However your firework pops this holiday weekend, I hope you have a safe and sane one. Please use safe grilling practices and protect your wieners. Word.
On July 5th, Obliquity65 will celebrate its fifth year in existence in the blog-o-sphere. I cannot tell you how that boggles my mind on so many levels. Five years. Still here. Still queer…
See you on the flipside kids!
I’m already getting very excited for the Beijing Olympic Games to begin. Last night was an incredible prelude at the U.S. Track & Field Trials currently being held in Eugene, Oregon. The highlight of a thrill-packed evening had to be the incredible 800-meter final run by Boise-native Nick Symmonds.
The 24-year-old Willamette University grad showed a great amount of determination and skill by escaping being boxed-in at the back of the pack and accelerating on the final turn, posting a career best 1:44.10 and taking the top spot. The exciting finish was an exclamation point to a superb race that saw Oregonians sweep the top three spots and punch their tickets to Beijing.
Nick Symmonds is definitely one to watch in August 2008.
sensation I can’t explain
chemical conspiracy
induces chain reaction
fission in my nucleus
testosterone roils in vein
my glorious china syndrome
the wreck of everything
my core melts
through asthenosphere
inutile lust
wrapped in pixie dust
take my hand
have my heart
I’m just a man
without strength
—arg, 06.30.08
I hope you all have a terrific weekend ahead. This should kick it off in style. It’s a high-resolution image of the now-infamous new Armani/David Beckham advertisement. (Click on the image for the full-effect…OMFG!)
Twenty-five-year-old, openly gay, Sam Sparro is a consummate study in contradictions. After finding success in his adopted home of England, the Australian native is now ready to tempt the United States with his eponymous debut album. Bringing a three-octave voice, a ferocious and colorful personality, Sparro is a man who demands attention.
Born in Sydney, Australia to a gospel minister/singer of Portuguese decent and a former Miss Finland beauty queen, Sam (Falson) Sparro was meant for the spotlight. Starring in a McDonald’s television commercial and performing on a radio progam as a child, his career in the entertainment industry was a given. Getting there, would prove to be a circuitous journey. Living in the U.S. by the age of 10, Sparro eventually ended up spending his late teens in the U.K. (Guildford, Surrey) exploring the British music scene.
The result is ‘Sam Sparro’ (iTunes Link)–an arresting and complicated piece of ear candy that is difficult to pigeonhole. His musical sensibilities are a frothy concoction of Disco, New Wave, Electronica, Funk and Pop. Vocally, at times, he reminds one of early Prince recordings. But, it’s his knack for mixing complicated rhythms, catchy melodies and calculated wordplay that is the real reward of his debut album.
The lead single (which he wrote back in 2002), “Black and Gold” is a throbbing slice of electro-soul that will get your foot tapping and your body rocking. But, dig a bit deeper and the power of Sparro’s songwriting will grab your fancy. Sparro has said of “Black and Gold”: “It’s pretty much about existential moments: does God exist? What are we all doing here? I was thinking about the origins of the universe when I wrote it–you know, nothing much, really! The black is the space in between and the gold is the stars.”
There are plenty of stand-out tracks on ‘Sam Sparro’. Beginning with the beat heavy, vocoder enhanced opening salvo, “S.A.M.S.P.A.R.R.O”, the album sets its pace with the uber-catchy “Too Many Questions” and then an album mix of “Black and Gold”. The beautifully layered (and potential second single), “21st Century Life” is surely one of the best tracks on the album–not too mention, one of the funkiest. Other personal favorite tracks are: the Eighties-inspired “Sick”, the slinky and sexy “Cottonmouth”, the disco-rific “Hot Mess”, the wistful and wise “Pocket” and the saucy, sassy “Sally”.
‘Sam Sparro’ is one of those rare albums that is not just a good listen–but a listening experience. From start to finish, it engages the ear, feeds the mind and takes your entire body on a journey into the brilliance that is Sam Sparro. This is a must-have for your collection. Listen to me tomorrow…but buy it today.
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‘Sam Sparro’ is released on Universal Music/Island Records in the United States
Continuing their highly successful working relationship, Regent Releasing and here! Films will launch their new project in theaters on July 4, 2008. Coming on the heels of the overwhelming commercial success of Jonah Markowitz’s ‘Shelter’, the studios hope that ‘Holding Trevor’ will be the next stepping stone to mainstream success of LGBT-themed films.
‘Holding Trevor’ is a sometimes funny, sometimes scathing inspection of a group of friends and lovers that offers a prescient and biting analysis of men and women struggling to make sense of their lives and relationships, all the while reaching every which way but into their own hearts to do so. Starring actor/writer Brent Gorski and singer/songwriter Jay Brannan (Shortbus), ‘Holding Trevor’ is directed by Rosser Goodman (Daddy-O, Life’s a Butch!, Wet Dress).
Everybody’s looking for something. This much is true. And Trevor Holden (Brent Gorski) is desperately looking for himself in all the wrong places… Or maybe just in all the wrong people. It’s pretty safe to say that he won’t find enlightenment in his strung-out boyfriend. And despite the well-meaning advice offered by his sexually pervasive best friend and his self-righteous roommate, Trevor still seems to come up short. Almost ready to throw in the towel, Trevor happens upon Mr. Right, who refuses to let Trevor give up just yet.
But, Trevor Holden has just witnessed his boyfriend Darrell (Christopher Wyllie) overdose on heroin and nearly die. What’s worse is that it’s not the first time. Put lightly, Trevor is somewhat of a lost soul. If you asked him, though, he’d probably tell you he’s more like a lost cause. So, it’s not all that surprising he hasn’t been able to break free from Darrell; however, this most recent incident changes something in Trevor, and he finally decides to bow out of the relationship…at least in the romantic sense. As his oldest friend, Trevor still feels a responsibility to help Darrell in his latest attempt at sobriety, much to the dismay of his own best friends, Jake (Jay Brannan) and Andie (Melissa Searing). Though Jake would rather slit his own wrists than get involved in a real relationship and Andie’s been out of the game so long she can’t even remember what sex looks like, they both have very strong opinions about Trevor’s involvement with Darrell…as in there shouldn’t be any. And even Trevor’s not so sure he’s got such a great handle on this situation, though he’d never admit it. It’s not until Darrell starts using again that Trevor is finally ready to call it quits, for real this time. And just when he does, he meets the ever so charming Ephram (Eli Kranski). Simply being everything that Darrell is not wins Ephram a number of points up-front. Trevor’s relationship with Ephram progresses rather quickly, and it starts to put a strain on his friendships with Jake and Andie, both of whom feel Trevor could stand to be a little more in tune with their feelings. Jake, a self-proclaimed sex-addict, is starting to worry a little bit about his past catching up with him, namely in the form of HIV. And Andie, who drunkenly ends her sexual dry spell with a one-night stand, realizes that Jake might have less to worry about than she does. Things unravel further when Darrell shows up uninvited to a party at Trevor’s place, pleading with him to come back and help him through his addiction. After throwing him out, Trevor not only starts to wonder if he’s made the right decision, but also if he’s doing the right thing in being with Ephram. He’s going to have to figure that out quickly though, because not only has Ephram just accepted a job thousands of miles away in New York City, but he wants Trevor to go with him. And now what started out as Trevor’s own existential journey, turns into a path that will lead everyone to what is most important: themselves.
‘Holding Trevor’, as a concept, has been in the works for a number of years now. But with a shoestring budget and many odds stacked against the film, it’s just now coming to light thanks to two very strong and perseverant filmmakers.
The original idea for the film came about more than three years ago. Writer Brent Gorski was looking to tell a genuine story about realistic characters. He set out to show a more dignified, less pretentious version of his characters than he was used to seeing in common representations of gays. The world he established for his characters and the situations they encounter are a mixture of his own personal experiences and those of the people around him. That is not to say, however, that the story is autobiographical. It is instead, a story that most anyone can relate to because its motivations are completely human and altogether possible.
Gorski wrote the part of Trevor for himself and the character Jake for friend, singer/songwriter Jay Brannan. Additional talent was discovered through auditions held in Los Angeles, California.
Nearly two years after starting the script, Gorski was finally ready to push forward. He teamed up with director/producer Rosser Goodman of KGB FILMS in early 2006 to take the movie into the pre-production stage. As a writer herself, Goodman understood the project on both a technical and visceral level. She was able to bring her extensive knowledge of production and years of experience to the table. The two furiously began working out a plan. After about five months and a few more drafts of the script, they were off and running.
In mid-July 2006, production began on ‘Holding Trevor’. The shoot lasted a mere 14 days and took place in various parts of Los Angeles, California. The schedule was tight and the heat was grueling, but thanks to an inspirational crew and flawless actors the movie wrapped on time. Okay, so there may have been a few hiccups… But, with the directorial talents of Goodman, the shooting skills of cinematographer Kara Stephens, the myriad contributions of costume/ production designer Oneita Parker, the skilled line producing of Stephanie Sklar, and a writer who was always on-set everything came together in the end.
Following production, Gorski and Goodman continued their partnership and spent the past year overseeing all aspects of post-production. Without the help of any assistants and with countless personal responsibilities the pair were exhausted over the post-production of the film and completed it in the true spirit of independent filmmakers…without any sleep for an entire year. None of this would have been possible had it not been for ‘Holding Trevor’s’ amazing editor Donna Mathewson. As editor, Mathewson, went above and beyond to help make this film what it is today.
Currently, ‘Holding Trevor’, is making its much-anticipated debut and gaining exposure through the festival circuit. So far, the film has been asked to participate in Frameline31, the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival; Outfest 2007: The 25th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival; the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival; and the Sacramento Film and Music Festival.
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(Holding Trevor, Running Time: 88 mins. HD-D5 - Digi Beta, aspect ratio 16×9 (1.78), stereo, in English, Rating: pending MPAA evaluation)
A REGENT RELEASE
A HERE! FILMS PRESENTATION
A STRAY FILMS/KGB FILMS PRODUCTION
BRENT GORSKI JAY BRANNAN MELISSA SEARING
‘HOLDING TREVOR’
ELI KRANSKI CHRIS WYLLIE
COSTUME & PRODUCTION DESIGNER ONEITA PARKER
CINEMATOGRAPHER KARA STEPHENS
EDITED BY DONNA MATHEWSON
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER ONEITA PARKER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER BRENT GORSKI
PRODUCED BY ROSSER GOODMAN
WRITTEN BY BRENT GORSKI
DIRECTED BY ROSSER GOODMAN
© 2007. STRAY FILMS, LLC
I’ve been a fan of Matt Zarley’s work even before his major label debut (appropriately entitled ‘Debut’) was released in 2002. Mr. Zarley’s professional career began at the ripe age of 12 with him dancing with Tony the Tiger in a Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes commercial. As a teenager, he made his Broadway debut in ‘A Chorus Line’. Over the years, he’s appeared in productions of ‘Cats’, ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’, ‘Chicago’, and has played the title roles in both ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and ‘Tommy’ on Broadway. Musically, he’s worked with the likes of Whitney Houston, Brandy, Usher, Reba McIntire, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Vanessa Williams and Peabo Bryson, to name just a few.
While ‘Debut’ was well-received critically and spawned the Billboard dance hit “You Always Want (what u ain’t got)”, lack of label backing didn’t help cement the success he so richly deserved. Disillusioned, Zarley left his music career behind and started a lucrative real estate business. (Bonus Zarley Trivia: Matt Zarley was the first openly gay man to make People magazine’s “Hottest Bachelors” issue.)
As a big fan of Zarley and ‘Debut’, I was crushed to see him stop doing what he loved so much. Now, I’m thrilled to say that Matt Zarley is back with a new EP, single and video. Officially released on August 5, 2008 by ZarleySongs, ‘Here I Am’ is available for pre-order online (www.MattZarley.com) and is now available for download on iTunes (iTunes Link). An official advance CD release party and performance will be presented by the Upright Cabaret on Sunday, July 27 at 9:00 pm at Mark’s Restaurant in West Hollywood, CA.
The album’s title track, “Here I Am”, was recently chosen as one of the 2008 “American Idol Songwriter” competition’s Top 20 finalists. The extremely personal song serves as the emotional backbone of the album and is a fine example of Zarley’s songwriting skill. The current single and video, “Had I Known” is a wistful song of yearning and regret for a love now gone. The catchy “Where Did You Come From” opens the disc. A terrific duet with Ty Taylor entitled “All That Matters” (”It doesn’t matter what they say/ I’m gonna love you anyway“) is another highlight of the album.
I highly recommend you check out ‘Here I Am’. The video for ‘Had I Known’ and Zarley’s back catalog are also available for download on iTunes.
(WASHINGTON, June 24, 2008)—The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) announced today the launch of BIZ, an online publication covering all facets of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) business world. BIZ’s Web address is www.nglcc.org/BIZ.
As the only nationwide organization dedicated to promoting the concerns of LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs, NGLCC created BIZ to showcase the contributions of LGBT business owners and employees in communities all across America, to connect LGBT business owners with supplier diversity efforts in the corporate world, and to highlight the economic power of LGBT consumers.
“BIZ not only shines a spotlight on the actions that NGLCC, its state and local affiliate chambers, and its allies are taking to ensure fairness and equality for LGBT businesses, it’s also a much-needed avenue for members of the LGBT business community to connect and find the vital news that they can’t get anywhere else,” said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the NGLCC.
“BIZ focuses on the distinct yet interrelated segments of the LGBT business community and its corporate allies”, said Chance Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of NGLCC. “BIZ is the voice of and for LGBT business owners, a voice that is often underrepresented in mainstream financial media.”
“BIZ is also an indispensible resource for the many companies that buy from LGBT suppliers or have LGBT employees,” continued Mitchell. “The unique news and insights in BIZ will strengthen connections between LGBT entrepreneurs and corporate America.”
BIZ also serves as a place for LGBT entrepreneurs to share their stories, best practices and insights about business, presenting their unique perspectives through columns, stories and postings, noted Mitchell.
“Additionally, BIZ will focus a light on the crucial role LGBT consumers play in the economy”, according to Mitchell, who cited new Witeck-Combs Communications figures estimating the buying power of U.S. LGBT adults at a whopping $712 billion.
“LGBT consumers are famously brand loyal, much more so than their heterosexual counterparts,” he said. “But only those companies who know how to reach our community in the right way can tap into the tremendous buying power we wield.
“BIZ opens up a new world of market intelligence to companies who want to secure an LGBT customer base willing to back up their loyalty with every purchase,” Mitchell said.
BIZ is co-published by NGLCC and OmniStudio, a Washington, D.C. strategic communications firm and an NGLCC-certified business. OmniStudio creates the content for BIZ, researching and writing articles, editing copy and producing video and audio podcasts.
OmniStudio owner and president Eileen Kessler said BIZ is poised to become the definitive source for business news for the LGBT professional community and its allies in corporate America.
“I have been inspired by the work of NGLCC and the passion of business owners who have brought creativity and economic vitality to their communities,” Kessler said. “And it’s fantastic to showcase men and women who are role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs. BIZ brings their contributions to the forefront and is a great way to foster long lasting professional relationships within our community.”
Pavarotti + Mr. David Gandy + Dolce & Gabbana = Beauty
Well hello Children! I’ll bet you thought I’d run away with that Russian ballet beast Sergei again? (Personally, I would have been happy to run-off with the bearded lady after the week I’ve had.)
Not to bore you with the details, but last Thursday started out as a great day. I hopped on line and played in one my communities. Then I started to tackle a lengthy list of housekeeping chores that have been demanding my undivided attention. I was a busy bee for a few hours, stopped for a quick lunch and was back on task without skipping a beat. That’s when things started to fall apart quickly. I’m still not sure if it was food poisoning or one of those delightful viral bugs, but in very short order I was flat on my back in bed going through paces with chills and then fever.
The next couple of days, I stayed in bed and basically slept. A lot. By Saturday morning, I was starting to realize I was going to live (much to the chagrin of the Russian ballet). That’s when the other shoe dropped. On Saturday morning, one of my uncles was killed in a tragic motor vehicle accident. So being physically spent was soon accompanied by mental and emotional fission.
What made it all the worse, is that very morning had been a family gathering to celebrate my great-aunt and uncle’s 50th wedding anniversay with a breakfast in their honor. I got to see many relatives that I hadn’t seen in quite a while–including my uncle. So just hours after speaking to him, he was dead.
I think we all know that life is a very risky game. You never quite know what the next roll of the dice is going to drop on your doorstep. Death also reminds us of the frailty of being. None of us are ever quite sure when our ‘time’ will chime. Or if there will be a next time to say the thing you forgot to say or give the hug you meant to give.
His funeral service was Wednesday afternoon. It was sad–as most are. Invariably with loss comes that introspection about where we are in our lives and what we have accomplished and what is yet left to be done. Facing your mortality is never an easy (or pleasant) exercise. Yet, from time to time, I think we all have to stop and take stock. It’s only sad that it takes a loss or a tragedy to shake your foundation and make you ponder. We’re all so busy with the four minutes, that seven days seems like an eternity away.
Seven days dissolves in the blink of an eye. What your eye focuses on when the dust and rubble settle–that’s the stuff that will really save your world.
On Thursday, August 21, 2008, the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association(NLGJA) will host its 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with “NLGJA Goes to Washington,” the organization’s 2008 National Convention.
Piloted in 2004 during the organization’s New York convention, NLGJA’s LGBT Media Summit has grown in its five years to become the nation’s definitive training and networking event for print, broadcast and new media representatives of the LGBT press. The one-day conference features hands-on training workshops and topical panel discussions that focus exclusively on the challenges and opportunities unique to this niche of the journalism industry. Attendees range from publishers and newsroom decision makers to freelancers and students just beginning their careers.
Featuring panelists from The Advocate, the Bay Area Reporter, Bay Windows, CBS News on Logo, the Dallas Voice, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Out Magazine, South End News, Southern Voice, the Washington Blade, and presenting sponsors GayWired Media and here! Networks, this year’s Summit will include the following sessions:
NLGJA’s 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 21, at the Hilton Washington, the host hotel for the organization’s weekend-long National Convention which kicks off following the conclusion of the Summit.
Online early bird pre-registration is open for both NLGJA members and non-members until Friday, July 11. The cost of attendance for the LGBT Media Summit is $55 USD. Registrants have the option of registering for both the LGBT Media Summit and the National Convention as a package for a discounted price.
Visit their website for complete details on registration and for an evolving lineup of speakers.
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NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students who work within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.
There’s just something about a butcher and the way he holds his cleaver…
