From the MC Film Mail Bag…

LGBT Bar FOR SALE in Tampa
 
Hey Guys,
    It’s Judie at the Rainbow Room. I have some sad news to pass along. 

    Ever since my Mother passed away last September, I’ve had the Room up for sale. The straight guy that wants to purchase it pretty much killed my business in the last 2 1/2 months, waiting for me to lose it instead. I even dropped the price from turn key 75k to 45k. He used to work for Pepin, and told all his former work buddies a couple of months ago, (budweiser delivery guys), that he’s buying the Rainbow Room bar, and it’s not a “queer” bar anymore, but a straight bar, and it’s a “done deal”.

    I worked very hard the past 2 years for him to destroy it “overnight”, as that rumor spread like wildfire throughout Tampa and St. Pete. 

    What makes me even angrier is that he has absolutely no respect for our community. 

    I am asking for your help to sell the Rainbow Room to someone that is gay. 

    If you are interested or know anyone that is interested, please contact me via e-mail. I’m selling the beer and wine license and everything in the bar, turn key, for 45k. And I need to do it now. I am out of time, and spent my entire inheritance on it.

Thank you for your time,
Judie

 
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America’s First Out Senator?
Senator Herb Kohl’s announcement last week that he would not seek another term as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin has raised the possibility that Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., will run for the open seat, something sources close to Baldwin say is “very likely.” An out lesbian now serving her seventh term in the U.S. House, Baldwin would become the first openly LGBT senator in U.S. history. “This would be a remarkable milestone for LGBT Americans,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, adding that a Baldwin candidacy for the Senate would become a top priority for the organization.
http://search.aol.com/aol/imageDetails?s_it=imageDetails&q=tammy+baldwin&img=http://www.progressive.org/images/articles/t_baldwin.jpg&v_t=na&host=http://www.progressive.org/mag/baldwin/impeach&width=115&height=74&thumbUrl=http://images-partners-tbn.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQnmtp6iM0pTEGm0AvUZ9Q67OhMfgBznV1ujkJjOoRQdFCWgyKvEm9S3BU:www.progressive.org/images/articles/t_baldwin.jpg&b=image?page=4&v_t=na&q=tammy+baldwin&count_override=20&s_it=searchbox.imagehome&oreq=b1213dcc7e574484b57c9492897a845b&oreq=85144561608a4c29887b9655156083c4&imgHeight=190&imgWidth=295&imgTitle=Tammy+Baldwin+Comes+Out+for+Impeachment&imgSize=13788&hostName=www.progressive.org
 
Harkin Supports Banning Discrimination Against LGBT Workers
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said this week he would support President Barack Obama issuing an executive order requiring that companies who do business with the U.S. government pledge not to discriminate against LGBT employees. As chairman of a key Senate committee, Harkin is a leading Democrat on labor issues. “As we continue to build support for [the Employment Non-Discrimination Act], an executive order is a strong step toward ending workplace discrimination,” said Michael Cole-Schwartz, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign. www.WashingtonBlade.com
 
 
When members of Wasilla High School’s symphonic jazz choir heard Friday it wouldn’t be singing the popular Queen hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” at this year’s graduation ceremony after working on it all year, the students couldn’t get their heads around it. WHS Principal Dwight Probasco reportedly had received complaints from at least one parent that the 1975 hit written by Freddie Mercury wasn’t appropriate for the ceremony simply because Mercury was gay. “The whole thing was just ridiculous,” senior Rachel Clark said Monday. “They’d played the song on the school intercom and we played it at prom. It’s a great song and the choir was really excited to be singing it. And the senior class felt like it defined them.” Tyler Fishback performs during the Wasilla Symphonic Jazz Coir practice Monday morning. The choir will be peforming with the jazz band tonight at 7 p.m. in the theater at Wasilla High School. http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2011/05/12/local_news/doc4dc8c8e0a76f2219524721.txt

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   Left Coast Bartenders’ Guild

Dawn Heidemann, Acting Treasurer

dheidemann@hotmail.com

813 494-0250

 

The Sunset Tiki Party at The Heights, Tampa’s Left Coast Bartenders’ Guild raises money for Blake High School for the Performing Arts Music Department.

Sunday May 22, 2011 the Left Coast Bartenders’ Guild will throw a tiki themed cocktail party at The Heights in Tampa that will include hand crafted cocktail’s and music from the 40’s and 50’s, food from the Da Kine Hawaiian Bus, and sunset by the water.  A portion of each ticket will go to both the Howard W. Blake High School for the Performing Arts Music Department and to The Heights.

The Left Coast Bartenders’ Guild is comprised of local bar professionals and cocktail enthusiasts whose mission is to build a better cocktail culture for the Greater Tampa Bay Area through attending and throwing their own events, seminars and competitions.  They are also currently being vetted to become a local chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild.

Sunset Tiki Party, Sunday May 22, 2011, 6pm – 9pm

The Heights

1910 Ola Ave

Tampa, FL

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MEDIA CONTACT: Moira Shiver msshiver@gmail.com

 The Ybor Art Association (YAA) is pleased to announce the First Annual Juried Art Show. Titled “The Essence of Ybor” this Fine Art Show and Scavenger Hunt will be held in Ybor City on Saturday June 4, 2011 from 5-10 pm in the Courtyard of the beautifully restored Historic Ybor Square.

Located at:   9th Avenue and (14th  Street) Avenue Republica de Cuba, Ybor City, FL

Cash prizes will be awarded for FIRST, SECOND and THIRD Place entries. An esteemed panel of Judges has been chosen to make the final selections. They are David Audet, Sharon Rose, and Bruce Marsh. 

More than 24 Artists are registered and vying for the Top prize. Jason Shiver, Samantha Churchill, Greg Latch, Ray Paul, Dominique Martinez, Bruce Ferguson, and  Paul Tabio are just a few of the more than 25- artist who have signed up for this Juried show.  

Please join us for this Art show and Scavenger Hunt.   For more information or to sign up for the Essence of Ybor City Scavenger Hunt please contact Moira Shiver at:  msshiver@gmail.com

 

Ybor Art Association  (YAA!)

1521 ½ E. 7th Ave.

Ybor City, FL  33605

 For information on YAA! Or to become a member please visit us at www.yborart.org

 
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 Music at Gram’s                 Place

Press Release

to

Music Editor

 

 

From:

Ed Lehmann

Date:

5/16/2011

Re:

Monthly Florida Music Showcase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

Every month Gram’s Place Inn  hosts the Parson Brown Presents series of Florida musicians     two acts in addition to the host band, Parson Brown..

On Saturday  May 21st starting at 6:30PM  the guest artists will be  Sarasota singer/songwriter C.C. Carter and all the way from Jacksonville the Kelly Green Band. 

C.C.  Carter contributed a poignant song about problems facing U.S. vets on the WMNF Topical Music Compilation and has songs on both of the Sarasota “Noise Ordinance” anthologies.

A true home-town hero, Kelly Green charms audiences with her warm vocals and her band’s tight musicianship. Look for her to become a folk festival favorite.

Show begins at 6:30 with the Parson Brown Band opening. No cover, but donation for musicians are encouraged. For more information: elehmann@palmharbor.com  

Gram’s Place Inn 

3109 N Ola Ave.   Tampa, FL 33603
(813) 221-0596
gramspl@aol.com
www.grams-inn-tampa.com

 

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 5-11-11

People are Talking
The GaYBOR District delegation are heading off to Ft. Lauderdale for the IGLTA Convention this week. A lot of members are going to be at the international travel expo. Helping represent GaYBOR is Crystal Rivera from Sheraton Riverside and Brenda Holloway with Crescent.  A Harvey Milk Festival (San Francisco elected Gay City Supervisor who was murdered) is planned in Sarasota May 21st. for his accomplishments and commitment in our community for equality.    www.harveymilkfestival.com. Friday & Saturday Nights were packed in GaYBOR. Tons out of town people were here to celebrant Mother’s Day. Many brought their Moms with them for  a night on the town GaYBOR Style. We were introduced to many Moms in our store at MC FILM!  What was on 7th Ave last Saturday night? A local reptile zoo crew had some exotic animals on the street showing them off to the crowds. A skunk, a python and plenty of lipstick cougars! Well, remember tooth aches? Local SunTrust banker, Walter just had all his wisdom teeth pulled out on Friday. Ouch..Take care. A new charity BINGO is planned for Tuesdays nights at the Queen & I in St. Pete. Owner Bryan Chant and Arica Love will be hosting the weekly events, Thai Drag, Sushi and entertainment shows all during BINGO! A big surprise for the huge kick-off of Pride season. PRIDE and PASSION is set for Saturday, May 21st at Tampa Museum of Art. This annual fundraising event brings in $$$ to the Tampa Museum and is the kick-off to St. Pete Pride events.
 
PRIDE’s 2011
 
    Gay Days At Disney
    
    Key West Pride
 
    St. Pete Pride
 
 
Change of District 3 Tampa Police Leadership
Congratulations to  the new Tampa Police Captain Keith O’Connor in charge of Tampa Police District 3 .
The new commander for Ybor City and East Tampa area takes over from Capt. Craig Roberts who retired. Ybor City community officers are Officers Sean Mahabir, Bob Barrett and Kevin Krupa,
 
GaYBOR District Coalition
 Monthly meeting this Friday, May 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn Ybor Starting at 4 PM.
Everybody is Welcome & the Meetings are always Free

Cinco De Mayo in GaYBOR

Cinco De Mayo was just plain off the chain this year!! Starting with the popular Thursday Tea Party at Liquid Lounge. The margaritas kicked into high gear and the party quickly became an inch party! Hamburger Mary’s were holing the Finale of Mary’s Got Talent. Congratulations to the winner Mia . The Social had a Wild College Cinco de Mayo Party. The new sound system at The Social is incredible!!! Bradley’s on 7th have re introduced the Amateur Strip Contest. Its was anything but amateur. WOW !!! Where do all these HOTTIES come from? While Mark was out covering all the action… Carrie was coving the boys will new swim/dancer wear at MC Film. Maybe of the guys were also picking up party supplies. Hum…..  Viva La GaYBOR

From the MC Film Mail Bag…

Francis House named a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good
VOTE today @ www.facebook.com/toyota
Francis House is happy to announce we’ve been named a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. Please vote for us on May 12, 2011 on Toyota’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/toyota as we compete for a new Toyota vehicle that will be used to help transport food from our local food bank so we can continue to serve over 6,000 meals and distribute over $2,500 each month to our HIV/AIDS community!

Joy Winheim B.S. CAP

Francis House

Executive Director

813-237-3066

www.francishouse.org

www.strikeoutforaids.org

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> For Immediate Release
> 2nd Annual Harvey Milk Festival Announces Line-Up
>
> The 2nd Annual Harvey Milk Festival Sarasota (HMFS) will take place in
> the Historic Rosemary District of Sarasota, Florida from May
> 20th-22nd, 2011. Aligned with ceremonies across the nation, the
> festival’s mission is to raise awareness about lesbian, gay, bisexual,
> and transgender (LGBT) civil rights on state and federal levels.
> Admission is free.
>
> Harvey Milk was an American equal rights activist and politician who
> became the first openly gay man to be elected to a public office.
>
> The Harvey Milk Festival Sarasota will feature a variety of
> attractions including live music, performing and visual artists, and
> guest speakers.
>
> Founder and HMFS Board President, Shannon Fortner, states the
> festival’s ultimate goal is to gain national recognition, fostering
> the growth of emerging musicians and performing artists who believe in
> equality.
>
> The festival’s Board of Directors also includes Vice-President,
> Dr.Christina Gonzalez; Secretary Turner C. Moore; and Treasurer Jen
> O’Connor.
>
> The 2011 festival emcees will be comedian Brian Bradley and Amy
> DeMilo. Bradley is a member of The Comedy Store Players – a
> world-renowned improvisational comedy group, featuring icons like
> Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. For seven years, Bradley has also been
> a member of the improvisational group at Disney’s Comedy Warehouse and
> has been featured in major motion pictures and sitcoms including
> Seinfeld and Angel. Demilo is a Tampa performing artist with a legion
> of Florida fans. As a popular entertainer, her appearances include
> nightclubs and a variety of talk shows.
>
> Guest speakers include Equality Florida’s Joe Saunders and writer Todd
> Kachinski-Kottmeier.
>
> Hailing from Springfield, Missouri, the 2011 HMFS headliner is
> Bloodshot Records’ alt-country recording artist, Ha Ha Tonka.
>
> In April, Ha Ha Tonka released its sixth album, Death of Decade,
> reaching the top 5 on Amazon.com’s MP3 album chart and Billboard’s
> Heatseeker Chart. Recently featured on MTV and Anthony Bourdain’s No
> Reservations, Ha Ha Tonka has gained a grassroots following by touring
> the nation with bookings at Lollapalooza, the Sundance Film Festival,
> and SXSW. Garnering praise from the national press, Rolling Stone
> raves Ha Ha Tonka ‘occupy the sweet spot between country and indie,
> writing ornery songs with big hooks.’
>
> Other musicians scheduled to appear on the main stage include A
> Fragile Tomorrow, Spirit Tramp, Friends of Giants, Elysian Sex Drive,
> Sons of Hippies, Jun Bustamante, Ngaire, DJ Cooley, and MeteorEYES.
>
> In honor of the 2011 Harvey Milk Festival, writer/filmmaker Anthony
> Paull has agreed to release the short film, The Once and Future Me, to
> online media outlets. The film, which has screened at film festivals
> nationwide, features the MeteorEYES’ single, Splish Splash.
>
> Musicians scheduled to appear on the Moscone stage located at the Red
> Panty Press include acoustic acts 4th Street Redemption, Kenra White,
> Michael Miller, Satellite Kills, Kirsten Campbell, Josh Weinstein,
> Christie Len’ee.
>
> On May 20th, the Harvey Milk Festival Art exhibit will open the
> festivities, presenting work from artists on the theme of equality.
> The exhibit will be held at The Red Panty Press. Ciera Galbraith will
> serve as the curator. Artists interested in submitting can visit
> harveymilkfestival.com.
>
> A portion of the proceeds from the 2011 Harvey Milk Festival will be
> donated ALSO Out Youth.
__________________________________________________________
>
> May 20th, 2011
>
> Harvey Milk Festival Art Opening @ The Red Panty Press
>
> 513 Central Avenue, Sarasota Fl. 34234
>
> 7:00-10:00pm
> _____________________________________________________________
>
> May 21st, 2011
>
> Harvey Milk Festival
>
> 1376 5th Street, Sarasota, Fl. 34234
>
> 2:00-10:00pm
>
> Mainstage
>
> 2:00-2:30 Opening/Ribbon Cutting w/Guest Speakers
>
> 2:30-3:00 TBA (band)
>
> 3:00-3:15 Todd Kachinski-Kottmeier
>
> 3:15-3:45 Jun Bustamante/Ngaire
>
> 4:00-4:30 Elysian Sex Drive
>
> 4:30-4:45 Joe Saunders (speaker)
>
> 4:45-5:15 DJ Cooley
>
> 5:30-6:00 Friends of Giants
>
> 6:00-6:30 Brian Bradley
>
> 6:30-7:00 A Fragile Tomorrow
>
> 7:15-7:45 Spirit Tramp
>
> 8:00-8:30 Sons of Hippies
>
> 8:30-8:45 Harvey Milk Candle Vigil
>
> 8:45-9:15 MeteorEYES
>
> 9:30-10:00 Ha Ha Tonka
>
> Muscone Stage (at The Red Panty Press)
>
> 2:30-3:00 Josh Weinstein
>
> 3:15-3:45 Michael Miller
>
> 4:00-4:30 Kirsten Campbell
>
> 4:45-5:15 4th Street Redemption
>
> 5:30-6:00 Kenra White
>
> 6:15-6:45 Christie Le’nee
>
> 7:00-7:30 Satellite Kills
>

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Student could die… just because
A 22-year-old Hispanic man is in critical condition after being attacked in front of Gay bar on mothers day. HERE IS THE VIDEO REPORT
“GAY” KILLER CAUGHT AFTER 24 YEARS… AMAZING STORY!

On Friday Police announced an arrest in a 24-year-old cold case murder. But what you didn’t hear is this: the victim was gay. Four decades later gay community still knows the story; and in some cases they know it well. FULL STORY AND VIDEO

PRESS RELEASE: Joshua Esskew Attacked for the 2nd Time

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:Scott Hall (321) 506-8738

Founder and President, Gay American Heroes

GayAmericanHeroes@yahoo.com

Joshua Esskew Attacked for the 2nd Time in Rock Hill, S. C.
According to a Rock Hill police report, Josua Esskew, who was assaulted last month by a group of men outside a convenience store was assaulted again early Sunday morning outside a Bi-Lo grocery store at 1735 Heckle Boulevard. What is it about Rock Hill, population 69,210, with at least 10 churches in town, that causes some of its residents to terrorize others in the community?

Esskew told officers that he was “walking from his vehicle to the entrance of the [store,] when an unknown female yelled [a gay slur] at him.” Officers say Esskew turned around to look at who yelled at him and said “Excuse me?”

According to the police report, Esskew told officers that he exchanged words with a man inside the vehicle and then walked to the Bi-Lo entrance, when he was pushed from behind by one of the people. Esskew was not physically injured in the assault.

The Bi-Lo night manager told officers that he witnessed a verbal exchange between Esskew and the pair, who “appeared to be extremely intoxicated and were acting belligerent.” The manager was able to get the license plate information from a tan 2001 Mercury Sable as they drove from the parking lot.

Sheriff’s deputies from the York County Sheriff’s Office went to the home listed for the plates, but were told they had moved out a month prior.

“It is time for the city leaders to join together and present a united front to speak out against hate in their community,” said Scott Hall, Founder and President of the Gay American Heroes Foundation, an organization which honors those who have been murdered because of their sexual orientation or identification.

Here are the names of phone numbers of the Chief of Police of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and its Mayor and City Council. Please call each of these people and ask them to stand up to terrorism in their community.

Chief of Police John H. Gregory III – (803) 329-7200

Mayor Doug Echols – (803) 329-7011, City Council Members: Susie B. Hinton – 327-1645, Kathy Pender – 980-5512, Kevin Sutton – 328-1428, John A. Black III – 980-4148, Osbey Rodday – 328-6756, and Jim Reno – 366-4318.

After the first assault in April, two South Carolina lawmakers told WBTV they were working to pass a hate crime bill in South Carolina. York County representative John King has reintroduced a bill, which if passed, would change that.

Last year, King introduced House Bill 4224, but the proposal didn’t have a co-sponsor and never made it past a House Judiciary Committee. This year, the bill is getting a co-sponsor and a new chance at life.

The strongest force against hate and the terrorism of anyone in a community is that of the collective voice of its residents. Rock Hill is not the only place in America or the world where hate exists but it can stand up and face down those who foster it.

######

HERE IS THE HIS LAST BEATING CAUGHT ON TAPE

Teen beaten by mob at gas station, HATE CRIME!

LOVE THIS …HUMANITY IS ALIVE IN STUDENTS… YEA!

Over 100 newly-minted lawyers walked out of their own graduation at the University of Michigan Law School on Saturday

University of Michigan Law grads protest Ohio Senator Rob Portman

Please help Protect Joshua and let the Nation know YOU care about HIM for living OUT and PROUD and do not want Hurt Anymore!

I spoke with Elke Kennedy who son was Murdered 2007 in South Carolina. The story of her son and how she has stood up to hate is truly amazing. “We need to do more and not just say it’s ‘going to get better’ but make it better”

I hope and believe the good people of the Carolina’s will come together and show the nation hate and those who teach it that they are not welcome there, and stand up for young Joshua.

Sincerely,

Scott Hall

Gay American Heroes Foundation

www.GayAmericanHeroes.com

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Know of any GLBT boating clubs?

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1004345945

Lorenzo DeTampa May 10 at 5:13am Report
I absolutely KNOW you guys have all the information about who’s who & what’s what in the greater Tampa Bay area.

I’m wondering whether you know of any GLBT boating clubs…specifically those with sail boats? I haven’t been able to find anything about such an organization. Maybe there needs to be one if there isn’t one already.

I’m most interested in sail boats…specifically smaller-sized sail boats….”trailer sailor” types. I have a small West Wight Potter-15 –or will have this coming weekend…..having located the boat after which I’ve lusted for quite some time and will be bringing it home to its new owner….me.

Where would be the best online location for Greater Tampa Bay (central Florida Gulf coast) in which one could post something about the formation of some kind of gay sailing group for GLBT sailboat owners for the Tampa Bay region?? (I realize it will be difficult to find anybody who might have any interest in sailing in our community and who also has their own boat. I’m not interested in those who simply want to sail along on others’ boats….but I am very much looking for other sailboat owners who would enjoy sailing our boats together.

Best Regards,
Larry

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‘HAIRSPRAY’ Auditions!

.

All are welcome!

.
.

.
Saturday and Sunday

May 14, 15 from 1PM to 5PM

5420 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33607

Be prepared to sing a minimum of 16 bars of music. Accompaniment will be provided, but CD’s are welcome.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, a dance combination will be taught.

Approximately 9-10 shows will be performed at HCC in Ybor City in

August, 2011

Directed by Chad Smith

Choreography by Alex Jones

Musical Direction by Mark Jelks

Produced by M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa

Questions: Please call 813-624-2003 or 813-386-6173