"It is always better to come out late...than to never come out at all".
Volume 7 -- Issue 3
Spring, 2008 Issue
Updated Monday, April 20, 2009
Publisher's Comments
Item 1: THE WORLD SCENE:
The latest issue of "Bi Women" now officially exists
Item 2: THE NATIONAL SCENE:
Ever Meet a Real Bisexual? And the fury of comments afterwards and THE HRC and the IOWA Ruling...and guess who was left out?
Item 3: THE STATE AND LOCAL SCENE:
The Latest from the Richmond Gay Community Center (along with Diversity Thrift).
Item 4: ROBIN RENEE ROUND-UP
The latest news about our favorite Bi Singer/Songwriter
Item 5: AND FEATURING ZOE LEWIS
Perhaps the most musically talented person on the face of the planet!
Item 6: NOW FEATURING JULIE CLARK
We are proud to feature this outstanding musical artist
Item 7: UPCOMING EVENTS:
BECAUSE Conference in Minneapolis
Item LAST:
High Finance
The Business End of Bi Lines On Line
Publisher's Comments:
This update/spring issue is significant for the news from all three of the artist we follow along with two stories where the "B" word was made fun of and even left out.
Publisher of Bi Lines On Line
Item 1: The WORLD Scene:
The latest issue of "Bi Women" now officially exists
Its theme is "Children in Our Lives" and it features articles by bi women who write about their choices to parent, or not to parent. In addition, our "Bis Around the World" column features an interview with Myriam Britto, a leader of Opcin Bi, Mexico City's bisexual group.
If you'd like to get on our mailing list, send your postal address to: biwomeneditor@gmail.com, or just write directly to me.
And for those of you who like to write: the theme of our next issue will be ALLIES.
What does it mean to be an ally? How can gay/lesbian/bi/trans people be allies to one other? Are allies important to you? Do you have any heartwarming stories to tell about non-bi people standing up for bi people, or vice versa? Interview your favorite allies and ask them to explain how they stand up for us, and why.
Reviews, artwork, poetry and writings on other topics are also welcome.
Submissions are due by February 10th, and should be sent to biwomeneditor@gmail.com.
Warm regards to all,
Robyn Ochs
Editor
Item 2: The National Scene
Ever Meet a Real Bisexual? And the fury of comments afterwards.
Publisher's Note: the following short comment has unleased a firetsorm on BiNET and other List Servs about the really silly comments of this man. Read it below and let us know what you think!
By Michael Musto in Featured, bisexuals, gaaaaayyyyyy, lesbians!
Tuesday, Apr. 7 2009
Everyone always says they're bisexual, blabbing on and on about how "sexuality is fluid, and I don't really like labels"--but usually I find these are just gay men who are afraid to come out. I know there are real bisexuals out there--mainly because I've heard that there are--and I do think it's a lovely idea to actually crave sex with people regardless of gender. I'm just wondering how real a phenomenon this is, as opposed to a smoke-and-mirrors coverup designed to keep antsy gays in the closet.
Most of the guys I know who say they're bisexual end up doing Bette Davis impersonations after a few drinks, and when you invite them to an all-girl bar, they get excited, thinking you mean Splash. But do you know anyone who REALLY is equally attracted to both men and women and effortlessly glides between those two dating pools without a second's thought or self-consciousness? If so, do you ever suspect they're full of shit?
and
THE HRC and the IOWA Ruling...and guess who was left out?
Today new press releases went out from HRC and GLAAD about Vermont getting Marriage equality and once again, they repeatedly used the phrase "gay and lesbian couples" instead of inclusive language. Right after we complained about their language on the Iowa press releases last week.
I sent a letter to HRC regarding their press release on the marriage ruling in Iowa which used the term "gay and lesbian couples" 16 times but not the word "bisexual"
The Bi Writers Association is equally thrilled with the Iowa Supreme Court decision on Marriage. But we are wondering why HRC forgot that thisdecision doesn't just affect "gay and lesbian" couples (a term used 16 times in HRC's press release.) Many bisexual people are married to same-sex partners or are prevented from doing so by the laws of their state. This decision affects bisexual and transgender people in the same way it affects lesbian and gay people.
An organization that aims to work on behalf of, and speak for, the whole LGBT community, shouldnt forget to put the whole LGBT community in theirpress releases. We suggest more inclusive phrases like "same-sex couples," "marriage equality" or "equal marriage rights." We also encourage more specific phrases like "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Iowa will no longer be discriminated against by marriage laws," which specifically names bisexual and transgender, as well as lesbian and gay people, thereby including the whole LGBT that makes up our community.
Sincerely, Sheela Lambert,Founder, Bi Writers Association
212-928-3558 www.biwriters.org
ACTUAL PRESS RELEASE:
Iowa Becomes First Midwestern State to Recognize Marriage Equality for Gay and Lesbian Couples
Human Rights Campaign Hails Unanimous Iowa Supreme Court Decision as Part of Growing Trend Towards Marriage Equality Across the Country.
WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the Iowa state Supreme Court's unanimous 7-0 decision today ruling that the equal protection provision of Iowa Constitution guarantees gay and lesbian couples the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. As a result of the court's decision in Varnum v. Brien, Iowa becomes the first state in the Midwest and the third in the nation to now recognize marriages for gay and lesbian couples.
"This is a truly historic day for Iowa and a proud day for every American who believes in the promise of equal rights and fairness for all," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "The Iowa Supreme Court did its job by recognizing that gay and lesbian couples who form committed relationships and loving families deserve the same level of respect afforded to heterosexual couples. The unanimous court made forcefully clear that the state constitution guarantees the same rights and protections for all Iowans. This decision strengthens Iowa families and makes a strong statement for equality all across the nation."
"We congratulate and commend Lambda Legal, the numerous organizations and individuals who briefed the Supreme Court, and, of course, the courageous plaintiff couples and their families who looked to the courts to vindicate their rights," said Solmonese. "We also thank One Iowa for their hard work across the state to ensure that gay and lesbian couples and their families receive the recognition that they rightfully deserve."
The ruling is similar to past Supreme Court decisions in Massachusetts, Connecticut and California that also found state constitutional violations where gay and lesbian couples were denied the right to marry. (The California decision was affected by Proposition 8, a change to the state constitution approved by voters last November. A legal challenge to Proposition 8 is pending.)
Speaking for the unanimous court, Justice Mark S. Cady wrote that "[w]e are firmly convinced the exclusion of gay and lesbian people from the institution of civil marriage does not substantially further any important governmental objective." The court rejected the possibility that civil unions-or any institution other than civil marriage-could satisfy the guarantees of the state constitution.
The Varnum case began in December 2005, when Lambda Legal filed suit in Iowa District Court on behalf of six gay and lesbian couples (later amended to include three of their children). In August 2007, the Iowa District Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. The District Court granted a stay of the decision pending appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court.
A growing number of states across the country are providing relationship recognition to gay and lesbian couples. Two states, Massachusetts and Connecticut, already permit gay and lesbian couples to marry under state law. New York recognizes marriages by gay and lesbian couples legally entered into outside of the state. In recent weeks state legislatures in New Hampshire and Vermont have passed bills that would recognize marriages by gay and lesbian couples, which could make them the first states to enact marriage equality legislatively. (The Vermont House of Representatives voted yesterday in support of marriage equality after the state Senate approved the bill last month.)
In addition to the three states that now provide for marriage equality under state law, eight states plus Washington, D.C. have laws providing at least some form of state-level relationship recognition, short of marriage, for gay and lesbian couples. Five of these states-California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont-plus Washington, D.C. provide gay and lesbian couples with access to the state level benefits and responsibilities of marriage, through either civil unions or domestic partnerships.
Key results from the ruling:
a. Gay and lesbian couples in Iowa will soon be able to obtain civil marriage licenses and receive the same respect and protections afforded to all married couples under state law. The decision becomes effective in as soon as 21 days unless the state files a petition for rehearing.
b. Churches and other religious institutions will not have to recognize or perform ceremonies for these civil marriages, as the court's opinion expressly states: "A religious denomination can still define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and a marriage ceremony performed by a minister, priest, rabbi, or other person ordained or designated as a leader of the person's religious faith does not lose its meaning as a sacrament or other religious institution. The sanctity of all religious marriages celebrated in the future will have the same meaning as those celebrated in the past. The only difference is civil marriage will now take on a new meaning that reflects a more complete understanding of equal protection of the law."
c. The court's decision does not entitle gay and lesbian couples in Iowa to receive the federal rights and benefits extended to married couples. The so-called federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) discriminates against gay and lesbian married couples by denying them over 1,000 federal rights, benefits, and responsibilities including social security benefits, the ability to file a joint federal tax return, and the right to petition for a spouse to immigrate. A lawsuit filed in federal court in Massachusetts last month challenges a portion of DOMA.
d. Other states may legally recognize the civil marriages of gay and lesbian couples performed in Iowa in the same way they recognize out-of-state marriages by heterosexual couples.
The Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation signed onto an amicus, or "friend of the court," brief in the Varnum case to support and further explain the argument for extending civil marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples under the state constitution. A number of civil rights organizations, elected officials, religious groups, historians, law professors, child advocates and others also either signed or filed briefs of their own in favor of extending civil marriage laws to gay and lesbian couples.
Item 3A: The State and Local Scene
The latest news from Diverity Thrift (AKA Gay Community Center of Richmond)
(PUBLISHER'S NOTE: The following was taken from their latest newsletter dated April 10, 2008. Note that we will make some changes from their actual newsletter. Some events will have already happened by the time we have entered this information and posted it, so there is no point to list past events. We have also made the decision to omit the both the "Community Business" listings and the "Religious" listings which are part of DT's newsletter. While it is nice to list BGLTQ businesses and BGLTQ supportive churches, we know there are lots more not listed, unlisted, have never been listed, are BGLTQ but don't want to be listed, etc. so in order to keep the playing field even, we will not list ANY of them).
WHAT IS DIVERSITY THRIFT???
Diversity Thrift is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charity and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We pick-up furniture, large items and accompanying items; call 353-8890 to schedule a time for us to come out. For smaller items, please drop off at the store any day between 9 am and 5:00 pm. Please DO NOT Leave donations after hours. Donations left after hours often disappear.
GCCR Gallery Presents
Art ShowRequiem for Roy Breimon & works by Vaclav Pisvejc
A memorial exhibition dedicated to the late Washington D.C. artist, featuring reverse-painted tribal-inspired mask paintings and costumes from the 1994 Meininger State Opera House production of Madame Butterfly in Germany. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Roy Breimon Art Fund for art student scholarships.
Artist's Memorial Reception on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The show runs from April 17 through May 30, 2009.
LESBIAN AND GAY RICHMOND - NOW AVAILABLE
In Lesbian and Gay Richmond, by Beth Marschak and Alex Lorch, the history
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Richmond,
Virginia, invokes a rich but uncelebrated past. From the first recorded
sodomy prosecution in America in 1624 to the fight to repeal the "crimes
against nature" laws, LGBTs have left their imprint on almost 400 years of
history in the Old Dominion's capital. Lesbian and Gay Richmond presents a
photographic showcase of the events, people, and places that have been a
part of this history. There are snapshots from the 1920s and 1930s when
avant-garde and gay authors caroused and shared ideas in private homes.
Previously untold stories from the post World War II era tell of the rise of the gay cafs in Richmond and the subsequent attempts by the authorities to shut their doors. Much like larger cities to the north and west of Richmond, the attempts to close these bars led to the first public protests in the late 1960s. Other images show how Richmond has a unique story to lend to the larger
national LGBT history. The photographs were compiled by Alex Lorch,
community outreach archivist at VCU Libraries and Beth Marschak is a local
LGBT activist and founder of Richmond Lesbian Feminists. This book is
available at Phoenix Rising and stay tuned here for information on local book
signings to be held in the fall.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
James Rives Wine Festival
This year's James River Wine Festival will benefit the Gay Community Center of Richmond. The Festival will include 23 well-known wineries, live music by Piedmont Soup Prize both days, great food, arts and crafts and free parking.
Visit tthe James River Wine Festival website for a full list of the participating wineries!
Tickets are just $15.00 in advance, available at the Gay Community Center of Richmond (1407 Sherwood Avenue, behind The Diamond). $20.00 at the gate. Tickets are good either day, and include a festival wine glass and sampling.
18th Annual James River Wine Festival
April 25 - 26, 2009
Innsbrook Pavilion
Saturday - 12 noon - 7 pm, Sunday - 12 noon - 6 pm
Tickets - $15 in advance or $20 at the gate
Info - 804-353-1525
"OUR FAMILIES" Support Group: Sunday, May 3, 2 pm - 5 pm. This group of LGBT parents and their children are meeting the first Sunday of the Month at GCCR to talk about the issues unique to being LGBT and a parent, and giving the children a chance to interact. If interested, contact Amanda.
Music for a Cause: Concert and Dance-A-Thon to raise money for Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention, Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Youth Violence Prevention. Saturday, May 16, 3:00pm - 11:00pm. For more information: Music for a Cause.
Jesus Phreak: The Story of a Vey Unlikely Disciple, A one-man show by Dale Smith, Your chance to catch 2008 Acts of Faith presentation again or for the first time - show is now touring nationally - Saturday, May 30th from 8 pm - 9:30 pm. More information: Jesus Phreak
Art of Surviving Art Show Coming this Summer!!! GCCR, the Virginia Anti Violence Project, and the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance are bringing the Art of Surviving to the GCCR this summer!
Submissions are being sought from LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence to share their experience and healing through art. Two-dimensional pieces suitable for framing are welcomed. For more information email Quillin or visit http://www.artofsurviving.org/. To be included in the summer show, all pieces must be received by May 31st.
Fun for a Cause: "Lighting the Torch for Community Togetherness"
Fun for a Cause is a re-vitalized concept for the GLBT community to join together and create a positive event that will ignite community awareness and passion for years to come. Fabulous events similar to this concept were organized years ago with un-mistakable success. We hope the memory of those events will excite you to join us and help us create a new legacy.
This year's event will feature a Variety Show including performances throughout the night by many of Richmond's local and premiere female and male impersonators. However, the entertainment doesn't stop there. Your favorite bar staffs will also be taking time off from serving the community and take their services to the stage in what is sure to be a spectacle no one will want to miss. If the stage isn't your thing, come dance the weekday blues away all evening long or just mingle with your old and new friends from across the community.
In addition to great entertainment, several GLBT community groups including GCCR will be on hand to provide literature and information concerning their organizations, future events, and involvement. No matter how you start your night, we know everyone will find something to light their personal TORCH for community togetherness by the end of the evening. We are very excited this year to sponsor this event for the Fan Free Clinic and all proceeds from the tickets sales and tips will be directly donated to their organization
Music for a Cause - Concert and Dance-A-Thon - Saturday, May 16, 3 pm - 11 pm to raise money for Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention, Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Youth Violence Prevention
Art of Surviving to be Presented at GCCR Gallery: Call for Submissions from the LGBTQ Community:
VAVP is working with the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance to bring the Art of Surviving to the Gay Community Center of Richmond this summer! We have released a call for submissions from LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence to share their experience and healing through art. Two-dimensional pieces suitable for framing are welcomed. For more information email Quillin or visit http://www.artofsurviving.org/.
To be included in the summer show, all pieces must be received by May 31st.
Gay Pride Virginia Events
* Date Auction at Nations, April 26
MORE ABOUT DIVERSITY THRIFT
At approximately, 12,000 square feet, Diversity Thrift is one of the largest thrift stores in Richmond. We have the best book section, furniture, antiques and collectibles, electronics, clothing and lots more - check out our great selection.
Purchases from Diversity Thrift and Donations to Diversity Thrift are a great way to help your community and yourself. Diversity Thrift is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charity and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE
GayRichmond.com
GREAT NEW COMMUNITY CALENDAR!!!
Current Community Events will be listed on the Community Calendar at the website. Coming soon: Subscribe and receive an RSS feed of community calendar events!
TGIIFF Transgender Interested In Fieldens Fridays - First Friday of each month. For more details, talk to Nova or Mike at Fieldens or send email to fieldensva@aol.com
PFLAG RICHMOND The monthly meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month in the ROSMY building (2311 Westwood Avenue) from 7-9 p.m.
Richmond Transformers - A peer-facilitated social and support group in the Richmond, Virginia area for anyone on the transmasculine spectrum. We are persons born or assigned female at birth who feel that this is an
inaccurate or incomplete description of who we are today. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7 pm 8:50 pm at the Fan Free Clinic, 1010 N. Thompson St., Richmond, VA. Call (804) 358-6343 for directions or other info.
NA meeting is held every Tuesday night at the Gay Community Center of Richmond in the recently renovated Community Meeting Rooms and Offices; enter the meeting rooms from Sherwood Ave. The Meeting is held from 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm every Tuesday. You may park in the Thrift Store parking lot and walk down Durham. The meeting rooms and offices are the first entrance on Sherwood Avenue. To receive more information, contact Cindy at 353-8890 (Office) or email Volunteer@GayRichmond.com.
PRIME TIMERS - CENTRAL VIRGINIA! It is a social-educational organization of over 130 members for older gay and bi men and their admirers 21 and up. We meet monthly at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on the first Sunday
of every month at 5:00 PM. Call us at 804 358 7548 for more information.
www.gaycville.org
Check out this website for all the events in Charlottesville and the surrounding area
OUR DOORS ARE OPEN FOR YOU!
Volunteers are Needed: We depend on volunteers for many tasks. Email Cindy at Volunteer@GayRichmond.com if you are interested.
The Gay Community Center of Richmond is interested in hearing what kinds of events interest you - email Info@GayRichmond.com
Gay Community Center of Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220 www.GayRichmond.com, info@GayRichmond.com, 804-353-8890
Cindy Bray, Newsletter Editor, Volunteer@GayRichmond.com
Item 4: Robin Renee Round-Up
Publishers' Note: We are keeping up with one of our favorite people who has made a musical name for herself...Robin Renee. We like Robin not only because she has a really cool name (ROBIN, get it?), but also because she is totally upfront about being a bisexual woman as she sings songs of feeling and sophistication. Robin spans a wide musical spectrum of styles and her CD's to date are a blend of well-crafted lyrics and great musical ability. We have seen here perform live, and if you get a chance at any venue you should just go. For the record, we are not receiving any compensation from Robin or anybody else...we just like her!
The Latest From Robin:
Hello!
I am just sending a brief shout out to friends to say that my current CD, spirit.rocks.sexy - mantra-pop headlines from the clairaudient dreams of the evocative Robin Renée is officially out and up on CD Baby as of a couple days ago: www.cdbaby.com/all/menage98. iTunes and all the other digital outlets will follow shortly. I had a nice CD release party here last weekend and am just trying to get the word out among even more friends and extended community.
I may know you from any or many of my often intersecting worlds - musicians/kirtan/poly/bi/spiritual/work/activism/Devo... Thanks for being cool in so many capacities. I hope you feel moved to check out the music and to pass the link along to others who may be interested. I believe that word-of-mouth works!
Thanks again.
Peace & Blessings,
Robin Renée
Menage a Music (BMI), P.O. Box 204, Atco, NJ 08004 USA
CONTACT: Menage98@comcast.net, 856-767-8998 www.robinrenee.com
www.myspace.com/robinrenee
www.audaciouseleven.com
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/kirtanorama Menage a Music (BMI)
P.O. Box 204
Atco, NJ 08004 USA
856-767-8998
menage98@comcast.net
BIO
If Robin Renee were to start a religion all her own, it might well hold Groupie Consciousness as its central tenet. She chases after the God/dess within with a reverence and fervor not unlike her passion for the music that moves her most- acts as disparate as Elvis Costello, Krishna Das, James Taylor, Gary Wilson, and Devo. Those in the know are realizing that Ren�e is worthy of just as much hot pursuit. Oh, and that religion? There'd also be lots of yoga, a strong belief in cartoon physics, a little sexiness, and zero dogma.
Such is the musical and magical world of Robin Ren�e. Her accessible tunes with a spiritual twist have forged her personal genre--Mantra-Pop! The seeds of her diverse influences can be uncovered therein, as well as a longtime focus on Eastern and eclectic mysticism, the mystery that cuts to the core of this powerful singer and wordsmith. At a live show today you might catch a solo acoustic set, a collaboration, or pure kirtan- a form of Hindu devotional chanting in Sanskrit, with which she finds deep resonance.
Live Devotion - brand new and soon to be released is Ren�e's first recording dedicated wholly to sacred chant. Borne of one inspired recording session in October 2006, the seven long tracks evoke peace, passion, and the presence of Universal Love. With the sexy, rock feel of "Jai Ma" to the traditional "Sita Ram" to the fun, multi-part "Om Shanti Krishna," Live Devotion is a fresh take on an ancient tradition.
Ren�e's previous offering, All Six Senses, is the real-life chronicle of one caught in the act of cosmic transformation. Themes of love, seeking, and celebration emerge through a medium of edgy rock, accomplished singer/songwriter lyricism, pop hooks, and the sonic impact of chant. All Six Senses was produced by Scott Mathews, who has worked with artists as fabulous as George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elvis Costello, Patti LaBelle and many more. Two of its tracks, "First Sight" and "Thursday Morning Afterglow" won Honorable Mentions in the 11th International Billboard Songwriting Contest. All Six Senses follows In Progress, Ren�e's full-length CD debut (2000). It follows In Progress, which was applauded in much alternative press across the U.S.
She has often credited the sight of David Bowie in a dress with opening her eyes to transformation and expression. It was no doubt an inspiration, but Renee's real drive comes from within. She has battled through the wearying grip of depression, has been enveloped in the bliss of spiritual ecstasy, and lives to tell the tales. She is not afraid to listen to what the voices in her head tell her: Live for your truth, keep it real, and make music that matters.
Item 5: And now featuring Zoe Lewis!
Publishers' Note: We also follow up on the life and times of Zoe Lewis. A long long time ago we were at a local club, and on stage came the small woman with an English accent and her band. What we heard next was just amazing... in fact, some of us were just awestruck with her talents. Keep in mind some of us are not "womyn's music fans", but this womans' musical abilities are just something and her range of styles is also remarkable. If you get the idea we are big fans, that is no lie. For the record, we are not receiving any compensation from Zoe or anybody else...we just like her!
Now the latets from Zoe:
Greetings most lovely ones!
Thanks again for being on my email list. I have a few more shows coming up: 2 on the west coast of the USA and 1 on the south coast of the UK! The SWEET CRUDE benefit show in Seattle is going to be an amazing event. Please support it if you live near! Infact, all of them are going to be amazing events, especially if you can come along!
Please continue singing along,
Much love, Zoe
www.zoelewis.com
Sat May 2nd 6pm VFW, PROVINCETOWN, MA
Kibbles and Skits-CASAS Benefit
Just to let you know....I will be the MC for this amazing, yearly, gong/talent show. Lots of local performers raise money for dogs and cats. It's the real thing! More info: Gwen 774.722.2763, $20 Admission includes food!
BIO:
ZOE LEWIS -- Who Is She?
A worldbeat-vaudeville extravaganza! ZO� LEWIS is a band in a body! She plays jazz, jump jive, latin grooves, swing, international folk, funk originals on anything from the piano to the spoons!
Troubadour/vaudevillian/storyteller/singer-songwriter/piece of work! Her song SMALL IS TREMENDOUS can be heard on commercials for MINI PRINGLES and for TK MAXX in the U.K. She's written the soundtrack for a new documentary on the VAGINA MONOLOGUES entiltled VENUS, PRIESTS and SUPERWOMEN and her song SHEEP was included on the PUTUMAYO "Folk Playground" compilation and became 1 in the Satellite radio children's charts and remained in the top 20 for over 40 weeks.
WINNER of the Colorado Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Troubadour Award in 2003, NEW FOLK WINNER 2002 at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas and 2001 Falconridge Folk Festival AUDIENCE FAVORITE she is now getting booked to play many of the main stages with virtuoso jazz recorder player ROXANNE LAYTON (from Mannheim Steamroller) and teaches songwriting and performance.
ZO� has performed with a whole host of incredible musicians including JULIE WOLF (Ani DiFranco, Bruce Cockburn), GAIL ANN DORSEY (David Bowie), PAUL PIERCY (Dixie Chicks), FREEBO (Bonnie Raitt) and has toured with JUDY COLLINS, NANCI GRIFFITH and RICHIE HAVENS. Originally from England, she now resides in Provincetown, MA, U.S.A. where she performs every summer to the Cape Cod tourists. Her music is upbeat, amusing and perfect for young and old alike. She has traveled all over the globe picking up worldbeat grooves and stories on the way; jumping box cars, riding on freight boats and has even played music with an elephant orchestra in Thailand. While at once setting listeners off balance with her quirky spin on things she sneaks in simple, potent messages, leaving audiences worn out and inspired. Zoe has toured all over the Unites States, England, Germany, Australia and aboard OLIVIA cruises.
As well as continuing her solo career she is receiving much acclaim for her quartet ZO� LEWIS and her RUBBER BAND with Seattle bassist KATE WOLF, Quebec City percussionist SYLVIE RICHARD and ROXANNE LAYTON, on recorder. Performing upbeat and edgy tunes on a variety of weird instruments, telling traveling tales that will take you from England to New Orleans by way of Bangkok and Guatemala, they bend the notes and stretch your imagination!
Zoe has 5 albums of original material available on www.zoelewis.com
Item 6: NOW FEATURING JULIE CLARK
Publishers' Note: It is with great pride that we can now feature Julie Clark. Julie has made a name for herself with outstanding music winning rave reviews for her craft. Again, we are not receiving any compensation...we just like her and want to spread the word about her.
UPCOMING CONCERTS NOT TO MISSED!
- Friday 4/24/09: Richmond, VA Babe's of Carytown 7-10pm
A Multi-artist show to benefit ROSMY, a local charity that provides support for GLBT teenagers to succeed and be themselves. I'll be playing a solo set halfway through the evevning's lineup, which also includes Endymion, Amy Henderson, Radcliffe Burt, Dan Schmuck and Andy Moore. $10. Everyone's welcome at this mostly women's club. C'mon out for hot burgers, cool tunes and a great cause! (804) 355-9330, 3166 W. Cary St., corner of Cary & Auburn, Richmond, VA.
- Saturday 5/2/09: Farmville, VA Heart of Virginia Festival 6pm.
Duo set with guitarist Larry B. This event, known as The Best Small-Town Festival in the World, runs from 6-11pm with live bands, fireworks, food, crafts and other small-town treats. Farmville Regional Airport. Farmville Regional Airport, 130 Wedgewood Drive. No cover charge. Free and open to the public.
- Saturday 5/9/09: Norfolk, VA Spring Wine Festival - 3rd Annual Virginia Spring Wine Festival at Town Point Park, sponsored by AT&T.
The wine festival itself runs from 11am until 5 pm. I'll be performing with guitarist Larry B. from 2-5pm. Sippin' wine with friends and listening to live music on the waterfront? Life is good!
- Saturday 5/16/09: Virginia Beach, VA Otani Steak & Seafood 8:30pm-12:30 am.
Duo show with the fabulous Larry Berwald on guitar. 11:30pm-12:30am will be a "Blues Party with Larry B and special guest(s)" so I'll be free to hang out and listen with you. 1532 Laskin Rd. Tel: (757) 425-0404. This wonderful restaurant is quickly becoming a hot-spot for live music. Come out and enjoy a fun evening of songs and delicious Hibachi-grilled steak and seafood. Otani also features freshly prepared sushi from their full-service, late-night menu. 30 kinds of Sake [rice wine] and No Cover Charge. Woohoo!
- Saturday 5/30/09: Spencer, VA Indiegrrl Fest, part of the Virginia Women in the Arts Celebration.
This event will run from 10am-7pm and my solo set will be from 6-7pm, rain or shine. In addition to food vendors and women artists displaying and selling their work, the music lineup will include independent female artists such as Melissa Reaves, The Near Misses and Vicki Blankenship (among others). Please join us if you and/or your friends are in the area! Location: Spencer Penn Center - Outdoor Grounds (unless it's moved inside because of rain). 475 Spencer Penn Rd. Free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to help operate the Indiegrrl Women in the Arts non-profit organization.
- Saturday 6/6/09: Virginia Beach, VA The Rainbow Cactus Company. 8-10:30 pm.
Duo show. Location: 3472 Holland Rd. Tel: (757) 368-0441 Ages 21+ only. No cover charge. Doors open at 7pm.
- Thursday-Sunday 7/2/09-7/5/09: Middleton, WI National Women's Music Festival
Join us for 4 fabulous days and evenings of live female music performers and comics, including Sarah Bettens, Erin McKeown, Vickie Shaw, Maggie Cassella and many others... plus me! Location: Marriott Madison West Hotel & Conference Center, (see Festival website for room discount codes.) 1313 John Q. Hammons Dr. Tel: (608) 831-2000. Register early because festival pass prices increase after March 15th and again after April 30th.
- Monday 7/27/09 - Sunday 8/2/09: Provincetown, MA - Art House Theater 7pm each evening except 9 pm on Tuesday night.
Ever been to Provincetown, the quaint artist colony located at the very tip of Cape Cod? There's no place like it in the world, and this is a fantastic venue for hearing live music! 214 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 02657. Tickets are $20, available online, through CapeTix at (866) 811-4111 or at the door.
- Monday 9/7/09: Moonrise Bay Vineyard, Knotts Island, N.C. "Labor Day Picnic at the Vineyard" wine celebration.
This event runs from 12-4 pm and I'll be performing (duo) from 12:30-to-4pm. 134 Moonrise Bay Landing, Knotts Island, N.C. 27950 Tel: (252) 429-WINE. Escape for some fresh air and fun at this beautiful Knotts Island vineyard. $20 ticket price includes wine tasting and souvenir wine glass. BYOL (Bring your own lunch) and set up a picnic under the party pavillion to enjoy the live music! From Va. Beach: Take Princess Anne Rd. South thru Pungo, approx. 25 miles to Knotts Island. Bear Left at the market & go 1 more mile. Look for the Moonrise Bay Winery sign on your Left. Reservations aren't required so come on out!
- Saturday 1/30/10: Virginia Beach, VA - Virginia Beach Central Library Theater, 7:30 pm (lobby opens at 6:30 pm) sponsored by Tidewater Friends of Folk Music (TFFM).
2010? How's that for planning ahead? This will be my third time headlining a show for TFFM in this lovely theater/listening room. 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Ticket info will be announced in late 2009.
BIO:
Openly lesbian folk-pop artist Julie Clark has released her second full-length CD of all-original materials on January 13, 2009. In addition to songs ranging from serious to sexy, her second disc features the funky, soulful gay rights anthem "Courage of Our Convictions" which is destined to help mobilize the GLBT equality movement.
Maintaining a busy national touring schedule, Clark has blazed a name for herself among GLBT venues coast-to-coast, performing regularly in the gay mecca of Provincetown, Massachusetts, at popular gatherings such as The Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, The National Women's Music Festival, Capital Pride in Washington, DC, and as a returning favorite on the GLBT cruise circuit. She was an OutMusic nominee for Female Debut CD of the Year and has also been interviewed on the NPR syndicated radio program "This Way Out."
Clark�s personal story is one of radical transformation. It�s hard to imagine now, but for much of her life Clark weighed 200 pounds more than she does today. Few artists have undergone such a profound physical and emotional change. Her lifelong struggle with obesity, and her ultimate success, has forever shaped her music and view of the world.
NPR has called Clark "an edgy newcomer", Portfolio Weekly (Norfolk, VA) describes her songs as "funky pop burners that would make Shakira blush and Madonna smile."
For more info including sampls of her music, visit www.julieclark.net.
Item 7: UPCOMING EVENTS:
BECAUSE CONFERENCE
BECAUSE Conference 2009 in Minneapolis
Call for Workshop Proposals
The 15th BECAUSE (Bisexual Empowerment Conference: A Uniting, Supportive Experience) is currently in its planning stages. This conference is to be held at the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota on April 17-19, 2009. All workshops will be held on Saturday, April 18th. See below for workshop proposal submission information.
After thirteen consecutive years, from 1992 through 2004, and three years off, BECAUSE is back. The BECAUSE Conference is the premier weekend for bisexuals, queers, questioning, and all others who are neither one thing nor the other. This year, Robyn Ochs will be the keynote presenter.
BECAUSE attracts people from throughout the Midwest and beyond to attend various educational workshops, get active, and generally enjoy the community experience. We are looking for workshops in a variety of areas including Bi 101, sexuality, BSDM, health, politics, spirituality, and academic topics. In particular we are looking for presentations that help in building the bisexual community. If you have an idea but are not sure how to turn it into a workshop, or if you would like a list of suggested workshop topics, contact Kim Jorgensen at kimberlyjorgensen@gmail.com.
The deadline for submitting proposals is January 2, 2009.
PROPOSALS MUST INCLUDE:
1. Title of the workshop.
2. List of presenters. Please, be sure to include a brief biography and contact information.
3. A description of the workshop and its proposed objectives (up to 150 words).
4. BECAUSE is family-friendly. Please, rate your presentation using the following scale: E (Everyone); T (Teen, suitable for ages 13 and older); M (Mature); AO (Adults Only).
5. List any special equipment or needs you have for this workshop.
Proposals can be E-Mailed to: kimberlyjorgensen@gmail.com.
Or snail mailed to:
BECAUSE
c/o BOP
PO Box 18143
Minneapolis, MN 55418BE
Item Last:
High Finance
With the collapse of Lehman Bros and acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, this is the time for which the shrewd investor has been waiting. You value investors with more than ample liquidity should anticipate the next wave of mergers (leaked to us by savvy insiders) so that you can get in on the ground floor and enjoy rapid equity growth.
Merger-Driven Investment Opportunities In 2009
Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. will join forces as Hale Mary Fuller Grace.
Polygram Records, Warner Bros., and Zesta Crackers will synergize and become Poly, Warner Cracker.
3M will merge with Goodyear and give us MMMGood.
Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will launch a new global brand, ZipAudiDoDa.
FedEx is expected to absorb its competitor, UPS, and emerge as FedUP.
Fairchild Electronics and Honeywell Computers will become Fairwell Honeychild.
Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to launch PouponPants.
Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will be known as KNOTT NOW!
and
Victoria 's Secret and Smith & Wesson will market avant-garde with traditional family values as TittyTittyBangBang.
The "Business End" of Bi Lines On Line:
Bi Lines On Line is the Electronic Newsletter of ROBIN, The Richmond Bisexual Network. This free electronic publication is released on a quarterly basis and updated as (well...) we get around to it.
Bi Lines On Line is offered to its readers in a variety of ways:
The newsletter is available via the ROBIN website at www.geocities.com/robinsnet by clicking on a link for "Our Newsletter".
You can also "go direct" to our newsletter by using the link www.geocities.com/destanyschid.
You can send a request to ICU2 PUBLICATIONS, we will either send you the newsletter via MS WORD attachment. Other methods of sending the newsletter (text pasted into an e-mail) can also be arranged.
For all article submissions, comments, complimentary copies, feedback, inquiries, requests for the newsletter, etc., contact ICU2 PUBLICATIONS at icu2publish@yahoo.com by e-mail, by s-mail at 721 Daylight Court, Newport News, Virginia 23602, or by telephone at (757) 234-6294.
Bi Lines is a Registered Trademark in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Copyright 2009 ICU2 PUBLICATIONS
END OF NEWSLETTER
Links to selected sites on the Web noted in our stories with this issue...
Zoe Lewis
Robin Renee
Equality Virginia
Richmond Gay Community Center
Bisexual Resources Center in Boston, MA
Very glad to see a BLGT Newsletter in C'ville!
Julie Clark