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On Friday, October 26, the latest edition of Evan Laurence's Sexahol Review had a slight Halloween theme and a new location. It took place at the Parksid
e Lounge on the Lower East Side. The place has a nice Cabaret performance room and it was decorated with skeletons for the Spooky season. I did some of my Stand-up and after the set, I stripped off my long skirt to reveal my luscious long legs in fishnet hose and garter belts. This was done to invoke the classic Rocky Horror Show character, Frank N Footer, as I broke out in my rendition of "Sweet Transvestite From Transsexual Transylvania." That song is a lot of fun and a real crowd-pleaser. One of the many reasons I love this time
of year is so I can belt out that number! The comedy duo, Fantastic Genius, performed one of there many enjoyable skits. Evan did some of his brilliant Improv comedy and introduced a new drag character, Linka, who hilariously has a few unique problems! David Slone performed some of his original music. Lovari, the sexy Latino dance/hip hop recording artist made a fun appearance and sang the duet "Witchcraft" a la Sinatra, with me to continue to celebrate the Bewitching holiday.
On Sunday, October 21, I attended the annual Gay Erotic Expo. The event is a huge exhibition of everything that has to do with the All-Male Adult entertainment industry including entertainment and live appearances by Adult Male Erotica film and video stars! The event took place in the famous Puck Building, which is shown as the building where Grace Adler works in Will & Grace. I went with Stephanie Butler and Tony Sawicki and we produced a segment for our entertainment news Television series, Under the Pink Carpet. Of course absolutely everyone had the best time ever! How can you go wrong with a huge convention filled with thousands of men in states of arous
al with all the visual stimulation? You can't! Our buddy Houston Bernard, the tremendosly popular Bi rocker/rapper recording artist met us there and modeled one of our UPC Tee Shirts! He also drove the crowd wild with an electrifying musical performance! He always does! Drag Diva Jackie Beat was the hostess of the show. I also met some old friends from Wild Latino Boys. I Also met up with our pals Max Scott, Denzel Washington, Brendon Cross, Mikey, Mark, Andre, Fernando and I loved meeting Paul from Broke Straight Boys, a video company that instead of using Gay Porn stars, pays handsome Heterosexual men to do things that are NOT very straight. Being Straight he certainly appreciated my female beauty!
On Tuesday, October 16, I was pleased to be invited to attend a special performance and reception of the smash hit Broadway Musical Legally Blonde! It was so awesome to once again meet the bubbly star
of the show, Laura Bell Bundy! She was stunning as always and mentioned to the audience after the performance how the Actors Funds helps all kinds of performance artists "even Drag Queens" she said as she smiled at me! The story is one that I truly identify with, being a blonde myself! It's a "fish out of water" saga about a fun-loving California Blonde going to Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend. At first she doesn't fit in, being at a place where everyone is so serious and wear black even when no one is dead. But she eventually wins everyone over with her charm and enthusiasm. Jerry Mitchell, who I met several times at Broadway Bears, was the director and dance choreographer. The sets, the supporting cast, the music and dancing were all fantastic. And one of the best parts of the show were the adorable dogs, a Chihuahua named Bruiser and a Bulldog!
On Thursday, October 11, I was invited to attend a special reception held by The New York State Senate Democratic Conference to honor our State's LGBT Community and to coincide with National Coming Out Day. The gala was held in a ballroom in New York City Hall and hosted by NY State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith and Out NY State Senator Tom Duane. I am on the Broad of two Democratic organizations (Stonewall Democrats and Jim Owles Liberal Democrats) where I provide an inclusive Transgender viewpoint. I'm always pushing boundaries and hope to make being Transgender and alternative Gender expression a more acceptable way of being. The Senate honored a dear friend and Tony Award winning actress (Grey Gardens) Christine Ebersole; the world renowned Oscar and Tony Award winning actress Vanessa Redgrave; Platinum
Recording artist Deborah Cox; Emmy nominee and Creator of the hit tv show, The Closer, James Duff; Grammy Award winning musician Janis Ian; Director, writer and producer Lee Rose and others. I was wonderful to meet Ms. Redgrave. She spoke about her famous father, Sir Michael Redgrave being a Bisexual. She also spoke of her performance as a Lesbian grieving the loss of her long-time partner in the HBO series If These Walls Could Talk. I had a great time meeting up with NYC Council Members Rosie Mendez and Bill De Blasio, Jim Owles Liberal Democrats President Alan Roskoff, columnist Jimmy Brezlin, Andy Humm from Gay USA tv series, Dirk McCall, Michael Collossi, Scott Talbolt, Howie V, Yetta Kurland and others. After the reception at City Hall was over, we headed to the after-party at Splash Bar nightclub in Chelsea were we met up with promoter Beto Suter, Splash owner and manager Greg Jones and Drag Performer Shequida.
On October 6, I went to one of my favorite cities, Philadelphia, to attend the Come OUT and Swim International Swim Meet. The event was hosted by the Philadelphia Fins, Philly's GLBT master swim team, providing social and recreation activities with organized and coached swimming events, providing a sense of Pride and Community. I went on my trip with Tony Sawicki and Stephanie Butler to produce a segment for our TV series, Under the Pink Carpet. We want to show how Sports and recreational events are also part of Queer Culture. We had a fantastic time meeting all the guys and gals who came for all over the country to compete in the meet. They gave us wonderful interviews and looked great in their swim-wear. T
he event was held at the beautiful Olympic sized swimming pools at Suburban Swim Center, located just outside of Philly. The Swim Meet was held in conjunction with Philly Pride's Outfest Celebration during the National Coming Out Day festivities, including a street fair. I always love seeing the Liberty Bell and having cheese steaks and cream cheese when I visit the City of Brotherly Love. But now I'll always remember seeing hundreds of wet and adorable men in Philly. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Fins for hosting and producing such a awesome and remarkable event!
Pictured are Bradly and Brad from TNYA (Team New York Aquatics), Ryan and Corey from the Philadelphia Fins (the cute couple in matching pink speedos).
On Sunday, September 30, I had my first performance at the premiere Comedy Club, Caroline's on Broadway, a venue for stand-up comedy located in Times Square/Broadway Theater District in New York City on Broadway between 49th and 50th Streets. Caroline's is one of the most established, famous and recognized stand-up comedy clubs in the USA. Many of the top comedy headliners have performed at Caroline's, including Pee Wee Herman, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Andrew Dive Clay, Gilbert Gottfried, Andy Borowits, Colin Quinn, Mitch Hedberg and many others. I'm so thrilled that I was able to entertain and get some laughs on the same stage that so many other talented comedy
professionals have been on.
I studied stand up comedy with Linda Smith, a two time Emmy nominee, comedian and comedy writer. Others who have learned the art of creating laughter with me also performed in the comedy showcase
. Many of my friends showed up to support my debut Caroline's performance, including my genetic sister who came in with a friend from NJ. Having good friends and family to cheer you on, really makes a big difference when you are a performer. My (genetic/bio) sister, Karen Meola and friends Terry Ulrich, Alica Pettie Pie, Howie V, Stephanie Butler, Rita Petite, Madelyn Madelaine, Mark Levine, Walter, Paul Simpton, Mike Cabon, Jim, David, Tommy, Brandon, Barry, Chris, Steve, Alex Howelle, and others came to give me support.
The show was hosted by Jimmy Failla and the others doing stand-up comedy included: Chris Jammal, April Roberts, Michael Reese, Gina Wright, Nick Vale, Brian Masefield, Sarah Spigelman, Anthony Cauiglia, Carla Milo and Dion Forest.
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Extra! Extra! Read all about it!!! I made front page of a newspaper again!!! My photograph and name appeared on the front page of The Brooklyn Paper, (Sept.22, 2007 Vol.30, No.37) the largest and most prestigious newspaper focused on Brooklyn, New York City's largest and 2nd most populated Borough! The story was about the Queer community being angry and disappointed with Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, for endorsing what Queer activists call an "unethical bigot
" for civil court judge. Markowitz endorsed former NY Council member Noach Dear who consistently voted against Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender civil rights legislation. The photograph printed on the front page was taken in June at the Borough President's official Gay Pride celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall and is a picture of Mr. Markowitz with myself as Brooklynite Diva Mae West on one side and Howie V impersonating Cher on the other side. The caption under the photo reads -
"In Happier Times: Borough President Markowitz parties with gender-benders Howie V Cher and Clover Honey during a Gay Pride Week event at Borough Hall in June."
Everyone loves a birthday bash and on September 7, my dear friend Randy Jones, the original Cowboy from the disco classic group the Village People held the most fabulous party ever, celebrating not only his special day, but also the birthdays of promoter Keith Collins and MTV vj Thalia DeCosta. It was at the very hip ReTreat nightclub in Chelsea were hundreds of us mingled and partied the night away. Right before the event I had a photo shoot with famous photographer Sabrina Scott in a huge stretch limousine. So I arrived at the Birthday bash in high style via chauffeured limo with Sabrina and my Transgender model friend Madelyn Madelaine! At the soiree, it was no surprise to see Randy looking
more handsome and energetic as ever! It's always a good time with Randy and his husband, composer and arranger
Will Grega. Kieth Collins and Thalia were also so much fun. Also enjoying themselves were Michele Rodriguez (Lost, Girlfight), Jill Michele-Milean (Reno 911, Mad TV), Playgirl Centerfold model Danny Lopes, actor Ben Curis, filmmaker Wolfgang Busch and many others.
On Monday, September 3, I was the hostess for the monthly OUT Music Out Loud performance at Rockwood Music Hall in Manhattan's Lower East Side. Out Music is an organization the promotes and supports Openly Queer singers, songwriters and musicians. Out Music also provides valuable networking for collaborations and peer support. Every month there is a show to provide opportunities to share music, try out new ideas, and have fun in a safe space. Every month there is a different host and in September it was me. The handsome Jed Ryan, columnist, reviewer and producer produces the open mics and keeps them happening. The diverse talent that showed by and gave wonderful performances that evening included: Amy Clarke, Evan Laurence, Neil Dick, Mark Aaron James, Frank Grimaldi, Michael Lynch, John Raymond Pollard, Morry Campbell, Mar
y Edwards, Robert German, John Manion, Athena Reich, Mac, and newcomer Marvin. Marvin announced that he was the only Black person in the room. Black singer Michael Lynch quickly objected and it became a running joke for the evening. I performed "Don't Tell Mama" with some re-written lyrics to apply to my persona. Rob Tannon and Morry Campbell were celebration their 20 year anniversary of being a couple. Wow! I guess anything really is possible!!
On Friday, October 26, the latest edition of Evan Laurence's Sexahol Review had a slight Halloween theme and a new location. It took place at the Parksid
e Lounge on the 
of year is so I can belt out that number! The comedy duo, Fantastic Genius, performed one of there many enjoyable skits. Evan did some of his brilliant Improv comedy and introduced a new drag character, Linka, who hilariously has a few unique problems! David Slone performed some of his original music. Lovari, the sexy Latino dance/hip hop recording artist made a fun appearance and sang the duet "Witchcraft" a la Sinatra, with me to continue to celebrate the Bewitching holiday.
