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Courtesy of Studio Envogue
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Out on the Town Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Mike Halterman
Creative Director: Joshua Beadle
Editor’s Note: Hey y’all! At long last, our first issue almost entirely devoted to nightlife. Memorial Day Weekend is coming and hopefully will reward Pensacola with much-needed tourism revenue. A year after the oil spill, we all still struggle.
¥ Writers:
Tori Mattison, Berneta Haynes, Andrew Stankevich, James Hare, Erika Gilliam-Long, Princeton McCovey, Matt Thomas
Photo Credits:
Erika Slezak photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times. Ryan W and Ben Cohen photos supplied by interview subjects.
Special Thanks to:
Jill Tipping for coordinating Ben Cohen interview and Lauri Hogan for coordinating Erika Slezak interview.
Our interview with Erika Slezak was quite bittersweet; the morning we finished our interview, Ms. Slezak and the rest of her co-stars learned that One Life to Live will be going off the air in January. As a soap fan, this saddens me and we wish the casts of One Life to Live and All My Children (going off the air in September) all the best. We’re already excited about what we’re offering for June...we’re serving up some queens, and I don’t mean drag! Stay tuned.
facebook.com/outonthetown
Respectfully Yours, Mike Halterman Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Table of Contents:
Tori Mattison’s Lowdown ....................................................................................… 12 On TV with Erika Slezak ....................................................................................… 14 In the Studio with Ryan W .................................................................................… 16
Nightlife Issue
The Korner Lounge, Shreveport, LA .............................................................… 22 Cajun Cove, Baton Rouge, LA …........................................................................ 23 Jackson, MS’s Fondren Neighborhood ..............................................................… 25 Club 322, Montgomery, AL …................................................................................. 26 Dothan Dance Club, Dothan, AL ........................................................................… 27 Johnny Chisholm’s Memorial Day Preview ........................................................… 28 Emerald City/The Cabaret/The Roundup, Pensacola, FL .......................................… 30-31 Bars and Clubs Listings .................................................................................… 32-35 OUT ON THE TOWN MAGAZINE is published by OUT ON THE TOWN PUBLISHING, LLC Copyright 2011 Out on the Town Publishing, LLC
Opinions expressed in the pages of Out on the Town Magazine are not necessarily those held by the owners of Out on the Town Publishing, LLC. or its staff. Publication of the name or photograph of any living person or organization in articles or advertising in Out on the Town Magazine shall not be construed or implication made as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organizations. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures and testimonials of any living person, and Out on the Town Magazine may lawfully publish said ads. The advertiser automatically agrees by submitting said ad to indemnify and hold harmless Out on the Town Publishing, LLC from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature out of such publication. The deadline for the monthly release of Out on the Town Magazine is the third Friday of the month at 11 a.m. Central Time for advertising submitted from an outside graphics firm and the third Monday of the month for new advertising made and designed in-house by Out on the Town Magazine (extra fees apply). In the event that an ad is accepted after deadline, the advertiser agrees by submitting such an ad to indemnify and hold harmless Out on the Town Publishing, LLC from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature that may arise from any error that may be made in said ad. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without written permission is prohibited.
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Tori Mattison’s Lowdown
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! Whether you’re wanting to spend time with your mother, or to see a load of drag-mothers, I’ve got the lowdown on where you need to be this month! Do you live in Louisiana? Venture out to Monroe and check out the Corner Bar. Corner Bar is a small friendly bar with a great staff and weekly drag shows featuring special guests, such as Dextaci. With only 2 years experience on stage, Dextaci is a fabulous full-figured gal who is bound to go far, so if you’re wanting to watch a queen rise to greatness, keep your eyes on Corner Bar, and on Dextaci! Alexandria has Uniques, which is a happening spot with good music and great drinks. Jaleesa Delafosse is the show director there, and prides herself on her diverse cast of divas from the House of Gla’Mour. Floridians have a lot to look forward to with Memorial Day Weekend coming May 26-30! Thousands of sexy gay men from all over the USA flock to Pensacola’s sandy beaches for fun and frolic. While in town, be sure to check out Emerald City, where Lauren Mitchell headlines the set cast of the same fantastic entertainers each week. Downtown has Top of the Town, where you can catch Regine Phillips every weekend at 2:30 a.m. -- along with special guests. Of course Panama City Beach has Splash, which is a fantastic place to go. I had the honor of entertaining the crowd last month and had the most amazing time.
Chloe Von Trapp from Montgomery was featured at The Cabaret only a few weeks ago, and my sources tell me that she was Ah-Mazing! I’m gonna have to keep tabs on that one. Speaking of Chloe, she can be seen at Club 322 in Montgomery, along with out of town guests. Dothan has the Dothan Dance Club, which (my sources have told me) is doing very well and is seeing a steady increase of party-goers. Birmingham has the Quest, where you can check out Porsha Black along with a crew of fabulosity every weekend. Lastly, Tuscaloosa has Icon
with Genesis, Bambi Kira and special guests every Thursday and Saturday. Last but not least, let’s chat a little about Mississippi. Club Veaux and Just Us seem to be getting along well as friends instead of enemies. Biloxi is definitely big enough to support two gay bars, so I’m glad to hear this news. Nikki Andrews is the show director at Veaux, and is working tirelessly on putting together an amazing show each weekend for everyone to enjoy. Bottoms Up in Jackson amazes me every day with the remarkable changes being made. The cabaret room is pageant-ready, with a working curtain for entertainers, a 14-foot runway, amazing sound system and high quality spotlight. Certain Friday nights bring forth Tanisha Foxx and the Fantasy Girls. Mia Chambers and Syrn Myrage are ready to quench your thirst every Saturday night with a special guest entertainer. Mother’s Day is a bit of a touchy subject for me. I’ve mentioned before that I have not spoken to my mother since I was 16 years old. When I finally came out of the closet to her, she called me a sick f*ck and kicked me out. I can safely say that I am better off without her, but I do think about her at Mother’s Day. I wonder if she’s alive, what she’s up to, and most importantly, if she ever thinks about me. Regardless, I would never wish this kind of treatment on anyone, and I hope that your story is not like mine. Be sure to pick up the phone and give your mother a call this year.
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On TV
On TV with Erika Slezak By Matt Thomas For this month’s On TV feature, we talk to Erika Slezak. She recently celebrated 40 years of playing the role of heroine Victoria Lord Banks on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live; in that time, she has won six Daytime Emmys (a record). We talk to her about the beginnings of her iconic turn as Viki and about marriage equality. In past interviews you’ve stated that you’re “very liberal” in support of GLBT rights and marriage equality. Were you always that way? I have always believed in complete equality for everyone, that’s how I was raised and have never questioned it or altered my opinion. My parents were very liberal in that regard -- didn’t matter who you were or what you were -- as long as you were a good person. You’ve been on the show 40 years now. What do you remember about being cast for the role? I remember everything about my audition for OLTL -- too long to describe here, but basically, I was auditioning to replace the current actress playing Victoria on the show, but no one told me that. No one told the current actress
at the time either. I was simply given sides to learn and rehearsed with Bernard Grant, who was playing Steve Burke on the show, and told it was just an audition scene for an unnamed character. I showed up on the date, March 16, 1971, and was shown to a room where Bernard was waiting and also there were David Pressman, Agnes Nixon, Joan D’Incecco, the casting director and Doris Quinlan, the producer. I did the audition, they thanked me politely, and I left, thinking that was it. I went to agent’s office and while there, OLTL called and told him that I had got the job and was to start the next day. Having never been on TV before, needless to say, I was petrified. But David taught me so much during the [first] months there -- everything I needed to work on TV -- and thank God for that, because I’m still there. You’ve played different “personalities” on the show; which one do you like the most, “Viki” or “Niki”? I have 7 different personalities: Viki, Niki, Jean, Tori, Princess, Tommy
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and Victor (the abuser). Obviously, Niki is the most fun and Tommy is the most tiring. It’s very tiring being a boy. But I enjoy playing all of them because they are all completely different. We see the show every day, but what happens behind the scenes during a regular day? Once your scenes are taped, what do you do in the studio? Who are your closest friends on-set? Once I finish taping on set, I generally go home; I live in Connecticut, so I get in my car and drive home, unless I have an appointment in NYC or we are going to the theatre or having dinner with friends, in which case I hang about, work on future scripts, or go to a bookstore and shop! I love books! I am very friendly with almost everyone on the show -- obviously closer to some than others, but I would say that I spend the most time chatting with the people with whom I work most often; Robin Strasser, Jerry VerDorn, Bob Woods, and my lovely daughters, Bree Williamson and Melissa Archer. We are a very close company- without exception, everyone gets along very well.
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[ coverIN story ] STUDIO THE
In the Studio with Ryan W By Erika Gilliam-Long
This month, Ladies and Gents, we are doing a fantastic cover on Ryan W! Ryan W is a pop/dance sensation who has arrived to the Dance/Pop scene with a big bang! He has had multiple #1 hits and shows no signs of slowing down. I had the amazing chance to talk to Ryan about his career and how he got his start, and his story is amazing. How does it feel to have so many #1 hits? Words can’t describe this feeling. I am truly grateful to all the fans, supporters, and DJ’s. It’s the most amazing feeling to walk into a club, hear your music, and see people dancing and singing the lyrics. I kinda get a tear in my eye! Recently my single “UNTOUCHABLE” was nominated for Dance Anthem of the Year by JustCircuit. So thank you all for believing in me! How did you get your start in the music business? When I was 10, I started
performing in musical theatre. As a teenager, I entered the professional theater world. During high school, I would literally do eight shows a week! After graduation, I made the move to NYC, to pursue my Broadway career. After fulfilling my dreams of the Broadway stage, I decided to pursue my dance music passion. Last year I joined forces with Nick Harvey Music, and together we have put out four #1 singles in just a year! Have you always had a passion for music? Yes, I think it’s something that you are born with. Even as a child I would put on for my family’s friends. Music for me is spiritual, and has always been my outlet when things aren’t great. Are you currently working on anything new that you would like to share with your fans? There will be a release over the summer and then at the end of the year, we will be
releasing a VERY risqué song! I am also finishing up my full length album “W-LAND” Do you have any plans of branching out to any other types of music? My heart and soul is in dance/pop music. I only want to do songs that make people feel good about themselves, make them move on the dance floor, and take them to a place where they can be whoever they want to be. Are you glad that you followed your dreams and went from Kansas to New York? New York is AMAZING! There are so many things going on, so many walks of life, and with lots of hard work and dedication, your dreams can become reality! It’s a very tough city, and it’s not always easy, but there is no place like it in the world. I learned so much and living there made me the person I am today.
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[ coverCOVER story ] STORY
Ben Cohen: Rugby Player, Sex Symbol and Advocate for GLBT Rights
By Andrew Stankevich English rugby player Ben Cohen started modelling in 2002 when he modelled underwear for Sloggi with two other players. Cohen began getting a lot of requests for topless shots and did a calendar for Danilo which featured him topless. Then Cohen appeared on a morning television show in his underpants to aid Orchid Testicular Cancer Awareness. After gaining a reputation for showing off his body, Cohen found it easy to continue doing so. Cohen enjoys his status as a sex symbol to gay men, but asserts that his family keeps him well grounded, with or without a shirt! Cohen is looking forward to the Acceptance Tour with
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eager excitement. According to Ben, “It’s a massive step outside of my comfort zone, but it feels right. The time feels right too.” Ben Cohen wants to change the lack of equality gay people experience in America, particularly because he has been shocked at the lack of tolerance to gay people, particularly the number of young people taking their own lives because of that intolerance. Cohen exclaims, “It is time for change. But the only way that will happen is with action. I feel that I am in an extremely privileged position to take action and to stand up for those who don’t find it so easy to do. Bullying is disgusting, cruel and unnecessary.” Cohen will use the tour to ask people to stand up with me against homophobia and bullying, while standing up for equality and love. He thinks that if he is allowed to be happy and love whom he wants to love, other people should also. Cohen has known about his growing gay following over the years, but was so consumed in the demanding pursuit of rugby that he didn’t pay much attention. After starting to focus more on publicity, Cohen noticed a couple of years ago that Laurent, a French guy, had started a Facebook Fan Page with thousands of friends. Through Facebook and from emails, Cohen heard really sad and shocking stories about discrimination and intolerance against GLBT people. Ben realized that he had a voice and decided to make a difference. Cohen will be using the Acceptance Tour
as a vehicle to advocate for GLBT people. “It’s all very well and good posting on a fan page, but I wanted to take action and encourage others to stand up to the bullies with me. That was when we decided to run the tour and spread the word,” proclaimed Cohen. His message is not only to GLBT folks, but everyone. He thinks that everyone needs to understand the issues that queer people face. “Ignorance can lead to inappropriate action from some people, so it’s all about awareness,” said Cohen. Cohen has always been 30% deaf in both ears. But his partial deafness does not significantly affect his life, especially since he can lip
read. However, sometime people think that Cohen is rude, because he inadvertently ignores them. Cohen has hearing aids that make his ears too sensitive to even small sounds, so he doesn’t use them. Justin Fashinu was the only openly gay UK soccer player in the ‘80s who committed suicide in 1998. Cohen says that he has not witnessed any homophobia in UK rugby. Gareth Thomas came out as a gay rugby player last year. Ben admires Thomas for his character and athleticism. Apparently, the rugby community, among others, knew that Thomas was gay but Thomas formally come out to a supportive reaction.
One of UK rugby’s top referees, Nigel Owens, is also gay. Having played for the Sale Sharks for the past two years, Ben Cohen is coming to the end of his rugby career as a thirty-two year old winger. Cohen is currently working with others to form a United States foundation which would work to provide funding and publicity to existing GLBT grassroots projects. Rugby has taught Cohen to be at the top of your game, you need a certain amount of arrogance and a huge amount of self-belief. While becoming a father to two daughters has taught Cohen to be tempered with tolerance and understanding to be the best all round.
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Shreveport’s Korner Lounge: Keeping History Alive
By Erika Gilliam-Long Whether you want to have an afternoon cocktail to relax, want to dance the night away, or hang out with some friends and have a few drinks, The Korner Lounge is sure to have what you are looking for. Located in Shreveport, The Korner Lounge is one of the oldest bars under continuous operation since the end of Prohibition in 1933. In September of 2006, Rex Dirks and Jody Booth opened The Korner Lounge and are very proud to support their community. Rex and Jody strive to always make everyone feel welcome at their bar and make them feel like family. The Korner Lounge is a supporter of the Philadelphia Center and Easter Seals, with benefits being hosted to raise money for Pride and AIDS/HIV research.
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If you are looking for a way to start the Pink Party off right, The Korner Lounge will be hosting a Pre Pink Party on May 13th. This year there will
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[ Louisiana ]
Cajun Cove: A New Baton Rouge Favorite By Erika Gilliam-Long
As part of welcoming our newest state, Louisiana, we want to be sure that all of our new readers know where the hottest events are, where the best drink specials are, and where all the fun is going on at! Cajun Cove was recently opened as a bar that offers an alternative to what Baton Rouge already has. Cajun Cove is located in a very large building with many different sections and options of things to do. They offer a dance floor for those who like to boogie, a karaoke bar for those who like to sing, game room for those who want to play pool, and even a patio bar. Each section of the bar offers its own amenities. Cajun Cove’s owner and manager Tim Rhodes has listened to the community about the things they did or did not like about other places and created a place that he hopes will suit everyone. Tim strives to keep the bar involved in the community by hosting pride events and benefits. They also host a no cover happy hour from 6 pm – 9 pm. If you are looking for a little bit later hours, the karaoke bar and the patio bar are open 9 pm- 2 am Thursday thru Saturday. As Cajun Cove is entering their second year of business, they want to be sure to say “Thank You” to the supporters and community. Even though there website is currently under construction, you can find them on Facebook to keep up with upcoming events, specials, and more. Cajun Cove is located at 4550 Concord Avenue. Be sure to visit them and check out all of the things their bar has to offer, and watch for the hours of the bar to be extended for summer!
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ARKANSAS
A Change is in the Air: Arkansas Supreme Courts Lifts Adoption Ban By Berneta Haynes On April 7, Arkansas’ highest court, the Supreme Court, overturned Act I, which prohibited unmarried and cohabitating couples, regardless of sexual orientation, from adopting and fostering children. Like most states, Arkansas has not legalized same-sex marriage. Therefore, Act I essentially shut out adoption and foster care for same-sex couples. Voters passed Act I in 2008. That same year, the ACLU of Arkansas, on behalf of 29 adult and child plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against the state. The plaintiffs sought to have the court strike down Act I. After a few years of fighting, the plaintiffs prevailed. The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling striking down Act I as unconstitutional and a violation of the right to privacy. According to Huffington Post, the lower court stated that “Act I directly and substantially burdens the privacy rights of opposite-sex and same-
sex individuals who engage in private, consensual sexual conduct...by foreclosing their eligibility to foster or adopt children, should they choose to cohabit with their sexual partner.” The Supreme Court’s decision to affirm this ruling marks a true change of pace for same-sex rights in Arkansas. Doris Pollard-Resimont, 21, and I.B. Resimont, 22, admitted that they had not heard about the ruling. The couple got married in Iowa last year and now they live together. They have one child, the biological son of Doris. They expressed excitement and amazement at the news. Ironically, during the last week of March, they had inquired about taking in a foster child. “The woman we talked to said they didn’t allow gay couples to take in foster children. She had an attitude when she said it,” said Doris, a CNA at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. I.B., an emergency room technician at University Hospital in Little Rock,
admitted that she has always worried about losing their son if something happens to Doris. But she expressed optimism about the court’s ruling, stating that it signals a change. “I think people are becoming more accepting,” I.B. noted. Doris, however, hesitated to express such optimism: “I don’t know if anything has changed. But maybe we are a step-closer to legalizing gay marriage. Maybe if people see gay couples with happy families and [they’re] taking care of their kids, maybe they’ll get more comfortable with it.” Doris additionally expressed uncertainty about how long it will be before another law gets passed banning same-sex couples from adopting and fostering children. “I think we’ll get in [initiate I.B.’s adoption of her son] while this lasts, though,” Doris stated. Indeed, Doris might be right. The court’s ruling is a victory but who knows for how long. At the moment, however, one thing is certain: a change is in the air.
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MISSISSIPPI
My Big Fat Gay Fondren Extravaganza! By Tori Mattison
only $60!
It’s 6:30 p.m. on Friday night and I’ve just left work with four friends for some afterwork partying to welcome the weekend! We pile into my car and head towards Fondren; Jackson’s quirky, unique and gay-friendly neighborhood. With a bustling night-life, great dining, one-of-a-kind shopping and beautiful housing, Fondren is a vibrant place to play.
After our shopping trip was Aladdin’s Bar and Grill on Lakeland Drive for dinner. Small but kitschy, Aladdin’s serves up a spectacular Mediterranean feast. The crowd was an eclectic mix of nicely dressed business and casual gay attire, seated closely together in separate tables. We grabbed a corner booth in the back while a gorgeous dark haired waiter took our order. I had the chicken shawarma and virtually licked my plate clean. Super friendly and delicious, we left feeling very satisfied.
Our first stop was at Posh Boutique for some fashion relief. Located on North State Street, Posh offers the newest trends in fashion for great prices. The store itself is small, but it’s bursting at the seams with dresses, skirts, shoes, purses and jewelry. Zandra is one of the owners, and she’s thrilled to have drag queens and cross-dressers as her clientele. “I love it!” she exclaims with a big smile, “I think it’s amazing at how men can dress up and look better than real women.” I picked up some jewelry and a dress for
Our next stop was Que Sera Sera for cocktails. Located on North State Street, Que Sera gives off a very New Orleans vibe and serves Cajun food with strong drinks. Most of the staff is gay and the restaurant is proud of their gay patrons. My friend has a crush on the blonde bartender, so we clustered around the bar and ordered our fruity drinks while googly-eyes were
thrown one-sided towards sexy blonde. I think he might be straight. Or incredibly uninterested. Either way, two drinks had everyone (except the designated driver) buzzed and we hit the road to our next stop. Finally around 11 p.m. we pull up to Jackson’s newest gay bar, Bottoms Up. Northview Drive hosts the modest brick building, and from a block away we can tell that there is very little parking left. We fumble for a spot and head inside for what feels like a family reunion. The new environment leaves no room for drama while everyone smiles and laughs. Friday night brought forth the Fantasy Girls show with Tanisha Foxx, Paris Sanchez and Malaysia. Shopping, dinner, drinks and a drag show…Fondren really is an innovative and exceptionally gay-friendly place to visit! It’s turning into a weekly thing for me.
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ALABAMA
Club 322… We Are Here! By Princeton McCovey Did you know there’s a club that provides a safe, enjoyable place for the GLBT community in Montgomery to call home? That’s right, ladies and gentlemen! I’m talking about Club 322. Managed by David Garman and Aaron Allen, Club 322 provides the GLBT community in the local area the best alternative entertainment around. “The gay community here (Montgomery) has been fragmented for so many years,” says Garman, “Each little group pretty much keeps to themselves and goes out of town for their recreation. We are desperately trying to provide a place for all our brothers and sisters to come together as a family under one roof.” The bar provides entertainment like DJ Terry McGee, who has been a professional DJ for many
years and keeps current on all the music trends as they come out. “His mixes are incredible and his dance music is considered the best in the city. We actually have a fairly large straight clientele who come to the club because of the dance music,” says Garman. The entertainers at Club 322 are second to none! They have four full time cast members who are phenomenal: Mindy Michele, Felicia Gallant, Chloe Von Trapp and Thai Chanel Jones. They also have lots of guest entertainers and Drag Kings, along with amateur entertainers. The club tries to provide a venue for budding artists to showcase their talents. The heart of their entertainment, though, is the bartenders. Club 322 bartenders range from age 22-57, and they have both male and female bartenders so no group feels out of place. So, what makes Club 322 so unique? They provide a welcoming atmosphere. “Aaron and I also work as bartenders further welcoming
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clientele, and instead of hiding in our office, try to mingle with the crowd making them feel at home,” Garman said. Each evening Club 322 has a different drink special, catering to the tastes of a diverse community. “We expect our clientele to leave our club each night feeling that it was a night well spent,” Garman says, “We are primarily a gay bar, but we welcome everyone. All we ask is that there is mutual respect for each other and to have a good time.” Club 322 is open ThursdaySaturday 8 p.m. until people quit partying. Hours on Sunday night are 8 p.m.2 a.m., and Wednesday afternoon Club 322 opens for happy hour starting at 4 p.m. Garman says, “I often hear that Montgomery has very little to offer the gay community. My answer…Club 322! WE ARE HERE! WE ARE QUEER and with love and support we can ROCK THIS CRADLE OF CIVIL RIGHTS.”
Q & A with Ronald Devane Owner of Dothan Dance Club By Princeton McCovey Alabama has a good number of clubs for the GLBT community. Have you heard of a fairly new cabaret club in Dothan? If not, then you are in for a treat. Dothan Dance Club promises to entertain from start to finish. I got a chance to catch up with Ronald Devane, the proud owner. We got a chance to talk about what makes the Dothan Dance Club stand out from the crowd. PM: What are your intentions for this venture? RD: A place for gays to meet and have a good time without worrying about being harassed or intimidated by others. A safe and friendly environment, where we can feel good and proud of who we are. PM: What type of entertainment does your bar provide? RD: Cabaret shows with male
[ Alabama ] and female impersonation, male leads and Camp Drag. Karaoke on request. PM: What do you expect people that visit to get out of the bar experience? RD: I hope they will meet new friends, have a fabulous time, laugh a lot and not feel too bad the next day after a fun night partying. PM: What makes your bar unique compared to other bars? RD: We are not a mixer bar. We are a small venue where everyone is close-knit. All peeps are welcome, but gay is the norm. PM: What daily specials does your bar provide? RD: We have happy hour on Saturday and Sunday from 7pm-9pm. $2 wells and domestic beers. Thursday’s “Kill-the-Keg.” Pay $8 for your cup and use it all night. Begins at 8pm. PM: What do you like about owning a bar? RD: Meeting new people, visiting and partying with friends and being able to
offer something good for the GLBT community. Also, love helping put together a good with show director and good friend, Ambrosia Starling. PM: What are your hours of operation? RD: Thursdays 8pm-until, Fridays 10:30pm-until, and Saturdays and Sundays 7pmuntil. PM: Was there anyone else who is helping you with this venture? If so, who and what is your relationship with them? RD: The biggest help I get are from my staff and friends. Jaran Worley, my bartender and my right hand, can fix just about anything. His partner Jason, who always encourages everyone he knows to support the club. Show Director Ambrosia Starling, DJ and Facebook coordinator Evan Murray, Samantha who loves to take a lot of pictures each night and share them. Cast, Lady Jade and Remy Monroe. ________________________ Dothan Dance Club is located at 2563 Ross Clark Circle. For more information you can contact the club at (334) 792-5166.
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FLORIDA
Johnny Chisholm Presents Memorial Day Weekend Events! By James Hare It’s May, which means Memorial Day Weekend is coming up! For the past 20 years in Pensacola, Memorial Day Weekend has been celebrated with a weekendlong festival, including parties on the beach and numerous parties and musical performances. The annual festival typically draws about 150,000 partygoers, taking to the beaches, shops, and bars in an otherwise conservative town on the Florida Panhandle. At the tentpole of this weekend are the events thrown by Johnny Chisholm, owner of Emerald City in Pensacola and Oz in New Orleans. Ted McCrary, manager of Emerald City, has been involved in organizing Pensacola Memorial Day Weekend for 16 years now, and has insight on the history of the festival, as well as what’s in stock for this year’s festivities. The best part of the weekend, as McCrary explained in an interview, is the Friday night beach party. Think about it: a large gathering of partygoers on the parking lot, with the beach right there, the excitement of the open-air environment, and the fact that there is nothing around for miles makes it a phenomenal opening event. Of course, precaution must be taken with an outdoors
event: whatever is set up has to be able to withstand brief rain showers, which means not as much equipment. The visual displays would not be as elaborate as those of an indoor party, but that does not stop the beach party from being one of the highlights of the weekend! Other parties held during the weekend include the Abracadabra Party, as well as a celebration at Emerald City and different pool parties. All in all, ten or eleven parties would be held each year during the weekend before Hurricane Ivan struck. As a result of the hurricane, which devastated the Florida coastline in September of 2004, subsequent Memorial Day Weekends were not as festive. Fewer people were showing up, forcing the programming to scale back.
Yet 2011 is expected to be a successful year. For instance, the Abracadabra Party will be held this year for the first time in several years at the civic center, marking a return to the tradition of years past. Memorial Day Weekend this year will last from Thursday, May 26 through Monday, May 29. What can partygoers look forward to this year? In addition to the beach party, there will be an “after hours” party held on Sunday after the Abracadabra Party. The DJs scheduled to appear will be DJ Roland Belmares on Friday, DJ Eddie Baez on Saturday, and DJ Joe Gauthreaux on Sunday. In spite of the Gulf Coast oil spill, this is expected to be the largest Pensacola Memorial Day Weekend in years.
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THURSDAY:
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SATURDAY:
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SUNDAY:
Emerald City Nightclub, 9 PM – 1 AM Portofino Boy Underwear Party, 10 PM
FRIDAY:
Beach Takeover, 10 AM – 4:30 PM House Pre-Parties Portofino Club 2202 Party, 10 PM Portofino | Tower: 5 | Unit: 5004 Emerald City Nightclub, 9 PM – 1 AM Beach Takeover, 10 AM – 4:30 PM Portofino Bounce Pool Party Penthouse Party at The Portofino Beach Takeover, 10 AM – 4:30 PM Emerald City Sunday Night, 9 PM – 1 AM
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t u o b A E l l A RID P eek W
at 2627 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205
Sunday - May 15th
Gospel Jubilee - Showtime 8PM
Monday - May 16th PRIDE BINGO - 9:30PM
Tuesday - May 17th Color Tournaments - 9:30PM
Wednesday - May 18th
Cierra Campbell's PRIDE IDOL Benefit Show - 10PM
Thursday - May 19th
Finals for Karaoke PRIDE IDOL Contest - 9PM
Friday - May 20th
Drag Show with Colors - 11:30PM
Saturday - May 21st
Mr. & Miss Gay PRIDE Pageant
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FLORIDA
The Gay Bars of Pensacola By James Hare Ever wondered where to go on a Saturday night in Pensacola? This issue, we’re highlighting three of the gay bars in Pensacola, each with their own unique takes on nightlife.
Emerald City: Emerald City, which is turning thirteen years old in May, is the largest gay dance club in the area. In addition to always working to get the best DJs, this bar holds a theme party at the end of each month. Theme parties of past months have included Hawaiian, military, trailer park, and always the classic, 90s night. Or if you just want to relax in a quiet, oakpaneled room, there is also The Other Side. Held every Wednesday, Sunday, and one Saturday per month is the Drink ‘n Drown, where you pay a $10 cover charge and you get free draft beer from 9:00 to 1:00, and discounted drinks until 3 in the morning. During this time, Emerald City puts on two shows with DJs, one starting at 11:30 and the other starting at 1:00. Another event is Club One, where The Other Side and the main dance floor become one massive theme party. The show starts at 12:15 and continues without any interruption or announcements – just a great night! The people of Emerald City are outgoing and lighthearted,
and the quirky things of the past are all taken in good stride. One amusing story is that when Emerald City first opened, people thought it was a front for the bar’s original owners. This is just one of the many interesting tales of Emerald City; go there, and you just may have one of your own. For more information, visit emeraldcitypensacola.com.
The Cabaret: The Cabaret is one of the younger bars – only two years old – yet it has its own unique character and history. Before it was a bar, the building was the site of an airplane assembly plant, an African theater, a Morrison’s Café, and a storehouse for a dance studio. In 2006, it finally became a standalone bar. Offering up the widest variety of alcoholic beverages of any bar in the area, The Cabaret also attracts local talent. As Paul Dye explained in an interview with Out on the Town, “We are a neighborhood melting pot of lifestyles that drop all prejudices and just enjoy the accompaniment of another person, no matter lifestyle, sex, race, or age.” The Cabaret has received several awards in its brief history, including Best Karaoke (held every Monday and Thursday), Best Bloody Mary, and both Best Place to Drink Alone and Best Place to Meet Friends after Work! Happy Hour is all seven days a week. Special events at The Cabaret include weekend street parties, Sunday potluck
30 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE
dinners, and performances of all stripes, including pianists, singers, bands, comedians, impersonators, and book authors. The Cabaret hosts charity events throughout the year.
The Roundup: Located behind McGuire’s Irish Pub is The Roundup, the longest standing gay bar in Pensacola. While the bar is considered by some to be a bear bar or a leather bar, it welcomes people of all types. The Roundup’s John Thomas says it best: “As you walk into the building, you are presented with a wraparound bar that serves some of the strongest drinks on earth. The music playing in the main bar is eclectic and depends on the bartender at that time. Although there is no set music genre, the music is always great. The bar has eleven televisions playing DVD’s of music videos or scantily clad gorgeous men. There are two pool tables that always have someone playing. Want to play? Put your name on the chalkboard! If pool is not your game, there are video games throughout the bar and electronic dart boards for those wanting to hit the bullseye.” The Roundup, in addition to its parties on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Nights, also hosts Karaoke Night on Tuesday. Finally, on top of all the drinks, games, and partying, there is a bar dog that goes by the name of Sadie. Check it out – you never know who or what you might find!
[ Florida ]
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BARS & CLUBS
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Florida:
Gabriel’s Downtown 55 S. Joachim St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 432-4900
Al’s on Seventh 2627 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 321-2812
The Midtown Pub 153 S. Florida St. Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 471-5090
Our Place 2115 7th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 715-0077
Bacchus 455 Dauphin St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 445-4099
Quest 416 24th St. S. Birmingham, AL 35233 (205) 251-4313
Club Imagination 4129 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36303 (334) 792-6579
The Bus Station 710 N. Boundary Blvd. Montevallo, AL 35115 (205) 665-5353
Dothan Dance Club 2563 Ross Clark Cir. Dothan, AL 36301 (334) 792-5166
Partners Bar and Grill 631 Meridian St. N. Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 539-0975
Alabama:
Club 322 322 N. Lawrence St. Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 263-4322
Vieux Carré 1204 Posey St. Huntsville, AL 35816 (256) 534-5970
B-Bob’s 213 Conti St. Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 433-2262
Icon 516 Greensboro Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 (205) 345-3820
The Cabaret 101 S. Jefferson St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 607-2020 The Roundup 560 E. Heinberg St. Pensacola, FL 32502 (850) 433-8482 Emerald City 406 E. Wright St. Pensacola, FL 32501 (850) 433-9491 Fiesta Room La Royale Lounge 100 Harrison Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 763-1755 Splash Bar Florida 6520 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL 32408 (850) 236-3450
NOTES: ______________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________
32 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE
Mississippi: Just Us Lounge 906 Division St. Biloxi, MS 39530 (228) 374-1007 Club Veaux 834 Howard Ave. Biloxi, MS 39530 (228) 207-3271 Bottoms Up 3911 Northview Dr. Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 981-2188 JC’s 425 North Mart Plaza Jackson, MS 39206 (601) 362-3108 Metro Reloaded 4670 Highway 80 W. Jackson, MS 39209 (601) 259-0661
Arkansas: Discovery/Triniti 1021 Jessie Rd. Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 664-4784 (501) 664-2744 Pulse 307 W. 7th St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 374-3552 610 Center 610 Center St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 374-4678
Sway 412 Louisiana St. Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 907-2582 Sidetracks 415 Main St. North Little Rock, AR 72114 (501) 244-0444 Jester’s 1010 E. Grand Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901 (501) 624-5455 Club Kinkead’s 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave. Fort Smith, AR 72901 (479) 494-7477 The Chute 714 Laurel St. Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 772-6900 Tangerine 21 N. Block Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 444-6100 Club Tag 3570 W. Martin Luther King Blvd. Fayetteville, AR 72704 No phone number available. Speakeasy 509 W. Spring St. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 443-3279
Henri’s Just One More 19 1/2 Spring St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-5795 Eureka Live 35 1/2 N. Main St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-7020 Lumberyard Bar & Grill 105 E. Van Buren St. Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (479) 253-0400
Louisiana: Central Station 1025 Marshall St. Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 222-2216 The Korner Lounge 800 Louisiana Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 222-9796 Corner Bar 512 N. 3rd St. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 329-0046 Club Pink 1914 Roselawn Ave. Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 654-7030 Olympus Bar 4003 MacArthur Dr. Alexandria, LA 71302 (318) 442-6735 MAY 2011 | 33
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BARS & CLUBS
YELLOW PAGES Drama Club/Act II Bourbon Pub & Parade
Uniques Bar 3217 Industrial St. Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 448-0555
Crystal’s 112 W. Broad St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 (337) 433-5457 Jules Downtown 533 Jefferson St. Lafayette, LA 70501 (337) 264-8000 Tonic 2013 Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, LA 70501 (337) 269-6011 Cajun Cove 4550 Concord Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808 (225) 246-8317 George’s Place 860 Saint Louis St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 387-9798 Hound Dogs 668 Main St. Baton Rouge, LA 70801 (225) 344-0807 Splash 2183 Highland Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 (225) 242-9491
126 and 124 N. Hollywood Rd. Houma, LA 70364 (985) 580-2582/ (985)872-9997
Club LAX 2301 N. Causeway Blvd Metairie, LA 70001 (504) 834-7979 4 Seasons/ The Out Back Bar 3229 N. Causeway Blvd. Metairie, LA 70002 (504) 832-0659 Billy’s 2600 Hwy. 190 West Slidell, LA 70460 (985) 847-1921 Anything Geauxs 1540 W. Lindberg Dr. Slidell, LA 70458 (985) 643-2191 700 Club 700 Burgundy St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 561-1095 Big Daddy’s 2513 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 948-6288
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801 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 529-2107 Café Lafitte in Exile 901 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 522-8397 The Corner Pocket 940 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 568-9829 The Country Club 634 Louisa St. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 945-0742 Cutter’s 706 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 948-4200 Double Play 439 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-4517 The Friendly Bar 2301 Chartres St. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 943-8929 JohnPaul’s 940 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 944-1888
Le Roundup 819 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 561-8340
Phoenix/Eagle 941 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117 (504) 945-9264
Good Friends Bar 740 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 566-7191
Rawhide 2010 740 Burgundy St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 525-8106
Napoleon’s Itch 734 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 371-5450
Rubyfruit Jungle 1135 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 373-5431
Oz 800 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 593-9491
Orlando’s Society Page 542 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 593-9941
Tubby’s Golden Lantern 1239 Royal St. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 529-2860
NOTES: __________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
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36 | OUT ON THE TOWN | THE DEEP SOUTH’S HOTTEST GLBT MAGAZINE