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Best Gay New York

Free Gay Comedy in Brooklyn with Chris Doucette

Tickle Me Brooklyn
 is a stand-up comedy show hosted by Chris Doucette  (NPR/FOX) featuring the best comics in New York City - many of whom have been on Comedy Central, HBO, and more! Everyone is welcome!

The show is FREE.

Our cast for
SEPTEMBER 16  at  8pm:

Ophira EISENBERG!
(Comedy Central)

Calvin CATO!         
(Comix Comedy Club)



Jess WOOD!          
(Def Comedy Jam)


Nick TURNER! (College Humor)    and   Nick COBB!(Last Comic Standing)

Each month will feature gay and gay-friendly comics!

The show is on the THIRD THURDAY of each month at 8pm.

Our 2010 dates are:

Sep 16
Oct 21
Nov 18
Dec 16

And it's all FREE!  Such a deal!

The  venue is:
Linger Cafe & Lounge
533 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
Phone: 347-689-4813

Linger offers $5 drafts, $4 bottles, and $6 Sake, Champagne, and Sangria. Sandwiches and snacks are also available. It's swanky/casual - a perfect place for a super fun comedy show.

Take the A/C/G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn or the 2/3/4/5/B/D/M/R/Q/N to Atlantic.
Linger is a 1/2 block away from Atlantic stop!.

TICKLE ME BROOKLYN

Chris Doucette


Best Gay New York

TRANSFORMATION: Photography by Mike Ruiz August 25-28


YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS the photography of Mike Ruiz at the Leslie/Lohman Gallery  in NYC this week!

 August 26-28.
Opening reception: Wednesday
August 25, 6 - 9 pm

The celebrity / fashion photographer - and star of the upcoming reality show The A-List: New York  - will be unveiling his latest solo exhibit "Transformations," a work representing celebrities alter egos, as interpreted by the photographer himself.

Best known for making celebrities almost unrecognizable in his edgy and futuristic photographs, Ruiz  has found a way to repackage stardom with his camera lens. With a client list that any casting director would envy, Ruiz is a familiar face thanks to appearances on 'Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,' 'America's Next Top Model' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race' as both photographer and guest judge. 

In an interview with POPEATER he discusses the proces...

"It is usually collaborative. Obviously they need to be aware of what I'm doing ahead of time, although, Kim Kardashian had no idea. She walked into the studio and I said, 'OK look, this is what we're doing.' I was on pins and needles until she agreed to it, but she's pretty cool, she's pretty invaluable that way. We were working with a really solid team that she knew from before, and I had worked with her before, so she trusted me.

Usually, I do have a contact, I gotta run it by the publicist so they're cool with it. But these days, because of the wild success of the shoots I did with Kim Kardashian, Lance Bass or Adam Lambert, publicists are coming to me for that reason. They know they're gonna get some wild transformation. It's less of a struggle now because they know that's what they're getting and if that's not what they want, to not even start a dialogue."


 
A portion of all net proceeds from exhibit sales will go to the Leslie/Lohman Gay Art Foundation , an outlet for art work that is unambiguously gay and which is frequently denied access to mainstream venues.

Best Gay New York


Broadway Hottie Jonathan D. Lovitiz talks with Gay Life NYC.org

HOTTIE Actor, singer, and dancer Jonathan D. Lovitz joins  Michael Cavnaugh this month in the continuing Hottie of the Month series at  GayLifeNYC.org .


Gaylifenyc.org founder Michael Cavnaugh chats with the triple threat very talented Actor and Model. Jonathan talks about his "virgin"  Broadway Bares experience , which has led to a career in modeling. He talks about  his life, his interests and all things New York. 

They say his smile shines all the way to  the back row, in every performance. This may be the hottest and nicest   Sci-fi  "geek" you will ever see! -  "I  LOVED  Star Trek 4 - when they rescue the whales!"

He is currently shooting a pilot for LOGO - let's hope that hottie will come to TV screens soon.

And he claims he is a closet junk food junkie!
With  that body?  Hmmmmm.

WATCH  THE  Jonathan D. Lovitz VIDEO

Best Gay New York

Nick Adams Heads to Toronto in October for Priscilla

Broadway triple threat ,
New York hottie Nick Adams will star as the ABBA-obsessed Adam/Felicia in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical.

The glittery Academy Award–winning 1994 film, starred Guy Pearce as Adam/Felicia.

Priscilla. The Musical  premiered in Sydney in 2006 and became the most successful Australian musical of all time. The show, which has also received acclaim in a production in London’s West End, will make its North American debut in Toronto in October,(a 12 -week run)  followed by a Broadway premiere next spring. (Theatre to be announced).


Currently appearing in the Tony Award® winning revival of La Cage Aux Folles as one of the “Cagelles,” Adams has also appeared on Broadway in the recent productions of A Chorus Line, Chicago, Guys and Dolls and The Pirate Queen.

We
   Love
      You
          Nick!



Best Gay New York

Beckie Menzie & Tom Michael at the Metropolitan Room August 29

“One of the most compelling
duos in cabaret today.”
  - The Chicago Tribune 

“a joyous intoxicating hour of music…
downright thrilling”
  
- Cabaret Scenes Magazine 

 “Chicago's premiere cabaret act” 
- Broadwayworld.com

The Metropolitan Room
34 West 22nd Street, NYC
Sunday, August 29th @ 9:30 PM

 The sixties are back! Beckie Menzie  & Tom Michael celebrate the 50th anniversary of the decade that forever revolutionized popular music.  From the idyllic early Motown sound and British invasion to the free love and angst of Woodstock, “That 60’s Show” will feature songs by many of the decades favorite performers including The Beatles, The Supremes, The Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Petula Clark,  Janis Joplin and many more, all done in Menzie & Michael’s unique award-winning style at The Metropolitan Room.

One of cabaret’s most in demand duos, Menzie & Michael offer a unique blend of whimsy, nostalgia and unquestionable talent that translates into pure entertainment. Their imaginative musical twists on jazz  favorites, standards, contemporary pop, Broadway show tunes and film gems have won them audience and critical acclaim across the country and around the globe.  Hailed by The Chicago Tribune as “One of the most compelling duos in cabaret today,” they have appeared on some of the country’s most prestigious stages, including New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Their recording efforts have been praised by Billboard Magazine, Backstage, Show Business Weekly and Playbill and their latest CD, Better Two-gether has been hailed by critics as “magic,”  “sensational,” and “…the years best recording.”  In what they call a “musical marriage,” Menzie and Michael delight audiences with their rare chemistry, inventive arrangements and genuine love for music and for one another. Menzie’s rich voice and expert piano stylings sizzle on everything from sassy swing to smoky torch songs.

A three-time winner of Chicago's After Dark “Outstanding Cabaret Artist” award, Menzie is a diva-in-demand whom Chicago’s WGN Radio has praised as “one of the city’s finest performers.”  With a voice that Billboard Magazine describes as “…a revelation,” Michael’s warm expressive style and charismatic tenor breathe new life into cabaret standards and reveal why Backstage Magazine has called him “one of the most striking singers to emerge in the last dew years.” Together, their playful, passionate performances produce what critics have called “sizzling,” “pure brilliance,” and  “cabaret at its best!”

The Metropolitan Room NYC
Sunday, August 29th @ 9:30 PM
20.00 Cover + 2 Beverage Minimum



Best Gay New York

GUMBO One Year Anniversary with Scott Herman



GUMBO  (Gay. DUMBO. Party.)        THE ONE-YEAR CELEBRATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13       10PM-4AM
 
Galapagos Art Space    16 Main Street, at Water Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn
F to York Street / A to High Street
$5....   $10 after 12AM

FEATURING:  Scott Herman    (The Real World: Brooklyn)   GUMBO Bartender-for-a-Cause

Benefiting Brooklyn Community Pride Center 
 
DJ Scotty Rox         2 bars + 2 floors + Stage Dancing
 
Resident Stylist Lynsey      Free Haircuts til Midnight
 Photographer Michael Popp     'Popp Pics' on Stage

The House of Ninja & Mykel      Special Midnight Floguing Performance
 2-for-1 drinks [10:30-11PM] + [12-12:30AM]

GUMBO  Guest Birthday Party
E-mail: birthday@gumbonyc.com
if you’ve got a birthday in August - and WIN a party on August 13 at GUMBO!


BEST GAY NEW YORK

The Stonewall Swim August 21st

On August 21,
fifty (50) LGBT athletes
will take a daring plunge into
 the Great South Bay.
 

They will swim from Sayville to the Fire Island Pines (approximately 3.5 miles!) to raise money for the Stonewall Community Foundation .  These disciplined athletes have been training for months and your support is needed!

Stonewall was begun as a collection of advised-funds and endowments by like-minded donors concerned about creating a vibrant and healthy lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Today, Stonewall is a full service community foundation seeking the participation of everyone interested in bettering our community.

Since 1990, the foundation has distributed more than $14 million in grants. Grantmaking from Stonewall's general fund concentrates on the needs of organizations in the five boroughs of New York, while Donor-advised funds support a variety of organizations locally and throughout the country.

Stonewall supporters envision a community of shared resources where donors, funders and organizations work together, joined by a commitment to strengthen one another. Stonewall is dedicated to increasing charitable giving within the community today while building a strong endowment for tomorrow.

CHARLIE  FINLAY  is a newly elected board member  -

He  says, "My role will not be as a swimmer this year (I will be kayaking across the bay with a team to monitor the swimmers).  I have committed to raising $2,500 for this event, and I ask that you please help me reach my fundraising goal by sponsoring me -- just follow these 5 simple steps:
 
1.        Go to: https://www.clubassistant.com/club/shopping_cart/merchandise.cfm?c=1535
2.        Click “Add to Cart” in the “Sponsor a Fundraiser” line (second to last item)
3.        Choose my name   CHARLIE  FINLAY  from the “Fundraiser” drop-down menu (very important!)
4.        Enter the amount of your donation, then click “Proceed to Checkout”
5.        Enter your contact information, followed by credit card information, and click “Submit.”

PLEASE HELP THIS  GREAT  CAUSE!


Best Gay New York

Counterfeit Condom Bust in New York

When it comes to counterfeit smuggling rings, the images that come to mind are generally knock-off handbags or ”Rolox” watches sold on street corners. It might be time to conjure up a new image, one that has less to do with fashion houses and more to do with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Earlier this summer The New York Times reported that brothers Lin F. Hu and Jian Lin Hu pleaded guilty to smuggling into the United States counterfeit items such as bags, clothes and sunglasses, from China. According to the Times, the counterfeit smuggling ring made millions from selling the items with Disney, Nike and North Face brand names among them. Nothing out of the ordinary there.

But these rogue entrepreneurs were also holding half a million counterfeit condoms, packaged as Trojan brand condoms and lubricated with vegetable oil. Though the Hu siblings did not admit to taking part in smuggling the condoms, the find is evidence that there must be a market for fake prophylactics.

Robert Nardoza, public affairs officer for the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York, said he believes some of those condoms may have made it to the market, but he could not comment further on such details as to where and when.

Counterfeit condoms underscore the importance of having free condoms available.

''When you have counterfeited items, like your Louis Vuitton bags and what have you, at the end of the day, that's not great. But here, when one's life is put at risk....This has real implications in that it undermines the public's trust in these products."

Read the whole article at  Metro Weekly .



Best Gay New York

New York City For Free with The Skint

TWO   underemployed friends
used to tip each other off to cool bargains
and free goodies they'd hear about.
Now  they are shared with the city at  THE  SKINT.

 the skint proves you don't need to be rich to enjoy the best of the city.

You would think FREE would be hard to find in New York City! As one of the most expensive cities where almost everything seems costly, the Big Apple is anything but cheap. The Skint however undercovers lots of FREE and CHEAP.

Visitors can find listings for free and cheap things to buy, see, do and eat in NYC. You can opt-in to get the deals by email, texted to you, or twittered.

It's a great resource for finding bargains - my only complaint is I found it hard to dig through there archives.

                                                                                       Check it out!


Best Gay New York

Miss New York 2010 Claire Buffie Campaigns on Gay Rights Platform

 

Miss New York 2010
Claire Buffie
is the first Miss America contestant in the 90-year history of the pageant to run on a gay rights platform. Plum TV caught up with Buffie at the Empire State Pride Agenda's annual Hampton's Tea Dance.

 

Claire is an outspoken advocate of human rights, opening the dialogue about equality amongst youth, teens and adults alike with her platform "Straight for Equality: Let's Talk." The issues of gay rights make up the civil rights movement of our generation and reach far beyond marriage equality.

As Miss New York 2010, Claire aims to break the stigma of marginalized youth, eliminating discriminatory vocabulary and changing the climate in New York schools. She celebrates diversity and the things that make us all unique and strives to instill pride, dignity and respect in developing minds and compassionate hearts. This will be a year of change in New York State and Claire is ready to support this incredible movement.


Says Buffie: "I feel like gay rights are the civil rights movement of my generation, and I think it's really important to have straight ally support because any time you want to effect a change with a minority you have to have support from the majority, and I'm that voice now...My older sister Sarah is a lesbian, but in addition to her, I grew up in the performing arts. So many of my friends are LGBT, and it's my duty as a straight ally to represent them."

YOU GO GIRL!!

Best Gay News


Comedian Jon Fisch Headlines StandUp Social July 28 at Bartini

Recent guest on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Jon Fisch, will headline StandUp Social at Bartini Ultra Lounge (642 Tenth Ave between 45th and 46th Streets) on July 28 at 7:30 PM. 

Fisch is also the host of the wildly successful podcast, IN THE TANK with Jon Fisch.  Joining him on stage will be an eclectic blend of hilarious talent including; Harrison Greenbaum (Boston Comedy Festival, New York Comedy Contest- finalist) Brad Loekle (TruTv, Here TV- Hot Gay Comics) Hannibal Burress (Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), and your hosts Marc Maietta, Erika Wasser and Katherine Williams.

Admission is free and drink specials are available prior to 8 PM.
 
Blending comedians and socialites alike, StandUp Social  is  a monthly event which is produced and hosted by  Marc Maietta, Erika Wasser & Katherine Williams.
 
For more information on StandUp Social on Facebook .







Best Gay New York

South Gate Restaurant Launches iPad Wine Tablets

With its prestigious address on the fashionable Central Park South, the highly acclaimed South Gate (154 Central Park South between 6th and 7th Avenues, NYC, 212.484.4715) continues to revolutionize the dining experience as the first New York City restaurant to leverage the groundbreaking new capabilities of the iPad.  The highly acclaimed restaurant is the first New York City restaurant to launch custom designed iPad wine tablets.


South Gate has created custom wireless iPad wine tablets exclusively designed to navigate its extensive wine list. The new iPad wine tablet features the SmartCellar application designed by the New York-based company Incentient.


The device was exclusively created to navigate South Gate’s extensive wine list of over 650 bottles. The new iPad wine tablet is an interactive high-definition, color touch-screen, handheld device that not only provides customers with detailed information about the major wine regions and varietals, but also automatically updates the wine list as labels sell out, to ensure that inventory is always accurate.  The touch-screen application is easy enough for a casual diner but detailed enough for the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur.

Jumeirah Essex House is a place to “see and be seen” while enjoying the celebrated cuisine at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, South Gate. Designed by top New York City designer, Tony Chi, South Gate opened to rave reviews in 2008 and stands as one of the city’s “must try” dining destinations.

Best Gay New York

Help Michael Snell Get a Job With GayTravel.com

 

OK, so I have a BIG FAVOR to ask.

 

 

 

 

 

I have applied for a very cool job with GayTravel.com

Out of hundreds of applications, after the first cut last week, they have narrowed it down to 54 finalists. And I have made it to the top 54!

From here, on August 1st, they will pick their top 8 finalists to go to New York City for the final selection of the winner.

The winner gets a 6 month paid job with GayTavel.com and will fly all over the US helping them build their brand with Social Media and blogging and Networking!


So here is my favor. I am asking to PLEASE go to GayTravel.com and sign up for a free profile/account for yourself. It just takes a minute.

THE VOTING HAS JUST BEGUN! And runs for 2 weeks. Till July 30th.


Look for MICHAEL - Scoll down and vote 5 STARS~!


Any help you can give me, would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Michael Snell
America's Next Top GAY TRAVEL GURU!

Does Fire Island Make Me Look Fat?

 Limited editiion FIRE ISLAND T-shirts!

Artistic director and creative writer  
Jeff  Greenspan  made these for fun.  

Heavily populated by gym-manicured gay men, Fire Island probably has a total of 2% body fat. So the shirts, DOE'S THIS ISLAND MAKE ME LOOK FAT?  are very funny!

"I made these shirts to sell there on my own, I made them just for fun, not to become rich. They are American Apparel and $20. I printed a couple dozen, and just have a few left. If anyone is interested in grabbing one, contact me thru Facebook  - I'd deliver them to the buyers in Fire Island myself."


Best of Gay New York

Dzi Croquettes will screen at Tribeca Cinemas Monday July 26

The award-winning and highly acclaimed film Dzi Croquettes will screen at Tribeca Cinemas Monday July 26 AND as an added bonus directors Raphael Alvarez and Tatiana Issa (who grew up with the group via her father’s work) will be in attendance.

If you’re unfamiliar with this documentary, it follows the legendary Brazilian cabaret group often credited for revolutionizing the gay/dance/theater movements worldwide. Liza Minnelli, who appears in the film, became a personal friend of the team and played a major role in bringing them to fame.

Resembling an all-male late-20th-century version of the Ziegfeld Follies, the cabaret group Dzi Croquettes used an empowering sexuality to counter Brazil's military dictatorship. What set the troupe apart from the average drag show was its emphasis on absolute stage professionalism. Though the men donned outrageous makeup and glittery butterfly wings, their costumes basically consisted of G-strings: retaining their chest hair and beards, they toyed with visual concepts of sexual identity by embracing both masculine and feminine elements without ever pretending to be anything other than male.

WATCH  A CLIP  FROM THE FILM .

Before and after each screening, the Tribeca Cinemas bar is open to Doc Series audience members.
 
Tickets: Admission for each film screening is $10; $8 for students and seniors.  Tickets can be purchased at Tribeca Film  or at the box office immediately before each screening.
 
Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick Street (corner of Laight), New York, NY 10013. 
call 212/941.2001 for further information.
Visit us on the Web at Tribeca DOC Series .
Subway:  A, C, E – Canal Street/6 Avenue; 1 – Canal Street/Varick Street

Broadway Hottie Dave August talks with Gay Life NYC.org

gaylifenyc.org 
founder Michael Cavnaugh chats with
Broadway Star
DAVE AUGUST

Belguim born Dave  is currently starring in Naked Boys Singing. And he was  once a Chippendale Dancer and MC throughout Europe and in Las Vegas.  He has appeared in Broadway Bares  13 times!


He has been called amazingly stunning.
and  true male perfection. (He claims he likes to eat junk food like french fries with mayonnaise!  WHAT?!)
Plus, he can sing, and to top it off, he is a genuinely nice guy!

Watch the video with Dave August .




Stop by Gay Life NYC.org   for more entertainment news as well as an extensive resource of HIV/AIDS resources.




Best of Gay New York

Ex- Madam Kristin Davis WILL RUN for Governor of New York



Kristin Davis ,

formerly known as the Manhattan Madam who supplied high priced call- girls for Eliot Spitzer when he was Governor and Attorney General announced today that she would run for governor as the candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party (APP).

She had previously considered the Free Libertarian Party and the Reform Party labels but rejected both although neither is recognized in New york State as a party.
 
"We need to legalize marijuana, gay marriage and casino gambling by ending the Prohibition on them," said Davis.

"It's time to end the Government prohibition on Marijuana and tax it for the public benefit," said Davis. "It's time to end the prohibition on gay marriage and it's time to end the prohibition of casino gambling."

"It's also time to end the government prohibition of prostitution in order to drive those who exploit women and utilize drugs out of the business and to protect the public safety as well as filling the public coffers by taxing it," said Davis, a former hedge fund Vice President.

Davis was convicted of promoting prostitution and spent four months in prison before becoming a feminist, libertarian activist and advocate for a freedom based agenda that includes legalizing pot,prostitution and casino gambling to bring new revenues to New York." These are the best alternatives to higher and higher taxes on the people of our state," said Davis.

Davis requires 15,000 valid voter signatures to get her Anti-prohibition campaign on the ballot. If Davis and the Anti-Prohibition party get 50,000 votes they would win permanent ballot status until the next gubernatorial election and could run candidates for state and federal office in 2012.

Best Gay New York

New York Gay Couples Wanted for New Show on Oprah's Network

Are you struggling with your sex life or relationship?

Dr. Laura Berman , a world-renowned Sex & Relationship Expert,
has a brand new show on OWN…and she’s here to help you!

Have you lost the spark in your relationship?

Is intimacy – or lack thereof –
a source of conflict between you and your partner?

Are you desperate to reconnect but don’t know where to turn, or don’t have the resources to get the information you need?

Chicago's Dr. Laura Berman can help!!!

You’ve seen her segments on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Dr. Oz Show” and heard her great advice on “Oprah Radio” but now Dr. Berman has a brand new TV show, In The Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman, fully dedicated to helping couples achieve greater intimacy and connection, not to mention better sex!

Dr. Berman understands the juggling act you go through every day and the significance of keeping your sex life a top priority. If you're struggling with your intimacy, want a better relationship and long for a more fulfilling sex life, Dr. Berman is here to shed some light. Let Dr. Berman show you how to get exactly what you want and need in the bedroom and beyond!

If you live in the NEW YORK CITY  area and you want Dr. Berman’s advice, contact us today ! Please be sure to include a description of your family and the issues you’re dealing with, along with a recent photo. Couples need not be married but must be committed to making a change and be willing to appear and discuss their private lives on Television, if selected.

GAY and  LESBIAN COUPLES ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!


Best Gay New York

Macys Amazing Fourth of July Fireworks



W O W !
That had to be the MOST AMAZING  FIREWORKS  display I have ever seen!

Budget cuts have forced some communities  around the country to pull the plug on the pyrotechnics, but the gigantic Macy's fireworks show  continued on Manhattan's West Side, where it moved in 2009 after eight years on the East River. And that move has brought with it a change in fortune for businesses, too.

In the city that's home to the $1,000 umbrella and the $175 cheeseburger, tickets have been sold at $1,450 a pair for one sweet spot to see the fireworks that are free for anyone standing on a nearby street corner or at a window.

Hudson Terrace, a rooftop bar near the river, sold 250 tickets to watch the fireworks at prices from $150 to $1,450 a couple.

It is estimated  4,000,000-5,000,000  watched  the display live  in NYC!

The fireworks show will relocate to the Statue of Liberty next year in honor of Lady Liberty's 125th anniversary and will move around after that.

I have read that they used 36,000 shells (what most of us call fireworks) and was the largest display in America, exploding 1000 fireworks per minute.  I have also read estimates the display could have cost $500,000. 
Other estimates I read ran  $5 - 7 MILLION.
I don't know.  Anyone  know  ??

Best Gay New York




Gay Atlantic City Adds Gay Bingo at Trumps Taj Mahal July 9th

New gay bingo nights at
Trump Taj Mahal
signal expanding LGBT market in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City's transformation to an adults-only casino city that's "Always Turned On"  started appealing to the LGBT community last fall. 

Following a gay-themed "Out in Atlantic City " weekend of partying at the Harrah's Entertainment Inc. casinos last September, Trump Entertainment Resorts  Inc. has begun courting gay and lesbian customers earlier this year with its own events advertised as Fun and "Gay"mes.

Trump spokeswoman Mary Moyer said 300 to 500 customers are expected this Friday night at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort for gay bingo, followed by dancing in a ballroom-turned-nightclub suggestively named "Club O 69."

More gay bingo nights are tentatively scheduled in July and August as the Taj Mahal continues to appeal to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender customer base.

"We recognized a need to provide entertainment experiences to the GLBT community," said Paula Mauk, vice president of marketing for Trump Entertainment. "We have amenities at the Trump Atlantic City properties that can attract and grow that demographic."

 

Harrah's Entertainment, owner of the Bally's, Caesars, Harrah's Resort and Showboat casinos, threw the doors wide open to gay customers with its "Out in Atlantic City" weekend last year. The event featured appearances by gay and lesbian entertainers, parties and gay bingo. The event will be staged again this September, although Harrah's has not yet announced details.

Jennifer Weissman, regional vice president of marketing for Harrah's Entertainment, said the Harrah's properties appeal to gay customers year-round through a series of special events and entertainment. She believes gay events at Trump Taj Mahal, normally Harrah's rival, will only enhance the city's tourism business.

"I think it's a great thing," Weissman said. "The more all the casinos do to attract more customers to the market, the better."

If you go:

Event: Gay bingo at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort

When: 8 to 10 p.m. Friday July 9th, Tiara Ballroom

Cost: $10 donation. Proceeds benefit the South Jersey AIDS Alliance

Prizes for best dressed individual, best decorated table and best dressed table.

The Best of Gay New York

Gay Comedy and Laughs for Gay Pride June 24th

 

Jeff Lawrence  (NY Underground Comedy Festival, Mancow Radio, Grammy Awards)
stars in his third annual "Pride and Shame" stand up comedy show featuring gay and gay friendly comics. 
A portion of the proceeds to benefit Gods Love We Deliver .

This years cast of rainbow favorites includes :
HEADLINER Jim David (Star of his own 1/2 hour special COMEDY CENTRAL PRESENTS JIM DAVID,  Comedy Central's TOUGH CROWD WITH COLIN QUINN, OUT ON THE EDGE and COMEDY CENTRAL'S USO TOUR.)
Vidur Kapur (Logo Nominee, NBC's Stand Up  for Diversity).

Hosted by Jeffrey Johns (opening act for Lisa Lampanelli)   and featuring....

Bobby Ha Ha (Broadway Comedy Club)
Tom Ragu (Tom Ragu Revue)
Marc Maietta (NY Comedy Contest)
Aaron Sweeney ("Nicky and Aaron's Fagtastic Comedy Show")
Kyle Senor-Ocasio (Laugh Lounge)
Mona Cooper  (Gotham Comedy Club)
Chris De La Torre (99 Cent Comedy Store)

Thursday June 24th, 7:30PM (Seating at 7PM)
Broadway Comedy Club    318 West 53rd St     NYC
RSVP 212 757 2323

$15 cover ($5 goes to God's Love We Deliver)    2 drink minimum

BUY  IN  ADVANCE  ONLINE   Just $13.99!




 


Best Gay New York

Gay Blogger Nathan Manske Hits The Road with 50 State LGBT Stories Tour

Im From Driftwood.com
and one of The Advocate's Forty Under 40,

recently announced a 50-state "Story Tour" to collect, publish and broadcast true LGBT stories from across the country.


The IFD team will set out in September on a 4-month tour of the U.S. with the goal of bringing IFD off the computer screen and into America. Along the way, they will meet the many faces of LGBT America, bringing their stories to the world through videos, audio stories and written word.

IFD is an award-winning website that collects true LGBT stories from all over the world--from the smallest towns to the biggest cities--to help gay youth feel not so alone.

Throughout the 50-state tour, IFD will have readings at cafes, bookstores, bars, community centers, college campuses and other venues where they will share stories from IFD and talk about the site and its purpose. Along the way, they will be filming and recording video and audio stories from LGBT people they meet across the country.

Throughout the journey, IFD will have a regular blog page chronicling their adventures. (and possibly we'll be posting  some things here as well!)  Marquise Lee, IFD's Video Editor and founder of Crush Deviant Productions will film the journey and make short YouTube videos about their progress. As the Story Tour progresses, they will publish regular video webisodes as well as written updates about their journey.

 

But first...they need your help.

In order to fund the story tour, IFD has launched a fundraising campaign, where they hope to raise $15,000 through small donations and fun incentives (check out their KickStarter page for more details). That won't be enough money for the entire 4-month Tour but it will be enough to get started. They're also hoping to make the entire experience as interactive as possible. The IFD team is taking requests of where to visit and even asking people to open up their guestroom or couches.

IFD knows LGBT people are everywhere.
You know LGBT are everywhere.
After this Road Trip, LGBT youth will know it, too.

We have been watching Nathan's site for over year now, and this guy is going places!
Please help him out and support this project!


Nathan Manske is the creator and editor of the gay, true-stories website I’m From Driftwood. He was recently named one of The Advocate's Forty Under 40 in 2010 for his work on the groundbreaking blog. Nathan is indeed from Driftwood, Texas, but has lived in Brooklyn, New York since 2003. Before creating I’m From Driftwood, he spent 4 years as a full-time copywriter, working first at Hanft Raboy & Partners, then Berlin Cameron & Partners, and has fortunately been able to combine his personal passions with his profession.

His Chemistry.com television commercials raised awareness as well as eyebrows by taking on eHarmony’s discriminatory policies towards gays and lesbians. eHarmony has since changed their policies. He also found a way to actually get paid for being a geek by writing the third X-Men film’s interactive website for 20th Century Fox.  Find him  on Facebook !


Best Gay New York
Best Gay News

Broadway Hottie Kyle Deschamps talks with Gay Life NYC.org

 
gaylifenyc.org  founder
Michael Cavnaugh chats with
Broadway Star and featured Dancer
Kyle Deschamps   for Broadway Bares XX on June 20th.

You may have seen him in Billy Elliott, now see this super hot guy talk about his life, his rugged manly background, and Broadway Bares this year. He's hot, he's single and the nicest guy you would ever want to see.

And get this, he  is a Wilderness Survival Expert - and he  loves adventure including Sky Diving. He is about to become certified, after which time he may become an instructor. You know what that means?  You could go sky diving with Kyle on your back, holding on to you!

Michael  also chats  with the some of the cast  from  "Promises, Promises"  and  has some  great footage of  the Broadway  Bares  solo strip at Splash!

You can watch all the new videos (plus explore lots of useful and
entertaining information by stopping  by  Gay Life NYC.org .


New York City Dyke March and Parties

Since 1993, when the Lesbian Avengers organized the first Dyke March in Washington, D.C. at the March on Washington, and then again in New York in June, dykes have come out to demonstrate for rights and visibility.

Every year, thousands of dykes march down 5th Avenue to Washington Square Park on the Saturday before the NYC Pride Parade. Drummers up front near the banner rally the marchers out into the street and keep the rhythm going all the way down to the Village.
 
Signs proclaim political and personal slogans like "I'll be satisfied when every dyke can be out" and "I'll be satisfied when my mother can say the word lesbian." We've seen giant lesbian puppets, a swimming pool complete with bathing beauties pulled along by strapping gals, SuperDyke in a rainbow cape, and of course: the fabulous marshals, those tireless and dedicated dykes, who lead the march in the front, run down the street blocking the traffic on the sides, and bring up the rear of the march.

The Dyke March is for self-identified women, supporters cheer us on!

THE 18th ANNUAL NYC DYKE MARCH
Saturday, June 26, 2010      Stepoff from Bryant Park (W 42nd St/5th Ave) at 5 pm, sharp!

**WE ARE ALWAYS SEEKING MARSHALS!
Run down 5th, keep the March moving, help marchers stay safe and informed,
meet other women, and get your official TWAT TEAM T-Shirt!

Attend one of two trainings:
Monday, June 14, 7 - 9 pm - Bluestockings (172 Allen Street)
OR       Saturday, June 19, 1 - 3 pm - LGBT Community Services Center    (208 West   13th Street)
Want to marshal but can't make a training?
Email us for more   information at     dykesATdykemarchnycDOTorg

HAPPY HOUR RAFFLE FOR THE DYKE MARCH!

Thursday, June 17, 6:30 pm (ticket drawing at 8:00 pm) at the Stonewall Inn (53 Christopher Street)

Join us at the historic Stonewall Inn for drinks, mingling, and a raffle with prizes from NYC restaurants, Yankees Tickets, Mets Tickets, Rony Tennenbaum Jewelry, Circle Line Cruises, Ms. Magazine, A Gift Certificate from Sam Ash, US Open Tickets, Staceyann Chin, A special L Word Package, and our favorite lesbian-owned sex shop - Babeland!

PLUS   POST DYKE MARCH SPECTACULAR!    Saturday, June 26, 2010, 8 'til late!
Join us for the Post-Dyke March Spectacular at Gingers  - The ONLY after-party that funds the March (banners, marshal materials, meeting space, training space, website, noisemakers, signs, and everything else!)

The  Best of Gay New York


 

Ronnie Kroell Launches Geek Nerd Wonk Charity Monday June 7th

PLAYGIRL Magazine cover-model
& Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel
runner-up, Ronnie Kroell, will be
hosting a benefit with business partner
Stephanie A. Jones, J.D., LL.M., M.P.H., Esquire,
to launch their  GeekNerdWonk Charitable
 Foundation, “Helping Charities Help Themselves.”

The event will be held on
June 7th, 2010 from 5:30-8:30PM
at the beautiful La Pomme Nightclub,
located at 37 W. 26th Street in New
York City.

There will be African music, complimentary beverages, raffle prizes, a live auction at 7:30PM, and a dance party to follow the benefit. There is a suggested donation of $50, but all donations are  welcomed.


GeekNerdWonk Charitable Foundation-

GNW "helps charities help themselves" in three areas of support. GNW contributes funds, talent and
volunteers to support GNW's own fundraising budgets, adds professional and academic credentials to
complement the GNW Charities’ own professional expertise in applied field work approaches to public
health education and promotion, and develops quantitative and qualitative research to provide the
epidemiologically and methodologically sound statistical research to enable GNW Charities to write
scientifically-supported grant proposals.

Best Gay New York

New York Gay Pride Parade Gets One Mile Slashed Off

Many of us enjoy Gay Pride and it's celebrations and parades, but don't think much about the costs involved.  Here in New York City, this years  Gay Pride March on June 27 will be nearly a mile shorter because the city is facing a budget shortfall. The celebration  will step off at 36th Street and 5th Avenue rather than its usual starting point at 52nd and 5th.

Arthur Finn, Co-chair of Heritage of Pride , Inc., the non-profit organization that plans the events commented,  "Some people running NYC Pride are disappointed by the announcement, but we understand the city's need for the change this year. We aren't alone, as the city says it is requiring that every parade make the same sort of reduction as we did for this year."

The parade, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and will feature Mississippi lesbian student Constance McMillen, Judy Shepard, and Lt. Dan Choi as Grand Marshalls,  will still pass the spot where the historic Stonewall riots took place, 41 years ago. Even though much has changed for this year the March Committee is planning an exciting celebration!


Best Gay New York



Jessica Kirson to Headline Standup Social at Bartini Ultra-Lounge, May 26

Fresh off her second appearance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno,
 Jessica Kirson (Tonight Show, The Joy Behar Show, Comedy Central, and LOGO)
headlines StandUp Social at Bartini Ultra Lounge - a monthly show that's always free, and always funny.

Jessica Kirson's unique style and captivating stage presence captures the attention of audiences and club bookers everywhere she performs. Her wide variety of characters brings a diverse energy to her routine.






Produced and hosted by comedians Marc Maietta, Erika Wasser & Katherine Williams;  StandUp Social brings the socialites of the comedy world together for your enjoyment. Joining Jessica May 26th is Sean Donnelly (COMIX), Mick DiFlo (Gotham Comedy Club), and Harriet Halloway (Gotham Comedy Club)!



Free admission, drink specials before 8pm -

Wednesday May 26th 8pm, Bartini Ultra Lounge 

 642 Tenth Ave between 45th and 46th Streets.





Best of Gay New York





Steven Brinberg IS Barbra Streisand

"When you first hear Steven's Simply Barbra CD, for the first brief moment, you almost think, 'My God! Is that really her?' [Streisand] It's so captivating! Not only does he have a wonderful take on her -- not at all mean-spirited -- and this ability to imitate her, he also captures a lot of moments and nuances that are terrific. It was very impressive."  -  Marvin Hamlisch


Me too!  When I first heard Steven sing Barbra, I was  quite impressed. He was just in Chicago and I had the chance to see and hear him perform live. Steven  is the premier Barbra Streisand impressionist, performing his incredible show, Simply Barbra, to international acclaim both on stage and television (and performing twice with none other than Marvin Hamlisch!) as he pays homage to all that is Streisand!

Steven does not lip-sync his performances but accurately portrays Streisand with his own voice! With over a decade of performing experience, his amazing show has Steven in demand literally worldwide!

Steven conceived Simply Barbra in 1993 at Don't Tell Mama in New York City, where the show continues to run when he is not touring. The ever-changing show has been seen in London's West End, The Edinburgh Festival, Atlantic City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Houston, Washington, D.C., New York City, and many other cities both in the United States and around the World!

We chatted briefly in Chicago, then Steven was headed off to Ireland.  His career started quite by accident as he tells  DEEP DISH ..."I was performing cabaret shows as myself, and I would sing snippets of other voices - Cher, Katharine Hepburn, Billie Holiday - but my Barbra was the most popular. One day a friend suggested that I do an entire Barbra show, but I was like "I don't even look like her and I don't know anything about makeup." But I finally booked a couple of weeks to perform as Barbra in New York - and the show just took off."

Singing Streisand is a rarity. "Other than the veteran performer Jim Bailey, I am the only other male Barbra (that I know of) who sings live. Hers is such a unique voice that it is very hard to do properly. I was inspired when in an interview Barbra was asked what she thought of all the men who do her and she said "I wish they'd do me better!" and I thought I am going to be the first one to do her justice and NOT cross my eyes and be mean...I wanted to be flattering to her because I am such a fan.....I have never met Barbra.....but she knows me. Her manager hired me to sing at Donna Karan's birthday party - and through her stage director, she told me what to say at the party. We almost met when she was at the same play I was - but I lost my nerve to go over to her. She later learned that I was there and said, "Why didn't he say hello?" But I just wasn't ready to meet her..."

Steven has been able to see Babs  perform on several occassions - giving him an opportunity to study her up close.
 He tells  Barbra news ...

"I had a friend in Los Angeles who knew someone who knew someone who could get tickets for the  1986 ONE VOICE  concert. There were only 500 seats and it wasn't easy. When he said yes, then I had to convince my parents to give me the money... a lot for a kid to spend! Even then, people were saying this might be her last concert. It was well worth it. We were served dinner on her tennis court. I saw Bette, Whoopi, Goldie,Walter Matthau (they must have made up from DOLLY) everyone seemed to be famous except my party. It was amazing to hear her sing live for the first time and think "This is not a record!" You could look in the windows of her houses, but there were portisans and her trailer set up as bathrooms. I used the latter, and saved the pink heart shape soap I found by the sink!

More recently, I was in Australia while  she was  there also, and Marvin got my pianist and I great seats up close (the concert in the rain in Sydney). It was wild. I did my show one night, saw her show the next night, did my show the next night, and people in the audience waved the flashlights they got at her show! I did a lot of TV while I was there and am told that she saw me on one of the shows! I hope it was the one where the lighting was so beautiful (The Bert Show) cause that's important to me, and to Barbra. The brief scene I have in the new  movie CAMP (after the very end credits) is also lit beautifully. I think she'll be pleased at how I look as her."

What's next for Steven Brinberg?
"Continuing to tour all over the place - and I'm hoping to perform again as myself. My real voice and look are so different than Barbra - but I'm not giving up Barbra. I would just like to be a boy also. I'd love to be a CSI killer and have people go, "Guess what else he does." "

Catch him in New Jersey ,  July  8th, 2010.  Also follow Simply Barbra on Facebook

Simply Barbra  by Steven Brinberg 




         The  Best  of  Gay  New  York

Gay Kiss In Sunday and Monday in New York City


 

This year, IDAHO will be marked by Kiss-in events organised in several cities around the world in a global celebration of love ! Features of these events, and messages from people around the world, will be edited into a global video for MAY 17th.

You can be part of it !

SIX cities in the U.S.

 

are participating in the "Great Global Kiss-in" to mark this year's International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), which is officially Monday, May 17.


San Francisco —  St. Louis —    Portland, Oregon —   ChicagoAustin, Texas


New York CitySunday, May 16, Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, 1:30 - 2pm

New York CityMonday, May 17, Times Square, at the base of the red TKTS staircase

 

International cities include London, Paris and Madrid and more !

"We are asking people to submit videos to www.youtube.com/group/greatglobalkissin and to tag their pictures on flickr with 'GreatGlobalKissIn'. Alternatively they can submit them via gays.com/idaho."

Boys Night at MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING June 2nd


Boys Night Out
for  MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING

Wednesday, June 2nd at 8PM...
 Only $32!

Post-Show reception at THE RITZ BAR & LOUNGE

Purchase $32 tickets today to My Big Gay Italian Wedding (regularly $69.50) using the code BGBOY32 and receive admission to a Post Show My Big Gay Italian Wedding Boys Night Reception Featuring Complimentary Drinks. Directly following the 8PM performance on June 2nd, head over to THE RITZ BAR & LOUNGE (369 W 46th St) for a one hour open bar (beer, wine, well drinks and soda).

Starring Reichen Lehmkuhl (Winner of "The Amazing Race"), My Big Gay Italian Wedding is making it Triumphant Off-Broadway Return. Now Funnier Than Ever!

Planning a wedding can be hell, but planning to ruin a wedding can be a hell of a lot of fun! Andrew (Reichen Lehmkuhl) and Anthony (Anthony Wilkinson) are getting married and everyone wants to "help"! My Big Gay Italian Wedding spins into hysterical fiasco as everyone tries to have their way. From a saboteur ex-boyfriend to a loud, opinionated, outspoken Italian mother, personalities and culture collide in a music and dance-filled extravaganza. RSVP for My Big Gay Italian Wedding now!

 

 

My Big Gay Italian Wedding is being presented by Dina Manzo (star of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey").

 

Come out, see a great show, enjoy some cocktails and mingle with your fellow theatre-goers.

 

Three Easy Ways to get your Boys Night Tickets to My Big Gay Italian Wedding

1. Visit BroadwayOffers.com and mention code BGBOYZ32
2. CALL 212.947.8844 and mention code BGBOYZ32
3. VISIT the St. Luke’s Theatre Box Office, 308 West 46th Street with a printout of this offer.

Restrictions:

PRINT OUT OF OFFER MUST BE PRESENTED BEFORE PURCHASE AT THE BOX OFFICE. Offer valid for June 2nd 8PM performance only. Regularly $69.50. Regular service charges apply to online and phone orders. Subject to availability. Not valid for prior purchases or in combination with any other offer. Limit 8 tickets per order. Offer may be revoked at any time. One party admission voucher is available per ticket purchased. Admittance to party is contingent on redemption of voucher and can only be redeemed for those 21 and over with valid ID. Voucher will be included in your ticket envelope either from Telecharge.com or the box office. Open bar includes beer, wine, well drinks and soda.

If you are unable to attend this Special Boys Night, you still can save on My Big Gay Italian Wedding  by purchasing a $39.50 ticket Wednesday through Friday and $49.50 tickets for Saturday night using code: BGHHC49.

The  Best of Gay New York