Archive for February, 2010

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 2-24-10

Uncategorized 2 Comments »

Dishing with

Mark & Carrie

2-24-10

Fiesta Weekend

Why You Should Consider Joining the

GaYBOR District Coalition.

What does every small & large community across America have? They all have a “downtown district - main street”. This is the pride & joy of the community. The place that defines who they are in business, politics & the arts. The centrally located place that you show off and bring your friends, family & out of town guest to. It is also the heart of the community’s economy and society. When you have a thriving downtown district, the economy has a positive rippling outward effect. Creating employment, housing, well being & prosperity for the whole community. For the West Coast of Florida’s GLBT community our “downtown district - main street” is The GaYBOR District in Historic Ybor City and is on one of America’s Top 10 Famous Recognized and Acclaimed Streets, 7th Ave.

Understanding the crucial need to come together, communicate & promote the GLBT area on the Central West Coast of Florida has produced a very diverse group of members in the GaYBOR District Coalition. From Gay to Straight, from business to individuals, from Key West to Atlanta, GA, from both sides of Tampa Bay we are all working together, with a focus on Our GLBTA downtown district - GaYBOR. At our monthly meetings everybody is always welcome. This is a chance for non profits, organizations, volunteers, groups, businesses to meet & network. We all are working together in this economy! By working together we can create fund raisers, events, sponsorship and showcase our downtown to the world. This is a great way to incorporate our visiting tourists into our community. In just the past months GaYBOR has donated over $12,000 in goods in kind and money to organizations like; The Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County, The Gasparilla Softball Classic, Francis House, Metro Charities, St. Pete Pride, Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Stand-Up Florida, MCC Tampa, West Coast Florida Federation for the Blind, USF Gay Alliance, The Krewe of Sant’ Yago & more. By pooling our funds & resources together we are able to advertise in HOTspots Magazine, OMG Magazine, What’s Happening Magazine, Watermark Magazine, Alternative Yellow Pages, Fun Maps and 50,000 ads daily on Facebook. GaYBOR District Coalition has also received positive press from; The St. Petersburg Times, South Tampa News, Creative Loafing, La Gaceta, Tampa Tribune, all local TV Stations & CNN News.

Together we have created tourist maps, posters, banners, an outside piano art display & GaYBOR branding. With members working together on social networking we now have 24,000+ friends on www.MySpace.com/GaYBOR , 3,400+ fans at www.Facebook.com/GaYBOR & 100’s of hits daily on our web site at www.GaYBOR.com &. GaYBOR News at www.youtube.com/MCFilmFest. With unified members working together we have come together to work; booths, expos, floats at many events. We are members of organizations including; OUT (Organizations Uniting Together), The Tampa Bay Business Guild, The Key West Business Guild, Stand Up Florida, Gay American Heroes, The Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay and Company (Hillsborough County Tourism). GaYBOR is working together with government organizations like the Ybor City Development Corp., Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Police Department, City of Tampa & the City of Tampa Mayor’s Office. Our efforts have been truly recognized with proclamations and acclamations from Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, Tampa City Council and honorable Pam Iorio, Mayor of Tampa.

All this GLBTA community spirit and dedication is all about working together. The cost is $75 per year for business, organizations and $35 for individuals no matter where you live. Membership to GaYBOR is like a gym membership. The more you put in, the more you will get back. Volunteers are needed for events like our pool parties, bar crawls, festivals, booths, floats & more. With 300+ members in only two years, tells a story.

So We ask You to Support Your Community, Help Us All Grow & Join the GaYBOR District Coalition TODAY!

For more information visit www.GaYBOR.com

gaybor_banner_with-proud-member11x8-copy

February 24th, 2010 |

A Wild Night in St. Pete

Uncategorized No Comments »

A Wild Night in St. Pete

A group of our friends came up with idea of a bar hopping Friday night in St. Pete. What was I thinking when I volunteered to be the designated driver?!?!?!?!??? Actually it really was a lot of fun. Our first stop was into the New Partners Cafe & Sports Bar. Huge HD TV’s everywhere, great bar food & fun people. We had so much fun that we stopped back on Monday. Next Stop Georgie’s Alibi. The crowd was starting to build when we recognized an old friend there, top charts singing star, Amuka. Amuka was the guest performing diva that night at Georgie’s.! We caught her & her husband in the parking lot for a great photo. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1226482074420 At The Oar House we had to check out the new patio area. OMG can you say HUGE… talk about size Queens!!!! This is easily the biggest in the area, with a wonderful white sands volley ball courts too. From the patio we could hear the music from Pepperz! Miss Judy B Goode & Paul Thomas were performing to a packed house this night at Pepperz. The room was full of major VIP including Queen Mary Ann and her Royal Court. Can you guess what all 4 of these clubs have in common? Besides being fun warm people they are all Proud members of The GaYBOR District Coalition. As the clock struck 11:00 it was time for us to cross back over the bridge in Ybor City. The parties Streetcar Charlie’s, Reservoir, H. Mary’s were all in full force. The line was around the block into Steam Fridays. From here it’s a short cab fare home, so much for being designated driver!

Networking in GaYBOR

The secret is out…. GaYBOR is the place to Network!!! Groups of all kinds and sizes are making their ways to GaYBOR. This past week there was a huge group of over 100 at the South Tampa News Social at Bernini’s. The Tampa Social Group at Gaspar’s Grotto, a Ft. Lauderdale group at Streetcar Charlie’s, the Tampa Bay Business Guild and Outing & Adventures met at Hamburger Mary’s. This Wednesday, Feb 24th The GaYBOR District Coalition will be hosting a welcoming party for and at “The Buddha Lounge” on the Conner of 7th Ave & 15th street at 5:30, Feb 24. Later that day at 8PM At Hamburger Mary’s will be a benefit for ASAP. All GaYBOR Members working together. FMI become a fan at www.facebook.com/gaybor

February 24th, 2010 |

Caught at Steam Fridays

Uncategorized No Comments »

February 24th, 2010 |

Chris Salvatore & Gay American Heroes

Uncategorized No Comments »

Chris Salvatore & Gay American Heroes

You will recognize him as the gorgeous handsome star in the big hit DVD movie, “Eating Out, All You Can Eat”, Christopher Salvatore. Chris is on a concert tour singing his way across Florida. Chris is also a talented songwriter besides singer. He is also promoting awareness for the Gay American Heroes Memorial. Driving and traveling with Chris was G.A.H. founder, Scott Hall. “It is all about making people aware and know that a gay individual is murdered every nine days in the US, just for being who they are!” explained Scott at our MC FILM store meeting last week. “Chris has joined us to help get the message out. Plus he is cute and a great singer.” Chris had just finished performing at Georgie’s Alibi in Ft. Lauderdale then Parliament House in Orlando and was on his way to a movie showing of “Eating Out 3″ at the Pink Pelican in St. Pete. The night continues as he performes at Georgie’s in St. Pete then finishing at Metro in Jacksonville. ” I just finished singing in Orlando last nite and here we are on the road. Ybor City is so old and wonderful. I am glad that Scott stopped so I could meet all of you.” Chris enchantingly remarked. “I will be back!” And we are sure he will be back too!

FMI www.Chris-Salvatore.com and www.gayamericanheros.com

This Weekend …Be Festive at Fiesta Day

This weekend is the Fiesta Day weekend in Ybor City. This is the 63rd Fiesta Day, Feb 27th featuring the culture and ethnicity of Ybor City’s make-up. Thousands come and take part and is sponsored by the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. On the closed 7th Ave. will be local stores and shops having sidewalk sales to samplings of some of the greatest menu items the variety of restaurants in historic Ybor City have to offer. Saturday Street Fair continues to Centennial Park with the Annual Flan Festival. So come and get your wears, good eats and desert all day in historic Ybor City.

February 24th, 2010 |

BINGO

Uncategorized No Comments »

OK…we will admit it!!! We have become Hamburger Mary’s Junkies!!! Every night of the week there is something fun happening here! Now every Wednesday Night is “Drag Queen BINGO!” A different weekly drag caller shouten’ out those B-I-N-G-O numbers! Some of the games are really naughty! There is even a game named after Mark, “Tea Cup!” 100% of the monies raised go to local charities. See you there this Wednesday!

Become a Facebbok Fan today at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ybor-City-FL/Hamburger-Marys-Bar-Grille-Tampa/241925490164?ref=ts

More From Hamburger Mary’s

MUSICAL MONDAYS continue at Ybor’s newly opened HAMBURGER MARY’S.
We’ve had great fun and great success so far, but we’d LOVE For you to come join in the fun.
Music Videos start at 7:30pm, Live performances at 9pm, 9:45 and 10:30pm. Tonight’s singers include Michael Raabe, Zanda Moore, Amy Quijano and yours truly… Michael & Mark Jelks share duties at the piano.

Come enjoy the show tunes, have a drink or a meal, and mix and mingle with the theatre crowd.

Hope to see you there!

Jason
Happgood@aol.com

**********************************************************
And More from Kris Doubles in St. Pete

Hi Mark and Carrie,
I have spent the last few Mondays at Hamburger Mary’s for the Broadway performance’s and Show Videos. It has been a hoot. I will then pop into Crow Bar for a few songs with Normi and head home. For me it is a
great way to spend a Monday evening, even though I’m coming from St Pete. Just wanted to let you know that I’m spending time in your neck of the woods and that it is great fun Mondays at H. Mary’s. Thanks for
promoting it and I will stop in soon again. My last few tries to see you guys I have been unsuccessful, you busy , busy boys.

Miss you. Hug u! Kris (and Jim too).

Nephew of the Week

Mathieu Stanoch

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000628800036&ref=ts

Crazy, Eccentric, Artistic, On a Mission are just a few words to describe Mathieu. When we first met Mathieu at the poolside at the SunCoast showing off his personality to everybody!!!! Now days he is very busy as the set director of the Florida Entertainment Group. (Steam Fridays, G.BAR, The Eagle & Ybor Social).

February 24th, 2010 |

“The Dirty Martini and The New Burlesque”

Uncategorized No Comments »

You just never know what your going to see at Streetcar Charlie’s!!! From Drag to Charlie and everywhere in between. This There was a sneek pre view screening of “Dirty Martini and the New Buruesque.” Gary Bebber, the produce / director was here for an answer & question sesession. David Audet, director of the Artists & Writers Group, Inc., introduced the film director which the screening benefited the writers group. FMI www.TEN-IN-ONEPRODUCTIONS.com www.artistsandwritersgroup.com

Caught at Streetcar Charlie’s

February 24th, 2010 |

Top DVD Rentals at MC FILM

Uncategorized No Comments »

With over 8000 Classic, Gay & Lesbian, Foreign, Indie, Logo Series and Cutting Edge Documentary DVD’s to choose from in our movie rental and sales section. Membership is easy. Come in thru March 15th and get 1 FREE DVD movie rental when you sign up for the MC FILM Movie Membership Club. www.mcfilmfest.com

1). ”Praxis”

2). ”DARE”

3). ”Be Mine”

4). ”Redwoods”

5). ”Butch Factor”

6). ”What Matters Most”

8). ”Half Life”

9). ”Lucky Bastard”

10). ”Give Me Your Hand”

11). ”Shank”

12). ”Mr. Right”

February 24th, 2010 |

The Bricks of Ybor & the New Metro Charities in Ybor City

Uncategorized 1 Comment »

The Bricks of Ybor & the New Metro Charities in Ybor City

We are lucky this old classic historic building can’t talk! It has been many things over the years. In the 1990’s it was “The Trolley Stop Cafe” then a software school and most recently it was the Gay bar owned by John Gorman and partner Michael, ”The 714 & The Forge”. Now after some major renovations and TLC she will re open as “The Bricks of Ybor”. After nearly two decades of sending business to the bars and restaurants of Ybor City, Skatepark of Tampa has decided to open up its own bar/ restaurant/ coffee shop right on 7th Avenue. A very welcome addition to our family here. Follow the progress on their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Ybor-City-FL/The-Bricks-of-Ybor/311426408724?ref=ts

Located right next doors to The Bricks of Tampa is the huge multi million dollar renovations to the Future New home of Metro Charities at the Gateway to Ybor City on 7th Ave.. Check out the photos below.

Become their Facebook Fan at http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/updates.php?id=114345030700&sent=1&e=0#!/pages/Metro-Charities/46029929956?ref=ts

People Are Talking

Home & Garden TV is coming to Ybor City the next 3 weeks to film 3 couples to compete in a new clean up your street series. Lucky contestants are Tony LaColla & Jose Garboza, Brian Clements & Jenna Becker and Steve & Lauren Ericson. Filming will also take place throughout Ybor City at retail, parks, and clubs.So SMILE, you to could be seen on HG network. A new drag bar is being advertised to be opening soon in Ybor City with a phone number for applicants to call on craigslist

February 24th, 2010 |

From the MC Film Mail Bag…

Uncategorized No Comments »

VOTE for Thirston

http://tampabay.upickem.net/engine/Votes.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=13224

Please go to this website and vote for “Thirston as the cutest dog”

He will be in the paper and win 500 worth of petfood!

He knows he needs to earn his keep!

He is under Thirston Robert Harvest Godin Copy past this into the search

You must be signed in so please register to vote and vote for the Taco Dog of Yborcity! Please!

Kim Tolliver Godin

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos

******************************************************

Ken Kimball February 17 at 1:26pm

Mark,

Miguel will be speaking at the Tampa Bay Business Guild on March 9th.

In addition to the event at Studio 620 in St. Pete, we are looking to host an event in Tampa on the 3rd with perhaps a party at either Street Cars or Chelsea Night Club, probably Chelsea Night Club.
This story was created in Tampa, and it is gaining a lot of steam!

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2010/02/17/interview-with-miguel-santana-author-of-the-marien-revelation/#more-62220

Interview with Miguel Santana, author of The Marien Revelation | Daily Loaf

blogs.creativeloafing.com

Tampa Creative Loafing, shelter from the mainstream for news, event listings, dining, movies and music.

********************************************************

Call to Leather & Supportive Community

No Cover

Presentations/Demos, Vending, Bootblacking services, Raffles, Specialty drinks
Allocation of Proceeds:
The March 27th Fundraiser: “Call to community” is scheduled to be held at

the Ybor City Eagle and Social Club to raise funds in support

 of the Tampa Leather Sir/boy 2010 winners as they move onto

the South East Regional Competition scheduled for April 2010

 in Ft. Lauderdale at Beyond Leather.

When	Sat Mar 27 9pm – Sun Mar 28, 2010 2:30am Eastern Time
Where	The Ybor Eagle and Social Complex (map)

*****************************************************************

Ballroom for Beginners

at Metro Charities, St Pete

3170 3rd Avenue N. St. Petersburg, Florida

TOM STANGO - Ballroom Dance Instructor

All Individuals &
Couples Welcome

Tom has been teaching ballroom dance in the Tampa Bay area for the past 12 years. In addition to teaching at Suncoast Ballroom in Largo, he is also a Group Fitness Instructor at St. Anthony’s Carillon Wellness Center and Director of Dance Training at the Clearwater Junior Cotillion.

Tom has graciously donated his services, so 100% of money collected goes to Metro Charities.

DANCE SCHEDULE from 7:30pm to 8:30pm

Monday, March 8, 15 and 22 (no 29th)

Latin Dancing 101 – 3-week series

Learn the basic steps in the Salsa, Cha-Cha, and Rumba

Price: $8 per person per class/$6 pppc with advanced registration ($18)

Monday, April 5, 12 and 19 (no 26th)

Swing Dancing 101 – 3-week series

Learn the basic steps in the East Coast Swing

Price: $8 per person per class/$6 pppc with advanced registration ($18)

Monday, May 3, 10 17, and 24 (no 31st)

Do the Hustle! – 4-week series

Learn the most dynamic dance in the dance family!

Price: $8 per person per class/$6 pppc with advanced registration ($24)

Monday, June 7, 14 and 21 (no 28th)

Ballroom for Beginners – 3-week series

Learn the basic steps in the Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango

Price: $8 per person per class/$6 pppc with advanced registration ($18)

Monday, July 5, 12 and 19 (no 26th)

Salsa Dancing 101 – 3-week series

Price: $8 per person per class/$6 pppc with advanced registration ($18)

Monday, August 2, 9, 16 and 23 (no 30th)

Tango Dancing 101 – 4-week series

Price: $8 per person per class/$6 pppc with advanced registration ($24)

For more information contact Metro Charities at 727-321-3854.
Advance registration is encouraged

.

Jim Nixon
Development Specialist / LGBT Event Coordinator

3170 3rd Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone (727) 321-3854 ext. 241 Fax (727) 327-7670

Tampa Office - 6421 N. Florida Ave. Tampa Fl 33604
www.metrocharities.org

.

February 24th, 2010 |

Dishing with Mark & Carrie 2-17-10

Uncategorized No Comments »

WELCOME our New Photographer at Dishing

Try as we might we really can not be everywhere all the time!!!! Good friend Rich Kerin is now helping us with our photos. So the next time you see Rich SMILE… You May Be In Dishing!!! Become Rich’s friend on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000716745860