- Seattle Gay News

Seattle Gay News
Issue 39, Volume 35, September 28, 2007
e. joyce glasgow
Arts &
Travel
Sequim Lavender Festival fields are euphoric
by E. Joyce Glasgow
SGN A&E Writer
2007 Sequim Lavender Festival
July 20-22
Sequim, Washington
Strolling through heavenly fields of fresh
blooming lavender, of different shades of
purple, of different textures and different
scents and enjoying creatively prepared food
and drink containing lavender, made me euphoric! I never knew lavender could do that.
I was exposed to more lavender in one day
than ever before and it took its potent and
magical effects over me. Maybe others feel
the same as 35,000-40,000 people from all
over the world visit annually. The SequimDungeness Valley is known as the “Lavender Capital of North America”.
If you’ve never been to the Sequim Lavender Festival before, I highly recommend a
visit next July. It makes a lovely day trip adventure from Seattle, or book a weekend (as
soon as possible) at a lovely bed and breakfast on the Olympic Peninsula and enjoy leisurely visits to the eight farms on the tour,
the Festival Street Fair, which features music, food, crafts and lavender products and
the six local wineries that also offer special
touring hours to co-ordinate with the Lavender Festival. There are shuttle buses which
take you out to the farms from town and are
a nice alternative to driving. The farm tour
costs $15.00 per person, which gives you
access by bus or car to all eight farms.
My companion and I thought we could
easily visit all eight farms in one day, but
found that each farm had such unique
charms and entertainment that we happily
settled into enjoying four and really took
our time to relax at each.
Bat Boy the Musical p. 3
We first visited Sunshine Herb and Lavender Farm (www.sunshinelavender.com),
where we enjoyed country music by the
Northwest Country Boys, a trio of elder
gentlemen, who all grew up in the mountains of the Olympic Peninsula. Here we
also enjoyed lavender-lemon sorbet and a
bagel with lavender-honey butter. Our next
visit was to one of the most famous and one
of the oldest lavender farms in Sequim, the
Purple Haze Lavender Farm (www.purplehazelavender.com). I love the reference to
the song of the same title by Jimi Hendrix
and how appropriate it is! This picturesque
farm, with its rolling fields of lavender, is
lovely to behold. Geoffrey Castle played
his solo electric violin, as listeners tried lavender margaritas, lavender ice cream, salad
with lavender dressing and fresh grilled
salmon. The gift shop was filled with won-
derful lavender products, as were all the
farms’ gift shops, including lavender dark
chocolate, which was scrumptious! We
then headed for Jardin du Soleil Lavender
Farm (www.jardindusoleil.com), a certified
organic farm, surrounding an 1880 Victorian home, where we picked up some very
fragrant lavender and herb soap and tried
skewers of chicken prepared with lavender
barbeque sauce. Our final stop was lovely
and intimate Angel Farm, another older
and well-established lavender farm, with
a display of black-eyed Susans growing
midst the lavender. They have a charming,
weathered barn, with numerous bouquets
of lavender hung to dry from the ceiling
and where, yearly, on the Saturday night of
the festival, there is a sunset, wild salmon
see LAVENDER page 15
John James Audubon at MOHAI p. 9
Air New Zealand’s “Pink Flights” p. 7 Bits & Bytes in Reno! p. 12
Bat Boy the Musical
October 3 - November 10
$32 ($10, 25 & under)
Box Office: 206-938-0339
ArtsWest (4711 California Avenue SW,
Seattle) bites into season number nine with
the Seattle premiere of Bat Boy the Musical,
October 3 - November 10. Ripped from the
pages of the Weekly World News, this awardwinning cult hit tells the story of a strange
boy with pointy ears, his struggle to find a
place in a world that shuns him, and the love
that can create both miracles and madness.
“I’ve wanted to do Bat Boy at ArtsWest
for at least seven years now, because I con-
sider it to be the perfect show for us,” said
Christopher Zinovitch, ArtsWest Director
of Theater and Education. “It’s a show that
needs the intensity and intimacy of a fringe
theater combined with the budget-based
flourishes possible at a larger theater. That’s
ArtsWest.”
Bat Boy the Musical premiered at Tim
Robbins’ Los Angeles Actors’ Gang Theatre on October 31, 1997 and has since been
produced Off-Broadway, in London’s West
End, at the Edinburgh Festival and in scores
of theaters throughout the world.
“Bat Boy is great stuff: A Drama Desk
Award winner with a Rocky Horror Show
Balagan Theatre opens
its 2007-2008 season
THE MAINSTAGE SEASON
IN A NEW SPACE
Balagan Theatre’s 2007-2008 second
season will open in October with Caryl
Churchill’s Cloud 9, followed by You’re a
Good Man Charlie Brown during the winter holidays. The new year will launch with
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, continue
with Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, and conclude with Charles Mee’s Big Love in May.
All productions will be produced in Balagan’s new home in the brand new building
on the corner of 12th and Pike, next to Seattle
mainstays such as La Spiga, Café Stellina,
and Izilla Toys.
THE B SIDE
In addition to the mainstage, Balagan’s
new theatre complex will include a late
night cabaret that will feature a vast array
of genres from classics to cutting edge new
works, performance art, and staged readings. Balagan welcomes guest artists and
other companies who need a venue to produce their work, and will be hosting or collaborating with many creative local groups.
THE ACTORS’ STUDIO
The theatre complex will open the Balagan Actors’ Studio of professional training,
run by Charles S. Waxberg, one of the last
teachers trained by Stella Adler. In a conservatory setting that emphasizes the later discoveries of Stanislavsky and the techniques
created from them by Miss Adler, classes
and workshops will be offered in ascending
levels of Acting Technique, Script Analysis,
Vocal Production, Movement, Improvisation, Professional Scene Study and other
specialties. (For more information on the
school at this time, please email Charles
directly at ActorsStudio@BalaganTheatre.
org.) In addition, a performance-oriented
theatre program for younger students will
be offered with a minimum of 25% of participants enrolled at substantially reduced
cost to encourage a wider variety of artistic
opportunities.
September 28, 2007
sensibility,” added Alan Harrison, ArtsWest
Executive Director. “This show has all the
subtlety of The Rolling Stones plus the elegance of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark; it’s
smart, funny, and habit-forming.”
ArtsWest’s production of Bat Boy the
Musical will be directed by Zinovitch, with
Music Direction by R.J. Tancioco.
The cast includes Krystle Armstrong, Greta Bloor, Nick DeSantis, Tim Glynn, Arielle
Grieco, Heather Hawkins, Trish LaGrua,
Jimmy Scheider, Sulo Turner, Evan Woltz
and Troy Wageman as Bat Boy.
Bat Boy the Musical features Music and
Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Book by
Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming.
ArtsWest’s production of Bat Boy the Musical is made possible by a generous grant
from Viking Bank.
About ArtsWest: ArtsWest produces artistic events so fiercely compelling that they
require conversation, improve the imagination, and promote cultural vibrancy as a core
value for the communities of West Seattle.
Utilizing a 149-seat, 3/4 thrust theater and
visual art gallery, ArtsWest has presented
over 400 different performing arts productions and gallery exhibitions to over 200,000
visitors since 1999.
An ArtsWest press release
THE COMPANY
AND ITS GROWTH
Founded in 2006 by Jake Groshong and
Kaitie Warren, Balagan Theatre concluded
its inaugural season with great success.
Balagan received two Footlight Awards
from the Seattle Times, including “Theater
on the Rise,” and was named a finalist in the
NWSource Peoples Pick of 2007. Past productions have been named Critics’ Picks,
Best Bets, and Theatrical Highlights by the
Seattle Times and the Seattle P-I, and were
recommended by The Stranger. Balagan
Theatre is committed to professional quality in a fringe theater, and values performing
relevant texts from a wide range of styles
and eras, with equally varied casts.
With a keen eye for professionalism and
variety, Charles S. Waxberg, who served as
artistic consultant for the first season, will
be taking on the role of Artistic Director of
Balagan Theatre (www.actorsscript.com/
ChazBio.htm). Company Founders Jake
Groshong and Kaitie Warren will both operate under the title of Executive Director,
with staff and faculty chosen from the talented and working professionals of the vibrant Seattle theatre community.
THE SEASON
Cloud 9 by Caryl Churchill, directed by
Mark Pinkosh
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown by
Clark Gesner and John Gordon, directed by
Charles S. Waxberg
The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, directed by Kaitie Warren
All My Sons by Arthur Miller, directed by
Charles S. Waxberg
Big Love by Charles Mee, directed by
Jake Groshong
For more information, please visit www.
balagantheatre.org
A Balagan Theatre press release
Autumn
Arts & Travel
Seattle Gay News
3
COURTESY ARTS WEST
Bat Boy the Musical swoops into town
SGN travel writers offer tips on
Oahu, British Columbia,
and the UK
Compiled by Albert Rodriguez
SGN A&E Writer
being 30 miles out of town, you start and
end your trips close to where you want to be.
Fewer people take the train, and that means
shorter lines and less waiting all around;
customs is a breeze at both the Victoria
Clipper station and Pacific Central Station
in Vancouver.
2. Are Canadians as friendly as we tout
them to be?
Even more friendly, if that’s humanly possible. I swear, if you look at all confused
someone will come over to you and ask if
you need help finding something. 3. What’s a must-see or must-do activ-
OAHU, HAWAII
by Ron Anders
1. You traveled to Oahu this spring for
the first time. What stands out for you
from everything you saw and did there?
Although most of my time was spent in
beautiful Honolulu, I did get a chance to get
away from the city lights. I took a tour of
Kualoa Ranch, a huge natural preserve about
45 minutes north of the city. The Ka’a’awa
Valley, featured in TV’s mega-hit Lost, has
some otherworldly, breathtaking scenery
and jungle terrain. I still think about those
incredible landscapes!
2. What’s a local Hawaiian delicacy that
must be tried?
I had a great (very casual) lunch at Gulick’s Delicatessen in Honolulu – recommended to me by a native Hawaiian friend.
The teriyaki mahi mahi and sweet-and-sour
spare ribs were to die for. There are many
other dishes that will tickle your taste buds.
You don’t have to spend a lot of cash to be
well fed (quality and quantity, that is) in Honolulu.
3. Which hotels did you stay at? Would
you recommend them?
I stayed at the Aqua Bamboo and Spa and
the Aqua Palms hotel, both part of the Aqua
Boutique Hotel chain – and both in Honolulu. They were centrally located, comfortable, quiet, and beautifully appointed. The
staff was very helpful. Try their spa treatments (including massage), which are perfectly relaxing.
4. What’s a solo Gay traveler to do on
the island of Oahu?
Honolulu is a very Queer-friendly city. If
you want to hang out and make new friends,
try Hula’s – a friendly bar where you can
Tower Bridge in London, England
cards). It’s right across the street from Waikiki Beach. Also, try 80% Straight, a small
boutique catering to the Gay community
where you will invariably find something
cute to bring back for your friends.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
by Lorelei Quenzer
1. You journeyed to Victoria via ferry
and Vancouver via train. What’s the benefit of taking alternate transportation tofrom British Columbia?
Everything is better, as far as I’m concerned. I won’t even consider taking a car
to Vancouver. If it’s not the money you
spend on gasoline, it’s the stress of driving
or the time you wait at the Peace Arches going through Customs. I’m all about taking
the train or the Victoria Clipper. First of all,
instead of your departure and arrival points
ity in Vancouver?
Ride the number 6 bus, round trip, at least
once and preferably at the start of your visit.
No, really: the 6 is on a loop between the
uber-Gay-friendly Davie Street and the
shopping mecca of Robson Street. You’ll
get a great overview of the city for less than
two dollars, you’ll get plunked down right
in front of your favorite sushi bar or hipster
boutique, and you might even talk to some
of those friendly Canadians along the way.
4. Are both cities, Victoria and Vancouver, easy to get around on foot?
Ridiculously easy. Both are relatively
flat, and you can use landmarks like Stanley
Park or BC Place - or the Empress Hotel to navigate your way around. A number of
Vancouver’s “destination” neighborhoods
are shoulder to shoulder, and Victoria’s
even more compact. And if you’re willing
to work it a little, the bus system can be your
best friend. For instance, you can take a bus
up Fort Street, walk a little to Craigdarroch
Castle, poke around the antiques district and
do some shopping, and still have a late lunch
in Chinatown.
5. You mentioned in our June 15 Pride
travel section that Victoria has become a
popular spot for same-sex weddings. Any
suggestions for Seattle couples wanting to
tie the knot there?
Hire a wedding planner! I’m kidding, but
it’s easier than it sounds. Most large hotels
and many smaller inns or B&Bs have wedding packages, and there’s always someone
on staff who knows the ropes and can navigate you through the marriage license process and connect you to a marriage commissioner. Check out www.samesexmarriage.
ca for history and links to government websites that can walk you through the process
and necessary paperwork.
T h e PAC I F IC N O R T H W E S T ’ S
OPEN
DAILY
United Kingdom
by Richard Kennedy
courtesy of british tourism
From Europe to the Hawaiian Islands, our
travel writing team here at Seattle Gay News
is going all around the world to bring you
exclusive coverage on great destinations to
visit on your next vacation. I asked three of
them (Ron Anders, Lorelei Quenzer, Richard Kennedy) about their recent travel experiences to Oahu, British Columbia, and the
UK. Here’s what they had to say.
feel some of the “aloha spirit” that draws
people to Hawaii. Hula’s also sponsors a
catamaran ride weekly, which is guaranteed
to help you mix and mingle. Odyssey and
DaKine, two local Gay mags, will also give
you lots of ideas about where to meet and
greet.
5. Where’s a good place to go shopping
for gifts or souvenirs?
The famous International Marketplace is
a great place to have a mini (or maxi) shopping spree. This open-air bazaar has everything from jewelry and local crafts to more
standard souvenir fare (tee-shirts and post-
GROCERY & GIF T MARKE T
The Quality Asian Grocery & Gift Market
Seattle: 206.624.6248|Bellevue: 425.747.9012|Beaverton: 503.643.4512
1. You were just in the UK with your
partner a few months ago. What was your
flight route?
We just couldn’t find any good deals during the summer so we ended up taking a connecting flight to the East Coast. We usually
travel during spring or fall when the weather
is still good in Europe and there are better
deals to be had on British Airways, where
you can also get great direct flights. The
one this July had us arriving late and running across the Philly airport with our luggage in order to catch the European flight,
then on the way back we had the opposite
with a long layover and total boredom at the
airport. I’m sticking with British Airways
from now on!
2. How should one prepare for a longhaul overseas flight?
My theory is to get rest on the plane as
much as you can, so you will have all the
energy you need for Europe. Some sort of
pillow that wraps around your neck (I use
the inflatable one), an eye mask, and maybe
some earplugs (I prefer headphones with
soft music playing). You end up looking
like a mummy onboard, but more importantly you want to be fresh and looking
good when you’re in Europe. Who cares
what you look like on the plane? Bring lots
of water, and some energy bars too! Try to
ignore the in-flight movies and TV because
they will trap you and keep you away from
your much-needed sleep.
3. What most impressed you about Ireland? Anything you highly recommend
doing there?
The two best things about Ireland are the
landscape, and the people. I honestly can’t
pick one over the other. The Irish are so
extremely polite and helpful, you really do
feel welcome the moment you walk off the
plane. The entire country is made up of lush
green hills, giant cliffs, and sprawling scenery all decorated with castles and charming
towns in every direction. I really recommend traveling to Galway on the West side
of the land. It’s a charming town, and from
there you can catch a ferry over to the Aran
Islands where it’s definitely worth at least a
nights’ stay. Rent a bike and ride up to the
coastal cliffs, so sweeping you literally have
to crawl to the edge to look over because
the wind rushing up has been known to pull
visitors over. It was truly one of the most
breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.
4. Do London and Dublin both have
thriving Gay districts?
Dublin has a Gay district that is very much
like Capitol Hill in Seattle. It’s called the
Temple Bar district and it’s where the artists,
indie crowd and Gay community thrives.
It’s all charm with great bars, a fantastic
music scene, indie movie theatres, a huge
variety of restaurants and quite a few Gay
bars. London’s Gay district is much bigger
of course, and very sprawling. It’s technically the Soho area, but really, the bars and
clubs are spread around all over. Both London and Dublin are great party cities, with
Queers spilling out of the pubs and into the
streets from Friday after the workday well
into Sunday morning!
5. Do you find that you save money
traveling as a pair vs. traveling solo?
In a way you do. When I travel to Europe
alone I usually stay in hostels and B&B’s.
When you have a partner, you can often get
a room in a hotel, which you split and really end up paying the same that you’d pay
by yourself in one of those B&B’s. The difference is you get a nicer room in a hotel
or fancier B&B. Honestly, that’s the only
benefit that I noticed, aside from it just being more fun to travel with a partner! Truth
be told, Europe is a pricey vacation, but it
certainly can be made less expensive with
some advanced planning and itinerary prep
on the Internet.
San Juan Islands
Charming bed & breakfasts,
kayaking, a nearby haven
for relaxation and adventure
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
The scenic San Juan Islands with Mt. Baker luminous in the background
by Ron Anders
SGN A&E Writer
JOURNEY
After a 90-minute drive from Seattle, the
ferry from Anacortes took me and my traveling companion on a picturesque ride to the
islands. The journey takes about 1 to 1½
hours, depending on which island you’re
headed for. Plan to arrive as much as an hour
early for the San Juan ferries (www.wsdot.
wa.gov/ferries) as they fill up quickly, especially during the peak summer travel season. A few local airlines offer flights to the
islands, including Kenmore Airlines (www.
kenmoreair.com), which can also help you
arrange car rentals. Bring your bicycle or
rent one when you get there - the islands are
a cycler’s dream.
SAN JUAN ISLAND
SLEEP
We spent our first night at the Wildwood
Manor (www.wildwoodmanor.com), a quietly elegant B&B on a knoll with sweeping
views of the water and woods. I loved wandering the nature trails on the 11-acre property, greeted by the deer -which have adopted the inn. Hosts Michael and John (and
sister Florence) made us feel very much at
home, serving a mouth-watering breakfast, which included French toast stuffed
with fruit, followed by vanilla-orange panna cotta. Rates for the four rooms-suites
start at $155.
EAT/DRINK
For a casual lunch, try The Hungry Clam
(Friday Harbor), a funky fish-and-chips
place. Later, we stopped into the spiffy
Steps Wine Bar and Café (www.stepswinebarandcafe.com) for a cool glass of locally
September 28, 2007
SEE/DO/RELAX
Among the many parks and trails on the
island, we chose Lime Kiln Point State
Park (www.parks.wa.gov). There (treading
the rocky trails and arriving at the majestic
Lime Kiln Lighthouse), we hit the whalewatching jackpot, seeing dozens of Orcas
romping through the waves.
If you like lavender (and you should, since
it’s the signature Queer color!), enjoy the
Pendilaba Lavender Store (www.pendilaba.
com), where you can get everything from
lavender lotions-oils to a chocolate-lavender ice cream sandwich (sounds strange,
but it was yummy). The Griffin Bookstore,
in addition to a great book selection, has a
unique selection of music CDs.
LOPEZ ISLAND
SLEEP
If you like privacy, Lopez Farm Cottages is for you - a quiet resort in the woods,
which soothed my soul. To assure visitors’
comfort, parking is arranged so that you
don’t even have to look at cars or get glare
from headlights! The grounds have four
cozy, spotlessly clean cottages with nearby
jacuzzis. A continental breakfast was delivered to our door in the evening, so we could
sleep in. Cottage rentals start at $120. For
campers, the resort also has tent sites, each
shielded from neighboring sites by trees
and foliage.
ORCAS ISLAND
photo by rj
I don’t know why it took me 15 years to
return to the San Juan Islands – especially
since they are so close. I was overwhelmed
by the sheer beauty of the seascapes and sunsets, well fed by a variety of restaurants, and
pampered by hosts of the bed-and-breakfast
inns and resorts. It is a queer-friendly destination where I was able to breathe deeply,
relax, and let the stresses of civilization
slowly ebb away. There is plenty to do up
in the islands, but “do” and “relax” often become blissfully synonymous. The islands’
geographic beauty and quiet make it a very
romantic spot. For more information on the
islands, contact the helpful folks at the San
Juan Islands Visitors Bureau (www.visitsanjuans.com). So pack your bags and head
to the San Juans to unwind and renew your
spirit. They are closer than you think.
Here are some island-by-island suggestions on how to explore these jewels of
the Northwest.
produced vino and appetizers. Our sumptuous dinner was at The Duck Soup Inn
(www.ducksoupinn.com), where noted chef
Gretchen Allison whipped up a meal for the
gods: roasted figs stuffed with blue cheese,
grilled rack of lamb, and an Autumn-tini - a
creamy, pumpkin-flavored martini.
not high on luxury, the staff has taken great
care to keep the accommodations comfortable and clean. The 30-acre waterfront retreat offers yoga, massage and acupuncture.
We stayed in the comfortable Cypress cabin
overlooking the water – but there are a wide
variety of lodgings for every budget: cabins, yurts, domes and campsites. The sauna
and hot tubs will squeeze every last bit of
tension from your tired body. Prices range
from $25 (for rooms in the hostel) to $185
(for a three-bedroom cabin with full kitchSanctuary should be your first destination - en-bathroom).
not just for the wildlife, but also for the dazzling view. A short walk through the woods
EAT/DRINK
gets you a seascape of stunning beauty. We
Whether you’re staying there or not, try
were so mesmerized that we missed the the waterside Doe Bay Café, where organic
ferry to our next destination. However, it vegetarian fare (meticulously prepared from
was no hardship spending more time in this produce grown in the café garden) and seaexquisite reserve.
food are popular choices. For a quick lunch,
For shoppers, try Paper Scissors on the we went to the bustling Roses Bakery and
Rock (131 Weeks Road) for a great selection Café in Eastsound.
of cards, novelties and art supplies – stuff
that is hard to find even in Seattle, where inSEE/DO/RELAX
dependent stores like this are quickly disapMoran State Park (www.parks.wa.gov) is
pearing. Also, try Islehaven Books & Bor- a natural wonderland. We didn’t have time
zoi (www.islehavenbooks.com), where – in to explore much of its 5,000 acres and 30
addition to the books, cards and prints – you miles of foot trails – which gives us even
will meet one of the owner’s borzoi (Rus- more reason to return.
sian Wolfhound) friends, mascots of this
Under the watchful eye of Carl Burger
charming shop.
who (with wife Sandy Playa) runs the cozy
Spring Bay Inn (www.springbayinn.com),
this writer took his first kayaking trip. My
friends were skeptical that I might wimp out
SLEEP
at the last minute, but I soldiered on – and
Jeremy and John, our hosts at The Inn on found it to be an exhilarating experience.
Orcas Island (www.theinnonorcasisland. Carl is an expert guide – and brought us
com), welcomed us to their beautifully ap- back to land safe and sound – in time for a
pointed B&B, decorated with antiques and hearty brunch at the Inn.
museum quality art. In back of the inn, we
For an unusual (to say the least) afterlounged by the inlet, where you can take a noon, visit the Lambiel Museum (www.
rowboat out to sharpen your sailing skills. lambielmuseum.com). Art collector Leo
After a very restful night in a queen-size Lambiel has turned his waterfront home into
feather bed, a superb breakfast gave us a a vast museum of works by local artists. By
good start on the day. (Rates for the eight appointment, he gives 2-hour tours of the
cottages-suites-rooms begin at $145.)
space, including views of his own worksWe spent a fun afternoon and evening
exploring the historic, expansive Rosario
Resort & Spa (www.
rosarioresort.com),
which boasts some
of the most luxurious lodgings on the
island. I sampled just
a small fraction of the
resort’s seemingly
endless array of amenities, which include
a lakeside swimming
pool, spa treatments,
Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island
a museum and the
posh dining room, where we dined in style. in-progress: a replica of a Roman temple, a
The resort hosts many weddings and unions wine room and a spooky grotto guaranteed
and welcomes Gay-Lesbian commitment to give you chills. Absolutely fascinating!
ceremonies. Check their website for rates
Among the islands’ many galleries, Jeffri
and fall discounts.
Coleman and Michael Rivkin’s esteemed
For a more economical stay, we returned Crow Valley Pottery (www.crowvalley.
to an old (and very queer-friendly) favorite: com) offers a diverse selection of works by
the ever-reliable Doe Bay Resort and Re- artists in a variety of media. It is a welcomtreat in Olga (www.doebay.com). Though ing and eclectic place.
EAT/DRINK
For lunch, we stopped at Bucky’s, another casual eatery, sampling the tasty tacos
(grilled ahi or pulled pork). Need caffeine?
Try espresso at Caffe La Boheme and delicious baked goods at Holly B’s Bakery
(www.hollybsbakery.com), both in Lopez
Plaza. The Love Dog Café (Village Center)
has a great menu, but leave room to savor the
bread pudding with whiskey cream sauce. A
must-stop for dinner is the superb Bay Café
(www.bay-cafe.com). It’s difficult to decide
which was more delicious: the food or the
view! This was one of the most wonderful
dining experiences I’ve had – ever. While
bathing in the rays of a spectacular sunset,
we dined on organic golden beets, crab and
shrimp cakes, and halibut with corn-avocado salsa. Coffee crème caramel topped off
this perfect culinary experience.
SEE/DO/RELAX
If you’re going to visit a park, Shark Reef
Autumn
Arts & Travel
Seattle Gay News
5
Music is a great travel
companion, some tunes worth
taking on your next trip
by Albert Rodriguez
SGN A&E Writer
Traveling. Music. Put the two together
and you have the makings of a memorable
experience. Whether you’re traveling by
land, rail, or sky this fall – pick up these old
and new favorites for your next vacation.
A Rush of Blood to the Head
by Coldplay
Chilling, moving, and imaginative is how
to describe Coldplay’s work on this Grammy feted disc, the British quartet’s second
release. For the traveler who wants a bit
of intensity on his or her trip, you can’t go
wrong with entries like “The Scientist”,
“Politik”, “Clocks”, and the riveting title
track (used on “Six Feet Under”).
foot diva” and globally celebrated artist
creates an audio paradise with sounds that
Greatest Hits by Fleetwood Mac
draw from various genres, most notably jazz
Before the word “organic” was coined, or
and Latin rhythms. Tracks like “Sorte”, at least used in reference to anything outside
“Vaquinha Mansa”, “Terezinha”, and food, Fleetwood Mac was all over it. Their
sound was free of synthesizers and electronic samples, sticking closely to basic guitar
strums and drumbeats. The group’s greatest hits package from 1990, which includes
“Dreams”, “Gypsy”, “Big Love”, “Sara”,
and “Hold Me” makes a sweet addition to
your carry-on luggage.
Hot Fuss by The Killers
Fast-paced and danceable, the debut release by Las Vegas-bred rockers The Killers is cool to listen to if you’re on a partybound trek. Songs like “Somebody Told
Me”, “Jenny Was a Friend of Mine”, “All
These Things That I’ve Done”, “Smile
Like You Mean It”, and “Mr. Brightside”
will give you a definite energy boost during
“Nho Antone Escaderode” will send you your travels.
worlds away.
Amelie (Original Soundtrack
Recording)
by Yann Tiersen
One of France’s most loved films about a
woman (Audrey Tatou) who finds harmony
within herself by doing good deeds for others
boasts a soundtrack with equally delightful
results. French maestro Yann Tiersen mixes
accordions, violins, clarinets, and delicate
Final Straw by Snow Patrol
piano brushes on “La Valse D’Amelie”, “J’y
For road trips and long journeys, Snow
Suis Jamais Alle”, “Les Jours Tristes”, and
“La Valse Des Vieux Os”. Close your eyes, Patrol’s major label debut offers a roster of
stellar tracks that are both upbeat and meand see the Eiffel Tower.
lodically slow. At times the album is moody
and dramatic, other times it’s playful and
Café Atlantico by Cesaria Evora
Clearly, the musical gods descended upon perky. Best tracks on the disc are “ChocoCesaria Evora at an early age in her native late”, “Gleaming Auction”, “Tiny FracCape Verde. The Grammy-winning “bare- tures”, “Wow”, and the standout “Run”.
The Immaculate Collection / GVH2
by Madonna
Leaving Madonna at home from a vacation might be considered a Gay sin. So if
The Material Girl is to be included in your
travel kit, pack these two greatest hits collectives. From “Holiday” and “Like a Virgin” to “Frozen” and “Music”, Madonna’s
tip-of-the-iceberg singles are sure to please
on your next venture. In total, you’ve got
over thirty selections to strike a pose to.
Substance by New Order
Pioneers of electronic-dance music, New
Order has done its share of igniting club
floors on both sides of the pond. To keep
you awake or raise the excitement level on
your next outing, tune into “Blue Monday”,
“Bizarre Love Triangle”, “Shellshock”,
“State of the Nation”, and “Perfect
Kiss”. Guaranteed to make you wiggle in
your seat.
Taking the Long Way by Dixie Chicks
Winner of five richly deserved Grammy
Awards, this album is simply a classic. Start
to end, the Dixie Chicks wrap gorgeous arrangements around bold, deep and honest
lyrics that gave them the last laugh in the
whole anti-Bush brouhaha. Each song is its
own gem, though “Silent House”, “Bitter
End”, “Lullaby”, “Voice Inside My Head”,
and the stinging “Not Ready to Make Nice”
provide a thrilling ride, whichever direction
you’re off to.
6
Seattle Gay News
Autumn
The Very Best of Diana Krall
by Diana Krall
If you want to relax on your journey, Diana Krall’s newly released collection of
hits is a perfect choice. The multi-Grammy
winner sounds heavenly on tracks such as
“Let’s Fall in Love”, “Peel Me a Grape”,
“The Look of Love”, “Let’s Face the Music
and Dance”, and “I’ve Got You Under My
Skin”. Forget the pillow, cozy up to this.
Arts & Travel
September 28, 2007
Air New Zealand
now boarding “pink”
passengers for Mardi Gras
air new zealand
Fabulous attendants ready to serve passengers aboard Air New Zealand’s “Pink Flight”
Air New Zealand is now boarding rows
one through FABULOUS. Today, the airline announced its first North American
“Pink Flight,” in celebration of the 2008
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Departing on a Boeing 777 from San Francisco
International Airport on February 26, 2008,
the Pink Flight will sweep its passengers
away in style from one side of the Pacific
to the other, lavishing upon them everything
from pink drinks to drag queens.
For more than 300 glamorous gays (and
any other fun-loving friends) who buy tickets, the party will start long before the final
boarding call. Pink Flight passengers are
encouraged to show up at the airport in their
most extravagant Mardi Gras costumes, and
Air New Zealand will throw a “Get-Onboard-Girlfriend!” going away bash at the
departure gate.
Once onboard, the Pink Flight will boast
a full program of entertainment – such as
live performances, on-board music, contests
and screenings of classic gay-themed films
on Air New Zealand’s digital in-flight entertainment system (IFE). Because it is an
overnight flight, there will also be a period
of scheduled “Beauty Sleep.” Additionally,
passengers will enjoy pink-themed food,
cocktails, goodie bags and a “Party Party
Wake-Up” before landing.
“Sydney Mardi Gras is one of the most
spectacular costume events in the world,
so we feel it’s only fitting to offer a flight
that truly embodies the spirit of the celebration in an unforgettable way,” said Roger
Poulton, Air New Zealand’s vice president
– the Americas. “Air New Zealand takes
pride in our gay-friendliness and sense of
fun, so this Pink Flight will be a blast for
everyone involved!”
Along with the announcement of the
flight, Air New Zealand is also launching today a special micro site for the
Pink Flight, http://m1e.net/c?60542240oWZ8l18qAhoY.%402767735-zh11ShxoG5q2Iwww.airnewzealand.com/pinkflight, where visitors can book their spot.
Printed by permission from Gay Travel
News and Air New Zealand.
September 28, 2007
Autumn
Arts & Travel
Seattle Gay News
7
Burke exhibit focuses on
troubled Rockies ecosystem
Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to
Roam, through Dec. 31, 2007
Last summer the UW’s Burke Museum in
partnership with The Mountaineer Books
launched the first of three wildlife photography exhibits grappling with the greatest
conservation issues of our time on. Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam features
40 large format photographs by Germanborn Florian Schulz of the Rocky Mountains West documenting the ambitious effort
to preserve wildlife corridors from Yellowstone National Park to Canada’s Yukon Territories. Such corridors would link existing
parks and public lands to ensure the survival
of one of the world’s last intact mountain
ecosystems.
FLORIAN SCHULZ
laboration with The Mountaineers Books
and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. Over the next three years, the
Burke Museum is collaborating with The
Mountaineers Books and other environmental organizations to produce and present three exhibitions of nature photography,
each linked to a critical environmental issue, including corridor protection, biodiversity, and climate change. The exhibits will
premiere at the Burke Museum and tour
museums throughout the United States and
Canada.
Support for this exhibit has been provided
by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation,
The Boeing Company,
Tom and Sonya Campion,
the Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, The
Norcliffe Foundation, the
Peach Foundation, and
the Wilburforce Foundation. Special thanks to
the Burke’s community
partners: Blue Earth Alliance, Conservation
Northwest, Earth Justice,
East Lake Washington
Audubon, Environmental Education Association
Swift Fox pups near their den
of Washington, Federain the Rocky Mountain Front, Montana
tion of Western Outdoor
An award-winning nature photographer, Clubs, North Cascades Grizzly Bear OutSchulz has dedicated ten years of his life to reach Project, Northwest Trek, Olympic
documenting the drama and beauty of North Forest Coalition, Program on the EnvironAmerica’s largest wildlife corridor: the ment – UW, Sierra Club, Tacoma PhotoRocky Mountains. His photographs have graphic Society, The Mountaineers, Washcaptured the drama and beauty of this West- ington Alpine Club, Washington Trails
ern ecosystem and its diverse landscapes, Association, Washington Wilderness Cowildlife, and people. Schulz has received alition, Woodland Park Zoo, and Yellowhonors from the BBC’s Wildlife Photog- stone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.
rapher of the Year
Competition and Nature’s Best International Photography
Awards.
Schulz’s photography highlights
the Yellowstone to
Yukon Conservation Initiative, which
protects the corridors
of land that connect
fragmented wild habitats. Wild populations require a range
Pair of coyotes answering a nearby group,
Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
of continuous habitat
in order to adapt to
changes in weather, food availability, and LECTURE
other major influences. Wildlife corridors
Wildlife Photographer Florian Schulz on
allow populations to move from habitat to Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam
habitat; without wildlife corridors, isolated
Tues., Oct. 23, 2007 - 7 pm
populations are vulnerable to starvation,
Seattle Town Hall, Grand Hall
disease, inbreeding, and more. From YelGerman-born wildlife photographer Flolowstone National Park to the Yukon Terri- rian Schulz discusses his experiences photory, the Rocky Mountains constitute a ma- tographing the Yellowstone to Yukon mounjor part of our continent’s remaining natural tain ecosystem over 10 years in this Seattle
heritage, representing the last best chance Town Hall lecture and slide show. Schulz’s
on Earth to maintain a fully functioning photos, on display at the Burke Museum in
mountain ecosystem.
Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam,
Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam capture not only the beauty and drama of
is organized by the Burke Museum in col- North America’s wild places, but also document the impact of human
development on some of
the last remaining continuous wild habitat on
the continent. This talk
is presented by the Burke
Museum with support
from The Mountaineer
Books, Elliott Bay Book
Company, and Seattle
Town Hall.
More info and ticket
sales: 206-543-5590;
www.burkemuseum.org.
FLORIAN SCHULZ
FLORIAN SCHULZ
Bighorn sheep with geyser in the distance,
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
8
Seattle Gay News
Autumn
Arts & Travel
A Burke Museum press
release
September 28, 2007
MOHAI debuts “stunning exhibit”
featuring work of John James Audubon
On September 22, 2007, the Museum of
History & Industry (MOHAI) debuted a
stunning exhibit, “John James Audubon,
American Artist and Naturalist.” Along
with sixty of the original large hand colored
Double Elephant Folio engravings from
“The Birds of America,” there will be original letters, rare books, photographs and personal items.
The exhibition comes from the John
James Audubon Museum in Henderson,
Kentucky. It provides a fascinating glimpse
into Audubon’s truly adventurous life. Born
in present day Haiti and raised in France,
Audubon came to America at age 18 to
avoid conscription in Napoleon Bonaparte’s
army and to manage the family estate. He
experiences economic upheavals, frequent
travel and separation from his family, and
at long last, recognition of his genius. This
July, the American Masters series on PBS
will feature an episode on Audubon.
“The Birds of America Double Elephant
Folio” consists of 435 individually hand colored copperplate engravings. The life sized
birds were printed on sheets of “Double Elephant” laid paper measuring 26-1/2” X 39”,
the largest size available. Between 160 and
180 complete four volume sets were printed
and sold by subscription. 110 known complete sets have survived. The exhibit at MOHAI includes 60 of the engravings, images
that have been lauded for their accuracy and
loved for their evident affection for birds.
Audubon has been recognized as one of
the first to understand the need for environmental conservation. Having spent so much
time in the field during his life, he was witness to the vast changes that occurred as
September 28, 2007
civilization spread, towns grew and nature
was inevitably affected.
To accompany the Audubon exhibit, MOHAI will present a lecture by Richard Rhodes, author of the biography, John James
Audubon, the Making of an American on
October 12. Rhodes also served as consultant on the American Masters PBS film,
John James Audubon, Drawn From Nature.
MOHAI will offer three additional lectures
in October as part of its 2007 focus on nature.
The Audubon exhibit runs through January 6, 2008. MOHAI is located at 2700 24th
Ave. E., Seattle, WA. For more information
call 206-324-1126 or visit, www.seattlehistory.org.
A MOHAI press release
Autumn
Arts & Travel
Seattle Gay News
9
Visit London launches new Gay guide
CANDICE REED
A traditional London taxi drives by the gates of Buckingham Palace
Visit London, the official tourist organization for London, has launched a new Gay
guide for 2007/2008, containing all the information Gay and Lesbian visitors to the
capital will need, from attractions and shopping to Gay-friendly hotels bars, clubsand
restaurants.
The official London Gay and Lesbian
guide is sponsored by Gay.com and was
produced by Warwick Worldwide. New features in this year’s guide include specially
sourced opinions about London by A-list
celebrities who frequent the city, such as
Beyonce, Natasha Bedingfield, Tori Amos
and Hilary Duff.
As well as invaluable information on
places of interest to the Gay visitor, the
guide has a new element to it this year in that
it contains a selection of sightseeing tour
suggestions to help visitors make the most
of their time in London. The tours include
Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, the
London Eye tour and the river tour.
The guide is available to download at visitlondon.com/gay. It also will be distributed
at key Gay events in the United States including:
Halsted Street Fair in Chicago
PFLAG National Convention in Washington D.C.
NYC Original LGBT Expo in New York
National Gay and Lesbian Journalist Association Convention in San Diego.
Once in London, you can also find the
guide in Gay venues throughout the city.
James Bidwell, Chief Executive of Visit
London, said: “London is one of the most
diverse and dynamic cities for Gay people
to visit, and Visit London appreciates the
importance of this market to the capital. We
are pleased to announce the launch of our
fantastic new Gay guide which we are confident will be an invaluable tool for visitors
to our city.”
Keith McDonnell, Gay.COM Marketing
Manager UK, Ireland and Australia said:
“Having worked with Visit London over
the past few years, I am delighted that Gay.
COM is sponsoring the 2007/2008 guide for
the first time. Gay.COM delivers the world’s
largest online LGBT community (Lesbian,
Gay, bisexual and transgender) - our business is connecting people, and I can’t think
of a better tie-in than sponsoring a guide that
will be of benefit to the thousands of LGBT
visitors to London, the best Gay city in the
World.”
To download the guide, go to visitlondon.
com/gay and for more information on London, go to visitlondon.com.
Printed by permission from Visit London
publicity and marketing services.
10 Seattle Gay News
Autumn
Arts & Travel
September 28, 2007
Seattle Children’s Theatre Disney’s High School Musical
Show runs Sept. 14 – Nov. 24, 2007
Disney’s High School Musical opens
SCT’s 2007-2008 season on September 14,
2007 and features some of Seattle’s hottest
young talent. Early indicators show that
tickets to Disney’s High School Musical at
SCT will be in high demand.
The story follows Troy and Gabriella, two
teens who never thought they could feel this
way about each other—or singing. Troy’s a
jock and Gabriella’s a brain. But the two decide to take a chance, break free, and try out
for the school musical. The school’s reigning musical diva, Sharpay, has other plans.
She and her brother connive to schedule the
play’s callbacks for the same time as Troy’s
big game and Gabriella’s scholastic decathlon. However, working together, the whole
school finds a way to let Troy and Gabriella
shine on stage.
The Emmy Award-winning TV movie was
one of the most successful Disney Channel
Original Movies produced, and its soundtrack was the most commercially-successful
album of 2006 with a sequel confirmed for
release in late July 2007. The stage musical includes two new songs: “Counting On
You” and “Cellular Fusion.” Disney’s High
School Musical is recommended for ages 8
and older and will be performed in the Charlotte Martin Theatre.
Artistic Director for SCT and director of
Disney’s High School Musical, Linda Hartzell notes, “this musical is a pitch-perfect
look at the social strata of high school, and
reminds us that we don’t have to pick and
choose aspects of ourselves. It’s okay to be
athletic, artistic and smart all at the same
time. And the fantastic pop music will have
you singing the whole way home.”
Disney’s High School Musical stars Kasey
Nusbickel as Gabriella Montez; Jason Kappus as Troy Bolton; Mo Brady as Jack Scott;
Sylvie Davidson as Kelsi Neilson; Khanh
Doan as Sharpay Evans; Don Rivera as Ryan
Evans; Kat Ramsburg as Taylor McKessie;
September 28, 2007
John Patrick Lowrie as Coach Bolton;
Shermona Mitchell as Martha Cox; Jayne
Muirhead as Mrs. Darbus; Dane Stokinger
as Chad Danforth; and Timothy Wilson as
Zeke Baylor. Ensemble members include:
Josh Wingerter, Elizabeth Waltzer, Patrick
Shelton, Connor Russel, Mickey Rowe,
Shanna Palmer, Rebecca Orts, Elizabeth
Nestlerode, Kailey Mutter, Collin Morris,
Caitlin Kinnunen, Carly Hutchison, Megan
Foy, Jeremy Ellis, Jadd Davis and Hattie
Andres.
Disney’s High School Musical is directed
by Linda Hartzell. The book is by David
Simpatico. Songs are by Matthew Gerrard
Autumn
and Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham
and Andrew Seeley; Randy Petersen and
Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd and Adam Watts;
Bryan Louiselle; David N. Lawrence and
Faye Greenberg; and Jamie Houston. The
music is adapted, arranged and produced by
Bryan Louiselle. It is based on the Disney
Channel Original Movie written by Peter
Barsocchini.
Seattle Children’s Theatre is located at
201 Thomas Street in Seattle. Tickets range
in price from $20 to $40 and may be purchased by calling the SCT ticket office at
206-441-3322 or by visiting www.sct.org.
Disney’s High School Musical is recommended for ages 8 and older. Seattle Children’s Theatre would like to thank season
sponsors Microsoft and Boeing for their
generous support. The show sponsor is The
Bureau of Education.
A SCT press release
Arts & Travel
Seattle Gay News 11
Bits & Bytes
Bits & Bytes visits Biggest Little City In The World
Reno reinvents itself, lures GLBT visitors,
“Artown” hosts 350 events in 30 days,
By Milton W. Hamlin
SGN A&E Writer
cus every February and March in nearby
Lake Tahoe.
Following the annual event, South Lake
Tahoe hosts Ascent—The Winter Party At
Lake Tahoe for GLBT visitors and locals.
While Reno lacks a GLBT geographical
center,—no Capitol Hill or Castro Street
area—four popular bars welcome GLBT lo-
lined the month—the American Ballet Theatre, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Mikhail
Baryshnikov and his new Hell’s Kitchen
Dance Company (making its second Reno
visit), the historic Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra,
the crowd-pleasing ultra hip Pink Martini.
Featuring local entertainers, national acts,
major arts groups—the Reno Is Artown for-
12 Seattle Gay News
Autumn
Arts & Travel
file photo
Throughout the West, Reno is called “The
Biggest Little City In The World.” As times
change, and gambling alone no longer lures
hundreds of thousands to this Nevada landmark, Reno and the nearby Lake Tahoe area
has cleverly reinvented itself.
A Reno visit not too long
ago found most of the visitors on a major casino escalator lugging golf bags. The
Nevada State Art Museum is
now a destination for serious
art fans, and a Reno-based
art gallery hosts art auctions
of international importance.
Major convention groups
pick Reno for national confabs with little or no concern
about “gaming” and topless
revues. Times change, Reno
changes.
SGN was invited to send
a travel reporter to explore
the Gay and Lesbian side of
the new Reno. Bits&Bytes, a
long time fan of The Biggest
Little City got to go—yes,
it’s a hard job but someone
has to do it. A midsummer
arts festival, the month long
“Reno Is Artown,” (think
Art Town), offered an entertainment focus to the trip,
but Reno itself—straight
and Gay, historic or newly
refurbished, gourmet or
Reno at night
on-the-run meals—was the
lure. And Reno greeted this
mat is truly unique. Nearly 70 per cent of
SGN scribe and his guest with open arms. cals and visitors.
The Five Star Saloon, Reno’s oldest Gay the events are offered free of charge. Major
Read on:
bar (“with a clientele to prove it,” the cruisy headliners draw sell-out crowds with ticket
bartender chuckled) offers various regular prices soaring to $125 (for the American
NEW ‘TAG APPROVED’
events, periodic “bachelor auctions,” Mr. Ballet Theatre) but many events, like the
IMPORTANT FOR GLBT
Reno Leather competitions and Christmas Food For The Soul World Music Series,
VISITORS, TRAVELERS
Reno’s tourist authority is proud that many In July. This summer was the first Five Star start at just $5 or “five cans of food.” Portof the city’s casinos and hotels are “TAG ap- visit that Bits&Bytes has made that didn’t land’s spirited Pink Martini, the GLBT faproved.” A new one for Bits&Bytes, “TAG find a birthday party going on—with free vorite Indigo Girls, “the hypnotic sounds”
approved” means that the Travel Alterna- cake (and often more) offered to this Seattle of Michael Buble were priced similarly to
their Seattle concerts. Some visiting headtives Group (TAG) has visited the hotel and scribe. It’s that kind of place.
Bits&Bytes and his traveling guest were liners—notably Baryshnikov and the Hell’s
conducted staff seminars to insure GLBT
visitors that the hotel is GLBT friendly and welcomed to The Five Star late one night Kitchen Dance group—keep their top
free from any type of GLBT discrimination. by two spirited members of Reno’s large prices well under market rates. The fabled
The Sands Regency Casino Hotel was the Lesbian community. Business owners, they dancer requested a $70 top price to make
first Reno property to be TAG approved. It regaled both of us with GLBT tales and the Hell’s Kitchen experience “available
inside stories of GLBT businesses, past to everyone.”
hosts the Pride celebration each year.
The real coup for Artown this summer
(Ironically, one of the city’s most popular, and present. As we left after midnight, the
most exclusive and most expensive hotels very friendly bartender invited this scribe was the American Ballet Theatre—the most
is Gay owned and Gay staffed and almost to return “without the ladies” for a free late impressive name the summer series has ever
always Gay booked, but it is not TAG ap- night drink “on me.” Alas, time did not per- hosted. (No group in Seattle could afford to
proved. “It’s a lengthy and very expensive mit an exploration of the invitation and its host ABT here.)
“ABT really worked hard to make this
process,” the owner explained. “We’ll get full implications.
Reno’s other bars for GLBT locals and happen for us,” Beth Macmillian, Artown’s
around to it, but no one could be more Gay
visitors include Carl’s Pub, which hosts a executive director, explained at an early
Friendly than we are now.”)
Reno is clearly including the GLBT com- weekly “Leather and Levis Night.” Tronix morning breakfast. “The troupe was touring
munity in its on-going remaking of The Big- entertains with 30 video screens and a large only to one West Coast location—a major
gest Little City In The World. A quick call to dance floor with lasers and light shows. The residency in the L.A. area, and we wanted
1-800-FOR-RENO will get you started on a Patio, a long-running neighborhood bar them to stop in Reno for Artown. It looked
great visit. Check it out. And, yea, go ahead “where everybody knows your name,” has impossible until ABT suggested that we host
and tell ‘em Bits&Bytes and SGN told ya a large outdoor patio with “everything from part of the huge company en route to Calibocce ball to sunbathing.” (One bar wit not- fornia.” The dancers and company members
to call.
ed that The Patio’s “where everybody knows required more than 170 hotel rooms—just
your name” tag line could well be corrected one of many “hidden” charges.
RENO LURES GLBT VISITORS
“Showcasing ABT really puts Reno
to “where everybody knows your fame” or
WITH SPECIAL EVENTS
Is Artown on the map in New York and
The “new” Reno is anxious to encour- “…your shame” or “both!” he laughed.)
other arts centers. Our phone has been
age GLBT travelers to visit. Reno’s Gay
ringing off the wall for 2008 headliners—
“RENO IS ARTOWN” IMPORTS
Pride Celebration is held each year in midTOP NAME ACTS, LOCAL TALENT every agent is now aware of our festival,”
August. Small by Seattle standards, the
The midsummer arts festival, Reno Is Macmillian explained.
Reno Pride events center around Gay RoBits&Bytes, working with a tight scheddeo Association annual finals. Next year, Artown, filled Reno’s many stages with
Reno Pride celebrates its 12th anniversary. hundreds of entertainment events in July. ule, planned his SGN visit around three perRunning 31 days, the festival, which just formance events. A quick run down:
Check it out.
WinterFest, two weeks of “winter sports finished its 12th year, hosted 350 events.
PINK MARTINI DELIGHTS,
and indoor fun,” takes the GLBT fo- Internationally impressive names head-
AMERICAN BALLET THEATER
AND JIMMY DORSEY THRILL
With no preparation at all, Bits&Bytes
hurried into the handsome Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in downtown
Reno for Pink Martini. The Portland-based
group was highly recommended by Artown staffers. Poised for a national breakthrough, Pink Martini turned out to be an
incredible experience.
“Part a 1930’s Cuban dance orchestra,
part a classical chamber music ensemble, part a Brazilian
marching band and
part a Japanese film
noir,” as the publicity release notes, the
sprawling group is
simply indescribable.
(Seattle fans of the ultra hip group gave the
troupe a sold out Emerald City welcome
later this summer in a
Zoo Tunes concert—
one of several Seattle
visits.)
A total of 13 musicians make up Pink
Martini—ranging
from instrumentalists
on harp, cello, violins,
guitars, trombones,
trumpets and dozens
of drums and percussion instruments.
The lead singer - part
Carmen Miranda,
part Maria Callas—delighted the cheering,
overflow crowd. The spirited troupe had the
clapping, dancing crowd in the palm of its
hands. It was an incredible start to the threenight visit.
The historic Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra,
playing a free outdoor concert in the welcoming Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater
on the outskirts of town, was the headliner
the next night. Celebrating 70 years of continuous performance, the orchestra is the
oldest Big Band in American (and probably
in the world).
All the hits were there—a virtual kaleidoscopic journey through the jukebox of yesteryear. “It Had To Be You,” “Speak Low,”
“The Very Thought Of You,” “I’m Getting
Sentimental Over You,” “The Sunny Side
Of The Street, “Marie,” “Sweet Song Of India,” “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Dream,” a very
special “Sentimental Journey” and a dozen
more celebrating the “sweet” and “swing”
styles of the two Dorsey brothers’ bands.
The Jimmy Dorsey Band has visited Seattle
recently for the Seattle Symphony’s Pops
Series, but it was incredible in a 800-seat
outdoor amphitheater on a warm summer
Reno night. Part of the American Songbook
Series, the four outdoor concerts are free
each summer. Such a deal….
The rare, rare touring visit of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) was the main reason for this scribe’s SGN trip during Artown.
One of the world’s major dance companies,
the New York troupe rarely tours. For the
Reno stop, the program had to be planned to
permit the company to visit without its full
symphonic orchestra—costs would have
been prohibitive.
Mark Morris’ Drink To Me Only With
Thine Eyes, danced to piano selections from
Virgil Thomson, opened the evening. Created by the Seattle-area native (and openly
Gay) choreographer for ABT in 1987, the
abstract work has never been seen locally.
September 28, 2007
DANCING QUEEN,
SAMMY’S SHOWROOM,
HEADLINERS HEADLINE
While Reno Is Artown is the major arts
event of the year, Reno always has top entertainment on its schedule. Only two downtown casinos seem to have week-in, weekout entertainment events, but both showrooms are worth checking out.
Eldorado’s Showroom hosts Dancing
Queen: A Celebration Of The ‘70s, another
long running hit for the popular casino. The
casino’s long running Spirit Of The Dance,
with multiple return visits, remains one of
Bits&Bytes’ favorite Reno entertainments.
Inspired by the success of Riverdance, Spirits
added dance segments from a dozen cultures
to the format as the dancing hero sought his
true love around the world. The new Dancing Queen, undoubtedly jump started by
the international hit status of Mamma Mia,
uses ABBA tunes and disco favorites for the
non-stop dance tribute. Should be great fun.
Details at (800) 648-5966.
Over at Harrah’s, Sammy’s Showroom
hosts long running stage shows. Seattle’s
Greg Thompson often stages snappy revues for the appreciative tourist crowd—a
“wholesome” show for the early show
with the same talented performers returning for an “erotic leather and lace” topless
outing for the late show. Often a top name
headlines a 9 p.m. show, making Sammy’s
a triple threat stage some evenings. (One
of Bits&Bytes’ fondest memories was a 7
p.m. country/western revue from Thompson followed by a Memory Lane outing by
Patti Page at 9 p.m. and a tongue-in-cheek
“naughty” topless Thompson revue at 11
p.m. Only in Reno….)
Greg London’s Icon, an “all star” impersonator revue, continues at Sammy’s,
named in tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr. who
headlined there thousands of nights. Details
at www.harrahsreno.com.
Many other casinos feature one-nightonly visits from top name entertainers
(Poncho Sanchez was a recent visitor)
and local acts in no-cover engagements in
bars and restaurants.
September 28, 2007
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
Saturday, October 13, 2007 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 14, 2007 – 3:00 p.m.
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
at Benaroya Hall
Few musical works of any era have become as universally loved as Vivaldi’s Four
Seasons. From the bird-calls of Spring to
the drunken celebration of Autumn, from
the languid flies of Summer to the shattering storms of Winter, this colorful music is
unmatched for its invention, melodic beauty
and sheer virtuosity. SBO’s performance
features our own Ingrid Matthews as soloist.
This all-Vivaldi program also includes concertos and sonatas for cello, viola d’amore
and violin featuring Seattle favorites Elisabeth Reed, Tekla Cunningham, Carrie
Krause and Nathan Whittaker.
A Brandenburg Christmas
Saturday, December 1, 2007
8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 2007 – 3:00 p.m.
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
at Benaroya Hall
Kick off the holiday season with Bach,
Handel and Telemann! This concert celebrates these musical giants with some of
their most festive works: Bach’s monumental Fifth Brandenburg Concerto, Handel’s
joyous Opus 3 No. 3 Concerto Grosso, and
Telemann’s fiery E Minor Concerto for flute
and recorder. You’ll also hear the Handel
harp concerto and Bach’s double concerto
for oboe and violin. Our all-star line-up of
soloists includes Maxine Eilander, Mahan
Esfahani, Debra Nagy, Courtney Westcott,
Vicki Boeckman and Ingrid Matthews.
If Music Be the Food of Love
Saturday, February 9, 2008 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 10, 2008 – 3:00 p.m.
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
at Benaroya Hall
“If Music be the Food of Love, Play
On....” So begins the beloved Purcell song
which inspired this program. Themes of love
permeate the sensuous 17th-century vocal
repertoire; with this intimate program we’ll
explore some of the most beautiful songs
from England, France and Spain. Soprano
Yulia Van Doren thrilled Seattle audiences
last season in the title role of Monteverdi’s
L’Incoronazione di Poppea; special guests
Stephen Stubbs and Maxine Eilander raise
the bar for continuo playing world-wide;
and Margriet Tindemans and Ingrid Matthews are among the most respected string
players in the field of early music. Don’t
miss this very special program.
Uncommon Grounds
Saturday, March 15, 2008 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 16, 2008 – 3:00 p.m.
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
at Benaroya Hall
The ground bass, or repeating bass-line
pattern, has given us everything from the
Pachelbel Canon to boogie-woogie. We’ll
sample some of the best ciacconas, passacaglias, and other ground-bass pieces from
the 1600s--including the Canon! And in the
spirit of improvisation, we’ve invited the
Susan Pascal Jazz Quartet to make a guest
appearance. Susan Pascal, Chuck Deardorf,
Mark Ivester and Randy Halberstadt are four
of the hottest names on Seattle’s jazz scene
today. What happens when a rhythm section
joins a continuo band? Find out with us!
Pergolesi’s
La Serva Padrona
Saturday, April 12, 2008 – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 13, 2008 – 3:00 p.m.
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall
at Benaroya Hall
Pergolesi’s classic is a complete comic
opera in miniature, for two singers, mime
and string orchestra, in which the conventions of social class are gleefully trampled-and love prevails! Soprano Melissa Fogarty,
recently praised by the New York Times for
her “delirious abandon” onstage, will join
Northwest favorite David Stutz, baritone,
in SBO’s semi-staged production of this
delightful work, directed by Jennifer Griesbach. Telemann’s Overture Burlesque and a
viola concerto by Graun, featuring Stephen
Creswell as soloist, round out this festive
close to our season.
Courtesy of seattle baroque orchestra
As expected, ABT’s performance was simply perfection—the troupe never seems to
have an off night.
A flashy nod to classical ballet came next the Grand Pas de Deux from Tchaikovsky’s
The Sleeping Beauty, a new ABT staging
based on the original Russian classic. Gorgeous costumes (“the tutu was too too,” one
wag quipped later) and glorious dancing
from the two soloists highlighted the work.
Twyla Thwarp’s two character Sinatra
Suite followed after intermission. Danced
to five classic Sinatra recordings, the popular work was an obvious crowd pleaser (as
it has been on several Seattle stages). The
highlight of the evening closed the show a rare performance of The Green Table: A
Dance Of Death in Eight Scenes. A clear
anti-war work, first staged in 1932 but based
on feelings in post-World War I Europe, the
ballet by Kurt Jooss seemed to have (alas)
an incredible up-to-the-minute feeling for
the enthralled audience. Long time Seattle
dance fans have fond - and vivid - memories
of a revival/restoration by the Joffrey Ballet
in the late 1960s when the Joffrey had a summer residency each year at Pacific Lutheran
University in Tacoma and then brought new
and established works to Seattle for a two
week stay.
The huge stage at the Grand Sierra Resort allowed the two pianists to perform the
“modern” score on stage but to the side of
the elaborate sets. The Grand Sierra, remaking itself as a five star destination complex,
went “all the way” in supporting Reno Is
Artown and the ABT visit.
For information on the 2008 Reno Is Artown calendar, check out www.renoisartown.com. (And, yes, Artown is a blurring
of Art Town and Thornton Wilder’s Our
Town—Bits&Bytes would guess that the
group will adopt Art Town as national press
interest builds more and more each year.)
Passion, Virtuosity, Magic!
Seattle Baroque Orchestra
announces new season
From SBO’s 2006-2007 season
The goal of Seattle Baroque Orchestra is
to awaken contemporary audiences to the
vitality of 17th- and 18th-century music
through historically informed performances
of both familiar and unknown works. We
hope through live performances, recordings and educational programs to foster an
awareness and appreciation of this music,
which not only illuminates past eras but provides a unique lens through which to view
our own.
For tickets or more information, visit
www.seattlebaroque.org or call 206-3223118.
Open Circle to perform H.P.
Lovecraft’s Dreams in the Witch House
Dreams in the Witch House
Written by H. P. Lovecraft
Directed by Andy Justus
& Ron Sandahl
October 12 - November 11
Rendezvous’ JewelBox Theatre
For the fifth year Open Circle presents its
wildly popular adaptations of stories by the
master of the macabre, H.P. Lovecraft.
In two separate instances a young man
enters an old, crumbling house and what he
encounters there, whether it be an immortal
cannibal or a dimension-hopping witch and
her giant rat familiar, will change him forever - assuming he can get out!
This year’s stories are The Picture in the
House, Nyarlathotep, The Cats of Ulthar
and Dreams in the Witch House.
Tickets are $15 at the door. To make reservations, visit www.octheater.com.
An Open Circle press release
Autumn
Arts & Travel
Seattle Gay News 13
Ensemble Clément Janequin
Saturday, October 20, 2007
8 pm at Town Hall
Founded in Paris in 1978, the captivating
Ensemble Clément Janequin makes its Seattle debut under the direction of countertenor
Dominique Visse. Their program, “Le chant
des oylseaulx,” for five singers, lute and organ, celebrates birdsong, springtime, and
awakening love, with Renaissance chansons by Clément Janequin, Claude LeJeune,
and others.
“The outstanding musicians of the Ensemble Clément Janequin bring a freshness
of approach and a rhythmic vitality that distinguish these performances and place them
at the forefront of the field.” Gramophone
Trio Mediæval
Friday, November 30, 2007
8 pm at Town Hall
The Norwegian vocal trio brings in the
holiday season with a rich program of
French and English medieval carols, Norwegian folk songs, and contemporary music
inspired by ancient models. Trio Mediæval
is a more-than-worthy successor to Anonymous 4, returning to Seattle by popular demand after a spectacular EMG debut.
“The sounds that emanate from these
Scandinavian sopranos seem to float from
nowhere on threads of fresh air.” Cleveland
Plain Dealer
The Academy of
Ancient Music
Saturday,
February 16, 2008
8 pm at Town Hall
After a triumphant solo recital
in 2006, harpsichordist Richard
Egarr returns to Seattle as director of The Academy of Ancient
Music, Britain’s famous period
orchestra. Solo, double, and triple
concerti for harpsichord, violin,
and flute by Bach, Telemann, and
Handel will showcase the brilliant
principal players of this venerable
ensemble.
“The AAM was masterful in
ensemble and always mindful of
Lucidarium
what solo instruments were doing
Saturday, April 26, 2008
– they deserve elevation on high
8 pm at Town Hall
for this performance.” Eastern
This eight-member Italian instrumental
Daily Express
and vocal ensemble presents La istoria de
Purim: Music and Poetry of the Jews in
Renaissance Italy, a program dedicated to
the musical and poetic legacy of the Jewish
communities of Renaissance Italy. These
Early music guild
Ensemble Clément Janequin
Lucidarium
Il Fondamento
Baroque Orchestra
Sunday, March 30, 2008
8 pm at Town Hall
Founded by oboist Paul Dombrecht and
based in Brussels, Il Fondamento is Belgium’s premier baroque orchestra. Il Fondamento has appeared all over the world and
has produced dozens of superb CDs. The
orchestra of 16, which includes three solo
oboes, makes its Seattle debut with works
by North German composers Telemann,
Heinichen, Zelenka, and Fasch.
“There is something instantly engaging
about every recording by Il Fondamento
that I have ever heard. … “But why has
it never been done like this before?” went
through my mind.” Early Music Review
semi-staged 16th-century Purim plays were
recreated with support from the European
Association for Jewish Culture.
“Pure energy on period instruments.“
Gramophone
Stone Soup presents
A Trilogy of Terror
Performances will run Oct. 17 – Nov. 10
Stone Soup Theatre (4035 Stone Way
N., Seattle) presents an exciting slate of
one-act plays for the Halloween season: “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe,
“Sorry Wrong Number” by Lucille Fletcher, and “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell. These
three suspense classics by three masters of
the genre will be presented by an ensemble
of seven actors, and will capitalize on the
intimate nature of the space to create an
evocative and chilling evening of theatre. Director Julie Beckman (who directed last
season’s success “Five x Tenn ”) will be returning to Stone Soup as director, and will
also bring an original adaptation of one of
Poe’s best stories. The Tell-Tale Heart
by Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe’s most haunting story,
‘‘The Tell-Tale Heart,’’ paints a portrait of
a nervous man who commits murder and
afterward his victim’s relentless heartbeat
drives him in a downward spiral to madness. “The Tell-Tale Heart” exemplifies Poe’s
ability to expose the dark side of humankind
and his role as the father of the psychological thriller.
Trifles
by Susan Glaspell
Written in 1916, “Trifles” is both a classic murder mystery and a sociological exploration of the role of women in the early
1900’s. Based on the investigation of a man
found hanged in his bedroom, the play jux-
14 Seattle Gay News
Autumn
Arts & Travel
taposes the response of the men (the Sheriff, the County Attorney and a neighboring
farmer), with the women (the Sheriff’s wife
and a neighboring farm wife). As the story
unfolds, we see how the suspect of the crime
evolves into the victim of the crime as the
“insignificant” details of farm life are revealed as the key to understanding human
nature.
Sorry, Wrong Number
by Lucille Fletcher
Lucille Fletcher’s “Sorry, Wrong Number” originally appeared as an installment
of the dramatic series Suspense and was
named the greatest show of all time by Orson Welles. In Fletcher’s tense and claustrophobic tale, the bedridden Mrs. Stevenson
mistakenly overhears a telephone conversation between two men plotting an innocent
woman’s murder. The play unfolds from
Mrs. Stevenson’s trapped perspective, on
the bed, alone--the telephone line her only
connection to the outside world. Stone Soup
artistic director Maureen Miko will embody
the distraught central character as she makes
her journey into terror.
Tickets available at Ticket Window www.
ticketwindowonline.com 206-325-6500)
or contacting the Stone Soup Office by
phone at 206-633-1883 or by email at [email protected].
A Stone Soup press release
September 28, 2007
Early music guild
Early Music Guild: International
Series 2007-2008 Season
LAVENDER
continued from cover
barbeque and barn dance, benefiting the
Friends of the Fields Foundation. This farm
has been featured on “Taste of America”.
The chef on this farm annually, creating delicious and creative recipes, is Neil Conklin.
Conklin is one of the founders of the Sequim Lavender Festival and is the owner of
a wonderful, popular and reasonably priced
restaurant in downtown Port Angeles, called
“Bella Italia” (www.bellaitaliapa.com),
where my companion and I had a delicious
Italian meal later on in the evening, including a fabulous Tiramisu. Conklin prides
himself on using fresh, natural and locally
grown ingredients in his recipes. “Bella
Italia” won a 2006 “Award of Excellence”
from Wine Spectator Magazine for its extensive and fine wine list. First Lady, Laura
September 28, 2007
Bush, dined there, with her friends, when
they went hiking in Olympic National Park
and there is a hand-written thank-you note
from her, framed and hanging on the wall.
At Angel Farm, Conklin delighted visitors
with his lavender grilled prawns, lavender
sausages, lavender grilled chicken and a
thirst-quenching lavender lemonade. The
farm also featured a lavender champagne
drink and lavender cheesecake. The dining
area was set up amongst picturesque fruit
trees. It was at this farm that I cut and gathered a beautiful fresh and fragrant lavender
bouquet to take home (all the farms allowed
you to pick lavender for $5.00 a bunch)
and found a really great variety of lavender
products to purchase.
Neil Conklin told us that more members
of the Gay community had attended this
year’s lavender festival than ever before.
The four other farms that were on the
Autumn
tour were: Lost Mountain Lavender (www.
lostmountainlavender.com), which features more than 100 different cultivars of
lavender and a fruit tree orchard; Cedarbrook Lavender and Herb Farm (www.cedarbrooklavender.com), the first and oldest
herb farm in the state of Washington with
hundreds of varieties of lavender and herbs;
Olympic Lavender Farm (www.olympiclavender.com), which has a beautiful view of
the Olympic Mountains from their lavender
fields and Port Williams Lavender (www.
portwilliamslavender.com), which features
curving rows of deep, rich purple lavender.
The executive director of the festival is
Scott Nagel, who for many years was instrumental in producing and running the Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle, until moving to the Olympic Peninsula.
The Sequim Lavender Festival is sponsored by The Sequim Lavender Growers
Arts & Travel
Association, a non-profit corporation. For
more information about the festival visit:
www.lavendergrowers.org. or www.lavenderfestival.com or call 877-681-3035.
Seattle Gay News 15