California high court upholds Prop 8

The Califonia Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, which amended the state consitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

...[W]e conclude that each of the state constitutional challenges to Proposition 8 advanced by petitioners and the Attorney General lacks merit. Having been approved by a majority of the voters at the November 4, 2008 election, the initiative measure lawfully amends the California Constitution to include the new provision as article I, section 7.5.

However, the court said the marriages of approximetly 18,000 same-sex couples shall remain valid.

Applying well-established legal principles pertinent to the question whether a constitutional provision should be interpreted to apply prospectively or retroactively, we conclude that the new section cannot properly be interpreted to apply retroactively. Accordingly, the marriages of same-sex couples performed prior to the effective date of Proposition 8 remain valid and must continue to be recognized in this state.

Proponents of equal marriage rights will rally at 5:30 PM at Westlake to protest the decision.

Taking Back Sunday in this week's Seattle Gay News

Major label rockers Taking Back Sunday are the musical guest in this week's edition of Seattle Gay News, currently in bars, coffeeshops, bookstores, and other establishments around the Puget Sound.

Bassist Matt Rubano phoned in from the road, as the band makes their way to Seattle on May 29 (www.showboxonline.com). Get an inside scoop on the quintet's upcoming album, New Again, and find out what Rubano likes to cook in his very own Big Apple pad.

To read the Taking Back Sunday interview, grab a copy of Seattle Gay News at your favorite drinking spot or coffee house or visit www.sgn.org (Arts & Entertainment section).

Taylor Hicks in this week's Seattle Gay News

American Idol champ and current Grease star Taylor Hicks speaks one-on-one with Seattle Gay News in the May 8 issue, available at many local bars, restaurants, coffeehouses, and Bailey Coy book store on Capitol Hill.

The season five winner of America's most popular reality competition program is en route to Seattle for a three-week run of Grease at the 5th Avenue Theater. In addition, he'll give a one night solo performance at The Triple Door on May 27.

Grab a copy of this week's Seattle Gay News, or look for it online, and get to know the "Soul Patrol" man himself, Taylor Hicks.

Seattle Gay News travel section online

Going somewhere? Start your trip with Seattle Gay News.

Our newest special travel section is now online at www.sgn.org - just click on the travel icon with "BOSTON" in giant letters. Our latest travel spread contains exclusive features on Boston, Austin, Vancouver BC, Whidbey Island, and Portland. Let us tell you about great places at these destinations to stay, eat, mingle, and relax.

Bon voyage!

Pictured: Mini fritters with white chocolate dipping sauce at Trattoria in Vancouver BC.

Chris Cornell in Seattle Gay News this week

He's one of the hottest rock stars on the planet, and he's ours this week.

Chris Cornell is featured in an exclusive interview with Seattle Gay News (April 24 issue), in which he recalls the early days of the grunge scene in the Emerald City and speaks bluntly about being hit on by men.

The Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman released his third solo album this year entitled Scream, a collaboration with hip-hop giant Timbaland. The project adds to Cornell's career resume, which also boasts Grammy winner, Bond theme composer, John Varvatos model, father of three, restauranteur, and head-to-toe hottie.

Get to know Chris Cornell in our interview by clicking the link below - this marks the second interview he's given us in back to back years. We love you Chris!

http://sgn.org/sgnnews37_17/page38.cfm

Green Day launching tour in Seattle

Whatever you do, don't leave town on 4th of July weekend!

Grammy-winning, gay-friendly trio Green Day will launch its upcoming tour in Seattle on July 3. Ticket details coming soon, so stay glued to Seattle Gay News for more news. The band is currently set to release its eighth studio album 21st Century Breakdown featuring the single "Know Your Enemy".

More on Green Day soon.

Record Store Day - support independent music stores

Hi, it's Albert Rodriguez at Seattle Gay News on a beautiful spring morning (just watched a fab Kathy Griffin special on Bravo).

Today is national Record Store Day, when we show our support to independent record stores like Easy Street Records, Sonic Boom, Silver Platters and Cellophane Square - or whatever is in your neck of the woods. It's not that we don't like the corporates, it's just that we want the small retail stores to survive along with the big ones.

If there's a CD or music item you've been waiting to buy, please purchase it today at one of the above listed stores. There are some really great new releases by Neko Case, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Silversun Pickups - or maybe an authentic Seattle record shop T-shirt for out of town friends.

At Easy Street Records today, local rock group the Moondoggies (pictured) will perform at the Queen Anne location at 5pm.

Show your support of independent record stores today, April 18!