To see all the Photos, Links & More
& click on the Gossip Star
Dishing with Mark & Carrie
11-4-9
You are Invited to the Sneak Pre view Cocktail Party
"The Pianos in Ybor"
Saturday, Nov 7, 8-10PM @ Gallery Live
(Next to MC Film on the corner of 8th Ave & 15th Street Ybor City)
The Tampa Bay Business Guilds "Citizens of the Year"
It was a packed night at the Ritz in Ybor. The Annual Tampa Bay Business Guild Award Banquet set a record crowd. The night to celebrate and honor the friends and advocates that work so hard in the area for GLBTA causes. At the helm of the catered dinner gala was Fox TV Channel 13 anchor Russell Rhodes, MC'ing with his classical wit and humor. Guild President Corrie Jeffries was dressed to the t's in his tailed tuxedo. Some of the GLBT local politician and officials included newly appointed Tampa's first female and lesbian chief, Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, elected openly Gay Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner, and Circuit Court Judge Carolyn Tesch.
It was an great honor for us to bestowed the Tampa Bay Business Guild's "2009 Citizens of the Year Award." In presenting the award Commissioner Kevin Beckner gave a heartfelt introduction and we were handed a framed letter from Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and a plaque from the Tampa Bay Business Guild honoring "Mark Bias and Carrie West as 2009 Citizens of the Year and two of the founders of the GaYBOR District Coalition." We humbly accepted the recognition among our friends,peers and Business Guild Members. "We have lived and been a major part of the Tampa Bay GLBT community almost all of our lives. This is a great honor you have given us and we THANK YOU!"
"The President's Award" given by Corrie Jeffries, with a video introduction by Florida State Representative Rick Kriseman was given to former Guild President Dr. Scott Barry. "Volunteer of the Year" went to Felicia Filallo from the Human Rights Campaign. The "Non Profit Group of the Year" went to the Susan B. Plotnik Board members for years of service for women causes..
SHAME on the Tampa Cuban Club!!!
First, We would like to THANK All of You who sent E -Mails & made Calls!!!
We assumed the Cuban Club was totally unaware of the kind of HATE projected by Buju Banton who was mysteriously scheduled to perform Friday, Oct 30 at their club. We informed the Cuban Club & then many of you of the situation. This guy advocates in his songs and in person violence, hate, killing gays and beating up women! It was up to The Cuban Club to do the right thing after that. PRIDE Tampa Bay & MC Film (we never spoke on behalf of the GDC) decided not to protest the event. We felt that the Cuban Club is totally responsible for booking the act, let it go on & for the consequences afterwards.
Below is the only letter we received from the Jose Berenguer, President of the Cuban Club
cubanclubtampa@verizon.net . You decide for yourself the tone it was written in.
Interesting that only Gays called him? Humm... We think not because most of the 100's of calls and letters we received were from Ybor City busineses and Tampa straight allies. We do not advocate profanity nor did we instigate the controversial concert. The 50+ cancelled performances around the country were noted in the Tampa Tribune & St. Pete Times papers in regarding locally The Ritz in YBOR CITY, Hardrock Hotel in Orlando & Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg .
It will be very interesting to see what, if any damage control the Cuban Club does.
With GLBTA PRIDE,
Mark & Carrie
*********************
Below is from the President of the Cuban Club
Mark/Carrie,
I appreciate you sending this out. I have been on the phone all day with concerned citizens from the Gay community. Some of the post, especially Mr. Wolfe contacting me at my private office and then putting my personal phone number on the internet is completely wrong. The Club has hosted many events, including Gay, Church, Rap, etc...We respect everyone and request that if calling the office please refrain from using profanity or threatening the office staff--THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE TODAY. Everyone has the right to protest because that is your right. We did not know about the history when this was booked at the last minute and we never saw anything in the newspaper stating that all these venues cancelled the event--since no one on the board follows reggae. TODAY, We know the real story and will make sure this artist does not return to our venue.
respectfully
Jose
The Grinch Who Stole Guavaween
Guavaween 2009 from a Merchant's Point of View
Other Ybor merchants told us this should have been titled
"The Grinch that Stole Guavaween." The Laughing Cat Restaurant, Ybor Social, Ybor Eagle, MC Film, Spurs, Perfumery on 7th, The Ritz, Urban Outfitters were some of the businesses that were closed. Streetcar Charlie's, Rock-n-Sport, Carmine's, Bernini's, L'Olivier's, Teatro's and El Puerto Restaurant & Grill were some of the restaurants that were open with empty dining rooms and patrons. Many other businesses reported way below average in a off season business. We are looking forward to working with 'The Ybor Chamber of Commerce' on next years Guavaween. Send your suggestions to Tom Keating, President of YCCC.
tkeating@ybor.org
Our Highlight of Guavaween 2009 - Wedding Proposal on steps of L' Olivier's
We were watching the Guavaween 2009 Parade of Ghouls pass by L' Olivier's when a man dressed as Caesar asked us for a small favor.... After the parade he was going to ask us to take a picture of him & his girlfriend. What he was ready going to do was ask her in a proposal to MARRY him!!!! Congratulations & Best Wishes to the Future Bride & Groom! As of today we still do not know their names????
Below are some of the fun costumes this year.
A GREAT letter about GaYBOR!!!
The Night before Halloween
Caught at Chelsea Nightclub
A Wild Upcoming Weekend
The November temperature is dropping and that brings a lot of fall activity to the area. Especially after record 90 degree temps last week. The first Mr Ybor Eagle Leather Competition is set for this Friday thru Sunday. The event was previously the Suncoast Mr Leather Contest. Activities will be centered around the Ybor Eagle on 15th Street. A lot of out of towners visiting, competitors, Mr Leather judges and entertainment will be here. It is on the pathway to International Mr Leather (IML) in Chicago Memorial Day Weekend. Come out and sport your leather gear.
Tampa Bay HRC is holding
'Bowling For Equality' Nov 7th, 2-5 PM at
Ten Pin Lanes located at 1453 Pasadena Ave in St. Pete. Special guests performing include
Natasha Richards, Melanie Minyon, and
Tariq. The
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be gracious host guest also. Get out your bowling balls and shoes and help the cause with your friends. For more info and to support the Human Rights Campaign Tampa Bay.
www.hrc.org/tampabaybowling.
The Evolution of Drag written by Tampa's
Daphne Ferraro is again being presented after a total sell out for the original theatrical drag experience was presented at
Honey Pot last spring. This Sunday there will be two performances,
The Nice and The Naughty at the Honey Pot. First is a 4:00 PG version with all the antics and fun but less naughty. The later 8:00 show is a more risque and has a R late night rating. A large super cast of over 18 drag performers telling the story of drag including
Felicity Lane, Stephanie Shippae, Melanie Minyon, Jocelyn Summers, Daphne Ferraro, April Fresh, Temptation, Addison Taylor, Kori Stevens, Sasha Santiago, DC, Crystle Chambers, Chi Chi LaLique, Diabolique, Vannesa Rose, Adrenalyn, Aspen Love and Alisa Summers. Tickets are available at
MC FILM or at
evolutionofdrag@hotmail.com .
Sarasota Medieval Fall Fair
The 6th Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair is set for Nov 14-15 and 21-22, 10am-6pm at the
Sarasota Fairgrounds. Experience the 11th Century with over 85 performances daily including full armored contact jousting and human combat chess match. Also at the creatively costumed event is 100+ artisan and crafters.
www.sarasotamedievalfair.com.
GaYBOR Karaoke Idols III
Start yodeling, humming, and gargling because it is the start of another great year of singing enjoyment and entertainment at GaYBOR Karaoke Idols III at Streetcar Charlie's starting Thursday, November 5th at 8:00pm. Host for the 10 week run is our own Ryan Seacrest type, Carlos Anthony and a cast of weekly local celebrity judges. Last year the winning singing diva took home a check for $2000! Weekly 12 winners will compete in a final competitive performance.
Chelsea Club
Tea Party and Potluck at Chelsea's Club, Sunday, November 8th from 6:30 -10:30pm.
BENEFIT for the HOMELESS COALITION
Masters of Ceremonies: Mark and Carrie of MC Film Festival
2-4-1 Wells, $1 off Top Shelf and $3 Beers until 11:00 pm
DANCE MUSIC BY DJ CHAD FROM SAN FRANCISCO
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence special guest appearance!
Bring a dish of your choice and help support the homeless people in need!
Tampa Bay RV Show at Florida Fairgrounds
It is time to check out what is new in 2010 recreational vehicles at the Tampa Bay RV Show ,November 5-8 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. New and used RV's, campers and camping gear supplies.
There is a lot of GLBT camping groups, RV Tour Groups, and campgrounds around the country and is a fast growing industry. We have given you a few to check on if you are in the camping spirit or are an accomplished weekend camper!
But of course we love the Sawmill Campground in our own backyard in Dade City. A great place to check out camping or just get away.
..WITHLACOOCHEE.. MUSIC SPECTACULAR
With Legendary Recording Artist “AMBER”
at Sawmill Camping Resort
11/6 – 11/8/09
Sawmill Camping Resort in ....
Dade..
..
City....
(bet. ....
Tampa....
& ....
Orlando....
) is definitely the place to be for the Withlacoochee Music Spectacular featuring the fabulous Pop Dance Veteran “AMBER” on Saturday night. Amber’s hits include "One More Night", “Sexual (Li Da Di)”, “If You Could Read My Mind”, etc. Find out more about Amber at www.amber-mcc.com. Talent provided by www.DivasAndDjs.com . Check the following schedule for other magnificent entertainers! Friday:
- Bingo & 50/50
- Brighthouse Networks Bright Stars Senior Idol 2008 “Suzanne Reno”
- “Flashback Fridays” w/DJ Rob (Woody’s)
- Linedancing and DJ Jeff’s Country Crockpot of Music (Courtyard)
Saturday:
- T-DANCE & poolside games w/DJ Jamie (weather permitting)
- Piano Bar
- AMBER (see above)
- “Category 5” Jazz, blues, country, rock, disco and funk - basically the
best of the best!
- Latest dance hits and remixes w/DJ Rob (Woody’s)
- Linedancing and DJ Jeff’s Country Crockpot of Music (Courtyard)
Sunday:
- NFL Football ..1PM.. w/2-4-1 Wells & $1.00 Drafts
- Travis Ricks, a sensational singer with a style similar to Kenny Chesney or
Brad Paisley. Travis recently made it into the top 150 of 10,000
contestants who auditioned for Season 9 of American Idol.
- T-DANCE & poolside games w/DJ Jamie (weather permitting)
- The zany Camp Drag Divas
- “Steamy Sundays” w/RICO’S DANCERS!!!!
- “Retro Sundays” w/DJ Jamie
- “..ALL.. YOU CAN DRINK DRAFT - $8.00”……..8 – 10PM.. @ Woody’s &
..4 – 10PM.. @ Splash; ..4 – 7PM.. HH @ Splash
Special rates apply for this weekend – see website. The Fun Never Stops at Sawmill Camping Resort with a heated clothing optional pool (weather permitting) and activities 365 days per year. Reserve your cabin, RV or tent site now or visit on a day or evening pass. Special rates apply this weekend (see website). BOOK ..NOW.. (352) 583-0664. Sign up for Sawmill’s Newsletter and check out the ..NEW.. Special Offers including RV storage @ www.FLSawmill.com
Hot DVD MOVIE RENTALS at MC FILM
The Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival just positively ended a couple of weeks ago. A whole lot of new GLBT movies have been released here at MC FILM. With over 7700 DVD's movies to rent from classic to foreign, gay comedy to butch drama. The top mid October movies you and your friends rented are:
1). Newcastle
2). Asian Queer Shorts
3). Walk Like A Man
4). Chef's Special
5). Verda Tropical
6). Stray Cats
7). Limbo (lesbian)
8). Country Teacher
9). Four Windows
10). Valentino
11). Saving Face (lesbian)
12). Sabor Tropical
13). Were the World Mine
14). New Twenty
15). Generic Thriller
The MC Film Mail Bag
Metro Charities, November 22nd 2009 - 1pm to 4pm: Join us as we celebrate our 16th anniversary with an ice cream social at our St. Pete location. This event is open to Metro clients and the public. Bring the family and join us for a variety of ice cream flavors, beverages, special live entertainment, and raffle prizes.
Metro Charities is looking for raffle items to give away at our 16th anniversary celebration. If you or your company have gift certificates or items that may be raffled at this year’s event, please email me at jimn@metrocharities.com large or small any items will help our clients and guests.