This is the IMRU Community Calendar featuring all
the best things to do and see under the rainbow of Southern California
Wednesday, October 5
The first Wednesday of every month it's GAYS R US at The Improv
Featuring the best gay, gay-friendly, questioning, curious funniest comics
This Wednesday:
Erin Foley hosts another all-star lineup! Featuring the comedy stylings of Mike Rose, Jen Kirkman, Pat Branch, Jason Dudey and Gays R Us favorite Dana Goldberg (Logo's One Night Stand Up) headlines!
$10 tickets on-line at www.improv.com, promo code GAYS
$14 tickets at the door
For more info, contact gaysruscomedy@gmail.com
Wednesday-Saturdays through October
Los Angeles Theater Review: WHAT’S WRONG WITH ANGRY? (Celebration Theatre)
WHAT’S WRONG? IT’S ALL RIGHT
In thousands of YouTube videos, out-and-proud adults tell marginalized queer youth that life will get better. Yet the “It Gets Better” campaign advocates for a rather troublesome passivity. Hopes are pinned on an ambiguous future, and the question of exactly how things will get better remains unanswered.
In a stunning opening to Celebration Theatre’s 29th season, What’s Wrong with Angry? suggests that getting angry about the status quo – and activating that anger – may be the first step towards social change.
Steven Carter (the endearing Daniel Taylor) is an innocent young man: the only gay one at his Catholic boys school, or so he thinks. Fellow student John Westhead (Miles Heymann) may play macho with the guys at school, but he stumbles into Steven’s arms at the public toilets one day. In their closeted romance, filled with all the awkward silences and uncomfortable gropes of young love, Steven and John confront systematic prejudice and the continual threat of gay bashing.
Patrick Wilde’s play, originally produced in London in 1993, responded to a time in which legal sexual consent for homosexuals in Britain was 5 years older than for heterosexuals, and the law prohibited promoting homosexuality through teaching or by publishing material. Although laws may have changed, prejudice and narrow representations of homosexuality remain – in both England and the US. Director Michael Matthews smartly adapts a Spring Awakening aesthetic to the Celebration stage, ready to topple institutionalized prejudice against homosexuality with raw, youthful energy.
Matthews’ inventive staging particularly soars in transitions between scenes, where the characters inhabit a blissful, heightened realm of physical expression. Cricket S. Myers’ crisp sound design makes clear transitions between the diegetic music playing from the radio and the nondiegetic music of transitions. As pop music rises to the forefront, characters rock along with the beat and swirl Kurt Boetcher’s modular set pieces into place. In fact, music often offers a space of self-expression and meaningful connection throughout the play. Although Steven and John cannot partner with one another at the school dance, a smart bit of UV lighting (designed by Matthew Brian Denman) on the boys’ button-down white shirts crafts a glowing vision of the boys dancing together, even if their bodies never touch.
Kelly Schulmann positively steals the stage as Linda, Steven’s ever-supportive straight female friend. Linda’s embrace of her curves especially shines in her rapturous, uninhibited dancing; Linda is an important role model for Steven, who is still learning to inhabit his body comfortably. Steven’s compelling journey towards the confidence to dance, the courage to speak, and the anger to scream propels the powerful political message of this glowing production of What’s Wrong with Angry?
Celebration Theatre, we hear you loud and clear.
stellis @ stageandcinema.com
photos by Miguel Montalvo
What’s Wrong with Angry?
open run
for tickets, visit http://www.celebrationtheatre.com/
Opening at a Theatre Near You This Week
http://weinsteinco.com/sites/dirty-girl/
http://www.weekend-film.com/home/
Sunday, October 8
San Gabriel Valley Pride began in 2001 with a small group of volunteers eager to unite the LGBT Community in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. We began as a small picnic in the park and have since grown into an official non-profit charitable organization.
We offer a different type of opportunity to celebrate LGBT Pride no matter what generation of the family a person is from. The San Gabriel Valley Pride event is very different from larger urban Pride celebrations. As a community event, San Gabriel Valley Pride will continue to be free and open to all.
The theme for the ten year anniversary of San Gabriel Valley Pride is "Community Unity: Growing Together."
Strengthening Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender families. It's good for our families and good for our communities. Join the conversation.
For a schedule of events or more info, go to: http://sgvpride.org/home.html
Thursday, October 13
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Cicada Restaurant |
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Robert Winters, MD
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Michael Gottlieb, MD
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Wilbert Jordan, MD
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AIDS Research Alliance is the U.S.'s only independent, nonprofit medical research institution dedicated to finding a cure for AIDS and a vaccine to prevent HIV infection. www.aidsresearch.org
Tables of 10 or 12
Sponsors: $3,500 / $6,500 / $10,000
Basic Ticket: $350
For more info . . .
Angie Comer
310-228-2040
acomer@aidsresearch.org
www.aidsresearch.org/gala
October 21-23
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West Coast Premiere! |
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“America’s Gaysian Sweetheart,” ALEC MAPA, returns to the Renberg in his first new solo show in three years! It's an all-new evening of stand-up comedy called BABY DADDY, which hilariously chronicles his latest adventures as he marches into the unchartered territory of gay fatherhood. |
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THE RENBERG THEATRE |
Tickets: $20 |
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Mapa is a "petite and powerful bundle of Filipino-American sass, all wired up with energy and humor ... He never flagged or disappointed, careening through topics without ever losing his kooky command of the stages ... Mapa deserves an Oscar!" ~ Michael Musto/Village Voice |
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Wednesday, October 26
We Dare You to Come to
In The Meantime's Annual BLACK PARTY
MONSTER'S BALL
Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 10-2a.m., Dance all night
Jewel's Room
4067 W. Pico Blvd., LA CA 90019
$7.00 Admission
(Free with Black Card)
Drink Specials & Entertainment
Suggested Attire: All Black or a Costume
Costume Contest with Cash Prizes
11pm to Midnight
1st Place $250.00, 2nd Place $125.00, 3rd Place $75.00, 4th Place $50.00
$25.00 Incentive for the first 25 Black men to get an HIV test
Supported by In The Meantime's General Fund and AIDS Health Care Foundation
Event open to ALL........
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center: Halloweenie on October 28 at Hollywood Forever
WHAT: Fred & Jason’s Halloweenie
L.A.’s most monumental Halloween party, with an open bar, dancing, and
music by Grammy-nominated circuit king Dave Aude and DJ Beau Dasher! Proceeds support L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center services
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 28 at 9 p.m.
WHERE: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038
COST: $65 for general admission tickets through Friday, Sept. 30
$125 for VIP tickets through Friday, Sept. 30
$75 for general admission starting Saturday, Oct. 1
$150 for VIP tickets starting Saturday, Oct. 1
$1,000 for cabanas, which include:
Admission for six
Cabana near the dance floor
Private drink service
Preferred parking for two vehicles
INFO.: For more information, go to www.ypchalloweenie.org.
Saturday, October 29
Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day
The City of West Hollywood has a long history of being on the cutting edge of new artistic and musical endeavors. The Whisky A Go-Go, the first live music venue and the only surviving one to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, opened its doors in 1964 and soon after launched a trend that would ultimately become the norm in clubs all over the world by suspending cages with Go-Go dancers from the ceiling of the club.
“From the Whisky to Micky’s, from Voyeur to Club Eleven – Go-Go dancers perform all year long for the delight of both locals and tourists in West Hollywood,” said West Hollywood Mayor John J. Duran. “We have more Go-Go dancers per square mile than any other city in America and it’s time we celebrated their efforts and hard work!” continued Mayor Duran.
In the mid-1960s and the 1970s, the Sunset Strip became a major center for the counterculture as Go-Go dancers did their thing at the Whisky and other clubs along the Strip. In 1968, the first Groovy Guy contest was started as a marketing tool for the then newly-formed Advocate magazine and as a way to unite the Los Angeles gay community. By 1970, the contest had become so famous that The Advocate featured a Groovy Guy float in the first gay pride parade down Hollywood Boulevard and that summer’s contest was held at Ciro’s Restaurant (now The Comedy Store). The Groovy Guy contest ran in one form or another through 1991.
“Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day is about celebrating the part of our West Hollywood culture that arrived with the freedom generation and stuck around through the decades as an expression of who we are,” said Councilmember John D’Amico.
By the early 1970’s both the female and male Go-Go dancing phenomenon was part of West Hollywood culture and dancers have been appreciated on stages big and small at clubs across the City ever since.
Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day will consist of the City working in conjunction with local businesses to stage an amateur Go-Go dancer competition on Larrabee Street north of Santa Monica Boulevard. Clubs along the Sunset Strip will also participate and businesses Citywide will be hold special events and offerings on Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day.
THE VILLAGE VARIETY PACK
With Your Hosts Dennis Hensley and Michael Anthony
Hosts Michael Anthony and Dennis Hensley invite you to dive into a delicious mix of stand-up and sketch comedy, music, interviews, videos and surprise guests at our old-fashioned variety show where anything can happen!
Our community's hottest young musicians, comedians, performance artists and behind-the-scenes talents take the stage to do what they do best!
Next show: Monday, November 7, at 8 p.m.
"Supporting the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center has never been so easy - or so fun!" ~Frontiers
"Where does one go for variety-type entertainment on a Monday night? Thank the gays for bringing us The Village Variety Pack!" ~LA Weekly
THE DAVIDSON/VALENTINI THEATRE
Next show: Monday, November 7 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Click here to purchase tickets
at
What Matters Most
Anniversary/ Fundraiser
Sunday, December 4, 2011
5 until 8 p.m.
4000 Washington Boulevard
Los Angeles California 90019
5-6 p.m. (promptly)
Champagne Reception/Tray Pass
6-7 p.m.
Entertainment/Awards Presentation
(Maulana Karenga, Key Note Speaker,
Special guest appearance by song stylists, Jeffrey King)
7-8 p.m.
Afterglow/Cash Bar
Admission $30
Attire: Holiday Dressy
Open Seating
Event Information: 323-733-4868
TUESDAYS
THE VILLAGE VARIETY PACK
With Your Hosts Dennis Hensley and Michael Anthony
Hosts Michael Anthony and Dennis Hensley invite you to dive into a delicious mix of stand-up and sketch comedy, music, interviews, videos and surprise guests at our old-fashioned variety show where anything can happen!
Our community's hottest young musicians, comedians, performance artists and behind-the-scenes talents take the stage to do what they do best!
Next show: Monday, November 7, at 8 p.m.
"Supporting the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center has never been so easy - or so fun!" ~Frontiers
"Where does one go for variety-type entertainment on a Monday night? Thank the gays for bringing us The Village Variety Pack!" ~LA Weekly
Next show: Monday, November 7 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $15
Click here to purchase tickets
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at What Matters Most Anniversary/ Fundraiser Sunday, December 4, 2011 5 until 8 p.m. 4000 Washington Boulevard Los Angeles California 90019
5-6 p.m. (promptly) Champagne Reception/Tray Pass
6-7 p.m. Entertainment/Awards Presentation (Maulana Karenga, Key Note Speaker, Special guest appearance by song stylists, Jeffrey King)
7-8 p.m. Afterglow/Cash Bar Admission $30 Attire: Holiday Dressy Open Seating Event Information: 323-733-4868 |
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the Kick Back’
Discussion Group
For Young Men 29 and Under
Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month from 7-9 p.m.
The New Drop-In Community Youth Center
4067 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 — 323-733-4868
Free and Open — Refreshments served
www.inthemeantimemen.org — www.mylifemystyle.net
OUR MISSION
“In The Meantime Men’s Group, Inc. is purposed to enrich, empower, and extend the lives of intergenerational black men, respectful of sexual orientation, through social, educational, health and wellness programs and services.”
In the Meantime Men's Group, Inc. is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit community service organization. Over the past 10 years In The Meantime has been on the forefront of creating an environment that supports, empowers and educates black, gay, same gender-loving and bi-sexual men in Los Angeles County.
Through an integrated holistic approach to wellness, In The Meantime (ITMT) focuses on the mental/emotional, physical, spiritual, and economic well being of a community that is oftentimes isolated and excluded from mainstream society.
ITMT facilitates three home-grown HIV/AIDS empowerment prevention programs, two (weekly) social discussion support groups, peer and group counseling, a black men’s wellness conference, a three day men’s empowerment retreat, the SOLA Meth Crystal Meth Taskforce, and the South Los Angeles Black Gay Men’s Taskforce, computer training, a quarterly community publication (Message In The Meantime), an online weekly newsletter, and a host of community and cultural events that focus on community building that include a King Day Celebration and a Kwanzaa Celebration.
ITMT’S most recent program addition is a community drop-in center that provides a relaxed social environment for youth programming, and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling activities.
WEDNESDAYS
Gay and Lesbian Sierra Club has a weekly Griffith Park Conditioning Hike every Wednesday night at 7pm. Join the Sierrans for a moderate hike of 5 miles to Mt. Hollywood with an eleven hundred foot gain. Lug-soled boots are best for traction, but some hikers wear sneakers. Bring a flashlight if you’re not used to hiking in the dark. Rain cancels. That’s every Wednesday, 7 p.m. sharp by the flagpole near the vending machines at the Griffith Park Visitors Center. Check out other gay and lesbian Sierran outings at http://angeles.sierraclub.org/gls/
You can find information on these and other events listed on the IMRU Google Calendar at http://tinyurl.com/6au4tl5 which can be viewed/printed in monthly/weekly/daily or agenda forms. We also blog about important happenings at http://imru.posterous.com/ where you can leave comments or suggestions and cross post links to the Calendar on Twitter as well as our Facebook page—so it pays to be a Friend and/or to Follow Us.
