"The Tourist" movie pass giveaway at Purr

Bring on the popcorn, again.

Seattle Gay News is giving away a batch of free movie passes today, this time for the Johnny Depp-Angelina Jolie drama The Tourist. Filmed in Paris and Venice, it's set to open in theaters on December 17.

Pick up a free pass (while supplies last) at Purr (1518 Broadway), starting at 4pm.

"I Love You Phillip Morris" free passes at Under U 4 Men

When you think of free movie passes you think of underwear, right? Well, today you do.

Seattle Gay News is giving away free passes to an advance screening of I Love You Phillip Morris at Under U 4 Men (708 Broadway East) today beginning at 1pm (while supplies last).

The film, starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, is set to open December 17 nationwide.

Rob McKenna's support for anti-Gay candidates draws ire in blogosphere

The blog, Pam's House Blend, has taken aim at Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna for his support of anti-Gay candidates. She makes a compelling argument in each endorsement about why McKenna should have known better.

November 20th, 2010:

Washington State's Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna likes to portray himself as a moderate, as noted recently. That false image was shattered when he endorsed numerous virulently anti-gay candidates in the 2010 elections.

As if to reinforce the point that he is ardently anti-gay, on Friday Mr. McKenna posted an email asking supporters to do ballot rehab for two outspokenly anti-gay candidates Vincent Buys and Hans Zeiger.

See SGN reporting on Zeiger here, here and here. He currently leads by 40 votes in the race against incumbent Democrat Dawn Morrell in the 25 LD, Pos. 2, race.

November 11th, 2010:

Always genteel, Washington State's Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna likes to portray himself as a moderate. Being relatively new to Washington, I only started to think about Mr. McKenna's political positioning recently as LGBT friends & allies started mentioning that they had spotted him at this or that event. Delighted at the prospect of a Republican Attorney General (or even future Governor) who is good on LGBT issues, I went into due diligence mode and looked over the public record. What I discovered was that Mr. McKenna may play the moderate, but his own history and his endorsement of a bevvy of virulently anti-gay candidates this election tell a very different story.

With an eye on the Governor's mansion in 2012, McKenna has crafted a public persona gauged to appear inoffensive on social issues. This is necessary for any Republican running for statewide office because although Washington is closely divided along party lines, the electorate has proven itself to be fair-minded on issues like a woman's right to choose, the right of terminally ill people to choose to die with dignity, and civil equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families.

Seattle Gay News giving away "Burlesque" free passes at Neighbours

It could be either be a holiday smash or an actual turkey, but it promises to be entertaining. Burlesque, starring Oscar champ Cher and multi-Grammy winner Christina Aguilera, opens on Thanksgiving Day, though Seattle Gay News has free passes to an advance screening of the movie to give away this weekend at Neighbours (http://www.neighboursnightclub.com/).

Free passes, admitting two persons each, will be handed out on Saturday night, during "Powermix" with DJ Randy Schlager and special guest Smokie (pictured here), a well-known Cher impersonator. More passes will be given away tomorrow evening during the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence performance, beginning around 7pm.

Happy strutting!

Robyn in-store performance at Easy Street Records

Meet her before you see her.

Or, if you don't have tickets to Robyn's sold out concert on November 21 this is your one chance to do both.

The Grammy-nominated electronic artist has confirmed a free in-store performance at Easy Street Records (http://www.easystreetonline.com/) on the evening before her Neumos gig, scheduled to play a brief set of songs, perhaps from her newest effort Body Talk Pt. 2, and then she'll autograph CD copies shortly afterward (Queen Anne location).

Stay glued to Seattle Gay News for all things Robyn!

ADL honors Cantor Serkin-Poole with Cal Anderson Award

Cantor David Serkin-Poole (left) was presented with the 2010 Cal Anderson Civil Rights Advocacy Award on Friday, November 5th, from the Pacific Northwest office of the Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights organization fighting racism, bigotry and anti-Semitism.

He was praised for both his activism for the LGBT community and the the honorable way in which he lives his life with his husband, Michael, and their three adopted children. In addition to serving as cantor at Temple B'nai Torah, Serkin-Poole co-founded Sha'arei Tikvah, a Jewish Family Service project that provides a variety of Jewish holiday programing to people with developmental disabilities.

He told the attendees that he was honored to get the award, which is named in honor of the first openly Gay member of the Washington State Legislature and a personal friend. "I accept this award because Call Anderson was my friend," he said. "During the last dinner we had together, he criticized himself for not doing enough [but he was wrong]"

State Sen. Ed Murray and former Supreme Court Justice Bobbe Bridge introduced Serkin-Poole. Notable members of the LGBT community were also in attendance, including State Rep. Jamie Pedersen, Equal Rights Washington's Josh Friedes, Pride Foundation's Audrey Haberman and GSBA's Louise Chernin.

25th LD : Hans Zeiger makes homophobic remarks in 2006 TV interview

Hans Zeiger, the Republican candidate in the race for the 25th Legislative District (Position Two), can’t shake the controversy regarding his blog posts and articles which take aim at progressive organizations, women and minority groups alike.

The SGN this week reviewed an interview originally aired on Penn & Teller’s show, Bullshit, on April 3, 2006, which shows the candidate making homophobic statements. Although the bulk of the writings were made in 2003 and 2004, the TV interview is likely to have been more recent.

See the remarks for yourself:



The camera recorded every word in which Zeiger said that Gays were more likely to molest boys; same-sex families would “destroy the very foundations of our civilization;” and that the Boy Scouts had “high moral standard[s]” for banning Gays from membership.

Same-sex families: “The family is a certain way and a family includes a mother and a father. It includes children. To move beyond that model is so revolutionary that it is to pluck-up and to destroy the very foundations of our civilization.”

Pedophilia: “As the homosexual movement became much more entrenched in the American culture – starting in the late 60’s -- it really became an opportunity for the pedophiles to make a mass assault on the Boy Scouts. The statistics show that homosexuals are far out in proportion represented in engaging in pedophilia.”

Boy Scouts: “The Boy Scouts have a right to exclude homosexuals. I think it is good that the Boy Scouts have a high moral standard.”

Read the full article in this weeks edition of the Seattle Gay News, which is available in print or online at www.sgn.org.

State Rep. Upthegrove heads back to House

State Rep. Dave Upthegrove celebrated his reelection to the 33rd Legislative District with supporters at The Westin in Seattle on Tuesday night. Upthegrove told the SGN that his sexual orientation was a non-issue to the bulk of voters in his diverse suburban district, which includes Sea-Tac, Des Moines, Normandy Park and large parts of Kent.

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State Sen. McDermott to head to KC Council

The margin of victory was wide for State Senator Joe McDermott who will now take a seat on the nine member King County Council. The openly Gay councilmember-elect was well aware of the history making moment saying that he looks forward to representing the interests of the LGBT community and the people of the 8th District.

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Spencer Day interviews with Seattle Gay News

Which jazz artist might be headed to a live theater stage? Spencer Day, possibly.

The young performer, a Billboard top ten 10 artist on the strength of his major debut Vagabond, has relocated to New York and is expanding his career resume to hopefully include some work on Broadway or the West End.

Find out what else this dynamic performer told us when he interviewed with Seattle Gay News in our October 22 issue, available now online at www.sgn.org. Day will perform back-to-back nights at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley, in Seattle, on October 26 and 27 - call (206) 441-9729.

The Maine interviews with Seattle Gay News

What do you call a new five-piece band from Arizona? The Maine. Seriously, that's their name.

The pop-rock outfit, currently between UK and North American tours, is enjoying a wave of success following the release of their debut album, Black & White. The first date on the group's upcoming two-month road outing is October 19 at The Showbox Market in Seattle.

Lead singer John O'Callaghan spoke with Seattle Gay News via email, while The Maine was overseas in England. His interview is featured in this week's issue (October 15). O'Callaghan shares his pick for best album of 2010 (thus far) and reveals what band member leaves the most personal belongings in hotel rooms.

Matt Costa interviews with Seattle Gay News

How long did it take to record his new album, Mobile Chateau? Does he keep any of the little gifts that fans bring to his shows? What goes into his suitcase before he heads out on tour?

The answers to these questions - and an interesting admission to what Matt Costa wears underneath his jeans - are in this afternoon's edition of the Seattle Gay News when the singer-songwriter interviews with us a second time.

Costa is currently on tour, landing in Seattle on October 20 at El Corazon.

Frightened Rabbit interviews with Seattle Gay News

Look who it is...one of our favorite Scottish bands (ever) Frightened Rabbit!

Scott Hutchison, while reclining in his humble estate (flat, actually) in Edinburgh, spoke to Seattle Gay News by phone ahead of the group's upcoming tour, which launches in Seattle on October 7.

Search and find the interview in this week's issue of the Seattle Gay News, on the street and online (http://www.sgn.org/). And, catch Frightened Rabbit live at The Showbox SoDo on Thursday night - we'll be there!

"The Social Network" free movie passes at Neighbours tonight

Seattle Gay News is pleased to announce a free movie pass giveaway tonight for The Social Network, the much-anticipated film about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. It stars Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield and Justin Timberlake.

A limited number of passes will be given away tonight, September 29, at Neighbours (1509 Broadway) during the club's weekly event "Seattle's Got Talent", hosted by Gaysha Starr. Show starts at 11pm.

Each pass admits two for a special advance screening of the movie tomorrow night.

Emmy Awards Party in progress at Purr, come watch and win!

Red carpet arrivals have begun for the Primetime Emmy Awards, and we're showing them live at Purr, to be immediately followed by the main ceremony.

No cover charge. Cool prizes. Multiple screens to ooh and ahh all the action.

Come cheer for "Glee", "Modern Family", "Mad Men", "True Blood" and all your favorite TV shows!

Vancouver BC escape w/ two nights at Hyatt Regency up for grabs at Emmy Awards Party

Destination: Vancouver, British Columbia

How to get there: Plane, train or automobile - or, winning a two-night getaway package tonight at our first ever Emmy Awards Party. The grand prize includes accommodations at downtown Vancouver's marvelous Hyatt Regency (http://vancouver.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp), within walking distance to the waterfront, shopping centers and the city's most popular gay bars. Also included, dinner at the fabulous Nu Restaurant (http://www.whatisnu.com/), two passes to the Vancouver Art Gallery (http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/), and two admissions to the Capilano Suspension Bridge (http://www.capbridge.com/).

The Emmy Awards Party begins around 4pm today, at Purr, with red carpet arrivals and the main ceremony shortly afterward. More prizes to be announced throughout the day. Seattle Gay News and Purr are your co-hosts for this "no cover" bash. 21 and over. Open to all types, especially TV addicts.

Emmy Awards Party, August 29 at Purr - prizes, red carpet, cocktails

Seattle Gay News is pleased to present its first annual Emmy Awards viewing party at Purr Cocktail Lounge (1518 11th Avenue) tomorrow, August 29.

The festivities, honoring the best of primetime TV programming including nominees "Glee", "Modern Family", 'True Blood", "Mad Men" and "Dexter", kicks off with red carpet arrivals at 4pm and then leads into the televised ceremony shortly afterward.

Besides an open, friendly environment to watch the awards on multiple flatscreens, we have collected an assortment of prizes, including a grand prize of a two-night stay in Vancouver, British Columbia with accommodations at the downtown Hyatt Regency. Other prizes are just-released Lady GaGa remix CDs, T-shirts, and gift certificates.

Come watch the Emmys and see how the real drama unfolds, tomorrow at Purr!

2010 Gay Games commence in Cologne, Germany

Tonight marks the opening festivities of the 2010 Gay Games, taking place in Cologne, Germany with athletes representing dozens of countries all over the world.

Seattle Gay News wishes all of our local participants a great time, both in competition and camaraderie, during the multiple-day event.

Enjoy your time in Germany and safe travels back home!

Scissor Sisters announce Seattle concert on September 15

You heard it here first.

Seattle Gay News confirms an upcoming live performance by Grammy-nominated band Scissor Sisters on September 15, 2010 at The Showbox SoDo.

Details - whatever we can dig up - are forthcoming in this Friday's issue of the newspaper.

Rihanna cancels Seattle tour kickoff

Rihanna has rained on Seattle's Pride Day Parade with the announcement of a canceled performance on July 2, at White River Amphitheatre. The concert was to be the kickoff for her North American tour, but due to production delays and issues it will instead open two days later in British Columbia. A make-up show is possible, but not official at this time.

Ticket refunds are available at original point of purchase.

"Get Him to the Greek" free movie passes tonight at Purr

Russell Brand and Jonah Hill re-team with the producers of Knocked Up and Superbad for a hilarious new comedy, Get Him to the Greek.

The film opens nationwide on June 4, but you can see it the night before at an advance screening in downtown Seattle.

Seattle Gay News will be giving out a very limited number of free movie passes at Purr (1518 11th Avenue) on Capitol Hill, tonight (May 27) beginning at 8pm. We don't have many, so arrive early to secure your pass.

Enjoy the show!

"Sex and the City 2" movie passes at Purr tonight

Seattle Gay News invites you to an advance screening of Sex and the City 2 next week, and we're giving away tickets for it tonight at Purr on Capitol Hill (1518 11th Avenue) starting at 8pm.

We only have a limited number, so get there shortly after 8pm before they're all gone.

Sex and the City 2 opens May 27 nationwide.

Frightened Rabbit interviews with Seattle Gay News

They're coming to Seattle this weekend, and on their way to Lollapalooza next month. But before they do all that, they're talking to Seattle Gay News.

Scottish indie quintet Frightened Rabbit are featured this week in "The Music Lounge", a weekly music column in the SGN. Lead singer-guitarist Scott Hutchison discusses his infatuation of Mad Men, his resistance to kilt wearing and explains what the heck the band's new album title really means, The Winter of Mixed Drinks.

Frightened Rabbit plays Neumos on Sunday night, May 16 (http://neumos.com/). Songs likely to be on the set list include "Old Old Fashioned", "The Wrestle" and "Head Rolls Off".

Grab a print copy of Seattle Gay News this weekend, or go to our online site (http://sgn.org/), to read about this cool, gifted up and coming band.

Live from Honolulu: Day 1 of 2010 Kokua Festival sparkles with Jack Johnson in peak form

Aloha, from sunny and hot Oahu!

It's still breakfast time here and it's already boiling hot outside; my guess is 80-degrees.

There's already a line outside the Waikiki Shell and on the opposite side of the Ala Wai Canal here in Honolulu for Day 2 of the 2010 Kokua Festival.

Here's what Day 1 was like:

* Local ukulele standout Jake Shimabukuro was very impressive on a short set of instrumental favorites, including a cover of the Beatles' "In My Life" - a song he collaborated on with Bette Midler earlier this year. Dressed in shiny, slim black denims and white short-sleeve shirt, Shimakuro was easily the winner for best eye-candy on the performing lineup.

* Legendary blues artist Taj Mahal really fired up the crowd, especially with his island-tinged set of Southern numbers. He's been coming to Hawaii for 20 years and loves it here, and the locals love him in return.

* Ziggy Marley began his 45-minute appearance by bringing his mother, Rita Marley, to the stage. He played an acoustic set and later brought Shimabukuro back out for a duet, then later his two small keiki (Hawaiian for kids) joined him for a track off his Grammy-winning children's album Family Time. After his performance, Marley came into the orchestral pit of the Waikiki Shell and shook hands with fans and posed for pictures - he was very, very nice.

* But it was Jack Johnson, co-founder of this festival along with wife Kim, who stole the show. He was irresistably good on a set of mostly older material that included "Sitting, Waiting, Wishing", "Banana Pancakes" and "Staple It Together". Dressed island-casual in faded jeans, dark blue T-shirt with a full-grown, shaggy 'do', the Grammy-nominated guitarist-vocalist invited every single Kokua Festival performer out for duets and a grand ensemble finale of the reggae standard "Everything Is Gonna Be Alright".

Day 2 of the 2010 Kokua Festival takes place later today, and a full review of the event will be in the April 30 issue of Seattle Gay News.

Live from Honolulu: Seattle Gay News at Kokua Festival on island of Oahu

Aloha, y'all.

Albert Rodriguez here from Seattle Gay News, burnt to a crisp from the 85-degree weather in Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu.

We're celebrating Earth Day with Jack Johnson, the pro surfer-turned-Grammy nominated singer-songwriter. He'll take the stage at 7:45pm tonight, and tomorrow night, for the 2010 Kokua Festival at the Waikiki Shell.

This is the eco-friendliest music festival in the US, with ALL proceeds benefiting environmental education projects, like recyling programs in public schools and a plastic-free campaign throughout the state of Hawaii. Aimed at keeping our planet cleaner and beautiful, the Kokua Festival pairs great music with a good cause - needless to say, both nights of the event are sold out.

The lineup for this year's bash is Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Taj Mahal, Jake Shimabukuro and local newbie Anuhea. Last we heard, Shimabukuro (who shared the stage with Bette Midler earlier this year in front of the Queen of England) was en route to Honolulu from Paris, one of the many travelers stranded due to the volcanic ash clouds over Europe.

Set times are: Anuhea (4:30pm), Jake Shimabukuro (5:15pm), Tah Mahal & The Hula Blues Band (6:05pm), Ziggy Marley (7:00pm), and Jack Johnson (7:45pm).

I'm headed to the festival in just a bit, but first... a dip in the "adults only" infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki and then some Hawaiian Shave Ice, a favorite snack of the locals.

Happy Earth Day from sunny, very warm Oahu!

Pop/R&B star Rihanna to launch tour in Seattle, Ke$ha to open

Seattle Gay News confirms another big tour opening in the Puget Sound, that of Rihanna who launches her North American road outing here on July 2.

The multi-Grammy winner, likely to rack up more nominations with the #1 single "Rude Boy", will perform at White River Amphitheatre with supporting act Ke$ha.

Stay glued to Seattle Gay News for updates on Rihanna and Ke$ha.

Seattle Gay News remembers Selena on the fifteenth anniversary of her death

It was fifteen years ago on this day that Selena, an established artist in the Latin music world and international shooting star, was murdered in her home state of Texas.

The singer, who inspired the film starring Jennifer Lopez, recorded many hits during her short career, including "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom", "Amor Prohibido", and "Dreaming of You". She earned a Grammy Award in 1994 for her Live album.

Today, Seattle Gay News remembers Selena. R.I.P., honey.

Grammy winner, Latin music star Ricky Martin comes out

Seattle Gay News has learned that Grammy-winning artist Ricky Martin has officially come out of the closet, after years of speculation.

The Latin music star and father of twin sons states on his website, ""I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am".

Seattle Gay News sees Phoenix in home country of France

What was Seattle Gay News doing in Marseilles, France last weekend? Rocking out to Phoenix, of course!

When the Grammy Award-winning band took the stage at Docks des Suds, in their home country, we were there to capture all the action from the beginning keyboard taps of "Listzomania" to the final chords of "1901".

Read an exclusive review of the performance in this week's issue of Seattle Gay News, available in hard copy throughout metro Seattle on March 26 and online on March 27.

Vive le Phoenix!

Silversun Pickups interview in this week's Seattle Gay News

Kickstart your weekend by grabbing a copy of this week's Seattle Gay News, out Friday afternoon, and read an interview with Grammy-nominated band Silversun Pickups.

The Southern California four-piece earned a Best New Artist-Grammy nod in December and are currently touring with British heavyweights Muse, which brings them to Seattle's Key Arena on April 2.

Lead singer Brian Aubert talks openly with Seattle Gay News about same-sex marriage, his own wedding day just around the corner, and meeting Daft Punk at a post-Grammy bash.

The interview with Brian Aubert (pictured) prints in our March 26 issue.

Lady GaGa expected to announce Seattle tour date

Seattle Gay News is awaiting confirmation for an upcoming Lady GaGa concert date in the Seattle area.

When we know, you will too. Stay glued to Seattle Gay News for all news GaGa.

Little Boots at Neumos tomorrow, meet n' greet at Neighbours

British newbie Little Boots is on her way to Seattle, scheduled to perform at Neumos tomorrow night, March 6, (http://neumos.com/neumos.php) and will then zip over to gay bar Neighbours for a special meet n' greet with fans (see today's issue of Seattle Gay News for details, look for the Neighbours weekly ad).


Don't miss her concert at Neumos, especially because she won't be performing at Neighbours - just signing autographs!

Oscars Party at Purr - no cover, cool prizes, Sunday night

Got no plans for the Oscars on Sunday afternoon? Chew on this.

Seattle Gay News and Purr have teamed up once again for an Academy Awards bash with great prizes and an even better price to get in...FREE. All-day food and drink specials won't break your wallet for an afternoon of cocktails and bites, and the crowd is expected to be a fun mix of film buffs and award gushers of all types.

Red carpet arrivals begin at 4pm (PST), awards ceremony at 5pm (PST). Ballots must be filled out before the ceremony begins to win any of the prizes, which include:

* Weekend getaway to Victoria BC
* DVDs of nominated films
* Newly released CDs, including Lady GaGa
* Gift certificates
* Absolut tee-shirts

Purr is located at 1518 11th Avenue on Capitol Hill, across the street from Value Village.

Rock band Phoenix interviews with Seattle Gay News

Phoenix is hot. The other Phoenix, that is.

French rock band Phoenix is celebrating a heatwave of success - a unanimously acclaimed CD titled Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album, and a full slate of sold out concerts from Mexico to Japan to Seattle (there are no mas tickets to the group's performance this weekend at The Showbox SoDo!!!).

Seattle Gay News is thrilled to announce an upcoming interview with Paris' coolest export, Phoenix, this Friday. Lead singer Thomas Mars responds to being told (from a guy) that he's cute, tells us who he's excited to see at the Coachella Festival, and ponders the idea of what to wear to the Grammy Awards ceremony.

If you're new to Phoenix, who ranked number "Un" (that means one) on our year-end top albums list for 2009, start by watching the music video to their single "1901" right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL548cHH3OY

Grab a copy of Seattle Gay News on January 22 and receive a big French kiss from Thomas Mars of Phoenix!

Seattle Gay News to announce "Best of Travel 2009" on January 22

Before we close the lid on 2009, we have a few more lists to unveil. And if you're headed soon on vacation or a weekend getaway, our lists of the best hotels, restaurants, bars-lounges, visitor attractions, and spas might help in putting together your itinerary.

From the many miles Seattle Gay News writers traveled last year, we've selected some outstanding places and things to do. So grab a copy of our January 22 issue and find out what we chose as the Best of Travel 2009.

Pictured: Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin (photo by Albert Rodriguez)

Seattle Gay News picks 50 best albums of the past decade

Is This It by The Strokes was chosen as the Best Album released between 2000 and 2009 by Seattle Gay News. The list, published in the January 1 issue, includes Beck, M.I.A. Death Cab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes, and The Killers to name a few.

Click on this link to see the complete list: http://sgn.org/sgnnews38_01/page22.cfm

Soundgarden reuniting? Quite possibly for 2010

Albert Rodriguez here at Seattle Gay News, wishing everyone a very happy 2010!

Big, make that, HUGE music news out of Seattle right now. Grammy-winning rock group Soundgarden could be reuniting this year, according to lead singer Chris Cornell who recently Tweeted, "The 12 year break is over & school is back in session".

Unless the hot vocalist-guitarist, who's interviewed with me twice in the past three years, is talking about some other band or project we're unfamiliar with, it looks to signal the second coming of Soundgarden.

When I know more, you will too. Check out my weekly news column "The Music Lounge" for fresh music buzz.