Weekend Preview Plus 4-1 through 4-10-11

Muffins: I am happy to report that spring has sprung (finally!)  I was walking into my office yesterday and saw two robins.  What a welcome sight.  That combined with the rain, green grass and buds bursting everywhere tells me that we are about to have a reprieve from this arduous winter!  Along with the arrival of Spring comes a host of events to attend.  And then we are headlong into another glorious Minnesota summer.  Just last night I had a little birdie tell me that early summer will bring an event like no other this city has seen!  Just you wait for the details to emerge about a night of one hundred drag divas gracing a single stage! … Continue Reading

Weekend Preview Plus – St Patty’s Day Special

Muffins are you feeling lucky?  We you should be with this special edition of the WPP.  Last minute ideas for what to do to celebrate St. Patrick even if you don’t have a bit of Irish in you.

Today

Green Tap beer $2.75 til 7pm
3-4-1 rail drinks, bottle domestics until 9pm!!!
Male Dancers 8pm ’til close

Join Mayor R.T. Rybak in the St. Patricks Day Parade!

Mayor R.T. Rybak will be taking part in the 2011 St. Patricks Day Parade down town Minneapolis.

Line up will begin near 13th and Nicollet between 6:00pm and 6:30pm.

We will be kicking off promptly at 6:30 and would love to have you join us!

Tickles closes, cites economy

Tickles, one of Minneapolis’ newest LGBT bars closed for the last time on Sunday. Part sports bar, part piano bar, the establishment opened in Northeast Minneapolis in 2009 and moved to downtown Minneapolis in 2010. A message to customers on the company’s website cites the poor economy for the closing.

As we all know, in the last several years, the unpredictable economy has impacted all of us including our customers and friends.

It is our deepest regret to inform you that Tickles has decided it can no longer maintain it’s service to the GLBT community and it’s responsibility to our employees.

Effective, February 28, 2011, Tickles has closed it’s operation. We would like to thank everyone for the support you have provided for the last 2+ years and wish you all well.

In the last few weeks the bar had added “Score” to its name and beefed up its sports bar vibe and downplayed its piano bar.

On its Facebook Page, patrons lamented the bar’s demise:

“We can’t begin to express our disappointment about your decision to close Tickles one of the shining locations for not only entertainment but our community to gather together,” wrote one fan. “We can’t begin to know the reason for this decision but we have come to know your establishment as a place we can call home.”

Weekend Preview Plus – 2/24/11 through 3/5/11

Hello Muffins!

The week ahead is so jam packed I am exhausted even putting the Weekend Preview Plus together for you.  Whenever there is additional infomation available for any of the events I have included it is simple to find – click on the associated image!  More often than not it is a Facebook event page that you will be brought to.  No Facebook profile – what are you waiting for?  If you end up in a pickle without enough info to attend the event of choice feel free to email me at style@thecolu.mn

ENJOY!

THURSDAY

Saucy Salsa Lessons

Thursday, February 24 · 7:00pm – 8:00pm

3405 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN

Queer and Trans friendly Salsa dance lessons
Every Thursday, 7-8pm
Starts February 24th, 2011

Taught by Jae Haile Phillips in our fabulous shared, queer space.

All ability levels welcome!

$10 a lesson OR
$50 for a 6 class series

Contact Jae Haile Phillips at Jae.phillips@hotmail.com or 612-709-8003 for more detailed information.

FRIDAY

SHAZAMORAMA

Friday, February 25 · 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Second Foundation School
1219 University Ave. SE

DISTRICT 202 & SECOND FOUNDATION SCHOOL present
A YOUTH DANCE PARTY: SUPERHERO THEME !!!
(FOR AGES 12-19)
*P.V.O.
$3/door
$2/in costume
$1/with pre-registration (info on that soon!)
A superfun, sober event with food, music, & amazing dancers (you)!
All GLBTQ youth & friends/allies welcome!
*Positive Vibe Only, please.

SATURDAY

Fitness Boot Camp

Saturday, February 26 · 10:30am – 12:30pm

“Out to change mindsets on exercise, Switch & Sweetpea offer group fitness ‘P4P BOOTCAMP!’ classes that mix and vary styles for cross-training, for fun, for life!’

In addition to basic cardio, strength-training, and flexibility foundations, you’ll experience everything from boxing drills and muay thai sequences to ballet, hip-hop, pilates, and burlesque combinations.

Classes are for all fitness levels. Wheather you are new to exercise, an advanced athlete, or coming back from an injury, you will get an incredible workout and have a great time doing it.

$10 suggested donation
(nobody turned away for inability to pay)

Brought to you by Rainbow Health Initiative and sponsored in part by The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.

FIERCE Love: Stories from Black Gay LIfe

Saturday, February 26 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Rarig Hall- The Thrust Theater
330 21st Avenue
Minneapolis, MN

“FIERCE LOVE: Stories from Black Gay Life” by the Pomo Afro Homos
Directed by Harry Waters Jr.
Location: The Thrust Theater in Rarig Hall at the University of Minnesota.
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
Feb. 26 2011 7:00pm. Admission: (CASH ONLY) $7 without a Student ID/present your student ID and pay what you can.

SOY New Year

Buasavahn Banquet Hall
7324 Lakeland Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN  55428

$10.00 admission
$5.00 After Party Only

* Doors, open at 3 pm
* Program starts at 4 pm
* Pageant follows that and throughout the night
* Dinner at 6 pm
* Entertainment during dinner until 7:30
* Pageant continues until 9pm
* Open Mic and After party starts at 9 pm

Shades of Yellow (SOY) is a nonprofit Hmong LGBTQ organization that provides support, education, and advocacy to Hmong LGBTQ and allies. We are committed to creating a community that is aware of the issues that Hmong LGBTQ face. We are base out of the Twin Cities, MN. While we have capacity here, we are committed to providing support and education all across the nation if needed. Please do contact us if you and/or anyone you know need(s) our support.

SUNDAY

Loring Theater presents Mimosa Movies: “The Breakfast Club”

Sunday, February 27 · 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Loring Theater
1407 Nicollet Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN

HOLLYWOOD’S BIG NIGHT

Sunday, February 27 ·  6:00pm -  10:00pm

Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON
1625 West End Blvd.

Hosted by MyTalk (Jason Matheson and Alexis Thompson) & Twin Cities Live (John Hanson)

Benefiting Twin Cities Film Fest

$15 suggested donation to the Twin Cities Film Fest

RSVP at the following website to reserve your tickets:

http://mytalk1071.com/promotions/hollywoodbignight/

Receive the Red Carpet treatment on Sunday, February 27th as we celebrate the best movies of 2010! Dress up or come casual, either way you are in for a good time with myTalk 107.1′s Jason & Alexis and Twin Cities Live’s John Hanson. There will be appetizers, drink specials and great giveaways all night long!

MONDAY

Anoka Hennepin District Board Meeting:Fill the Room

Monday, February 28 ·  6:00pm -  8:00pm

The time is NOW! It is time that the Anoka Hennipen School District takes agressive action to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for LGBT students (and of course, ALL students).

Since last July parents, students, teachers and community members have requested the school remove the discrimantory sexual orientation curriculum policy. This policy forbid teachers from talking to students about issues, topics and concern…s about sexual orientation. They call it the “nuetrality” policy, but by definition it is not.

This policy is a major obstacle in addressing the causes of LGBT bullying and harrassment that has lead to at least four of the nine suicides in the last 18 months in this district. If you can’t talk about the homophobia that clearly exists in these schools, how do you get rid of it?

COME SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING ON MONDAY THE 28TH. We want to fill the boardroom, so bring your friends, family and anyone that will come. Wear bright colors!

If you are concerned about transportation, please meet us at Metropolitan State’s Midway campus at 5:30. There will be a bus and people willing to carpool up to Coon Rapids and back.

Meeting information:
Time: 6:30pm
Address:
Anoka Hennepin District Office
11299 Hanson Blvd NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433

WEDNESDAY

Txuj Ci Showcase “An evening of Hmong Queer and Allies talents”

Wednesday, March 2 ·  6:00pm -  9:00pm

U of M Twin Cities Coffman Union: The Whole Music Club

Come join us on March 2, 2011 for some amazing performances by artists such as Tou Saiko Lee, Artist Activist MR SOY 2010 Linda Hawj, Oskar Ly, Chong Moua, Pada Lo and more!!!!

*Free Food*
*Open to the public*
*Awesome Performances!*

For more information please contact us at:
glbta@umn.edu

THURSDAY and BEYOND

Fur Flee 2011 – FOUREVER!

Thursday, March 3 at 3:00pm -  March 6 at 2:00pm

Superior Wisconsin / Duluth Minnesota

RUN PASSES /FLEE COLLARS – $60.00
PURCHASE AT WWW.NCBEARS.COM
(you need a Run Pass to get into ALL hotel events and all drink specials)

http://www.ncbears.com/ncb/

Pounds 4 Pride – Winter Walk

Saturday, March 5 · 3:30pm – 6:30pm

Loring Park Community Center
1382 Willow St.
Minneapolis, MN

Celebrate The Final Days Of Winter

Come early for fitness boot camp. Mix and mingle with Pounds4Pride sponsors and spokespeople. Join in the lighted balloon parade at dusk.

Loring Park Community Center

3:30-4:30 Fitness Boot Camp
4:30-6:00 Meet & Greet Social
6:00 5K Luminary Winter Walk

The Winter Walk is brought to you by the Rainbow Health Initiative – Pounds4Pride Campaign

Gladius Deathwatch?

While reports of its demise have been greatly exaggerated before, this may be the end for Gladius, the downtown Minneapolis gay bar that opened in September 2009 to much fanfare. While TheColu.mn has not yet been able to contact the owners, it has been informed by several people that they have heard “from the owner” that the bar will be closing on December 18th. The bar has been rumored to be facing financial difficulties.

The bar never seemed to reach the kind of prominence fellow upstart Minneapolis bars like Lush and Jetset achieved, but the rumors of a closing have put a crimp in at least one patron’s plans. In a message to invitees to a fundraiser for a friend battling lymphoma, Minneapolis-area resident Lauren DeLand said the announcement from Gladius staff was “abrupt.”

“We were surprised and upset by this sudden announcement,” DeLand wrote, “but we are determined to move forward with the benefit at another location.”

TheCou.mn is still trying to contact owner Phil Berglin, and will continue to update this article with more information as it becomes available.

A staff person at Gladius confirmed the Dec. 18 closing date under condition of anonymity.

TheColu.mn’s Halloween Homosexual Agenda

Missed the Zombie Pub Crawl, but still have that itch to smear your least-favorite outfit with fake blood and shamble about downtown? Dying to get that vampire cape out of your closet so you can make atrocious puns with a bad Central European accent? Then check out these Halloween parties and events busting out all over Minnesota next weekend! There’s so much to do that, even if you’re under 18, or just over the Saloon, there’s something for you.

Performances

Hidden Falls Regional Park: Barebones Productions’ “Carnetheria.” They call it a “puppet spectacle that plumbs the deep and darkest depths of a dreamlike Carnival for all ages,” but these are no ordinary puppets. Think stilt-walkers and a 13-foot-tall robot that shoots fireworks and suggest that we are loosing our very humanity in our boundless exploitation of technology and natural resources. Free, but $5-20 suggested donation. Friday 10/29 through Sunday 10/31, all shows start at 7 PM. ASL interpretation available on Saturday night.

Bryant Lake Bowl: Mrs. Smith’s Halloween Spooktacular. Mrs. Smith has been beguiling Twin Cities audiences all year in her quest to find her beloved cat Carlyle. It’s been so therapeutic that she’s decided to throw a Halloween party to overcome her “on-going issues with the supernatural” and you’re invited! Games! Musical numbers! Come in costume for a chance to win an Apple iPad! Tickets ($15) are limited, however – call 612-825-8949 or order online. Friday, October 29 at 11:30pm and Sunday, Oct. 31 at 10pm.

Duluth
JT’s JTs annual Halloween Costume Party and Contest. Free treats, WICKED Drinks and SPOOKY Shot specials all night long. 10/30

Bar Parties

Eagle/Bolt: Uniform contest on Friday 10/29, all-out Halloween costume contest on Saturday 10/30, and Showtunes costumes on Sunday 10/31. (18+)

Lush: Lindsey “Sheik” Earney hosts and DJs Blush Halloween at Lush on Friday 10/29 from 10 PM to 2 AM, with female dancers and mostly female staff. Costumes encouraged. ($5 cover, 1 free drink, 18+)

Karma: This year, The Big Gay Halloween Party moves from Solera to Karma on Friday 10/29, with DJ Escape and DJ Sheik. Costume contest at 11 PM with cash prizes. ($15, or $10 with a valid student ID, 18+)

Coale’s: Halloween Voltage. Friday 10/29. Costume prizes: First: $100, Second: $75, Third: $50.

Tickles: Tickles’ Halloween Ball runs from 6 PM to 2 AM on Saturday 10/30, with all proceeds going to benefit the Aliveness Project. Drawing with $3000 prizes. Bingo from 6 PM to 8 PM, hosted by Miss Jennifer North.

Camp: Haunted Hollywood 3 kicks off at 9 PM and goes until 3 AM on Saturday 10/30. $2000 dollars in cash prizes.

Jetset: MONSTER: The Jetset Halloween party. Dress up. Drink. Dance. From 10 PM to 2 AM on Saturday 10/30.

Townhouse: Elegance drag show, From 9:30pm – 12:30am on Saturday 10/30.

Gladius: Halloween Costume Contest. 10/30. Prizes.

19 Bar: Halloween Costume Contest. 10/30. Prizes awarded at 11pm. First: $500, Second: $300, Third: $50.

Gay 90s: Sunday Night Halloween Party in the Annex at 9pm. Costume sign-up by midnight. First prize: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100. 10/31

Saloon: Halloween Costume Contest. 10/31. Prizes. First: $500, Second: $250, Third: $100.

Rumours to close its doors this weekend

St. Paul LGBT bar Rumours and Innuendo will close its doors following drink service on Saturday, Oct. 30. The bar, which opened in 2006, catered to many different parts of the LGBT community. Much of the time the bar has been open, the street in front and around the block have been closed due to construction of the Light Rail line linking Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Rumours name came from a popular St. Paul LGBT bar that once occupied the space currently filled by Camp. and previously filled by Trikkx.

Rumours and Innuendo owners Sean and Jim Fetterman posted the following on their Facebook profile on Monday afternoon:

Subject: Rumours & Innuendo to close on Saturday, October 30.

It is with regret that we inform you that Rumours & Innuendo will be closing for business effective the night of Saturday, October 30 after the Lowertown Entertainment District “Boo’s Crawl”.

As most of you know, the light rail construction has been a strain on businesses affected on 4th Street in St. Paul. We have attempted to work with the light rail project on timeframes, communication and alternatives to continue to serve our guests. Although there have been bright spots and glimmers of hope to see an end to the work, we have decided that we cannot continue to engage in this uphill battle to provide a clear path to our business and limit interruption to our guest experience. The construction project began 3 months ahead of schedule leaving us 3 weeks to create plans to notify and provide communication to our guests. In addition, the project has continually been pushed back and communication on “what’s next” has been unclear and, at times, non-existent. We would like to thank Dave Thune our city councilman for his tireless efforts to champion for our business and the businesses impacted by construction on 4th Street.

We want you to know that we have had a great time over the last (almost) 4 years and that business was really “rockin’ strong” until this point of the light rail project. Our staff, managers and partner groups provided a fun and friendly atmosphere where everyone felt like they could come and partake in the experience! Jim and Sean want to thank each of the staff members and want you to help support them as they move on from Rumours & Innuendo. They have been the most incredible staff anyone could ever hope to have!

Over the last 4 years, we have had the pleasure of working with so many groups and local non-profits. We would like to thank you all for working with us and wish you the best of luck as you continue to do your good work for the community.

Our thanks go out to our partner groups:

Minneapolis Movie Bears
The Cockpit Minneapolis
Minnesota Storm Patrol
Atons
Mayhem Rugby Team
The Guys and Dolls Show and crew
Seduction Show and crew
GET BENT Kings Show and crew
St. Paul Soul
The Imperial Court of Minnesota
The North Star Gay Rodeo Association

For all of our friends and partner groups, please come down on or before Saturday, October 30 to say goodbye to all of us and give us the opportunity to thank you!

Thank you for your support and friendship throughout this experience.

Sean & Jim Fetterman

Too Hot To Handle: Pride drops artist’s work saying it’s too erotic

Is the 2010 Twin Cities Pride Art Show pandering to the conservatives? Last week, well known local erotic artist Marc Debauch was notified by the director of the upcoming Pride Art Show and Grand Marshal Reception that his work was “too erotic” to be displayed. The image above titles “Mansweat” is one of those paintings in question. Two others have been rejected, one of a nude man in a pool of water with his back to the audience and another nude man facing forward, not unlike Michelangelo’s David.

I wonder what standard the committee or individual making this determination followed?  Debauch’s work is well known to many people around the world and much of it is explicitly sexual in nature.  Had there been portrayal of intercourse, naked erections, ejaculation, etc., I could see why the image would be deemed inappropriate for the venue in which is currently being staged.  The Art Institutes International Minnesota (Ai Minnesota) is the official sponsor of the show. 

However, Ai Minnesota is located downtown Minneapolis - just a short walk away from The Saloon where similarly attired (or not) images of young gay men loom 10 times larger than life on the corner of 9th and Hennepin in clear public view to all.   The Ai Minnesota call for submissions does not specifically address artistic standards.  They simply identify what is required in terms of how the art is to be delivered and the cost of entry.  Earlier this month there was a notice that the deadline had been extended, presumably related to the low response to the call.  A call between Debauch and Rob Anderson – the director of the show – failed to provide the artist with clear specifics on why his work was being rejected.  Debauch wrote a response to the call challenging the decision.

In his email he states:

“Dear Robert, I have had time to think about our conversation today  and bounced it off of many people, including  several gay and lesbian artists in our community. The jury for the 2010 Pride Art Show has set a dangerous precedent in rejecting my art, because they deemed it too erotic for the venue. Why was nothing mentioned in the 2010 Pride Art Show Guidelines about erotic, nude or semi-nude artwork being ineligible for the show?”

A flurry of communication has been coming in to both the artist and the show’s officials expressing concern about the decision.  Although the jury may still be out on this topic and whether the piece will be displayed at the show, the bigger question is whether Pride is continuing to support increased censorship in order to draw lucrative corporate sponsorships and huge numbers year after year. 

Many GLBT community members have become increasingly concerned that Pride seems less and less Queer friendly and more driven by the almighty buck.  Jennifer Pritchett, owner of The Smitten Kitten, states “When you let money make decisions for you, you run the risk of those decisions being antithetical to your mission.”

Debauch has been contacted via email by Dot Belstler, the current Executive Director of this year’s Twin Cities Pride.  Belstler writes “I am so sorry this has caused you and your colleagues such pain. It was certainly not the intent – nor was censorship. In the future, we will attempt to be more clear in the call for Art, but please understand that sexually explicit content must be handled with sensitivity.”  She also addressed the issue of censorship in the following statement “In this particular case, I believe “Mansweat” may have been confused with the full frontal nudity pictured in “Morning on the Balcony.”  Of course “Mansweat” is not too erotic, it is a beautiful painting and we would be proud to display it in the show.”

These comments have left many wondering what constitutes erotica in a digital age.  Any search engine will pull up a flaccid penis photograph while searching for information about syphilis.  As for art and nudes – sculptures of male nudes grace the entries of some of our most noted institutions including Westminster Presbyterian Church.   In this age, why should an oil painting of a male nude without an erection be considered too hot to handle?

What do you think?

Sensational “Arabian Nights” Honors Stars Who “Brought Drag Back To Rochester”

The term “drag show” doesn’t wholly describe the performance that took place this past Saturday at Rookie’s Bar at the Ramada Hotel in Rochester.

The not-for-profit Rochester Girls, Inc. presented “Arabian Nights” as the theme for its annual spring show to raise funds for the group’s upcoming calendar year.  The three-set show featured members from the house cast of Illusions out of La Crosse, dancers from Blue Lotus Middle Eastern Dancers and of course, the Rochester Girls themselves.

As a matter of variety, the breadth of individual performers’ experience ranged from brand new Hanna Detox to 60-something siren Champagne.

The Rochester Girls typically organize four local drag shows per year and – with the exception of the spring show – donate the proceeds to any number of charities including the Professional AIDS Network, Minnesota Greyhound Rescue, and Paws and Claws Humane Society.

Rochester Girls co-founder Darren Wendt (who performs as Sidonia Dudval) noted the particular importance of Saturday’s show as marking the 10 year anniversary of the passing of Rochester drag queen Celeste DeVille.

DeVille, whose real name is Tony Hegna, perished in a single-car crash while driving home from a Twin Cities drag show in 2000.

“Celeste and Savannah [Skye] were really the two people responsible for bringing drag back to Rochester in the late 1990’s,” Wendt said.  “What they did led to the founding of The Rochester Girls.”

“This show also honors the memory of Sadie Seville who passed away in November of 2007,” he added.

Without further ado…

Eager patrons filed into the bar and packed the room by the time Illusions emcee John announced that Blue Lotus dancer, Raja, was ready to take the stage.  Outfitted with Isis Wings for dramatic effect, Raja opened the show on an intriguing – and authentic – note.

Raja and other members of Blue Lotus took the stage several times by the end of the evening – including a sensational rendition of Hot Chocolate’s ‘You Sexy Thing’ featuring dancers Charron and Adeline. Rochester Girls member Leroy LeBlanc coupled with Raja later on in the show to perform ‘Touch Me’.

Other highlights of the evening included two live vocal performances from the remarkably Josh Groban-esque singer, Scotty.  The first was a theatric (genie costume and all!) song from Aladdin and the second was (appropriately) a Josh Groban number.

Savannah Skye and Sidonia Dudval commanded the stage in true diva fashion and although each strutted to Lady Gaga, their individuality as performers made their time on stage uniquely thrilling.

Drag kings Antonio and Reggie added a touch of suave and soul (respectively) and Prince Amir offered a new twist on traditional belly dancing.

The aforementioned is only a sampling of the remarkable performers who offered their time and talents in support of a worthy organization.  To see these acts – and others – check out The Rochester Girls’ next show.

The Hangover: Drag queens, weddings, and VD

TheColu.mn crew had some VD fun (Valentine’s Day not Venereal Disease) this weekend attending a slew of “love” themed parties, most of which went well. For some, however, TheColu.mn has got no love to share.

Thursday brought the Red Party by VENEM at Barfly. Between 10 and 10:30 the “former teen heartthrob” and “casting call for BRAVO” had failed to appear — along with the rest of the crowd. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 people mingled and danced, four of which were the hired strippers. Perhaps the party was busy before 10:30? Or maybe after 10:30? At any rate, 10:30 was not a good time to be at the Red Party and “famous” hearthrobs were nowhere to be found.

Across the street, the Saloon hosted a Cutest Cupid contest as a benefit for the PrideAlive volunteers team for the Minnesota AIDS Walk. Five studs answered sexual health questions and sold jello shots to raise money for the Walk. Chris Melgren, whose chiseled body is coincidentally featured in the AIDS Walk marketing, took home the title of cutest cupid for selling the most shots and answering the trivia correctly.

Love hungover at the Saloon Staff Drag Show on Sunday evening. Many a hot diva was there to delight us with their avocational aspirations. The Saloon staff got bored with just serving up cocktails and shower shows and treated patrons to their annual staff drag show. It was emceed by none other than Camille Collins wearing a daring little number that simply says it all. Good for you Camille and we can all just kiss your assets!

Merriment continued throughout downtown and for at least one lucky couple the night of romantic aspirations was punctuated with a proposal.  Paul and David were engaged last night and are being wed at Kawashaway later this Spring.  Congrats boys!

Well there you have it.  A weekend full of romance and tons of photos to document it all.  Check out the slideshow on our Flickr pool and contribute your own photos from this weekend.

Andy Birkey contributed to this hangover.