by Hank Huke
HOUSTON, TEXAS
Houston Haunts
Lots going on these days in and around Houston. First I have to send out some birthday shouts to some good folks I know. Byrd of Brick's II fame celebrated last weekend in Galveston, while staying at Hollywood Hotel on the seawall. I was lucky enough to run into my friend as he was celebrating and got his lovely picture finally for our picture page. Happy birthday, hon! Also "getting away" down to the Island for his birthday was Tom. Check out Jacob and Tom on the pics page as well. Tom had to show me his driver's license before I would believe the dashing and handsome man had turned the big 4-oh!
Also celebrating a birthday of sorts, rather their anniversary, is Michael's Outpost. Visit michaelsoutpost.com for all the fun details there. I always love an easygoing time with friends and making new ones while at the Outpost. The trouble is, everyone figured out that's where I hide when I want to "get away from it all," and now I have to keep a low profile, which is always hard when I'm there, because of the lively bunch of boys (and girls) to keep me company!
All I have to say is thank God for the boys over at Guava Lamp, next to Sound Warehouse on the corner of Sheppard and Richmond. Were it not for them and their extreme generosity, I would miss Queer As Folk each week, as I am poor white working trash and can't afford Showtime. They show the episode as-it-airs, so you can stay current! Afterwards, stick around for karaoke at 10pm. It's always a ROCKIN' good time, and you just might get your picture in Ambush too!
At press time it hadn't happened yet, but Club 1415 presented by Sonoma had their opening. I am looking forward to things over there, and look for pictures in our next issue from the opening. The details I have are that none other than DJ Limey will spin at this "Hippest Place To Be, and Be Seen" from 10 - 2. Here's the kicker kids, it's only open on Fri. nights! That's right. Hey! It's what exclusivity is all about! Come check it out this Fri. It's above Sonoma at 1415 California St., and if you're lost, you're not in the know!
Mayoral Liaison Meeting - Janine Brunjes, mayoral liaison to the GLBT community, will hold her third public meeting on Mon., May 14, 5-6:30pm, at the Community Center. These meetings, held on the second Mon. of the month, are open to the public at no charge. A moderated on-line chat session with Brunjes follows the public meeting on the second Wed. of each month. Individuals may log on between 9:30 and 10:30pm at Talk City.com in the Houston GLBT Forum room (no spaces between words). Call 713.524.3818 for more information. Pride Month is coming up quick, so listen up. Pride Kick-off Party - Fri., June 1. Start off Pride 2001 and a very busy Pride weekend with a free buffet, a cashbar and entertainment. Meet the Pride Parade grand marshals, the Pride Committee, and other members of the community. 7-11pm.
Pride Day at Six Flags AstroWorld is Sat., June 2, and Sun., June 3. Spend a day or two at Six Flags and show your Pride. Your $30 Pride Committee ticket covers admission to AstroWorld on Sat., including a free barbecue buffet in the private picnic area, free admission into Rich's on Sat. night, and a free pass to WaterWorld on Sun. (or any other day throughout the season). The headline entertainers for Pride Day are the Village People! What a way to start a month-long Pride celebration! Tickets are available at Basic Brothers or by mail from the Pride Committee of Houston, P. O. Box 66071, Houston, TX 77266-6071. Buy your tickets online. A special room rate will be available at the Radisson Hotel Astrodome, 8686 Kirby. Call 800.333.3333 and ask for the Pride 2001 event rate. 10am - 10pm (Sat.) ,and 10am - 9pm (Sun.) AstroWorld/WaterWorld, 9001 Kirby at the 610 Loop. More on Pride Month festivities to come soon! Keep looking right here, where your source for GLBT Houston & Galveston is always on top of things!
As Galveston Splash landed right smack dab in the middle of press time, and out next issue is due out May 25, you will have to wait for the recap and pics, but rest assured it ROCKED!
Sat., May 12 it's C.C. Ryder's benefit show. C.C. performs regularly at Garza's Kon Tiki, and this annual show once again can be seen ONLY at Garza's Kon Tiki at 315Tremont (23rd St.) in Galveston. Mr. Jesse Garza has been doing an outstanding job of bringing you local talent, reviving the retired, and also is continually on the look-out for the best talent far and wide. Shows at Garza's Kon Tiki are every Fri. & Sat. nights starting about 11:30pm, drag time! In addition to her demanding schedule of appearances, C.C. Ryder has qualified for the Miss UsofA National Pageant. Come down and catch the show of "the Blond Bombshell" as she represents Galveston to the rest of the country! Also appearing regularly is that ebony diva, Naomi Warwick, who does that illusion she's known for as Dionne. Check the pics page, as I was most fortunate to catch Miss Diane Michaels at Garza's Kon Tiki doing her fabulous impersonation of Reba McIntyre! There's a truly wonderful line-up of talent at Kon Tiki, and if you're missing it, you're missing a lot!
As you know, Purgatory, 2515 Mechanic Row, Galveston, provides FREE AIDS testing on the first and third Fri.'s of each and every month. This service is graciously provided by the loving folks over at the Montrose Clinic, and now Purgatory is doing something to say thank you, and here's how you can help: Memorial Day Mon. come down for Bar-B-Que on the Patio, where the proceeds will go to the Montrose Clinic to aid in the ongoing ever-needed work they do there. Come down and show your support for their tireless efforts!
Looking for something after-hours when the Galveston bars close down? Evolution located blocks away from Garza's Kon Tiki and Purgatory is your only choice! Open til 4am, swing by 2214 Mechanic Row and Shake Shake Shake, Shake Ya Bootay! Wear off some of that alcohol while you're at it - the life you save could be your own!
The folks at Paradise Guesthouse tell me they are pretty much booked through the July 4th holiday, and are steadily sending those who arrive as guests and leave as friends on their merry little way, and you can be sure they are telling their friends where to stay! So now is the time to give them a ring and book your rooms for the end of the summer season. Located on Ave. P at 25th, call to make reservations at 409.762.6677.
If you're on the Island, and want to sip suds and watch the waves, Boulevard Saloon is your place. Find them at Seawall and 31st! Next door is Hollywood Hotel, for reservations and availabilitycall 409.750.8900.
Well, there's a lot right there for you and so much more coming up as we gear up for PRIDE. I've got to plead with my better half for some funds, so I can make it to the Brazos River Bottom for Happy Hour! My Reality Check Bounced - what's your excuse? Keep that feedback up, Houston; I love hearing from you!
