Issue 40 - noiZe Magazine

Transcription

FROM THE EDITOR
It’s really hard to believe we’ve been doing this magazine for ten
years. The first issue came out a month before the Stonewall 25
celebration in New York City – Gay Pride 1994. The Gay
Olympics were in town. The competition was just finishing up as
the celebration began. In many ways, that weekend was when
the Circuit juggernaut reached escape velocity and headed into
orbit.
No doubt our initial motivation for taking on this project had something to do with not
wanting to stand in line at the parties. But it quickly evolved into something more.
Clearly people were hungry for a magazine that explored the kind of life they were
really leading. There were many voices that wanted to be heard – some of them funny,
some of them informative. Some of them wanted the spotlight while others wrote
under pseudonyms. The newly forming Internet became our headquarters.
From the start, Circuit Noize strived to educate the boys of the Circuit. It was clear to
us that preaching at the party boys to do this or do that was not going to work, so
new, subtler techniques were used. The very first issue contained an episode of “Safe
Slut” - a pornographic “morality tale” where the moral of the story always had
something to do with safe sex. It was a fun read because it was non-judgmental about
sex and downright nasty in its descriptions.
The phrase “Circuit spirituality” was once considered an oxymoron. Over the years,
we have explored many aspects of this topic - the brotherhood, the bonding, the inner
journeys, the ritualistic aspect of the parties, and the possibilities for growth that exist
on the Circuit. Because so many have such harsh criticism for us and our lifestyle, it
has always been an important mission for us to validate that there is indeed light in our
gatherings.
This doesn’t mean that we have ignored the darkness that is undoubtedly present
among us. Rather, we have tried to educate our readers with frank and honest
information that helps them to make better decisions. Harm reduction is a style of
education that accepts the fact that people are going to engage in risky behaviors.
Rather than admonishing them, or using scare tactics to try to control them, it instead
councils them on how to behave in less risky ways. It is a style of education that is
common in Europe and Canada. At Circuit Noize, we’re quite proud of the fact that
we continue to be a pioneer in harm reduction in this country.
But the most important mission we’ve always set for ourselves is to simply have fun.
We love to find the humor in these crazy lives we live. It’s healthy to laugh at
ourselves.
None of this fantastic journey would have been possible without all the Circuit boys
out there who have been a part of this grand experiment in a new kind of interactive
entertainment. This issue is dedicated to you creative beings on the Circuit who have
taught us so much about loving life.
--Steve Kammon
Cover Photo
Joe Phillips
Another Generation
A Transformation
www.joephillips.com
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2
Noize
A n n i v e r s a r y
I s s u e
TM
Editor in Chief
Steve Kammon
[email protected]
Publisher
Stephen Ceplenski
[email protected]
The Premier Guide to Dance Events Worldwide
Advertising Director
Gary Steinberg
818-769-9390
[email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
14
Circuitry
22
Reinventing the Circuit
28
Dance, Music, Poetry, and the
Architecture of an Evening
Senior Editor
Jeffery Taylor
Schedule Editor
Tony Hayden
Art Director
Stephen Ceplenski
Prromotions
Circuit Boyz Productions
Cover Artwork
Joe Phillips, www.joephillips.com
Event Accent Photos
Moody Mustafa
Circuit Photos
The Boyz of Circuit Noize
www.BoysTownChicago.com
www.ChicagoPride.com
Celso Badau
Jim Cox
Louise Francis
Scott Goetz
Jeremy Jones
Joeseph Mattera
Writers and Contributors
John R. Ballew, M.S., L.P.C.
Alan Brown
Dennis Fleming
Ramon Johnson
Steven J. Lee, M.D.
DJ Mateo
David Sexton
Michael Snell
D. Michael Taylor
by D. Michael Taylor
by Steve Kammon
by Alan Brown
32
The Ears Have It
42
Reign of a Diva
52
DJ Profile
The Gospel According to Frankie
by Jeffery Taylor
by Dennis Fleming
58
Carnaval!
66
Folking Queers
74
Summer Circuit Schedule
96
The Ears Have It
104
Vacation in Ibiza
106
Spring Circuit Photo Album
126
Tina Talk
130
Music Reviews
by Steve Kammon
by Michael Snell
East Coastt Office
954-764-8210 (voice)
954-764-6392 (fax)
West Coast Office
11288 Ventura Blvd #700
Studio City, CA 91604
818-769-9390 (voice)
818-769-5482 (fax)
E-mail
Website
by Steven J. Lee, M.D.
©Copyright 2004 Circuit Noize. All rights
reserved. Contents may not be
reproduced without permission from the
publisher. Publication of name or photo
of any person or organization in Circuit
Noize is not to be construed as any
indication of the sexual orientation of
that person or organization.
by DJ Mateo and Ramon Johnson
142 Life Online
by John R. Ballew, M.S., L.P.C.
144 Our Deepest Fear
Published in February, May, August and
November
Quoted from Marianne Williamson
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[email protected]
www.circuitnoize.com
www.partyfinder.com
travel.circuitnoize.com
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CIRCUITRY
by D. Michael Taylor
Ten years ago, I sat on a concrete floor and lost my mind.
We had arrived three hours earlier, taken
n two hits of LSD apiece, and
then waited in uncomfortable chatter for the music to start.
The east coast rave scene, of which
I was an ardent supporter, had
turned out in droves for this party
in the nastiest section of Baltimore.
An impressive roster of DJs,
including the godfather of the
warehouse scene, Frankie Bones,
were set to begin any moment,
sending all 3,000 of us into a state
of dizzy ecstasy for the next 14
hours. But there were extensive
delays getting the sound up.
As the nervousness of my
psychedelic high began, I got lost
in a crowd that was anxiously
awaiting the start of the night. A
sea of baggy pants, male and
female, black and white, young and
old, and a healthy mix of mindaltering substances swallowed me
whole.
Then Frankie Bones himself,
obviously upset by the massive
delay, took over the DJ booth as
soon as it was ready and dropped
the first record, an uncharacteristic
early show by the headliner. I was
already on my way to another
universe, and wasn’t quite ready for
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Moby’s ‘1,000’, an insane exploration of
speed and rhythmic excess that
culminates in a 1,000 bpm orgasm. It
was the perfect choice, of course, as the
crowd, already tense and excited due to
the delay, broke into a frenzy of dancing
and screaming. Already comfortably
dancing with the crowd, with no care
whatsoever for the location of my
friends, I thought to myself, this was
truly going to be one of those nights.
The speed of the music slowed after the
initial blast of sound, but not to levels I
was used to at previous parties. The
underground sound was evolving very
quickly at that point, incorporating
influences from a wide array of sources,
including Chicago house, disco, Detroit
techno, European hardcore and rave, as
well as hip-hop and electro. You never
knew what to expect at each event, and
it was clear that this party was set to
change the mood of the entire scene,
as the Ecstasy seemed to be cut with
more speed and less heroin than usual.
A flurry of familiar samples, coupled
with faster than usual breaks and four to
the floor stompers, relentlessly
stampeded into my quickly melting
brain, causing me more than once to
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look quizzically at the DJ booth
and think, “What the hell are you
trying to do to me?”
The
warehouse
was
almost
stereotypically perfect for the
evening – dark, immense, and cold.
It was the perfect blank slate for
the magic of the night. There was
a sense of pure creation in the air
at the warehouse parties of the
early 90s. We were on the very
cutting edge of something no one
in America had ever seen before,
and we all knew it. Coupled with
the democratic sense of being
among fellow freaks of all colors
and persuasions, sharing only a
common love of the music and an
insatiable desire to dance, we felt a
brotherhood that must have been
very similar to the hippies we
seemed to be mocking with our
futuristic outlook.
the power of self-creation in me, the
ability that we all have to forge newness
and beauty within ourselves. I was no
one at that moment, and I came about
as close as I will probably ever get to a
state of pure Zen. Far from being
frightened by this drug-addled
revelation, I smiled broadly, stood up,
and let the music wash over me as I
danced, feeling reborn.
That moment, as crazy as it was, sticks
with me every day, as I now understand
the infinite choices at my disposal.
Personality is a mask, an intricate
network of influences and emotions,
Then, it happened. I lost my mind.
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(c) Getty Images
I had wandered towards the back
of the warehouse, allowing the
confusion of the acid to wash over
me, overjoyed and frightened at
the same time. I sat down to have
a little conversation with myself,
pondering the insanity around me,
reveling in it. The music was dark,
fast, but ultimately stunningly
beautiful and it threw me into a
contemplative state. I tried
desperately to hold onto my very
personality, struggling to form a
cohesive image in my head of who
I was, and what I was doing. I
could not do it. That’s when it hit
me. I had freed myself from the
core of who I was, and was
dwelling in an absolutely free state
as of that moment. I could sense
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and as powerful as those
influences can be I am ultimately
responsible for them and for my
own happiness. It’s a seemingly
simple concept, but one that many
people haven’t fully grasped. Say
what you want about drugs and
dancing, but they helped me crawl
out of a very insular shell to
become the fabulous gay New
Yorker that I am today.
Later that mor ning, I saw a
beautiful black boy walk towards
the area I was dancing in. He
found a comfortable circle of space
to dance in, and then started to
perform what I saw as something
miraculous. Obviously gay, like
me, but obviously nothing like me
really. Lost in a sea of straight
skater boys and raver girls, he
quickly drew a fascinated crowd.
His dancing was flamboyant and
strong, moving and emotional. I
suddenly realized something else
that I would carry with me for the
next ten years - gender roles are as
fluid as we are, and we have the
power to make them the exact
opposite of what they appear to
be. Here was a raging black
queen, serving some of the
strongest performance of the night
to these little kids, and we all
understood instinctively that he
was easily the most masculine
force in the room. It was a very
empowering moment for me. I
have been able to craft my own
personality, a touch flamboyant in
its own right, with the confidence
necessary to make people
understand that I’m no girl just
because I don’t wear Cargo pants
and work out everyday.
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I think we’re hardwired to experience a
form of freedom and happiness in
dancing and partying. The gay Circuit,
paralleling the straight scene that I was
involved in, was and is a crucial part of
who we are, and where we find the
confidence to make it in this world.
Our circuitry flows naturally to and from
music, dancing and communion.
I’d like to wish Circuit Noize a happy
birthday, and thank them for providing
some of the glue that has kept this
community of dancing fools together
over the past decade. As the scene
becomes more and more mainstream,
and the scrutiny over what we do more
intense, it would be useful for us to
reach back a decade or so and try to
remember the core of what it is that
drives us to events of this nature.
Drugs and sex will always be a part of
the scene, but the types of drugs that
we do has changed over a decade, and
will hopefully change again as we
remember how good it can feel to
explore strange new parts of our minds
and of each other. Remembering
nights like the one I have just described
makes me long for those long nights of
exploration, when I was more
concerned with who I was than with
who I was with; more turned on by the
music and the connections I was
making with a crowd of strange,
beautiful people. Let’s be careful not
to self-destruct in a frenzy of tweaked
pornography before we have a chance
to remake the scene once again, so
that a new decade of young, insecure
little queens has a chance to discover
the power of who they are.
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REINVENTING
THE CIRCUIT
by Steve Kammon
The Circuit may have started as a handful of dance parties, but it turned
into a social movement whiich spawned a whole new gay subculture.
That subculture has changed over the years and continues to evolve.
But there seems to be signs of
declining attendance at some,
though certainly not all, parties. Is
this just a temporary downturn
borne of a stagnant economy and
new travel restrictions – or is it the
end of an era? Will the Circuit be a
phase in the gay community’s
history or will it become a social
institution?
All through the nineties and on
into the beginning of this century,
the Circuit universe expanded. It
was something new; for many, it
was the next wave. Lots of people
jumped on. Like a snowball rolling
downhill, it gathered more and
more energy and size.
It
developed a unique fashion sense,
an ideal body type, and a musical
style. During those peak years,
while the size of the Circuit grew,
the individual styles that once
flourished within this movement
coalesced and moved toward
sameness. This is the case in any
social movement.
As the
movement gains more of a sense
of itself as something distinct, the
people involved take on the new
identity. The existence of a clear
identity makes it easier for people
to jump in and feel a part of the
movement, fueling its growth.
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One of the constants of this universe is
that change is inevitable. Eventually,
the identity associated with the social
movement becomes stale. Once it
loses its edge, the interest in assuming
that identity diminishes. As more
people begin to see this identity as
outdated, the social movement fades
away.
The Circuit is now at a crossroads – will
our gatherings continue to lose steam
and go the way of the Grateful Dead
tours? Or will we find ways to reinvent
ourselves? Can we keep some of the
structure of the Circuit – the calendar
and the organizations that create these
events – but grow the concept of what
“Circuit” is, reinvigorating it in the
process? Because many of the parties
that make up the Circuit are benefit
events that fund causes which are very
important to our community, it seems
very important that we find a path to
renewal.
Diversify
The boys at the parties today fit into
the same age group that they always
have (except that the top end of the
age range keeps expanding upwards
because we old Circuit boys may party
less, but we never stop dancing). As
the next generation moves into the
Circuit boy age range, there seems to
be a lower percentage of those who are
interested in fitting into the old Circuit
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boy mold. The gay community is
diversifying.
There is still a substantial group of
boys out there who like the current
for mula – a hard tribal sound
delivered to a dark room full of
shirtless hotties. Indeed, this is the
demographic that every party
markets to. But in a saturated
market, with a shrinking number of
patrons, there simply aren’t
enough boys to justify an aroundthe-clock schedule of parties that
are all marketed to a single
segment of the community. It is
time to begin the process of
diversifying the offerings at a party.
It’s real work to do this
diversification. It means that you
now have to have separate teams
which each have a unique vision of
their party – they each have to
define who they want to attract.
They have to structure the
advertising and the party
description so that they really do
have unique identities. If you’re
targeting a portion of the gay
crowd that doesn’t fit the
predominant
Circuit
boy
stereotype, then you will also have
to grow the crowd that you are
trying to attract, gaining their trust
by providing them a dance outlet
with which they will identify. An
example of a crowd that can easily
be marketed to in a clear way, and
which is often overlooked in the
US, is the leather crowd.
The Music
Lots of people are unhappy with
the style of music that
predominates at most every party.
This is nothing new. There have
always been differences in
opinions with respect to the music
on the Circuit - some like a dark
progressive beat, others like
words, some think “that music is
too fluffy,” while others complain
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the DJ played “nothing but pots and
pans!” And, of course, there is the
battle between the East Coast sound
vs. the West Coast sound.
There used to be more diversity in the
musical styles offered so that people
could pick and choose what party they
wanted to attend based on what they
wanted to hear. But over time, the
variety of music on the dance floor has
diminished. Clearly, if we want to
attract a more diverse crowd, the way
to do so is by offering more diverse
music.
One idea that could work is to have a
single party with more than one kind of
music – on separate dance floors.
Many promoters have been burned by
this idea, because it is hard to split a
dance floor. People tend to gravitate
to a single space. In order for it to
work, you have to create magnets that
draw people to both spaces. For
example, you can have the driving hard
beats that today’s big-name DJs are
delivering on a dance floor that has a
dark feel to it while having a lighter
house sound in a light and airy space –
preferably outdoors if that is a
possibility.
Another thing required to make two
dance floors work is that you have to
use DJs that
h a v e
significantly
different
m u s i c a l
s t y l e s .
People have
to feel the
difference in
the
two
r o o m s
immediately
when they
switch rooms.
There has to
be a reason
to want to
move to a
different
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room – and that pull can be
achieved when the crowd knows
that they are guaranteed to hear
something different on the other
floor.
When two complete
environments are provided, it adds
to the experience. Some will
naturally gravitate to one room or
the other, but others will love the
contrast of switching back and
forth. More importantly, you can
market your party to two different
musical tastes.
Another way of opening up the
musical spectrum over the course
of a weekend event is to throw
separate parties (not necessarily
competing against one another)
that offer different musical styles.
Again, it is important that these
events be clearly marketed to be
able to draw the crowds that they
seek.
There are at least three styles of
dance music that are candidates
for creating musical diversity.
There is a whole generation of
guys out there crying for parties
that have more songs with vocals
in them. While it might be
possible to address this crowd with
a party that spins “oldies”, a much
better idea is to use one of the
dance music styles that continue to
be spun by lots of non-Circuit DJs.
This music falls into two camps.
House music is one type and has
enjoyed several major revivals such
as the Body and Soul phenomenon
in New York. Europe continues its
ongoing love affair with this style
of music. The other style is a kind
of “twisted-pop” that uses pop
music from many different eras and
twists it into dance music via
remixes and other special effects.
On a dance floor where this music
is played, most everyone is singing
along.
There is also a younger urban
generation that likes hip-hop
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music. Why not provide a low cost
party for this audience? They don’t
have a lot of money, but they also are
not a demanding crowd in terms of the
production that they expect.
Community-based
Some of the benefit events have been
going through a difficult time because
they have lost touch with the original
grassroots organizations that started
their events. Benefit Circuit parties
have become big business – the stakes
for the organizations that they support
are huge. But running these parties in
a top-down corporate style doesn’t
allow for the kind of creativity that is
required to throw a festival-style event
that appeals to many different facets of
the community.
It’s hard work to create a grassroots
organization that produces a party. It
means allowing members of the
community to have real creative control
over their events. It means allowing
people to grow into leadership roles. It
involves creating an environment where
teamwork is valued. It means giving up
control and allowing people to
sometimes fail.
The healthiest Circuit party benefits
today are the ones where a diverse
cross-section of the community is
involved in creating the event.
The Next Level
The most obvious way to grow these
events is nothing new - Black and Blue
in Montreal and Sydney Mardi Gras
have been doing it for years. But it’s
never been done in America. We have
never invited straight people to the
parties of the Circuit. If our signature
events could evolve into mixed events
that offer a new kind of energy and
which are bigger in scale and have
even better production standards, it
would reinvigorate the scene.
There is a large and thriving straight
dance community out there. Their best
DJs are playing tracks not much
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different than what we listen to at
our major events. Their electronica
tends to be a little more trancy
while ours is a little more tribal, but
there are only degrees of
separation between the two.
There are even some DJs who
cross over in each direction.
A new generation of gay boys is
growing in many cities in our
country. And while a young age
makes it easier to be a part of this
generation, you don’t have to be
young to be a part of this
movement. This generation is
defined by their willingness to go
party with the straight people. We
were there in Miami at Ultra Fest,
the rave in Bayfront Park that is a
part of Winter Music Conference.
What drew us?
It was an
opportunity to listen to the best
DJs in the world. The same gay
guys at that event can be found
downtown at the straight club
Space when there’s an interesting
DJ. And guess what? The straight
people don’t mind us being there.
But is this what we really want to
happen? Do we want to allow our
dance floor energy to be directed
into the straight scene? Or do we
want to take control of the
situation and create signature
events that have over-the-top
production standards and are
populated by both gays and
straights? I have no doubt that we
can create parties that will wow this
audience – we know how to do
décor, we know how to produce
shows for people with altered
perceptions, and we do lighting at
a level that far exceeds the
standards in the straight scene.
Creating a mixed event is a huge
leap in terms of both logistics and
consciousness. Making such a leap
is very scary. That’s why no one
has done it yet. Do we have to go
through such a major transition in
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order to take the parties to the next
level?
Many events are proving that you don’t
have to go this far. Rather than trying
to grow the events by an order of
magnitude, they are moving back to
the basics of the kind of events that
started this whole scene. They are
creating “boutique”-style parties. This
concept has less to do with the size of
the event than with the structure of the
party itself. This kind of “next level”
event is a more integrated experience.
There is a theme behind the party and
that theme is carried through in the
décor. To expand in this direction, we
should integrate the music and the
performances into the theme as well.
Use all of these elements to tell a story.
Creating such an event means that the
event producer has to be a strong
leader with a vision for the party as a
whole who is able to communicate that
vision with the DJ, the artistic director,
the lighting people, and all of the other
creative people involved.
Is it worth it?
With so much money being channeled
towards worthwhile causes, the Circuit
is definitely worth saving. I believe that
the Circuit is well on its way to
becoming an institution inside of the
gay community. There is so much
social machinery behind this
phenomenon; it’s the kind of machinery
that tends to be self-perpetuating. We
have already passed the baton through
several gay generations when you
consider the full history of these
parties. Some of the benefit events are
thriving in spite of these difficult
economic times.
Dance has always been an important
part of our community and it always will
be. Hopefully our celebrations will
continue to grow, not just in size but on
many different levels. Make no mistake
about it, change is hard, but we need
to get ourselves out of some of the ruts
in which we are currently stuck. It is
time to reinvigorate the soul of the
Circuit.
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DANCE MUSIC, POETRY,
AND THE ARCHITECTURE
OF AN EVENING
by Alan Brown
Anniversaries are cause for reflection and rededication. I would like to
congratulate the editor an
nd publisher of this magazine for their tenacity
in giving a voice to our subculture for ten years, for their commitment to
health and spiritual well-being and, most of all,
for not taking it all too seriously.
Great music is the main ingredient
in a successful dance party. You
can have a party without lights,
and you can even have a party by
yourself in the privacy of your own
home, without others. But you
can’t have a party without music.
Choose your music carefully,
because it will take you places.
Music is an emotional conduit, a
current of raw energy. On the
dance floor at a party, we submit
ourselves to the musical whims of
the DJ. Each time our crowd
gathers, there is an enormous
opportunity to create emotional
value and meaning – both at the
personal level and at the collective
level. People are primed, dressed
to the nines, ready to turn it out,
wearing the big smile, and feeling
just a little sensational. What
happens next is one part chemistry,
two parts sociology, and three
parts music.
The Shape of a Party
There is a certain architecture to a
successful evening of dance music – a
shape, a direction, even a purpose.
Like a story, every party has a
beginning, a middle, and an end. The
hallmark of a great party in the making
is a palpable sense of anticipation for
the music that is about to come. A
great DJ can elongate the up-trip until
a dance floor is ready to explode, and
then pop the cork on the party like a
chilled bottle of Dom Perignon.
As a party unfolds, the recordings
heard early in the evening linger in the
Zeitgeist. A dance party is a cumulative
experience; each musical selection
propels the energy forward and also
leaves an indelible imprint behind to
swirl in the collective consciousness.
You can see the first half of the party in
the faces of those who stay for the
second half.
The last song of a party carries with it
the spirit of the first one, even if you
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weren’t there for the beginning. If
you’ve ever had the enormous
pleasure of an ever-so-soft landing
at the end of a party by one of the
great architects of party music, you
have known Grace. The soft
landing is pretty much a thing of
the past, unfortunately, because
most DJs believe their job is to
keep people dancing as hard as
possible for as long as possible,
and promoters encourage this.
Some promoters and producers, it
seems, are more interested in
selling tickets to recovery parties,
after parties, morning parties and
n i g h t - a f t e r- t h e - m o r n i n g - a f t e r
parties than they are at working
collaboratively with DJs and other
talent to create satisfying events.
Hurry Up and Listen
What disturbs me about the music
at many events these days is that it
doesn’t go anywhere. The music is
the same when you walk out as it
was when you walked in eight
hours before. Very intense,
consistent, interesting music for a
couple of hours, but when your ear
needs something different, you
leave. Victor Calderone is the
master of the “flatliner,” as I call it.
Calderone, who is enormously
talented, is a little like Picasso
stuck in his blue period with one
brush – a talent restricted by a selfimposed artistic code.
The same is true for other DJs. At
an Alegria party in New York
several months ago, DJ Tony
Moran, the darling of the party
Circuit this year and one of the
more important studio artists of the
last decade, delivered a musical
program that I can only describe as
underground tribal nonsense. I
stayed for five hours and heard
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one lyric. With no room to move and
nothing compelling to dance to,
people swayed back and forth like sea
anemones on the ocean floor.
Based on his studio work alone, I know
Tony Moran has a broad range of styles
under his belt and access to some of
the best music in the world. Why he
squanders his talent in such a way as to
numb a dance floor into oblivion is
beyond me, especially given the rave
reviews he received for his
performances this year at Winter Party
and White Party Palm Springs.
Tony Moran, Victor Calderone, Manny
Lehman, Abel and other first-rate DJs,
with their amazing talents and long
perspective on recorded dance music,
are capable of taking the party scene to
a higher musical level, drawing on more
diverse material, taking time to
organize their perfor mances into
coherent sets punctuated by original
productions, and generally taking more
risks with their mixing and selections.
Big crowds will turn out regardless, but
the quality of the experience can be
much improved, with the consequence
of a healthier subculture.
And Now a Word from Our DJ
Good DJs use music to tell a delicious
story. Each set of music is a chapter
that lays the groundwork for the next
one, like a good book. And there is
musical punctuation along the way that
helps you figure out where you are in
the story.
Which brings us to the subject of lyrics.
Remember lyrics?
Lyrics are the lost poetry of our
subculture. If you think about it, you
probably know the lyrics to several
hundred songs, at least. You may not
be able to recite them on demand, but
with a musical cue it all comes rushing
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back. I love to watch people
singing on the dance floor, the
words flowing effortlessly out of
some dusty corner of the brain
where they had vanished for years
alongside nursery rhymes and the
Pledge of Allegiance.
the divinity. Any DJ who can get a
dance floor of Muscle Marys to throw
their hands in the air and sing along to
anything is tapping into a deep vein of
cultural value and strengthening the
bonds that hold us together.
Cultivating Talent
Music without words can be
profoundly moving on an
emotional level, but lyrics allow
music to tell a story, to convey a
message in the literal sense. And
that message can inspire people to
feel better about themselves, to
feel sexy, dignified, or proud.
Lyrics are also an important
weapon in the DJ’s arsenal. When
DJs carefully select songs with
lyrics, the story of the party
becomes theirs, and they can
deliver the message they want to
deliver exactly when they want to
deliver it, like arrows from Cupid.
The most brilliant DJs can make
records talk to each other.
Vasquez can do this to great effect.
I vividly recall an experience at
Sound Factory, it might have been
1992 or 1993, on the Monday
morning after Pride weekend, still
dancing, although the club had
thinned out substantially. Vasquez
was playing the a cappella vocal
remix of “Pride (A Deeper Love)”
by C&C Music Factory. Just as the
vocals echoed “Pride” over and
over, he cut into the refrain from
“Shame,” the classic disco
recording by Evelyn “Champaign”
King. The juxtaposition of lyrics –
“Pride” and “Shame” – is
emblazoned in my memory forever.
A party without lyrics is a story half
told. Whether they realize it or
not, DJs are divine messengers
channeling energy from a higher
power. Poetry, like music, is part of
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How does a DJ create a unique style?
What distinguishes one DJ from
another? If you can go to a party
without knowing who is playing, listen
to the music for an hour or two, and
then name the DJ with certainty, you
are listening to a mature artist with a
secure sense of style.
This is
exceedingly difficult for DJs who, like
curators in a museum, rely on other
people’s art to make a statement.
Professional DJs, like other artists, need
training and experience. They learn
and grow by being exposed to the
work of other artists, and then evolving
their own sound in a personal way. I
have always admired DJs who park
themselves on the dance floors of other
DJs to listen for awhile and absorb the
energy, because it suggests to me that
they are interested in hearing what their
peers are doing, even if they don’t
necessarily share the same taste in
music.
Buc was one of the rare DJs who
constantly exposed himself to new
sounds. As a result, his music was
refreshingly eclectic and constantly
moving. His great achievement, prior
to an untimely death in 2001, was to
reinvent himself musically in the funky,
authentic vein of Body and Soul, but
unmistakably Buc. It was a remarkable
transformation, well documented in
some of his later recordings.
How is new talent encouraged,
nurtured, and given the chance to
mature?
Most of it happens by
chance, although I am pleased to see a
few more “New DJ Showcase” type
30
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events popping up on the
schedules of a few party
weekends.
There is no Julliard School for DJs
or studio artists (although maybe
there should be, given the
expanding market for compiled
music). To fundamentally improve
the quality of dance music heard at
parties and on CD compilations,
promoters, producers, and record
labels need to invest in new talent.
Some mentoring goes on
informally, but not nearly enough.
Many DJs, quite naturally, are
reluctant to share their secrets for
competitive reasons.
Even the most talented DJs need
to be challenged artistically. My
hunch is that most of the big-name
DJs get a lot of fabulous accolades
from their devoted fans, but suffer
for lack of serious, constructive
feedback on their work. Like other
types of professional musicians,
DJs would benefit a great deal
from high-quality relationships with
managers who could shape their
careers and stimulate them to grow
as artists. If more DJs would just
sign on with competent booking
agents, it would allow them to
focus on their art rather than on
selling themselves, which I’ve
always found a little awkward.
Could you imagine if a small group
of top DJs banded together to
jointly produce an annual pension
fund benefit party? In two or three
events, they could all retire
comfortably. This is how it’s done
at the Metropolitan Opera, and I
don’t see why it wouldn’t work for
DJs, too.
All this would be of fleeting
importance if a great deal weren’t
at stake.
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Dancing spontaneously to music is one
of the most basic and essential forms of
human expression. The dance party
subculture is one of the few social
institutions that the gay community has.
Like it or not, it’s part of what separates
us from the less fabulous beasts (not to
mention our innate ability to
accessorize with found objects)."
Music is a lifeline for people who can
barely hang on.
Music is the friend we have when no
one else is there.
Music can transport us to a higher
place, a place where we can love
ourselves without anyone else’s
permission.
Music is a last place of refuge when
anger and grief consume us.
And music, the kind of music that you
can’t stop dancing to, is perhaps the
only substitute for another bump of
crystal.
This is why dance music and DJs are so
important. What is at stake here isn’t
merely a matter of taste, but our
subculture’s ability to evolve and
survive. Hopefully, in another ten years
we can look back and say that we
achieved a new high with music, not
drugs, and not regret a minute of it.
At the time of the first issue of Circuit
Noize ten years ago, Alan Brown was
publishing a monthly e-zine about the
party world called Electric Dreams.
From 1992 to 1999, he wrote a monthly
column which ran in Genre magazine
(Circuit Preview), HX (Party Girl), Out &
About (Party Pick) and others. He
helped define the Circuit as a party
philosopher in his regular columns in
Circuit Noize.
31
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I s s u e
THE EARS HAVE IT
…overheard in the past decade
"When I'm out cruising, I usually look
for circus pigs. They always perform
well under a big top."
"If you were a bottom in LA, where
would you go?"
"New York."
"I hate size queens....but
I love their boyfriends!"
"I'm so excited we're finally
going to do something
healthy and go to the gym.
Do we have any Ripped Fuel
or Tina?"
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"Do you want to sit on
my face?"
"Why, is your nose
bigger than your dick?"
32
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I s s u e
"Did you make him
a sex pig?"
"Oh pleeeeze... I just
pointed her towards the
trough and she went
running..."
"Doesn't this look like a butt
that needs to be fucked?"
"That looks like a butt that has
been fucked."
"It's great having sex on G."
"Yeah, as long as you're not
throwing up."
"I was pretty drunk last
night."
"Honey, there was
nothin' pretty about it."
"How do I look?"
"Ummmm, did you take your drugs
before you got dressed tonight?”
"Wow! You look great!"
"Well, you've never seen
me fully hydrated before."
"People that live in
glass vials should not
throw crack rocks."
"I said 'no' to
drugs, but they
didn't listen."
Submit your own “Overheards” to us at
[email protected]
Circuit
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33
Noize
I s s u e
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AGO
2004
Benefiting
Care Resource
Florida’s One
Source
For HIV/AIDS Care
your one source
REIGN OF A DIVA
by Jeffery Taylor
When you say the name Deborah Cox, is there anyone on the Circuit who
doesn’t know who you’re talkin
ng about? Absolutely not. With an
impressive list of chart-topping hits such as “Things Just Ain’t The Same”,
“It’s Over Now”, and “Mr. Lonely”, there is no question as to her rightful
place as reign
ning queen of the dance floor.
In February of this year, however,
Deborah
expanded
her
sovereignty to include Broadway
when she claimed the title of
Nubian princess in Elton John and
Tim Rice’s Tony-award winning
musical Aida in
which she stars
as the title
character.
her captor Radames, an Egyptian army
captain who has been promised to
Amneris, an Egyptian princess. With
the two countries at war, Aida struggles
between her desire for Radames and
what is best for her people.
“It’s
really
invigorating and
exhilarating,”
Deborah says of
her
Broadway
debut. “I have so
much passion for
the show and for
the role. Aida is a
very
complex
character, which I
love. She is deeply
emotional about
everything. I love
that she has this
passion
and
strength for her
people and for
R a d a m e s , ”
Deborah
says.
“She’s a fighter and
a warrior who has
this
great
responsibility to
lead.”
From
the
moment
she
walks onto the
stage at the
Palace Theatre
and utters her
first word, Cox
commands the
s t a g e ,
completely
embodying the
character
of
Aida with a
performance
that is both
gripping and
m u l t i dimensional.
The story tells of
the
Nubian
princess who
falls in love with
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42
Noize
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Cox felt an immediate connection
to the character when she saw the
production last year with Toni
Braxton in the lead role. “It all just
clicked,” she remembers. “I was
like, ‘Oh, yes! I have to do this! I
will die if I don’t get this role!’”
Deborah realized that many artists
were actively seeking the role of
Aida. In addition to Braxton,
previous Aida’s included Heather
Headley, who had originated the
role and, most recently, Michelle T.
Williams of Destiny’s Child. In
spite of Deborah’s success as a
recording artist, she knew she
would have to prove herself in
order to be cast. “You still need to
go in front of the powers-that-be
and deliver, completely naked,”
she explains. “They wanted to see
whether or not I could really bring
the emotion that the character
needed and I brung it in that
audition!”
She must have left quite an
impression because a few weeks
later, in December 2003, the
contracts were signed and
preparations were being made to
relocate her and her family,
including newborn son Isaiah, from
their home in Fort Lauderdale to
New York City.
Deborah immediately began
preparing for the show. “You don’t
realize how involved you have to
be in this role until you get the
script. There’s pages and pages
and pages of dialogue.” As a
black woman, Deborah felt a deep
connection with Aida and wanted
to portray her as realistically as
possible. “I take this role very
seriously as well as the history
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behind it, the history of my people
from Africa,” she explains. “I can’t just
walk off the street in Times Square and
be nonchalant about it. I need to really
focus and become this warrior princess
who is fighting for her people.”
She’s very grateful for the opportunity.
“Every day I feel so blessed,” she
confides. “There are so many moments
- when I’m standing in front of the
audience at the end of the show, when
I’m singing ‘Easy As Life’ and there’s
just a spotlight and I know, ‘I have to
deliver this song!’ It’s inspiring for me
and I think that’s what people are
feeling in the audience. When I sing a
song that I love, that I really love, it’s a
completely different performance. And
I think that’s what’s happening with
Aida – my spirit, my soul is coming
through the songs.”
“Easy As Life” is Deborah’s
powerhouse ballad in the second act
which most certainly comes from a
place deep within her. Cox’s manager
and husband Lascelles Stephens
remarks, “When Deborah began
perfor mances in Aida , this song
instantly became a signature moment
for her in the show. We quickly realized
that having her go into the studio to
record a remix was a wonderful way for
Deborah to introduce her fans to her
new endeavor on Broadway.”
43
Noize
I s s u e
Stephens,
who
executive
produced the remix, began
working with Hosh Gureli, who has
handled A&R for all of Deborah’s
remixes. Circuit sensation Tony
Moran and Warren Rigg were
selected to produce the single.
The result is a soaring anthem that
is certain to dominate dance floors
all summer long.
“I was a little nervous about it
because I didn’t want it to be
corny,” Deborah admits. “The
song has such depth. I didn’t want
to lose the meaning by
putting a beat behind it.
But, at the same time, it’s
such a great song that it
can translate in any
for mat.
We worked
really hard on it to make
sure it was going to be
something special.”
Tim Rice, the lyricist of
Aida, comments, “I have
always felt that it is a
shame that Broadway
and the popular music
charts have often drifted
away from each other. I
am therefore delighted to hear a
Top 40 take on one of the songs
from Aida , especially in the
peerless command of Deborah
Cox.”
Is there any question that it will be
this summer’s gay anthem?
Deborah modesty replies, “There’s
always a question. We never take
anything for granted. And I think
that’s the secret – not taking it for
granted, because you just don’t
know what is going to resonate
with people. We’ll see what
happens in the summer. We
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always hope for the best. We’re really,
really excited about it!”
This is not new territory for Deborah.
In 1996, Hex Hector remixed
Deborah’s “Things Just Ain’t the
Same” from the Money Talks
soundtrack. “He gave the song a
completely different interpretation and
a whole different life,” Deborah says.
In 1998, “Nobody’s Supposed To Be
Here”, the double-platinum single
from Deborah’s sophomore album,
One Wish, sold over a million copies,
reaching #2 on the Hot 100 and
breaking all records by spending
fourteen weeks at #1 on Billboard’s
R&B chart. Hex Hector was once again
selected to produce a dance mix of the
cut. His “soul-roaring” rendition
instantly became a club classic.
Deborah explains how, over time, her
relationship with Hector developed
into an “unspoken partnership. With
his production and my voice, it became
this magical sort of union.” In 2001,
they joined forces again with Hex’s
remix of “Absolutely Not” from the Dr.
Doolittle 2 soundtrack, which was
included on Deborah’s third album,
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The Morning After. Before long,
boys all across the country were
tossing their heads as if they had
ponytails and prancing across
dance floors as if they were
dressed in Chanel.
In July 2003, Remixed was
released, a compilation of many of
Deborah’s club hits in a continuous
mix format, including two of Hex’s
mixes of “It’s Over Now” as well as
Junior Vasquez’s mix of “Who Do
U Love”, the Top 20 hit from
Deborah’s self-titled debut album.
Deborah has perfor med at
numerous Circuit parties and at
many clubs. Her most recent
appearance was at Junior’s Red
Party at Sound Factory the
weekend before her debut in Aida.
She performed a medley of some
of her hottest hits for the adoring
crowd. “I can’t even explain the
feeling of seeing people singing
the
songs
and
enjoying
themselves and just losing
themselves in the music. That’s
the joy for me. As an artist, that’s
ultimately what it’s all about, using
your gifts to reach people and
touch people in some way.”
Aside from performing six shows a
week in Aida, the rest of Deborah’s
schedule is taken up by her other
leading role – that of new
mommie to nine-month old Isaiah.
She admits that “the hardest part
is really learning how to balance
and juggle everything.” Luckily,
her performance schedule allows
her to spend most of her days with
her son. “It’s wonderful,” she says,
“because I’m able to do both.”
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Motherhood has definitely taught her
some important lessons. “When you
have a child, everything changes – you
do whatever you have to do to fulfill
his needs. You learn to roll with the
punches. I don’t worry about things
like I used to,” she explains. “I try to
enjoy every moment with my son, with
my husband, with the show… whatever
it is that I’m doing.”
She admits that one of her own
struggles is trying to make people
aware that she is a musician who
doesn’t want to be pigeonholed in one
style of music. “I didn’t come into this
business thinking about formats. I
came into this business because I
loved music and I wanted to sing great
songs. That’s what it’s about for me. If
it’s a dance record or an R&B record or
a pop record, then so be it. I’ll do it
all!” She is also excited about
continuing to work in the musical
theater genre and has expressed a
desire to record a gospel album as well
as a jazz album.
Like her character in Aida, Deborah is a
strong and centered person. “I believe
that we’re here for a purpose. I believe
in a purposeful life,” she says. She
tries every day to just be happy and
not sweat the small stuff. Deborah
explains her philosophy, “It’s simple –
give people what you want back.”
Considering all the joy she has brought
to so many through her music, it’s no
wonder that Deborah is experiencing
so much happiness in her life. What
goes around definitely comes around.
Deborah has decided to extend her
stay at the Palace through September.
No doubt her royal subjects will be
singing her praises, as well as her
songs, throughout her reign and
beyond.
45
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DJ PROFILE
The Gospel According to Frankie
by
Dennis Fleming
Few DJs have played in all the world’s most famous nightclubs. Fewer still
can boast of a successfu
ul career lasting over thirty years. Even fewer, if
any, have been credited with developing a style of music that has endured
from the death of disco to the present day.
Frankie Knuckles, however, has
accomplished all three. Aptly
named “The Godfather of House,”
his unique talent for turning soul
and funk songs into
danceable pieces of
art has made Frankie
Knuckles popular with
dance
music
audiences of all races,
age groups, and
sexual orientations.
Frankie got his first
DJ gig in 1971
playing Monday and
Tuesday nights at
Better Days, a gay
club in New York City.
This led to other jobs
around the city until
he
joined
his
childhood friend,
Larry Levan, to DJ at
the Continental Baths.
Levan later left the
Continental Baths and
eventually became resident DJ at
the legendary Paradise Garage –
the underground club in New York
at the time – while Frankie stayed
at the Baths. A critical moment in
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Frankie’s career came when Levan
recommended him for a job at the
Warehouse, a new club opening in
Chicago. Levan had turned down the
gig because he did
not want to leave
New York and the
Paradise Garage.
Frankie jumped on
the opportunity
and,
in
1977,
opened
The
Warehouse
in
Chicago.
The Warehouse was
unique in that it
started out not so
much
as
a
t r a d i t i o n a l
nightclub, but as a
large house party.
Frankie actually
lived in the club.
Only non-alcoholic
beverages were
provided, and the
predominately gay crowd came with the
sole purpose to dance. It was all about
the music, and they loved what Frankie
served them. He combined disco with
the soul/funk styles of Philadelphia and
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describe anything cool, hip, or fresh.
Frankie’s musical style was definitely
this. But the term could also have come
from the name of the club where this
type of music was featured – the
Warehouse. Most likely both factors
are responsible. Frankie humbly
denies being the creator of house
music. He prefers to say that house
music grew out of the need for dance
music after the death of disco, and
that many DJs added their talents in
creating what is now known as house
music. Nonetheless, the title
“Godfather of House” was
bestowed on him - a title that
remains his to this day.
the East Coast to provide an
enchantingly different sound. The
club’s popularity quickly grew and
attracted a larger, more diverse
crowd.
About this time, disco was coming
to an abrupt halt, leaving dance
music in the dark with no direction.
Frankie explained that the dance
music scene was a virtual
wasteland. Suddenly there were
very few new dance records
coming out as artists and fans
moved as far away from disco as
possible. Being the creative and
inventive artist that he is, Frankie
took soul records that were being
released and reconstructed them.
This involved altering the tempo
and layering different rhythms and
bits of percussion so they would be
conducive to dancing.
This
created a style that was fresh, novel
and danceable without hindering
the original sound and structure of
the songs. House music was born.
There are two theories as to the
origin of the term “house music”.
At the time, the word “house” was
used in the Chicago area to
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Frankie moved on from the Warehouse
in the early 1980s and played at several
other clubs around Chicago until he
moved back to New York in 1987. He
continued to play in clubs and
eventually began expanding his talents
to include producing, remixing, and
recording. Together with fellow house
DJ David Morales, he formed Def Mix
Productions. Over the years, Def Mix
has added a number of other house DJs
to their roster, including Satoshi Tomiie
and Bobby D’Ambrosio. The company
still tours and highlights house music
through club appearances and guest DJ
spots as well as recordings.
It took until 1991 for any major record
label to acknowledge the popularity of
dance music. Virgin Records signed
Frankie to a record deal; his first release
was Beyond the Mix . Several songs
became dance floor favorites, including
“The Whistle Song”, “Work Out”, and
“Rainfalls”. Frankie followed up
Beyond the Mix with Welcome to the
Real World in 1995. Although the
albums were popular with selected fans
of dance music, they were not
commercial successes. Frankie pleaded
and begged Virgin Records execs to
target and promote the albums to gay
audiences. He knew the gay crowd
would love the music and buy the
albums. The music execs did not listen
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to him. The experience led Frankie
to stop working with the larger
record labels, although he did not
stop recording.
his partner that all his records had been
lost. Frankie added that this could
never happen again, as now he only
spins with CDs.
Frankie has recorded several other
dance CDs since then. His latest, A
New Reality , has just been
released. It is vintage Frankie
Knuckles. The first several tracks
could easily be titled, The Gospel
According to Frankie, for the songs
are filled with gospel-influenced
melodies. Somewhere in the
middle of the CD, the mood
suddenly changes. Over a rather
melancholy piano solo, listeners
overhear a conversation between
two men. One of the men says to
the other, “It’s all over. Everything’s
gone.” The CD then changes to a
more soulful, relaxed sound.
Frankie offered a rather interesting
reason for changing the mood and
adding a conversation in the
middle of his CD. Several summers
ago while touring, the airline lost
all the records he was traveling
with. Everything was lost, never to
be found. The conversation heard
in the CD is actually Frankie telling
The title of his new CD, A New Reality,
is about his survival in the business after
thirty years and offers a sort of “day in
the life” look at his work. He has been
working on this concept for the last
several years but has never taken
enough time from touring to put it all
together until now.
When asked why he thinks he has been
so successful for so long, Frankie states
that being true to his style of music has
helped him endure. The dance floor is
always treated to the same happy,
soulful, jazz and gospel inspired music
for which he is famous. “I have always
tried to make people happy with my
music,” he says. “While they are on the
dance floor, they should be able to
forget about their problems and escape
to a happy and wonderful place.” He
added that he knows he has reached his
musical goal when people are still
singing that one-featured song days
after the party has ended.
10
FRANKIE KNUCKLES
TOP
01. "Bac n Da Day/Matter Of Time" by Frankie Knuckles featuring Jamie
Principle/Nicki Richards
02. "Love Will Save The Day" by Jacque/ Whitney
Houston
03. "Lola's Theme" by The Shape Shifters
04. "Come Into My Life" by Ron Carroll
05. "Hell Yeah" by Gold Bumpers
06. "How Would You Feel" by David Morales featuring
Leah Lorien
07. "Date With The Rain" by Eddie Kendricks (special
remix)
08. "You Are For Me" by Keys & Tronics
09. "We Gonna Ride" by Harrison Crump
10. "Better That You Leave" by David Morales featuring Leah Lorien
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Frankie has worked on remixing
and producing records for some
major stars including Luther
Vandross, Chaka Khan, and Diana
Ross. However, he enjoys working
with lesser-known artists as well.
Frankie says that he is careful to
always put the artist and song first.
Recently, he has noticed that newer
DJs, anxious to make a name for
themselves, have remixed songs in
which the artist is practically lost
among everything else going on in
the mix.
Changes in music and technology
have forced changes in the way
DJs work and make music, and
Frankie has changed with the times
as well. However, over the years
he has watched some DJs jump on
the bandwagon of whatever new
sound is in the clubs. Then when
that style of music loses appeal,
they jump on the next trend. This,
Frankie said, has made him more
determined than ever to stick to his
original concept of beautiful,
soulful dance music. A house may
be redecorated many times to
change with the times, but a strong
foundation is necessary to keep
that house together through all the
changes.
A good change that Frankie has
noticed in the party and nightclub
scene is the diversity of people on
the dance floor. As many gays and
lesbians become more accepted in
mainstream culture, the need for
them to have separate clubs has
started to wane. Younger people
now have many friends who are
both gay and straight, and when
they go out, they all want to be
together. Much to Frankie’s credit,
the dance floor at his parties has
always been a mix of races,
cultures, sexual orientations, and
ages. At any one of his parties,
one can see a group of young, gay
Latinos, dancing next to some
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middle-aged black women who are
within arm’s reach of a straight Asian
couple. When asked how he feels
about this great mix of people enjoying
his music, Frankie stated that he felt he
was the most fortunate of DJs because
of the diversity of people who love his
music. He is very proud that his music
has brought people together from all
walks of life.
And it now looks like the Circuit is
taking note as well. Several years ago,
Frankie was contacted by Saint-At-Large
about spinning at their annual White
Party in New York. He was skeptical at
first, because he knew that his style of
music was not what was being played
on the Circuit. Frankie wasn’t sure that
he fit into the culture of the Circuit but
agreed to do the party anyway. His
appearance at the White Party was a
huge success, and he was asked back to
spin another White Party.
For those fans of Frankie, or for those
who are curious to hear him spin live,
Frankie will be touring the United States
and Europe with the Def Mix 15 th
Anniversary Tour along with other Def
Mix DJs including David Morales and
Bobby D’Ambrosio. Frankie also
maintains a residency at Cielo, a small
club in the Village in New York City.
With his new CD being released this
spring and a world tour with Def Mix
productions, the Godfather of House
shows no signs of slowing down.
Frankie Knuckles has been instrumental
in the development and popularity of
house music, and he continues to
influence its evolution. While trends in
dance music come and go, it has been
refreshing to have a DJ such as Frankie
stay consistent to his original core style.
Moreover, we are all blessed with his
ability to bring diverse groups together
with his music, and are delighted that
he will be around for many years to
come.
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CARNAVAL!
by Steve Kammon
Given that this event was being billed as the “greatest show on earth,” my
expectations were very hiigh when Circuit Noize sponsored its first trip to
Carnaval in Rio this year.
Usually I try to avoid expecting too
much – so often I’ve been
disappointed when things don’t
live up to the advance hype.
Instead, this week of parades and
parties undoubtedly surpassed
many of my expectations,
confirming for me the legend and
the mystique of Carnaval. It also
proved to be the
kind of trip that I
see as the next
level of party
experience – a
visit to an exotic
place where it is
possible
to
combine great
parties with fun
day trips while
exploring another
culture.
The gay beach in Ipanema is guarded on
its southern end by the “two brothers” – a
pair of rounded off mountains that seem
to smile at the gay boys who know their
secret, that these “brothers” are really two
male lovers whose love for one another
has been mistaken for brotherly love.
During Carnaval, the gay beach is packed
from about 2:0 0pm until the sun is
beginning to set
(t he Brazilian boys
wisely stay out of
the intensity of a
noon-time tropical
sun). W ith nary a
space to lay your
towel,
and
surrounded by some
of the most stunning
men in the world
(w ho happen to
come in every shade
imaginable), it’s easy
to see why so many
gay men have called
this place paradise.
The first thing
that strikes you
upon flying into
Rio
is
the
g o r g e o u s
Everyone here wears
landscape.
a bikini – don’t even
Situated on one
think about wearing
of
the
most
your surfer-style
Photo: Louise Francis
stunning natural
baggies unless you
bays in the world, the wind-worn
have something on underneath them that
mountains come down to meet
is more revealing. But don’t bother
the sea only to peek out of that
buying a bikini before you arrive – the
sea at the many small islands that
Brazilian bikini cut is different than what is
are anchored just off the coast.
available here in the States and is quite a
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bit more masculine and flattering
to the male form. The other part of
Brazilian beach culture that is both
amusing and arousing is the fact
that the boys stand around all day
long on the beach constantly
squeezing,
fondling,
and
readjusting themselves, all the
while showing off the semi-boners
that they all seem to be sporting.
Yes, the boy-watching on the
beach is quite hot!
Every day during Carnaval there
are “Bandas” that start in the late
afternoon along the main avenue
of Ipanema.
What these
parade/parties lack in terms of
extravagant floats is more
than made up for in terms
of the enthusiasm of the
throngs that descend on
the beach daily. I’d always
heard that Brazil could be
a bit homophobic – but
the crowds seem to adore
the drag queens as well as
the spectacle of two guys
passionately kissing one
another right in the middle
of all of this mayhem.
The Sambadrome is the
home of the really extravagant
parades for which Car naval is
known.
This stadium, built
expressly to hold the largest
parades of the week, is a scene of
“organized chaos” almost nightly
during Carnaval. It is here that the
most well-funded Samba schools
strut their stuff, competing for the
prestige of winning the parade.
Nothing prepared me for the
spectacle of this parade - it truly is
“the greatest show on earth.”
With tens of thousands dressed in
the most lavish costumes of
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colorful feathers and outrageous
designs, floats that are spectacularly
crafted, and choreographed dancers
that Samba through the streets like
nobody’s business, the parade is indeed
a completely unique experience.
Part of our tour included the
opportunity to actually be a part an
hour-long perfor mance in the
Sambadrome with the Samba school
known as “Grande Rio.” Dressed as
Trojan warriors (though I doubt a real
Trojan warrior ever sprouted all the
feathers that were a part of our
costumes), we were able to participate
in this bacchanal celebration in a way
that many foreigners never dream of.
Photo: Celso Badau
As we turned the corner and began our
dance through the Sambadrome, the
rush of energy that slapped us in the
face is something that has to be felt to
be understood.
The parties were great, filled with
gorgeous boys from around the globe.
There were special parties every
night with international DJs,
m
.co
many
of
them
ngs hat
i
h
st
bT
Americans.
Clu ty toy loor
o
t
r
S t e v e n
a
s
ef
ank the p danc
h
T
g
l
.
al
cia
idin eci
Rio
Spe prov a sp nt in
for ated ome
m
cre
59
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Gomez produced a party that
featured DJ Abel one night;
Manny Lehman and Brett
Henrichsen were also in town
performing. The local Rio club –
Le Boy – features an interesting
dance space and a sex club on
the top floor. It was also very
busy every night of Carnaval. But
it is the local party promoter, X
Demente, who really puts on a
production worthy of this exotic
holiday. (S ee the associated
article for more about these
world-class events.)
X Demente
Ten years ago, there were already gay boys
coming to Rio for Carnaval. But back then, the
boys from Europe and the States seemed a little
bewildered as they cruised each other in their
cutting-edge fashions while standing in small
bars and listening to Samba. A Brazilian man
noticed that Rio was attracting an international
crowd but was not yet offering international
caliber entertainment to the gay party boys that
were starting to show up for Carnaval. He made
it his mission to change that. Ten years later, the
XDemente parties have become legendary in
South America.
Fabio “XDemente” Monteiro is the promoter
behind the famous XDemente parties in Brazil.
His first party attracted only three hundred, but
they were three hundred “barbies” - a term that
popular slang for the drop-dead gorgeous
The people of Brazil are was
gay Brazilian bodybuilders that captured the
something else about which lustful imagination of the international gay jet
Car naval can boast. Besides set.
being a very attractive race,
Brazilians have a war mth and Word of this new phenomenon quickly spread –
in both the gay underground and in the straight
charm that is very refreshing. press of Brazil. The most important newspaper
They are very open and engaging. in Rio did a story on the very first party.
Brazilians believe that they are the Overnight, a new scene was born. The parties
most fun people in the world, and grew, as did their local notoriety. A few years
they love nothing more than later, a mainstream newspaper printed a front
page story with headlines three inches high
teaching the rest of the world how about these “barbies” and their fabulous gay
to enjoy themselves. This trait is parties. Immediately, every Brazilian boy that
even more evident during worked out was being grilled by his father who
suspected him of being a barbie!
Carnaval.
There is no doubt that the five
day Car naval weekend will
continue to grow as a gay
destination.
It has all the
elements that make for a great
escape for the party boys of the
world – lots of cute, friendly boys,
great parties, the best DJs in the
world, a flair for decoration and
costuming that is unmatched
around the world and an exotic
spirit that is irresistible. If you
want to take your party travels to
the next level, you’ll find that this
destination is capable of fulfilling
your needs.
The XDemente parties during Carnaval in 2004
were magical events. The boys were a luscious
combination of Brazilians, Europeans and
Americans. The eye candy rivaled an Alegria
party in New York! The Saturday night party had
three floors, with three different styles of music.
Often this doesn’t work – the boys all migrate to
a single dance floor. But while the headline DJ
Tony Moran drew the thickest crowd in the main
room, the top floor drew its own crowd with an
outdoor space and gorgeous European house
music. A smaller mid-level dance floor featured
yet another sound, something you might call
“twisted pop”. Tuesday’s XDemente party was
at a marina in Rio’s harbor. Surrounded on three
sides by water, with the cityscape as the
backdrop, this event was the perfect setting to
close out the weekend.
The emphasis on interesting décor, excellent
sound, and breathtaking spaces puts the X
Demente parties in a class with the best parties
on the planet.
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Congratulations
Circuit Noize
on your
10 Year
Anniversary!
Muah...
Barry Harris
www.barryharrisnyc.com
www.xmradio.com
FOLKING QUEERS
by Michael Snell
They’re here, they’re queer and they make Sex and the City look like a
demure tea party! Bold, provocative, and in-your-face, Showtime’s
Queer As Folk series has broken many television barriers.
Hot naked men, queer sex, oral
and anal sex, group sex, drug use,
bisexuality,
por nography,
prostitution, sadomasochism,
lesbians, and more have been
featured during the show’s threeyear run.
Never has there been a television
show that has stirred up so many
mixed emotions in so many
people. Some gays love it. Some
gays hate it. Some straights hate
it. Some straights love it. Actually,
straight women really love it. They
now make up about 50% of the
viewing audience according to
Showtime.
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Groundbreaking and liberating, never
before has there been such an in-yourface queer television show. Sure,
there’s the homogenized Will & Grace,
but that’s all light and fluffy and sugarcoated. Why are people so afraid of
Queer As Folk? The sex? The drugs?
The reality of it all? Or perhaps the
unreality? Most of us can relate with at
least some of the characters, if not all.
The obnoxious stud, the young twink,
the nelly friend, the accountant nerd,
the sweet boy next door - there is a
little bit of everything.
I hear gay people criticize the show,
saying it is not a realistic depiction of
gay life. Is Friends a realistic depiction
of hetero life?
I don’t think
so! But who
cares?
It’s
meant to be
entertainment.
It’s fun, it’s
sexy, and it is a
slice of gay
life! Whereas
the UK version
focuses on the
gritty drama of
its characters,
S h o w t i m e ’s
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version is a slick, glossy, soap
opera porn. Although the show
has tackled big issues such as gay
bashing, its characters never forget
that life is meant to be fun.
The show is engaging because of
the way that it pushes boundaries.
“I never thought I’d see the day
when a TV series would show men
having anal sex,” exclaimed the
president of the American Family
Association. “Television has zeroed
in on the deepest parts of the
sewer now.”
Much like the
president of AFA, at the end of
each show, I am amazed to have
witnessed
something
so
provocative on national television.
It feels like we are living a part of
history as we witness a cultural
transformation. Showtime’s slogan
is “No Limits!” and they are most
definitely living up to this mission
statement.
They should be
applauded for taking such a bold
step for our gay community.
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Queer As Folk is a clever combination
of real drama, smart humor, and
surrealism. Because the show has
pushed boundaries in showing things
that do exist but which have never
before been seen on television, when
the show slides into a scene that could
only happen in fantasy, it is easy to just
go with it. All disbelief has already
been suspended. You’re in the midst of
a QAF episode.
While we all have watched porn on our
televisions in the privacy of our own
homes, we know that it is coming
through our own VHS and DVD players.
It’s just us watching. When I am sitting
at home in Chicago watching Brian do a
bump and fuck the hell out of Justin’s
sweet little blonde butt, I think I actually
blush a little. After all, my mother in
Michigan could be tuning in and
watching it as well! This is national
television! Everyone and anyone can
watch. Perhaps because we have never
seen gay sex on a television show, it
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shocks even us just a little bit.
Then there’s the hot nightclub
Babylon - is it real or a figment of
our imaginations? The show is
very well filmed and uses some
very surreal flashy cinematography
techniques to add to the
fantasy/reality of it all. Does
anyone really know of a club in
their town that hosts 700 hot men
on a Tuesday night? A place that
resembles a Circuit party 24/7 full
of eye candy and you can have hot
wild man sex in the backroom
while openly doing drugs? And
this is in Pittsburgh,
right?! Honey, I am
packing my bags!
In just a few weeks,
you may be able to
experience the
club Babylon first
hand in a city near
you.
Showtime
Networks, Embrace
Productions, Midori
liquor and RKM
Design
and
Production have all
teamed up to take
Babylon on tour to
18 cities at some of
the hottest nightclubs across North
America! At each venue, “Queer
As Folk – Future Babylon Tour” will
simulate what the club Babylon
might look like in the year 2050,
with futuristic décor, design, and
cutting-edge dance performances.
Top DJs Manny Lehman, Tracy
Young, and Peter Rauhofer will be
touring with the production.
Rubio and Kidd Madonny really burst
onto the Circuit scene in the late 1990s.
These two outstanding artists have
been turning heads and knocking down
walls in clubs across America with their
fearless costume creations and visually
stimulating productions. Known for
their flare and eccentric productions,
RKM is always dishing out eye candy
and yearning to create something new
and over-the-top.
Promoter Adam Gill from Embrace
promises, “We are really taking this
tour to the next level. We’re going to
give 110% and really knock people’s
socks off because people have come to
expect more from parties and we plan
to deliver it!” Hmmm… I wonder if
there will be a Babylon backroom!
So, are you ready for the music and
decadence of Babylon in your
hometown? Well, fasten your seat
belts, boys, and get ready to join the
party of the summer! See for yourself is it real… or just a fantasy?
RKM Design and Production of
Miami will play a major role this
tour. Disciples of Junior Vasquez,
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PRESENTS
FEATURING WORLD RENOWNED ARTISTS
PETER RAUHOFER
MANNY LEHMAN
TRACY YOUNG
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING REMIXER/PRODUCER, ROXY, NYC
SUPERSTAR DJ/PRODUCER
FEROSH RECORDS. WWW.DJTRACYYOUNG.COM
FUTURISTIC DÉCOR AND PERFORMANCES BY:
MAY 2
MAY 7
MAY 8
MAY 9
MAY 15
MAY 16
MAY 21
MAY 22
MAY 29
MAY 30
JUNE 12
JUNE 20
JUNE 26
JUNE 27
JULY 3
JULY 4
JULY 9
JULY 10
CHICAGO
INDIANAPOLIS
ORLANDO
NEW YORK CITY
PHILADELPHIA
BOSTON
TORONTO
MONTREAL
WASHINGTON
MIAMI
FLAGSTAFF
LOS ANGELES
ATLANTA
HOUSTON
FT. LAUDERDALE
DALLAS
VANCOUVER
SAN FRANCISCO
RKM
CROBAR
TALBOTT STREET
FIRESTONE
AVALON
PURE NIGHTCLUB
AVALON
KOOL HAUS
STEREO NIGHTCLUB
VELVET NATION
CLUB SPACE
ORPHEUM
TBA
BLU NIGHTCLUB
SOUTH BEACH
COLISEUM
LIQUID
COMMODORE
MEZZANINE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK
SUMMER
CI RCU IT
2004
As the warm weather of summer rolls in across most of the world, many embark
on their long-deserved vacations. Summer comes early to Orlando, where it will
already be balmy when this city hosts GayDa
ays - which has grown into one of the
largest events on the Circuit today. This is quickly followed by the Gay Pride
festivals in most every major city, which kick off this season.
The sunshine also brings a host of outdoor parties and the gay resort towns
along the beaches will all be happening - Provincetown, Laguna, Rehobeth,
Saugatuck and Fire Island are just a few of the towns that become a lot more gay
at this time of year.
Coming this summer to Los Angeles, Oracle is a special celebration marking the
ten year anniversary of CIrcuit Noize. Tickets will be available through party hosts
only. Visit www.circuitnoize.com/party for more information.
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SUMMER CIRCUIT 2004
May 2 - July 10, 2004
QUEER AS FOLK, FUTURE
BABYLON TOUR - North
America
Tour Dates
May 2 Chicago Crobar Nightclub
May 7 Indianapolis Talbott Street
May 8 Orlando Firestone
May 9 New York City Avalon
May 15 Philadelphia Pure Nightclub
May 16 Boston Avalon
May 21 Toronto Kool Haus
May 22 Montreal Stereo
May 29 Washington Velvet Nation
May 30 Miami Club Space
June 12 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum Theatre
June 20 Los Angeles Avalon
June 26 Atlanta Blu Nightclub
June 27 Houston South Beach the Nightclub
July 3 Ft. Lauderdale Coliseum
July 4 Dallas Liquid Theatre
July 9 Vancouver Commodore Ballroom
July 10 San Francisco Mezzanine
September 18 Prague - Mr. Circuit
Tonight you’re going to party like its
2050! The Queer As Folk - Future
Babylon Tour features world class DJs,
perfor mers and select guest
appearances by Queer As Folk actors.
Last year’s most original and successful
traveling party is headed again to your
favorite nightclub. Experience Future
Babylon first hand as the famous
nightclub hits the road this summer
showcasing the DJ talent of superstar
Manny Lehman, rising star Tracy
Young, Grammy Award-winning
remixer/producer Peter Rauhofer, and
futuristic performances by Miami’s
RKM. Showtime Networks and Embrace Productions will simulate what Babylon,
the popular onscreen nightclub in Queer as Folk, will look like in the year 2050.
The Queer As Folk - Future Babylon tour is trailblazing across the continent and
your ticket to ride is waiting at a city near you. This summer, the party is coming
to you! Complete talent, tour and ticketing information on the website.
Info: www.futurebabylon.com
________________________________________________________________________
May 14 - 16, 2004
MOTORBALL XI - Detroit, Michigan
Accelerate your fun with the joyride of your life. The fast and the ferocious are
peeling rubber in Detroit for the eleventh edition of Motorball. Pull up to the
bumper baby for Saturday night at the Masonic Temple. DJ Alyson Calagna is
waving her checkered flags of funk for Motorball’s Main Event. The hot boys are
in town and the buff and polished are ready to ride. Rev up your engine on
Sunday night and make tracks to Bleu. Detroit’s World Class club experience has
the perfect high output sound system to deliver an incredible high energy
evening. No time to stop, the finish line is in sight and there’s plenty of pistons to
For recent changes or updates to this schedule, please visit us online at:
www.circuitnoize.com and www.partyfinder.com
Search 100’s of events by city, state, date or DJ.
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SUMMER CIRCUIT 2004
be blown. Crank up the volume and put it into overdrive for the complete sexy
sounds of DJ Paulo. Geared4Life was formed by a group of friends wanting to
give to their community and make a difference in the lives of those affected by
HIV/AIDS.
Info: www.motorballdetroit.com
________________________________________________________________________
May 14, 2004
RIDE - Buena Park, California
Are you ready for the Ride of your life? Odyssey Adventures, promises to stir your
senses and take your breath away with “Ride” at Knott's Berry Farm. Between five
and ten thousand gays take over this huge theme park during this exclusively gay,
annual event. This year Ride features the nationally known Masterbeat DJ, Brett
Henrichsen and LA’s everpopular DJ4play. Join us this year for dancing,
entertainment, rides, arcades, thrills and chills.
Info: www.odysseyadventures.com
________________________________________________________________________
May 14, 2004
ORBIT- Miami, Florida
This new, once a month event in downtown Miami at Club Space is brought to
you by PM Productions. They’ve given Miami’s favorite – DJ Abel, a residency in
a club that is a fitting showcase of his talent.
Info: www.pmparties.com
________________________________________________________________________
May 15, 2004
WATER SPORTS - Dallas, Texas
Saturate your Saturday afternoon with an afternoon of sexy Dallas boys. Spring is
busting out all over and so will you at the Sheraton Suites (2101 Stemmons) for an
afternoon filled with scrumptious sights and spirited sounds. The “Water Sports”
T-Dance makes a splash at its debut. This Olympic Size Pool Party features DJ
Josh Gram (noon - 5pm) and is hosted by Texas Circuit Boyz benefiting
Boys4Toys. Why dry off? After the pool party get some “4Play” fun featuring
Dawna Montel spinning at 3025 Main St.
Info: www.boys4toys.org / www.fierceparty.com
Look for the Circuit Noize QuickTrip Logo to make
fast travel and ticket reservations for selected events.
Enter to Win FREE Airline and Party Tickets online at:
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SUMMER CIRCUIT 2004
May 13 - 17, 2004
HOT & DRY WEEKEND - Montreal, Canada
The award winning BBCM’s creation team is at it again. Wildly avant-garde, Hot &
Dry sparks unconventional productions and brilliant perfor mances by
international DJs. It’s going to get hot in here, so take off all his clothes as you
vibrate to the beat of one imaginative event after another. The Hot & Dry party is
a perfect way to start the summer in skimpy fun gear. This year the main event’s
theme is “hot cowboy” so straddle and mount that sexy stud and ride him all
night long at the superb Metropolis. DJ Abel and Shawn Riker guide your
musical journey. On the next day, come and dance all-night at the “Fresh” Party
at Club Soda, a new venue used by the BBCM for the first time, with the one and
only Mat Ste-Marie opening for the renowned DJ Victor Calderone. These two
masters of the turntables promise a very special night full of energy and many
musical surprises to start the summer with your arms in the air and a smile on your
face.
Info: www.bbcm.org
________________________________________________________________________
May 21 - 23, 2004
TRIBE 3 - LONG BEACH PRIDE - Long Beach, California
Will Gorges and Michael Evenstar invite you to return to the historic Queen Mary
Resort for the 3rd edition of Tribe. The Queen Mary & her adjacent dome have
been Long Beach landmarks for a quarter of a century. The permanently docked
QM is thirty-five feet longer than the Titanic. The dome, built to house the Spruce
Goose is now a functioning Cruise Ship Terminal. Together the pair make for one
of the most unusual event spaces on the Circuit. Early birds to the weekend fun
will want to check out Tribe’s Opening Party at the Naga Ballroom. Are you ready
to get reckless? LA’s favorite bad boy DJ Alexander opens the weekend on
Friday. On Saturday get ready for a evening filled with thrills and chills as NYC DJ
Tony Moran spins and Diva Circuit Mom performs in the dome. Opening tunes
provided by the Factory’s own Jack Jones. Afterwards the Mistress of after-hours
DJ Dawna Montel strikes out on her own at the Naga Ballroom for Tribe latenight. On Sunday Manny Lehman climbs aboard the haunted Queen Mary for
Queens Tea in the Exhibit Hall. Come party with us 70 feet below Sea level with
DJ Casey Alva and Flava providing extra sound and visuals. Close the weekend
with LA DJ Mike Duretto at Naga Ballroom Sunday night. You can ride the Aqua
Taxis to the Long Beach Gay & Lesbian Pride festival by day, an event that attracts
over 100,000 people annually. Host Hotel for the weekend is the Queen Mary:
562-432-6964 - for the best rate mention Tribe when you call.
Info: www.willgorges.com / www.michael-evenstar.com
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May 30, 2004
WHITE PARTY - London, United Kingdom
Enjoy the best of Europe in 2004. This summer Riedijk Productions is serving up
some Circuit sounds in some of the tastiest cities on the continent. Are you
ready for White Party London? With an international menu of appetizing Djs
including Steve Pitron (UK), Doug Gray (NL), the Cinema, Elephant & Castle
London will offer plenty of energetic indulgences.
Info: www.whiteparty.nl
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May 28 - 31, 2004
VIVA LAS VEGAS 7 - Las Vegas, Nevada
The world’s greatest casinos and hotels welcome the wildly entertaining Viva Las
Vegas 7 back to town. This is sin city’s only gay weekend, so get ready to double
down as you double up on the fun. The deck has been reshuffled and this year,
all the glitter, the glamour and excitement hit Memorial Day Weekend. Come
and feel the action at four amazing parties. Friday kicks off the weekend with a
hot, wet and fun party at the “Wild and Wet Water Park” with music by Manny
Lehman. Saturday don’t miss the epic dance journey at Anthem, with sounds by
Phil B. and Brett Henrichsen. On Sunday there will be a Revival at the MGM
Grand Adventures Park - with the the largest indoor/outdoor party in the West.
Joe Gauthreaux and Warren Gluck provide the musical backdrop. Go Deeper at
the ultimate morning party at “Ice Las Vegas” with Music by Jason G.
Info: www.atlantisevents.com
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May 27 - 31, 2004
INTERNATIONAL MISTER LEATHERMAN - Chicago, Illinois
Spit-shine and buff up those chaps this Memorial Day Weekend for Chicago’s
26th annual International Mister Leather Weekend. The world’s hottest
leathermen will once again come together to compete for the title of
International Mr. Leather. Expect loads of muscled, meaty men. The Leather
Market features the world’s best collection of leather/fetish vendors and some
good ol’ time no-holds-barred nasty fun. Sunday night Chicago’s House of Blues
hosts the IML Victory Celebration Party. Beginning right after the big contest,
this is the first place to see the IML 2004 winners. Monday night the traditional
final blow-out Black and Blue Ball closes out the weekend at Excalibur. Book
your room at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. A prime downtown location on the
Magnificent Mile, near the shores of Lake Michigan.
Info: www.imrl.com / www.circuitmom.com
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May 28 - 31, 2004
GAY DAYS HOLLYWOOD - Los Angeles, California
Universal Studios, the world’s largest movie studio and theme park, officially
welcomes the LGBT community to its entertainment mega-complex as it plays
host to Gay Days Hollywood 2004. Saturday is the day to come celebrate at the
Worlds Largest Movie Studio and Theme Park. Along with the unforgettable day
at the park, the weekend will include a series of extravagant parties, dances, and
sidebar events that will feature superstar international DJs and spectacular
entertainment worthy of Tinseltown. Special care has been taken in the selection
of unique, jaw-dropping, and never-before-available venues that will showcase
the glamour, excitement, and fun of Los Angeles. Premiere is Friday’s official
opening night dance event of Gay Days Hollywood. Located at the legendary The
Factory and GirlBar, be ready to experience the sounds of DJs Roland Belmares
and Heather Vaughn in this state of the art facility. Saturday night features the
main dance event of the weekend: Hollywood Nights. The world famous Sunset
Strip House of Blues serves as the host for this unprecedented event at this
unique Hollywood landmark. DJs Chad Jack and Casey Alva bring the house
down. On Sunday, attend a T-Dance at a venue that showcases LA as a special
place to be! T over Hollywood takes place at The Lot - home of Warner Brothers
Studios, where television series, such as “The Love Boat,” “The Fugitive” and
“Dynasty” were filmed. DJ Mark Tarbox and a special appearance by Kristine W
will make this a true Hollywood experience. Plenty more to do all weekend
including the Red Carpet Party at Ultra Suede and the Closing Party at Here
Lounge.
Info: www.gaydayshollywood.com
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May 28, 2004
GAY DAY @ PARAMOUNT’S GREAT AMERICA - Santa Clara, California
Paramount’s Great America’s 6th annual Gay and Lesbian Night returns this
Memorial Day Weekend with five stages of fun, frolic and entertainment
throughout the park. There will be non-stop action including Masterbeat DJ Brett
Henrichsen on the Hollywood Plaza Stage. This year the San Francisco Club
Stage features DJ Blackstone from Faith, DJ Eruption from Chix, DJ Jamie J.
Sanchez from Mezzanine, DJ Matthew Baker from Mighty, DJ Matt Consola from
FUSION and Mighty. Gay Day @ Paramount’s Great America is a private party and
Gay Pride celebration with exhilarating rides, world-class performers, non-stop
dancing, and no red shirts. In an attempt to give back to a community that has
given so much to us, a portion of the 2004 Gay Day @ Paramount’s Great America
proceeds help benefit The San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Book your host hotel
room for this special event is the Hilton Santa Clara (408-562-6729). Mention Gay
Day @ Great America for a special rate.
Info: www.pgathrills.com
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May 28 - 30, 2004
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - San Francisco, California
The City’s favorite Saturday night hotspot, Mezzanine, brings superstar DJ Victor
Calderone for a special one night engagement. Come party with the hottest
guys in town. San Francisco’s Gus brings you two back-to-back Holiday Sunday
Mega Parties...Temple T-dance will be held at the new breathtaking IMG Pangea
Pavilion. This amazing indoor / outdoor space features high ceilings, brick walls,
huge dance floor, and a really cool outdoor garden chill area. DJ Kimberly S will
keep you moving to all your vocal T-dance favorites! Immediately following
Temple will be the late night and after-hours Sanctuary party. This red hot event
always packs in the muscle boys and beefy daddies! DJs Susan Morabito and
Mike Duretto promise to take you on a musical journey well past the dawn’s early
light. Sunday night also has your opportunity to wake and shake at Jito’s
Aftershock Sunday with now resident DJ Abel at 715 Harrison.
Info: www.guspresents.com / www.jito.com / www.mezzaninesf.com
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May 28 - 31, 2004
MEMORIAL DAY NYC - New York City, New York
Hot Damn, summer in the city! When summer kicks-off, it’s time to peel-off. And
there’s no better place to see mouthwatering men than at Ric Sena’s legendary
Alegria parties. Wax down your boards boys, because Sunday night, Memorial
Day weekend in NYC brings over the top production, beach visuals and Tony
Moran and Eddie Elias to Alegria’s all new home - Crobar New York City, 530
West 28th Street. Fans of circuit legend DJ Billy Carroll can catch him at SBNY
also on Sunday. Splash Bar New York is notorious for the hottest bartenders
waiting for you with a drink and a smile.
Info: www.alegriaevents.com / www.sbny.com
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May 28 - 31, 2004
PENSACOLA MEMORIAL DAY - Pensacola, Florida
All of your favorite parties return this summer to Pensacola - shouldn‘t you?
Johnny Chisholm and Oz present a weekend of events under the Florida sun that
are more intimate, more individual and more accommodating than any of the
other sunshine state’s destination weekends. The days are magnificent and the
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nights are magical during Memorial Day Weekend Pensacola. Party pool side at
Bounce1 with DJ Tracy Young followed later that night by the beach party Wave
with DJ Don Bishop. Visit the beautiful beaches Saturday morning, but make sure
you are at Bounce2 with Kimberly S that afternoon. David Knapp invites you to
Sweat later that night but don’t stop there, DJ Producer Tony Moran keeps you
awake at Spellbound1 for after-hours. DJ Alyson Calagna is waiting to Bounce3
you off the beach on Sunday afternoon and into the grand prize trophy party of
the weekend - Abracadabra 10 with top-rated DJ Manny Lehman. But wait, it
doesn’t stop there! Spellbound2 and Barry Harris keeps the party pumping all
night long.
Info: www.ozneworleans.com
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May 28 - 31, 2004
MELTDOWN 2004 - Austin, Texas
Kick off your summer as Ben Parsley and Splash Productions remind you what
friends and fun are all about. This might be the only exclusive party weekend
with its own floating dance floor. Soak up the sun, the men and all of the
surprises that the friendliest city on the planet is known for. Party Austin has taken
it to the tool shed to bring you more hot boys and more exciting DJ’s than ever
before. Buff out that body and hit the dance floor with the fantastic DJ Roland
Belmares on Saturday night. Get out your drills and screw it to it with the amazing
sounds of Masterbeat DJ, Brett Henrichsen Sunday night. Grease up your
machine and lose your grip as DJ Ric de Barros moves and grooves you on
beautiful Lake Travis on Saturday afternoon. Hammer it out or pound the nail in as
you beat it to the magical tuning of DJ Alyson Calagna for after-hours.
Remember to book your room at The Hyatt on Town Lake. Call 800-233-1234 or
512-477-1234 to reserve (specify room block code: SPLASH / Meltdown to get
the special rate).
Info: www.partyaustin.com
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June 4 - 7, 2004
GAY DAYS DISNEY - Orlando, Florida
Quite likely the most crowd pleasing weekend in the history of the circuit - Gay
Day Disney delivers the goods -and then some! Dreamy days and explosive
nights add up to big fun the first weekend of June.
- Friday Daytime pool party fun can be found at the “One” party with DJ Jon Brown.
Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up to the Hard Rock Colosseum- climb aboard
for the ride of your life. And please keep your hands and feet inside your car at all
times! “Crazy World” rockets you round and round into a crazy wonderland of
illusion, glamour and spectacle. It’s a party kaleidoscope of amazement, magic &
mystery. Your Crazy World ride operator is DJ Brett Henrichsen. “Beachball 7” is
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proud to welcome DJ Lydia Prim for her first Typhoon Lagoon appearance. A true
diva of the circuit - Lydia’s incredible music and her positive energy are sure to
make for an amazing night and a party that rocks. The opening night of the
“Magic Journeys” after-hours kicks into high gear with David Knapp. Get ready
to experience the “Biggest Late Night Parties in the World!”. 3 amazing nights of
over-the-top parties featuring the biggest stars of the Circuit.
- Saturday Splash early as a Saturday morning warm up with DJ Don Bishop. Later, Brian
Bottorff, Rob Iles, Mike Peace, Mike Paonessa welcome you to Central Florida
with the Reunion pool party. Jon Herseth and surprise DJ appearances all
afternoon long at the Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa. This hotel is Gay Days
Central - the only Gay Days party boy hotel; the official Gay Days Welcome
Center; and the Circuiticket.com ticket office. All of your favorite party boys, DJ‘s,
promoters, and entertainers will be in one easy to use Central location this
summer. Saturday night, like Madonna says, “Everybody goes to Hollywood,” at
the Disney-MGM Studios. Mark Baker joins forces with Jeffrey Sanker to bring you
a brand new celebration with a new attitude and the always incredible Disney
magic. This year’s party features a mega dance floor with DJ Tony Moran and
world-class thrill attractions. Look to the sky for a super-sized fireworks
spectacular. The wee eyed and weary will be energized as DJ Roland Belmares
takes over Arabian Nights for Magic Journey’s. The hottest party people from
around the planet, plan on making this their final destination for dance on Sunday
morning.
- Sunday There’s still plenty of magic left for during the day. The Wyndham Pool Parties
feature DJ St Allure, DJ Pride and DJ Jason Smith for the final delicious dance in
the sun. Prepare for launch. And get ready to be blasted into Gay Days’ biggest
party spectacular ever and it’s all new for 2004. Enter “Stars Party 2004 -Amazing
Universe where incredible intergalactic worlds collide. Travel at the speed of
sound through amazing galaxies of stellar sights, thundering music and futuristic
lasers all set inside a gigantic sparkling star field. Your commander for this
fantastic voyage is DJ/Producer Manny Lehman. The night also explodes with
“Carnival” an over the top experience of sight and sound. DJ Malcolm Jackson
spins a mix of sophisticated house in his first Orlando Gay Days appearance.
Groove on the dance floor all night long or chill with friends in our upscale lounge
area. The party is located in GayDays.com’s official host hotel, The Hotel Royal
Plaza at Downtown Walt Disney World’s main ballroom. Just when you thought
you couldn’t take anymore - Remixer/Producer Tracy Young lets you have it with
an incredible grand finale’ Gay Days 2004 Magic Journeys performance at
Arabian Nights.
Info: www.gaydayevents.com / www.markbakerpresents.com
www.jeffreysanker.com / www.dandalimited.com/carnival
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June 18 - 29, 2004
HEARTS ON FIRE - Saugatuck, Michigan
The quaint Michigan resort town of Saugatuck has become for many party boys
the Fire Island of the Midwest. This beautiful lakeside town is nestled between
Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River and is home to The Dunes Resort, which
provides the anchor for the many gay and lesbian tourists that visit the town each
year. Benefiting The Hearts Foundation, The Dunes Resort welcomes DJ’s Don
Bishop and Mark Vallese for a weekend of “Hearts on Fire”. Though Saugatuck
remains a popular year round destination, it is during the summer months that the
town really comes alive. Saugatuck offers miles of white sandy beaches, boating,
hiking, shopping and unique restaurants.
Info: www.dunesresort.com
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June 13 - 22, 2004
KENYA SAFARI - Kenya, Africa
Africa – the very name conjures up images of adventure. Images you’ve only seen
from far away. Atlantis brings back an adventure vacation to one of the most
exotic destinations in the world: Kenya. Home to the vast open savannahs of the
Serengeti and the world’s best game viewing, this luxury tour is produced by
leading safari professionals and customized exclusively for Atlantis. This unique
safari provides the opportunity to experience one of the great wonders of this
planet in a luxurious setting and with the comfort of an all-gay group. Come join
Atlantis Events on this vacation of a lifetime.
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June 18 - 20, 2004
GAY PRIDE LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles, California
The theme for the 34th Annual L.A. Pride Celebration is “Hello. . . pride”. This is
one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country with the parade as always on
Sunday. The 34th edition of the Annual Pride Parade is in West Hollywood at the
corner of Crescent and Santa Monica Boulevard with over one-hundred fifty
entries representing a wide range of organizations, groups, causes and individuals
– all coming together in celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
community. There is plenty of dancing in the streets at the Festival with DJs Mike
Duretto, Bryan Pfeifer, Casey Alva, Kio Kio, Ron Thomas, Phil Hoskins, Dawna
Montel, Kimberly S, Ray Chatters, and Scotty K. Gay Pride LA is also home to
some incredible first rate evening and after-hours events as well. Saturday night
Jeffrey Sanker returns to the W iltern Theatre with DJ Manny Lehman.
Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, and
revered by the Circuit crowd as the Saturday night destination, this Art Deco
Landmark has been renovated and restored to its original splendor.
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MRProduction’s Rohan Bisset & Will Gorges team up Saturday Night to present
NYC DJ extraordinaire Tony Moran for Ego after-hours at the Henry Fonda
Theater. The newly remodeled venue is LA’s favorite after-hours spot and will be
filled with a lighting and sound blitz certain to dazzle the most discriminating boy.
On Sunday DJ Mike Duretto, NYC’s Peter Rauhofer and Miami’s RKM return to
the newly remodeled Avalon Hollywood for the 2nd edition of Vision: the Queer
as Folk Tour. The party that rocked LA MLK weekend and is set for a supersonic
sequel. Spinning in the super chic Spyder room are DJs Mark Tarbox and Dawna
Montel.
Info: www.lapride.org / www.jeffreysanker.com / www.willgorges.com
www.rohanbisset.com
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June 21 - 27, 2004
TORONTO PRIDE BALL - Toronto, Canada
Toronto’s 24th annual Pride Week is the largest gay and lesbian event in Canada
and one of the biggest Pride events in the world attracting close to a million
people a year. This year‘s pristine Prism sheds new light on five individual parties.
Ready, set, Ignition on Thursday night with DJ Joe Gauthreaux. Friday night
brings out DJ Abel for Boot Camp with porn star Mathew Rush. Saturday
afternoon the Aqua party will get you wet with DJ Susan Morabito at the outdoor
docks overlooking the Toronto waterfront and later that night DJ Barry Harris and
Chaka Khan roll out the Pride Ball at the Toronto CNE Automotive Building. Over
8,000 attendees are expected at Pride Ball Toronto 2004. Sunday night brings
DJ Peter Rauhofer to The Guvernment for Revival the post Pride parade party.
While in Toronto don’t forget to check out the fun atmosphere at Woody’s –
where Canada’s hottest stud boys strip down for your approval.
Info: www.prismtoronto.com / www.prideballtoronto.com
www.woodystoronto.com
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June 25 - 27, 2004
GAY PRIDE NYC - New York City, New York
Freedom Party presented by Rod Ladd and Marc Katz makes its debut on
Saturday afternoon. The countdown has begun for a new party, a new day, a new
time and a new venue as this season‘s most stimulating new event is being
added to the New York City Pride calendar this year on Saturday afternoon at the
Chelsea Piers. Master DJ Manny Lehman is at the helm. On Sunday the queer
New York City tradition returns again. Heritage of Pride, organizers of the New
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York City Pride events, present the annual Dance on the Pier. There is a sizzling
afternoon waiting for you on Sunday after the parade as DJ Tony Moran and
Robbie Leslie take over the Pier 54 in Hudson River Park. Dance the day away
against the backdrop of the sun setting against the New York City skyline and
prepare to be dazzled by a flurry of fireworks set to music. Close out your
weekend with this original, long time staple of NYC Pride. Sunday night, Ric Sena
presents Alegria Pride 2004 during New York City’s Gay Pride Weekend. This
extremely popular party pledges to be a legendary night with a new futuristic
theme. Creating an endless energy with his groovy grace, DJ Abel is guaranteed
to attract the hottest boys and the sexiest men in the country to NYC‘s newest
party palace - Crobar. Also on Sunday night Junior Vazquez presents his annual
Beautiful party, with music by Billy Carroll and the master himself. Ticket price
includes Junior’s latest mix CD. Keep the gaiety coming all weekend long at the
spectacular Splash Bar. SBNY features the city’s hunkiest bartenders and the
NYC’s most hospitable crowd.
Info: www.hopinc.org / www.freedompartynyc.com / www.alegriaevents.com /
www.splashbar.com
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June 26 - 27, 2004
SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE WEEKEND - San Francisco, California
Get ready to make a big Splash during San Francisco’s favorite day-time, outdoor,
pool party t-dance. Mix 500 guys in their Speedos with the West Coast DJ
Showcase featuring 5 DJs selected for their promising new musical talent and you
have a party not to be missed. The Courtyard of the Phoenix Hotel is host to the
sip and twirl social event of the weekend. That night don’t miss Jamie J. Sanchez
and Chris Cox at San Francisco’s favorite Saturday night hotspot – Mezzanine.
Colossus is the Saturday’s super event and will take place at the beautiful
Giftcenter Pavilion. Dance under a spectacular eight story atrium filled with big
budget decor, sound and laser lights. Progressive sounds provided by in-demand
DJs Tony Moran and Paulo. After the parade festivities on Sunday, Gus welcomes
you to the Temple T-dance with Masterbeat Circuit superstar DJ Brett Henrichsen,
followed by late night and after-hours dancing at Sanctuary with DJs David Knapp
and S.F. favorite Phil B.
Info: www.guspresents.com / www.splashSF.com / www.mezzaninesf.com
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July 3 - 4, 2004
ATTITUDE & SHADE - Dallas, Texas
Illuminations light up the fourth of July skies in Texas. No longer just a Christmas
fundraiser, Dallas’s Boys4Toys has a fire cracking fourth planned for you. Enjoy
some Shade-Seaside 5 with Kimberly S. on Saturday at the Wyndham Garden.
Saturday night brings in some high profile musical talent to the Village Station.
Later DJ DeMarko spins for the late night Hanging Gardens crowd. Sunday night,
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DJ Tracy Young is at Liquid for Embrace Production’s Future Babylon Tour. Finally
After Babylon will keep the party boys going until early dawn. Boys4toys is
committed to strengthening community ties by collecting toys for Dallas’ less
fortunate children.
Info: www.boys4toys.org
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July 4, 2004
ORBIT AFTERHOURS - Miami, Florida
There’s only one place where real men shoot off their bottle rockets this holiday
weekend? Orbit revolves around again as Miami‘s muscle and meat show off
their fiery Roman candles. Sunday night / Monday morning July forth weekend
brings a new Orbit to Club Space with DJ Abel. There’s plenty to oooo and
ahhhh over as the legendary Club Space opens its doors to South Florida’s
favorite fierce firecrackers and sensational social sparklers.
Info: www.pmparties.com
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July 4, 2004
VISION 3 - Los Angeles, California
On Sunday get the ultimate 4th of July climax at Avalon Hollywood where hosts
John Brady & Will Gorges present VISION-3, featuring NYC superstar DJ Tony
Moran and a host of spellbound DJs, entertainers and Jubilant boys set to party
all night on this 4th of July.
Info: www.willgorges.com
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July 3 - 9, 2004
SUMMER CAMP P-TOWN - Provincetown, Massachusetts
Chill seekers and thrill peekers mingle and meet in Provincetown for the July 4th
holiday week. Once again, David Flower and his staff have put together a
colossal week of events, unique venues, and superstar DJ’s to celebrate this
country’s independence. Summer Camp July Fourth Week in P-Town promises the
return of the infamous Boat Cruises and a reunion of the best Circuit DJ’s
including Manny Lehman, David Knapp, Susan Morabito, Brett Henrichsen,
Adien, Rob Harris, Gustavo Motta, Ritchie Ladue, Phil B and David Flower. So
pack up your bathing suit and prime those dance muscles to prepare for a week
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of sun, sand and music in the gayest place in the world - Provincetown.
Info: www.davidflower.com
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July 2 - 5, 2004
RED, WHITE ON BLUE STAR - Saugatuck, Michigan
Let the Dunes ignite your fuse and help you shoot off your fireworks. One of the
summer’s highlights is the annual July 4th weekend of events. This is the
weekend that is not to be missed at The Dunes Resort. Party four days with DJ’s
Lydia Prim, Greg Drescher, Tom McBride, John Olson and Mark Vallese.
Saugatuck offers visitors many types of party, relaxation, boating, hiking and
shopping opportunities. Whether you prefer backpacking or birdwatching, dinner
or disco, many adventures await you at Saugatuck. Though The Dunes remains a
popular year round destination, it is during the summer months that the town
really comes alive.
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July 17, 2004
JOINING HEARTS - Atlanta, Georgia
Joining Hearts celebrates its 17th year this July. The popular summer event has
outgrown the original pool house and this year the annual party moves into its
new home at the Plaza at Atlanta Civic Center. Joining Hearts is an all volunteer,
community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to raising desperately
needed funds to help house people living with AIDS in Atlanta. Joining Hearts
encourages a healthy lifestyle by reminding guests to have fun, act responsibly,
and take care of each other.
Info: www.joininghearts.org
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July 14 - 19, 2004
GAY PARIS FESTIVAL - Paris, France
Still wondering what to do with those approaching summer holidays? If you’re a
circuit party queen who’s looking for “queen-er” pastures, start planning now to
head to Europe for the GayParis Festival, an extended long weekend of dance
events. Paris is unarguably the world’s most beautiful city and the Marais district is
one of the most convivial and vibrant gay villages on the planet. The GayParis
Festival is the perfect excuse to come and enjoy Paris. The GayParis Festival will
be this summer’s main event for gay Parisians, as well as for gays from other parts
of Europe and beyond. The main events have been modeled on the big
international parties like Montreal’s Black and Blue, Sydney’s Mardi Gras and
Harbour Parties and Miami’s White Party – but with a distinctively Parisian twist.
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You’ll say “qui qui” to all the fun this summer starting the day after the Bastille
Day celebrations, which are always great fun, with handsome uniformed boys and
men walking the streets and lots of fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. Ah Paris!
Info: www.GayParisFestival.com
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July 23 - 25, 2004
DANCIN WEEKEND - Cleveland, Ohio
If you’re looking for a city to visit that “rocks” with excitement…then come to
Cleveland! Named one of the 10 ten safest and culturally most fascinating cities
to visit in the US, “Dancin’ Weekend is the perfect time to enjoy all that is
Cleveland. Once titled the Erie Party for its Saturday night centerpiece, this fullout weekend of events is now a hot spot on the Circuit calendar. It’s that time of
year to get dressed up for Dancin’ in the Streets and feast on the yummy sounds
of the country‘s most flavorsome DJ’s. But that’s not all there is to do, with lots of
high-end party productions for even the most demanding Circuit boy.
Info: www.dancinweekend.com
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July 23 - 25, 2004
CHRISTMAS IN JULY - Saugatuck, Michigan
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could celebrate the spirit of Christmas All Year ‘Round?
Well, maybe not, but we can rejoice that the Dunes in Saugatuck has another
wonderful weekend wrapped up for us to enjoy. Celebrate as The Dunes Resort
welcomes DJ’s Julian Marsh and Mark Vallese to the Midwest’s largest Gay and
Lesbian Resort.
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July 30 - August 1, 2004
SAN DIEGO PRIDE - San Diego, California
Summer is sizzling in San Diego. The July jubilee is celebrating 30 years of Pride
with Strength in Numbers. Feel the city’s charm as you embark on an
unforgettable journey for Gay Pride. Your senses will be stimulated at the official
2004 San Diego Pride Parties. Friday night’s Pride Ball is the opening event of
the weekend and this year DJ Tony Moran is in charge of your kick off activity.
Circuit Daze is the official Saturday night Pride Party at The San Diego Sports
Arena. With 8000 in attendance and DJ Phil B, prepare to beat it until your body
throbs and mind explodes on the dance floor. Sunday the Legend Continues
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with DJ Susan Morabito at the world famous San Diego Zoo Party. Close out your
weekend with DJ Mike Duretto and Abel at E-Street Alley. Planning ahead is the
key to a successful San Diego Pride Weekend.
Info: www.powerhouse-productions.com / www.sdpride.org
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RAPTURE PRIDE VANCOUVER 5 - Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s hottest Pride events return! Rapture Pride Vancouver is Vancouver’s
largest Circuit Event. The ToyBoxBoys Team invites you to join them with DJ’s
Escape (NY), Roland Belmares (LA), Manny Lehman (LA) and many more for the
fifth edition of this intimate but increasingly popular event. Vancouver, which has
just been awarded the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, will blow
you away with its breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality.
Info: www.rapturevancouver.com
________________________________________________________________________
TWIST WEEKEND - Montreal, Canada
Celebrate your pride. The Twist Weekend is the “major party” portion of the Gay
Pride celebrations in Montreal. Now in its 11th year, this is one of BBCM’s favorite
crowd pleasing weekends. This year, the Twist Party takes over Club Medley with
the one and only DJ Manny Lehman and a special “pride” BBCM dancers show.
Included in the weekend’s activities is a Saturday afternoon mega T-dance and
the popular and always sold out Twist Encore at Stereo with DJ’s Paulette and
Tom Stephan. There are also non-stop events throughout the gay village for you
to enjoy so come and take pleasure in the nice warm weather. The Montrealers
get really hot and enjoy every second of the beautiful summer. Those hot French
Canadian boys are always ready and eager to welcome their tourist friends and to
make sure that they will have a wonderful time.
Info: www.bbcm.org
________________________________________________________________________
August 5 - 9, 2004
GAY PRIDE AMSTERDAM - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Be ready to experience the closest thing to gay paradise on earth! Every first
weekend in August gays from all over the world go to Amsterdam to celebrate
gay pride. Where else would you find a gay pride held on the water? With
almost 100 of the most outrageous floats (that literally float down the canals of
this gorgeous city) and 500,000 spectators, Amsterdam Pride is one of the largest
and most unique pride celebrations in Europe. Gayeventseurope.com together
with other Dutch party promoters bring you over 6 parties with top international
DJ’s. Following Salvation and the steamy after-Salvation party at the sauna on
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Friday, Riedijk Productions presents one of the top European Circuit events and
the main dance event of the weekend The White Party. Held at the largest dance
venue in Holland this party features two dance floors, a Salsa lounge and a Miami
Beach room. Also check out the numerous street parties and after-hours.
Info: www.gayeventseurope.com / www.whiteparty.nl
________________________________________________________________________
August 6 - 8, 2004
SUNDANCE - Guerneville, California
Behold the sight: 4,000 muscle boys descend on the sleepy summer town of
Guerneville, California for a long weekend of fun, sun, and lots of dancing.
Sundance has become firmly established as a true favorite amongst the Circuit
crowd. High production values and low attitude abound. Five parties in three
days include the Daylight pool party, Moondance on Saturday night, and of
course the 7th annual Sundance Morning Party held on an amazing private five
acre estate on Sunday afternoon. DJ line-up includes Jason G, Phil B, Tony
Moran, Rob Kaftan and Paulo.
Info: www.guspresents.com
________________________________________________________________________
August 7 - 11, 2004
WHITE PARTY IBIZA - Ibiza, Spain
During the second weekend in August White Party Weekend on Ibiza is not to be
missed. World renowned for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous people, Ibiza is
the ultimate pleasure paradise. Everything you have heard about or even
dreamed about Ibiza is true. White Party Weekend is no exception. World
famous promoter Steven Gomez in association with Riedijk Productions and
Sebastian & Co. will be hosting events at Club Privilege, the Worlds largest dance
club. This weekend has something for everyone and won’t disappoint those of
you willing to take the challenge.
Info: www.gayeventseurope.com
________________________________________________________________________
August 22, 2004
MORNING PARTY 8 - Laguna Beach, California
Laguna has always been a resort area - a place for rest and relaxation. However
this 8th year edition of the famous Laguna Beach Morning Party promises to turn
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that upside down with some powerful punch in your party. Put your hands in the
salty sea air and dance all day. Or explore the intimate coves and “pitch a tent”
with California‘s sexy surf crowd. The hills are rolling and you will too as you
enjoy the beauty and tranquility that is Laguna Beach. The Centerpiece event
from Will Gorges and crew is a one-of-a-kind day in the sun. Set beside the
Pacific Ocean on Laguna’s breathtaking West Street Beach, the Noon-5 Morning
Party will revitalize you and leave you screaming for more. Host Hotel for the
event is the Coast Inn: 949-494-7588, Mention Morning Party for the best rate.
Info: www.willgorges.com
________________________________________________________________________
August 14, 2004
PINES 2004 - Fire Island, New York
The moon light brings out the celestial and heavenly bodies for an event of true
community spirit. Dance under the stars on the beach in Fire Island Pines.
Located only one hour east of New York City, The Pines Party offers visitors many
types of party or relaxation opportunities. Whether you prefer dancing all night or
boy watching from your beach tent, many adventures await you on Fire Island.
Info: www.fipines.com
________________________________________________________________________
August 14, 2004
LEATHERBALL - Toronto, Canada
Celebrating 10 years in leather and everything that you can do in leather this
party returns to Toronto for Summer’s sexiest event. Yes Sir! Friday night the heat
has been turned up on the military / uniform-themed dance party. Then hop
aboard the man-size main event on Saturday night. The Leather Ball returns to
the Opera House so cruise and lose yourself in a sea of men. With Pre-parties,
Welcome Parties and After-parties, Toronto’s fetish fest is bulging with muscles
and bursting with men. While in town, don’t forget to visit our friends at
Woody’s.
Info: www.leatherball.com / www.woodystoronto.com
________________________________________________________________________
August 27 - September 6, 2004
GREEK ISLES AND OLYMPICS CRUISE - Greek Isles, Mediterranean
Atlantis sails from Venice to Barcelona for their most exciting all-gay cruise. In 10
magical days, you¹ll visit two continents, four islands, four countries, and the 2004
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Summer Olympics. You’ll see more of the Mediterranean than you ever dreamed
possible as you sail onboard Celebrity’s luxurious Millennium, the most
spectacular ship Atlantis Events has ever sailed. Unique in so many ways: the first
all-gay 10 night cruise in Europe, the largest all-gay cruise to sail Europe, and the
first gay cruise to visit an Olympic host city, this is an adventure you won’t want to
miss!
________________________________________________________________________
September 3 - 6, 2004
PERFECT DAY 2K4 CANDY - Austin, Texas
Suck it, lick it or chomp it - everyone likes Candy. Join Ben Parsley and Splash
Productions in the crown jewel of Texas - Austin. The weekend melts by night as
the midnight River Cruise through the center of downtown keeps you grooving
along the Colorado. Splash into Saturday with the fun-in-or-out-of-the-sun yacht
party on Austin’s splishy Lake Travis where the boys, the drinks and the tunes of
DJ Michael Tank are never watered down. You’ll wanna cover yourself in
chocolate Saturday night as NYC’s DJ Randy Bettis spins you into the sweetest
thing since the Blow Pop. Speaking of pop, afterhour’s DJ DeMarko will leave you
as breathless as a mouth full of Pop Rocks when he sends you twirling around the
dance floor. Sunday, because you’re as hot as a Cinnamon Fire Ball, they're
bringing back the Pool Party on Town Lake to cool you down like a Bon Bon, with
the stylings of DJ Ric de Barros. You’ll be the luscious Bomb-stick as one of the
most acclaimed DJs on the Circuit, Tony Moran, sends you bumping and jumping
around the dance floor like an Umpah Lumpah with a riddle. The night does not
stop there, because that racy Southern Belle of Bourbon Street, Lydia Prim, will
keep you as wired as a Sugar Daddy when she takes over the turntables for the
Morning Party. It’s fun, it’s juicy, it’s yummy - all you have to do is put it in your
mouth.
Info: www.partyaustin.com
________________________________________________________________________
GAY DAYS TAMPA BAY - Tampa, Florida
The second annual Gay Days Tampa Bay moves to Labor Day Weekend as it
expands and establishes itself as a solid, up-and-coming Circuit destination.
Robert Bromwell, producer of such notable events as Pillage & Plunder, The Wet
Party and Better Than Wet, sets a bold new tone with this year’s main party event,
Victory. Be able to say “I was there”, for the first party to ever take place on the
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deck of a military war machine! Docked at the Florida Aquarium in beautiful
downtown Tampa, the SS American Victory welcomes aboard the sexiest group
to ever man her battle stations. All hands will be on deck as DJ Mike Reeze takes
the helm. The Tampa Bay area offers a wide variety of activities, shopping, theme
parks, trolley cars and beautiful beaches. The new host hotel is located on the
water with a breathtaking view of Port Tampa and the downtown skyline. Gay
Days Tampa Bay includes a full weekend of events. Don’t forget to bring along a
red shirt for, “Gay Day At Busch Gardens”
Info: www.GayDaysTampaBay.com / www.victorypartytampa.com
________________________________________________________________________
SOUTHERN DECADENCE 2004 - New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans’ gay Mardi Gras! A weekend where everyone tries to be more
decadent than the boy next door. All types of boys come for this wild 30 year old
event. The Diva of Decadence, Miss Chi Chi LaRue, returns to reign over the
festivities with a helping hand from porn legend Logan Reed. DecaDance XVI, the
largest event of Southern Decadence weekend, returns for its 16th year.
Meltdown is the climax of Southern Decadence weekend with the most amazing
stage productions from Adam Killian and Savage Entertainment that must be
seen to be believed. Visitors from the world over come to New Orleans to see
and be seen in the wildest, most decadent costumes on Decadence Sunday. DJs
featured for dance events throughout the weekend upstairs at the Bourbon Pub &
The Parade are Kimberly S, Lydia Prim, Rick Mitchell, Max Rodriguez, Darren
Thomas, and Jayskee. Also, Oz has the ultimate in sound and vision when it
comes to ear-full DJs and eye-catching boys 24-hours a day! The music and fun
never stops, and you’ll want to be on the balcony every day to see the
happenings on Bourbon Street. Considered to be the Gay Mardi Gras of New
Orleans, Southern Decadence has gained popularity as one of the largest free
street parties.
Info: www.southerndecadence.net / www.bourbonpub.com
www.ozneworleans.com
________________________________________________________________________
SUMMER’S GONNA COME AGAIN - Saugatuck, MI
Don’t put away those sandals and tank tops yet? There’s plenty of summer left
during this final blow out at The Dunes Resort. Connect with some of the hottest
men to be found in the Midwest during this bon-voyage tribute to the summer
sun. The largest Gay and Lesbian resort in the Midwest welcomes DJ’s Wendy
Hunt, Mark Vallese and Tom McBride. Summer 2004 quickly fades away, but
memories of Saugatuck should warm those wintry nights and immediately bring
back flashbacks of men, music and memories.
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September 15-21, 2004
Mr. CIRCUIT - Prague, Czech Republic
Egayworld.com presents a party week in Prague, the first annual international Mr.
Circuit. Don’t miss this sensually steamy night of dance surrounded by the
hottest guys and go-go-Gods for non-stop dance in the enchanted golden city of
Prague. This up and coming European capital is being referred to as the new
Paris! The parties feature performances by Amber, Abigail and Ari Gold. This
week will also feature a stop by the Future Babylon tour.
Info: www.mrcircuit.com
________________________________________________________________________
September 25, 2004
CHROME PARTY - Columbus, Ohio
Something thrilling is waiting for you in Columbus at the 3rd edition of The
Chrome Party. Platinize your party plans with an event that invigorates and hits all
of the beyond-belief buttons. Chrome excites, amazes and entices you to
experience the magic. Join your friends or make new ones for top notch DJ and
entertainment talent. This annual September event is committed to giving you
the best party experience while raising funds for other Columbus-Area
organizations that provide direct services for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Info: www.chromeparty.com
________________________________________________________________________
September 26, 2004
FOLSOM STREET FAIR - San Francisco, California
The world's largest leather event, the Folsom Street Fair is filled with people in
their most outrageous leather/rubber/fetish attire enjoying the world's largest and
best loved Leather fair. This weekend is a no-holds-barred celebration of the
fetish frenzy for the smell of tan hides. On Saturday, don't miss the signature
leather dance event of the weekend - Magnitude. San Francisco welcomes back
the amazing sounds of Mark Anthony for another year as he creates the music
and thousands of hot men create the mischief. With pulsating laser light shows
and an all new and nasty Ray Dragon Host/VIP Video Lounge that should not be
missed. Sign up for VIP/Host is on the web site. Before the growing myriad of
events that have now become infamously known as the Circuit, there was the Real
Bad party - produced by a circle of friends, for their friends, to broaden the base
of fundraising benefiting the gay and lesbian community. This year again
following the Sunday Folsom Street fair, GRGRWest presents Real Bad XVI.
Another hot ticket for the weekend is for Jito's Aftershock with DJ Abel. The
hottest after-hours, where the hunkiest come to play.
Info: www.jito.com / www.folsomstreetevents.org / www.realbad.org
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October 1 - 3, 2004
RED BALL 2004 - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Alan Penrod, Terry DeCarlo, Bill Huelsman, Leo D’aleo & Ken Moore are proud to
present, Fort Lauderdale’s hottest event. Are you ready for a new dimension?
The Red Ball - Journey to the Red Planet - rockets you to out of this world into
levels of the imagination. Friday, the 18th Street inn will heat up with a male
pageant named Mr. Red Hot USA. The spectacular evening of chiseled bodies
and infectious smiles features the hottest men from across the nation. Enjoy a
Victory Dance after the contest. There are three days of events planned including
a Sunday T with DJ Drew at the controls. Now in its 3rd successful year, with
100% of the proceeds benefiting Children’s Diagnostics and Treatment Center for
care of children with HIV/AIDS.
Info: www.redballftl.com
________________________________________________________________________
October 6 - 12, 2004
14th ANNUAL BLACK AND BLUE FESTIVAL - Montreal, Canada
There are some parties that could be anywhere, and then there is Black and Blue.
The BBCM’s biggest and most recognized event, the Black & Blue Festival will
take place during the Canadian Thanksgiving / American Columbus Day
Weekend and will include a series of parties and socio-cultural events. The Black
and Blue Party moves to its new location at the newly revamped Montreal
Convention Centre. This year’s main event will be done in collaboration with an
artistic director from the world famous Montreal based Cirque Du Soleil and
promises to dazzle partygoers. The incredible festival week serves as a musical
showcase for the most talented DJ/Producers in the world. Black and Blue invites
you to strap yourself in one more time. This ever changing, visual spectacle will
spark your imagination this fall while surrounding your senses with light, sound
and fantastic imagery. All your favorites, Jock Ball, Leather Ball, Military Ball,
Recovery and Closing Parties return. This is the largest festival of its kind with
over 50 activities including major dance parties, art exhibits, brunches, cocktails,
museum visits, sports events, etc. Early purchase of VIP Passes for the Black and
Blue Festival is recommended
Info: www.bbcm.org
________________________________________________________________________
October 28 - 31, 2004
HALLOWEEN NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans, Louisiana
There’s plenty of haunts to pick from during this fall gay holiday. Halloween in
New Orleans retains its standing as a favorite weekend for Circuit boys to be seen
in costume. Bourbon Pub / Parade has DJ’s Warren Gluck, Rick Mitchell,
Kimberly S, Lydia Prim, Jayskee and Darren Thomas. Oz once again brings in top
DJ talent and hunky dancers who proudly show off their filled trick or treat bags.
Saturday’s Costume Dance Extravaganza Main Event once again happens at the
Municipal Auditorium at Armstrong Park.
Info: www.halloweenneworleans.com / www.gayhalloween.com
www.bourbonpub.com / www.ozneworleans.com
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THE EARS HAVE IT
…overheard in the past decade
"He's fuckin' hot, butch, and
interested. Why aren't you going
home with him?"
"Cause when he opened his mouth,
his purse fell out."
"What's the difference between a
vicious queen and an evil queen?"
"A vicious queen says, 'You're gonna
wear that?!' and an evil queen says
'Honey, you look faaaabulous!'"
"Girl, put the bumper
down...step away from
the bumper."
"After as many times as she
took it last night, she's going
to have to use rock salt to
make it pretty and tight
again."
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"Dick, dick, dick! Doesn't
anyone care about money
anymore?"
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"My friends are more
important to me than some
little piece of meat."
"Don't think I didn't notice
that you specified the meat
was little."
"So how was the foam
party last night?"
"Oh, we got there too late.
Half the crowd had already
cum."
"Is your chest naturally
smooth?"
"Yes, is yours naturally
stubbly?"
"Is this your new
boyfriend?"
"Well, let's just say he's
the only top in my life
right now."
"Oh my god, this picture on my driver's
license makes me look like I'm high!"
"Good. If you get pulled over some
night when you're a mess they'll just
think you look normal."
"Those two bumped me
to Nirvana then fucked me
to death."
"I prefer tattoos to
boyfriends - they're
easier to remove."
"If you work him
any harder, they'll
be taking taxes
out."
Submit your own “Overheards” to us at
[email protected]
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Toronto Pride Week
June 21st - 27th
Canada Cup Softball
Weekend
July 2nd - 4th
Folson Fair North
Weekend
July 16th - 18th
Leatherball X Weekend
August 13th - 15th
Mr. Leatherman
Toronto Weekend
November 26th - 28th
Congratulations
Circuit Noize
Magazine
on your
TEN BIG ONES!
Big Pumping,
All Humping
465-467 Church St. Toronto
416-972-0887
woodystoronto.com
VACATION IN IBIZA
It was only a matter of time before someone used the format of the
acation in
graphic novel to tell a story centered on party boys. V
Ibiza may not be the first attempt, but it’s the first I’ve seen that is
done with such style. Following the story of two hunky Germans
who are visiting Ibiza, it is a fun little romp through their sex-filled
vacation. In the process, you learn about all the little “in” places on
the island where the boys congregate to see and be done. The
story examines the age-old tension of all gay men on vacation in
paradise – should I spread it around with everyone on the island or
should I meet one sweet local who can help me explore the place a
little deeper, while also getting to enjoy the illusion of being in love
with only the commitment of a vacation romance? To purchase this
novel, check your local gay bookstore, or visit the publisher online at
http:/w
/ ww.nbmpublishing.com/eurotica/esebas/sebashom.html
.
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Spring Circuit
Photo Album
h
Poto: XDemente Carnaval 2004, Marina da Gló
ria
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
h
Potographer: Celso Badauê
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Find your friends.
View amazing performances and light shows.
Perhaps even see yourself.
For even more photos, visit our renowned
website, www.circuitnoize.com, for the largest
online library and archive of event photos.
Are
Are you a photographer? Do you
bring a camera to events?
Submit your photos to us and we’ll
feature
feature them in upcoming issues.
Contact
[email protected]
[email protected] for
more
more information.
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The Decade’s Best
All photos by Moody Mustafa
The Decade’s Best
All photos by Moody Mustafa
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Chris Verdugo’s Pool Party @Winter Party Week
Photographer: Jim Cox @ www.jimcox.net
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TINA TALK
by Steven J. Lee, M.D.
Crystal methamphetamine, popularly known as “Tina”, has become a
major part of the dance party scene
e, fueling all night and all day
partying. It is now the drug of choice for marathon partying, wheth
her on
the dance floor or at private sex parties.
Crystal can be snorted in bumps or
lines, smoked, or injected. Generally,
crystal gives people energy. It makes
people feel awake, energized, and alive
- like everything is sharp and “crystal
clear.” We feel better about ourselves more attractive, confident, and
assertive. It also makes some feel
extremely sexual. In these respects, it is
the perfect party enhancer.
Unfortunately, Tina becomes a
problem for many who get in
deeper than they had ever
planned, causing them to lose
their health, their jobs, their
relationships, and control over
their lives.
Circuit parties have always
provided social meeting places
that allow gay men to feel a sense
of community. Figuring out a way
to party safely is essential to
keeping the party a fun part of our
lives. Here are some facts that can
help to guide you.
Why is Tina such a good friend of
Dorothy?
Why does crystal seem to have such a
strong appeal to gay men? For gay
men who grew up with constant
messages that it is shameful to be gay
and that gay people are inferior, their
core self-esteem can be low. The burst
of self-confidence that crystal provides
is a powerful experience for those with
self-esteem issues, even if they are not
consciously aware of them.
Who is Tina and why is she so
popular?
Tina is a white powder crystalline
form of methamphetamine. It is
related to the amphetamines used
for dieting and attention deficit
disorder, but is much stronger than
these other drugs. Crystal affects
a chemical in the brain called
dopamine and is actually one of
the most powerful dopamine
enhancing drugs known to man.
Sexual feelings on crystal are so strong
that they are unconflicted, meaning that
they are not mixed up with the negative
messages that society has forced upon
us. All we have to think about when we
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have sex on crystal is that sex is
fun. Tina checks all that mental
baggage at the door.
Why is crystal so addictive?
Dopamine, the chemical in the
brain affected by crystal, mediates
a brain pathway called the “brain
reward circuit.” Mother Nature put
this pathway in our brains to trick
us into repeating good behaviors.
All behaviors that help a species to
live and propagate, such as eating
food and having sex, stimulate this
pathway. The pleasure we feel
from these activities is mediated by
this pathway, so we feel compelled
to repeat them.
Crystal is the most powerful
stimulant of the brain reward
circuit. The stimulation of this
pathway by crystal, and the
pleasure that we feel, can be more
intense than nature ever intended
our brains to experience. Once
experienced, the brain craves more
such stimulation – and there’s only
one way to get it again. The more
you do crystal, however, the more
you prime the brain reward circuit.
This process can slowly draw you
in, making the need for further
priming and further reward
stronger over time. Before long,
the brain becomes “hard wired.”
Furthermore, after the huge release
of dopamine from a crystal high,
our brains are depleted of this
chemical. We don’t have enough
to supply us for our regular
functions, like keeping our mood
up and thinking straight. You can
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feel depression, anxiety, and even
panic. The natural impulse is to do
more crystal to feel better and to stave
off the crash. However, this is the worst
thing to do. In the end, the bigger the
binge, the harder the fall.
For some, sex on crystal can be so
intense that we find that sober sex just
isn’t worth it anymore. If we’re not
doing crystal we feel apathetic about
sex. But we’re men, and sooner or later
we need to have more sex. Many find
that they’re not satisfied with sex unless
they have sex on crystal.
Can I prevent myself from getting
hooked?
The best way to avoid developing a
problem with crystal is not to do it at all.
However, if you’re already doing crystal
then you should monitor how often you
are using it.
If you are going to use crystal, minimize
your risk by setting a limit on how often
you will use it, how much you will do
each time, and for how long you are
going to party. Make a plan and stick to
it. If you find that you can’t stick to your
limits, things might be getting out of
control. Remember, every time you use
crystal, you are priming your brain
reward circuit; you increase your risk of
developing problems with each
successive use.
Smoking crystal is more addictive than
snorting and injecting crystal is the most
addictive. These methods give you a
much larger dose of the drug, causing
more reward circuit stimulation and thus
more priming to do it again.
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Is your relationship with Tina
getting too close?
Have you been having the kind of sex
that you normally wouldn’t be having?
Have you been taking risks that in the
past you would never have dreamed of
taking?
Do you find that Tina stops by a
little too often or has become a
demanding guest who has
overstayed her welcome? It may
be hard to tell. She’s so seductive
that you may think you want her
around, even though she’s
destroying your home and scaring
the rest of your friends and guests
away.
Are you having health problems
because of crystal - poor nutrition,
losing weight, bad teeth, not taking
your meds regularly?
Have you found yourself isolating from
friends and family,
spending more
time doing crystal
by yourself or with
sex partners?
Here are some
signs
that
might indicate
that crystal is
becoming a
problem:
Do
you
find
yourself lying,
making excuses to
people about why
you can’t see
them so that you
can have private
time for another
crystal binge?
Are you now
doing more
crystal than you
ever imagined
you’d be doing
when you first
started trying
it? Have you
been telling
y o u r s e l f
reasons why
this is OK, even
though
you
never intended
to be a regular crystal user?
Have you been
s p e n d i n g
i n c re a s i n g
amounts
of
money on crystal?
Have you ever
had to resort to
selling things or putting off paying bills
because you needed money for crystal?
Have you ever had to borrow money
from friends or gotten into debt
because of crystal?
Do you ever find yourself using
more crystal not just to get high,
but to chase away the crash?
These kind of insidious changes
develop so gradually that we don’t
even notice how our lives have
changed.
Have you ever missed work
because you couldn’t stop using
crystal and the binge spilled into
your work week, or you felt so bad
on Monday from your crash that
you had to call in sick?
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CMA have been in your shoes and are
going through the same thing. They
know the highs you’ve felt, the lows
you’ve hit, and how powerful the draw
to crystal and sex on crystal is.
Some more obvious signs of
trouble are intense anxiety and
panic attacks while high; erratic
behavior; suspicion and paranoia
about other people that can last
days or weeks after the high is long
over; auditory, visual, or tactile
hallucinations; loss of your job,
friends, and family; loss of your
money and material possessions in
order to support your habit.
Because they’ve been where you are,
they can also confront you when you’re
lying. Crystal is so powerful you’ll find
yourself lying to yourself, making
excuses to use it again and convincing
yourself that it’s OK. They’ll call you on
your bullshit – but in a caring way that
even the best-intentioned friends might
not be able to do.
If I think I have a problem, then
what do I do?
If you have a problem with crystal,
the best thing to do is stop using
it. Easier said than done, right?
There are some physicians who
know how to detox you off of
crystal so that the crash is not so
painful. If you just can’t get it away
from you, you may have to take
yourself away from it and check
yourself into rehab. Make sure you
find a place where the doctors and
staff are familiar with crystal
methamphetamine. Although
general addiction principles are
extremely helpful, treatment
dealing specifically with crystal
meth addiction is much more
beneficial.
Once you know you have a problem
with crystal, it is important to stay away
from it. Even if it took years to get to
your lowest point with Tina, it can take
only one time to bring you right back to
your most intense dependence
patterns.
If you have questions about crystal,
contact your local gay and lesbian
community service organization, and
visit the following web sites:
www.crystalmeth.org
Crystal Meth Anonymous
www.gmhc.org
Gay Men’s Health Crisis
Joining a 12-step group like
Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) is
also highly recommended. Telling
other people about your problem
is not easy, but sometimes
admitting to others that you have a
problem is the only way you can
admit it to yourself. It can be very
humbling, but that might be what
it takes to break through the
narcissistic denial that you have
everything under control and that
crystal is not a problem. People in
www.tweaker.org
A har m reduction website that
educates people who are still actively
using crystal.
Steven J. Lee, M.D., is an Assistant
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at
Columbia University and an addiction
psychiatrist in private practice in New
York City. He can be reached at
212-366-0499.
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MUSIC REVIEWS
by DJ Mateo & Ramon Johnson
Tribal Pleasures
disappear. The groove continued to
build to the point where I had to sit
down to avoid dancing my butt off on
the busy subway platform. This Latin
duo knows how to start a party and
build excitement to the point of ecstasy
(the feeling, silly boys!) Each vocal
groove is an exciting prelude to the
next. The beats are deep and hot
enough to make you wonder where this
DJ duo has been all your life.
T-P
ro &Angel C
Jellybean Records
I set out on the streets of New York
with T-Pro & Angel C's new CD
Tribal Pleasures burned into my
MP3 player. I was cold and
irritable and very prepared to fast
forward just in case it didn't get my
blood pumping. Tribal Pleasures
immediately opened my eyes with
its lead track "Tribal Journey" by
Marco Polo Cerere, giving me a
little Afro-Latin feel that got my
hips moving. My intentions to
skim through this mix were
squashed after mere seconds!
The heart of hot Latin parties Milk and
Cuchifrito in New York City and L.A.'s
Circus and Arena, T-Pro and Angel C
attract a universal crowd with new
tracks, classic motifs, and throw-down
beats in one high energy set. These
boys are bound to spread like a
California wildfire throughout the
underground party scene. Keep an eye
out for this dynamic duo coming to a
party near you!
What really impressed me about TPro & Angel C was the connection
you can feel they make with their
audience. The tracks seamlessly
warmed at a pace slow but
exciting enough to draw you in
and make the outside world
Ramon Johnson provided the review of
Tribal Pleasures.
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Winter Party Volume 7
Anthem
Mixed by Tony Moran
Centaur
Mixed by Wayne G
Initi-8e
Zro
With a great number of partyrelated collections available all of a
sudden, it's hard to pick the disc
that best suits your particular
palette… especially since each DJ
has a different idea of "the Circuit
sound," which can range from jazzy
tea dance house to balls-to-thewall vocal trance. Leave it to Tony
Moran, however, to deliver a
collection that sticks to what most
of us would consider the traditional
Circuit formula, featuring dramatic,
hi-NRG vocal anthems with both
star power and underground cred.
First on the list of must-have
moments comes from none other
than Donna Summer, whose new
tune "You're So Beautiful" gets the
full
divas-to-the-dancefloor
treatment thanks to Mac Quayle
and Moran himself… which is
probably why we've only seen the
tune available here. Come to think
of it, Moran definitely proves
there's power in being an original
producer with accompanying tunes
from Nicki Richards ("Let The
Sunshine In") and Ric Sena
("Alegria"), both of which receive
Moran's magic touch in the studio.
Also sharing the limelight with such
mainstream mainstays are cool
club cuts from Presta & Stakey,
Palm Spring and the catchy new
vocal anthem from Benassi Bros.
featuring Sandy. Tony's got a
winner with this one.
Between the cute guy on the cover and
the Abercrombie-inspired frat-font, it's
pretty obvious that the contents of
Wayne G's latest collection, the
appropriately titled Anthem , are
thoroughly queer. As resident DJ of the
UK's multi-level superclub, Heaven, G
has learned through years of
experience just what the queens want
and how to give it to 'em on a hi-NRG
CD. Such a task is a lot harder to
deliver than it would at first seem - it's
one thing to have a great sound when
you play live, quite another to be able
to capture that sound in a recorded set.
The secret to G's success lies in both
his decision to include more than 20
upbeat anthems (the usual Circuit set
only has about 10), and his somewhat
left-of-center choice of remixes and
reworkings. Tracks like Hannah Jones'
"Bridge Over Troubled Waters" and
Sheryl Lee Ralph's "In The Evening"
offer just the kind of hands-in-the-air
gay fare that might be overlooked by
the typical Circuit DJ, mixed alongside
more predictable yet punchy fare from
the Sleazesisters featuring Lisa Andres
("One Day I'll Fly Away") and Sandy B
("Make The World Go Round 2004").
Still available only on import, you might
have to shell out a bit more to add
Anthem to your collection, but we think
you'll get plenty of airplay out of it.
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131
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Buy these releases and all your other
dance music favorites at
e
Prfectbeat.com.
Masterbeat Presents
White Party Fifteen
Mixed by Brett Henrichsen
Master n
Etertainment
good spinning it without a shirt? That
classic anthem serves as the starting
bell to Henrichsen's latest White Party
collection, which chugs through a
stylistically varied set list, ranging from
traditional Circuit fare (Beat Hustlerz
feat. Thea Austin "Just About Had
Enough") to euphoric trance
(Perpetuous Dreamer "Dust.wav"),
generally choosing to underline what
we already know rather than expose us
to the undiscovered. But isn't that
exactly
what
people
want?
Henrichsen's stereo souvenir for this
year's Palm Springs' splashdown
delivers a solid hour of entertainment.
Familiar tunes like Charlotte's 2004
remix of "Skin" and Amuka's
"Appreciate Me" will have the sing-along Sally's jammin' on the way home
from the desert, and the inclusion of
Kristine W's latest "Save My Soul"
should appease any queen who is
always after what's new. Altogether,
White Party Fifteen is a light yet
satisfying selection from one of
America's most famous Circuit DJs.
To say that there's a great deal of
expectation placed on the
shoulders of Brett Henrichsen
would be a true understatement.
Each year, Jeffrey Sanker's
sanctioned spinster is met with the
challenge
to
deliver
an
extraordinary CD mix bearing the
White Party's official trademark
and to essentially showcase the
best tracks of the year on one
quintessential compilation. Added
to that, it's got to be even better
than last year's collection or every
bitchy queen across the country
with an opinion and just a hint of
jealousy is going to be trashing the
guy all over the Internet. It's a
quandary that even the most
skilled of DJs would find difficult to
safely navigate. Yet Brett delivers
the goods. And while there are
thousands of undiscovered DJs out
there who knew about Soul Logic's
vocal anthem "Let's Get Together"
when it was originally released in
2001, how many of them look
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White Party 2003: Flash
Back / Flash Forward
Mixed by Tracy Young
Ferosh
One thing can be said of Tracy
Young: she's always very high
concept. Fans loved her previous
effort, the somewhat schizophrenic
Living Theater - much to the
chagrin of its many critics. But
both sides came to agree that it
would be pretty interesting to see
what the talented DJ/p roducer
would do next. The result is White
Pa rty 2003: Flash Back / Flash
Forward, an equally highbrow entry
that does its best to minimize the
usual cheese-factor typically
associated
with
Circuit
compilations. (Notice there's no
shirtless guy on the cover?) Still,
Young knows an uplifting vocal
anthem when she remixes one, and
her inclusion of hard-to-find
productions from Gloria E
s tefan
("W rapped"), Cyndi Lauper
("
Shine"
), and Ceevox ("
Believe In
We"
) prove that she can party with
the best of them. Yet the CD is not
without its darker moments, thanks
to sweaty pounders from Alma
Matris ("R apido") and Robbie
Rivera ("
The Hum Melody"
), both
appear in remixed format from
Robbie Rivera and Saeed &a
Plash
respectively. Don't let the longwinded title scare you away from
one of 2004's better Circuit
collections from one of its most
interesting superstars.
Circuit
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Live@Roxy 3
Mixed by Peter Rauhofer
Star 69
Circuit Noize was lucky enough to be
among the first to get their hot little
hands on P
eter Rauhofer's latest 2CD
set, the third installment to his ultra
popular Live@
R oxy series. Besides
Rauhofer's new stubbly-cub image, the
first thing any Circuit boy worth his salt
will notice about this particular
collection is the inclusion of none other
than (trumpets, please) Madonna whose "N obody knows Me" and
"N othing Fails"are both included as
remixed by Rauhofer. Clearly the guy
has begun to get a little sway with M,
likely due to the fact that he's
repeatedly remade some of her lesser
tunes into some major anthems. But
Live@
Roxy has never been about the
major label majesties, so it is especially
interesting to find Madonna among
such serious dance artists as Airmale
("L ove
Me"),
Angelo
K
o rtez
("S candalous"), and Marco V
("C /D el:MP3 "). It's this kind of
interweaving of the commercial and
underground club sounds that make
Rauhofer one of the world's most
eclectic DJs, and a true entrepreneur
within the Circuit scene. He's also got a
damn good ear, essentially discovering
mind-blowing tracks from Motibus
("
Music"
) and Assaf Amdursky ("
Tribal
Scream"
). Add a production career that
continues to mature and you've got all
the ingredients for one of 2004's early
entries for DJ compilation of the year.
133
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Advertise!
Everyone Else Does.
On the Street: August 1, 2004
Ad Deadline: July 1, 2004
(818) 769-9390
Pickup
at these Preferred
Locations:
Atlanta, GA
Outwrite Books
The Poster Hut
Backstreet
Boy Next Door
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Long Island City, NY
Detroit, MI
Los Angeles
West Hollywood, CA
Cross Roads Market
Menjo's Detroit
BodyZone Club
Elk Grove, IL
The Forum
Splash
Hunter's DanceClub
Boston, MA
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mike's Gym
We Think the World of You
Metropolitan Gym
MAP
Fritz
Francesca's
Vinyl Connection
Machine
Better Bodies Gym
Georgies Alibi
Colliseum
Catalogue X
Gay Mart
Boom
Cathode Ray
Chicago, IL
Cabana Waikiki
Tryst
Angles
Sidetracks
Borderline Music
Universal Gear
LA Tan in Century Mall
Circuit Nightclub
Beatnix
Unabridged Bookstore
Columbia, SC
Club Metropolis
Columbus, OH
Torso
An Open Book
Honolulu, HI
Krash
Perfect Beat
The Factory
Capitol Drugs
Raving Rainbow
Pleasure Chest
Jocko
L.A. Sporting Club
Rage Nightclub
Hollywood Spa
A Different Light
In 101
Video West
VideoActive
Miami, FL
Houston, TX
Crobar Miami
Score
Iron Works
Twist
Space
Ulloa Sport
11th St Diner
BodyBodyWear
New Concept Video
Laguna Beach, CA
Minneapolis, MN
JR's Bar and Grill
Rich's
M2M Fashions
Boom Boom Room
Woody’s
Mainstreet
Las Vegas, NV
Blue Moon Resort
Rainbow Road
Montreal, Canada
Presse Cafe
BodyBodyWear
New Orleans, LA
Philadelphia, PA
Saugatuk, MI
Bourbon Pub / Parade
Oz Nightclub
Shampoo
Millenium Coffee
12th St Gym
The Dunes Resort
New York, NY
Phoenix, AZ
Urban Body Men's Clothing
Club Underground
Chambers
Chrome
City Side
Tomes & Treasures
Splash SBNY
BodyBodyWear
Energy Kitchen
Code
XL Lounge
Roxy
Revision
Universal Gear
19th St Gym
Wear Me Out
Eagle NYC
Alegria
Rainbows and Triangles
Heartbeat Records
Orlando, FL
Urban Body Men's Clothing
Palm Springs, CA
AEU Studios
Heaven
Crobar
Winks
Provincetown, MA
Mussel Beach
Crown & Anchor
Ptown Gym
Provincetown Deli
Tampa, FL
Toronto, Canada
San Diego, CA
Club Montage
Obelisk Bookstore
5ive Lifelounge
BodyBodyWear
Woody's
San Francisco, CA
Vancouver, Canada
Mezzanine
Powerhouse
BodyBodyWear
Citizen / Body Clothing
Books Inc
Club 220
MASS
Metropolis
Sanctuary
Always Tan
GayMart
Washington, DC
Nations Night Club
ATLAS
Universal Gear
Lamda Rising
Capital City Health Café
To Become a Distribution Point for Circuit Noize Magazine
Send an Email to:
[email protected]
LIFE ONLINE
by John R. Ballew, M.S., L.P.C.
Does anyone spend more time online than gay men do? I mean, when
was the last time you met a gay ma
an who didn’t have an email address?
Most of us have more than one.
There are thousands of online profiles
from gay men in any large American
city; even many rural areas have a few
dozen. With numbers like that, how do
you choose between one match and
another? We end up screening
candidates based on trivia: this one
misspelled two words in his profile, that
one sounds a little too perfect. How
many otherwise-appealing men get
eliminated because they had a photo
with an ugly old sofa in the
background?
We’re accustomed to shopping
online, buying airline tickets over
the net, staying in touch with
friends and ex-lovers via instant
messaging and, in general, being
the most connected people ever.
Small wonder, then, that so many
of us would turn to the web to look
for other guys. Looking for a
boyfriend? Online dating services
are standing by with thousands of
matches for your inspection.
Looking for more immediate
gratification? Other web sites offer
even more guys who are looking
for sex, some even searchable by
who is online in your zip code right
now!
If scanning profiles offers an
overabundance of choices, chat rooms
pose other challenges.
Online
conversations make a certain level of
intimacy fairly quick and easy. In the
absence of other infor mation, IM
responses look like Rorschach inkblots.
Some are a turnoff and we sign off.
Others look empathic and make us
think, “Yes! What a great guy! He’s
really something special!” At least until
we lose contact with him because he’s
having the same conversation with guys
in three other states at the same
moment. Sometimes quick and easy
is… too quick and easy.
So now that we’re all connected
via cyberspace, we’ve gotten rid of
loneliness and isolation, right?
New friends and boyfriends are
surely right around the corner. We
must be having better sex and
more romantic connections than
ever thanks to all this technology,
right?
Well, maybe not.
Cruising for sex online is at least more
straightforward. Your stats get his;
photos get exchanged. A little talk
about sexual preferences and you’re
Life in cyberspace is different. For
one thing, the number of choices
available can leave us paralyzed.
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It’s not unusual nowadays to hear about
someone deciding to move to a distant
city to be with a guy they literally
haven’t met. That’s generally a terrible
idea. Slow things down. Don’t get
ahead of yourself and imagine there is
a commitment when you’re really still
getting to know someone. Rushing
online connections is no better strategy
for happiness than hurrying through
dating would be.
ready to get it on. It’s not
surprising that many of us spend
hours at a time looking for sex
online, even when we’re not all
that horny.
Connecting online can be
wonderful, but many of us lose our
way in the cyberspace wilderness.
We feel like we’re starving in a land
of plenty, caught in a maze where
familiar signposts are missing.
What to do? Here are some
guidelines:
Sex is easy online; intimacy isn
n’t.
Online life has been called the “Home
Cruising Network.” Hooking up is
quick and easy. That can be lots of fun.
It can also lead to wasting lots of time,
distracting yourself from what you most
deeply want, and self-destructive,
compulsive patterns.
If you’re looking at profiles, don’t
lose sight of the forest for the
trees.
Your goal is to meet an interesting
guy worth spending a night out
with, right? You don’t need to
meet the perfect one out of all
1,105 profiles available. You’re
looking for someone worth inviting
out for coffee. After you’ve found
a few guys who interest you,
explore them a bit after you make
contact. Don’t be so quick to troll
for more matches that you put
someone in the trash can before
you truly get to know them.
Cruising online can become compulsive
(some would say addictive) in ways that
create real problems for the guys
involved. The problem is that cruising
electronically can be so pleasurable
that it takes over more and more of a
person’s life.
See if it works to set limits regarding
how much time you allow yourself
online. Don’t let your online life
squeeze out time for making time with
friends and dates.
Remember that a profile is only a
brief snapshot of an actual living,
breathing human being. Don’t be
so quick to move on to the next
guy that you run through lots of
profiles without ever really getting
to know the guys behind them.
Following common sense guidelines
can help you avoid getting lost in
cyberspace. Be mindful of what you
really want, and don’t let the bright
lights of Cyberland distract you from
getting what you really want in life.
Don’t mistake good conversational
skills for really getting to know
someone.
John R. Ballew, M.S., is a licensed
professional counselor in private
practice in Atlanta. He specializes in
issues related to coming out, sexuality
and relationships and spirituality. He
can be reached via the web at
www.bodymindsoul.org.
The combination of online chats
and email volleys can be a
hothouse that allows connections
to grow quickly – without much
substance. Getting to know
someone takes time.
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Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God
that is within us.
It’s not just some of us; it’s everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other
people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others.
Marianne Williamson
Author of A Return to Love
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Issue 40 - noiZe Magazine

Transcription

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