Give Me a Break
Jeff Jones got his wish last week. With a phone call, he learned that he’ll open for Joan Rivers at Hard Rock Live on June 5, and at the Florida Theater in Jacksonville on June 3. Rivers specifically requested a local gay comic as an opening act, and Jones sent an audition tape for her to review. “Either she loved me, or there just aren’t any gay comedians in Jacksonville,” laughed Jones. The up-and-comer is crafting some new material for what he says will “definitely be a gay show.” Asked if he’ll be nervous, Jones answered with a definitive “no.” “I’ll be coming off seven Fringe shows where I played Satan,” he said. “I’ll be ready.”
Chorus Commemorates
There were a number of goose-bump moments at the Orlando Gay Chorus’ Twentieth Anniversary Concert May 22-23 at The Plaza Theatre. Joel Strack spoke movingly about participating in every single concert over 20 years, and recognized a chorus member who had just become an American citizen. And close to a dozen current chorus members were called to the front of the stage as founding members back in 1990. But most touching was a slide tribute to departed members, many lost to HIV/AIDS during OGC’s first decade. With more than 120 members, OGC remains a beacon for the local LGBT community.
Orlando Girls go GaYbor
There’s a splashy new bar in Tampa, and it’s received enough attention to attract a big contingent from Orlando. Play is in the heart of Ybor City’s vibrant GaYbor District. Owned by Halcyon founders Deb Hunseder and Stephanie Callahan, the friendly bar has become a showcase for local musicians. On Saturday, May 29, Orlando’s Phish Phest Goes West, moving their monthly party to Play from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. It should be a wild night. Visit Phish Phest’s Facebook page for details.
Random Notes
Longtime Orlando actor Paul Vogt had a small role on a recent episode of Glee, playing the director of a community theater production of Les Miz who also happens to own a dry cleaning business. * Early Fringe reviews are in, and the consensus is that Doug Ba’aser is not-to-be missed as Joan Crawford in Jeff Jones’ Hell Freezes Over.
