Carl Gustavsen (1943-2012)
VITAL VOICE
An update for the community: Carl Gustavsen's memorial service will be held Monday October 1st- 10:30am at Jefferson Barracks, the public is invited. In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to The LGBT center of St. Louis in Carl's name.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Club Escapade offered FOR SALE
Club Escapade offered FOR SALE
by: Colby Kluthe BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
(BELLEVILLE)
Bar owners Rick and Harold have operated Club Escapade in downtown Belleville somewhere outside of a decade, and have for the second time in as many years has decided to offer the business for sale, in an effort to step back from the day-to-day operations of the LGBT mainstay.
The bar, located at 133 West Main Street is offered for sale at $225,000 and features 1700 square feet of space with reliable customer base.
Club Escapade has been the host venue for Metro East Pride since it's inception in 2008, with the current owners being instrumental in the annual festival's founding and growth over the past 5 years. In late 2010, rumors of the bars sale surfaces but no deal was ever reached.
Club Escapade has a reputation as a welcoming neighborhood bar and by all accounts the location is likely to remain as a bar venue. The current bar owners explain in social media platforms: "we appreciate your business and the bar will remain open until we are officially sold."
Club Escapade remains open Tuesday to Saturday 6PM- 2AM.Anyone interested in this awesome turn-key opportunity, please contact Rick Hembre
VIEW LISTING DETAIL
Rick Hembree
Club Escapade
clubescapade@live.com
(618) 580-8470
Thursday, September 20, 2012
“Artistically Speaking Anniversary Slam & Jam!” @ Seven Restaurant & Lounge
“Artistically Speaking Anniversary Slam & Jam!” @ Seven Restaurant & Lounge: Wed., Oct. 3rdby Susan Spit-Fire Lively - MetroEast NEWS
(BELLEVILLE)
Woohoo!! It’s on people! J The 1 year Anniversary show for “Artistically Speaking!” – the “Artistically Speaking Anniversary Slam & Jam!”, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3rd at Seven Restaurant & Lounge ( Seven Belleville 7 S. High St., Belleville, IL 62220). And in honor of this anniversary milestone that we could not have achieved without your support (thank you!!), we will have a special impromptu jam session featuring local musicians, poets, and spoken word artists, and a drawing for fabulous free door prizes! Seven, a haven for regional arts and entertainment, lies in the heart of historic downtown Belleville and features wonderful Creole, French, Italian, and American food, a large outdoor seating area, two full bars, and wide-screen TV’s. To learn more about this stylish venue, please call (618) 277-6700or visit their website at www.sevenrestaurantandlounge.com.
There’s no cover charge for this special event!! The doors open at 8:00 and the show, which also has an Open Mic, will begin at 9:00. Experience the thrill of live performance-based art with the most amazing musicians, poets, comedians, and more in a gallery filled with enchanting local artwork. The friendly and dedicated staff even keep the kitchen open late so you can enjoy mouthwatering appetizers ($2.00 Off All Appetizers) and beverages ($5 Martini Wednesdays!)
So, as you can see, our Wednesday, Oct. 3rd show is going to be absolutely electric!! Our Special Guests will be Musician, Spoken Word Artist, and Author Aja La Starr (St. Louis, MO); Poet, Spoken Word Artist, and Vocalist Taylored Poet (St. Louis, MO); Musician, Songwriter, and Vocalist Kwame Segar (East St. Louis, IL); and Poet, Author, and Spoken Word Artist Michelle Henschel (St. Peters, MO). . We’ll meet in the second floor gallery!
SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY:
Aja La’ Starr
St. Louis native Aja La’ Starr is a renowned hip-hop musician, poet, spoken word artist, and educator. She first began rapping during the early 1990’s. She attended Xavier University in Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree and then went on to attain an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Dedicating her life to underserved minorities and youth, she runs programs benefitting them in local communities. In addition, she has facilitated, moderated, hosted, and organized many conferences, workshops and teen summits throughout the U.S. La’ Starr is the founder of “IAMHIPHOPSTL”, a dynamic movement celebrating the positive contributions of women throughout hip hop culture.
In the course of her career this award-winning artist has performed all over the country, appeared several times on BET, and opened up for the likes of Jill Scott, Mary Blige, and 50 Cent. In 2011, Aja received the “Author of the Year” award at the “2012 Traffic Music Awards” and was honored two years in a row by “Divas of the Lou”. She has been featured at numerous shows across the country such as: “Spoken Word Groove”, “Sistah Speak”, “S.W.A.U.”, “Hustle and Flow: The Experience”, “Soul Spektrum”, “Soul Sessions”, “Soul Stage”, “Thundaground Open Mic”, “Erotic Interludes”, “Got Lyrics”, “The Word”, and many more. She has also performed at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, Forest Park Community College, and Florissant Valley Community College.
In addition to self-publishing her own books - “Refuge: A Poetic Sanctuary” (2011) and “Venus Loves Music” (2012), La’ Starr has helped to publish over 18 authors, many of them children. Her Cd projects include: “Back II Tha Elements”, “Sistah Souljahz”, “I'm Different”, and “Intimate Conversations”. She has also appeared on several different mix tapes. Aja has been deeply influenced by artists such as Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Sonia Sanchez. To learn more about this amazing and inspirational woman, please visit www.wix.com/gotrefuge/gotrefuge.
Taylored Poet
South Carolinian vocalist, producer, poet, and spoken word artist Taylored Poet is highly respected in the Arts community. She made her debut in 1998 as a poet and spoken word artist at the Divinity Café, and has been rocking stages across the country ever since. Her performances are compelling, emotionally charged, and incredibly touching. This proud mother of six owns “Out Tha Box Entertainment” and was the producer and host of “The Sipher”. Her wildly popular spoken word CD “Shades of Gray” was released in 2005, and her first novel – “Crazed Sanity”, came out in April of last year.
Taylored Poet is currently devoting her time to her studies and a new poetry anthology project in honor of 19 year-old murder victim Aniya Cook of St. Louis, whose shooting death was virtually ignored by local media and whose case is still unsolved. 75 women will dedicate 75 poems in honor of Cook, a beautiful, young high school graduate who was preparing to leave for Springfield on a scholarship to Missouri State University. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund set up in Aniya’s name. Taylored Poet and her wife currently reside in St. Louis, MO.
Kwame Segar
Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Kwame Segar is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and vocalist. He currently lives in East St. Louis, IL, which he credits for the development of his considerable music abilities. He is a full-time student at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville where he is studying Music Instruction and Merchandising. Segar skillfully plays a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, and trumpet. His music ranges from the deeply spiritual to R&B, Alternative, Jazz, and Rap, and his live performances are soulful and moving. He’s performed at several popular local venues, among them Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, Nigel’s Bookstore, Legacy, FOAM Coffee & Beer, Sheba’s, and Rance John Styles.
The former host of “One Mic” at SIUE, Kwame’s influences include many well-known musicians such as NAS, Bob Marley, India Arie, Anthony Hamilton, Sizzla, Straight Gutta, Prophecy Sound International, 18 Karat Reggae, Jah Cure, Alicia Keys, Nneka, Lauryn Hill, and Louis Conphliction. He also enjoys listening to Classical, Rock, and Country. To learn more or for booking information, please contact Mr. Segar atksegar@siue.edu.
Michelle Henschel
A fresh face in the world of the arts, Michelle Henschel is dynamite in the form of a very poetic soul. Based in St. Peters, Mo., Michelle is a poet, writer, spoken word artist, author, and painter. This eclectic artist specializes in slam style prose and delivers dramatic, intriguing live performances. She frequents the “Saint Louis Poetry Slam”, Legacy Café & Books, and the Queen Café. She was recently chosen as one of only 40 writers to get to submit to “Naughty Gras”. She is now hard at work on two books: “Hunting in Society’s Cross Pool” and an art book featuring her poems and paintings entitled “A Dark Dose of Blinding Reality”. Henschel’s other interests include listening to music, politics, and attending local literary events.
Aja La’ Starr
St. Louis native Aja La’ Starr is a renowned hip-hop musician, poet, spoken word artist, and educator. She first began rapping during the early 1990’s. She attended Xavier University in Louisiana where she earned a Bachelor’s degree and then went on to attain an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Dedicating her life to underserved minorities and youth, she runs programs benefitting them in local communities. In addition, she has facilitated, moderated, hosted, and organized many conferences, workshops and teen summits throughout the U.S. La’ Starr is the founder of “IAMHIPHOPSTL”, a dynamic movement celebrating the positive contributions of women throughout hip hop culture.
In the course of her career this award-winning artist has performed all over the country, appeared several times on BET, and opened up for the likes of Jill Scott, Mary Blige, and 50 Cent. In 2011, Aja received the “Author of the Year” award at the “2012 Traffic Music Awards” and was honored two years in a row by “Divas of the Lou”. She has been featured at numerous shows across the country such as: “Spoken Word Groove”, “Sistah Speak”, “S.W.A.U.”, “Hustle and Flow: The Experience”, “Soul Spektrum”, “Soul Sessions”, “Soul Stage”, “Thundaground Open Mic”, “Erotic Interludes”, “Got Lyrics”, “The Word”, and many more. She has also performed at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, Forest Park Community College, and Florissant Valley Community College.
In addition to self-publishing her own books - “Refuge: A Poetic Sanctuary” (2011) and “Venus Loves Music” (2012), La’ Starr has helped to publish over 18 authors, many of them children. Her Cd projects include: “Back II Tha Elements”, “Sistah Souljahz”, “I'm Different”, and “Intimate Conversations”. She has also appeared on several different mix tapes. Aja has been deeply influenced by artists such as Queen Latifah, Bahamadia, Lauryn Hill, MC Lyte, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and Sonia Sanchez. To learn more about this amazing and inspirational woman, please visit www.wix.com/gotrefuge/gotrefuge.
Taylored Poet
South Carolinian vocalist, producer, poet, and spoken word artist Taylored Poet is highly respected in the Arts community. She made her debut in 1998 as a poet and spoken word artist at the Divinity Café, and has been rocking stages across the country ever since. Her performances are compelling, emotionally charged, and incredibly touching. This proud mother of six owns “Out Tha Box Entertainment” and was the producer and host of “The Sipher”. Her wildly popular spoken word CD “Shades of Gray” was released in 2005, and her first novel – “Crazed Sanity”, came out in April of last year.
Taylored Poet is currently devoting her time to her studies and a new poetry anthology project in honor of 19 year-old murder victim Aniya Cook of St. Louis, whose shooting death was virtually ignored by local media and whose case is still unsolved. 75 women will dedicate 75 poems in honor of Cook, a beautiful, young high school graduate who was preparing to leave for Springfield on a scholarship to Missouri State University. Proceeds will benefit a scholarship fund set up in Aniya’s name. Taylored Poet and her wife currently reside in St. Louis, MO.
Kwame Segar
Originally from Virginia Beach, VA, Kwame Segar is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and vocalist. He currently lives in East St. Louis, IL, which he credits for the development of his considerable music abilities. He is a full-time student at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville where he is studying Music Instruction and Merchandising. Segar skillfully plays a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, and trumpet. His music ranges from the deeply spiritual to R&B, Alternative, Jazz, and Rap, and his live performances are soulful and moving. He’s performed at several popular local venues, among them Schmidt Art Center, Southwestern Illinois College, Nigel’s Bookstore, Legacy, FOAM Coffee & Beer, Sheba’s, and Rance John Styles.
The former host of “One Mic” at SIUE, Kwame’s influences include many well-known musicians such as NAS, Bob Marley, India Arie, Anthony Hamilton, Sizzla, Straight Gutta, Prophecy Sound International, 18 Karat Reggae, Jah Cure, Alicia Keys, Nneka, Lauryn Hill, and Louis Conphliction. He also enjoys listening to Classical, Rock, and Country. To learn more or for booking information, please contact Mr. Segar atksegar@siue.edu.
Michelle Henschel
A fresh face in the world of the arts, Michelle Henschel is dynamite in the form of a very poetic soul. Based in St. Peters, Mo., Michelle is a poet, writer, spoken word artist, author, and painter. This eclectic artist specializes in slam style prose and delivers dramatic, intriguing live performances. She frequents the “Saint Louis Poetry Slam”, Legacy Café & Books, and the Queen Café. She was recently chosen as one of only 40 writers to get to submit to “Naughty Gras”. She is now hard at work on two books: “Hunting in Society’s Cross Pool” and an art book featuring her poems and paintings entitled “A Dark Dose of Blinding Reality”. Henschel’s other interests include listening to music, politics, and attending local literary events.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
The History of LGBT History Month: A Reception to Recognize Rodney Wilson
The History of LGBT History Month: A Reception to Recognize Rodney Wilson.
via St. Louis Gay History Project · By Steven Brawley
via St. Louis Gay History Project · By Steven Brawley
(ST LOUIS) October 20th 2-4 pm @ The LGBT Center of St. Louis
The St. Louis LGBT History Project is proud to honor and recognize Rodney Wilson - founder of the now annual LGBT History Month hosted nationwide every October. Rodney spearheaded the creation of LGBT History Month back in 1994 when he was a teacher at Mehlville High School. Join us at a special reception and hear Rodney talk about how the idea came about.
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month
October was chosen by Wilson as the month for the celebration because National Coming Out Day already was established as a widely known event, on October 11, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979. LGBT History Month is intended to encourage honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_History_Month
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
POSTED: NO TRESPASSING by:Tess Farnham
POSTED: NO TRESPASSING
by: Tess Farnham MetroEast NEWS
POSTED: NO TRESPASSING by: Tess Farnham MetroEast NEWS Posted by tessf in Bipolar Disorder, BPD, Learning and Spirituality, Manic Depression, Memoir,PTSD and tagged with bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, creativity and bipolar illness, East St. Louis, girl interrupted, Illinois, spirituality
by: Tess Farnham MetroEast NEWS
Bubby & Sissy's hosts MADCAP Benefit Show - OCT. 12th
www.DanielMcCree.Org
via BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
(ALTON)
The Madison County Illinois HIV/AIDS program (MADCAP) will benefit from a special night of performances by the region's top drag talent. On October 12th, Bubby and Sissy's in Alton will be hosting this special event.
Be sure to mark your callenders and support this important cause.
BUBBY AND SISSY'S of ALTON
602 Belle Street
Alton, IL 62002
via BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
(ALTON)
Be sure to mark your callenders and support this important cause.
BUBBY AND SISSY'S of ALTON
602 Belle Street
Alton, IL 62002
**DATE CHANGE** Coming Out Day Candlelight March, October 10th
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
via MEPSI
3rd Annual National Coming Out Day Candlelight March, October 11th
(BELLEVILLE) ##UPDATED 9-18-2012##
Join Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI) for the 3rd Annual National Coming Out Day Candlelight March on
Wednesday, October 10th.
We will be meeting at the Belleville Carnegie Library (121 East Washington) at 6:30 p.m. to step off and walk over to Historic Main St. – and then down Main, across the square , ending at Club Escapade @ West Main and 2nd Streets.
Join us as we light the night with pride and visibility. We also recognize that bigotry exists and there are those who cannot join us. We honor and represent them – as well as the countless thousands who have been victims of anti-gay violence in the face of visibility.
Brief remarks by area community leaders will be given prior to step off.
Founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender —coming out regarding one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. The holiday is observed annually by members of the gay community on October 11.
Join us as we light the night with pride and visibility. We also recognize that bigotry exists and there are those who cannot join us. We honor and represent them – as well as the countless thousands who have been victims of anti-gay violence in the face of visibility.
Brief remarks by area community leaders will be given prior to step off.
Founded in 1988 by Robert Eichberg, National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender —coming out regarding one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. The holiday is observed annually by members of the gay community on October 11.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Rainbow Cafe 12th Anniversary Gala
BellevillePride~MetroEast NEWS
By RainbowCafe November-Gregg
Rainbow Cafe 12th Anniversary Gala October 6th
(CARBONDALE)One of the region's first LGBT affirming organizations is celebrating its 12 Anniversary with a Benefit Gala in honor of it's mission and purpose to the LGBT youth and allies in Southern Illinois. Mark your calender's now for this special event and book your table in advance to join with us as we celebrate a dozen years in Carbondale.
October 6, 2012, Rainbow Café will celebrate its 12th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship Hall from 6-9 pm. Dinner catered by Crystal’s Catering, wine provided by Newell House, and entertainment by Derek Hamblin with a Broadway review by Dance4Grandma Theatricals. $35 per person, or $300 table of 8.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Dayonna Hilton Crowned Miss Gay Illinois America 2012
Congratulations go out to Dayonna Hilton your New Miss Gay Illinois America
9/9/2012 (ST. LOUIS)
Congratulations go out to Dayonna Hilton your New Miss Gay Illinois America
MissgayIllinois America's Photos
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
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