By way of every possible film festival they are able to collect another award!
I recently was able to schedule a phone interview with Gary and Larry Lane, the Producers and leads in the documentary Hollywood to Dollywood. The film is a labor of love and vision for these two twin gay brothers. Transplanted from Goldsboro, North Carolina to Hollywood, they have a unique story and way of combating bigotry and hatred in the South.
They are bringing the film to the Out Twin Cities Film Festival this upcoming June and you will not be disappointed when you come to see them in person. The showing is occurring on Saturday June 2, 2012 at 7pm. More information can be found at the Facebook page for the festival. oh, did I mention that I am the official blogger for this year's festival? I can't wait!
In April 2009 a small group of us decided to bring awareness to the problem of Toxic Toys. Toxic toys are adult toys (dildos and insertables) that are made of unstable substances that are capable of releasing potentially harmful toxins into your body upon use. The Smitten Kitten, an adult toy store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, pioneered an effort to educate people about these potentially harmful objects.
In observation of Earth Day I am happy to provide the video again today on this channel.
Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Box Wine Theater's latest production "Tom and Kelly Adopt an Asian Baby".
It is rare these days when I find myself laughing to the point where my sides hurt and this show made it so. Tome and Kelly are a suburban couple that are in turmoil. Feeling as though they have missed out, the couple decides to engage in typical rites of passage after the anniversary surprise package doesn't fulfill.
Kelly, played by Gretchen Grunzke, is energetic and animated. She whirls about the small stage at the Cedar Riverside People's Center as if she was dancing with the stars! Tom is played by Joe Swanson and is a laugh a minute star who explores an unconventional dark side. The two of them combined are all that is needed to provide an evening of fun and farce.
The company is directed by the inimitable talent of Bethany Simmons and the original production was written by Adam Sharp. Simmons and Sharp are the lead creatives for Box Wine Theater and a delightful duo bringing unique perspectives to the stage in Minnesota.
I highly encourage your attendance at one of their upcoming productions including Gay Bash on April 6, 2012. Gay Bash is a 21+ event that is also a fundraiser to raise awareness of the upcoming marriage amendment vote. Bring your ID, enjoy complimentary food and beverages all for the low price of $16.00 admission. See you at the show.Value, fun and fresh perspectives - I think it may be spring!
Once again Julie is on the show and also about to bring us her talents on stage(s). This time she will be delighting us in the production of Durang Durang in two separate venues. Julie Dafydd is without a doubt one of Minneapolis' gems and I highly encourage treating yourself to one of the upcoming shows.
A double bill of plays by Christopher Durang including "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You" and "The Actor's Nightmare."
Mar 29, Thu. at 7:00 pmMar 30, Fri. at 7:00 pmMar 31, Sat. at 7:00 pmApr 13, Fri. at 7:00 pm atMounds TheatreApr 14, Sat. at 2:00 pm
In preparation for her stage performance I would love it if you take a moment to download this show and take it with you on a walk in what is one of the nicest springs I have witnessed in Minnesota!
The other day I was able to sit down with Mitchell J Thompson and Drew Jansen for a lovely chat about the upcoming Marriage Amendment being proposed in Minnesota. Mitch has created a wonderful video aimed at educating people about the effects the proposed amendment would have on many loving relationships.
At the end of the day, you know how I feel... The world just doesn't have enough love to go around! Therefore, we should not be in the business of legislating away the ability to honor and respect loving couples.
I do hope you will listen to the show and educate yourself on the facts.
Every once in a while a person will drift into your life that you KNOW your path was destined to cross. Mark Durkop is one of those individuals for me. Mark is extremely talented in staging and event design and, although steeped heavily in the arts and theater, he also is a hard working civil rights activist.
He is now combining that talent and energy with a passion to see global justice occur. He is working on an amazing project right now to bring awareness to the large number of same sex couples being discriminated against in Minnesota. The discrimination is a result of their inability to legally marry and are therefoe being denied rights afforded to heterosexuals married couples. Mark is smart, talented , a real go getter but most of all someone I am pleased to call a friend!
This show was recorded in August 2011. Stewart Van Cleve was just about to set out on the next leg of his academic journey which was bringing him to Portland State to work on his masters in Urban Planning.
Stewart is a very talented young gay man who recently completed a manuscript to be released in the fall of 2012. The book he wrote for The University Press is about same sex couples in Minnesota.
Stewart will no doubt be on a steep trajectory after the book's release and I am grateful that I was able to sit down with him on his way up.
I just got out of the studio after receiving a big surprise from Adam Dykes. He took it upon himself to write the theme song for our upcoming TV show called Here's Margie!
Esme Rodriguez has been one of the hardest working show director/producers in Minnesota for some time! Now, add to the long list of credits a regular column in Scene Magazine and Executive Producer for the GenderF*Kation.
A regular show named Dragmanity at Bryant Lake Bowl in Uptown, Minneapolis bringsa variety of acts intended to challenge one's thoughts on gender. Esme Rodriguez and I finally were able to sit down and chat about gender philosophy, performance art and in general, Life!
This is a good time of year to think about others. Especially how you can help others in your community. We all have opportunities to give back to others every day. Clare Housing has ample opportunities for people to give back and enrich their spirit at the same time. Whether your talents are for cooking, digging, chatting or paying - Clare Housing needs you!
This show is with Debbie Wyman and Elisabeth Loeffler from Clare Housing and we discuss all the many ways that Clare Housing provides supports to people living with HIV and AIDS. What is less known are all the ways that Clare Housing provides opportunities for involvement in the execution of their mission.
Clare Housing provides affordable housing, supportive services and compassionate care to people living with HIV/AIDS. This is a wonderful time to consider including Clare Housing in your year end giving plan. Only a few days remain to give that last financial (tax deductible) gift of 2011. Consider making a gift online today. If you are not in a position to give a financial gift, consider a gift of time and talent.
The cause is one that is near and dear to my heart. So much so, that the ladies even got me to cry! I hope you enjoy the show.