played there. It was the first show I was ever able to let loose.
What do you think you’d like to be doing in, say, a year’s time?
Meg: I’d like to see us on a bigger tour, touring with some bigger bands and being able to expose our music to bigger crowds.
Dia: I’d like to record again. Since our last recording I’ve learned so much, and I’d just like to grow up more, musically, too. Meg and I started writing music when I was 14, and the root of some of our songs on this first CD is from those. So, to learn more about music, to grow, to write a record that will represent us now, that’s what I want.
Meg & Dia: Expect to hear more from them.
Patrice Pike (right) with her fellow Rock Star: Supernova contestant Lukas Ross. She's rocking some bisexual realness on reality TV.
AfterEllen has an interview with the current hottest bisexual rocker on TV, Patrice Pike, who’s in still in the running to win the Rock Star: Supernova competition on CBS, and become the front-woman for Supernova, the band comprised of Tommy Lee, Guns N Roses Gilby Clarke, and Metallica’s Jason Newsted. And she talks openly about the perceptions people have of bisexuals: "I am bisexual. I have always had wonderful, very satisfying relationships with men. But when I started dating a woman, I discovered that nobody wants you if you're bisexual."
  
Zooey Deschanel: On tap to play swingin' rock legend Janis Joplin.
Speaking of bisexual rock stars, Zooey Deschanel is going to take over the title role slated to go to Pink in the forthcoming Janis Joplin biopic, The Gospel According to Janis. I love Pink, but I’m all for Deschanel’s landing the role. She was great in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Elf. And Joplin’s not the only music legend/queer icon that Deschanel’s undertaking cinematically. She’s also slated to play Liza Minnelli in the forthcoming Halston biopic, Simply Halston, opposite Brendan Fraser at the legendary designer. Rock out, Zooey!
And then a few pics for you:
Proving she’s not only an Oscar-winner and the recipient of more Emmy Awards than any other female performer in history (she’s got 8 Primetime Emmys), Cloris Leachman also proves she’s still a fun lady. Here the 80-year-old legend (who’s played TV and film icons as varied as Young Frankenstein’s Frau Blucher, Phyllis on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Queen Hippolyte on Wonder Woman and yes—Beverly Ann on The Facts of Life!) hoists a beer keg at the premiere of her latest comedy, Beerfest. Way to go, Clo!
And also at the Beerfest premiere, Johnny Knoxville… Beloved by gays everywhere.
Meanwhile, at the premiere of the new Outkast movie, Idlewild, Liza Minnelli makes the scene with her old pal Ben Vereen and Andre 3000. Brilliant!
And finally, a brunette Meryl Streep greets the press at the opening night for her titular role in Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children, which bowed last night at the Delacorte Theatre in New York’s Central Park. Classy! And evidently, Streep is bearing the entire weight of this massive production on her shoulders. Oomph!
Hans Martin Cramer of The Vineyards rocks it out. You may be hearing more from them, soon. Photo by A. Nygjerd.
New bands come from all over. Brooklyn, Omaha, Silverlake, Montreal—and yes, Norway! Music scribe T. Cole Rachel writes and spearheads the music coverage at Soundgirl (which is the cool music-focused site run by the clothing label of the same name) and he also writes about music for V Magazine and V Man. And he’s written about music for Genre, Next Magazine, A&F Quarterly and other cool mags.
Dig those crazy Norwegian musical festival mobs. Hola, Oya!
 
Susanna and The Magical Orchestra (left) will transfix you with her ethereal vocals; 120 Days (right) is soon to hit Stateside with their hypnotic, moody, blazing rock.
 
Cole snapped these candid Oya pics: The guys of 120 Days (left) kick it backstage. The gents from The Vineyards do double-time as DJ's at a slammin' all-night Oslo party.
Check out Cole's fresh report from the recent Oya rockfest (known locally as Oyafestivalen) in Oslo, which was one of those mad three-day long rock fest that featured performances from hot bands like The Knife, Band of Horses and Hot Chip, music legends like Morrissey, Yoko Ono and The Fall, and of course a bunch of cool Scandinavian bands that you’ve probably never heard of. Cole offers his picks of the best of the Norwegian bands that hit the stage. They're an awesome mix of rock-hard slamming metal and upbeat electro-pop. Yipee!
 
Gisli (left) is a Norwegian version of Beck meets a solo Junior Senior; Cole calls The New Violators (right) are a cross between Liberace and Morrissey--via Oslo. Smashing!
 
Hi ho, Silver! The rockers tear up onstage. And (right), Erlend Oye's new band, The Whitest Boy Alive turn out delirious simplistic pop.
Go here to check out Cole’s fun write-up from the event. And you’ll get schooled on the hottest music eminating from the land of fjords, Vikings and that cute pop princess Annie.
How Oslo can ya go?
Does watching Christina get "Dirrty" do it for ya? Logo wants you to cast your ballot for the Ultimate Sexiest Video...
Who’s sexier? Madonna or Mariah? Janet Jackson or Christina? D’Angelo or Chris Isaak—or Ari Gold? Right now, the Logo audience is busy voting on which video will be named the “Ultimate Sexiest Video” in a new poll on LogoOnline. The big winner will be unveiled Labor Day weekend on Logo’s weekly Top Ten music video show, The Click List, on Friday, September 1st (at midnight EST, to be precise), but until then, you can vote on which clip turns you on!
Ari Gold's riding his own "Wave..." as one of the top vote-getters.
I’m not gonna divulge any big secrets about who’s leading the pack but I will say that Ari Gold is boasting a very strong showing. Voters are also expressing big love for Madonna, and Mariah is not one to be shaken off lightly. (Get it? Clues!) Janet’s showing well, too, “If” you know what I mean. And the naked torsos of D’Angelo and Chris Isaak aren’t doing too shabbily either, of course. And like I said, Ari Gold’s abs are getting lots of love, too.
Madonna dresses up to "Take a Bow." And then she takes it off...
D'Angelo gives good torso in "Untitled."
Mr. Isaak looks pretty good getting "Wicked" too.
In the campier categories, Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” may show some stamina yet, while Whitesnake’s “Here I Go Again” has its work cut out for it. And shockingly, Gerardo’s “Rico Suave” has got a ways to go…
And remember, before she was preggers and married, Britney used to get sweaty for us on a regular basis... Show her some love if you're feeling it!
You can watch the clips and vote (And don’t you really need to watch “The Thong Song” right about now?)… I’ll keep ya posted!!!
Dannii loves a birthday party. For gays especially...
I have to admit that I was drawn to this pic (above) of Dannii Minogue performing yesterday by its accompanying caption on its page at Getty Images: “Dannii Minogue Performs at Homesexual 1st Birthday.” Which didn’t mean that she performed at the birthday party of a one-year-old homosexual child. What it did mean is that she performed at the 1st birthday party of the Sydney club night “Homesexual” (held at a venue called Home). Which is still pretty festive. Go, Dannii!!!
Cazwell's new clip is all the rage with the kids on YouTube. Sassy!
Wanna know what’s the #2 most-linked video on YouTube this week??? (Diddy’s video is #1, just fyi.) It’s gay NYC-based rapper and club celeb Cazwell’s latest video for his most recent single “All Over Your Face.” And it’s fun! You can watch it (the cleaner, edited version) and it’s a fun encapsulation of the fun, bawdy New York club/bar scene that’s buzzing now in bars like Boysroom and Eastern Bloc. In the clip you’ll see cute trashy boys, glam girls getting ready to go out, and trans triumphs Amanda LePore and Sophia Lamar sassing about. Plus, it’s got a good beat. Turn it up!
Ms. Clarkson likes to rock out. But ya ain't seen nothin' yet. Check the video link below.
And finally, another fun renegade video is this clip (via Stereogum) of Kelly Clarkson joining the hair metal cover band, Metal Skool, onstage recently onstage at a club in L.A. The guys are hilariously rude, Kelly swills some booze (sharing a belt with her bud, Yellowcard’s lead singer, Ryan Key), and they all end up singing a loopy cover of Guns N' Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine.” It’s totally fun to watch, and you gotta give Kelly props for being a great sport and fully getting into the spirit of it all. Her hair’s cute, too.
Dream On: Anika Noni Rose (left) and Beyonce flank the soon-to-be big star Jennifer Hudson.
It’s never too early for the buzz to begin about those Oscar-worthy films that get unleashed upon the public around December. And leading the pack so far on the hype front is the long-awaited film version of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, which debuted on Broadway back in 1981. It’s the story of ‘60s era girl group (a la The Supremes) and their rocky path to fame, about the stars who are made and those who get left behind. And yes, there’s music galore. Which makes sense when your leading lady is Beyonce (duh) in the role of the Diana Ross-esque diva (And Miss Knowles is no stranger to breakout success after being in a prominent girl group, okay?). The film also stars heavyweights Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy, and Tony-winning actress Anika Noni Rose (who was fabulous in Caroline, Or Change). But the growing buzz so far is on Hollwood newcomer and American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, who’s making her film debut in Dreamgirls, stepping into the legendary role of Effie White (which made the very young Jennifer Holliday a Broadway star).
Um-hmmm... Hudson (left) and the girls meet the competition in Dreamgirls.
There was a preview screening of 20 minutes of the film this past Monday night in Hollywood, and while there was no footage of the Hudson’s biggest number in the film, the cataclysmic “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” number, witnesses who’ve seen Hudson in the movie are already touting her performance as legendary—and Oscar-worthy. And that particular scene has evidently been edited and put together so effectively that it reportedly even blows the roof off of the amazing footage of Jennifer Holliday performing the song during the Tony Awards broadcast in 1982 (which you can watch on YouTube, or in any gay bar on showtune night). On the site, The Envelope, Tom O’Neill has all the details, and he practically jump-starts Hudson’s Oscar campaign. Check it out.
Hudson better get used to these red-carpet wing-dings. There are more in her future...
Meanwhile, on the official Dreamgirls website, you can catch video footage from the film, which is included among some “Behind-the-Scenes” and “Making Of” clips. In the “Making Of” featurette, you get to see Hudson spar briefly with Jamie Foxx onscreen (“You don’t need me. All you care about is her bony ass…” she snaps. It rocks). You’ll even see the director (Bill Condon) and cast talk about the movie, during which Jamie Foxx gushes, “It’ll knock your wig off!” Wurk. And from the looks of the hair and costumes (a pageant of righteous '60s and '70s fashions), there are a lot of wigs to toss around.
Classic! Serving authentic 1960's girl group realness, big hair and all.
Also making the rounds now is the single from the film (and the musical), “One Night Only,” credited to Deena Jones and the Dreams (that’s Beyonce, of course). There’s the rambunctious, showbizzy, disco-tinged film version, and of course there are club mixes coming your way, too. Expect to hear it on a dance floor very soon.
And start your own Jennifer Hudson fan club now, while you’re at it.
Jennifer Hudson: Ready to shine!
Nothing says fashion like a shirtless model, eh?
Buzz is already out there about the big September issues of the big fashion magazines. Vogue has 75,000+ pages and weighs 183 lbs. Elle is the size of a manatee and you need a crane to hoist it on your coffee table. And W is so mammoth it will also double as the foundation for that country house you’ve been planning to build in New York’s Hudson Valley.
But the ladies’ fashion tomes aren’t the only mags bursting with fall fashion goodness. The gay mags will also be seriously stylin’ for their September issues. Take GENRE, for instance. Their September issue (above) features hottie model Drew on the cover, who’s also featured inside in 7-page “Straight from the Runway” report shot by Rick Day. In the cover short, he’s sporting (sort of) a sweater by Energie, trousers by John Bartlett (hot!), a belt by Stowe Provisions and a vintage Casio wristwatch. Fun!
Also inside is a big splashy (literally) photoshoot (10 pages!), which was shot on a sailboat, while sailing from Oyster Bay to Sag Harbor. Those pics are in color and B&W. It’s called “Navigational Pull.” Which sounds somehow suggestive…
There’s music stuff about the new Scissor Sisters record, other fall music must-haves, and a report on the hot new disc from Justin Timberlake, which some quotes from JT himself.
Jacobs in the September issue of GENRE.
But I’m loving the uber-fashionable interview that Lady Bunny conducted with style icon (and all-around good gay) Marc Jacobs. It’s hilarious, and smart and insightful. Jacobs—on the horn from Paris—talks about juggling the design duties for his own eponymous line, and for this other gig as creative maven at Louis Vuitton. And Mr. Jacobs has some great dish about what turns him on fashionwise:
“We don’t make really trashy, slutty, sexy, vulgar show-it-all clothes. It’s more like the opposite. I love what may be underneath, but I don’t like it overtly shown… I’m not about making fashion that guys will be tripping over at the gym. I think the sweet guy in the corner, whose drawers are droopy and doesn’t have the right sneakers on, is much cooler.”
 
Lady Bunny and Marc get chatty about fashion, reality TV--and Lil' Kim!
Copy that, MJ! There’s also priceless inside dish about what Lil’ Kim got up to in prison (she and Jacobs are best buds were pen pals while she was in the slammer), which includes tales of all-girl volleyball action and cakes made of Jolly Ranchers.
And Jacobs has these sharp words about how you’d never catch him as a fashion judge on a show like Project Runway like some other designers:
“No, I would never do that. In fact, I was approached. I can’t be a judge; I can’t be a bitchy queen… If it makes entertaining viewing, then fine, but let somebody else do it.”
Jacobs even sounds off on how he feels about Canal Street knock-offs of his work, celebs as fashion icons and his new best bud, Mariah Carey. Basically, the interview is fab. Thanks, Bunny! The September GENRE will be hitting newsstands, like, any minute.
P.S. In more good Jacobs news, check this link (Thanks Andy) to check out a hot new fall ad campaign from Marc Jacobs that features bearded studs getting it on in the woods. Woof!
Herb & Kiki: Making Broadway unsafe for wholesome theatre. Thank goodness! Photo by Carol Rosegg.
Last night Kiki & Herb, New York’s brilliant bawdy and boozy cabaret-crushing duo who are the musical hellions created by vocalist/dragster/wicked sage Justin Bond and virtuoso pianist and musicologist Kenny Mellman, respectively, celebrated the opening night of their Broadway show, Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway. It was a smash. The crowd was packed, enthusiastic and peppered with gay scenesters, celebs and diehard Kiki & Herb devotees. And, of course, there were some theater critics in the house too, and they seemed to have a great time, too.
This morning in The New York Times and the New York Post are rave reviews of the show, which is gratifying for fans of politically charged, raucous, musically inventive, fearless theater. Having a show of this caliber (which at times boasts all the zeal of a heated gay rights protest rally, combined with the unnerving fun of a ride on a rickety roller coaster) is a feat in these conservative times. And selling tickets to a show on Broadway (even a limited run like this show, which is only scheduled to run through September 10th) generally requires some glowing press, and now Kiki & Herb have it.
As for the show itself, if you’re a Kiki & Herb fan, you’ll be delighted to hear some of their best numbers delivered beautifully (stick around for the post-finale finale, as Kiki delivers a “show tune” that will please her faithful flock). New numbers (like the opener, “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley) rock as well. And the duo use their loopily theatrical stage set (designed by Scott Pask) to great advantage. There’s a gnarly Dali-esque fake tree up there that’s a piece of scenic genius. And Kiki’s sharper than ever, grazing over well-worn terrain in her material (to permit newbies to get up to speed on this duo’s history) and lunging into current events and new tirades with visceral aplomb.
After the show and its standing ovations last night, the audience headed to the after-party at the bar at the Time Hotel, where photographers and TV crews awaited the showbiz pair, and snapped photos of other attending luminaries (such as Deborah Harry, Molly Ringwald, composer Scott Wittman, rocker Theo Kogan, DJ Sammy Jo, and New York downtown fixtures like Murray Hill and The World Famous *BOB*. And for Kiki & Herb, who began performing in gay dive bars about 13 years ago, following 2004's triumphant concert at Carnegie Hall, it’s all bound to be vindicating. Cheers to them!
The World Famous *BOB* (right) helps Justin Bond primp as the press/photographers hover 'round.
NYC photographer/artist Rob Roth, puppeteer Basil Twist and rocker Theo Kogan chill at the opening night party.
Bruce Pask (of The New York Times' T Magazine), Broadway director/lyricist Scott Wittman and Kiki & Herb's scenic designer Scott Pask
Kenny Mellman, Justin Bond and their pal Debbie Harry mug for the cameras.
Mariah's happy! And she wants to tell all of you kids about it tonight on Logo!
I’m feeling very musical today... And if you’re feeling musical in a Mariah Carey way, you’re in luck. Tonight (plug, plug) you can watch Mariah Carey being interviewed just for us gays on the Advocate Newsmagazine which airs on Logo. In it, she gabs and gabs with MTV news veteran John Norris about her new tour (she’s been enduring “abusive fittings” to get her costumes ready!), about her relationship with her gay fans, her love of dance remixes, her personal life, her marriage to Tommy Mottola, working with DJs like David Morales, and just coming back (in a big way) in general. It’s a totally fun, dishy conversation that’s totally must-see.
Here she is chatting up a storm on the Advocate Newsmagazine special.
And there’s more bonus interview footage of Mariah talking to John Norris available at LogoOnline! Yep, you can go here and hear Mimi chatting about more specifics of her tour, and why this one's gonna be major. She also talks about how gay fans relate to her, how she’s felt like an outsider herself, and the difference between “the fabulous and the tragic”—wurk!—and the appeal that has for fans. And she talks about her opera-singing mom (fierce!), how moving around as a kid made her a less judgmental, less close-minded person in general. “We weren’t the white picket fence…” she tells Norris.
Mariah and John Norris take her dog for a walk (okaaaay?) backstage.
Then they sit down and gab away like best gal-pals!
Plus Mariah dishes about a movie she’s making with gay filmmaker Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer) which is to be called Tennessee. She references “the debacle of Glitter” and talks about her new role as a waitress and how her character gets “emancipated.”
Never one for subtlety, Mariah's tour is gonna glam up your world.
Anyway, it’s gonna be fab. Show Mimi some love.
And, oh yeah… Howard Dean is interviewed, too. And there’s a story about the town of “Gay, Georgia” and much more. And did I mention Mariah Carey?
Still a "vision of love?" Go, Mimi!
Last year Kelly got drenched onstage. What's gonna happen this year at the VMA's? Be there and find out.
Wanna go to the VMA’s this year? Then head to eBay and bid for a pair of tickets now! They’re not gonna be cheap, but 100% of the sales will go to the music industry’s AIDS charity LifeBEAT.
Jess is going for a "spin" with Dead or Alive.
Stereogum’s got lots of news about some freaky cover versions of pop tunes making the rounds out there. There’s stuff from Clay Aiken, ex-New Kid Jordan Knight, and even a cover from Leigh Nash (the lead singer from Sixpence None the Richer) who delivers a tepid rendition of “It’s Raining Men” (Granted it’s nigh impossible to improve on the big-voiced original by The Weather Girls. Duh…) But the real twister is a link to Jessica Simpson’s take on the Dead or Alive gem “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Not sure how I feel about this one…
Smile if you're touring this fall!
The Pet Shop Boys are touring this fall… Just in case you hadn’t heard.
Okay, this pic was actually taken in London, but JT rocked L.A. last Friday. And it kinda looked like this.
Justin Timberlake rocked a celeb-packed crowd at a teensy yet super-hot show at L.A.’s House of Blues this past weekend.
Sir Elton's got a new album. And a new tutu?
Elton John’s unveiled the new tunes from his new CD, coming next week!
James Morrison is the next British import you're gonna like. Promise!
James Morrison has the number two album in the U.K., with his debut Undiscovered. Chances are you’ll hear from him before long. He’s a sensitive singer/songwriter, less polished than James Blunt, more scruffy and soulful, too. Think KT Tunstall or a male Joss Stone. Morrison calls his sound “guitar blues and soul,” and that’s pretty spot on. He’s toured with Corinne Bailey Rae… And he’s got a tousled, earthy charm.
Hot stuff or Bad Girl? Ms. Summer has new tunes coming in 2007.
The gays are always divided in how they feel about Donna Summer. But either way, it looks like the disco queen has new tunes coming in 2007, so says Billboard’s music expert Keith Caulfield. (Scroll down the page for the news.)
Peaches' new video is sexy--and drag-tastic!
Gender-bending Peaches is one of the boldest artists making loud, brashy, lewd and politically charged music today. In her latest video, she seduces a dragged up version of herself… And Brooklyn Vegan has more Peaches news… Did you know she wrote the tune on her latest disc, “Boys Wanna Be Her,” about Joan Jett. Well, she did.
Placebo's Brian Molko (shaved head and all) is coming to rock the U.S.
The blissfully glam rockers Placebo are touring this U.S. this fall (with She Wants Revenge). And they’ll have a new re-issue out of their very first eponymous album. Hot!
Ari's got a super-sexy video--and a cosmetics endorsement gig. He's busy! Photo by Joe Oppedisano.
Out singer Ari Gold is in the running for creating the “Ultimate Sexiest Video” on LogoOnline for his "Wave of You" single (you can vote for your personal fave), and he’s also nailed a cosmetics endorsement deal. Why not?
Holy bad reviews! Madonna's quitting acting!
Don’t cry for her… Madonna says she’s giving up her movie career! She's over being crucified by film critics.
Beenie Man: Not homophobic? Huh?
So Beenie Man’s says he’s not homophobic. He just doesn’t approve of pedophiles…I'm still not sure what that’s got to do with us…
 
Boy George gets ready to clean up Manhattan. Until the press goes nuts, at least.
And yes, Boy George began his community service today, cleaning up the streets of Manhattan, as reporters and photographers watched and snapped. And then George snapped. And then he took it indoors.
Can he talk? McGreevey may join Joan Rivers' forthcoming talk show?
Jim McGreevey’s a contender to be on a Joan Rivers hosted talk show. It’s aiming to be The View but populated Joan and gay men. Chatty!
Maybe she just hasn't met the right woman?
Eva Longoria is jonesing for some gay action. Any takers, ladies?
Armistead Maupin and his beau, Christopher Turner, hit Sundance earlier this year.
Gay pioneering author Armistead Maupin, 62, is busy man. His book The Night Listener was just made into a big studio film, he’s working on more Tales of the City stories, and he’s dating a guy who he’s crazy about!
Elvia Kurt: Funny, and ready to plan your wedding!
A lotta people liked Logo gay-wedding reality series, First Comes Love, when it aired last year. Well, it’s coming back with a new host. So long, Scott Thompson. Hello, Elvira Kurt! And yes, she’s hilarious.
Segway brings you two new scooters. Let the polo playing begin?
Just in case you need a new way to get around, Segway’s introducing two new scooters. Including one for more rugged terrain. Which would be... a polo field?
A zillion AI hopefuls show up to try out in New Jersey. Mercy!
Wannabe on American Idol? So does everyone else on the planet evidently?
MEANWHILE...
Surveillance cameras in NYC clubs? Gay activists say, “No thanks.”
Beijing, China has its first official online chatroom for “comrades”—which in China means gay men. It’s sponsored by a disease control office to promote health counseling. So far it’s mainly popular with its own webmasters. And it’s got lots of perky graphics!
Bill and Melinda Gates are serious about fighting AIDS. They’re spending $1.9 billion in the search for a vaccine.
Let the confetti fly! Mike Furey sings out in a moment from Dangerous Muse's video for "The Rejection."
I’ve written about the "ambisexual" duo Dangerous Muse before… And here we go again! This weekend, Logo will air the world premiere of their first video for their first single, “The Rejection” on the NewNowNext music video show this coming Sunday night at midnight. The video features DM’s Mike Furey singing and posing, Tom Napack rocking the keyboards and jamming… And then all kinds of boy-chasing and girl-chasing around a high school. And then confetti flies around and some girl slaps Mike and then these dudes are in a locker room… Oh, you’ll just have to watch, I guess.
Mike has to tell these nice girls that he doesn't want to dance with them... The poor dears.
Here are Mike and Tom telling me about the video back in June:
Mike Furey: The video is in two parts. The first part’s the performance footage of Tom and me just performing in front of a black backdrop. And the other half is a narrative. And in that, a guy hits on a girl who rejects him, and then that girls hits on a girl who rejects her, and then that girl—basically it’s like this series of cyclical rejections. And basically everyone who rejects then gets rejected. So a guy hits on a girl in class and she rejects him because she is checking out another girl in class, and then that girl is really in love with this guy, who is in the cafeteria. So she goes to him, and then he rejects her, and then he’s checking out guys in the lockers room.
Tom Napack: The video has kind of the ambisexual thing, too.
Some foxy stills from the video are below. And, Mike and Tom from Dangerous Muse will actually be hosting this week’s NewNowNext show. They’ll be talking about their music, other music and videos they love and just gabbing up a storm. Check ’em out!
Tom gives good face in "The Rejection."
And Mike makes love to his microphone.
And in the video, this girl likes this girl...
And this dude is checking out this other dude...
And Mike and Tom give good interview about their music--and other tunes that they love! And yes, they're in front of a green screen so this looks a bit weird, ya dig?
Also airing on this week’s show is the World Premiere of a video by New York’s own out singer Adam Joseph (below), who’s got amazing pipes, and a knack for a serious groove. His single, “Flow With My Soul” may just be one of the best tunes I’ve heard in a while from a queer artist. It’s got smarts and soul, and tells a story that's positive without beating you over the heading or preaching. And it’s got an irresistible groove going on, too. You’ll like it!
Adam Joseph is going with the "Flow."
And rounding out the queer flavor this week is Joan Jett’s new video for her single “AC/DC,” which no, isn’t about the iconic rock band who shook us all night long. It’s about a femme fatale (played in the video by Carmen Electra—why not?) who breaks hearts of every gender. She likes girls, she likes guys—she likes everybody. Sound like anyone you know?
Bi-Bi Love? Ms. Jett sings about a gal who goes both ways...
Plus, you’ll get new video from kickass bands like Evanescence, The Raconteurs, Stefy (fresh from the O.C.), Snow Patrol, Red Hot Chili Peppers, New Found Glory, Jurassic 5, and an amazing new clip from OK Go that’s another of their one-take masterpieces, this time involving crazy choreography on some treadmills.
Jessie Garcia (center) and his buds in Quinceañera.
If you’re looking for a grown-up, funny, sexy, smart and very well-made drama with attractive gay dudes, sassy teenaged girls, social commentary and a bit of almost mystical whimsy, check out Quinceañera the just-released feature from openly gay directors Richard Glatzer (who’s one of the creators of America’s Next Top Model!) and Wash Westmoreland (who directed The Fluffer). The film won both the Jury Award and the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and it’s gotten swell reviews. And like its creators, the film’s pretty gay, too.
Okay, on one hand it tells the story of Magdalena (Emily Rios), a Latina teenager living in L.A.’s Echo Park, who gets in “trouble” just as it’s time for her big 15th birthday quinceañera celebration. But the film’s also the story of her cousin, Carlos (played by Jesse Garcia), who gets tossed out of his house for being gay, and who embarks on a three-way relationship with two guys who just happen to be his great uncle’s landlord. There’s much more going on, but Garcia’s performance is at once sensitive, tough, heartening and impressive. And he looks good in a wife-beater, too.
I chatted with Garcia in New York recently (he looks much younger in person; and more sweet than street), and he’s charming, friendly, and happy to chat about his playing this nuanced Latino gay character.
Here’s what he had to say about cholos, playing gay, and being a cheerleader (really!).
Congratulations on the movie. I was at Sundance, that’s where I saw the movie and where it won both the Audience Award and the Judges Prize. Does the response to the movie still surprise you?
Yes and no. At Sundance, it was crazy. I mean you go there hoping that the movie will do really great but it’s a total crapshoot; everyone could hate your movie. You could be a shame to Latinos everywhere. [laughs] But they really embraced it. One of the cooler things that happened there Terrence Howard, who came up to me and goes: “The movie was awesome, loved it, your performance was great.” I was like, “Terrence Howard gave me props!” That’s awesome. That guy’s dope.
Garcia (right) with costar David W. Ross. They get it on in the movie.
Growing up in Wyoming—which is pretty different than L.A.’s Echo Park—could you relate to the urban tensions in the movie, the racial and neighborhood tensions going on?
I really didn’t grow up with that, but everyone deals with that at some point, whether it’s racial tension or coming of age for yourself. It’s kind of a coming of age for Carlos, too. He’s discovering his sexuality, who he is, and what kind of person he’s going to be. I’ve gone through stages and I’m still going through these stages figuring out who I am and what I’m going to do when I grow up.
How did you go about playing Carlos, who’s really such a good gay character, like we haven’t seen much in the movies? Was it a challenge to make him authentic?
One thing that actually helped was cutting my hair. They were like “You’ve got the vulnerability and acting down; let’s cut your hair!”
Garcia in his tuff Carlos mode.
Butch you up a little bit?
Right. It was like, “let’s take the metrosexual out of you.” So we cut my hair and put tattoos on me.
Did that do the trick?
Yeah it did. (laughs) After I cut my hair and had a tattoo on the back of my neck, and wore baggy clothes, people did perceive me differently. Guys and other people who live that lifestyle really get the wrong side of the stick. Not all people who shave their head and wear baggy clothes are gangsters and are going to kill people. It’s just a kind of lifestyle that they know and feel more comfortable with.
Rios and Garcia, keepin' it real in Echo Park.
Also when you’re gay it’s a way of protecting your sense of masculinity or a way to heighten that.
There’s actually a culture of very masculine manly gay cholos. It’s like a down-low group that I never knew about. I went to a gay club in LA with one of my gay friends, and saw all these cholos at the club making out and I was like, “Dude, I’ve never seen that”.
Since the beginning of films there’s been the character of the Latin lover. There’s a tendency—and I love how it’s addressed in the movie during the gay dinner party—to fetishize the Latin guy; there’s almost this commodification of the hot Latin type among some gay people. Was it interesting to get in there, play this character and mix up those stereotypes?
Yeah. What I wanted to do with this role was to break all stereotypes of what people would expect of a Latino actor and a gay character. One I never wanted to play a cholo because that’s a role that we get pinned; as criminals and gang-bangers. So I did not want to play a cholo unless the role was unbelievable. And the gay role, unless it was comedy, I wanted to play it subtle and honest. That’s how I approached it. This kid, you forget he lives this lifestyle as a cholo, he’s just this guy. He can be threatening but he is just this regular guy who has this love story going on.
What is the biggest challenge of being a Latino actor?
The market is growing but there’s still a limited amount of strong Latino roles, men or women. They are starting to come out now with these really diverse TV shows and good movies but a lot of movie stars and dominant actors are still white. Black actors have a better market now, but Latinos are only starting to come up. I definitely want to do strong Latino roles but I also want to be in parts where you wouldn’t expect a Latino actor, like playing a corporate giant or in a romantic comedy.
Garcia, getting pensive during a down moment at Sundance this past January.
Have your parents seen Quinceañera?
Yeah, they came down to Sundance from Wyoming and saw the last screening. They really liked it. They were really proud. My mom started freaking out during the last fight scene. She started crying. I was getting my butt kicked onscreen; it was really funny.
And so what’s next?
I just got done working on The Closer. And I’m attached to a few movies that aren’t still completely off the ground. One is called Looters. It’s about this guy who is trying to get his buddy across town during an L.A. riot so he can give his grandma her insulin shot so she doesn’t die. It sounds cheesy but it’s all about the journey across town. I end up battling against these cops. There are a lot of fight scenes. It should be a lot of fun.
And you were a cheerleader in college?
Yeah. I had almost a full scholarship at the University of Nebraska, which was one of the top schools. I had so much fun.
Is that a very gay activity? Are there a lot of gay male cheerleaders?
It kind of depends. There’s NCA and UCA, which are divisions of cheerleading.
NCA tends to be a gay division and UCA doesn’t. It’s just some weird thing
We had a gay male cheerleader on our squad, but he ended up quitting for whatever personal reason. Other than that everyone was straight. There were actually a lot of couples in the squad.
See that’s the danger of perception. I always assume those perky cheerleader guys are gay. You should find some way to get involved with the Bring It On movies.
I actually auditioned for that movie and made it to the last round. But they went for someone who was an exceptional dancer.
But you’ve got the skills!
Bring it on!
Fame? Awards? Cheerleaders? Yes, please.
Quinceañera is now playing in New York and Los Angeles; it opens in places like San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago and Cambridge this Friday, and then it's spreading all over.
Helena Christensen hangs all over Chris Isaak in the carnal classic, "Wicked Game." You feeling it?
Coming hot on the spiked heels of June’s Ultimate Madonna Video contest (which named “Vogue” as Madge’s best-loved video ever), Logo is now asking you to chime in and vote for the music video you feel is the all-time super-sexiest! Yes, as of now you can go online, watch videos and place your vote for the "Ultimate Sexiest Video".
The nominees are a mad batch of clips featuring hot dancing, sweaty skin, and all kinds of suggestive behavior. And while there’s not too much blatant same-sex action going on (mainly because there just aren’t many officially, outright gay videos—music videos anyway, ahem—shown on TV that feature boy-on-boy or girl-on-girl lovin’) you can catch Ari Gold's foxy "Wave of You," wherein the openly gay Gold and his crew splash around (and make out) gaily in their homage to the late, great photographer Herb Ritts.
But you can get lots of Xtina, J-Lo, Madge, George Michael (singing about casual sex—surprise!—and making out with girls) declaring he wants your sex, D’Angelo’s once-ribbed abs, and of course, that classic clip of Chris Isaak and Helena Christensen rolling all over each other on the beach in glorious black and white. There are even some rather festive options (read: campy?) which you can vote on, like Gerardo's "Rico Suave," Sisqo's "Thong Song" and Right Said Fred's classic, "I'm Too Sexy." Ha!
Ari Gold is sexy... Ya think? Then, go vote! (photo by Joe Oppedisano)
Britney wants to be your sexy "Slave"...
Christina's feeling "Dirrty" with her sweaty skanky dancers...
I don't know about Ricky Martin's sexuality, but if he drives you "Loca," then vote for him!
In "Untitled," D'Angelo's gonna show off his chest and torso ...
And his back, too...
Little Ms. Fiona Apple's getting "Criminal" with her scantily clad pals...
Janet and Antonio Sabato, Jr. define hotness in "Love Will Never Do Without You."
And yes, Mr. Isaak will play his "Game"...
But never underestimate the power of Gerardo and "Rico Suave!"
Go cast your vote, and then you can tune in to The Click List music video rundown on Friday, September 1st at midnight to find out which clip topped the list (and which filled out the Top Ten).
Frankly, I’m voting for Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical.” (Yes, it’s totally on the list.) It features ONJ working over some scantily clad dudes (might they qualify as bears?) in hot early-80’s workout gear, some chiseled-oiled up torsos (watch the whole clip), and a cute gay twist at the end that I’d totally forgotten about!
So, check it out. And tell sweaty Britney I said “Hi!”
I posted a week ago about Jacob and Joshua, the two twins who are the subject of Logo’s upcoming reality show, Jacob & Joshua: Nemesis Rising, which is going to follow the striking siblings as they work the music biz in L.A. in their quest to become bona fide pop stars (and just deal with their own mad and manic gay lives in the process). Folks started buzzing and other blogs linked up, so I guess people are interested!
So, here’s another pic of the guys (above), shot on the set of the video for their forthcoming first single. (I’ll pass along more details as I have them. And you can expect to hear more music buzz about this project coming next week.)
In the meantime, Jacob & Joshua say "Hey!" And remember: Jacob is the blond, Josh is the brunette.
And another Nemesis tidbit for you: Among their pals on MySpace you’ll find the likes of out American Idol finalist Jim Verraros, the band Weezer, Jason & deMarco, Seattle indie-poppers The Scene Aesthetic, Tegan and Sara, Plain White T’s, Coheed and Cambria, Dashboard Confessional, Sean Paul and (of course) Kelly Clarkson. Which may also give you a good idea of the twins' musical tastes. Just so ya know…
It's good to be queen. Dunst as Marie-Antoinette.
Check out Kirsten Dunst in these amazing photos from the forthcoming Sofia Coppola-directed film Marie-Antoinette. (It's due out on October 20th.) In it, that little girl we all knew as the ringlet-haired bloodsucking tyke from Interview with a Vampire has all grown up (via Jumanji, Little Women, ER, The Virgin Suicides, Bring It On and Spider-Man, among others). Yes, now she’s the queen of France, who before she gets her head lopped off, has a decadent romp around Versailles with her man, King Louis XVI (played by Jason Schwartzman).
Much has been said of the super-cool soundtrack of the film (which features the likes of New Wave/modern rock icons like Adam Ant, The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Bow Wow Wow) but judging from these pics below, I’m just looking forward to the sumptuous, gushy, visual richness of the film! Many scenes were actually filmed at Versailles… And it all looks amazing. Check it out!
Coppola's having a ball at Versailles.
Check out this on-set action! It's like a Fragonard-cotton candy fantasy gone wild!
And yes, I know that the film received a mixed reception at Cannes. Yes, folks booed. But some say that's just how they do things in France...
Black is the navy blue of... France?
I have to say I’m also intrigued by one of Ms. Dunst’s costars, Jamie Dornan (above with Dunst), who evidently stars as Count Axel von Fersen, who was a paramour of Marie Antoinette’s when they were both 16 (and later, perhaps). Von Fersen was a Swedish nobleman and was evidently later a lover of other fancy notable Euro women (like Hedvig Elisabeth Charlotta, who was married to the future King Charles XIII of Sweden).
Anyway, this is evidently the Belfast-born Jamie Dornan’s first movie gig, although he had been known as a romancer of Keira Knightley a couple of year back. He’s also modeled for Dior Homme and Calvin Klein, and is one-half of the band Sons of Jim. And he’s the great nephew of legendary screen actress Greer Garson.
  
That's Jamie Dornan hanging with Keira Knightley. They're not together anymore, fyi...
I’ve a feeling you be seeing much more of him in days to come…
Okay, you can have your cake now! Or just watch the preview online…
Au bientot, common people!
Darryl Stephens (aka Noah) backstage at Splash in NYC last night. Cute!
Last night NYC got to ride on Noah’s Arc as two of the show’s stars (Darryl Stephens, who plays Noah; and Jensen Atwood, who plays Wade) and its creator headed to Splash in Chelsea for the venue’s weekly Tueseday-night party, GOT2B, to meet and greet the crowd, party up a little bit and host a screening of tonight’s premiere episode of the show’s second season.
Folks packed in to the joint, especially cramming the VIP area downstairs, as they jockeyed for photo ops and a chance to say hey to the hot Noah’s crew. Hostess Tyra Allure ruled over the proceedings, as did the Bacardi Limon-painted go-go dudes who dressed up the place. Itay Hod and the CBS News on Logo crew were there (expect to see that bit on air soon!) and photographers and peeps from all the NYC gay mags were on hand, too.
When the episode finally hit the big-screens on Splash’s main floor, the crowd was very into it, talking back to the screen and totally feelin’ the drama. You can watch the big premiere on Logo tonight at 10pm EST.
Wanna check out our exclusive pics from the night? Get it on!
(All photos by Robin Roemer.)
Ready for a party...
Bacardi poured the drinks...
Talk about branding! If I drink Bacardi, will I get abs like that?
Your beautiful hostess for the evening, Tyra Allure.
And here comes Noah! Wassup Darryl Stephens?
Bring on some Wade, please.
Noah's Arc creator Patrik-Ian Polk is all smiles.
The Noah's crew chills for a half-second before rocking the crowd.
Filmmaker Maurice Jamal (The Ski Trip) was in the house, too!
Noah's stars, filmmakers, designers, actors, generally fabulous types... Everybody say cheese!
Darryl and Logo's Original Programming dude, Jon Sechrist.
Jensen flanked by fans, rappers I.Q. and Nor of the duo, Kin.
They're ready to board the "Arc" for season two.
So are they...
They're totally ready...
And she's so ready, she brought her own Jensen Atwood poster along. Sweet!
ALL ABOARD!!!
Enjoy Season Two!
Look it's extra pink! And has Kelly's intials/logo on it. Can ya see it? Just FOCUS...
Okay, I’m probably a bit too excited about some purchases I just made. And those would be my special Kelly Clarkson Edition of Vitamin Water (which is actually Focus, in a special “KC” branded bottle), and my Formula 50 flavored Vitamin Water, which was developed by none other than 50 Cent himself.
Yep, I’m tasting like a pop star, thank you very much. Of course Kelly’s is the usual Focus flavor (all sweet and clean and punchy—like Ms. C herself), but it tastes extra sassy just to know she’s involved. And the text on the bottle gives special props to the Idol champ: “Most vocalists couldn’t even lip-synch to a set list like hers, so, how does she do it? Behind her hazel eyes is some serious focus.” Ha! The more I sip the more I’m ready to start belting. Where’s Justin Guarini? Let me sing at him for awhile!
And yes, I read the stuff that said the the Vitamin Water execs told Clarkson she'd have to slim down before she could become their spokesperson. Whatever! Maybe I'll just go on an all-Focus diet myself.
Meanwhile, in another taste test here at the office, our photo editor Robin described Formula 50 (which actually came out quite a while back) as just tasting “fruity.” Which sounds a little more fey than the gangsta patter on the shiny lavender label. (Yes, 50 Cent’s Vitamin Water comes in a shiny lavender package…) The text reads: “Bam! Suckaz be movin’ out the way at beverage conferences. Plus, our drink has the nutrients you need to fuel you through your day. That’s just how we roll in Queens.” Wurk!
So, cheers! If any more celebs start proffering cutesy beverages, I’ll let you know. Til then, I’m gonna drink Vitamin Water like it’s your birthday...
Taking it to the streets: Even cops (and horses) love cute folks in their undies!
Your mother always told you to wear clean underwear in case you got into an accident. And it’s also handy in case you want to celebrate National Underwear Day. Which is tomorrow (Wednesday, August 9th)!
Yes, another sort of “only in New York” kind of happening (or possibly in San Francisco, too), the 4th Annual National Underwear Day kicks off tomorrow in Times Square (and other visible locales throughout New York City). Brought to you by the undie-selling folks at FreshPair.com (surprise—there’s a sales angle), the event will see scores of nice looking lads and lasses taking to the streets all day (with the peak time from 11am to 1pm) passing out around 4,000 free pairs of undies. And they’ll have changing stations, so you can change right there on the street! Woo-hoo!
As their press release reads: “National Underwear Day combines elements of political protest, ‘60s Happenings, and outdoor fashion shows. Besides showcasing the latest styles of underwear in a spontaneous, free-spirited way, National Underwear Day’s goal is to establish the day as an officially recognized holiday.” As the voting page online says: “The second amendment gives us the right to bear arms. For one day out of the year, we should also have the right to bare stomachs and legs.”
The idea is to also spread the buzz about what just may be the hot recent trends (low-rise briefs and sports briefs for men; T-shirt bras and graphic detail bras for the gals) in undies, as well as celebrating the classics (briefs and boxer briefs for him; strapless bras for her).
You can also go online and vote for your favorite FreshPair underwear model. Right now, Jen is leading the votes for the women; Yusuf is topping the charts for the guys.
Sure, there’s way more important stuff going on in the world. But sometimes you need a nice low-rise thong or a “no-show brief” to boost your, er… spirits!
See you in your skivvies! Maybe...?
Ready for Season Two of Noah's Arc? Then you're ready to party with the cast, too!
Yes, still more news about the new season of Noah’s Arc! In addition to the stuff you already know (the second season premiere airs on Wednesday, August 9th on Logo at 10pm, and you can watch it a day earlier online, starting Tuesday, August 8th on LogoOnline), New York City and Los Angeles will both be hosting parties celebrating the new season, where you can rub elbows with the stars of the show!
In New York, you’re gonna want to be at the Chelsea hotspot Splash (that's at 50 West 17th St.) tomorrow night (Tuesday, August 8th) from 10pm where you can hang with Noah and Wade (pictured below)—in person! Yes, Darryl Stephens (Noah) and Jensen Atwood (Wade) are going to be in the house to join you as the season two premiere gets aired in an exclusive screening at the bar! Also, Noah’s Arc's creator, Patrik-Ian Polk, will be on hand, and you can bet that the wonderfully outspoken TV mogul is going to have a lot to say about the new season. Come get the dish! (P.S. There’ll be $3 Long Island Iced Teas all night, too.)
Jensen Atwood and Darryl Stephens will be hitting NYC for Tuesday night's party. Come tell them how ya really feel about them...
In L.A., the party will be on Wednesday, August 9th as the cast of Noah’s Arc will be on hand at Club Metro at Ultra Suede in West Hollywood (at 661 N. Robertson Blvd.) for the West Coast premiere bash, which kicks off at 10pm sharp! On hand for this soiree will be Patrik-Ian Polk and Darryl Stephens (very bi-coastal of them), as well as Rodney Chester (Alex) and Doug Spearman (Chance). Other cast members are likely to attend, too. Kick off the new season in true Noah fashion: Out with the boys!
Cheers!
SCISSOR SISTERS' LATEST CUT
Floating around today on YouTube: the Scissor Sisters new video for their single “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’.” (via Towleroad and A Socialite’s Life). It’s flamboyant visual overload!!! Bring on the floating heads!
NO KISSING IN OZ? HUH?
The current run of The Boy From Oz in Sydney had Hugh Jackman back onstage shaking his wares in spandex in his fun, Tony-winning role as Peter Allen. But this time, there's no same-sex smooching going on. Yep, the Aussie production omits the kiss between Jackman and his onstage lover, played by Murray Bartlett. Which is a major shame because Bartlett is a fox! I know because Murray was the doorman at The Slide bar here in NYC not so long ago, when he worked most of Daniel Nardicio's mad, legendary parties. Just FYI...
 
Crowd-surfing & Gnarls Barkley: Just another weekend at Lollapalooza!
LOTS OF LOLLAPALOOZA
Didn't make it to Lollapalooza this past weekend in Chicago? No sweat. Stereogum did—and has the pics and video to clue you in.
ELTON'S SITCOM SIDELINED
Were you looking forward to the very gay (and supposedly very good) Elton John-produced comedy Him and Us (and about a high-strung gay rock star and his entourage) coming to ABC this fall? Don’t be. It’s not on the schedule after all. Bummer.
SCREAMING MIMI
Mariah hit the stage to kickoff her concert tour in Miami this weekend. Glitter aside, it was all about that voice.
 
Harisu works the stage; kisses babies. Hurrah!
KOREAN QUEEN
Harisu is a transsexual pop star/model/actress in Korea, who’s become a media sensation. She’s even appeared in ads for “menstrual pads” in her homeland. This weekend she made an appearance greeting fans in Changchun of Jilin Province, China. She danced, performed and kissed babies. You can watch one of her videos here (for the tune “Foxy Lady”). It’s very J-Lo. Or get your fill at her site, Love Harisu. Go, Harisu!
"OUT, OUT" AT 400
Shakespeare’s MacBeth received its 400th-year anniversary performance this past weekend at Hampton Court palace in England, where it’s believed that the play first debuted in 1606. And yes, all the roles were played by males. That’s Lady MacBeth on the left (in the corset) above.
AND FINALLY...
The OutGames wrapped up in Montreal this past weekend. Cyd and his crew at OutSports have all kinds of commentary—and pics!
Check out the Noah's crew on the current cover of Clik!
Noah’s Arc fans are in luck, as there are some very good interviews out there right focusing on the show’s upcoming season (which debuts on Logo next Wednesday, August 9th at 10pm EST, and it starts streaming at LogoOnline starting next Tuesday, August 8th). All of the articles below feature smart talk from the show’s creator Patrick-Ian Polk, and lots of juicy stuff about the future.
Check out the new issue of Clik Magazine (pictured above), the killer Florida-based magazine for gay African-American men, as the men of Noah’s Arc grace the cover (cute!) and inside there are 10+ pages of gorgeous photos and a lengthy interview with Polk, and there are also interviews with season two newcomers Keith Hamilton Cobb and Raz B. It rocks!
Here's the table of contents from Clik, to get you primed...
In the newsy weekly paper, the Washington Blade, writer Ryan Lee has a great feature about the new season of the show, and he also digs a bit deeper, discussing the public’s reception of the show, the characters’ outrageous fashion sense, and what kind of imagery the show is putting out there. Lee also has some great exchanges with Polk, Rodney Chester, who plays Alex, and Darryl Stephens—Noah himself!
In the Blade, Stephens says of Noah in season two: “I have decided in hindsight that he can talk a little more like me, and his voice is a little bit less distracting in season two,” Stephens says. “[With fashion,] I feel like we’ve toned it down quite a bit for the second season. However, Polk makes no apologies for the show’s wildly experimental fashion sense: “When I watch TV, I just don’t want to watch what I could go on the corner and see every Joe Schmo wearing,” Polk tells the Blade. “I want him to be in the stuff you can’t just walk to the local mall and buy. My thing is — love it or hate it — you noticed it, and you’re talking about it, so we’ve succeeded.”
And in the cover story this week in New York’s Next Magazine, Polk gets dishy about the show, and about the media response to the show. In particular he, talks about the gay press coverage of the show. Here’s part of what he has to say:
“I’m annoyed with the gay press in general. We finally have a gay network started by MTV and Viacom—this is big sh*t, you know? And this is their flagship show, their first original series. There’s no reason we shouldn’t have been covered by all of the gay press and had a ton of covers, but we don’t have them and the only reason I can think of is that the skin on these guys happens to be brown… We’ve got a ton of hot guys, publicity photos, eye candy—why aren’t these guys on the cover of Genre and Instinct and Out?
It’s a great interview. Read it online, or pick it up if you’re in NYC!
Keith Michael: Post-Runway he's doing just fine, thanks.
You might have thought that after a Project Runway competitor gets asked to leave the show, that he'd be doomed or he’d never work again, and all that. Well, you’d be wrong.
This just in: A note from the fierce fashion PR firm Brand Pimps, who rep all flavors of killer hip clothiers (Yoko Devereaux, Stussy, Canterbury of New Zealand…) to let me know that Keith Michael, who was ousted from the show on this past Wednesday night’s episode, is alive and well, designing up a storm and prepping his new line for Spring/Summer 2007. For real!
Yo Keith. The short haircut works!
Keith says that Keith Michael Designs presents a “cosmopolitan line that reinterprets modern style made in NYC.” His price points are reportedly moderate and he has already had a bit of press in Nylon Guys and Sportswear.
And so, after focusing on his menswear for several seasons (and maybe a result of his Project Runway womenswear workout) Keith is putting out a line for the ladies. So check it out in the pics below and online… Decide what ya think…
  
  
  
Keith's designs for ladies for Spring/Summer 2007. And something for the guys, too. Photos by Andrew Giammarco.
And if you’re still jonesing for more about Keith’s departure from Project Runway, you can watch his exit interview on the Bravo site, and you can get Tim Gunn’s response to the whole affair. Of course, I’m waiting breathlessly for FourFour’s recap which should be coming on Monday. Hurrah!
They're coming at you! Catch the season two premiere a day early--online!
News from the world of Noah’s Arc. Yes, next week’s launch of season two kicks on with the big premiere on Wednesday, August 9th at 10pm on Logo. But if ya wanna, you can go online on Tuesday, April 8th and watch the entire first episode of season two, as it’ll be streaming online at LogoOnline.com.
 
Noah's gonna be bringing his fashion-crazy self your way. And Wade's ready for take-off, too.
Already, you can watch a sneak peek of the first few minutes of the season two premiere at LogoOnline (brought to—Surprise! Surprise!—by those gay-loving folks at Subaru), in which you’ll see Noah on the toilet, Ricky in a four-way, Chance in a crowded bed of his own, and Alex pining for the absent Trey.
But yes, if you just can’t wait until next Wednesday to watch the big debut, watch online next Tuesday!!!
And if you wanna see more hot pics of the Noah’s cast in bed like these below, go to the Noah’s Arc page at LogoOnline, too!
Wade and Noah: Between the sheets!
Eddie and Chance are totally ready for season two.
Trey and Alex have some stuff to work out, too.
And don't count Guy out either...
This is gonna get good...
Brace yourself for full-on Noah-mania!!!
 
 
Men and their beards--in the traditional sense: (Clockwise from top left) Ryan Reynolds; Jake Gyllenhaal; the guys from the band, Band of Horses; and Santino Rice.
In Today’s weekly Thursdays Styles section of The New York Times, there are festive, fashionable articles about shiny jewelry trends, a cool new store in SoHo, the arrival in Macy’s of Project Runway challenge winner Angela’s latest creation, and an article about beards. But not the sort of beards—as in facial hair—that the Times has been obsessed with in the last year. We’re talking “beards” as in wives, or female companions of gay men who aren’t quite ready to commit to full-time, 24/7 open gayness.
The article’s a lengthy exploration of why some men who self-identify as gay remain with their female spouses, and the effects that has on all involved. Yes, coming out can be scary; and the alternative of remaining closeted is no picnic, either. Check out this latest treatise on “Brokeback” marriages, which includes a comment from Bonnie Kaye, a former wife of a gay man, who runs a workshop for closeted married men called “How to Come Out to Your Wife.” Kaye says, “If they love their wives, they need to give them their lives back.’’
Of course, for gay men who come out and leave their married lives behind, it’s rough, too. One gay divorcee, identified in the article as Scott, 64, gave the bar scene a try but “has learned he is ill-suited, or too old, for gay night life: ‘They want to go out at 11 o’clock… and I want to go to sleep at 11 o’clock. Plus, in those places, there’s too much noise and confusion.’”
Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey: No stranger to the "I'm married, but I'm gay" dilemma.
Check out the article (which is pretty good) for more...
For the eighth year running, Bangkok's Lady Boys are gonna do up the Edinburgh Fringe Fest this month in Scotland. But first they're gonna toss some beach balls around.
I’m not sure when they’re gonna make it stateside (what are they waiting for?) but if you just happen to be in the U.K. (in Edinburgh for this month’s Fringe Festival, or in Newcastle in September) you’re gonna want to catch The Lady Boys of Bangkok, who have become a major smash all over Britian, thanks to their super-glamorous and sometimes raucous stage shows. They’re currently on their Full Moon Party Tour, and all 16 self-described transvestites present “an intoxicating outrageous entertainment cocktail of flamboyantly costumed, lavishly choreographed fun and music including the show-stopping Can-Can and ‘Lady Marmalade’ from Moulin Rouge.” So it’s cabaret, it’s comedy, it’s lyp-synching and drag done up Bangkok-style.
I like their glam way of defining themselves. On their site they answer the question: What are the Lady Boys? “The Lady Boys of Bangkok are an honourable part of the rich cultural heritage of Thailand. They are people of a highly artistic and creative nature who believe that they have the right to define their own sexuality. The Lady Boys of Bangkok are all performing arts graduates. They are all men—and without doubt the world’s greatest female impersonators.”
And yes, if you really want to see more, you can order the DVD online (though it’s coming from the U.K.)…
Hot!
Introducing Joshua and Jacob: The next big, hot, gay, twin pop duo!
Check these guys out! They’re brothers! Twin brothers! They’re pop stars (or they hope to be)! And they’re gay!
All that is just the beginning of the drama, the fun, the bickering and the loopy adventures of a new series that’s airing on Logo this fall (October 16th, to be exact). Jacob & Joshua: Nemesis Rising will chronicle the lives of the above dudes—Jacob (right) and Joshua—twin siblings who make up the pop/rock duo Nemesis, and who are hoping to make it big. This reality show will follow—as the press release promises—the twins “as they attempt to make it in the cutthroat music industry and, at the same time, come out publicly about their sexual orientation.”
I’ve seen a clip from an early version of the show, and you can’t take your eyes off of it. Joshua is relaxed, likes to party and is exceedingly single. Yep, he likes to go out, live it up, and then sleep in. On the other hand, Jacob is focused, driven (almost kind of anal) involved in a long-term relationship. And they all (brothers and one boyfriend) live together in one apartment in L.A. Jacob’s more of a pop singer; Joshua is into rock ’n’ roll. There’s some tension about their music, and just in their lives. Perhaps you can see where this all might go…
In another twist the pair, raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses, have to deal with whether or not to come out to their religious family (ouch!). And in the music biz, they’ve got to face the issue of being marketed as openly gay musicians. And what if they get dropped by their record label??? Yep, they have a lot going on!
And yep, come closer to showtime, there’s gonna be all kinds of Nemesis Rising stuff available in sassy digital, wireless and online features, including episode availability on download-to-own services and interviews, diaries and other behind-the-scenes videos (that’ll all be found at LOGOonline.com).
You’ll be hearing more about these gays guys in the future. But consider yourself warned. This is looking to be one of those crazily addictive TV experiences, if I can judge from the few minutes I got to see.
Will the real Morris Brown please stand up?!? Outkast returns!
FUN WITH OUTKAST!
I'm loving the new Outkast video for "Morris Brown." It's a very busy, sound-packed tune. And the video is like some Willy Wonka-esque joyride through happy town! Pink Cadillacs, poodles, singing flowers, ferris wheels and roller coasters. Watch it!
MORE JT COMING YOUR WAY
Justin Timberlake is launching a small club tour, starting next week in Southern California as Arjan reports. And Perez has the new tune, "My Love," from his forthcoming album that you can hear. And yes, JT's gonna perform on the VMA's, too.
CUTS LIKE THE KNIFE
Have you clued in to The Knife yet? They're a Swedish duo (siblings, even) who deliver intoxicating electronica that's moody, strange, dark, catchy and rather brilliant. Their latest, Silent Shout, came out earlier this year, complete with a spooky new video. But I came across this older video for the tune "Pass It On" from the band's 2004 album, Deep Cuts. It's very odd and kind of excellent.
MASH-UPS: THE NEXT GENERATION
Wanna hear some insane crazy mash-up kind of mixes that take it all to an entirely new level? Imagine about 100 songs slivered and pressed into a speedy, rampaging, 3-minute party-starting tune. Then you'll have the idea of Girl Talk (aka DJ/mixer Gregg Gillis). He can somehow slam Elastica into Ciara into The Breeders into LCD Soundsystem into Earth, Winde & Fire--all at once! Just go to his site and listen... Madness!
GAY BALLET
The Ballet describes themselves as "4 queers, 3 chords and 100 melodies." They've also adopted the term "sissy pop band"as a moniker which kind of fits too. I'm digging their catchy, twangy-meet-chirpy ballads and tunes. They kind of fall between the Magnetic Fields and Tilly and the Wall; or Belle & Sebastian after too much cotton candy. They've just put the finishing touches on their latest disc, Mattachine, which they're selling at their shows. And the next show is in Brooklyn at Pete's Candy Store on September 2nd. Have a listen if you like...
MTV: 25 AND OVER
MTV's 25th anniversary kicked off yesterday, as if you hadn't heard. And you can go watch the entire first hour that MTV ever broadcast, with even commercials and everything on MTV Overdrive. (Check the amazing Mountain Dew ad that pops up early... And there's an amazing Atari ad, too.) And yes, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, The Who, The Pretenders, Styx and so on... Pretty amazing. Madonna had best be grateful.
HAPPY, TWIRLY KYLIE: SHE LOVES JAKE SHEARS, TOO!
Scissor Sister Jake Shears got press on Monday for gabbing about how much he loves Kylie Minogue. Well, I love her too. Especially after seeing these totally cute pics of her hitting the premiere of the dance troupe Brasil Brasileiro yesterday in London. She looks amazing! And happy! Hooray! Check her out!
Whoa--that's one happy Kylie! Adorable!
In fact, she's so happy she's gonna twirl!
There she goes...
Spin, Kylie, spin!
Cute! Whenever you're ready to resume touring, we're there!
Start magining that jaunty smile beneath some crazy makeup...
Heath’s gonna play the Joker in the next Batman flick. Maybe Jake can play Robin?
 
Let the daytime talk-show brawling begin!
Attention New Yorkers: It’s gonna be Oprah vs. Ellen (with a lead-in from Karen Walker!) on TV this fall.
Need a used feathered headdress? This woman can hook you up.
Cher’s cleaning house! She’s gonna sell off about a zillion items of her own stuff, including about 200 pieces from her own wardrobe (which will include some crazy '70s Bob Mackie dresses). "The amount of costumes I have is staggering, so this doesn't even make a dent," she said.
AND MEANWHILE...
Honeymoon in Miami? Florida’s GOP gubernatorial candidate says he’s cool with same-sex unions. “Marriage” is another matter, of course…
And Happy Birthday MTV! It was on August 1st, 1981 that the very first video, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, aired on the channel. Pat Benatar’s “You Better Run” was the second, FYI.
In the wake of the recent gay bashings in San Diego, the city’s Mayor has had enough. He vows to bring the “cowards” responsible to justice.
And the Atlanta Braves allow a totally anti-gay organization, “Focus on the Family” to co-sponsor a “Faith Day” at an Atlanta Braves game. Say wha…?
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