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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Upcoming Events - MAY 2011

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of CESJ/ Jessie Arms


Sunday, May 1,  2 pm:  Fundraiser for Belleville PFLAG:  Bad Dog Bar and Grill 
3960 Chouteau Av.   St. Louis, MO  63110     DVD: "You Should Meet My Son"

Thursday, May 5, 7 pm:  Monthly meeting of PFLAG. 
St. Paul United Church of Christ  115 W. "B" St. Belleville, IL  62220
DVD  Re:  Interview of parents of a gay soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Saturday, May 7, 3 pm to 5 pm: Monthly meeting of Illinois South Conference Pride
Review of Gay History--U.S. and United Church of Christ (UCC)
St. Paul UCC, 123 Dee St., Lebanon, IL
For more information contact Lois Gibson ljgibson@charter.net
  
Saturday, May 7, 10 pm, Fundraiser for Metro East Pride
Amateur Drag Show: The Sequel.    Club Escapade, 133 W. Main, at the corner of 2nd St., Belleville, IL  62220       www.metroeastpride.com        www.clubescapade.org

Saturday, May 14, 1 pm, Monthly meeting of Belleville Transgender and Friends Assoc.
Video: "Steven".    Call Jesse for location:  618-719-1154

4th Annual Gay Pride Festival, June 18, Noon to 10 pm, Downtown Belleville

Sunday, April 24, 2011

"What a drag!" - APR 26~Q&A: Alliance for Gender and Sexual Diversity(SWIC)

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Q&A: Alliance for Gender and Sexual Diversity (SWIC)

(BELLEVILLE)
Looking for something interesting to do on your lunch break??
"What a drag!" by: Q&A - SWIC Tuesday, April 26 · 12:30pm - 3:30pm
 (Hosted by Olivia DeMornay)

Southwestern Illinois College Q&A will be hosting a drag show on April 26th at 12:30pm!!

The is event is FREE, although tipping is strongly encouraged, and all funds raised will benefit the Austin Mueller Q&A Activism Award, a scholarship for students involved in queer activism.
RSVP VIA FACEBOOK EVENTS 
Belleville Main Campus Theater
2500 Carlyle Ave.
Belleville, IL

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Open Mic Night at CIGAR INN featuring Kevin Renick - April 28th














www.BellevillePride.com 
By: Susan Spit-Fire
Thursday, April 28th (Doors-8; Show-9) at Open Mic Night @ The Inn. 
9:00pm - 11:30pm
(BELLEVILLE)
We will be featuring Kevin Renick, a prolific and award-winning Musician, Songwriter, and Vocalist originally from Kirkwood, Mo. Kevin attended Kirkwood Senior High and then went on to Webster University, where he earned a degree in English and Journalism. He wrote and performed the title track for Jason Reitman’s film Up in the Air, which starred George Clooney, was shot here in St. Louis, and was nominated for an Oscar in 2009. This garnered him well-deserved international fame, earning him recognition by MTV, The Washington Post, CBS News, and the British film magazine Empire, which listed Up in the Air as one of the five best movie songs of the year.
 Kevin’s music is poignant, timely, and provocative, and his live shows are spellbinding. He has performed all over the Bi-State area, at venues such as Blueberry Hill, Off Broadway, Dressel’s (Poems, Prose, and Pints), The Old Rock House, The Grove Deli, Maya Café, The Globe Theater (Greenville, IL), and the Stone Spiral Coffeehouse. His latest CD, Come on Down, will be released this month. The CD release party will take place at The Sheldon Concert Hall on Thursday, May 19th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be just $6 at the door. To learn more about Kevin and his remarkable music, please check out his website: www.kevinrenick.com
Opening up for Mr. Renick is Louis Conphliction - a dynamic and brilliant Poet, Author, and Spoken Word Artist from the city of St. Louis. He went to the Gateway Institute of Technology and later attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he attained a degree in Biology. Louis is an award-winning Spoken Word Artist who has performed all over the greater St. Louis region, at such popular venues as STL’s Finest Bar & Grill and Legacy Café and Books, where he recently won The Urban Poetry Slam. Never afraid to touch upon any subject, his spoken word performances are electrifying and potent, and his words continually challenge you to think outside of preconceived notions and opinions.
Also with us will be Thom Wall, a World-Record holding Juggler originally from New Orleans. He studied the art in backyards across America, starting in New Orleans, and then migrating to Los Angeles, before finally settling in the city of St. Louis. Thom attended and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied Spanish, German, Modern-Standard Arabic, Portuguese, Fine Arts, and Applied Linguistics. While there he ran the St. Louis/Washington University Juggling Club (the National Prestigious Society of Collegiate Jugglers), and the St. Louis Juggling Festival.
Wall’s performed at Wash U, St. Louis City Hall, in clubs and streets across the U.S, and he’s headlined more than a dozen regional Juggling festivals. He’s a three-time International Juggler’s Association numbers-passing Champion, winner of the 2010 IJA Three-Ball Competition, and was the 2010 Extreme Juggling four-ball gold medalist. He recently concluded a tour with the world-famous Hellzapoppin Sideshow Revue, which was called “The greatest show in hell” by Rolling Stone. Thom’s currently on the International Juggler’s Association’s Board of Directors and recently performed with the Boulder Ballet Company in a circus production of The Nutcracker.
And young and gifted Poet, Writer, and Spoken Word Artist Randi Bobby will be here. She hails from Central Islip, NY and has performed at nightclubs and cafés all over the greater St. Louis region such as FOAM Coffee & Beer and The Cigar Inn. Her poetry is deep and intelligent, and her performances are hard-hitting and striking in their uniqueness. She studied Psychology and Sociology at Northwest Missouri State University and graduated in 2009. Randi lives in the city of St. Louis and works for McAllister’s Deli and West End Tan. She is currently working on a collection of poems she plans to self-publish as a series of zines, as well as her first themed chapbook, which will be released next year.
Our Special Guest for the show will be Tres Morrison, an outstanding up and coming Musician, Songwriter, and Vocalist who’s from Cahokia, IL. His range of musical styles is impressive, ranging from Alternative Rock to Pop to Gospel. His influences include Leonard Cohen, U2, Jason Mraz, Jeff Buckley, The Script, and Mumford and Sons. He has been singing since he was quite young, and he has performed at many local Fund Raisers and Charity Events. Tres has a wonderful voice and his musical performances are very engaging. He is currently working on his first CD and is planning on forming his own band. On top of all of that goodness we’ll have an Open Mic Session, free to all who’d like to participate, free W-Fi, large screen TV’s, killer drink specials, the finest cigars, and the nicest staff around, all in a warm and inviting environment. It’s been really hoppin’ lately, so try to get here by 9 if you want a seat. Hope to see you soon!
            Love & Hugs, Spit-Fire
Thursday, April 28 · 9:00pm - 11:30pm

Location
The Cigar Inn
119 West Main
Belleville, IL

Friday, April 22, 2011

"Families Like Ours" Picnic- MAY 7th (ST. LOUIS)

www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: Families Like Ours





















Please join "Families Like Ours" on May 7th, at Tower Grove Park.
"Families Like Ours connects and supports LGBT and allied families in the greater St. Louis area by providing resources, support and education. We are committed to building a community that is respectful, encouraging and inclusive."
This organization is geared towards social opportunities for non-traditional families as well as educational resources who may be considering non-traditional family options.   This picnic will also be attended by local PFLAG chapters, ONE SAINT LOUIS and other resource groups for both youth & parents.   Anyone of interest should feel welcome to attend.

For More details, visit them on FACEBOOK.  
RSVP REQUESTED By April 30th  to: familieslikeoursstl@gmail.com

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Mixed-Use Development Project Breaks Ground at Emerson Park

www.BellevillePride.com 
via  NextStopSTL

Breaks Ground near Emerson Park MetroLink Station | NextStop STL
www.nextstopstl.org

Today marked the groundbreaking of a $17 million development in East St. Louis adjacent to the Emerson Park MetroLink Station. (READ MORE)

Lady In Red (Illinois USofA Newcomer) April 30th

(CARBONDALE)

USofA Pageantry, Mahogany Knight and Andy Lewis Presents:  "Lady in Red", Illinois USofA Newcomer

April 30th, Hosted by Traz Carbondale
Special Guests include Regina Aigner, Christian Steele & Joshua Mann
In this photo: , reg, Phalon Steele (photos) , Christopher Micheal Shelton (photos) , Traz Carbondale (photos) , jasmin, Keith W. Griffin, Vanessa Ryan (photos) , Sasha Michaels (photos) , Dean Myrick, Sara Belle (photos) , Chloe Vega, Joshua Lee Sutton, Joshua K Mann (photos) , Usofa At Large, Nava'a Gimmedat Blue (photos) , Jason Huff, Myesha Sinclare (photos) , Adajsha Devine (photos

Club Traz of Carbondale is hosting
USofA Pageantry, Mahogany Knight, and Andy Lewis
Lady in Red
Illinois USofA Newcomer Pageant

With
Phalon Steele
Adajsha Devine
Regina Aigner
Christian Steele
Joshua Mann

Sat. April 30th.
$7 cover, 19 to enter 21 to drink

Club Traz always hosts the best pageants...don't miss out.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: Metro-East Q's & A's - Apr 23 (Edwardsville)


www.BellevillePride.com   
on Behalf of: The Gay-Straight Alliance at SIUE


March 2, 2011


(EDWARDSVILLE)
The student lead Gay Straight Alliance at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville has announced details for the community wide day of workshops and retreat for students and allies of the LGBTIQ communities of the Metro-East Region.
 The day-long event will offer multiple topics for discussion, as well as a diverse panel of civic leaders and experts to facilitate conversations about issues of gender diversity and sexuality.

In addition to the workshop day, GSA-SIUE has planned a number of events in the coming month, including Bowling for Equality Event for the MetroEast Area April 8th.


DETAILS~


Saturday, April 23 · 10:00am - 10:00pm

Light Breakfast & Lunch will be provided for FREE.


Workshop Topics:
GSA 101: Starting a GSA, Improving existing clubs, Getting things done at your school, and more.
Transgender Workshop
Homosexuality and Religion
Multi-cultural Perspectives on Sexuality
Queer People of Color
LGBTQ Issues in Law and Politics
Ally Training: Learn how to support LGBTQ/Questioning individuals in a non-judgmental setting.
Bisexuality Workshop
Mpowerment: Safe-sex practices, and free on-site HIV testing!
How to be Gay workshop
Growing Up Gay: Hear people of different ages and different experiences talk about their stories.
Get resources and information on careers for LGBTQ people!


PLUS, there will be a dance afterward s!
For more information, contact Keith Rose at MetroEastQsandAs@gmail.com

Elizabeth Ann Van Winkle (St. Louis, MO)

President Emeritus

Em Nosce (SIU Edwardsville)

President

Lukus Daniel Keeling (SIU Edwardsville)

Vice President

MetroEast NEWS~EVENTS: Metro-East Q's & A's - Apr 23 (Edwardsville): "www.BellevillePride.com
on Behalf of: The Gay-Straight Alliance at SIUE
March 2, 2011 (EDWARDSVILLE) The student lead Gay Stra..."

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Open Mic Night @ The Inn - April 14th


 



By: Susan Spit-Fyre
Open Mic Night @ The Inn on Thursday, April 14th (Doors-8; Show-9) for an outstanding show. 
X Blu Rayne (Cynthia Jowers-Grady), a renowned Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Emcee, Author, and Graphic Artist originally from St. Louis, Mo, will be our main feature for the evening. She attended and graduated from Longview High School in Texas where she found herself becoming very interested in the arts, particularly writing, singing, and acting. Rayne’s poetry is lyrical and heartrending, showing great depth and range, and she has performed all over the bi-state area as well as in several other states. She is also the Producer and Emcee of the popular show S. W. A. U. (Spoken Word Artists Unleashed), which takes place every second and fourth Wednesday at Escalades Bar & Grill.
Rayne is Program Director for The Radio Vibe, an internet radio station dedicated to Spoken Word Poetry and Neo Soul and is the Founder and Editor for S. W. A. U. Magazine. Cynthia’s influences include Maya Angelou, Queen Afua, Oprah, Les Brown, and Louis Farrakhan. Her first full-length book Blu Life, which she wrote and illustrated, was recently released. You can check it out at Create Space-https://www.createspace.com/3531529.
Classically trained St. Louis Guitarist, Musician, and Songwriter Adam Gabbert will open for Ms. Rayne. His live performances are beguiling and memorable, and his passion and expertise with the guitar is a truly beautiful sight to see. He attended Lutheran High School South and then went on to Webster University, where he earned a degree in Music-Classical Guitar Performance. Adam was greatly influenced by a wide cadre of musical genres, including Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, and Psychedelic Rock. He now works at Black Bear Bakery and performs at clubs and café’s around the Bi-State area.
Daniel Eberle-Mayse will also be with us. He is an authentic and very skillful Poet, Writer, and Spoken Word Artist from St. Louis. His spoken word performances are fascinatingly unusual and his poetry is profound and thought-provoking. He’s performed at many well-known local venues, including The Atomic Cowboy and FOAM Coffee & Beer. Daniel graduated from Pattonville Senior High School and then went on to study Literature and Writing at Meramec College. His literary influences include such famous writers as Henry Miller, William Carlos Williams, E.E. Cummings, Dostoyevsky, and Frank O’Hara.
 Ell Bell, an exceptional Poet, Author, Spoken Word Artist, and Emcee from St. Louis, Mo will be here. She attended University High School and then travelled abroad to study British History and Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University in England. Ell then came back to the states and attended Saint Louis University, where she received a degree in Criminal Justice in 2004. Her influences include Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Erykah Badu, Beyonce, and Meshell Ndegeocello. She has a brand new show called City Café Open Mic and Poetry Show at The City Café in St. Louis.
And Leslie Sullivan (STL), a funny and quite remarkable young artist, will make a special guest appearance. She’s a Comedian, Actress, Writer, and Producer who first began writing and doing comedic acting in third grade after attending a Drama class. She’s a fresh new face to the world of comedy, having started doing stand-up only recently, and her avant-garde humor and performance style will have you laughing until your sides hurt. She regularly performs at FOAM in St. Louis, and also at the Venice Café. Leslie is now working on an on-line musical that will be a mini-series. She’s writing, producing, and starring in the series, which is entitled No Evil Allowed and features a sexy, singing zombie.
We’ll start off the night with a great Open Mic Session and some enticing drink specials. Plus we have free-Wi-Fi, the best cigars hands-down, and the nicest staff you’ll ever meet. Try to get here by 9 if you want a seat though because lately it’s been packed. It’s going to be another unbelievable show, hope to share it with you! Peace!
Love & Hugs, Spit-Fire

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

APRIL 8TH~ HRC "Fruit Bowl" for Metro East Youth!!

www.BellevillePride.com
April 8th in Edwardsville, Illinois 
Sponsored by: The Gay-Straight Alliance at SIUE

Location: Cougar Lanes, Morris University Center, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Time: ‎6:00PM Friday, April 8th

Monday, April 4, 2011

Miss Southwest Illinois America - April 10th
















www.BellevillePride.com

(CENTREVILLE)

HAIRSPRAY - "A Throwback to the 60's"
APRIL 10th

Boxers 'N Briefs brings you Trixie Larue, and Miss Southwest Illinois America Pageant.  9pm Start-time with a $10 Cover for anyone 18 and up.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Metro-East Q's & A's - Apr 23 (Edwardsville)


www.BellevillePride.com   
on Behalf of: The Gay-Straight Alliance at SIUE


March 2, 2011


(EDWARDSVILLE)
The student lead Gay Straight Alliance at Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville has announced details for the community wide day of workshops and retreat for students and allies of the LGBTIQ communities of the Metro-East Region.
 The day-long event will offer multiple topics for discussion, as well as a diverse panel of civic leaders and experts to facilitate conversations about issues of gender diversity and sexuality.

In addition to the workshop day, GSA-SIUE has planned a number of events in the coming month, including Bowling for Equality Event for the MetroEast Area April 8th.

DETAILS~
Saturday, April 23 · 10:00am - 10:00pm
Light Breakfast & Lunch will be provided for FREE.


Workshop Topics:
GSA 101: Starting a GSA, Improving existing clubs, Getting things done at your school, and more.
Transgender Workshop
Homosexuality and Religion
Multi-cultural Perspectives on Sexuality
Queer People of Color
LGBTQ Issues in Law and Politics
Ally Training: Learn how to support LGBTQ/Questioning individuals in a non-judgmental setting.
Bisexuality Workshop
Mpowerment: Safe-sex practices, and free on-site HIV testing!
How to be Gay workshop
Growing Up Gay: Hear people of different ages and different experiences talk about their stories.
Get resources and information on careers for LGBTQ people!


PLUS, there will be a dance afterward s!
For more information, contact Keith Rose at MetroEastQsandAs@gmail.com
Elizabeth Ann Van Winkle (St. Louis, MO)
President Emeritus
Em Nosce (SIU Edwardsville)
President
Lukus Daniel Keeling (SIU Edwardsville)
Vice President

Friday, April 1, 2011

Metro East Pride 2011 Entertainment Lineup

www.BellevillePride.com
on behalf of: Metro East Pride

Band Together Color Guard- MEP 2010













Belleville's 4th Annual  METRO EAST PRIDE Festival is planned for June 18th, 2011 and is in the final stages of preparation for this years festivities.  In an announcement made earlier this week, the MEP Board of Directors has determined the entertainment for the coming year.



Throughout the Day, the festivities will be lead by Y98 radio personality Courtney Landrum, and musical guest Jennifer Norman.


Also returning in 2011 will be  the mainstays of the festival such as Band Together, with musical performances by Social Remedy and Phillip Womble, an acoustic performer.  Also appearing will be Miss Metro East Pride, Miss Sophie.

The Evening festivities will be hosted by Dieta Pepsi with appearances by Sarah Baldwin, MEP 2011 President as well as performances by Summer Osborne, and EarthSol.

The MEP organization is also currently enrolling VENDORS to participate in this years event.  Visit them online for prices and deadlines.

MetroEast NEWS Monthly Publication

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