Spring is all around, no need to waste it, time to take stock and enjoy the world around us! Once again it’s my time to be Cordially Yours.
Friday, March 5 Oscar Winner Shirley (Mrs. Partridge) Jones comes to town to appear at The Wisconsin Lutheran College 8815 West Wisconsin Avenue Wauwatosa “A Night At The Oscars/Shirley Jones With The Hollywood Concert Orchestra”. For all the scoop-age as far as time, tickets, and the alike please call: 414-443-8802 or visit: wic.edu/arts.
The Milwaukee Art Museum offers up now thru Sunday, April 25 “Street Seen – New Visions In American Photography 1940 – 1959”.
The Riverside has timely entertainment with Gaelic Storm playing on St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17. If the sounds of Ireland doesn’t float your boat, Grammy sensation Norah Jones will be in concert Friday, March 19. If she doesn’t get a rise out of you, I give up.
If it is Milwaukee, and it’s St. Patrick’s Day there is only one place to be: The Ball Game. This St. Patty’s Day marks The Ball Games 4th Decade of sterling service to the LGBT Community. Outstanding! Rick has the Party going and keeping South Second Street going the longest, as our north end anchor bar. I urge everyone to stop in and hoist a few to Rick and his loyal Crew on this historic event. Of course, as always a corn beef feast will be enjoyed by one and all. Besides Rick to visit, there is Bob, Gary, and Dave on late nights as well as the infamous AARP Table – Brew City’s answer to the Algonquin Table, with such smashing local-ites as: Tommy Salzseider, Mr. Tom Look, Bill & Gordon, Tootsie, Bob W., Fred Stewart, John, and many more. Last time I stopped at The Ball Game, it was Valentine’s Eve and Dave was bartending, Max Barnett, his mother Roberta, and Aunt Lucille were celebrating a special man from California’s birthday. Lady Samantha was in the house, as well as Lizzie Bordeaux – whom you can now catch doing late nite, weekends, at Fluid.
ChiChi, Lizzie’s cohort from the now defunct M’s can be found the third Sunday of every month at The Triangle. Lady Gia, the Show Director of The Triangle came up with the brilliant brain storm of saluting the magic of The M&M Club and The M’s by inviting all their performers to do a Show the same night ChiChi is bartending giving the “Orphans” a new place to play. Thank You Lady Gia and of course your host, James/Lana St. James for providing the venue and concept.
Keep in mind, the more popular this evening is, the more often it may happen… Gia was kind enough to extend an invitation to moi to take part in the Show, how flattering, unfortunately the reality of a Monday morning forces me to decline – unless of course it is a long Holiday weekend!
The Skylight Opera Theatre celebrating their 50th Birthday/Season will be doing: “A Day In Hollywood/A Night In The Ukraine” Friday, March 12 – Sunday, April 4 in the stunning Cabot Theatre. For all pertinent details visit: www.skylightopera.com, or telephone: 414-291-7800.
Come take part in the favor, the fever, the fervor that is The Florentine Opera Company. This season the Florentine is honored to present the Midwest Premiere of Robert Aldrige and Herschel Garfein’s “Elmer Gantry” based on the Sinclair Lewis novel, and the Award Winning picture by the same title The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Friday, March 19 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 21 2:30 p.m. This Opera is sung in English, with English Supertitles. For tix, feel free to call: 414-291-5700 or visit: info@florentineopera.org
Next Season has been announced! Don Davis’ “Rio de Sangre” a World Premiere, Directed by, theatre goddess, Paula Suozzi October 22, 23, and 24 Sung in Spanish, with English Subtitles. November 14 2:30 p.m. “The Golden Days” A Concert featuring: The 2010/2011 Studio Artists. Not to be missed! See the Stars of tomorrow shine now! “The Italian Girl In Algiers” by Gioacchino Rossini March 18, 19, and 20, 2011. Sung in Italian, Subtitles in English. “Venus & Adonis” by John Blow and Henry Purcell, A New Production Sung in English, two operas, one intermission. Running May 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 22, 2011.
For a sneak preview of “Elmer Gantry” you are all cordially invited to attend the Florentine Opera Company Camerata Sunday Artist Social at The Room, Sunday, March 14 7:00 p.m. This Gathering is always an enriching time, where you get to hear the talented Florentine Opera Studio Artists raise their majestic voices in song. A Star from the production is always on hand to conduct a most fascinating Q & A. You get the pleasant Paul to see to all your beverage needs and a delicious selection of complimentary hors d ‘oeuvres prepared by Miss Katie’s Diner. While this Event is totally FREE (with a cash bar), the Florentine would appreciate an accurate head count. RSVP to Scott S. Stewart 414-225-1958 or e-mail: sstewart@florentineopera.org.
Remember it is never too late in becoming a Florentine Opera Camerata Member.
For a generous gift of $25 to the Florentine, you can become a member of this LGBT and LGBT-Friendly advocacy for the Opera. In return you receive a 10% discount on single tickets, among other wonderful benefits. More info on this dynamic group is available online; check out their very own Camerata Page http://www.florentineopera.org/about_us/camerata.html or e-mail ldenil@florentineopera.org
The Domes - Music Under Glass, presented by Potawatomi Bingo Casino continues with Live Music every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 524 South Layton Boulevard On the bill of fare this month — Radio, Radio on the 2nd, Harvey Scales & The 7 Sounds in concert the 4th, Boo the Band play the 9th, Reilly gig is the 11th, LeRoy Airmaster on the 16th, King Solomon playing on the 18th.. For updates on the band du jour please call: 414-257-PARK.
I had the chance to get a VIP Tour and enjoy the Five Card Studs – and their heavenly retro sound, plus an exhilarating Light Show, there is a fully stocked cash bar and gourmet dining if desired, all for your complete Domes Adventure.
Saturday, March 20 The Wherehouse will be the place to be, to party, raise money, and raise awareness for Camp HeartLand. Yes, it is Tall Keith’s Annual CampHeartLand ToDo, second time at Paul Mueller’s chic emporium. The theme this year is: “Treasure Island”. Once again Dear Ruthie, Miss Maple, Jonathan, Goldie Adams, Cordially Yours, and maybe a surprise or two, to bedazzle you on stage, as you enjoy the music, dancing, complimentary buffet, networking and cash bar – all for the price of a contribution to Camp HeartLand. Post Party this year for Camp HeartLand – Discovery Word! Remember with me, Camp HeartLand is the Camp where kids affected/effected by HIV/AIDS in their lives can escape. Please if at all possible, give for the children, they are our future.
The month of February was bombastic, or rather “Boom-bastic”, as David and the Men of Boom/The Room celebrated the first decade of Boom.
In honor of their Anniversary, porn-rific Tony Buff & his partner Derek did a night of Bondage. The night was as hot as it sounds! Woof! The Audience, or certain members not only got excited, but lassoed too! Right Greg?
The following Thursday a more traditional Party was held with friends, food – Miss Katie’s out did themselves, truly finger lickin’ good, and refreshments – the good Doctor was sipped continuously drink specials 2-4-1 all night long, as well as the usually fun and frolic.
The next night Friday, February 19, yet another Star of Adult Filmdom Spencer Reed was in the house, thawing everyone out! What a time! To the next milestone! Boom/The Room’s Employee’s Christmas Party included cocktails at Boom, a delectable dinner at Butch’s Old Casino Steak House – starring Dennis, AKA DeeDee from The M&M Club, and Suzie seeing to our every desire! We wanted for nothing!
I can’t promote this jewel of Supper Club enough. Talk about quality/quantity, relish trays, soup or salad, potato, breadbasket – nothing ala Carte – you get it all and then some at Butch’s! Onto Miss Katie’s Diner to bend the elbow with owner Peter Pitch and his prize bartender, Jennifer – the Queen of the Kamikaze! After a few rounds of this, that, and shuffleboard, it was then to Woody’s.
Jeff was on that fateful Tuesday, where we played dice, imbibing in shots ago-go, and a wild time!
Then it was back to Boom, where it all started…Ron – formerly of the original M&M, was a suitable fill-er-in-er so David, Lance, and the rest of the Staff could try and melt that hideous foot of fresh, new snow! Who would of thought a snow emergency in early February. It must be Wisconsin! No fear, in spite of it all, all had a ball!
For all of you, always asking about Ms. Rona, our favorite Princess from Potawatomi is doing quite well. I had the pleasure of partying with Ro and his colleagues, other very pretty princesses from the Casino, Jazno, Nicole, and Kayla. They all made quite the glorious impression, when quaffing cocktails at The Room, enjoying the visuals of “Balls to the Wall” in Boom and then tripping the light ever so fantastic at LaCage. On another occasion (the opening of “Dreamgirls”) I had the pleasure of meeting yet another dream of Ro’s from Potawatomi, Quinna and then we were off to enjoy the one night only, of sheer entertainment, known as, “Dreamgirls”.
A new spot (nine months old) in the Historic Third Ward, is quite the party palace Club Charlies 320 East Menomonee, between Milwaukee and Broadway – how fitting?!?! Craig & Dawn are your Host, with Liz, Collin, Nick, and others see to your needs, wants, and desires. The décor is to die for; I love the mural on the South wall, the quotes, the Irish nachos, the extraordinary 2-4-1 Bloody Mary’s on the weekends, made with infused vodka, Open Mic Night on Monday, and Trivia Night on Tuesdays. How can you go wrong with a place that has a dog named Judy Garland? See You there!
While in the Historic Third Ward, please take a little time to visit all the quant boutiques, and shoppes, like Cranston’s on Water and Buffalo – they have merchandise I have never seen in this market before.
While I’m sad to see M’s become a memory - - To Dr. Janet, Brian, Jon, Debi, Chris, ChiChi, and Staff for all the great times, to quote Bob Hope “Thanks for the Memories”. Rumor has it, there will be a new bar, at a new part of town, a hybrid - if you will on Milwaukee’s elegant lower east side – to be exact on the corner of Brady and VanBuren! I’ll inform, as I am informed…
Two doors down is Angelo’s where you can hear the sweet sounds of Ginni every Friday and Saturday on the mighty keyboard and vocals – as well as old favorites like Jerry Grillo and Robert. I remember Ginni from Sundays at M&M, and she still has it! She inherited Fridays from a retiring Norma Angelli who was/is a legend at Angelo’s and other piano bars in the area.
Who do you know wants to buy a house? Check with Wayne Benning - no relation to Annette, nee Vanessa Alexander, a proud Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Agent, 414-737-1135. In this season of rebirth wouldn’t a brand spanking new home be nice?
The Cream City Foundation had quite the night on the town – with Marvin Hamlisch! A Night of Gershwin – “S’Wonderful! The Music of George Gershwin”. “Porgy and Bess”, “An American in Paris”, “Gershwin in Hollywood”, and a Champagne Reception before hand with Mr. Hamlisch, Cheers! What style, class, and elegance, just like the man himself. The Pops Programs are flawless as is our Milwaukee Symphony, we are so fortunate to have such a first-rate symphony and they keep growing, even during these financially draining times.
The following weekend the Symphony played the Classics – seeing it was Valentines weekend, “Romantic Tchaikovsky” – Starring Guest Conductor, Rossen Milanov. Bravo!!!
The Castaways hosted a Valentine Beer Bust at Kruz on the day of love. Kruz went all out giving designer chocolates to all their Patrons and festooning the bar with fresh flowers. A very sexy, yet fun, Fashion Show was taking place with John Weiler expertly emceeing, and a group of men representing our very diverse Community, modeling their lingerie. My vote was torn between Peter and John! Hot! Hot! Hot! David was bartending; both Jerry & Serge graciously received me, as I was catching up with: Sir Steven Seefeldt & Joan Monet, Miss Maple, Dennis, Larry & John, PaPa Joe & Lee, Phil, Jonas, and the capacity crowd, as always enjoying the carryings on at Kruz.
Last month my Column towards the end looked a little bit like the Obits. Sorry, but we lost some dear Souls – this time out we mourn the loss of Homer Bliss and condolences go out to Princess Charlotte Lorraine on the loss of his dear Mother, Queen Joyce of Racine.
Please keep an eye out for my exclusive interview with the man who writes it all in Hollywood,
as I remind You it is the Glamour, not the Grammar, as I remain
- - Still Cordially Yours,.