Ref. 65: Celebration planned

A celebration is to be held on Wednesday to recognize the efforts of Washington Won't Discriminate and its countless supporters who sought to defeat Referendum 65.

Referendum 65 failed to quality for the ballot earlier today (see post below).


Party! Party! Party!

When: Wednesday, June 7th, at 5:OO PM

Where: WWD Headquarters, 217 6th AVE N, Seattle

Co-sponsored by the GSBA, Pride Foundation, Equal Rights Washington & Northwest Women's Law Center

Ref. 65: WWD releases statement

Referendum 65 Will Not be on the November Ballot
Anti-Discrimination Law Stands

(Seattle, WA) – Today Tim Eyman, The Christian Coalition, the Faith & Freedom Network and Concerned Women of America announced they were not successful in collecting the 112,440 valid signatures needed to qualify Referendum 65 for the November ballot. Signatures on the referendum were required to be received by the Washington Secretary of State by 5 p.m. today in order to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

"The failure of Eyman and the fundamentalist networks to collect enough signatures after three months of trying is a credit to the people of Washington state. Washingtonians made it clear they do not want to go back to the days when it was legal in our state to fire someone or deny them housing simply because of their sexual orientation," said Anne Levinson, Chair of the Washington Won't Discriminate Campaign, the organization leading the fight to keep the anti-discrimination law.

"Our campaign was just getting started and already more than 5,000 people and hundreds of religious organizations, businesses and community groups from around the state had publicly taken a stand in support of keeping the law. I've been involved in many campaigns over the years, and I have never seen an outpouring of support as we have received for making sure the law against discrimination remains the law in our state," Levinson added.

"Tomorrow, thousands of people will be able to go to work in towns across Washington without fear of being fired because of their sexual orientation," said John Vezina, Washington Won’t Discriminate campaign manager.

"A great deal of effort went into collecting signatures based on a mistaken assumption by the proponents that the people of the state didn't support the anti-discrimination law. To not get enough signatures for a referendum – only half as many are needed as for an initiative – makes a strong statement that the proponents of the referendum do not represent the vast majority of Washingtonians," added Vezina.

To view the list of endorsers, see below or visit the Washington Won't Discriminate website: www.washingtonwontdiscriminate.org

The 'force' fails Eyman, Referendum 65 falls to defeat

Apparently the 'force' was not with Tim Eyman, who failed to turn in the necessary signatures to put Referendum 65 on the ballot. Therefore Washington's new law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity will go into affect tomorrow.

"Tomorrow will be a proud day in Washington," said Governor Christine Gregoire, in a written statement. "In January, Washington took an affirmative stand to say to gay and lesbian individuals, moms and dads, sons and daughters, neighbors, co-workers and friends that, like all other people, they are free to work in an environment absent [of] discrimination. Tomorrow our words become law."

Eyman appeared at the Secretary of State's election office on Monday dressed in a Darth Vader outfit, but donned more humble attire when he made the announcement earlier today that the referendum's backers had failed. According to Eyman, 105,103 signatures had been collected, far short of the 112,440 signatures needed to qualify for the fall ballot.

The defeat was not only a blow to Eyman, who has made a career out of backing ballot measures, but to the network of conservative organizations, evangelical churches and radio stations who had backed the effort.

"This is a set back," said Gary Randall, President of the Faith & Freedom Network, an anti-Gay conservative organization in Washington State.

Representatives from other conservative organizations, such as the state chapter of the Christian Coalition and Restore America, an Oregon based conservative organization seeking to "mobilize and empower America's Christians in directing the moral, educational and political course of their state," were also present. Concerned Women of America, the Eagle Forum and Sound the Alarm were also thanked by Eyman for their efforts.

Randall said that his group may be back with an Initiative to the Legislature, which would require even more signatures than a referendum. Eyman's future participation seemed doubtful.

Photos courtesy of the Northwest Progressive Institute

Tony Awards Central: Best Revival of a Musical

Hello again, It's Spencer with some thoughts on one the tightest races in the 60th Annual Tony Awards, BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL.

For the revival category we have three very diffrent competitors. Starting off with Brecht's 1928 masterpiece, THE THREE PENNY OPERA. Roundabout's Studio 54 incarnation boasts a bevy of Broadway stars. Tony nominated Jim Dale, Ana Gasteyer,Cyndi Lauper and Alan Cumming as the dreaded Mack the Knife.

THREE PENNY is a dark satire of ' respectable society ' and features some of the most interesting characters on the current Broadway stage. However, a long B'way run does not seem likely. Disappointing reviews have crippled the box office. Critics claimed the production was miscast and over the top, and several of the 'stars' of the show have missed multiple performances due to the highly demanding score sung eight times a week. This show will need a Tony if it is to make through the summer.

Also considered in the 'dark' category is Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD. Directed by John Doyle, this new incarnation reinvigorates the monumental opera first seen on Broadway in 1979. Patti LuPone, the grand diva, has captured herself a Tony nomination for her work as Mrs. Lovett. And what makes this SWEENEY so different is what it has not, an orchestra. Instead, the actors comprise the band. In my opinion, this robs some of thunder of the score's grand operatic themes. But audiences don't seem to mind, making this one of the few profit turning Sondheim shows in recent memory. I'm predicting a Tony or two for this tuner.

Then, there's THE PAJAMA GAME. Just try getting a ticket to this one is a task! SGN's own Milton Hamlin snared a ticket and loved it. So does just about everyone else pouring out of this limited run. First opening in 1954, this beloved community theatre staple has been spectacularly revived starring Harry Connick Jr.

Connick is the front runner for Best Actor in a Musical. He can start rehearsing his acceptance speech now. But he is leaving the show to tour. Although they will remount the show this fall, sans Harry. Of course much of the buzz is due the finale when Connick appears topless, much to the ladies ( and boys ) delight. I'm guessing we behold such a sight on the Tony tele-cast.
THE PAJAMA GAME is everything the previous nominees are not. Light, bubbly, simple stock characters and easy listening score. And dance. Lot's of dance. Director Kathleen Marshall has wisley not shied away from Bob Fosse's original choreography. But she has put her own stamp on the production and created a monster hit. Look for this to take the Tony for Best Revival.

So these are a few thoughts for one of the categories this year. If you have any thoughts or comments, feel free to post them. Look for a Tony Awards preview in the SGN's June 9 issue.

Photo of Patti Lupone, courtesy of official production site and taken by Paul Kolnik.

Madonna Conquers San Jose!

Madonna Conquers San Jose

By the time the Madonna concert was over I think I was more exhausted from watching the show than anyone in it, including the unstoppable Material Girl. In what is her most audience-friendly tour ever she wowed the crowd over and over, running from the middle of the arena, across the catwalk to center stage, then off to either side of the jutting side stages to the people in the stands. Everyone was offered a glimpse, and from the stage design that people saw before the show, they knew it before it even happened.

The energy was high just entering the parking lot. From drag queens dressed from every era of her career, to old school Madonna wannabees, the excitement started building before you even entered the arena. Once in, the fans ate up the merchandise at the various stands and entered into the dimly lit, purpley hazed arena. The show of course started 45 minutes late, and the tension was through the roof. Fans in 20 rows back and further discovered that the catwalk extended right out to them, and fans in the stands saw the side catwalks extending to them. The most famous diva in the world was going to be dancing right in front of them. Screams shot out randomly and even some tears were shed when fans saw how close they were to the catwalk. It might sound crazy, but Madonna fans have stuck with her for over 20 years now, so it was no surprise emotions were high.

I cannot wait to give you all the details in next weeks review of the show. Needless to say it was one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen live. After the show, some of the fans hit Splash, the only gay club in San Jose. Surprisingly it was a little bit of a quiet night. I think most people were spent after such a high energy show. After a drink we hit Original Joes Bar and Grill, where many of the shows crew were dining for some late night grub. Of course we were all on the lookout for some of Madonnas dancers, but none showed up.

There are still shows left, and if you are contemplating a trip to see her do what you can to get there. Check out my show review in the June 9th issue!

Tony Awards Central: Seattle connections

My name is Spencer Fairbanks and I am doing a special to the SGN in anticipation of Broadway's biggest night, The Tony Awards, broadcasting live from Radio City Music Hall Sunday June 11. I am an avid fan of theatre and a local actor who makes frequent trips to the Big Apple to see the latest plays and musicals. Here is my first preview leading up to the awards. We will look at the highlights and hottest contests in this year's race for the coveted prize.

Check back here for more Tony news and be sure to read the June 9th SGN for aTony Awards Preview!

What makes this year so exciting is the Seattle connection to the Tony's. Intiman Theatre has recieved eight nominations and has won the Tony for Best Regional Theatre in the country.
Director Bartlett Sher continues his winning streak, with six nominations for his production of AWAKE AND SING. And there are more Seattle connections. Former Spectrum Dance leader Donald Byrd is nominated for Best Choregraphy for THE COLOR PURPLE. And our own 5th Avenue Theatre has birthed another hit with THE WEDDING SINGER, garnering five nominations including Best Musical.

This year the category is a mixed bag of high drama, bubbly spoofs, tuneful retrospectives and old fashioned love stories. Anyone could win this one, however it is my opinion that it will come down to a duel between THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and JERSEY BOYS.

THE DROSWY CHAPERONE, starring Tony nominated Sutton Foster, is a frothy homage to the silly musicals of the 1920's. It came out of nowhere and captured thirteen nominations! It is a critical hit and a favorite of Broadway audiences. JERSEY BOYS has tremedous momentum, with prospects of a long NY run and a touring vehicle for the next few years. JERSEY BOYS, follows the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, using vintage jukebox hits as it's score. Strong word of mouth has propelled this show to sell-out status, and gathered a total of eight nominations. Oprah Winfrey's name hasn't hurt the box office at THE COLOR PURPLE. Despite mixed reviews, the production has gone on to recieve eleven nominations, and a tour is already underwa, opening in Chicago this fall.

In a very unpredictable year, The Tony Awards may spread it's love over several productions.
A Tony win is a must for a struggling show trying to reach an audience, and usually an assurance of a healthy box office. Tony voters are made up from Members of the Academy and are spread out across the country. Members are actors, directors and producers of the American Theatre Wing.

Stay tuned for more on the 61st Annual Tony Awards.

Sasquatch Music Festival - post thoughts

Our apologies for not getting a Sasquatch Music Festival thread going before the start of the three-day long concert. We actually had a slight problem with our blogsite at the start of the weekend. It has now been fixed. Our intentions were to inform everyone that the festival had completely sold out in advance. I bumped into a lot of folks in the parking lot wanting tickets, surprised to find out there weren't any available at the box office and unwilling to pay the $150 scalper's fee.

For those of you who couldn't make it, I'll have a festival wrap-up in my column this week. But here's a taste of what took place at The Gorge:

* It hailed (HAILED!!!) for about ten minutes Saturday, just after Iron & Wine finished his set. Neko Case was onstage and got through about three songs into her performance before politely excusing herself to run for shelter. My friend and I huddled with wet, jublilant drunk people in one of the indoor on-site beer gardens. It rained afterwards, creating a muddy experience.

* Matisyahu and Queens of the Stone gave two of the festival's strongest performances. My head is still spinning from the Queens' set! And on a secondary stage, We Are Scientists drew a gigantic crowd and wowed everyone. They were incredibly good. I'm so proud of those guys. I gave lead singer Keith Murray a hug afterwards, and said hello to the whole band as they signed autographs at the Easy Street Records booth. I knew them when.

* Gay boys at an alternative rock festival? You bet. I ran into several gay boys there, and my friend witnessed a thirtysomething gay couple making out in the VIP Lounge.

* Speaking of Matisyahu, he used the restroom in the VIP Lounge just before I did. Nice guy. Then he later met Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie near his tour bus. And he and Ben Lee went for a walk together.

* Beck gave an oddly cool performance, complete with a slacker pimp outfit and puppets (??!!). Songs on his set list included "Loser", "Where It's At", "Devil's Haircut", "Hell Yes", "Que Onda Guero", "Clap Hands" and "New Pollution". Apparently, Beck watched Queens of the Stone Age from the side of the stage.

* Let's talk beer: The Gorge now allows you to roam about the grouds with beer, providing you buy them there. Before, you could only drink in the beer gardens or designated beer areas. I chugged a 24-ouncer right in front of We Are Scientists during their performance.

* Did Arctic Monkeys deliver on the hype? Good question. They were amazing. I was in the pit during their entire set and got hit in the head by a crowd surfer. I'd have to say that for as much press and attention as they've received - I expected to be blown away and I wasn't. At this festival, they were definitely out-performed. Lead singer Alex Turner, however, looked fantastic in tan-colored cords and spiky hair. The geekiest sex symbol in rock at the moment.

Read more about the Sasquatch Music Festival, and the annoucement of a very cool band coming to Seattle this summer for a big show, in my column this Friday.

Photo of We Are Scientists, courtesy of Virgin Records.

'Gay marriage' controversy in the 43rd

Who knew "Gay marriage would be such a controversy in the 43rd LD?

From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

Friday, May 26, 2006
Gay marriage issue stirs up race in 43rd District
Savage's remarks ignite dispute in legislative contest

By CHRIS McGANN
P-I REPORTER

Jamie Pedersen was hoping to distinguish himself as a champion for gay rights among a field of six liberal Democrats vying to succeed Ed Murray as Seattle's 43rd District state representative.

Instead, he got singled out.

The gay editor of Seattle's most gay-friendly newspaper accused Pedersen, the only gay candidate in the race, of being a dishonest "weasel" in his pursuit of gay voters.

Click here for full article.

"Alt Tuesdays" 1-year anniversary with tickets, CDs and sweet stuff to giveaway at Manray Video Bar

Tuesday night is the big night. It's the 1-year anniversary of "Alternative Tuesdays", a weekly club event for the non-pop listener, at Manray Video Bar.

As we do each week, we'll play music videos by the coolest alternative artists like Radiohead, Scissor Sisters, Goldfrapp, The Killers, Fischerspooner, Franz Ferdinand, Bjork, Ladytron, Siouxie and the Banshees, Travis, Morningwood, and many many more.

But this Tuesday is different. We're celebrating 52 weeks, and running, of "Alternative Tuesdays" and we're combining it with a preview for the Sasquatch Music Festival. Three pairs of tickets, one for each day of the three-day weekend-long concert at The Gorge, will be given away. Plus, CDs by festival artists We Are Scientists, Arctic Monkeys, Matt Costa, Beck and Death Cab for Cutie. Double-plus, we have some cool stuff, such as artist stickers from Wolfmother, Matisyahu, Queens of the Stone Age and We Are Scientists to pass out. Triple-plus, for those that arrive early - a sweet treat when you walk in the door. Hint: it has icing.

Bring a friend or come solo. Either way, the gay boys and gals who dig alternative sounds will be hanging out at Manray Video Bar (514 E. Pine) this Tuesday, May 23. Start time is 9:30pm. No cover charge ever. 21-plus admitted. No charge for entering to win tickets. For those in the mood to cocktail, drink specials will be available by Stoli.

For a Sasquatch Music Festival preview highlighting eight must-see artists and an exclusive interview with Wolfmother's Myles Heskett, pick up a copy of this week's Seattle Gay News on the streets now.

Photo of Wolfmother, courtesy of Interscope Records.

Elton John announces Seattle concert at Key Arena

As mentioned two weeks ago in "The Music Lounge" in the Seattle Gay News, Elton John is coming to Seattle this fall to play Key Arena. Details are below. This show is expected to sell out. Don't waste time thinking about getting tickets, just buy them immediately. Seattle Gay News is pleased to provide Sir Elton John with coverage for his upcoming, much anticipated performance. We'll see you at the show!

Elton John
with Davey Johnstone, Guy Babylon, Bob Birch, John Mahon and Nigel Olsson
Friday, September 22 - 8:00pm
Key Arena

Tickets on sale Monday, May 22 - 9:00am
Ticketmaster locations, online or charge-by-phone
$45, $65, $85

SGN heading to Madonna's "Confessions Tour" in San Jose

Need your Madonna fix? We've got the remedy.

Seattle Gay News is bringing you all the excitement of Madonna's "Confessions Tour" when it makes a stop in San Jose, California at the end of May. SGN writer Richard Kennedy is making a special trip to the HP Pavillion to check out the show, and to scope out the pre/post parties surrounding the concert.

You'll get details about the show following the pop diva's May 30 performance right here on this blog site, and a full review of the concert in our June 2 issue.

Seattle Gay News --- Madonna --- San Jose --- We're there.

Sasquatch tickets, free CDs up for grabs at "Alternative Tuesdays" 1-year anniversary

Seattle Gay News is pleased to announce the 1-year anniversary of "Alternative Tuesdays", a weekly club event at Manray Video Bar (514 East Pine). To celebrate the 52-week mark of this club night, we're throwing a party on May 23 and giving away three pairs of tickets to the Sasquatch Music Festival at The Gorge, one pair for each day of the big music concert. Plus, we've got CDs by festival artists We Are Scientists, Beck, Arctic Monkeys, Death Cab for Cutie and Matt Costa to give away. Other goodies, like artist posters and stickers, will be up for grabs too.

Party time is 9:30pm on May 23, only at Manray Video Bar. While you're there, see and hear music videos by your favorite alternative music artists including Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, We Are Scientists, Bjork, The Strokes, Green Day, Bloc Party, Death Cab for Cutie, Ladytron, The Sounds, Nine Inch Nails, Morningwood, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and many more. "Alternative Tuesdays" is sponsored by Seattle Gay News and Manray Video Bar, with weekly drink specials by Stoli.


Photo of Arctic Monkeys, courtesy of Domino Records.