KAMERON ROSS

AGT’S COUNTRY GENT

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER KAMERON ROSS MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPRESSION AS HE STEPPED ON THE STAGE OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. While many television viewers may have been taken with Kameron’s chiseled jawline or Texas tight jeans, Simon Cowell was taken with his voice. Cowell asked Kameron to stop mid audition and sing acapella … to which he did, quickly becoming a fan cherished AGT sweetheart. The road to America’s Got Talent wasn’t easy.

Y’all I’ve been at the auditions for some time now. Since I was 16, I auditioned for Nashville Star, American Idol, X-Factor, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. Three or four years before me getting cast for AGT I made it to a call-back audition for them. They tell you that if they want to move forward with you then you’ll hear from them, but if you didn’t hear from them then you were not chosen. So, after my call back audition, I thought it went so well I sat by my phone anxiously. Checking my email every second hoping I would hear from them. Well, I didn’t. The next year I was asked to send in an audition video, and I said no. I was tired of getting my hopes up after so many years of getting no, no, no. Then the year I got cast I went through a lot of family situations with multiple family members getting cancer and multiple family members passing away over a course of a couple of years. Going through that you realize life is way too short not to go for your dream and do what makes you happy. So, I auditioned again for AGT and tried chasing that big dream one time again. I remember getting the call right before Christmas saying that I’ve made the show! Hanging up I went through so many emotions. I yelled with excitement, hugged my partner, smiled so big, and busted into the happiest tears.

TV audiences and social media instantly responded to his debut episode. Besides his voice, what was his winning factor?

As you could tell from my audition, my mama raised me well! Always answering yes/ no sir/ma’am. Always respect everyone and treat them like you would like to be treated. I think that was clearly displayed on my AGT audition with me saying “yes, sir” to Simon, and him correcting me a handful or more times to call him Simon. Then following up with “we’re friends now” so I can call him by Simon. [laughs] Also, seeing that I’m human. I’m passionate about my music and my dreams.

Because of COVID, Kameron would perform for the judges in an empty theatre. Without the energy of a live audience, he had to command the room isolated on stage. This wouldn’t be the first time Kameron had felt isolated in his career. He started singing at the age of eight, after being inspired by attending his first live concert with the diva herself, Shania Twain. He would go on to perform at local country music concerts, put out his first album, and open for The Band Perry and Miranda Lambert. It was around that time that his sexuality was beginning to form. Once he came out, the phone stopped ringing. An industry that had once embraced him and his Texas-style had left him isolated and alone.

I would be lying if I said that taking a step back from my music career didn’t affect me. There were countless nights where I thought I just threw everything away that I had worked so hard for. However, at that moment I and my happiness were most important to me. I didn’t

want to have to deal with the acceptance of me coming out to everyone and then also have the pressure of the country music industry making me feel like I shouldn’t come out or that I was going to be shunned from the industry for being gay. In those moments my mental health and happiness were what’s most important.

I do not regret coming out at all. Truthfully, I have had my moments thinking how things would have been if I wouldn’t have come out to everyone or was just closeted. Then I quickly bounce back to thinking that’s not the life I wanted or want to live.

To make matters more intense, his personal coming out had its own complications.

It’s long and kind of sad. I lost my country music career. Lost a lot of friendships. My mom took it very hard, and I lost contact with her for a bit. But at the end of the day, we found each other, and we love each other so much. She has been keeping grandbabies (both of my dogs) while my partner and I have been traveling. I am glad to have her and my family in my corner when I need them.

Despite the struggles with his career and family, his love of everything Texas and country music is unwavering.

I could go on and on about all the things I love about Texas and being a Texan. I love that we can’t make it through one sentence without saying the word “y’all” or dropping a “g” off the end of the word when you say something like “how y’all doin?” That’s a very Texan thing to do. I absolutely LOVE the countryside of Texas. I know most people probably say this about their state but by golly, it’s beautiful out here! I grew up spending time and working on a ranch. I had a job as a ranch hand and outside of music that’s probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I have a big dream of owning my own ranch out towards Del Rio or San Angelo, Texas. When I tell y’all it’s simply breathtaking out there, I mean it! Also, this is about to sound super Texan of me, but when you’re on the road all the time you LOVE a good Buc-ee’s! It’s like a gas station/ store/food place heaven. The food is amazing, there are always cool things to buy, the beaver nuggets are something you’ll get hooked on, and the restrooms are always super clean, LOL.

And country music? I think it’s the way every country music song tells a story. Some songs can move me to tears every single time I hear them, and I think that’s special. In other genres, I will find music that I love and can move dance to. But there is something about the storytelling in country music that is just amazing.

The country music industry has experienced a boom in out gay musicians. TJ Osborne of the Osborne Brothers is the latest to come out with Lil Nas X, Ty Herndon, Brandi Carlile, and Brandy Clark, among others, representing our community. Has homophobia in country music changed?

I would say there is less homophobia nowadays than there was 5 or 10 years ago. However, when you start to think about it more, how many gay country music artists are being played on mainstream radio, nominated or winning award shows like the Academy of Country Music Awards? There really are not many if any at all. We’ve still got work to do but I’m up for the challenge. I’m ready for my ACM award, CMT award, Grammy, and more!

Beyond Shania, his other musical inspirations run the gamut.

One of my all-time favorites is Dolly Parton. She is Dolly and does not give a rip what everyone thinks about her. She’s a huge LGBTQ community supporter and she just reminds me of my grandma. When it comes to my different music styles, I’ve been influenced by artists like Hank Williams and Keith Whitley. Having that old-school soulful sound at times. The older I’ve gotten I’ve been influenced by some newer artists like Lizzo. Lizzo being her true authentic self. Expressing and embarrassing herself in every way possible. Posting whatever she wants on social media. Also H.E.R., you want to talk about one heck of a talented artist ... my goodness! From her lyrics to her voice, to her looks is just amazing. I also am influenced by my heritage, being part Mexican. I love reggaeton and Spanish music. I don’t speak Spanish and might not know what is being said, but I love it!

Kameron has capitalized on his natural good looks and hours in the gym by incorporating skin into his social media and music covers. He isn’t afraid of his sexual appeal overshadowing his music.

Attractive men are all over the internet and around every corner. I don’t mind showing some skin or posting a gym selfie because I know that people that love my music are going to love it whether I play in a turtleneck, shirtless, or an open vest.

Kameron has also been very open about his relationship. For the last two years, he has been dating another hottie from reality TV, Netflix’s Sugar Rush baker Lio Botello.

We met through my good Judy, Alyssa Edwards! I am so grateful for that! She had a Labor Day pool party that we were both at. There were a lot of people, and I never really got the chance to connect with him. A few weeks later we

were both out again, I was with Alyssa, and she screamed his name when she saw him going into the same club we were in. She introduced us again after she noticed me noticing him. I laid eyes on him that night and haven’t stopped since.

As social media proves time and time again, being revealing about your relationships can sometimes have a detrimental effect. Did Ross have any trepidation about sharing that aspect of his life?

I’ve had people tell me from the industry and from reality TV that displaying my relationship on social media could have a negative effect on my career. That I should “want to appeal to as many people as I can” - I don’t agree. They also think I should worry about the thirsty people that would try to come after my man after linking over to him from me. However, I have a very healthy and great relationship with my partner. I have no reason or desire to want to hide my relationship. He is my biggest supporter, and I am his. We balance each other in a way that most wouldn’t understand. You find someone that has the same dreams and drive that you do. We encourage each other every day to be the best version of ourselves. Some nights we spend hours and hours working on my music, some nights I am washing dishes after his baking. We have dreams and we are willing to put in all the work to make them a reality.

Kameron has big plans post-COVID. His live performances are starting to book up, including a California live performance debut at Oscar’s in Palm Springs, and he is hitting the market with remix versions of his music.

I absolutely love country music, but my musical interests are not limited to country. I love EDM, pop, reggaeton/Latin music, R&B, and so much more. Why limit myself to just country? Why not explore other genres but keep my country roots? We are human and we evolve. Much like that, so does our music. For example, Kacey Musgraves’ new music keeps her country roots but has some pop, Latin, and more influences.

His dreams for the future are unabashedly country.

I hope I own a ranch with my partner, we have all my albums displayed to remind me of the hard work we put in. If there is a cow involved, I would love to own a calf, a Red Braham to be exact.

And his wish for the LGBTQ community is gentlemanly.

I want every single one of us to feel loved and accepted. That feels like it should be simple and not be this big wish, but we have so much work to do to get them there. I am

ready for it though! ■

You can find everything Kameron Ross at KameronRoss.com Performance Alert: If you are in Palm Springs, Kameron will be performing on the outdoor stage at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs on October 15th. Visit www.oscarspalmsprings.com for tickets!

SIP AND INDULGE

HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS FOR THE CRISP DAYS OF AUTUMN

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

WHILE THE PREMADE COCKTAIL SPACE TRADITIONALLY HAS BEEN SEEN AS A CHEAP THRILL, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails (ontherockscocktails.com) is changing perceptions by creating a new ready to serve craft cocktail category. On The Rocks™ cocktails are made with high quality spirits and natural ingredients, and come in 375ml, 200ml, and 100ml bottle sizes. Just pour over ice and enjoy!

THE OLD FASHIONED

Staying true to the original recipe, the Old Fashioned is bold and simple using Knob Creek® Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, cane sugar, orange, cherry, and lemon flavors.

THE AVIATION

A throwback to the era when airplanes were brand new. This classic gin cocktail, The Aviation, is crafted with Larios London Dry Gin, and flavors of dry cherry, lemon, and violet.

THE MAI TAI

As the old tiki adage goes, ‘what one rum can’t do, two rums can.’ Blended with light and dark Cruzan® Rum and a unique blend of flavors of orange, pineapple, orgeat, and coconut for the perfect Mai Tai.

THE COSMOPOLITAN

A wildly popular drink, The Cosmopolitan, is a simple cocktail with a big following. Often referred to as ‘a cosmo’ this cocktail blends Effen Vodka, flavors of cranberry, triple sec, lemon zest, and lime.

JALAPE„O PINEAPPLE MARGARITA

The perfect drink for those who share our love of all things hot. The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita uses a flavor combination of pineapple and triple sec married with Tres Generaciones plata tequila and the heat from the peppers.

THE MARGARITA

One of the most recognizable and sought after cocktails in the world, The Margarita offers a perfect balance between tequila, tart lime flavors and triple sec. This margarita is set apart from the crowd with Hornitos® Plata Tequila.

Cruzan® Black Strap Rum is a mixologist favorite! Featuring robust licorice and molasses flavors that add an exotic element to your tropical favorites. Its most popular pairings include flavors such as lemon, lime, ginger and pineapple. Mix up a cocktail or two and relax by the fire!

CRUZAN AUTUMN SPICED PUNCH

Ingredients:

• 8 parts Cruzan® Black Strap Rum • 8 parts Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum • 16 parts blood orange juice

Instructions:

Combine rum and blood orange juice. Serve over ice in a tumbler. (Serves 6)

CRUZAN BLACK & PINEAPPLE

Ingredients:

• 1 part Cruzan® Black Strap Rum • 3 parts pineapple juice

Instructions:

Build over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with a cherry.

And for an Autumn treat with some other Cruzan® rums –

THANKSGIVING RUM COCKTAIL

Ingredients:

• 1 part Cruzan® Vanilla Rum • 1 part Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum • 2 parts pumpkin pie puree • 1 1/2 parts hot water • Chantilly cream (1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 2 parts heavy cream shaken until whipped)

Instructions:

Combine pumpkin puree and hot water and stir until well mixed. Add rums and then top with chantilly cream. Finish with fresh grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick garnish.

Hornitos® was boldly born in 1950 in honor of Mexican Independence Day. It all began in Jalisco, Mexico with founder, Don Francisco, a man who wasn’t shy about taking chances to make great tequila. From creating reposado before it was even a word, to revolutionizing the agave cooking process, to standing up to the Mexican government and setting new standards for tequila - it became Hornitos’ tradition to break tradition, all in the name of bettering tequila. Make a pitcher for your fall celebrations and enjoy!

HORNITOS PALOMA

PITCHER (serves 16)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Hornitos® Plata • 32 oz ruby red grapefruit juice • 16 oz simple syrup • 32 oz club soda

Instructions:

Build in order over ice in a large pitcher. Stir. Pour into tall glasses and top with soda. Half salt rim optional. Garnish with a swath of grapefruit peel.

REPOSADO MARGARITA

PITCHER (serves 16)

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750 ml) Hornitos® Reposado Tequila • 16 oz lime juice • 8 oz agave syrup to 16 oz water

Instructions:

To prepare your Reposado Margarita for a large gathering, combine ingredients in order in a large ice- filled pitcher. Stir. Garnish glasses with a lime wedge. Salt rim optional.

HORNITOS TEQUILA ZARZA

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Hornitos Reposado Tequila • 1-part simple syrup • 1-part fresh lemon juice • Blackberries • Float: DeKuyper Creme de Cassis Liqueur

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients, excluding liqueur. Shake well. Strain and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Float liqueur on top. Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Pinnacle Vodka recently launched its low-calorie innovation named Pinnacle Light & Ripe, in two refreshing, fruitforward flavors of Apricot Honeysuckle and Guava Lime. Crafted with natural ingredients, Pinnacle Light & Ripe provides a light and flavorful taste with no sugar and fewer than 75 calories, making it the perfect, refreshing sipper. Cocktail lovers can have it all without compromise, as the vodka line strikes the ideal balance between bold flavors and quality ingredients.

PINNACLE LIGHT & RIPE APRICOT HONEYSUCKLE GREEN TEA

Ingredients:

• 1.5 parts Pinnacle Apricot Honeysuckle • 3 parts unsweetened green tea • .25 oz (½ Tbsp) honey • 2 peach slices • soda water

Instructions:

In a highball cocktail glass, gently muddle peach slices and honey. Add Pinnacle Light & Ripe Apricot Honeysuckle, green tea and ice. Stir to combine. Top with soda water and garnish with additional peach or apricot slices.

CELEBRITY CHEFS BRING FLAIR TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

FOUR MUST-VISIT FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPOTS IN SIN CITY

BY PAUL ZAHN

WATCH OUT CELINE DION, CHER, AND DONNY & MARIE - SOME OTHER POPULAR STARS HAVE BEEN MAKING A SPLASH IN SIN CITY. OVER THE PAST DECADE, SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE CULINARY WORLD HAVE FLOCKED TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP TO OPEN SOME OF THE COUNTRIES MOST RENOWNED DESTINATION EATERIES. These chefs have brought innovation, creativity, and indulgent offerings to Las Vegas - helping to elevate the Las Vegas experience for tourists. From brunch to happy hour to dinner options - we rounded up the best of the best for filling the stomach and feeding the soul on the Las Vegas Strip.

TAPAS ’TIL YOU TAP OUT AT BORDER GRILL’S LIMITLESS BRUNCH

BORDER GRILL @ MANDALAY BAY

LGBTQ Advocate and Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger has fully embraced the indulgent nature of Las Vegas. Border Grill, a modern Mexican eatery at Mandalay Bay that she owns with Chef Mary Sue Milliken features seasonal fare that is conscientiously sourced. The restaurant recently revamped an already mouth-watering list of limitless brunch menu items. Feniger decided she wanted to take that indulgent vibe up a few notches but keep the restaurant aligned with her sophisticated take on dining. “When we first started this, we felt like we were competing with buffets in Vegas,” she shares. “We felt like we can do a similar thing but make the food to order so it’s fresh, interesting, doesn’t sit in a steam table and we get to have a chef cook it fresh. It also comes out at different times so it’s not everything piled on one plate,” she continues.

The expanded menu at Border Grill features everything from short rib hash, diablo fried chicken, lobster cachapas, and more. Feniger’s menu also includes a variety of brunch libations including two of her favorite drinks. “I love, love our Cafe de Lola with rum or Kahlua,” she shares. “I also love mezcal so the El Mezcalero rocks. You get the smokiness of the mezcal, the tang of the passion fruit and a bit of sweetness from the coconut. Or give me a spicy bloody Maria or two,” she says with a laugh. Feniger sought to really create a warm, indulgent atmosphere following a tumultuous time in the world. She says, “We wanted to have that killer menu that would make people feel nurtured and fed - even overfed! Nothing more comforting than hanging out, eating, drinking, and relaxing after an exhausting year and a half.” Clearly it is working for Feniger - Border Grill has been voted best brunch on the strip for several years.

THE HAPPIEST HOUR IN A COCKTAIL GARDEN FIT FOR A QUEEN

VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN @ CEASARS PALACE

Reality star and restauranteur Lisa Vanderpump personifies indulgence with a fabulous flair. The British expat and LGTBQ advocate shot to fame on the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where she showcased her food and beverage hot spots PUMP and SUR in the heart of “Boys Town” in West Hollywood. When Las Vegas came knocking for a taste of LVP in the form of a cocktail garden, she answered. “It is such an honor that Caesars Palace asked us to partner with them on this venture - we were thrilled to become part of the Caesars Family,” said Vanderpump. “We have created a unique, decadent space with a majestic feel where guests can relax in a sexy garden oasis. From the design and ambiance (featuring the incredible Nick Alain lighting, fixtures, and furniture) to the selection of light bites and cocktails, I am proud of what we created and hope everyone will enjoy the experience as much as we do,” she added.

Guests can sip through the menu during happy hour while enjoying the stunning indoor patio featuring an al fresco-style garden with 16-ft. olive trees and eccentric lighting fixtures. The LVP experience includes a cocktail list that focuses on craft cocktails with tongue-incheek names. Lisa’s sassy stamp is clear on her sumptuous libations like The Checkmate Bitch: Stoli hot vodka, Chacho jalapeno vodka, fresh pineapple, grapefruit liqueur, vanilla citrus, angostura bitters and pink peppercorns. Other options for include the Please Her, Caesar!: Vanderpump vodka, Rosé Champagne, blackberry, elderflower, lemon, aquafaba and the Matcha Matcha Man: Vanderpump vodka, matcha, fresh mint, lemon, ginger liqueur, aquafaba. The menu also features light bites to balance the boozy beverages. Vanderpump Cocktail Garden even features a list of delicious drinks to end the night with their ‘Naughty Nightcaps’ portion of the drink list.

Las Vegas loves Lisa Vanderpump so much that she is opening a new outlet, Vanderpump à Paris at the end of 2021. We say Oui Oui to more LVP in Sin City.

A TASTE OF THE AMALFI COAST BY BOBBY FLAY

AMALFI @ CEASARS PALACE

Food Network darling Bobby Flay loves all things Italy. The chef and co-host of the Discovery Plus show Bobby and Giada in Italy loves southern Italy so much he decided to bring the full experience of the Amalfi coast to the Las Vegas strip with his new eatery, Amalfi. “Opening Amalfi at Caesars Palace has allowed me to showcase my passion for the Amalfi Coast and the fresh flavors the region is known for,” said Flay. “Our team has created an incredible experience that brings everything I love about the Amalfi Coast to the Las Vegas Strip, from the various seating areas to the coastal cocktails, to the fresh fish market to all the seasonal flavors we are showcasing on the menu. We have been blown away by the guests’ response already, making me incredibly proud and excited for all that lies ahead,” he added.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are transported to the Amalfi coast with a design featuring a natural palette and touches of greenery, organic fabric, wood and stone and a colorful mosaic limestone floor. The main dining room features a large ceiling display of various wines and a bustling open kitchen. Guests can open up their palettes with an Amalfi Spritz - an updated and more sophisticated version of the Aperol Spritz featuring Selim Spumante, Cappelletti Aperitivo and soda water. Following a spritz or glass of prosecco, guests can indulge in flavorful and light antipasti like shellfish frito misto with Meyer lemon aioli and pistachio pesto or charred octopus with burnt orange pancetta. The focal point of Amalfi is the fresh fish and seafood display manned by a fishmonger who can share all the details about the fish featured. Guests can pick from the extensive selection including golden snapper, red snapper, black bass, branzino, Carabinero shrimp, among others. Then, guest can decide how they want the fresh fish prepared - grilled over charcoal or roasted al forno and served with the choices of Meyer lemon and capers, red pepper, and Calabrian chile pesto or salsa verde. Indulgent desserts like tiramisu and sorbets provide for the perfect finisher to a decadent dining experience.

Following a dinner at Amalfi, guests will love that Bobby loves all things Italy.

A CLASSIC STEAKHOUSE WITH A GANGSTER FLAIR

BUGSY AND MEYER’S STEAKHOUSE @ FLAMINGO

Bugsy and Meyer’s is the perfect spot for a taste of old school Las Vegas meets contemporary steakhouse. The name pays homage to Flamingo Hotel founders Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and business partner Meyer Lansky, who opened the first resort-style hotel on the Las Vegas strip in 1946. The restaurant’s decor features bold and vibrant colors with an Art Deco flair designed by the one and only Jonathan Adler with help from Chicago-based Studio K Creative. The eatery features half a dozen experiences for guests - a patio and lounge, centerpiece bar, a raw bar, three private dining rooms, a main dining room and a speakeasy - The Count Room.

The indulgent steakhouse features an encased show cooler featuring the decadent in-house dry aged steak program. Guests can pick from a variety of hand-selected cuts include domestic prime, wet aged, dry aged prime, imported wagyu and more. Add-ons for the steaks include lobster tail, Alaskan king crab, foie gras, B&M scampi and Point Reyes cheese fondue. And what is a steak dinner without some over the top side dishes? Bugsy and Meyer’s has no shortage of indulgent sides like the truffle potato puree, lobster mac & cheese and The Heater - a potato with white cheddar, house sausage, and caramelized onions. The cocktail list features classic cocktails and several rum drinks - a favorite spirit of the 1940s. A favorite of guests is The Jungle Bird made with Cruzan black strap rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup with a pineapple wedge and leaf. Following dinner, guests can enjoy desserts like The Big Apple, made with caramelized apples, soft caramel, hazelnut café crumble and a white chocolate yuzu mousse. Or skip the dessert and live your best Las Vegas life and order a nightcap or two from the build-your-own OldFashioned portion of the drink menu.

There will be no gambling with your taste buds at Bugsy and Meyer’s - you will leave feeling like the gangster that you are.

WELL, BROADWAY IS OFFICIALLY BACK AND, ONE BY ONE, NEW SHOWS AND OLD SHOWS ALIKE ARE OPENING DOORS AND RAISING CURTAINS. Of course, there remains the pesky issue of shows that were just beginning their runs in 2020 and never quite got their due, namely the nationally televised recognition of being honored as nominees for the Tony Awards. This slight will finally be corrected when the 74th Annual Tony Awards are presented at the legendary Winter Garden Theater - original home to Funny Girl, Follies, Mame and Mamma Mia! - on September 26th at 7pm ET, and broadcast exclusively on Paramount+. The trophies for Best Play, Best Musical and Best Revival will be presented on The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back, airing immediately after and including performances from the nominated musicals as well as “beloved classics.” (The question remains ... when we theater queens reference these in years to come, will we call them “the 2020 Tonys” or “the 2021 Tonys?” Time will tell!) The Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill leads the pack with 15 nominations; Jeremy O. Harris’ enthralling Slave Play received 12, the most for any non-musical since Angels in America.

While Slave Play is sadly not scheduled to reopen (it concluded its limited run just prior to the pandemic), Jagged Little Pill (Broadhurst Theatre, open-ended) will resume performances October 21st. Competing Best Musical Tony nominees Tina (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, openended) will once again ask “What’s Love Got To Do With It” on October 8th. Conor McPherson’s Bob Dylan musical Girl from the North Country (Belasco Theatre, open-ended) hadn’t been running long enough for the Tony voters to see it before the shutdown, but it starts up again October 13th to vie for next year’s prizes.

Adrienne Warren, center, stars in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. photo by Manuel Harlan

Todd Almondcenter and the cast of Girl From The North Country photo by Matthew Murphy

The long running hits are still flickering open in real time as well, with Aaron Sorkin’s bold theatricalization of To Kill A Mockingbird (Shubert Theatre, open-ended) starring Jeff Daniels beginning again October 5th. The popular Temptations jukebox musical Ain’t Too Proud (Imperial Theatre, open-ended) starts serenading “My Girl” again on October 16th. The longest running Broadway musical of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic Theatre, open-ended) sings more music of the night on October 22nd. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s collaboration with Frozen’s Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill Theatre, open-ended), is back November 5th. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre, open-ended) will reappear November 12th, magically transformed into a single presentation from its former two-part self.

For those who prefer their special effects unplugged, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s improvisational hip-hop comedy musical Freestyle Love Supreme (Booth Theatre, through January 2nd) returns to drop some beats October 7th. Another show that had already closed pre-pandemic but has Sara Bareilles trodding the boards again now in her Tony-nominated role is Waitress (Ethel Barrymore Theatre, through January 9th) to serve up the love. The cast of Ain’t Too Proud photo by Matthew Murphy Celia Keenan-Bolger, left, as Scout and Jeff Daniels as her father, Atticus Finch, in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. photo by Sara Krulwich

Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles and Jeanna de Waal as Diana in Diana the musical photo by Evan Zimmerman/Matthew Murphy

TL Thompson, Pete Simpson, Emily Davis and Becca Blackwell in Is This a Room photo by Sara Krulwich

Graphic for Thoughts of A Colored Man

Shows from 2020 that hadn’t yet officially opened to critics that now may continue their aborted preview processes include the musical adaptation of the blockbuster comedy Mrs. Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre, open-ended) getting dolled up October 21st; the Princess Diana bio musical Diana (Longacre Theatre, open-ended) models the crown November 2nd with music by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan; and, most excitingly, London’s hit, the gender-bending revival of Sondheim’s landmark musical comedy Company (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, open-ended) starring The Band’s Visit Tony winner Katrina Lenk with Broadway legend Patti LuPone importing her Laurence Oliver Award-winning rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch.”

One of my favorite Off-Broadway shows of recent years, Tina Satter’s mesmerizing docudrama Is This A Room (Lyceum Theatre, through January 16th) plays the big house September 24th. Another Vineyard Theatre production moving to Broadway in repertory with Is This A Room, Lucas Hnath’s equally acclaimed Dana H. (Lyceum Theatre, though January 16th) will share the venue from October 1st. Slam poet Keenan Scott II makes his Broadway playwriting debut with Thoughts of A Colored Man (John Golden Theatre, through March 20th) previewing October 1st.

A musical many theater fans feel got the short shrift when it opened on Broadway in 2004 (particularly when original leading lady Tonya Pinkins lost the Tony to Wicked’s Idina Menzel) is Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, Or Change (Studio 54, through January 9th) resurfaces in a smash West End production with an Olivier-winning performance by Sharon D. Clarke on October 8th. Alice Childress’s rarely produced 1955 satire about race in show business, Trouble in Mind (American Airlines Theatre, through January 9th), arrives for its long-awaited Broadway premiere November 18th starring Tony winner La Chanze.

November 3rd marks the first preview of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s new play, Clyde’s (Hayes Theatre, through January 16th), starring Uzo Aduba (Orange Is The New Black) and Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us). And Lincoln Center Theatre presents its latest Broadway musical Flying Over Sunset (Vivian Beaumont Theatre, open-ended), directed by James Lapine, from November 11th.

Deirdre O’Connell in Dana H. photo by Craig Schwartz The cast of Fkying Over Sunset

There’s a lot brewing Off-Broadway now as well. At the top of my list are: Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Signature Theatre, October 12th - November 14th), a new take on Anna Deavere Smith’s groundbreaking depiction of the events following the police officers’ acquittal in the Rodney King brutality trial; Fairycakes (Greenwich House Theatre, October 14th - January 2nd), Douglas Carter Beane’s retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Trevor (Stage 42 Theatre, October 25th - April 17th), a musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning short that inspired The Trevor Project; and Selling Kabul (Playwrights Horizons, November 17th - December 23), Sylvia Khoury’s prescient exploration of Afghanistan post-pullout.

New York’s world class cabaret venues continue to thrive, providing intimate musical entertainment by unparalleled talent. This is nowhere more bountiful than at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where you can catch: Tony winner Laura Benanti (October 5th - October 10th), brilliant up-and-comers and Search Party co-stars Bonnie Milligan and Natalie Walker together (October 11th), RuPaul’s Drag Race vixen Alexis Michelle (October 14th and November 19th), Liza’s sister/Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft (October 21st - October 23rd), Bright Star star Carmen Cusack (October 22nd - October 25th), Johnny Carson’s favorite singer Marilyn Maye (October 25th - November 1st), Smash diva Megan Hilty (November 2nd - November 7th), cult favorite belter Linda Eder (November 11th - November 13th), Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore (November 18th - November 20th), and South Pacific breakout Paulo Szot (November 24th - November 27th).

Birdland and the Birdland Theater

boast the incandescent Natalie Douglas (October 1st - October 2nd), jazz duo Tuck & Patti (October 12th - October 16th), viral impressionist Christina Bianco (October 15th - 16th), and a Jerry Herman tribute from the great Klea Blackhurst (October 20th - October 22nd). Weekly variety shows from Jim Caruso and Susie Mosher remain staples.

The Green Room 42 hosts a plethora of enticing stars, but special attention must be reserved for the original Tony-winning triple threat star of A Chorus Line, Donna McKechnie (November 11th-November 13th). ■ Lorna Luft

Danielle A. Drakes as Twilight Bey in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992

Bonnie Milligan and Natalie Walker

Mykal Kilgore

Natalie Douglas Megan Hilty

Laura Benanti

Paulo Szot

Donna McKechnie Graphic for Selling Kabul

Alexis Michelle

BY STEVE GOTTFRIED

MADISON HILDEBRAND MADE HIS OFFICIAL EXIT FROM THE BRAVO REALITY SERIES MILLION DOLLAR LISTING: LOS ANGELES AFTER 10 SEASONS. The telegenic relatively drama-free realtor is now free to focus on his full-service luxury brand, The Malibu Life, and his personal life, free of the constraints of reality TV. He was notably the first of the franchise to come out as LGBTQ, though his initial placement on the continuum was a little fuzzy. But those days are long behind him as he unequivocally identifies as a gay man… full stop.

A glance at his heavily curated Instagram page @MadisonMalibu reflects his renewed optimism and the great place he’s in right now. It’s chock full of pictureperfect photos of Madison enjoying the good life paired with inspirational and motivational quotes, including his professional mantra “First be a blessing, then be blessed.”

Honestly, that’s where I am. It’s not a front. I’m not “up” all the time, I’m not “down” all the time, but I’m certainly riding this wave. If you go back far enough, you’ll catch up to the period where I was hanging on by the tiniest thread to stay positive. There were a lot of dark moments

Those dark moments he’s referring to include the passage of his two beloved rescue dogs Maya and Mr. Prince as well as the death of his grandfather and a debilitating injury which put him out of commission for two years. But adversity is nothing new for this superstar realtor. In 2016, he suffered a concussion and fractured jaw during a diving board accident which required his jaw to be wired shut for weeks. When asked where he gets that inner strength and tenacity, he attributes some of it to his father whose own father died when he was 16.

I’m in such a wonderful place, in my career and my life in general. After ten seasons, departing from the show was probably one of the best decisions I made – not to be cliché – but for my mental health. COVID was probably – selfishly speaking – one of the best things for my situation. I’m not desensitizing how devastating it is. But when the world shut down, it was what I personally needed. Because I needed to have a moment to shut down.

I asked why he stayed with the series as long as he did if it was the source of so much stress.

The answer is simple and complex – the money and the notoriety were hard to walk away from. The toxicity and the fame were the reason I had to go. In hindsight, it was the best experience, and I am forever grateful, but as an empath it is something I did a lot longer than I ever imagined. As one can see from the other Bravo franchises, it can destroy marriages, cause mental health issues, even suicide. In the scheme of things, I got out pretty unscathed.

While 2020 will be remembered as a catastrophic year for many, it was a milestone for Madison and a time to reflect on where he’s been and where he’s heading.

I turned 40 in October, and I had a really fun party with a group of friends in Tulum, Mexico. It was about embracing where I was in my life. I got to pause and appreciate what I’ve accomplished, and what I survived so to speak. And for that I felt, and have been feeling, that I am where I’m supposed to be. I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’m back doing fitness, I’m absolutely dating. A family is still something that I’d consider, if it’s meant to be of course, but I won’t do it alone. Now, I’m not really in a place where I’m needing a relationship. I don’t feel lonely. I certainly don’t have the pressure of the network telling me that I need to find a boyfriend for the season, or need to go on dates, or they’re going to set me up, and do all those things.

Is that what it was like?

Oh yeah, every season they constantly wanted me to be in a relationship. For one episode, we were in Beverly Hills at a bar, and they brought 20 “contestants” as I call them that I had no idea going into and I was speed dating. Did I want to be doing that at the time? No, I had just gotten out of a relationship that hadn’t aired on TV. So now I don’t have those pressures. It’s on my terms and I’m just happy to be free and private.

How is your dating life now?

Thriving!

Are you meeting people through apps and social media, or do you meet them in person, or is it a mix of both?

During COVID it was certainly apps. That was really the only way to connect safely with people. So, I did “app-up.” Since then, I have my social life back in a groove and I deleted all the apps because right now they’re not necessary. I’m technically single, but I am dating and seeing where I want to go with this.

What were some of the lessons learned from your relationship with Cody Keltz which was featured on Million Dollar Listing?

I walked away from that relationship not because there was necessarily anything wrong – or that one of us did something that hurt the other. Quite the opposite. I still loved him, but I really wanted to grow and focus on being more successful. That was the part that was hard because you can’t speed someone’s life up or their life experience and I was ready to hit the ground running.

And in terms of the current crop of guys that you’re seeing, how have things changed? Have you found people that you’re more in synch with?

Absolutely. I think that’s been the most exciting part. Now that I’m off the reality show, I don’t have a life that commands somebody to jump into my life at 100 miles per hour and throw cameras into it. At this point, I can meet someone that’s an equal and/or a leader in their own right. I don’t have to be making all the decisions or calling all the shots. It is so refreshing to be dating men that can bring all those things to the table.

This being our annual indulgence issue, Madison freely admits to being a bit of a hedonist and shared some of his favorite indulgences.

I threw a hedonism party one year and that was actually the title on the invitation. I put a lot into my career and my clients and when it’s time for me to indulge, I also do a very good job of that.

You work hard and you play hard.

That was my motto on Bravo. I don’t have kids and I don’t have the Dobermans tying me down.

To be a happy hedonist, it helps to have a high net worth and plenty of disposable income. Though he doesn’t spend as much as one might expect on material things, he is a big believer in more experiential indulgences, such as hosting parties and extravagant travels.

He described a recent indulgence when a French girlfriend of his invited him to Costa Rica on the spur of the moment.

She said, I’m leaving tomorrow at 6a.m. The hotel is booked, you don’t need to plan, just get on the plane. And I literally called American Express, got a ticket, flew out the next morning at 6am and went away for seven days to Costa Rica with four French guys and a French girl and LIVED IT UP. It was completely spontaneous and so much fun.

But there’s more…

I just came back from San Francisco for a very indulgent party. I was up there for the weekend for my friend’s birthday. ”For more on that, you can check out his Space Cowboy costume on Instagram.” He’s also heading to the Amalfi Coast on a 200-foot yacht for Labor Day.

But in Madison’s world, indulgences aren’t just for special occasions, they’re built into his regular schedule. Hosting parties and indulging his appetite for the good life for him and those fortunate enough to be in his circle of friends can be costly, but in terms of a dollar amount, he says “it’s not something I think about too much, but I try to stay under $10-15k a month.” Such perks include a personal masseur with a standing two-hour weekly massage, a personal chef, a concierge, a driver, and chartering a helicopter as needed for efficiency or for that extra splurge while traveling.

Last week, I hosted four parties at my home in Malibu. One for a gay friend’s 30th birthday and all his friends. Then I had houseguests in for three days, so we had a cocktail party for her and her boyfriend and their friends. Then I decided, because I wasn’t busy enough, that I wanted to have a dinner party for a bunch of clients who were just feeling like they wanted to get out and about again after being locked down during the pandemic. “The mask ordinance came off… for a minute.” So, I invited 14 people, called my concierge, called the chef. That was on a Monday and the party was on a Wednesday. We enjoyed a four-course meal with lobster and alcohol and all the fun things.

What would you say are the most important traits that have enabled you to excel?

I think it’s my passion for people. I really enjoy meeting and sharing life with other wonderful, like-minded people. And that is who I surround myself with. It’s also why my life is so good because I’m not around the toxicity of the show or the egos that are involved with that. So now my clientele and obviously my friends and my family share like minds, and that alone is just awesome to be around so many other wonderful, smart, happy and/or successful people.”After which he adds wryly,“And I can fire those that aren’t.

How much of your job entails psychology? Knowing how to read people, how to handhold, when to push, when to back off.

Almost 95 percent is handling people the right way. And sometimes that means you let them think that they are controlling the situation. I think that’s probably something our industry doesn’t get enough credit for. The art of the deal is not just negotiating dollars and terms. It’s really negotiating personalities. It’s also how quickly you can overcome obstacles and find solutions. And that’s something that I’m good at, especially under pressure.

Dealing with the Malibu luxury real estate market, Madison has worked with his share of celebrities. But getting him to spill some tea is another matter.

I definitely have represented some of the most recognized names in the celebrity world. But I’m so not tied up in that world. It’s the person, not their resume. The thing that gets me excited is the energy of the people.

Having reached a dead-end with the celebrity scoop, I moved on to politics and the Black Lives Matter protests that erupted across the United States this past year. Malibu has a certain image, and our country went through a huge reckoning with racial issues. I was just wondering if that seeped into the Malibu bubble.

I don’t think anyone in America was sheltered from that loud cry of a movement that was so necessary in a lot of ways. Including Malibu. There were protestors at the main intersection with their banners from very young kids to adults and their parents. Honking their horns and chanting on the side of the road. So, it was nice to see that in the community. And Malibu, as affluent as it is, is still a very open minded, very liberal,

and artistic community. I think it was surprisingly more responsive than you would think, which I was proud to be a part of.

I also have a home in West Hollywood. And so, during the pandemic I was going back and forth. But I was there the night the riots broke out. I had a dinner party at my house that night. The helicopters were literally swarming the sky. We couldn’t sit outside as we planned because we couldn’t hear each other speak. We started smelling the fires, and you could hear the shots fired. I really had a different experience than just being in Malibu because I was there for the wildest part of it. And then coming to Malibu was like night and day. It was a safe zone, I would say.

While scrolling through his Instagram feed, I couldn’t help noticing a photograph of Madison having climbed the gymnastic rings in Santa Monica, wondering how he could attempt something like that knowing about his recent recovery from a severe hand injury.

It’s so funny. Everybody reacted to that like, what the hell are you doing? And if you noticed, I had a knee brace on as well. Because the week before I had just injured my knee in the ocean. I was still kind of hobbling. But I think that is just representative of who I am as a person. Because when I’m back, I’m back. When I’m going to do something, I do it. And when I want to heal, I don’t want to be held back by someone telling me it will never be the same. And the doctor essentially said that to me when I left the hospital.

Just as he puts his all into his work, Madison channeled all that energy into healing. He cited a documentary titled “Heal” which was very impactful about the power of the mind to heal physical ailments.

Did I sit and hold my wrist and my hand where the bone was and meditate and focus my mental energy and frequencies? Absolutely. And I think that rope-climbing incident was a testament to how good I feel. And yes, that was not hard to do, and it did not hurt. Going to the rings is something that I used to do for workouts in the summer. And it’s going to be part of my regimen

again. So yeah, I’m like a big kid in an adult body. ■

ACCOUNTING

Greg Cash TaxPlus Cash, Gregory D�, EA, MST 5150 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 350 Long Beach���������������������������������562 597-4300 www�gregcash�com

ATTORNEYS

Parker | Waichman LLP

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BAKERIES

Cake and Art

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BANKS

US Bank

Toll Free ��������������������������������������800 720-2265 www�usbank�com/checking

Wells Fargo

Toll Free ��������������������������������������800 869-3557 www�wellsfargo�com/lgbt

BOOKS & BOOKSTORES

Book Soup Bookstore

8818 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood �������������������������310 659-3110

Crossroads Books

1196 E Walnut St Pasedena ������������������������������������626 795-8772

COUNSELING/PSYCHOTHERAPY

Lotus Place Recovery

1111 Baker St Unit A Costa Mesa���������������������������������800 951-0735 www�lotusplacerecovery�com

EMPLOYMENT

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)

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Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

700 E Temple St, B-38 LA�����������������������������������������������866 444-LAPD www�joinlapd�com

FRAMING

Framing Gallery

8527 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood ������������������������310 657-6904

FITNESS/GYMS/PERSONAL TRAINERS

Body Builders Gym Fired Up Athletics

8474 W 3rd St, Ste 208, LA ��������213 608-9425 www�firedupathletics�com

GUEST HOUSES/B&B’S

MisterBandB

www�misterbandb�com

HAIR SALONS

Blades

801 N� Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood �������������������������310 659-6693

Shorty’s Barber Shop

755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood �������������������������323 297-0554 www�shortysbarbershop�com

HOTELS

Opus Hotel Vancouver

322 Davie St Vancouver, BC Canada���������������������������������������604 642-6787 www�opushotel�com

Preferred Hotels & Resorts

www�preferredpride�com/metrosource

Ramada Plaza West Hollywood Hotel

8585 Santa Monica Blvd �������������800 845-8585 www�ramadaweho�com

Sunset Marquis

1200 Alta Loma Rd West Hollywood �������������������������800 858-9758 www�sunsetmarquis�com

INSURANCE

Marc Berton Insurance LA�����������������������������������������������323 872-0482 San Fernando Valley��������������������818 365-9449 Toll Free ��������������������������������������800 924-4459 www�marcberton�com

INTRODUCTION SERVICES

Bespoke Matchmaking

LA�����������������������������������������������888 422-6464 www�bespokematchmaking�com

LEATHER

665 Leather & Fetish Co�

8722 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood �������������������������310 854-7276 Rough Trade

3915 W Sunset Blvd, Silverlake ���323 660-7956 www�roughtradegear�com

MARKETING SERVICES

Brand2Fly

San Jose��������������������������������������408 763-7924 www�brand2fly�com GayVan�com Travel Marketing

NUTRITION & FITNESS

Power Zone

8578 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood �������������������������310 289-1125 www�powerzoneonline�com

PET SUPPLIES

Nulo Pet Foods nulo�com/love

PHARMACIES/DRUGS

AHF Pharmacy

1400 S Grand Ave, Ste 801 Downtown LA ����������������������������213 741-5271 1300 North Vermont Ave Hollywood ����������������������������������323 661-0643 www�ahfpharmacy�com

Cienega Pharmacy

99 N La Cienega Blvd, Ste 104 Beverly Hills���������������������������������310 360-9969 www�uniteddrugs�com

PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL SERVICES

Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic

Family Medicine & Mental Health 3324 W Sunset Blvd, LA��������������323 660-2400

www�hsfreeclinic�org

TATTOO

Body Electric Tattoo and Piercing

7274 1/2 Melrose Ave LA�����������������������������������������������323 954-0408 www�bodyelectrictattoo�com

THRIFT SHOPS

Berda Paradise Thrift Store

3506 W Sunset Blvd LA�����������������������������������������������323 661-8246

VIDEO

Broadway Video

3401 E Broadway, Long Beach ����562 433-1920

WEDDING SERVICES

Cake and Art

8709 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood �������������������������310 657-8694 www�cakeandart�com

ATHLETIC

ARRIBA SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB

PO Box 69611 West Hollywood, CA 90069 www.arribaski.org

CHEER LA

1223 Wilshire Blvd #1580 Santa Monica, CA 90404 www.cheerla.org

DIFFERENT SPOKES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

P.O. Box 2466 Hollywood, CA 90078 www.differentspokes.com

GOLDEN STATE GAY RODEO ASSOC - GLAC

P.O Box 2407 Long Beach, CA 90801 562 498-1675 www.larodeo.com

GREATER LA GAY BOWLING

www.igbo.org

LA BLADES ICE HOCKEY

PO Box 4346 Laguna Beach, CA 92652 310 288-3632 www.bladeshockey.com

LA POOL LEAGUE

PO Box 2227 Los Angeles, CA 90078 818 426-2171 www.lapl8ball.org

LA TENNIS ASSOC. (LATA)

PO Box 481226 Los Angeles, CA 90048 www.lataweb.com

SHORELINE FRONTRUNNERS OF LONG BEACH

PO Box 90774 Long Beach, CA 90809 562 252-0218 www.shorelinefrontrunners.org

SURF & SUN SOFTBALL

www.surfandsunsoftball.com

WEST HOLLYWOOD AQUATICS

www.wh2o.org

CULTURAL, SOCIAL

ASIAN PACIFIC AIDS INTL TEAM

6501 West Olympic Blvd Ste 610 Los Angeles, CA 90015 213 553-1830 www.apaitonline.org

BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY

5001 Angel Canyon Rd Kanab, UT 84741 435 644-2001 www.bestfriends.org

BEST FRIENDS PET ADOPTION & SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES

15321 Brand Blvd Mission Hills, CA 91345 818 643-3989 www.bestfriends.org/la

CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST/GAY PRIDE

8235 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 969-8302 www.lapride.org

GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION (GLAAD)

5455 Wilshire Blvd, #1500 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 933-2240 www.glaad.org

GAY MENS CHORUS OF LA

9056 Santa Monica Blvd, #300 West Hollywood, CA 90069 800 636-7464 www.gmcla.org

LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

The Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 860-7302 www.laglc.org

LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER McDonald/Wright Building 1625 North Schrader Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 323 993-7400 www.laglc.org

LA YOUTH

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

8111 Beverly Blvd #306 Los Angeles, CA 90048 877 465-2977 www.la-youth.org

LONG BEACH LESBIAN & GAY PRIDE

PO Box 2050 Long Beach, CA 90802 562 987-9191 www.longbeachpride.com

OUTFEST THE LA GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

3470 Wilshire Blvd #1022 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 480-7088 www.outfest.org

PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION

126 East Haley, Ste A-11 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805 963-3636 www.pacificpridefoundation.org

THE POINT FOUNDATION

5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 370 Los Angeles, CA 90036 866 33-Point www.pointfoundation.org

VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

18111 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330 818 677-2488 818 677-3000 valleyperformingartscenter.org

WORLD HARVEST FOOD BANK

1014 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015 213-746-2228 www.worldharvestfoodbank.org

HEALTH/ COUNSELING

AID FOR AIDS AFA

8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 656-1107 www.aidforaids.net

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION/MENS WELLNESS CENTER

• 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028 888 AIDS CARE • 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027 866 339-2525 800 367-2437 www.inspotla.org

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PHARMACY

8212 Santa Monica Blvd The David Geffen Center West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 654-0907 www.ahfpharmacy.org

APLA HEALTH

Client & Community Services The David Geffen Center • 611 South Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90005 213.201.1600 213 201-WALK (9255) • 3743 S. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90016 323.329.9900 • 5901 W. Olympic Blcd. #310 Los Angeles, CA 90036 • 1043 Elm Avenue #302 Long Beach, CA 90813 562.247.7740 www.apla.org www.aidswalk.net

AIDS RESEARCH ALLIANCE

1400 S Grand Ave Ste 701 Los Angeles, CA 90015 310 358-2429 www.hopetakesaction.org www.aidsresearch.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

3333 Wilshire Blvd #900 Los Angeles, CA 90010 800 227-2345 www.cancer.org

BEING ALIVE PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS ACTION COALITION

621 N San Vincente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 289-2551 www.beingalivela.org

GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

Orange County 1605 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714 953-5428 www.thecenteroc.org

HOLY FAMILY SERVICES, ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE

840 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026 213 202-3900 www.hfs.org

LA FREE CLINIC

• 5205 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 653-1990 – appts 323 653-8622 – admin www.lafreeclinic.org • 6043 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028 • 8405 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048

LA PUBLIC HEALTH

www.reallycheckyourself.org

OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT SHOPS

• 8224 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 848-9760 • 3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 562 494-0340 • 1726 East Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91106 626 440-1719 • 360 North Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 934-1956

PROJECT ANGEL FOOD

922 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 845-1800 www.angelfood.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT

9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845 www.thetrevorproject.org

VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE

6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605 818 301-6314 - HIV testing 818 301-6390 - Medical Services www.smarthealthla.com

LEGAL

LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC.

Western Regional Office 3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 382-7600 www.lambdalegal.org

NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE

5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 954-9597 www.thetaskforce.org

LESBIANS

LESBIAN LAWYERS ASSOC OF LA

PO Box 480318 Los Angeles, CA 90048 213 486-4443 www.lgla.net

POWER UP

419 North Larchmont Blvd, #283 Los Angeles, CA 90004 323 463-3154 www.power-up.net

WOMAN ON A ROLL

PO Box 5112 Santa Monica, CA 90409 310 578-8888 www.womenonaroll.com

PROFESSIONAL

LOS ANGELES GAY AND LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

8424 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood,CA 90069 424.209.2708 www.laglcc.org

REFERRALS/ SWITCHBOARDS

LA Gay & Lesbian center Jeff Griffith Youth Center 7051 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90038 TOLL FREE: 800 773-5540

LA GAY & LESBIAN CENTER

MacDonald/Wright Bldg 1625 North Schroder Los Angeles, CA 323 933-7400 www.angelfood.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT

9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845 www.thetrevorproject.org

THE VILLAGE AT ED GOULD PLAZA

1125 North McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 860-7328 prevention@laglc.org www.laglc.org

RELIGIOUS

ALL SAINTS PARISH

504 North Camden Dr West Hollywood, CA 90036 310 275-0123

BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM

6000 West Pico Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90035 323 931-7023 www.bcc-la.org

GLORY TABERNACLE CHRISTIAN CENTER

3215 East Third St Long Beach, CA 90804 562 438-7758 www.glorytabernacle.com

OPEN DOOR MINISTRIES

4101 Willow St 562 925.3533 www.open-door-ministries.org

ST. JANE FRANCES CATHOLIC CHURCH G & L OUTREACH

12930 Hamlin St North Hollywood, CA 91606 818 985-8600

WEST HOLLYWOOD CHURCH

916 North Formosa Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069 323 656-2400

METROSOURCE

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 MADISON HILDEBRAND

THE Charmed REAL LIFE OF A FORMER REALITY STAR

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 METROSOURCE LA

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ART

Mod City Gallery

760 567-6852 www�modcitygallery�com

The Shag Store

745 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������760 322-3400 www�shag�com

Trevor Wayne Pop Art

386 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������442 268-5498 www�trevorwayne�com

ATTRACTIONS

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260���������������760 346-5694 www�livingdesert�org

Palm Springs Air Museum

745 N Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������760 778-6262 www�palmspringsairmuseum�org

Palm Springs Art Museum

101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������760 322-4800 www�psmuseum�org

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������888 515-8726 www�pstramway�com

BAKERY

Over the Rainbow Deserts

1775 E� Palm Canyon Road, Suite 150 Palm Springs, CA 92264��������������760 322-2253 www�romanblas�com

Pastry Swan Bakery

70225 Highway 111 Suite A Rancho Mirage, CA 92270����������760 202-1213 www�pastryswan�com

CANNABIS

PSA Organica

400 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264��������������760 778-1053 www�iheartjane�com

The Lighthouse Dispensary

395 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������760 320-4420 www�lighthousedispensary�com

The Vault Dispensary and Lounge

35871 Date Palm Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234������������760 866-9660 www�enjoythevault�com

CASINO

Agua Caliente Casino

• 401 E Amado Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������888 999-1995 www�sparesortcasino�com

• 32-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

84-245 Indio Springs Dr Indio, CA 92203�������������������������760 342-5000 www�fantasyspringsresort�com

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa

49500 Seminole Dr� Cabazon, CA 92230�������������������800 252-4499 www�morongocasinoresort�com

CLOTHING

GayMart

305 E Arenas Rd #6635 Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 416-6436

Revivals

• 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA �����������������������760 318-6491

• 68401 Hwy 111, Cathedral City, CA ���������������������760 969-5747

GIFTS

Destination PSP

170 North Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 354-9154 www�destinationpsp�com

Greetings Palm Springs

301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 322-5049 www�greetingspalmsprings�com

Just Fabulous

515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 864-1300 www�bjustfabulous�com

Mischief Cards & Gifts

226 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 322-8555 www�mischiefcardsandgifts�com

Peepa’s

120 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 318-3553 www�peepasps�com

HAIR SALONS

Cut Barber

1109 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262�������������760 322-2999 www�cutbarber�com

Daddy’s Barbershop

192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264�������������760 537-1311 www�daddysbarbershop�com Men’s Grooming Spot

68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234�����������760 992-0028 www�mensgroomingspot�com

LEATHER

Gear Leather and Fetish

650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264�������760 322-3363 www�gearleather�com

Rough Trade Gear

321 E Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������760 699-7524 www�roughtradegear�com

PET SUPPLIES

Bones-N-Scones

633 S Palm Canyon Dr Suite #26 Palm Springs, CA 92264��������������760 864-1133

Cold Nose Warm Heart

187 South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262��������������760 424-2006 www�pspetstore�com

ROOFING

Reliable Roofing By Todd Gregory Young

Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage�������760 323-2705 Palm Desert/Indian Wells�������������760 568-1673 Joshua Tree/Yucca Valley �������������760 365-0072 Desert Hot Springs ����������������������760 251-9495 Cathedral City�����������������������������760 323-2705 www�reliableroofingbytgy�com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

DESERT AIDS PROJECT

1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 323-2118 www.desertaidsproject.org

DESERT CARE NETWORK

760 561-7373 www.desertcarenetwork.com

DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE

275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 325-DOHC (3642) www.mydohc.com

EISENHOWER HEALTH

39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760 340-3911 eisenhowerhealth.org

MICHAEL’S HOUSE

1910 S Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 92262 844 768-0633 www.michaelshouse.com

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER

4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760 416-5718 www.psanimalshelter.org

PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS

frontrunners.clubexpress.com

STONEWALL GARDENS

2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 548-0970 www.stonewallgardens.com

THE LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT

1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 416-7790 www.thecenterps.org