Monday, March 18, 2024

Ben Platt Set to Perform Exclusive Concert Residency at Broadway's Palace Theatre for "Honeymind" Album Release

Broadway enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Ben Platt, recipient of Tony, GRAMMY, and Emmy Awards, will be headlining an exclusive concert residency at the recently renovated Palace Theatre. The series of 18 performances will run from May 28 to June 15, coinciding with the release of Platt's third album, "Honeymind," on May 31 via Interscope Records.

Under the direction of Tony Award winner Michael Arden, known for his work with Platt on the 2023 Tony Award-winning revival of "Parade," the residency promises an intimate experience for fans. Tickets are now available for purchase through Broadway Direct.

Steeped in Broadway history, the Palace Theatre has hosted legendary performers like Josephine Baker and Judy Garland. After undergoing extensive renovations, including a notable 30-foot elevation, the venue is ready to welcome audiences once again.

Platt expressed his anticipation for the residency, stating, "I'm thrilled to be performing at the Palace Theatre and sharing this special experience with fans."

During the performances, audiences can expect to hear tracks from "Honeymind," as well as selections from Platt's previous albums, "Reverie" and "Sing to Me Instead." With surprises in store, the evening promises to be a memorable celebration of Platt's career.

For a sneak peek, Platt's first single from "Honeymind," titled "Andrew," is available now, along with its music video directed by Sam Wrench.

Emerge: The Anthology for the 2023 Lambda Literary Writers Retreat is here!

The Emerge Anthology is a collection of work from Lambda Literary's Retreat Fellows and Writers in Residence, exhibiting literary work in seven genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Young Adult Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting, Playwriting, and Speculative Fiction.

It showcases the vast talent of the Lambda Literary Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices and serves as an archive for this special once-in-a-lifetime experience. Established in 2007, The Writers Retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to be mentored by the very best LGBTQ writers, develop one's craft, make connections with publishing industry professionals, and build a strong community of peers.

Monday, March 4, 2024

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Embark on a Journey of Self-Discovery at the 23rd Annual Spring Holistic Fair


The Spring Holistic Fair returns on March 9th and 10th, 2024, offering a range of holistic healing practices from 10 am to 5 pm on both days.

Registration opens on January 4th, 2024, at 9 am, with an early bird discount available until February 8th, 2024, at 9 pm. Registration closes on February 28th, 2024, at 9 pm.

Exhibitors can find registration details on the FAQs page.

Featured exhibitors include Colorado Teletherapy Services, focusing on counseling and technology, and Mary Lloyd Medium, known for intuitive readings.

Attendees can explore various healing modalities such as astrology, tarot, and energy balancing. The fair also offers healthy drinks, supplements, and skincare products from local vendors.

Join the community at The Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds, and discover holistic wellness practices while connecting with like-minded individuals.

U.S. Department of Education Launches Investigation into Nex Benedict’s School District in Response to Formal Complaint from HRC

On Friday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, received notification from the U.S. Department of Education that an investigation has been opened in response to a formal complaint from HRC regarding the Owasso School District - where 16-year-old Nex Benedict (he/they), a 2STGNC (two spirit, transgender, or gender non-conforming) student of Choctaw heritage died one day after being attacked in a school bathroom.

In a release late Friday evening, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, issued the following statement:

“Nex’s family, community, and the broader 2SLGBTQI+ (two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex+) community in Oklahoma are still awaiting answers following their tragic loss. We appreciate the Department of Education responding to our complaint and opening an investigation–we need them to act urgently so there can be justice for Nex, and so that all students at Owasso High School and every school in Oklahoma can be safe from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.”

On Saturday, Robinson joined CNN’s Victor Blackwell to discuss the development. Watch more:



HRC has also sent a second letter to the Department asking it to promptly begin an investigation into the Oklahoma State Department of Education, as well as the current State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters.

GAYC/DC Recruits Members of Armored Saint, L.A. Guns and King's X for "Highway To Hell" Video

 

  “This new video is gonna ‘blow’ your mind (as well as other parts of your body),” laughs Johnny Martin of L.A. Guns about the new video “Highway to Hell'' by those feather boa-sportin’ gay rockers GayC/DCStarring as the geek/nerd whose fatal car accident thrusts him into the Hades-headed tour bus, Martin joins dUg Pinnick (King's X) and John Bush (Armored Saint/ex-Anthrax) in the rock star-studded tribute to the popular AC/DC anthem which is released today. The band will also hit the road this year (tour dates below).

“When GayC/DC decided to do the ‘Highway To Hell’ video, Brian [Welch, drummer] asked me if I would be interested in doing a cameo,” says Bush. “He said dUg and Johnny were also doing it, so I said, ‘Let’s do it!”

Adds Martin about his decision to be part of the video, “It's quite simple, actually. I've known the sweet, amazingly talented, freakishly handsome GayC/DC gents for a while now, and they know that I'm always down for joining them onstage ... or in a music video ... or in a bear bar ... or … When they said that they wanted to cast me as a geek/nerd, I knew that I was born for the role.”

Directed by the multi-hyphenate Frank Meyer (director, journalist, musician in Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs and new guitarist for FEAR), the “Highway to Hell” video finds the band lovingly paying tribute to the Aussie band with their trademark irreverent eye.

“We wanted to do something fun, so I immediately thought of one of my favorite videos from the ‘80s, Van Halen’s ‘Hot For Teacher,’ for inspiration,” recalls vocalist Chris Freeman. “I also thought of one of my favorite road movies, From Dusk Till Dawn and tried to think of a storyline involving the band that would somehow combine the two. I worked with director Frank on putting together the script and final shot list and we realized that there were now extra characters we had to cast.”

Pulling together their friends, the band and Meyer whipped up a sequined-studded version of Hell, with dUg Pinnick playing Satan (“It was quite an honor to be asked to be Satan in one of my favorite band's videos. I love GayC/DC. I love everything that they do and everything they stand for,” dUg says of his starring role). “Watching dUg get made over as Satan was uh-mazing,” chuckles Freeman. “Everyone was laughing and enjoying it, and Frank did a great job of keeping the energy and fun factor up. He was definitely the right director for this; he totally understood what we wanted. It was all filmed in one long day.”

Their cover of “Highway to Hell” comes at a pivotal time for GayC/DC. Having lost their long-time guitarist Clint Yeager who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, they were tasked with finding a new guitarist for the ‘Malcolm Young’ position. “Losing Clint was a huge blow to the band and to each of us personally,” Chris says. “He was a long-time friend before he was even in the band. It was so sudden and there was no closure. We had shows that we were scheduled to play, so we had our original rhythm guitarist, Karl Rumpf step in to help us fulfill our obligations, as well as original Gay Gay’s lead guitarist, Chris Ganser and original Pansy Division guitarist, Patrick Goodwin. After that, we took several months off to find our center again.”

Conan Gray Announces Global Found Heaven On Tour


Today, Conan Gray has announced his worldwide Found Heaven On Tour hitting 16 countries around the globe. The tour kicks off in Melbourne, Australia at John Cain Arena on July 11 before proceeding with 4 additional tour stops in Australia.  Gray arrives in North America on September 19 with a kickoff performance at Minneapolis’ Armory then continues his Live Nation produced U.S. and Canada dates with 16 performances in Toronto, ON; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Austin, TX and more. The tour wraps up in Europe with 5 final performances in Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Brussels, Belgium; Paris, France; Manchester, UK; and London, UK. The North American tour dates will be supported by singer-songwriter Maisie Peters, and the European shows will be supported by electro-pop duo Between Friends.
 
Fans can sign up now 
HERE to access the presale beginning on Wednesday, March 6th at 10am local time. Additional presales including a Verizon presale a will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning on Friday, March 8 at 10am local time HERE.
           
Verizon will offer customers an exclusive presale for Conan Gray’s Found Heaven On Tour in the U.S through Verizon Up. Customers will have access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, March 5 at 10 am local through Thursday, March 7 at 10 pm local. For more details visit 
Verizon Up.
 
Conan Gray’s highly anticipated forthcoming album, FOUND HEAVEN, will arrive on April 8th via Republic Records and is co-produced by the legendary Max Martin (The Weeknd, Adele, Ariana Grande), Greg Kurstin (Adele, Beck, Sia, Pink), and Shawn Everett (Kacey Musgraves, The Killers).  Pre-order/Pre-save FOUND HEAVEN 
HERE.
FOUND HEAVEN will include new single “Alley Rose” arriving Friday, March 8th in addition to previously released “Lonely Dancers”, “Killing Me”“Winner”, and “Never Ending Song”.

Monday, February 26, 2024

DLCC Condemns Oklahoma Republican Senator For Calling LGBTQ+ Oklahomans “Filth” While Referencing the Tragic Death of Nex Benedict

Following the tragic death of nonbinary Oklahoman Nex Benedict after they were reportedly bullied and beaten in a high school bathroom, Republican Oklahoma State Senator Tom Woods called LGBTQ+ Oklahomans “filth” when referencing Benedict’s death.

"I represent a constituency that doesn't want that filth in Oklahoma" – Republican Oklahoma State Senator Tom Woods

Make no mistake: the most disturbing thing in Oklahoma is state Republican lawmakers like Tom Woods, whose bigoted policies, words, and actions have made LGBTQ+ Oklahomans feel unsafe and unwanted in their state. Nex Benedict’s death is the latest in a long string of violence against LGBTQ+ folks. Oklahoma and 12 other states don’t include hate crime protections for gender identity or sexual orientation, while four states have no state-level hate crime protections at all.

From criminalizing gender-affirming care to restricting bathroom use, the Republican-controlled legislature in Oklahoma has become a hotbed for anti-LGBTQ+ extremism. Oklahoma is unfortunately not unique – Nex’s tragic death highlights the dangerous landscape for LGBTQ+ people that Republicans in legislatures across the country are making worse every day.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Communications Director Abhi Rahman issued the following statement:

“Nex Benedict’s death in Oklahoma is a tragedy and never should have happened. Republicans across the country continue to prioritize and pass extreme legislation that puts LGBTQ+ folks directly in danger. Our hearts break for Nex’s loved ones – they were taken too soon after facing senseless, bigoted violence, and their death has left the Oklahoma community reeling.

“Oklahoma Senator Tom Woods’ comments are disgusting and appalling, but not surprising. The true threat in this country is state legislators like Tom Woods, who use their positions to create environments of hate and legislate our fundamental freedoms away. From Alabama’s IVF ruling to Oklahoma’s LGBTQ+ laws, our fundamental freedoms are under attack in the states. We must elect Democrats everywhere and create a society that allows people to be who they are and love who they want to love. The escalating anti-LGBTQ+ agenda of GOP legislators has deadly consequences. The DLCC will never back down to hate and we condemn Woods’ comments and actions in the strongest possible way.”

Julio Torres' "Problemista" Hits Theaters March 1st!

 

Mark your calendars for March 1st as "Problemista," the latest film from writer-director and star Julio Torres, makes its debut in select theaters. This intriguing film boasts a stellar cast including Tilda Swinton, RZA, Greta Lee, Catalina Saavedra, James Scully, and features narration by Isabella Rossellini.

"Problemista" follows Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, as he navigates the challenges of bringing his unique ideas to life in New York City. With his work visa expiring, Alejandro's only hope to stay in the country and realize his dreams lies in a job assisting an eccentric figure in the art world.

Directed by Julio Torres, "Problemista" offers a surreal adventure through the vibrant backdrop of New York City and the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Join Alejandro on his quest for creative fulfillment and self-discovery in a world where imagination knows no bounds.

Americana Artist David Starr Coming to Swallow Hill Tuft Theatre


Don't miss an intimate evening of acoustic music with Colorado-based singer/songwriter David Starr and special guest Erik Stucky at Swallow Hill Tuft Theaatre on March 23. The Arkansas native has honed his decades-long career touring internationally and sharing the stage with esteemed artists such as John Oates (Hall & Oates) and John McEuen, as well as opening for acts like America, Karla Bonoff, Survivor, and more. In 2022, he was a showcasing artist at Folk Alliance International, AmericanaFest, and Southwest Regional Folk Alliance. 

His latest project Better Me, features acoustic-driven songs such as the title track and “Closer To You,” the feisty blues-rock “Poison The Water,” as well as “Any Chance Of Going Home,” showcasing Starr’s masterful storytelling. For his 2020 Touchstones project, Starr covered the music that shaped his own, including "I've Got To Use My Imagination" (Gladys Knight) and "These Days" (Jackson Browne). His critically acclaimed album Beauty & Ruin is a collection of songs inspired by Of What Was, Nothing Is Left, a novel written by Starr’s grandfather in 1972. Produced and arranged by John Oates, it is a southern gothic tale beautifully told through Starr’s own musical lens.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Ballet Ariel completes its 25th season with three ballets in Denver and Lakewood this April


Ballet Ariel rounds out its Silver Anniversary celebration season with a performance featuring “An American in Paris,” “Appalachian Spring,” and “Dances from Le Corsaire,” April 13, 27 and 28 in Denver and Lakewood.

“An American in Paris,” Ballet Ariel-style, combines Gershwin’s sweeping orchestral classic with a charming storyline to create a narrative ballet about a young American woman’s first visit to Paris. She is transformed by the magic and vibrancy of the beautifully historic and undeniably romantic city. Her awakening to life and its possibilities is exhibited in the jazzy undertones of Gershwin’s score. Ballet Ariel’s Director Ilena Norton, and Ballet Ariel’s choreographer Gregory Gonzales, have created whimsical dances that capture the joy of Paris.

“Appalachian Spring,” as explored by Norton, is a fresh interpretation of the music composed by Aaron Copland for modern dance pioneer Martha Graham. The ballet depicts the wedding day at a Pennsylvania farmhouse in the early 20th century. The young couple experiences a range of emotions over the course of the day many couples can relate to – apprehension, excitement, and finally, serenity. Ballet Ariel brings new life to the American classic from one of the great contemporary composers of the 20th century, incorporating classical movement and a dramatic narrative. Performed on pointe, Norton’s ballet includes choreography from Gregory Gonzales, whose contemporary style integrates wonderfully.

“Le Corsaire” (The Pirate) selected dances will also be part of Ballet Ariel’s Spring program. In its full three acts, the ballet is the story of Conrad who falls in love with the beautiful Medora during the Ottoman Empire. She and the three Odalisques are purchased by the Pasha for his harem. Conrad rescues her and they sail off for their life ahead, together. Dances from the ballet originally choreographed by Marius Petipa are staged for Ballet Ariel by Oleg Dedogryuk, assisted by Patricia Renzetti.

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra presents Latin Sounds from Legendary Artists: Jobim, Mendez & More!


The CJRO continues their annual winter tradition of performing a concert featuring music of Latin America on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003. Tickets are $24-$38 ($15 Student) and available at www.coloradojazz.org/concerts or by calling the Arvada Center box office at 720-898-7200.

This year the CJRO will feature an evening of Brazilian jazz and funk honoring legendary artists from the past and now. Internationally known Latin guitarist Gabriel Santiago will join the big band orchestra along with celebrated pianist, Victor Mestas, bassist, Bijoux Barbosa, and Carl Dixon on percussion. Marion Powers will be featured on vocals.

Brazilian born, now Colorado resident, Gabriel Santiago is a Composer/Arranger/ Acoustic and Electric Guitar Player with 14 albums (including CDs and DVDs) to his name. His music is fresh and carries all his influences that range from Brazilian music to Jazz and Classical music. “The CJRO is thrilled to have Gabriel to join us on this concert.” Commented CJRO artistic director, Drew Zaremba. “His style is perfect for our Brazilian jazz program and the audience will love his take on this passionate genre of music.”

Antônio Carlos Jobim was a songwriter, composer, and arranger, who transformed the extroverted rhythms of the Brazilian samba into an intimate music experience. Sérgio Mendes created a mix of bossa nova heavily crossed with jazz and funk and is best known for his critically acclaimed band Brasil ‘66. He also played with Jobim in the 1950s and considered Jobim his mentor and close friend.

Since its inception in 2012 by founder and executive director Art Bouton, the CJRO has been dedicated to performing outstanding concerts with the finest professional musicians in the region. This year, artistic director Drew Zaremba has curated a dynamic season that includes everything from classic swing to soul. The CJRO consistently pushes the boundaries of the standard big band and small ensembles featuring exceptional artists from both within and outside the jazz genre.

HRC President Responds to the Tragic Death of Nex Benedict

Following the tragic death of Nex Benedict (pictured), a 16-year-old non-binary high school student from Owasso, Oklahoma who proudly embraced their Choctaw roots, HRC is sharing a statement from Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC):

“The death of Nex Benedict, a non-binary teenager who died after being brutally assaulted in their high school, is a gut-wrenching tragedy that exposes the chilling reality of anti-trans hatred. The depths of this cruelty is sickening. Nex's life demands justice. We are reaching out to the DOJ, we are encouraging the community to speak out. We are determined to fight for Nex and their family.”

“Nex – you deserved so much more than your too-short life. You should have had the chance to make headlines for your life, not your death. LGTBQ+ children, our children, deserve more than fear, bullying, and premature obituaries.”

HRC has also published a blog honoring Nex’s life, which you can read here. Tori Cooper, Human Rights Campaign Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, writes:

“All students, including trans and gender-expansive students like Nex, have the right to feel safe and protected while attending school. That Nex was only 16 years old compounds this tragic injustice and they should have lived to see a fulfilling and authentic life. We continue to see a horrifying amount of violence against our community, and our community’s youth seem to be bearing the brunt of it all. Extremist anti-LGBTQ+ hate accounts, like online troll Chaya Raichick, the woman behind “Libs of TikTok”, who was recently appointed to Oklahoma’s library advisory board, are perpetuating a vile and hateful narrative that is permitting these types of public attacks. Their hateful speech is having a direct, negative impact on the lives of trans and gender-expansive folks, including young students like Nex.”

Kayne the Lovechild Releases New Single "Banjee Girls"

 
Bronx native Kayne the Lovechild has kicked off the year with his newest release, “Banjee Girls'' is strongly rooted within the glamorous Ballroom culture. It is a delicious combination of infectious 808’s beats on a drumming bass line accompanied by Kayne’s commanding vocals. We are transformed into his world of cat walks and serving face, while he pays homage to the queer community that has inspired him on the way. This power anthem is one truly made for the dancefloor and it’s main motive is to encourage us all to unleash our inner Banjee Girl!

Hulu's "Vanderpump Villa" Premieres Apr. 1

 
Decadence and debauchery collide in “Vanderpump Villa,” a new unscripted docu-drama following Lisa Vanderpump’s hand-selected staff as they work, live, and play at an exclusive French estate: Chateau Rosabelle. 
 
Each scintillating episode follows the elite staff as they try to provide luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime, Vanderpump-curated experiences for guests while dealing with rivalries, romances, and raucous misadventures that come from living and working together 24/7.
 
From firework-filled proposals and opulent events at the chateau to unbelievable excursions and outrageous confrontations in the French countryside, each day at the Chateau brings nonstop heartfelt, humorous, and heated moments, from staff and guests alike. All the while, Lisa evaluates whether this is the team to make her “pop up” experience a permanent reality and add to her ever-growing empire.  
 
But will this unparalleled–yet unorthodox–crew be able to rise to the occasion and meet both the guests’ and Lisa’s great expectations?