Will Clark World

In Praise of DJ Chris Padilla #theendofwillclark

Dear Chris,

I have learned from our friend DJ Randy Bettis this morning that you are in hospice care in the Fort Lauderdale area. I am, of course, very sad to hear this.

I know that we have not spoken in quite some time but I want you to know how much I adore and appreciate you. From the day you walked into my life, I have been filled with admiration for you: your kind heart, your 'don't quit' attitude, ever hopeful, ever working, ever grateful for everything that you have had.

I believe it was Randy that recommended you to DJ bingo. We had just finished up with a year residency with another DJ and I was on the lookout for the next. You graciously offered to help us out for a short time, providing an extra added dimension to our little event at Pieces. And geez, the sound system was a complete and utter disaster and yet you didn't complain, you miraculously made it work. I don't know how you patched that shit together and made it sound pretty, but you did.

And what I think I admire the most is that you agreed to come on and help out for a few weeks until we established the next DJ and then, because you were having such a good time, you stayed for a whole year. And I know, I know.. the pay was super duper shitty and well beneath what you should have made... and yet, you stayed and stayed and stayed because you were devoted to helping us make the world a better place, even if it was by selling one bingo card at a time.

Ugh! And the absolute SHIT that we went through in that year you were with us - From winter 2011- winter 2012 - all of us were going through personal and professional ups and downs - but we were warriors together and we kicked ASS.

What most people don't know, of course, is the many times that we hung out at your apartment, ate Subway sandwiches, and talked about New York nightlife and the state of circuit parties. It was during these times when we could speak about anything.. You were patient, kind, and always always full of humor... and also always, my friend.

Today, I asked friends on Facebook to send you Light. I am certain that somehow you will feel the warmth of friendship from your New York friends, fans, and colleagues and, I hope, will give you at least a little smile knowing that there are a whole bunch of us who love you and even if we cannot be with you where you are, know that I am sending my biggest bear hug to you, my friend.

All my love, always,

Will Clark

(Right, photo, by AB, at a February 2012 show)

 

 

Mapplethorpe on HBO #LookAtThePictures #MapplethorpeDoc @HBODocs

Years from now, when I look back to March 2016 I'll remember a few things - I'll think of my friend Joe who died a couple weeks ago after bouncing back and forth for three years between nursing homes and hospitals with everything under the sun (cancer, diabetes, heart condition, etc); I'll remember spending a week living with a guy I've been seeing since the beginning of the year as his roommate was on a trip out of the country; I'll remember coming to a career turning point (which I alluded to in yesterday's blog post). And I'll remember Mapplethorpe.

In the past three weeks, I've a kind of Mapplethorpe explosion in my life. Similar to other explosions this year - multiple unrelated mentions of both Electra Woman and Dyna Girl as well as the 90s group, The Cocteau Twins - but more intentional, as a publicist friend of mine offered me a bright and shiny copy of the new Mapplethorpe book if I'd do some press on it. Since I can be had for the price of a salted peanut, I of course said yes. And only for this friend (and Mapplethorpe) would I agree to schlep my UWS butt all the way out to the middle of "where in Brooklyn am I?" to see a screening of the new HBO documentary at Pratt.

Mapplethorpe - Look at the Pictures is a new documentary produced by the World of Wonder guys which will debut on HBO on Monday, April 4. This is an amazing piece of work that traces, in detail, Mapplethorpe's background from the burbs, to the NYC downtown art crowd of the late 60s/70s, and his incredible success and legacy into the 80s and after his death from AIDS in 1989.

Like with many of WOW productions, everyone is shown with their warts hanging out so this isn't really a puff piece. I think my favorite bit are interviews with Drummer magazine's Jack Fritscher who had a relationship with the artist. I won't spoil it for you but there's a spectacular little bit at the tail end of one of the interviews that made everyone in the audience erupt with a knowing laughter. Quite charming (and btw I am sitting here writing this after communicating with Jack about how much I enjoyed his bits and it turns out that he's familiar with my work, too. How awesome is THAT?). And, while the audience was clearly aware and appreciative of the art, I have to admit I was a little amused when there were a few audible gasps at a couple of the more ... extreme pieces - I believe that it was the fisting photo that got people out of their comfort zone. Fisting ALWAYS gets people out of their comfort zone - whether it's talking about it, seeing it, or doing it... but I digress.

The companion book is so incredibly beautiful that I would say nice things about Ted Cruz to have gotten it (ok not really, that's just a joke, who do I think I am? The owner of the OUT Hotel in NYC and bars on Fire Island?). It's a big book filled with Mapplethorpe's work as well as essays and a little history, and it's a kind of coffee table book but I would never actually put it out on the coffee table- it already resides in my fine art library - next to Mel Roberts, Michael Alago, Kent Taylor, Robert Richards and books from COLT and Kristen Bjorn. Mapplethorpe is the king of course but these are all worthy companions.

I think, perhaps, the strangest piece of this Mapplethorpe odyssey this past month was going to the little park just across the street from the Flatiron Building on a warmish Friday night two weeks ago to visit the pop up Mapplethorpe exhibit. HBO had set up a couple of custom built shipping containers stacked to create a small gallery with a half dozen screens showing various Mapplethorpe pieces in a slide show format accompanied with clips of Mapplethorpe's own words from the documentary.

How far we have come, right? It was just 25 years ago that Jesse Helms protested the use of NEA funds to mount an exhibition of Mapplethorpe's work - and now, in 2016, it's so mainstream that it's being viewed for free by the public - and projected to the side of the containers in full view of the world (OK so none of the "X" shots were included, but the progress is still startling).

Seeing his work again, for me, personally, was difficult. I was, of course, way too young to have ever been able to experience him and his work as it happened - he actually died on March 9, 1989, which was my 25th birthday and I had just come out two years before and far and away from the New York art scene. But, still, there's something in his work that speaks to me - that touches me in a way that many other artists' works don't. Maybe it was because I was introduced to his work through a friend, John, who died of AIDS in 1993, and so I connect in some way/somehow through him. Maybe it's because the leather scene that he shot and was so notorious for is one that I feel most part of. It was also so decimated by the plague that to have some sort (any sort) of record of those years now long gone, is a amazing. To have a record of the inherent beauty of SM, and see it captured so perfectly, is nothing short of a miracle. Leather/SM IS an art form of it's own - one that typically can't be captured by a photo, and yet Mapplethorpe was the first - and possibly the best.

 Check out the trailer and see it on HBO starting Monday, April 4, 2016.

  

 

Fire Island Bear Weekend 2016 - Ready for Liftoff! @GregSalvatori @FireIslandBearWknd @TinaBurnerNYC

Good evening, peeps - thanks for taking a minute out of your busy day to check out the latest update to info for the upcoming Fire Island Bear Weekend - we're only three months away and if you haven't made your reservations, time to get crackin!

But before I get into all of that - a couple weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of joining FIB weekend producer Shane Tate at a photoshoot with our first Mr. Fire Island Bear, Chris Pagano. Chris is a hot 230 lb muscle bear who exudes masculinity and fun - there's something about him that makes me want to dive in face/tongue first. Here's a butt shot - don't you agree? (and I'm not even an ass man).

Photographer Greg Salvatori clocked in a few great shots early on but we kept on going because, well, why not? Chris was there and semi naked and it was fun to see what we got. And I sort of played art director - I guess I learned a thing or two from all those years in front of the camera. :)

As a side note, if you haven't checked out Greg's newest book BEARDS OF NEW YORK, please give it a look by clicking here for Greg's site.

Anyway, this is the shot that Shane ultimately decided on and I'm sure you'll agree that it's drool worthy (and, fun fact, that cigar is mine  - I "lent" it for the shoot - Chris doesn't smoke so I had to smoke it down for him - the sacrifices we make for our art!)

OK, now about the weekend itself that takes place Friday, June 10, Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12. You can catch the entire schedule by clicking here, but here are some of the highlights - Fire Island Bear Weekend is pleased to announce that they've secured two amazing DJs - Susan Morabito (one of my all time favorites) and the incomparable Jonny Mack (also one of my faves) for a couple different parties over the weekend. You won't want to miss either and, as Susan only plays very few gigs on the island every summer and in NYC every year, this is a definite treat.

Naturally, as you all remember, I've worked with Jonny many times, having hired him to DJ the last few Bad Boys on the Hudson Sea Teas.

Now, about the contest, which will be held on Saturday, June 11 at Cherrys - we are vigorously looking for contestants - we had six last year and any of them could have won the contest, but all but one signed up on the day of the contest. Do you want to give me a heart attack? No? Then sign up early. My cardiologist thanks you. :) You can go to the Fire Island Bear Weekend site here and click on the tab marked "Mr. Fire Island Bear Contest" 

I'm pleased to announce that my co-host this year will be the one and only, you luv her, you've partied with her, yes, Miss Tina Burner will join me to pick the new guy who'll be the face of Fire Island Bear 2017. All I have to say is "Gurrrrl". :) If you don't know Tina (well, Tina Burner anyway), and you live in New York, run don't walk over to Intermezzo for their Sunday brunch. It's loud, it's crazy, but it's worth it for the hilarity of the Burner (wait, does this mean that we feeling the Burn?? I'm OK with that as long as it's not an STD that's 'burning'). Anyway, most likely there'll be inappropriate humor and jokes that are told just way too soon, but it's nice not to be the only one on stage acting out for a change. :)

 

OK there's probably more to the weekend that I'm missing but it's not like I don't have three full months to flog this party with endless news about additions. Thanks in advance to our sponsors, the Scruff site and the Leatherman.   More on the weekend, soon!

 

 

 

A Love Letter to My Ex Boyfriend - Bingo July 29 - 9/10 - @UncleCharliesNY

This is going to be a bit different of a post than the others I've written about last summer's Bingo, because, during the July 29 night, I celebrated my ex boyfriend Ro's birthday as a benefit for the Queer Urban Orchestra. You might find it odd that I celebrated my ex's birthday. But bear with me.

You see, nearly 9 years ago, I met Ro at a funeral for a friend, Tom, who had designed the first year's Bingo posters. Tom was an awesome graphic designer and a musician. I had met him during my View Bar show in late 2004 (during a "Queer Music Night", Tom was in a band) and we formed an instant friendship. He loved what I was doing but told me that I needed more help especially in putting together a poster for the weekly show. I agreed but before we could really do anything, the show was cancelled and I moved on to the 9th Ave. Bistro to start P*rrrrno Bingo in February 2005! In February 2007, Tom got very ill and subsequently passed away. The memorial service wasn't until May and was held at Judson Church at the south end of Washington Square. There I met Ro and we started dating immediately.

Unlike other guys I've dated, Ro came to my shows all the time - a regular fixture - and we found ourselves working on the show together with him doing the graphics and, eventually, teaching me how to do the posters and the NEXT ads myself. He was there when I'd find joy in the show, he was there when things wouldn't go right. He came to at least a quarter of the 470 shows that I produced and was my biggest cheerleader - even sometimes when I didn't feel much like cheering for one reason or another (a missing guest, an errant charity, FedEx didn't deliver sponsors' giveaways in time, etc).

And even when we (wisely, finally) came to the conclusion that we were best friends/brothers, rather than boyfriends, Ro was still involved in the show and in my life. We've both long since moved on with others but we are still (and I hope forever) involved in each others' lives. And, I still love him, you know?

So, it was important for me to celebrate Ro's birthday on what I came to realize over the summer would be the final final final run of the show. Yeah, I'd missed the show after we'd ended in February 2014, but during these summer shows, I realized that it was time to really wrap it up. Oh, I was grateful for what I would come to call the "Bingo victory lap"... but P*rno Bingo was nearly done once and for all.

Singer Athena Reich was scheduled to join us (Ro specifically requested her) but due to an issue with her pregnancy, she had to back out at the last minute. She and her baby boy are doing fine, by the way, and we at the Bingo family are very grateful for a healthy and happy baby.

Thankfully, performer Brent Walden Reno joined us to call some numbers and provide banter - he's a member of the Queer Urban Orchestra, the beneficiary of the night. Brent was charming and fabulous - all the things that a Bingo guest should be. :)

And Ro joined me on the mic too... So here's to Ro - I share the success of this wonderful, bizarre Bingo thing with you. Always and forever. xoxo  (PS I don't know what I'm doing in this picture of us on the mic but I'm probably enjoying some awesome thing that he had just said lol)

You can see pics from the night by clicking here ... photos by AB.

 

 

 

World According to Will - Brief update on the 411 of your favorite Redhead

Good afternoon, peeps - apologies for the long time in between posts - seems we never really have the time to do the things we want to, is there?

Anyway, thought I'd jot down a few updates so you know what's been going on in the world o Will the past few weeks -

My boss is still a dick but I've now gotten to the point where I call him out on his dickishness. He actually takes it like a champ although it's exhausting. I wish I didn't have to go through such gymnastics to get through a work day but I suppose that's what many of my peers have been doing since they entered the corporate workforce in their 20s. How you all manage to do this for 40 years is beyond me. It's been 2 and a half and I'm fried. As I stated in a recent post, everything about this job has validated my earlier decisions to pursue an artistic/sex worker life.

I'm back to the gym on a regular basis and feel pretty great for the first time in a long time. I'm only doing 30 - 40 minute work outs but it's enough and I'm determined to go when I want, stay for as long as I am into it, and then leave. It's working out just fine.

Special Summer Edition P*rno Bingo has been going pretty well but I do think that scheduling 10 weeks was probably biting off more than I could reasonably handle. But, I've made it through and I don't want to give the impression that I've had a bad experience - it's been a blast but I'm not sure that I'll do it again given how intense the job continues to be. I never really say "never'... so after our final night on August 5, it's a 'to be continued?' situation.

For those keeping track of my apartment updates - I've finally found a competent, reliable, reasonably priced contractor who has already worked a couple of miracles on my place. Eventually, I'll post pictures when I get to the end of this long term renovation. At this rate, that might not be until 2020. I know there's been progress but it feels glacial.

And that's about all I've got at the moment. I'm in Boston on Monday and in Minneapolis Thursday and Friday and part of Saturday for work (and play) so I'm happy to travel a little bit for work even if it means that I have to go into work today (yes I sometimes go into the office on a Sunday - did I mention that part about wondering how you all do this schedule all your lives?)

Have a fabulous Sunday everyone and more this week!

Ciao, My Beautiful Friends.

La Dolce Gilda from robert piser on Vimeo.

 

"You still following me? Stop. Leave me alone.

<giggle> I'm just teasing you. Come here. Come closer.

You know I love you, you little monkeys. But leave me my dreams.

Dreams are like paper, they tear so easily.

I love to play. Everytime I play, you win.

Ciao."

P*rno Bingo FINALE: This is What It's Always Been About. Always.

Tonight, after 9 years, thousands of giveaways, hundreds of guests, a hundred or so beneficiaries, four locations, four DJs and hundreds of vodkas and Jack Daniels, we close up shop on The Will Clark Show feat. P*rno Bingo.

Sure, it's always been about raising funds for LGBTQetc organizations.. and I've always loved promoting my guests and the companies that give stuff to me to give away.... but it's always really been about the people who come to get out of their lives for an hour or two - to my little show and enjoy each others' company and laugh, learn, experience, drink, relax, etc.

It's the people that have always made Porno Bingo strong. And it's those people, some of whom have become friends, that have made me strong. And, at several junctures in the last 9 years, I've needed to borrow their strength to get through particularly tough times.  And it's those people that have kept me doing this week in and week out.

But that's not the whole story.

Because, after working in the corporate world for the past year, I have a new appreciation for why people need nightlife to begin with.

Working in a corporate environment is fucking hard. And for those that are LGBTQetc, it's especially difficult to maneuver through the byzantine layers of dealing with others' boundaries, office politics and simply how to talk about your husband or wife without risking getting fired, ostracized or simply disregarded.

Finding a spot where you will be amused, where you will find friends, where you will find sex, where you can let off some steam, where you will even find meaning, is all anyone really wants when they go out. And we in nightlife are here to give you a space to do that (whether or not we realize that that's what we're doing).

And, not just in the last 9 years, but since 1995, I can say that I have always had a great time as an entertainer. Sure, there were a few (ok more than a few) bumps along the way .. but it's amazing how easy it is to forget all the bad stuff, and remember only all the amazing moments as if they just happened yesterday.

We opened at the 9th Ave. Bistro on February 16th, 2005 and they gave me six weeks to see if it would work or not. 457 shows later, I guess we can say that it did. :) 

If you're not able to be there, please consider donating to our first charity, the Gay/Lesbian Anti Violence Project. On the donation page, you can fill in the little "how did you hear about us?" box with "Will Clark" or "Porno Bingo" and they'll count it against tonight's total.

If you are able to join us, well, I'll see you there tonight

All my best I send to you all,

Will Clark

February 16, 2014

Flashback to April 23, 2008 - Rollerena's Birthday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At one point my friend Barbara (far right, above) introduced me to promoter Joe Fiore who, for many years, produced the bi-weekly Center Dance- a late night dance party throughout the year (except for summer.. more or less). Along the way I came to meet Studio 54 legend, Rollerena. And along the way we got to be friends. And then further along the way, she agreed to throw her birthday party at Bingo as part of a fundraiser for the LGBT Center.

So I did what any self respecting gay man would do when they have a roller skating legend in their midst - I went out and rented roller skates. Back in high school, I used to be able to skate for hours and hours. Sure, it'd been 30 years since I skated, so what's the problem? I went to the store, got the skates, put them on and then thought I'd just skate home, pick up bingo stuff and skate 50 blocks to the 9th Ave. Bistro.

I should have my head examined!

I literally could not get out of the door without the shop owner becoming alarmed - I could see that he was rethinking renting to me. So I tried again and again. Before I broke an arm, a leg or a hip, I went peacefully to a chair to take them off. However, I was determined to at least wear them to the show. Take THAT, 16 year old me!

Over the years, Rollerena's visits to Bingo each year have been a highlight and I've been genuinely honored to have known her, danced with her at the Center, Sea Tea, etc. I am constantly impressed and inspired by the history of her life - and the passion she has over LGBT rights. Sitting next to her at my show has truly been a highlight. :)

President's Day with Dina Martina

Good morning all - hope you're all reading this at 4 in the afternoon when you've slept in til 2 after a wild night since you have Monday off of work. Just in case your hangover isn't bad enough, here's one of the most awesome performers who ever performed, Dina Martina, doing a President's Day bit.

It's funny, I was at a party over the weekend and mentioned her (I think the exact words were "indescribable") and then she pops up on my Facebook feed. My God, she's Beetlejuice!

 

WILL CLARK ANNOUNCES FINAL BINGO AND IML HONOR

(New York)  After 9 years, 457 shows and a quarter of a million dollars raised, promoter, producer, performer Will Clark will call the last round of The Will Clark Show feat. P*rno Bingo, his popular weekly fundraiser, on Wednesday, February 26^th, 2014 at New York's Uncle Charlies located at 139 E. 45th Street. 

The Will Clark Show feat. P*rno Bingo has been a New York nightlife staple since it’s inception in February 2005. The event in which attendees raise money for New York based LGBT charities by buying bingo cards and raffle tickets as well as bidding on porn stars’ jockstraps, followed from Clark’s successful Bad Boys Pool Party events in Los Angeles and Palm Springs (1998 – 2005) which collectively raised over $400,000 for California based HIV/AIDS service organizations.

The final night will celebrate Will’s 50^th birthday from 7:30pm to 9pm and then the final four rounds of Bingo will be called from 9pm to 11pm with special guests Dowager Empress Witti Repartee, Rev. Roger Yolanda Mapes and Boylesque producer Matt Knife.  AB, Will’s event photographer for ten years, will co-call the final round. The Gay/Lesbian Anti Violence Project, Bingo’s first beneficiary, will be it’s last. The lineup for the entire run of the final six shows is listed below.

With the end of P*rno Bingo, Will Clark will cap off his 19 year long career in the nightlife and XXX industry.

And, as Will Clark is a titleholder (Mr. NE Drummer, 1997), leather contest judge & emcee and life-long leatherman, it’s a great honor to him that he has been named as one of the judges of this year’s International Mr. Leather taking place in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend 2014.

You can hear a podcast with more in an in-depth interview with Will at http://www.ThisShowIsSoGay.com, one of Will’s favorite websites. This interview will go live Thursday, January 23, 2014.

Will wishes to publicly acknowledge the generosity of all the sponsors of all of his events over the past two decades, but in particular the good people at NEXT Magazine who have showcased his show week in and week out for many years.

Will Clark began his career as on-screen talent in August 1995 starring in Hot House’s XXX feature, “Dr. Goodglove”. From there, he appeared in an additional 47 movies including his final video appearance, “Red Star” (Raging Stallion, 2003). Will began writing online and in print and regularly updates his blog about life in New York at http://www.WillClarkWorld.com. Will has emceed and produced events since 1997 – including Cocktails with the Stars (1999 – 2002), P*rn Idol (2004 – 2007), Bad Boys on the Hudson (2004 – 2013) as well as hundreds of additional contests, fundraisers, street fairs and parties. He’s also emceed  “Folsom Street East” (2011 – 2012), “Brooklyn Pride” (2012) and “Homo Erectus” (2013) among many many other events. In November 2011, Will became licensed to marry couples in New York state. To date, he has married 14 couples.

Among his most recent fundraising honors, Will was recognized by New York’s Gay/Lesbian Anti Violence Project (2012) and by Terry Christopher’s United for the Ride (2013). Plus, New York’s Imperial Court knighted Will Clark in April 2013 during the annual “Night of a Thousand Gowns” at the New York Hilton. You now can literally call him “Sir”. J

Will Clark supports Wisconsin AIDS Ride cyclist Terry Christopher in his journey to once again to be the top earner for this important ride raising funds for Wisconsin’s AIDS Network. To donate to his page, please go to http://act12.kintera.org/tcridesagain

In lieu of cards or presents for his 50^th birthday, Will Clark asks that a donation be made in his name to the Gay/Lesbian Anti Violence Project http://www.avp.org. Please list “Will Clark” or “The Will Clark Show” on the donation page under “how did you hear of AVP?”   A victim of sibling violence growing up in his home state of Wisconsin, Will supports this organization so that all people have a place to turn in times of struggle via AVP’s 24/7 hotline.

Will emcees his third Homo Erectus Boylesque Show, “My Furry Valentine”, on Thursday, February 13, 2014. The show, now in it’s second year at historic Stonewall, features several acts under the direction of promoter Matt Knife.

International Mr. Leather brings together thousands of gay leatherman from around the world every Memorial Day weekend. You can read more about IML by going to http://www.imrl.org

You can see a complete showcase of posters from the 9 year history of The Will Clark Show feat. P*rno Bingo by going to http://www.pinterest.com/willclarkworld

 

THE FINAL SIX EDITIONS OF THE WILL CLARK SHOW FEAT. P*RNO BINGO

 

All shows take place from 9pm to 11pm at Uncle Charlies located at 139 E. 45^th Street, New York

 

 

Sponsored by NEXT Magazine http://www.nextmagazine.com & ID Lube http://www.idlube.com

 

 

 

452 January 22: AB’s Birthday

 

 

AIDS Ride South Africa http://www.arsa.org.za

 

ARSA cycles annually to raise funds and awareness about HIV and AIDS in South Africa and globally. We accept donations of funds, food, cycling equipment, gear, and repair, lodging, petrol, rental vans, plane tickets as well as the generosity of your time and enthusiasm.

 

 

JEANNIE SOL is an Actor – Comedian- Singer since 1984 with a strong following of 10,000 people in the  LGBT community .You can find her at

 

http://[email protected] or on Facebook: Jeannie Sol .

 

 

LAILAH LANCING this TS is an NYC Star-tender extraordinaire, singer/songwriter, and all around good time gal with her own unique mix of Retro, Punk Glamour!

 

 

JOE ZASO is an American actor and filmmaker. He is a B-movie regular and has been involved in the low budget science fiction and horror industry since 1990.

 

 

AB has been shooting Will Clark events (People Will Talk, P*rn Idol, Bad Boys on the Hudson, P*rno Bingo) for ten years. An actor, writer and director, AB is also a loyal friend and is not in any way shape or form 54 years old. 

 

 

XXX prizes by Lucas Entertainment  http://www.lucasentertainment.com

 

 

 

453 January 29:

 

 

Rock N Rawhide http://www.rockandrawhide.org

 

Rock & Rawhide aims to increase adoptions and quality of life for dogs and cats in shelters, by providing distraction therapy and noise/stress reduction through the donations of toys, tough chew items, Kongs, Nylabones, bones, rawhides, blankets and more. If a dog is chewing, it’s not barking! If a cat is playing, it’s not meowing! Rock and Rawhide  collects items through regular donations, music gigs, visual art shows, culinary events, DJ events, drop box programs, and more.

 

 

MATTHEW HASHIMOTO is a board member of Rock & Rawhide as well as the lead singer of Rexford, an NYC indie-pop band.  You can find him at http://www.rexfordmusic.com !  Matthew won Amateur Night at The Apollo on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by singing Adele's Someone Like You.

 

Go to:  Matthew Hashimoto Performs Adele's Someone Like You at Apollo

 

 

NICK PARK is an actor and host throughout NYC, Nicholas is thrilled to team up with Will Clark for another entertaining evening. Nicholas is also a board member for Rock & Rawhide, an animal loving non-profit based out of New York.

 

 

LUCKY CHARMING has, in just two short years on the boylesque scene, already been twice nominated in the Glam Awards for Best Burlesque Performer, and has performed in San Francisco, Toronto, Boston, DC, and of course, New York. By day, he can be found blogging as his alter ego Lucas Brooks at http://www.ToptoBottomNYC.com  

 

XXX prizes by Lucas Entertainment  http://www.lucasentertainment.com

 

 

 

454 February 5: Manny’s Birthday

 

 

Gay Geeks http://www.gaygeeksny.com

 

Gay Geeks of NY is an ongoing social gathering for all gay, lesbian, bi, trans and otherwise queer "geeks" of all backgrounds and ages meeting at the LGBT Center once a month. Gay supporters welcome as well!! This is a place to make friends and discuss your favorite comics, video games, TV shows, role-playing games, books and more with fellow geeks of all genres.

 

 

GUSTY WINDS is a Legendary drag performer in New York. Gusty says ”Legendary? - in other words, I’m old!”

 

 

DREW SUMROK is an American gay adult video actor and producer. Drew's success can only be accredited to his passion for sex and his drive to be the best at whatever he does.

 

 

MANNY is an integral part of the P*rno Bingo family having bartended four and a half years of the nine year run.

 

 

XXX prizes by Lucas Entertainment  http://www.lucasentertainment.com

 

 

 

455 February 12: Bingo’s 9^th Anniversary

 

 

Cheer New York http://www.cheerny.org

 

Cheer New York is an all-volunteer non-profit adult cheerleading organization by and for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight communities that combines cheers, gymnastics, dance and acrobatic stunts into a professional and exhilarating crowd-pleasing performance.  Our mission is to support the fight against AIDS and other life-challenging illnesses and conditions by raising money for small local charities through our "Cheer for Life" fund. That is why we consider ourselves a "Cheer-ity" (Cheerleaders for Charity)!!

 

 

BEARDONNA is big, blonde & ballsy and is everyone's favorite “hairy bear gone wild” parody artist. Beardonna’s slogan -  “Without BEARDONNA, YOU are nothing!” See Beardonna’s duet with Sherry Vine by clicking here: BEARDONNA & SHERRY VINE " MOVES LIKE JAGGER" parody - "I'm Having an Orgasm"

 

 

ROBUSTA CAPP is a powerhouse drag vocalist, the co-owner of the Bizarre Noir Theatre Company, and will be appearing in her two woman show with singer/comedian, Jane Aquilina, called Dirty Little Ditties on February 14th.  Find her at her at her home on the web: http://www.bizarrenoirtheatre.com !

 

 

XXX prizes by Lucas Entertainment  http://www.lucasentertainment.com, Hot House http://www.hothouse.com & Raging Stallion http://www.ragingstallion.com

 

 

 

456 February 19:

 

 

Sponsored by NEXT, ID Lube, Raging Stallion Studios, Hot House,

 

 

Gotham Knights http://gothamrfc.org

 

 

The Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club was founded in 2001 and since then has  proudly fielded teams of diverse athletes of all skill levels and experience dedicated to competitiveness, rugby excellence, fitness, fun.

 

The groups mission is to increase diversity within the sport of rugby football, refute negative stereotypes, create a welcoming and encouraging learning environment for new ruggers, create a competitive team on local, national and international levels

 

 

In August of 2014, the Gotham Knights will head to Sydney, Australia in hopes of returning the Bingham Cup to New York City.

 

 

The Bingham Cup is named in honour of Mark Bingham, a great rugby player and a great guy. He was fundamental in the establishment of two premier gay rugby clubs – the San Francisco Fog and the Gotham Knights. He is also now known internationally as one of the heroes of 9/11. The global gay rugby community are privileged to compete in the Bingham Cup named in his honour.

 

 

From 24 to 31 August 2014, teams from over 15 countries will come together in Sydney to celebrate diversity in sport. Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 week will commence on Sunday 24 August 2014 and will feature a line-up of stellar events to ensure your team has a trip of a lifetime. The tournament will be played from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 August 2014 and will cater for all levels of rugby and for the first time will feature a women's competition.

 

 

For more information about the Bingham Cup, please go to http://binghamcup.com

 

 

BIANCA LEIGH http://www.biancaleigh.com is one of downtown theatre's leading lights. She recently finished a successful return engagement of her solo musical BUSTED at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Her eclectic roles include Frannie Halcyon in Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City (ACT workshop), Time/Wind in Tayor Mac's The Lily's Revenge, Livia in Theatre Askew's  I, Claudius, Live, Olivia in Twelfth Night (performed entirely in American Sign Language), Sylvia Rivera, Tammy Faye Baker, and Loreena Bobbit.  Miss Leigh is best known for her role as Mary Ellen in the groundbreaking film TransAmerica.

 

 

BROOKLYN IRONS is a Boylesque performer who is known as “The Dance Floor Whore”

 

 

XXX prizes by Hot House http://www.hothouse.com, Naked Sword http://www.nakedsword.com, Kristen Bjorn http://www.kristenbjorn.com & Raging Stallion http://www.ragingstallion.com

 

 

 

457 February 26: Will’s Birthday Party & Final Bingo

 

 

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Will’s 50^th Birthday Party

 

9:00 pm – 11:00 pm Final Bingo

 

 

Gay/Lesbian Anti Violence Project http://www.avp.org

 

AVP empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy.

 

 

WITTI REPARTEE is a hostess, saloon singer and philanthropist queen about town.  Currently the Dowager Empress of the Imperial Court of New York, she recently produced The Dowager's Bachelorette Party, has appeared with burlesque troops Homo Erectus and Uncle Monty's Mollyhouse.  You can find her online at http://www.wittirepartee.com or follow her @WittiRepartee on Twitter.

 

 

REV. YOLANDA is an award winning singer songwriter, drag queen and Interfaith minister who's work in arts and community building earned her a place in the GLBT Hall Of Fame. A new full feature documentary on Rev. Yolanda's life and work is to be released by Avaiya Media in March 2014. Find out more at http://www.yolanda.net

 

MATT KNIFE produces the monthly “Homo Erectus” Boylesque show at the historic Stonewall and performs at many Burlesque shows around New York City.

 

 

Special giveaways from The Karpel Group, Fly Life Music, San Francisco’s Nancy Boy http://www.nancyboy.com and Big Gay Ice Cream http://biggayicecream.com

 

XXX prizes by Hot House http://www.hothouse.com, Naked Sword http://www.nakedsword.com, Kristen Bjorn http://www.kristenbjorn.com & Raging Stallion http://www.ragingstallion.com