Volume
15 No. 7 May 8,
2008Compiled & written by Mike Fitzpatrick
Top
Stories:
Madison - Veteran gay activist and Club 5 founder Ed Gruenwald has died following a brief battle pancreatic cancer. The 58 year-old Gruenwald succumbed April 21. He had been diagnosed with the disease April 4.
Following the loss of the Washington Hotel complex, Gruenwald opened Club 5 in 1998 on Madison’s southwest side. He previously had owned
Manoeuvres,
a smaller gay club in the former Wilson Hotel. He also owned one of the
first gay pride stores in Madison, We Are Family, on the city’s east
side. Gruenwald was also a longtime sponsor of the Madison Gay
Softball (now SSBL-Madison) and involved with the MAGIC Picnic and
Madison Pride.According to a message posted on the night club’s website, Club 5 will continue to operate and serve the community, according to Gruenwald’s wishes.
General manager David Eick told Quest that Gruenwald had made plans for the club’s future long before he was stricken with cancer. “Ed had things in place in case something happened,” he said. “Basically Club 5 has a corporate structure so the bar will be open for business as usual.”
Gruenwald’s family has already begun arrangements for the bar to continue for the long term, Eick told Quest. Negotiations with an individual who has already spoken with employees. “The new individual has assured the staff that the club will continue to operate as it has in the past,” Eick said.
Gruenwald is survived by his partner Johann and both their families. Gruenwald’s family asks that any memorials be made by donations to the Madison AIDS Network. “Ed was a big supporter of the AIDS Network,” Eick said. “The club’s coat check has been donated to them for years, and there have been many benefit shows and promotions as well.”
Eick added that the family has also said that memorial donations to the Madison chapter of the American Cancer Society would also be welcome.
Club 5 will hold a Night of Reflection to remember Ed on Wednesday, May 7 from 5-8 PM at the venue. A second public memorial ceremony is being scheduled at the Madison Hospice on Saturday, May 17. The Gunderson Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Gruenwald’s cremains will be interred following private family services.
World & National News:
HRC-Sponsored Poll: Only 2.9% Of Americans
Are Gay
New York - Is it time to mark down all the Ten Percent Societies around the country? An online poll sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and conducted by Hunter College released its results April 30 and has found that only 2.9% of Americans older than 18 identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Voter exit polls typically suggest that the gay community is 4-5% of the general population.
“Exit polls are based on voters, the people who show up at the polls,” poll co-author Patrick Egan explained. “Gays and lesbians vote much more consistently than the general population.”
The survey also found that gay people are more politically active than their straight counterparts, women and men vary in terms of the way they categorize themselves and different generations of gay people have separate priorities for the movement. The poll’s authors claim the study provides the most comprehensive and truly representative picture of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population to date because it was specifically designed for the that group. Transgender individuals were not included because, to date, their numbers are too few to provide a statistically accurate representation.
The results also suggest that gay voters may be having a disproportionate impact on the political process, not only through participation at the polls but through civic engagement in things like volunteering for campaigns, writing letters to the editor, contacting government officials and attending protests and rallies. “It’s this sort of illusive concept that good political theorists want everyone to do, which is to be engaged with their community,” Egan told The Advocate. “By every measure, lesbians, gays and bisexuals are more engaged with their communities than the general population.”
The poll also notes a generational divide has emerged between younger gay people aged 18 to 25 and those 65 and older. Younger gay men and women ) placed access to marriage and adoption rights as their highest priorities. Older gay community members prioritized laws against bias crimes and workplace discrimination. The report stated that older generation gay people emphasize “freedom from discrimination,” and younger gay people value “the freedom to live their lives” in similar fashion to heterosexual Americans.
The poll also found that gay people are younger overall than mainstream America, with the average age of those over 18 being 41 years of age versus 46 for the general population. Even more strikingly, only 3.5% of gay people are 65 or older. Senior citizens overall are 16.3% of American adults.
“Men and women born in early generations may be less likely to consider themselves gay or may be less likely to disclose as such on a survey,” Egan said.
The study found that women and men make up equal shares of the gay population, but men account for two-thirds of those who identify as lesbian or gay. Women account for two-thirds of those who call themselves bisexual. Bisexual men were also more likely to have had a same-sex experience within the past year than bi women. “The takeaway here is that, for bi men, bisexuality is a behavior and, for women, bisexuality is an identity,” Egan said.
The company that conducted the poll, Knowledge Networks, Inc., recruited its subjects using a random-digit dial process over the phone, but it asked the questions over the internet and provided WebTV for anyone who did not have internet capabilities. “People are “much more likely to be candid over the Internet,” Egan said. “Especially about questions of sexuality, than they are with a phone interviewer.”
The sample size for the Hunter College poll was 768 respondents with a 3.5% margin of error.
New York - Is it time to mark down all the Ten Percent Societies around the country? An online poll sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign and conducted by Hunter College released its results April 30 and has found that only 2.9% of Americans older than 18 identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Voter exit polls typically suggest that the gay community is 4-5% of the general population.
“Exit polls are based on voters, the people who show up at the polls,” poll co-author Patrick Egan explained. “Gays and lesbians vote much more consistently than the general population.”
The survey also found that gay people are more politically active than their straight counterparts, women and men vary in terms of the way they categorize themselves and different generations of gay people have separate priorities for the movement. The poll’s authors claim the study provides the most comprehensive and truly representative picture of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual population to date because it was specifically designed for the that group. Transgender individuals were not included because, to date, their numbers are too few to provide a statistically accurate representation.
The results also suggest that gay voters may be having a disproportionate impact on the political process, not only through participation at the polls but through civic engagement in things like volunteering for campaigns, writing letters to the editor, contacting government officials and attending protests and rallies. “It’s this sort of illusive concept that good political theorists want everyone to do, which is to be engaged with their community,” Egan told The Advocate. “By every measure, lesbians, gays and bisexuals are more engaged with their communities than the general population.”
The poll also notes a generational divide has emerged between younger gay people aged 18 to 25 and those 65 and older. Younger gay men and women ) placed access to marriage and adoption rights as their highest priorities. Older gay community members prioritized laws against bias crimes and workplace discrimination. The report stated that older generation gay people emphasize “freedom from discrimination,” and younger gay people value “the freedom to live their lives” in similar fashion to heterosexual Americans.
The poll also found that gay people are younger overall than mainstream America, with the average age of those over 18 being 41 years of age versus 46 for the general population. Even more strikingly, only 3.5% of gay people are 65 or older. Senior citizens overall are 16.3% of American adults.
“Men and women born in early generations may be less likely to consider themselves gay or may be less likely to disclose as such on a survey,” Egan said.
The study found that women and men make up equal shares of the gay population, but men account for two-thirds of those who identify as lesbian or gay. Women account for two-thirds of those who call themselves bisexual. Bisexual men were also more likely to have had a same-sex experience within the past year than bi women. “The takeaway here is that, for bi men, bisexuality is a behavior and, for women, bisexuality is an identity,” Egan said.
The company that conducted the poll, Knowledge Networks, Inc., recruited its subjects using a random-digit dial process over the phone, but it asked the questions over the internet and provided WebTV for anyone who did not have internet capabilities. “People are “much more likely to be candid over the Internet,” Egan said. “Especially about questions of sexuality, than they are with a phone interviewer.”
The sample size for the Hunter College poll was 768 respondents with a 3.5% margin of error.
State News:
Financial Woes Sink
2008 Madison PrideMadison - This years Madison Pride will be a lot smaller, according to an emailed “open letter” shared with the city’s LGBT community April 24.
“It is with sincere regret that Madison Pride Board, Inc., announces that Pride activity for July 2008 must be scaled back due to serious financial discrepancies,” the email sent from the committee’s official address began.
“On March 10, 2008, members of the Executive Committee of Madison Pride Board, Inc., became aware that some bills from the 2007 event had not been paid, as reported, and of other financial discrepancies. An initial investigation was launched immediately. Significant steps have been taken to avoid further concerns and to advance a thorough investigation,” the pride board wrote. “Such steps include: unanimous approval of a motion to remove the organization’s Treasurer for failure to report financial inconsistencies; freezing the Madison Pride accounts; full disclosure to Pride’s insurance company, and contact with attorneys and investigative agencies.”
“The current Madison Pride Board... also gave the remaining Executive Committee authorization to continue the investigation in conjunction with the appropriate law enforcement agencies with the intention of prosecution if the evidence should lead to criminal charges,” the announcement continued.
According to the email, Pride co-chair Mark Steward will focus on the march and rally organization for this year and preparations for the 20th Anniversary celebration in 2009. Co-chair Nikki Baumblatt was given the task of concentrating on the investigation and developing improved financial procedures. The Madison Police Department reportedly has begun an investigation into the matter.
The email did not name the dismissed treasurer, who has served for the last four years, by name. No charges have been filed in conjunction with the missing funds as of Quest’s deadline. The email concluded with a formal apology to the Madison LGBT community and thanked Madison-based organizations such as Fair Wisconsin and OutReach for their continued support.
In an interview with the Wisconsin Journal, Baumblatt would not reveal how much money is involved, but noted that recent Madison Pride celebrations had around a $20,000 average cost. Last year’s Pride event had brought in two “name” artists: dance diva Ultra Naté and country singer Tonya Watts. The WAMI-winning Ronnie Nyles Band and bevy or drag kings and queens from around the state also performed.
Baumblatt also declined to say how long the mismanagement took place, noting that the committee’s lawyer and investigators have advised against releasing too much information because the investigation is ongoing.
Students Nominate Gay Teen For Prom Queen
Racine - According to 18 year-old openly gay Uriel Gomez, he didn’t plan to campaign to be the prom queen at Park High School here. However last week Gomez’s classmates nominated him to be on the list of seniors up to be on the prom court as a candidate for prom queen.
School administrators have said “no” and now Gomez is torn. He wants to be on the ballot and hasn’t heard a good reason why he shouldn’t be included.
Gomez points out that a Park High alumni and current University of Wisconsin football star player John Clay dressed in women’s clothing and won the high school’s “Miss Legs,” a homecoming tradition when he was in school. Gomez and his friends don’t see a lot of difference and think he should be eligible to be prom queen, especially since his classmates voted him onto the list.
“It’s not like I’m forcing myself on the ballot,” Gomez told Paul Stoltz of the Racine Journal Times. “I did it legitimately and I did it fairly.”
Students at the high school voted for the seniors who might be elected to the school’s prom court, a process that will ultimately lead to the five boys and five girls who will make up the court. The king and the queen will be chosen at the prom May 17.
Gomez said that he has been called “queen” so many times that its hard to remember the first time, though it was during his freshman year, after he had gone through his own coming out process. He came out to his friends shortly before his freshman year.
“After that I was like, ‘You know what, no, OK, if you’re going to call me a queen I might as well have a good title with it: prom queen,’ “ Gomez said. “Since the beginning of freshman year I’ve been trying to take things in stride and trying not to be so negative about it.”
Gomez said that has learned to navigate the complicated minefield that high school can be, especially for an openly gay student. He’s been called worse. “Queen never seemed that bad,” he said.
Gomez will be going to the prom with a female friend, a Park graduate. He has picked his outfit and rented a bus to go with a large group of friends.
“Uriel’s not doing this to ruin anybody else’s prom. He’s not doing this to make girls cry,” his date Madeline Harris said. “If anything, he’s doing this to make his prom more memorable.”
Fond Du Lac To “Break The Silence” May 9-10
Fond Du Lac - A two-day conference, “Breaking Silence: Beginning a Conversation with/about Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transsexuals in Fond du Lac” will be held from 7 to 9:30 PM on Friday, May 9, and from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, May 10, at the Covenant United Methodist Church, 20 N. Marr St. here.
The event is being coordinated by Open Circle Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in partnership with the Covenant United Methodist Church, the Fond du Lac High School Gay Straight Alliance, the Congregation of St. Agnes, the Marian College Social Justice Committee, the Marian College Campus Ministry and the group United for Diversity.
The conference will provide an opportunity for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and straight allies to reflect on attitudes and experiences regarding sexual orientation and gender identity and gain perspectives of LGBT panelists and other program participants. Organizers also will offer participants the opportunity to examine religious teachings about gay people.
Goals for the conference are to identify actions for making Fond du Lac more LGBT- friendly by sharing information and resources for taking action in the creation of a supportive network to undertake education and advocacy for LGBT inclusion and equality in the community.
Those interested in attending may pre-register by email at: ocuuf@charter.net or by phone at 920-923-5253. Preregistration is appreciated, but not required. Cost of the Saturday session is $5 for lunch. Students will be admitted free of charge.
SAGE Plans 4th Annual Spring Fling
Milwaukee - Seasoned gay citizens and their friends will be hootin’ and hollerin’ Saturday, May 15 when SAGE presents their “Round Up At The Old Gay Corral,” this year’s them for the organization’s 4th Annual Spring Fling.
“We’ getting out the crowns and dusting them off, ordering a cake, and putting on our dancin’ shoes,” SAGE Executive Director Bill Serpe said April 27 at the group’s Annual Meeting and Luncheon held at the Astor Hotel. “So brush off your Stetson and get out your bolo ties and bandannas. Leave the branding irons at home but bring along a friend for a night of fun for all.
The party will start at 6 PM at MONA’s (Milwaukee’s Out ‘N’ About), 1407 S. 1st Street. SAGE members will also elect a new Spring Fling king and queen to be part of the group’s Pride Parade entry in June.
The $15 admission ticket to the event includes soft drinks, hor’s d’ourves and cake. For more information or tickets call 414-224-0517 or stop in at the SAGE office, 1845 N. Farwell Ave.
“Night Out On the Town” To Benefit LaCrosse Pride
LaCrosse - The 7 Rivers LGBT Center is sponsoring “A Night Out On The Town” to benefit LaCrosse Pride on Friday, May 30 at Peaberry’s, 40 Copeland Ave. Here. Hors D’ouvres and sampling of wine, beer, tea and coffee will begin the evening from 7-8 PM. Live music and karaoke will follow from 8-10 PM.
Tickets for the event are $15 each and available at the center or from Pride committee members. All tickets purchases will be eligible for door prizes drawn at the event, though the ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
Proceeds from the event will benefit LaCrosse Pride, to be held on Saturday, August 23.
Jerry Grillo To Perform At SAGE Benefit
Milwaukee - Jerry Grillo, one of the Cream City’s most popular vocal talents, will perform his “Music Made Famous By Women” cabaret show in a benefit for SAGE/Milwaukee on Friday, May 30 at 8 PM at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 S. Second Street here.
Grillo is currently the lead singer with the 15-piece Nick Contorno Orchestra. He also appears regularly with the Jerry Grillo Band, his jazz combo.
“Cupping his hands around his microphone, his eyes half closed, Jerry Grillo sways to the rhythm of an inner reverie as he puts his singing on pause to allow his guitarist to take a solo,” Sheperd Express reviewer Dave Luhrssen in a rapturous piece about Grillo’s performance. “Live, Grillo is the consummate lounge singer, wrapping his voice around the meaning of every word of every standard he sings.”
Tickets are limited to 75 attendees and are $15 each. For more information or tickets call 414-224-0517 or stop in at the SAGE office, 1845 N. Farwell Ave.
Feature Story:
Cover Story: Pumphouse Has The Party
PrideFest Weekend
Celebrity DJs Mark Picchiotti and Susan Morabito On The Beat June 6-7
Milwaukee - He’s remixed #1 hits by Madonna, Mariah Carey and the Pet Shop Boys. She is the only female DJ to ever perform at the Saint At Large Black Party, the oldest ongoing party in the U. S. - and she’s done it twice. Together they’ve brought the beat to millions around the country and around the world for a combined forty-plus years of acclaim. And they’re coming to the Pumphouse to make this year’s PrideFest weekend the most memorable ever!
Legendary DJs Mark Picchiotti and Susan Morabito will each perform live at the Pumphouse June 6 and 7. Each will begin spinning their signature styles at 10 PM, with Morabito on Friday and Picchiotti on Saturday.
Inspired by a lifelong passion and love for dance music, Friday evening’s celebrity DJ Susan Morabito has one of the most distinctive and unique styles of any DJ working in the world today. The level of energy, her musical journey and the range of emotion that she brings to a dance floor is legendary among her fans.
Susan has been performing in clubs around the country since 1982. Her resumé consists of a residency at the Pavilion in Fire Island pines in the 90’s along with the legendary GMHC morning party.
Morabito’s work is a part of gay history. She performed for thousands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid as part of New York’s Stonewall 25. Susan also has played virtually every club in New York City and various circuit parties around the country: Twilo, Roxy, Sound Factory, Saint at Large Parties etc. Circuit events include, events during White party, Winter Party (Miami Fl), Halloween in New Orleans, Cherry, Blue Ball, San Diego Gay Pride, NYC Gay pride and a wide array of Gay Pride and other events around the country. Susan has played every major U.S. city and abroad, including Canada, Italy, Amsterdam, Brazil, Japan and Australia.
Susan is probably best known for her post-Black Party “Equinox” which is currently known as “Odyssey” at which she DJ’s, as well as co-produces. Susan currently holds a residency at New York City’s, SBNY Nightclub on a monthly base. Adding to her resumé is her discography: the release of seven CDs in seven years.
After more than 20 years working in the world of music, Susan has earned a reputation of being musically, versatile, selective and creative. Learn more about Susan at: www.SusanMorabito.com.
Saturday’s International Superstar, DJ/Producer Mark Picchiotti travels the globe spinning his signature sound and has played everywhere from Ministry of Sound (UK), Pacha (Portugal), El Divino (Ibiza) and Crobar (various) to the Pavilion on Fire Island. Mark is also one of the producers and writers for megastar Kylie Minogue’s last few albums, including remixing her forthcoming single “All I See” from her newest album “X”.
Mark was recently voted one of the 40 most influential remixers of all time. With over 200+ remixes to his credit his remix resume is vast, varied and quite impressive and includes #1 hits Madonna, Mariah Carey, the Pet Shop Boys, Enrique Iglesias and Mary J. Blige to name a few. A force to be reckoned with Mark has contributed many classic hits to the club world over the last 15 years.
The last twelve months have seen Mark remixing 15 artists, including George Michael and Enrique Iglesias (again). Mark has also produced five of his own original productions, including his recent release Basstoy ‘Turn It Up” which just went to #1 on the UK National Club Chart. Basstoy currently is exploding worldwide and is Mark’s second international hit for this act.
A versatile DJ, Mark can spin a sexy After Hours set or a passionate Morning Music groove or an uplifting, feel good vibe for a Sunday Tea. For the Big Events Mark’s Main Room DJ sets take the dance floor on a seamless journey from soulful house to progressive house, a journey not to be missed. Learn more about Mark at: www.markpicchiotti.com.
The Pumphouse celebrity DJ appearances are sponsored in part by Manhunt.com. Admission is limited for those 21 and over. Cost for each night will be $10 per person.
Milwaukee Gay Art Center Has Full May Schedule
Milwaukee - Like the flowers in Spring, the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center’s is blossoming with events during the month of May.
In the Gallery, two exhibits will be open. The first, “Art from Saint Paul’s,” is a special collaboration with Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church featuring visual art and music. Also open is “Photography by Joel Richter.” Both will run through May 30. Gallery hours are 10 AM-4 PM Monday through Friday. Other times available by appointment
On Saturday, May 10, the Art from Saint Paul’s Concert will be conducted at 7:30 PM. The concert is the second part of a special collaboration with Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. Music from the English, French and German Baroque will be performed by members of the Saint Paul’s Choir with Jerrod Fenske conducting. Concert will include Psalmi Brevi by Andreas Hofer, a composer of the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, and assorted works by J. S. Bach, G. F. Handel and Claude Balabastre . Suggested donation for the concert is $10.
On Thursday May 15 the MGAC will host the financial seminar Retirement Red Zone” presented by Jeff Lewis. The program is sponsored by Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, the Prudential Insurance Company of America, in partnership FORGE, the Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee and SAGE/Milwaukee.
To register for this free series or more information about this program, call Patrick Price, Director of Philanthropy for the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, at 414-292-3065 or e-mail him at: pprice@mkelgbt.org.
On Sunday, May 18 MGAC will offer a performance by Coyote Grace, an indie folk acoustic duo from Seattle. According to a review at Gay.com, Coyote Grace offers “feel-good music if you’re happy or sad, full of energy or half asleep. (The group has) woven an artistic web of melodies and rhythms as soothing as hot chamomile tea on a cool night, then added lyrics as blatant and honest as a courtroom confession. The combination is mind-blowing.”
Tickets for the 7 PM concert are $7. Refreshments will also be available.
On Saturday, May 24, at 7 PM the Shaia Fahrid Egyptian Belly Dance troupe will present the weekend extravaganza “Belly Dance Performance Showcase,” featuring Mark Balahadia as well as a stunning line-up of professional and student dancers. Lecture and workshops for the event will begin two days earlier on Thursday, May 22. Performance Tickets are $15. For information on workshops contact the troupe through their website at: www.milwaukeebellydance.com
On Saturday, May 31, Scott Malcom is back! Singer songwriter Scott Malcom returns to the Milwaukee music circuit with at 8 PM concert. There will be a $5 cover at the door. See and hear more about Scoot Malcom at www.scottmalcom.com
The MGAC also offers ongoing classes of Yogalates, the yoga-pilates fusion with Marc every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 PM. The cost for 8 weeks of sessions is $40. New students may join at any time.
The Milwaukee Gay Arts Center is located at 703 S. Second Street. For more information about the MGAC, call 414-383-3727 or visit the website at: www.milwqukeegayartscenter.org.
Florentine Director’s William Florescu On The Diamond Jubilee & More
Interview by Mike Fitzpatrick
Milwaukee - In the first part of his interview with Florentine Opera Company General Director William Florescu Quest’s Mike Fitzpatrick covered the recent production of I Capuleti e I Montecchi (Romeo & Juliet), the gay love of opera and the company’s outreach to the LGBT community. In this final portion of the conversation, Fitzpatrick and Florescu discuss opera’s user-friendly innovations, the link between opera and NASCAR and how opera is truly the last “real deal.” Most important, however, is the Florentine’s magnificent, upcoming Diamond Jubilee season.
Quest: Let’s talk a little bit about the Florentine’s Diamond Anniversary. You’ve picked three very fascinating pieces, including Handel’s Semele. It’s fascinating that it hadn’t been performed as an opera in the U. S. and modern Europe until just fifty years ago.
Florescu: In my research on it, the American staged premiere of it - it’s been performed a lot as an oratorio not staged as an opera - was just down the road in Chicago at Ravinia in 1957. In 75 years, we have never done a Baroque opera before. That was something I purposely did.
The Puccini (Madame Butterfly) we’re doing is because it’s the 150th birthday of Puccini. And The Magic Flute, which I’m going to be directing, will be an all-new production. We’re excited about that.
We’ll be back at the Pabst Theater which I think is a really great setting for Baroque opera.
Quest: Semele is a fascinating piece because choirs have claimed it for years as an oratorio when it is not.
Florescu: And our director is an interesting man named John La Bouchardiere who is English. He produced the opera originally for the Scottish Opera (Company). We’re basically re-creating that production.
What’s fascinating about it is that the whole thing starts as an oratorio and the evolves or devolves - depending on your point of view - into an opera. So the whole first act you see people in tuxes with music stands.
The reason Handel wrote a lot of these (operas disguised) as oratorios was it was a way of getting around not being able to produce opera during Lent, which at that time in England was a no-no. That’s how Handel became an oratorio composer.
People were shocked by Semele even though it was presented as an oratorio first (because) it has nothing to do with a religious subject, which most of the oratorios did. It had to do with a god committing adultery with a human which, of course, is scandalizing.
Quest: So you will be doing -shall I say - the classic version of Semele as opposed to the version done in New York two years ago where company turned the character of Jupiter into JFK.
Florescu: No, we’re not doing the JFK-Marilyn Monroe version though interestingly enough our Jupiter was in that production. He’s a Wisconsin native actually.
Quest: For the Jubilee year you’ve picked plays for people who are “into” opera. For real fans of opera that has to be one of the most exciting seasons your done in, well, 75 years.
Florescu: Absolutely. I’m just really excited about it. In terms of the artists we have performing in (the season), our Queen Of The Night in The Magic Flute has sung the role at both the Santa Fe Opera and the English National Opera. The casts are really just great.
Quest: Are season ticket available as well as individual performance tickets?
Florescu: Absolutely. We’re in our renewal campaign right now. The brochures for the campaign will be coming out very soon. And you can check our website (www.florentineopera.org) where you can actually subscribe online. I have to tell you that the subscriptions are through the roof right now.
Quest: For people who are - well, this is Milwaukee - dressing for the opera, black tie and tux is probably not what everybody wears, right?
Florescu: You know, the great thing about the opera is that you’ll see everything from black tie to blue jeans. Some people love the sense of occasion, get dude-ed up and looking fabulous. Other people think “I want to come but I want to wear jeans and a flannel shirt.” No one will feel uncomfortable at either extreme, which I think is fantastic.
We have some school grant programs where we bring in a lot of kids. In some cases, children who are under privileged come and they’re the ones who love to get dressed up. They just love it.
Quest: I brought up the dress code, so to speak, to encourage people who have never sampled a live opera to consider doing so. It’s one thing to listen to opera on NPR on a Saturday afternoon and another to actually go and see it. As much as you may love the music, until you’ve experienced an opera in person - well, its just a different world.
Florescu: It is. I used to be a singer myself. I’ve sung opera professionally and still direct it. To me, it’s just such a wonderful world to enter. If you’re into sensory overload, its great. It really brings all the elements of the arts together in one confluence: orchestral music, theater, painting with the sets - dance is involved. It’s really a great confluence of all those elements at one time which I think is wonderful. (The English author) Dr. (Samuel) Johnson once called opera “an irrational entertainment.”
We live more and more in a visual age. That’s one thing that has made opera thrive. It really does give you a sensory charge.
Quest: I think too that in the age of insta-everything, opera is craft, which is something hard to find. Talk about craft as opposed to the ability to mimic craft, like with computer-generated images in movies. This is the “real deal.” There’s no “cheat” in opera.
Florescu: Absolutely. I think one of the reasons sopranos and tenors have always been the “big money” people in opera is because there’s always that tightrope element to it: will they make it?
That’s one of the things that makes it so attractive. I think that’s one of the reasons why Maria Callas was worshiped on so many levels by so many people. While she had imperfect technique, she really left everything on the stage. She was just such a fully committed persona. That kind of intensity really appeals to a broad swath of people.
Quest: And certainly for people in the gay community, who in many settings have to suppress their natural exuberance.
Florescu: That’s a great point. I had thought of that. I think that you’re probably right that its an outlet.
Quest: I don’t want to diminish the Florentine by comparing equally to a drag pageant, but in some ways, when you see an absolutely fantastic, pageant-quality performance by a really talented female impersonator - they say “she pees on the floor.” That’s exactly what Callas did during her entire career. She was a good woman.
Florescu: Like I said, when you’re talking about Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer or Cher, the nature of a lot of their approach to things is very operatic. It’s why the term “diva” has been appropriated. That fabulous intensity for lack of a better word.
Quest: Something crossed my mind when you talked about “will they make it?” In other words making the note without cracking the voice. That sort of appeals to the NASCAR fan.
Florescu: It’s funny that you mention that. That was (what I was thinking) as I was saying that. Talk about a culture difference! But part of the thing about car racing is the fact that - you know - they’re all going around and are they going to bump into each other. I think it’s a fair analogy, in a totally different naturally. Whatever the chemical release is that makes you excited by somebody overcoming something that they might not make, I think its shared. It’s a fair analogy.
Quest: Well, you know the goal of an interview like this is to make someone say, “hey, let’s try this out once.”
Florescu: With the gay outreach events we’re doing that’s my intent as well.
Quest: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Florescu: I’m just happy to have the opportunity to tell you about what we’re doing. I want everybody, particularly Quest readers and the gay community to try us out. It’s a great experience for everyone.
Wisconsin Beauties Head For Dallas
OutBound’s Michael Johnston interviews Christina Chase & Alexis Rouge
Interview by Michael Johnston
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting back and chatting with two of Brew Town’s favorite beauties. You know them, love them, and enjoy their performance art. They are not only drag queens but also multi-tiara winning pageant stars. Currently they are glossing it up for the Miss USofA. Finals to be held in Dallas at the end of May. Christina Chase, the ravishing redhead who you can spot cocktail serving at the Pumphouse, is a fetching fixture in the world of illusion. Christina has a gazillion titles, tiaras and sashes but currently is enjoying most her present reign as Miss Wisconsin USofA.
The other starlet that met originally for these interviews was Beja, Miss Great Lakes USofA. Most have known and loved Beja for her starring role at LaCage or for adding that certain something to Drag Queen Bingo at Fluid. Since the original chat fest took place things have changed as Beja has returned home in the Denver area for a sojourn with her family.
In the interim, to quote Irving Berlin, “the show must go on.” Who else to step into the mighty stilettos than First Alternate Alexis Rouge.
Quest: What does your current title mean to you?
Christina: I’m representing the state of Wisconsin! I’m not originally from here. I wasn’t the nicest person – but Wisconsin has shown me how to be humble. Wisconsin has given me so much. This is my way of giving back. (It’s) a great honor! I had to compete with 17 people, never expecting I would win.
Alexis: First and foremost it’s an honor to be the new Miss Great Lakes USofA. The title started here but went off to another state. When Dan and Kylie brought it back to Wisconsin, it gave us all - Wisconsin and neighboring states - a really great title to strive for! My promoters (Dan and Kylie) are behind me 100% and have supported me not only with this honor, but my career as an entertainer. I couldn’t be happier to represent such a great system and title.
Quest: How many titles or contests have you been involved in?
Christina: I have won 13 out of the 17 contests I have tried out for.
Alexis: I’ve competed in roughly 20 contests in over three years. I’ve been in every major Pageant System prelim: USofA, Continental, Entertainer Of The Year, USA, and Wisconsin Club. I’ve learned a lot from each, making me better and more versatile.
Quest: Why do you do it?
Christina: I always thought I was a girl. I started experimenting with make-up, hair, clothes and I loved it! What I saw, it was me! I started doing shows, then contests, then winning, and it just went from there.
Alexis: I do it for the shoes! (laughs) Seriously though, I’m an entertainer. I love to entertain. I don’t do it for the money or notoriety, purely for fun! Every time I step on the stage gives me a chance to let go, have fun and just be me. And I hope that comes through in my performance.
Quest: Where do you go from here?
Christina: Settling down, becoming a woman, yet still being involved. Training, consulting, being a mentor - showing the way.
Alexis: I want to continue to grow as an entertainer. I want to learn and develop new skills. I believe I have to continue to evolve, grow, to give my audience the best. I’m promoting Miss Great Lakes and expanding my bookings throughout the state and beyond.
Quest: What is the most cherished memory of your illustrious career?
Christina: When I won Miss Wisconsin, Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA. I won as runner-up in the past. But to finally win. To persevere! Keep hanging in there!
Alexis: It’s hard to narrow down. Maybe, New Year’s 2005-6. I had the honor of doing the final number at the last Pink Party for OutReach in Madison. I did a remix of Heather Small’s “Proud.” What a great way to end an era!
Quest: Where were you born and raised? What brought you to or keeps you in Wisconsin?
Christina: Three lovely people in Dallas - at the Miss USofA. Pageant actually - they were Jackie Roberts, Sasha Mitchell, and Rudy D’Angelo, all of LaCage We all became very fast friends. I was looking for a new place. Nothing really was happening in Philly, where I was raised. I traveled a lot, back and forth for over a year and a half! Then I finally moved here and fell in love with the state and still am here!
Alexis: I’m a native to the Badger State, born and raised in Watertown. I moved to Madison about five years ago and couldn’t be happier. I think of moving but a part of my heart will always be in Wisconsin!
Quest: Where does your stage Name come from?
Christina: I started off as Vanity White because I was sort of a Vanna White clone. Then my drag mom, Valerie Cox, named me Christine Chase. Chase is a prestigious area in the Philadelphia area – where I came from. From there my name evolved into Christina Chase. (It’s) a better flow.
Alexis: My name is a combination of two things. Alexis is a variation on the name Alexia, which I always wanted to give my daughter if I ever have children. Rouge is a variation of rogue, because when I first started performing, I didn’t have a drag mother and was, in a sense, a rogue performer.
Quest: How do you describe yourself?
Christina: (As) one of the people who would give you the shirt off my back! I love fun! Yet, professional. I take my life and career really serious!
Alexis: I am open, honest, hardworking and caring. I’m very involved in the LGBT community for over five years. I’ve volunteered at OutReach Inc., as a peer counselor and part of the speakers bureau. I serve on the Madison Pride Board working with entertainment and hosting events. Drag can exist outside the bar. Get involved and give back to the community!
Quest: What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
Christina: Accomplished! Setting out and accomplishing all my goals. (I’m) game for whatever the future holds out for me.
Alexis: I have many goals and dreams that I hope to fulfill, it’s hard to name just a few. I would like to go back and finish school, start a career with the U. S. Olympic Committee, finish my transition, travel, have a family, and win a few more titles.
Quest: Any thing you would like to share with the Quest readers, your audience, your fans?
Christina: Thank you, for supporting us through the ups and downs. Thank you Wisconsin,
for being there and embracing me! And if you are free May 20 -23, 2008 come on down to Dallas! There is absolutely nothing like it, Miss Gay USofA! It would be great to see you all there!
Alexis: I’d really like to say most of all, a huge thank you to everyone that supported me throughout the years, to all who came out for the shows and for all who have helped me along the way. Thank you, without you, I wouldn’t be what I am today.
Alexis has a myspace address where you can find out where she is appearing next: www.myspace.com/lexiravyn.
USofA Pageant Promoters Kylie West & Dan Ready For Dallas
Interview by Michael Johnston
After having the fun of chatting it up with the glamour girls, it was onto business - the business of pageants, specifically Miss USofA. Kylie West and her man Dan are the royal couple who bring this court alive. It isn’t all cosmetics.
Quest: What does the tradition of Drag Pageants mean to you?
Dan and Kylie: It’s a business, first and foremost. The audience, performers, promoters… it’s entertainment, a competition - like a sporting event. The fans can also participate by cheering their favorite.
Quest: Do you feel pageants are still relevant?
Dan and Kylie: Compared to what they used to be, a couple of pageants, with huge followings. Now there are over 70 titles girls’ and boys’ crowns, sashes, titles… It’s very hard to produce a show where contestants are judged fairly. We have a pristine reputation. You may not like the outcome but you know it was fair. You come into the competition, knowing what is expected of you, you know the rules.
Quest: What got you involved, and so committed?
Kylie: I entered so many times and finally won! Currently I’m the show director at LaCage. In the past, (I was) show director at Club 219. I coordinated the Miss 219 Pageant. 13 contestants, a packed house, and it morphed into what it is today. I was there. I wanted the same thing and I want the same thing for everyone: fairness! When they know it’s fair, you get 150%!
Quest: What is your recipe? To take something of lore and spin it, update it, to bring it to the current century?
Dan and Kylie: It has to be the reputation – static – fabulous. 14 preliminaries, the promoters are excellent, totally the backbone. All 14 promoters who bring 28 to us for the final mile.
Quest: What is your vision of the pageant in the next decade?
Dan and Kylie: Corporate sponsorship, increased winnings, gifts, prizes. Someone from the western part of the state - Madison, LaCrosse - a “West Ender” to win. It will happen eventually.
Quest: How does the average fan delineate with all the pageants and contests going on out there?
Dan and Kylie: Well there is state and regional, coast-to-coast, Midwest, South, Southwest. We need something in the Northwest, they’re not there yet.
Quest: Why do people put themselves on the line to compete?
Dan and Kylie: For a good, fair experience. It makes them feel good, even though maybe no crown. You didn’t win but you didn’t lose. You don’t need any prior experience: good, fair, productive. The next Miss Gay USofA. Wisconsin contest is at LaCage in October, 2008. It will run for an entire weekend: a 3-night event - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Anyone can win. Talent, entertainment reigns! You don’t have to be a size six either! No one knows who is going to win, (so) set your personal goals: to place, top ten, runner-up or winner. Dare to dream! I see it all the time: talent over beauty always triumphs!
Quest: Besides contestants, what else does it take to put on a pageant?
Dan and Kylie: Judges are important. We need seven. Bill Wardlow from Fluid and Rona are two examples of excellent judges. When picking a judge some considerations are: Have they judged before? Do they know how to judge rationally? Are they responsible? Do they get it?
Quest: What was the worst moment in your pageant history?
Dan and Kylie: In the very beginning, bringing it from the Fox Valley to Milwaukee. Lots of people expected or wanted us to fail, hoping it would go back to Green Bay and not catch on. But it keeps getting bigger and better every year!
Quest: Who would you like to thank, acknowledge in making the Miss Gay USofA so successful?
Dan and Kylie: The bars, venues, every major and some smaller supporters opening their doors, the promoters, the contestants, the fans - who make up the audience, the readers (and) the community.
Celebrity DJs Mark Picchiotti and Susan Morabito On The Beat June 6-7
Milwaukee - He’s remixed #1 hits by Madonna, Mariah Carey and the Pet Shop Boys. She is the only female DJ to ever perform at the Saint At Large Black Party, the oldest ongoing party in the U. S. - and she’s done it twice. Together they’ve brought the beat to millions around the country and around the world for a combined forty-plus years of acclaim. And they’re coming to the Pumphouse to make this year’s PrideFest weekend the most memorable ever!
Legendary DJs Mark Picchiotti and Susan Morabito will each perform live at the Pumphouse June 6 and 7. Each will begin spinning their signature styles at 10 PM, with Morabito on Friday and Picchiotti on Saturday.
Inspired by a lifelong passion and love for dance music, Friday evening’s celebrity DJ Susan Morabito has one of the most distinctive and unique styles of any DJ working in the world today. The level of energy, her musical journey and the range of emotion that she brings to a dance floor is legendary among her fans.
Susan has been performing in clubs around the country since 1982. Her resumé consists of a residency at the Pavilion in Fire Island pines in the 90’s along with the legendary GMHC morning party.
Morabito’s work is a part of gay history. She performed for thousands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid as part of New York’s Stonewall 25. Susan also has played virtually every club in New York City and various circuit parties around the country: Twilo, Roxy, Sound Factory, Saint at Large Parties etc. Circuit events include, events during White party, Winter Party (Miami Fl), Halloween in New Orleans, Cherry, Blue Ball, San Diego Gay Pride, NYC Gay pride and a wide array of Gay Pride and other events around the country. Susan has played every major U.S. city and abroad, including Canada, Italy, Amsterdam, Brazil, Japan and Australia.
Susan is probably best known for her post-Black Party “Equinox” which is currently known as “Odyssey” at which she DJ’s, as well as co-produces. Susan currently holds a residency at New York City’s, SBNY Nightclub on a monthly base. Adding to her resumé is her discography: the release of seven CDs in seven years.
After more than 20 years working in the world of music, Susan has earned a reputation of being musically, versatile, selective and creative. Learn more about Susan at: www.SusanMorabito.com.
Saturday’s International Superstar, DJ/Producer Mark Picchiotti travels the globe spinning his signature sound and has played everywhere from Ministry of Sound (UK), Pacha (Portugal), El Divino (Ibiza) and Crobar (various) to the Pavilion on Fire Island. Mark is also one of the producers and writers for megastar Kylie Minogue’s last few albums, including remixing her forthcoming single “All I See” from her newest album “X”.
Mark was recently voted one of the 40 most influential remixers of all time. With over 200+ remixes to his credit his remix resume is vast, varied and quite impressive and includes #1 hits Madonna, Mariah Carey, the Pet Shop Boys, Enrique Iglesias and Mary J. Blige to name a few. A force to be reckoned with Mark has contributed many classic hits to the club world over the last 15 years.
The last twelve months have seen Mark remixing 15 artists, including George Michael and Enrique Iglesias (again). Mark has also produced five of his own original productions, including his recent release Basstoy ‘Turn It Up” which just went to #1 on the UK National Club Chart. Basstoy currently is exploding worldwide and is Mark’s second international hit for this act.
A versatile DJ, Mark can spin a sexy After Hours set or a passionate Morning Music groove or an uplifting, feel good vibe for a Sunday Tea. For the Big Events Mark’s Main Room DJ sets take the dance floor on a seamless journey from soulful house to progressive house, a journey not to be missed. Learn more about Mark at: www.markpicchiotti.com.
The Pumphouse celebrity DJ appearances are sponsored in part by Manhunt.com. Admission is limited for those 21 and over. Cost for each night will be $10 per person.
Milwaukee Gay Art Center Has Full May Schedule
Milwaukee - Like the flowers in Spring, the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center’s is blossoming with events during the month of May.
In the Gallery, two exhibits will be open. The first, “Art from Saint Paul’s,” is a special collaboration with Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church featuring visual art and music. Also open is “Photography by Joel Richter.” Both will run through May 30. Gallery hours are 10 AM-4 PM Monday through Friday. Other times available by appointment
On Saturday, May 10, the Art from Saint Paul’s Concert will be conducted at 7:30 PM. The concert is the second part of a special collaboration with Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. Music from the English, French and German Baroque will be performed by members of the Saint Paul’s Choir with Jerrod Fenske conducting. Concert will include Psalmi Brevi by Andreas Hofer, a composer of the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, and assorted works by J. S. Bach, G. F. Handel and Claude Balabastre . Suggested donation for the concert is $10.
On Thursday May 15 the MGAC will host the financial seminar Retirement Red Zone” presented by Jeff Lewis. The program is sponsored by Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, the Prudential Insurance Company of America, in partnership FORGE, the Lesbian Alliance of Metro Milwaukee and SAGE/Milwaukee.
To register for this free series or more information about this program, call Patrick Price, Director of Philanthropy for the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, at 414-292-3065 or e-mail him at: pprice@mkelgbt.org.
On Sunday, May 18 MGAC will offer a performance by Coyote Grace, an indie folk acoustic duo from Seattle. According to a review at Gay.com, Coyote Grace offers “feel-good music if you’re happy or sad, full of energy or half asleep. (The group has) woven an artistic web of melodies and rhythms as soothing as hot chamomile tea on a cool night, then added lyrics as blatant and honest as a courtroom confession. The combination is mind-blowing.”
Tickets for the 7 PM concert are $7. Refreshments will also be available.
On Saturday, May 24, at 7 PM the Shaia Fahrid Egyptian Belly Dance troupe will present the weekend extravaganza “Belly Dance Performance Showcase,” featuring Mark Balahadia as well as a stunning line-up of professional and student dancers. Lecture and workshops for the event will begin two days earlier on Thursday, May 22. Performance Tickets are $15. For information on workshops contact the troupe through their website at: www.milwaukeebellydance.com
On Saturday, May 31, Scott Malcom is back! Singer songwriter Scott Malcom returns to the Milwaukee music circuit with at 8 PM concert. There will be a $5 cover at the door. See and hear more about Scoot Malcom at www.scottmalcom.com
The MGAC also offers ongoing classes of Yogalates, the yoga-pilates fusion with Marc every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 PM. The cost for 8 weeks of sessions is $40. New students may join at any time.
The Milwaukee Gay Arts Center is located at 703 S. Second Street. For more information about the MGAC, call 414-383-3727 or visit the website at: www.milwqukeegayartscenter.org.
Florentine Director’s William Florescu On The Diamond Jubilee & More
Interview by Mike Fitzpatrick
Milwaukee - In the first part of his interview with Florentine Opera Company General Director William Florescu Quest’s Mike Fitzpatrick covered the recent production of I Capuleti e I Montecchi (Romeo & Juliet), the gay love of opera and the company’s outreach to the LGBT community. In this final portion of the conversation, Fitzpatrick and Florescu discuss opera’s user-friendly innovations, the link between opera and NASCAR and how opera is truly the last “real deal.” Most important, however, is the Florentine’s magnificent, upcoming Diamond Jubilee season.
Quest: Let’s talk a little bit about the Florentine’s Diamond Anniversary. You’ve picked three very fascinating pieces, including Handel’s Semele. It’s fascinating that it hadn’t been performed as an opera in the U. S. and modern Europe until just fifty years ago.
Florescu: In my research on it, the American staged premiere of it - it’s been performed a lot as an oratorio not staged as an opera - was just down the road in Chicago at Ravinia in 1957. In 75 years, we have never done a Baroque opera before. That was something I purposely did.
The Puccini (Madame Butterfly) we’re doing is because it’s the 150th birthday of Puccini. And The Magic Flute, which I’m going to be directing, will be an all-new production. We’re excited about that.
We’ll be back at the Pabst Theater which I think is a really great setting for Baroque opera.
Quest: Semele is a fascinating piece because choirs have claimed it for years as an oratorio when it is not.
Florescu: And our director is an interesting man named John La Bouchardiere who is English. He produced the opera originally for the Scottish Opera (Company). We’re basically re-creating that production.
What’s fascinating about it is that the whole thing starts as an oratorio and the evolves or devolves - depending on your point of view - into an opera. So the whole first act you see people in tuxes with music stands.
The reason Handel wrote a lot of these (operas disguised) as oratorios was it was a way of getting around not being able to produce opera during Lent, which at that time in England was a no-no. That’s how Handel became an oratorio composer.
People were shocked by Semele even though it was presented as an oratorio first (because) it has nothing to do with a religious subject, which most of the oratorios did. It had to do with a god committing adultery with a human which, of course, is scandalizing.
Quest: So you will be doing -shall I say - the classic version of Semele as opposed to the version done in New York two years ago where company turned the character of Jupiter into JFK.
Florescu: No, we’re not doing the JFK-Marilyn Monroe version though interestingly enough our Jupiter was in that production. He’s a Wisconsin native actually.
Quest: For the Jubilee year you’ve picked plays for people who are “into” opera. For real fans of opera that has to be one of the most exciting seasons your done in, well, 75 years.
Florescu: Absolutely. I’m just really excited about it. In terms of the artists we have performing in (the season), our Queen Of The Night in The Magic Flute has sung the role at both the Santa Fe Opera and the English National Opera. The casts are really just great.
Quest: Are season ticket available as well as individual performance tickets?
Florescu: Absolutely. We’re in our renewal campaign right now. The brochures for the campaign will be coming out very soon. And you can check our website (www.florentineopera.org) where you can actually subscribe online. I have to tell you that the subscriptions are through the roof right now.
Quest: For people who are - well, this is Milwaukee - dressing for the opera, black tie and tux is probably not what everybody wears, right?
Florescu: You know, the great thing about the opera is that you’ll see everything from black tie to blue jeans. Some people love the sense of occasion, get dude-ed up and looking fabulous. Other people think “I want to come but I want to wear jeans and a flannel shirt.” No one will feel uncomfortable at either extreme, which I think is fantastic.
We have some school grant programs where we bring in a lot of kids. In some cases, children who are under privileged come and they’re the ones who love to get dressed up. They just love it.
Quest: I brought up the dress code, so to speak, to encourage people who have never sampled a live opera to consider doing so. It’s one thing to listen to opera on NPR on a Saturday afternoon and another to actually go and see it. As much as you may love the music, until you’ve experienced an opera in person - well, its just a different world.
Florescu: It is. I used to be a singer myself. I’ve sung opera professionally and still direct it. To me, it’s just such a wonderful world to enter. If you’re into sensory overload, its great. It really brings all the elements of the arts together in one confluence: orchestral music, theater, painting with the sets - dance is involved. It’s really a great confluence of all those elements at one time which I think is wonderful. (The English author) Dr. (Samuel) Johnson once called opera “an irrational entertainment.”
We live more and more in a visual age. That’s one thing that has made opera thrive. It really does give you a sensory charge.
Quest: I think too that in the age of insta-everything, opera is craft, which is something hard to find. Talk about craft as opposed to the ability to mimic craft, like with computer-generated images in movies. This is the “real deal.” There’s no “cheat” in opera.
Florescu: Absolutely. I think one of the reasons sopranos and tenors have always been the “big money” people in opera is because there’s always that tightrope element to it: will they make it?
That’s one of the things that makes it so attractive. I think that’s one of the reasons why Maria Callas was worshiped on so many levels by so many people. While she had imperfect technique, she really left everything on the stage. She was just such a fully committed persona. That kind of intensity really appeals to a broad swath of people.
Quest: And certainly for people in the gay community, who in many settings have to suppress their natural exuberance.
Florescu: That’s a great point. I had thought of that. I think that you’re probably right that its an outlet.
Quest: I don’t want to diminish the Florentine by comparing equally to a drag pageant, but in some ways, when you see an absolutely fantastic, pageant-quality performance by a really talented female impersonator - they say “she pees on the floor.” That’s exactly what Callas did during her entire career. She was a good woman.
Florescu: Like I said, when you’re talking about Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer or Cher, the nature of a lot of their approach to things is very operatic. It’s why the term “diva” has been appropriated. That fabulous intensity for lack of a better word.
Quest: Something crossed my mind when you talked about “will they make it?” In other words making the note without cracking the voice. That sort of appeals to the NASCAR fan.
Florescu: It’s funny that you mention that. That was (what I was thinking) as I was saying that. Talk about a culture difference! But part of the thing about car racing is the fact that - you know - they’re all going around and are they going to bump into each other. I think it’s a fair analogy, in a totally different naturally. Whatever the chemical release is that makes you excited by somebody overcoming something that they might not make, I think its shared. It’s a fair analogy.
Quest: Well, you know the goal of an interview like this is to make someone say, “hey, let’s try this out once.”
Florescu: With the gay outreach events we’re doing that’s my intent as well.
Quest: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Florescu: I’m just happy to have the opportunity to tell you about what we’re doing. I want everybody, particularly Quest readers and the gay community to try us out. It’s a great experience for everyone.
Wisconsin Beauties Head For Dallas
OutBound’s Michael Johnston interviews Christina Chase & Alexis Rouge
Interview by Michael Johnston
Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting back and chatting with two of Brew Town’s favorite beauties. You know them, love them, and enjoy their performance art. They are not only drag queens but also multi-tiara winning pageant stars. Currently they are glossing it up for the Miss USofA. Finals to be held in Dallas at the end of May. Christina Chase, the ravishing redhead who you can spot cocktail serving at the Pumphouse, is a fetching fixture in the world of illusion. Christina has a gazillion titles, tiaras and sashes but currently is enjoying most her present reign as Miss Wisconsin USofA.
The other starlet that met originally for these interviews was Beja, Miss Great Lakes USofA. Most have known and loved Beja for her starring role at LaCage or for adding that certain something to Drag Queen Bingo at Fluid. Since the original chat fest took place things have changed as Beja has returned home in the Denver area for a sojourn with her family.
In the interim, to quote Irving Berlin, “the show must go on.” Who else to step into the mighty stilettos than First Alternate Alexis Rouge.
Quest: What does your current title mean to you?
Christina: I’m representing the state of Wisconsin! I’m not originally from here. I wasn’t the nicest person – but Wisconsin has shown me how to be humble. Wisconsin has given me so much. This is my way of giving back. (It’s) a great honor! I had to compete with 17 people, never expecting I would win.
Alexis: First and foremost it’s an honor to be the new Miss Great Lakes USofA. The title started here but went off to another state. When Dan and Kylie brought it back to Wisconsin, it gave us all - Wisconsin and neighboring states - a really great title to strive for! My promoters (Dan and Kylie) are behind me 100% and have supported me not only with this honor, but my career as an entertainer. I couldn’t be happier to represent such a great system and title.
Quest: How many titles or contests have you been involved in?
Christina: I have won 13 out of the 17 contests I have tried out for.
Alexis: I’ve competed in roughly 20 contests in over three years. I’ve been in every major Pageant System prelim: USofA, Continental, Entertainer Of The Year, USA, and Wisconsin Club. I’ve learned a lot from each, making me better and more versatile.
Quest: Why do you do it?
Christina: I always thought I was a girl. I started experimenting with make-up, hair, clothes and I loved it! What I saw, it was me! I started doing shows, then contests, then winning, and it just went from there.
Alexis: I do it for the shoes! (laughs) Seriously though, I’m an entertainer. I love to entertain. I don’t do it for the money or notoriety, purely for fun! Every time I step on the stage gives me a chance to let go, have fun and just be me. And I hope that comes through in my performance.
Quest: Where do you go from here?
Christina: Settling down, becoming a woman, yet still being involved. Training, consulting, being a mentor - showing the way.
Alexis: I want to continue to grow as an entertainer. I want to learn and develop new skills. I believe I have to continue to evolve, grow, to give my audience the best. I’m promoting Miss Great Lakes and expanding my bookings throughout the state and beyond.
Quest: What is the most cherished memory of your illustrious career?
Christina: When I won Miss Wisconsin, Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA. I won as runner-up in the past. But to finally win. To persevere! Keep hanging in there!
Alexis: It’s hard to narrow down. Maybe, New Year’s 2005-6. I had the honor of doing the final number at the last Pink Party for OutReach in Madison. I did a remix of Heather Small’s “Proud.” What a great way to end an era!
Quest: Where were you born and raised? What brought you to or keeps you in Wisconsin?
Christina: Three lovely people in Dallas - at the Miss USofA. Pageant actually - they were Jackie Roberts, Sasha Mitchell, and Rudy D’Angelo, all of LaCage We all became very fast friends. I was looking for a new place. Nothing really was happening in Philly, where I was raised. I traveled a lot, back and forth for over a year and a half! Then I finally moved here and fell in love with the state and still am here!
Alexis: I’m a native to the Badger State, born and raised in Watertown. I moved to Madison about five years ago and couldn’t be happier. I think of moving but a part of my heart will always be in Wisconsin!
Quest: Where does your stage Name come from?
Christina: I started off as Vanity White because I was sort of a Vanna White clone. Then my drag mom, Valerie Cox, named me Christine Chase. Chase is a prestigious area in the Philadelphia area – where I came from. From there my name evolved into Christina Chase. (It’s) a better flow.
Alexis: My name is a combination of two things. Alexis is a variation on the name Alexia, which I always wanted to give my daughter if I ever have children. Rouge is a variation of rogue, because when I first started performing, I didn’t have a drag mother and was, in a sense, a rogue performer.
Quest: How do you describe yourself?
Christina: (As) one of the people who would give you the shirt off my back! I love fun! Yet, professional. I take my life and career really serious!
Alexis: I am open, honest, hardworking and caring. I’m very involved in the LGBT community for over five years. I’ve volunteered at OutReach Inc., as a peer counselor and part of the speakers bureau. I serve on the Madison Pride Board working with entertainment and hosting events. Drag can exist outside the bar. Get involved and give back to the community!
Quest: What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in the next decade?
Christina: Accomplished! Setting out and accomplishing all my goals. (I’m) game for whatever the future holds out for me.
Alexis: I have many goals and dreams that I hope to fulfill, it’s hard to name just a few. I would like to go back and finish school, start a career with the U. S. Olympic Committee, finish my transition, travel, have a family, and win a few more titles.
Quest: Any thing you would like to share with the Quest readers, your audience, your fans?
Christina: Thank you, for supporting us through the ups and downs. Thank you Wisconsin,
for being there and embracing me! And if you are free May 20 -23, 2008 come on down to Dallas! There is absolutely nothing like it, Miss Gay USofA! It would be great to see you all there!
Alexis: I’d really like to say most of all, a huge thank you to everyone that supported me throughout the years, to all who came out for the shows and for all who have helped me along the way. Thank you, without you, I wouldn’t be what I am today.
Alexis has a myspace address where you can find out where she is appearing next: www.myspace.com/lexiravyn.
USofA Pageant Promoters Kylie West & Dan Ready For Dallas
Interview by Michael Johnston
After having the fun of chatting it up with the glamour girls, it was onto business - the business of pageants, specifically Miss USofA. Kylie West and her man Dan are the royal couple who bring this court alive. It isn’t all cosmetics.
Quest: What does the tradition of Drag Pageants mean to you?
Dan and Kylie: It’s a business, first and foremost. The audience, performers, promoters… it’s entertainment, a competition - like a sporting event. The fans can also participate by cheering their favorite.
Quest: Do you feel pageants are still relevant?
Dan and Kylie: Compared to what they used to be, a couple of pageants, with huge followings. Now there are over 70 titles girls’ and boys’ crowns, sashes, titles… It’s very hard to produce a show where contestants are judged fairly. We have a pristine reputation. You may not like the outcome but you know it was fair. You come into the competition, knowing what is expected of you, you know the rules.
Quest: What got you involved, and so committed?
Kylie: I entered so many times and finally won! Currently I’m the show director at LaCage. In the past, (I was) show director at Club 219. I coordinated the Miss 219 Pageant. 13 contestants, a packed house, and it morphed into what it is today. I was there. I wanted the same thing and I want the same thing for everyone: fairness! When they know it’s fair, you get 150%!
Quest: What is your recipe? To take something of lore and spin it, update it, to bring it to the current century?
Dan and Kylie: It has to be the reputation – static – fabulous. 14 preliminaries, the promoters are excellent, totally the backbone. All 14 promoters who bring 28 to us for the final mile.
Quest: What is your vision of the pageant in the next decade?
Dan and Kylie: Corporate sponsorship, increased winnings, gifts, prizes. Someone from the western part of the state - Madison, LaCrosse - a “West Ender” to win. It will happen eventually.
Quest: How does the average fan delineate with all the pageants and contests going on out there?
Dan and Kylie: Well there is state and regional, coast-to-coast, Midwest, South, Southwest. We need something in the Northwest, they’re not there yet.
Quest: Why do people put themselves on the line to compete?
Dan and Kylie: For a good, fair experience. It makes them feel good, even though maybe no crown. You didn’t win but you didn’t lose. You don’t need any prior experience: good, fair, productive. The next Miss Gay USofA. Wisconsin contest is at LaCage in October, 2008. It will run for an entire weekend: a 3-night event - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Anyone can win. Talent, entertainment reigns! You don’t have to be a size six either! No one knows who is going to win, (so) set your personal goals: to place, top ten, runner-up or winner. Dare to dream! I see it all the time: talent over beauty always triumphs!
Quest: Besides contestants, what else does it take to put on a pageant?
Dan and Kylie: Judges are important. We need seven. Bill Wardlow from Fluid and Rona are two examples of excellent judges. When picking a judge some considerations are: Have they judged before? Do they know how to judge rationally? Are they responsible? Do they get it?
Quest: What was the worst moment in your pageant history?
Dan and Kylie: In the very beginning, bringing it from the Fox Valley to Milwaukee. Lots of people expected or wanted us to fail, hoping it would go back to Green Bay and not catch on. But it keeps getting bigger and better every year!
Quest: Who would you like to thank, acknowledge in making the Miss Gay USofA so successful?
Dan and Kylie: The bars, venues, every major and some smaller supporters opening their doors, the promoters, the contestants, the fans - who make up the audience, the readers (and) the community.