Will Clark World

NAACP Endorses Marriage Equality #marriageequality #naacp

Today's big news is that the NAACP has endorsed Marriage Equality.

This announcement follows Joe Biden's Meet the Press appearance two weeks ago, President Obama's public statement three days later and various nods of support from various people including Pat Quinn Governor of Illinois and Lincoln Chafee Rhode Island Governor as well as Jesse Jackson and well, half of Hollywood.

Will this all help or hurt the President come November? Well, it depends. There's so much outpouring of support and numbers in the polls don't lie - acceptance of the gays and Marriage Equality is at an all-time high. Same-sex marriage has been legal now for years in many states and those states haven't fallen into the ocean or devoured by demonic snakes - and heterosexual marriage still has a 50% divorce rate. So when the usual suspects start harping on us getting married ruining civilization, we really need to look around and say "really? give me an example" and then watch as they point to the weird weather we've had these past few years as an indication... because remember, this bunch also doesn't want to accept that decades of smog have changed the world for the worse.

Mainly the opponents are scared - much like your 80something mother hates to use email and can't figure out why anyone would bother using Facebook: it's simply a realization that they are being left behind.

In the case of Marriage Equality, it's various people who have a set idea of how the world is supposed to be... and women, the gays, minorities are 'supposed' to act a certain way and know their place.. but sadly for those that believe this, they are simply realizing that it will never be that way again. (thank God!). We must find a new way of living - because the old way - in which our society only works when someone or other is oppressed, must end at long last. We are better than that. At least, we ought to want to be better than that.

But even for some of the gays the idea that Marriage Equality for all in America is close at hand sounds like "lollipops and rainbows" as one Facebook douche posted on my page the other day. Yes, there are 30some states where Marriage Equality has been banned by Constitutional amendment. Pish tosh. Sodomy laws were still on the books not that long ago and they were overturned and abolished.

These amendments will be overturned in time when the will of the people reaches critical mass.

And that time is really not that far off. Not tomorrow. Not next month. Not probably this year. But I'd say soon. Very soon. Sooner than we ever thought. My God, the progress we've made in my lifetime -  I never in my wildest dreams thought that I could get married to another man. Granted, since I'm not even dating anyone, a wedding date is unlikely anytime soon.... but it's nice to know that I could! :)

There is still much work to get done and no matter where you're at, please consider supporting the Marriage Equality group near you. For those of us in New York, you can click here to find out how to help the fight in our neck of the woods.

 

Marriage Equality, Homophobia and "What Makes You Beautiful" #marriageequality #anythinggoes #broadway

Good morning peeps!

It's dark and gloomy in New York City today but you don't have to be (dark and gloomy). Sure, the recent events from North Carolina and all the buzzing from Biden and Obama to Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton seem to have given every homophobe in the country reason to be openly hateful (and stupid) but hey at least the public - the ones that are somewhere in the middle on their opinion of teh gayz and same-sex marriage are seeing what we've seen all along - just how rude and ugly things are for us.

Contrary to others who are wishing them to stop - I hope every homophobe weighs in with their crazy opinion so that the world can really see what they sound like - because sometimes when it's a comment here and a comment there, I think the general American public just doesn't really get how awful they themselves sound.

Naturally this will be validation for some (ie a public figure institutionalizing homophobia) but I think, in the end, these open and virulent attacks simply underscore the need for laws in place to protect the LGBT community. And of course they wouldn't be quite so intense if this rapidly shrinking group of people didn't on some level recognize that the time of this being acceptable conversation is, at last, over. No one fights harder than when they know the end is near.

And for some, especially closet cases *coughRickSantorumcough* being anti-gay is the shield they protect themselves with against having to deal with the truth of their own selves. I'd rather think that they are simply lashing out at us out of a sense of self-presevation (not because the LGBT community will cause -what nonsense- the end of humanity, but in the fragile protection that being anti-gay gives them) than that they are just batshit crazy or downright mean.

To wash away this negativity, please take a few minutes to watch this video made by the cast of ANYTHING GOES. It's a lip-sync of "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction. I want to meet the hottie with the shaved head.. he seems like he's awesomely fun! :)

Enjoy!

 

 

Good Morning Peeps - This Blog Post Is Soooo Gay #vitogallo #thisshowissogay #willclark

Happy Saturday to everyone out there! I'm writing to you from the beach in Sayville- stayed with an old roommate who now lives out here - and this afternoon I am making my first trip of the season out to Fire Island for a big birthday blowout tonight. I've been invited to this party in the past but never have been able to make it but am looking forward to it - I could use a night of dancing and debauchery.. don't you think? :)

The Will Clark Show kicked ass this past Thursday night with Terese and Shaynee rockin the house and Vito making all the men swoon with dreamy eyes and a thick hairy chest... OK I have to stop thinking of that - I haven't even had breakfast or anything.. food before sex! (I would make some comment about how I think of food first before sex as I get older, but I'm pretty sure that food has always been my priority.. I'm the guy who, in the middle of an intense orgy will be all like "hey, can I get a sandwich?" Yeah, I'm that guy) :)

My other highlight of the week was getting interviewed on the podcast, THIS SHOW IS SO GAY where apparently I announced my candidacy for the Mayor of New York. Hey less competent people have run (and won) over the years so what the hey? However, living on the east side in Gracie Mansion would be a drag because geez, it's going to be a long time before the 2nd Ave. Subway is completed... maybe they'd let me stay on the upper west side in my fourth floor walk up rent stabilized apartment? You can hear more about my sole platform by listening to the show. Thanks to Ken who runs the show - that man is such a great interviewer - I used to say that I would never do an interview again (and hey, Ken, thanks for bringing THAT up!) but you know, with Ken, well, it's easy to be fabulous, charming and coherant. :)

BTW you'll notice little hyperlinks spread around the blog.. it's some new feature that Typepad offers and I'm kind of thrilled and kind of nervous that it's taking you to weird places on teh internets.. you know, like the Catholic League website or a Rick Santorum fan page or something. :)

I'll be back online bright and early Monday morning and in the meantime, here's a picture of Vito Gallo from Thursday night. My usual photographer, AB was not with us so I had to fend for myself - do you know how hard it is to do a show and take pictures of it at the same time? So I did manage to get this one pic of Vito but thankfully there is an awesome photog that works with the Ritz and he got some great snaps.. I'll be snagging those and posting them early in the new week.

Best to you all and have fun whereever you are this bright and sunny weekend - at least far out on Long Island!

Gay Marriage British Style "All Men Can Be Husbands" #equalmarriage

It seems fitting for our show tonight, that this video came out the other day and features a proposal scene. Seriously try not to cry. I double dare you. Find out more about the group that created this campaign by clicking thru to their website at http://www.c4em.org.uk (thanks to my FB friend Chester for posting this on his wall!)

 

Terese Genecco Tonight April 26th on The Will Clark Show starting at 7pm!

I know, I know, I'm like a kid in a candy store today pumping info about tonight's guests out like crazy - I can't help it, I'm just beyond thrilled about tonight's show - and I hope that if you're here in NYC and like hot male studs and delicious jazz/cabaret singers, and you support Marriage Equality, that we'll see you from 7pm to 9pm to play some Bingo at the Ritz.

As you might remember, I've had Terese Genecco on the show before but it's been a couple years and I'm so excited to see her again especially since she'll be bringing along her fiancee Shaynee Rainbolt, an established performer in her own right. :)

If you haven't been to Terese's monthly event at Iridium, then you're simply missing out on one of the singular pleasures that New York has to offer - seriously. If you pay the big rents here, you owe it to yourself to check out this gem of a show. I've been with friends a couple times and it's just a dynamite time - the show is incredible and of course there are drinks and food.. so it's a whole evening for you and your pals ... actually writing this reminds me that I haven't been in a long time and it's high time I make a plan to round up some friends and go (maybe for the next show, Tuesday May 29th?? Care to join me?)

In the meantime, see you all the Ritz TONIGHT!

Terese Genecco (pronounced "Teh-REECE Jeh-NECK-oh") & her 8-piece "little big band" is currently the "longest-running nightclub act on Broadway," appearing as a headliner at The Iridium NYC on the 3rd or the last Tuesday of every month, now going into its 4th year of monthly performances.

Originally from San Francisco, Genecco was recently cast as the co-lead with Broadway stars Eric Kunze and Alexandra Wailes in "Brindlebeast!" a brand new musical gearing up for produced staged readings in New York City and Hartford, CT in the fall of 2012.

Terese recorded her 2008 MAC Award-winning debut CD, "DRUNK WITH LOVE: A TRIBUTE TO FRANCES FAYE!" (her live tribute show) over a week in October of 2006 at The Metropolitan Room in NYC. It was released on the BUG:OUT:MUSIC label in April of 2007, and can be considered a companion piece to Ms. Faye's "Caught In The Act" LP's, which are currently available through GNP Crescendo Records and distributed online through iTunes, http://www.Amazon.com and other music retailers.

Genecco recently recorded, "If I Was A Boy," now available through CDBABY.COM, iTunes, http://www.Amazon.com, etc. The song was written by Maria Gentile and Caren Cole and was nominated for "Love Song Of The Year" and "Single of The Year" by the LGBT Academy of Recording Arts in December 2010. Sean Harkness plays guitars and bass and Joe Abba is on drums.

"Terese Genecco & Her Little Big Band Live From The Iridium NYC" was released on the BUG:OUT:MUSIC label on March 20, 2012, recorded live at The Iridium Jazz Club in Manhattan on October 12, 2012.

Shaynee Rainbolt Tonight April 26th on The Will Clark Show at The Ritz!

Tonight, one of my fabulous guests is the awesomey awesome Shaynee Rainbolt and just in case you aren't familiar with the deliciousness that is Shaynee.. here's her bio from her website Shaynee Rainbolt.com) .. you know I love my male hotties but I also love love love love having incredible performing talent on the show.. so excited for tonight!

Shaynee Rainbolt's sumptuous tone and instrumentally oriented jazz chops have made her a New York audience favorite & Critic’s Pick since she relocated from the San Francisco bay Area in 2005. Described as “smooth, sultry, sophisticated, and swinging” it’s not wonder that Time Out NY said: “Talent, Charm, Sheer Magic- Rainbolt’s got it!” and the Siegles of Theatermania.com declared: “San Francisco’s loss is New York’s gain. The arrival here Shaynee Rainbolt is cause for celebration.”

Now a regular on the New York City music scene, Shaynee brings her fresh, unique and sultry style to music of all eras. She swings, scats, entertaining audiences of all ages.

Shaynee is also a 2012 Backstage Bistro Award Winner, a two time MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award Winner, and four-time MAC Award Nominee with three critically acclaimed CD’s to her credit, the first two released on the UK Indie jazz label, 33Jazz (33jazz.com).

Hailed as one to watch in the Scott Yanow’s 2008 book: The Jazz Singers: The Ultimate Guide, Shaynee has performed at world-class venues & festivals in the U.S. & abroad, but when she’s not on the road, you can hear her monthly at Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Shaynee has performed at New York’s Highline, Iridium, Metropolitan Room, Danny’s Skylight Room and many many more!

Tonight, April 26th The Will Clark Show feat. P*rno Bingo at the Ritz! A Benefit for Marriage Equality!

TONIGHT bring your honey --- or come to find one -- and join us for a night to benefit Marriage Equality New York featuring award winning jazz musician Terese Genecco (2 Bistro Awards and 4 MAC Awards including 2012 MAC Awards for “Show of the Year” and “Major Artist – Female or Duo”) and her fiancée, singer and Bistro and fellow MAC Award winner Shaynee Rainbolt

PLUS because with every marriage a little sex must fall, Lucas Entertainment  stud Vito Gallo will be on hand to promote his latest work and be the first stud to auction off their jockstrap at our new home!

Erotic prizes, happy hour prices and mid-town men - a recipe for awesome!

And Now, A Word From Will Clark

In theory, it 'should' have been a no-brainer - relaunch the event, dive into blogging since new folks will be coming to the site because of the new venue, word getting out, etc. And of course the past few weeks didn't work out like that! :)

Thanks to all of you who have been religiously checking out the site (I see you on my stat counter!) and apologize for taking a longer than expected break between postings. It's been more of a time issue than not having anything to say (I mean, really, do you think I am ever at a loss for words?). 

Thanks also to all of you who joined us for the first night last Thursday. It was a blast and yes, pictures will be posted soon. :)

And tomorrow night, Thursday April 26th, I've got a great Will Clark Show for you all - jazz/cabaret singers Terese Genecco and her fiancee Shaynee Rainbolt will perform and call a round each and we'll be joined by Lucas Entertainment stud Vito Gallo who'll set your heart (and other places) on fire. And all the proceeds from the night will go to benefit Marriage Equality New York who are still working hard not only to maintain and preserve the victory that we have achieved last June, but also to help neighboring states to get Equality too.

That's at 7pm at THE RITZ located at 369 W. 46th Street in midtown near Ninth Ave. on Restaurant Row. 

 

 

A Gay Marine Love Story #gaymarine

There are two things that I live for as a blogger - when someone super intelligent comments on some puffed up celebrity saying/doing something outrageously bigoted and/or stupid (like Rachel Maddow calling out Sarah Palin on her call to end fruit fly testing - when said test has helped her autistic child) and when something populist happens that is incredibly moving (like the "Forever" wedding dance). This is an example of the latter.

Earlier this week, the blogosphere blew up over the photo of a Marine's homecoming kiss with his boyfriend. To me, it was on par with the infamous end of WW2 photo of the soldier kissing the nurse ... passionate and genuine. This is a little feature that one of the news programs did on the couple - just ordinary guys in love and a moment captured forever. (BTW I didn't create this graphic, I discovered it on the net, thanks to whomever did put this together) :)

 

Afternoon Dance Break: Runaway #afternoondancebreak #jessieandthetoyboys

Here's a little ditty that starts out an ode to stealing your best friend's boyfriend - and becomes something else entirely (about halfway through). Thououghly enjoyable and a poppy boppy tune that'll have you shakin your shoulders with the beat. Enjoy!