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by Eric A. Crabtree
AUSTIN, TEXAS

Gay Splashers Dive
Into Austin's Community

Attention Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast States! Wanna have a wet and wild time with tons of hot men and women? Then head on over to Austin, Texas because it's party time in Austin as we host our annual Splash Day on the sunny shores and rocks of Hippie Hollow at Lake Travis. Splash weekend runs from Fri., May 1 through Sun., May 3. Splash is Austin's yearly Gay Texas first spring event sponsored by the bars and clubs of the Austin Tavern Guild. Congratulations go out to Oilcan's bartender, Scott Hogan, who created the winning logo design. Look for his artwork in this edition.

Beer, barges, boats, music and hot basking on the rocks like seals all are in store coming up Sun., May 3 at the Lake. Starting on Fri., May 1, the weekend kicks off with two great circuit parties sponsored by Ben Parsley and Splash Productions. Both circuit parties will be held at The Forum. Other great Splash events scheduled around Austin can be found at clubs like Charlie's Austin, Oilcan Harry's, Rainbow Cattle Company, The Blue Flame, Rhythm House, 'Bout Time, and Midtowne Spa. Look for additional Splash events in this edition. Local splashers are already preparing for the weekend and have been seen flocking to N8 Wear on Lamar St. for splash and circuit attire. Free wristbands may be obtained from all host clubs on Sat., May 2 for free beer from the host barges on the lake.

Team Austin Hosts
Garage Sale This Saturday

Members of Team Austin will be sponsoring another gigantic garage sale this Sat., Apr. 18. The sale will be from 9am until 5pm at 4300 Ave. D (202 West 43rd St.) in Hyde Park. Donation items for the garage sale may be picked up from supporters at homes or businesses on Fri., May 17. If you wish to donate items for this fundraiser or need more information, please contact Steve Holifield at 512.454.4985. Last month's garage sale raised over $1379 to send the team, now 72 members strong, to the Gay Games in Amsterdam.

Austin Men's Party -An Alternative to Bars

Austin's Gay and Lesbian headquarters, Cornerstone, will begin hosting an Austin Men's Party (AMP), this Sun., Apr. 19. AMP is a new social activity and an alternative to the nightclubs. AMP has sprung up from the success of Club Skirt for women and is a place to meet men or bring your partner and socialize. The Men's Party is provided as a fundraiser for Cornerstone. The spring kick-off party will take place from 7-10pm at the Zilker Clubhouse.

Admission to this event is $13 in advance or $15 at the door. The party will feature food, beverages, and music by a versatile DJ. Great door prizes will also be given away. Admission is limited to 150 men total. Tickets may be purchased and reservations are accepted. For more information contact Cornerstone at 512.708.1515 or stop by at 1117 Red River. Major credit cards are accepted. Scheduled events for AMP will also take place in May and June on the last Sunday of every month. In July, a barbecue will be thrown at Fiesta Gardens.

Walk For Safe Families Fundraiser

To help support the Center for Battered Women and Austin Rape Crisis Center, a charity fundraiser walk will be held this Sun., Apr. 19 at Wooldrige Park starting at 1pm. Domestic abuse exists in about 25% of Gay and Lesbian relationships and these charities provide local assistance and support for women. The walk will raise needed funds to continue the efforts of the organizations and donation support to the walkers are needed.

Even if you have not collected pledges, have a team or sponsor's support, everyone is encouraged to show up and walk for Safe Families. For additional information, please contact the Walk Line at 512.469-9300. The 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline is 1.800.799.7233 or locally for crisis calls at 512.928-9070. Informational brochures are available at RunTex locations and or any Barnes and Noble bookstores.

San Antonio Hosts Multicultural Fiesta 1998

Way down in San Antonio, Texas, a fiesta of events will commence when the Alamo City hosts its annual Fiesta 1998. This multicultural heritage is held from Apr. 17-26. Main events to be held are La Gran Jamaica-a nine-day event featuring top Tejano music entertainers and "We Fly - We Jam", an aviation event of Fiesta. Others include Fiesta Mariachi Masses, carnivals, multicultural conferences, the famous Fiesta Oyster Bake, a 10K & 2 mile run, soccer tournaments, concerts, Fiesta Gowns of the Past, Fiesta Spring Jam and A Taste of New Orleans.

Many of the events have free admission; however, some of the larger events are paid admission. All events are centered in San Antonio. For more information, visit their web address for the daily events at http://www.texas.net/fiesta/ or call 210. 227.5191 or email at fiesta@texas.net.

Earth Day Celebrates
Common Environmental Goals

Earth Day is Wed., Apr. 22 and time for everyone to re-think and re-involve themselves with our global environment about the air we breathe, the water we drink and the earth we exist upon. On Apr. 17 at the University of Texas Campus, South Mall, the Texas Union Council's Environmental Committee will be holding an EarthFest Celebration from 7-11pm. There will be bands and refreshments. The event is open to the public. A great resource to find out more about Earth Day may be found on the web: www.envirolink.org/earthday/.

Eeyore Celebrates 35th Birthday
At Pease Park Party

Everyone's beloved donkey, Eeyore, is celebrating his 35th birthday with a party on Sat., Apr. 25, from 11am until dark at Pease Park. (Pease Park is located between West M.L.K. and West 15th on North Lamar) Eeyore's Birthday Party is an annual fund-raiser sponsored by the YMCA of the University of Texas to benefit itself and other non-profit groups in Austin. The party and park is free and open to the public and is gay friendly. Free shuttle buses will run from 10am to 8pm between Pease Park and the intersections of 18th & Congress, and 17th & San Jacinto. People are encouraged to wear costumes and musicians who play non-amplified instruments are invited to participate.

Organizations will be selling food, beverages, beer and commemorative Eeyore T-shirts. No bottles, cans, or coolers are allowed in the park. Dogs are allowed on leashes. Free shuttle buses to and from the park have been set-up and will run from 10am until 8pm from the State parking lots at 15th and Congress Sts. In case of rain, the rain date will be Sat., May 2. For more information call 512.448.5160, E-mail eeyore@sexton.com or visit Eeyore on the web www.sexton.com/eeyores/.

Circuit Party Updates
And DJs' Top Ten Picks

The Forum will host two circuit parties back to back on May 1 and 2 and will be open continuously from 7am Fri., May 1, until 2am on Mon., May 4-an Austin first for 67 hours solid! Good Luck Guys! Starting Fri., May 1, DJs Forum's Roland Belmares will be featured and then Michael Duretto takes over from the Probe in Los Angeles. Sat. presents DJs Forum's Roland Belmares and then Julian Marsh from NYC.

In music news, here's the Top 10 compiled by DJ Danny Cardiel and Austin DJs spinning in the clubs today. #1 "Frozen" by Madonna, #2 "Me, Myself and I" by Giselle Jackson, #3 "Where the Story Ends" by Tin Tin Out, #4 "Twisted" by Wayne G., #5 "Ray of Light" (Licious Mix) by Madonna, #6" Found A Cure" by Ultra Nate, #7 "I Get So Lonely" by Janet Jackson, #8 "Give Me Love" by Michelle Weeks," #9 "Breathe" by Kylie Minogue; and, #10 "Sweet Surrender" - Sara McLachlan.

The Top 5 Country beats in Austin are #1 "Then What" by Clay Walker, #2 "Between You and Me" by Kinley, #3 "Put Your Heart In It" by Sherie Austin, #4 "Perfect Love" by Trisha Yearwood and #5 is "Never Stop Loving You" by David Keesh.

United Court Raises
$1,328 At Camp Out '98

Recently the United Court of Austin and Crown Prince Royale, Bob Hemby, hosted a charity event at Rainbow Cattle Company entitled Camp Out '98. The event raised some $1,328 dollars for the local HIV Wellness and United Court of Austin charities. Among the participants were Heather Thomas, Scarlett Leigh, Iwanna Ganga, Trixie Dickum, Bebe Hughes, Cecilia Martae' and the Austin Baptist Women.

The night's extravaganza provided more fun and entertainment when local patrons and employees were auctioned off for charity. Buy a Hunk provided more funds when cowboys Jeff raised - $50, Doug and Matt both raised $350 each and cowgirl Sandra raised $110 for the benefit. All bidders and hunks received a dinner at City Grill for two and a date at Ester Follies.

Another benefit show was held at RCC Easter Sunday during their Easter Gala Review. The Austin Baptist Women performed along with many others. Due to press time, details of this fundraising event were unknown.

'Bout Time Showgirls
Raise $805 For
Pediatric Aids League

Two weeks ago, the Capital City Queens and the Royal We hosted an Easter Extravaganza Gala up at 'Bout Time raising $805 dollars benefiting Austin's Pediatric Aids League. Kudos go to Doug Cooper for the decorations and to all who participated that night. The festivities featured an Easter Basket Competition where they were auctioned off for the charity. Entry winner and former manager, Pam Webster, took home first place.

The basket was sold to Dalene Wooldrige who bid the highest and quickly turned the basket around again for another auction. You go girl! Another $125 was raised when Randy C. bought the basket again for his beloved, Miss Bibi Gunn. Entertainers for the night featured performances by Diva's Pam Webster, Miss Paula Scogin, Glory Hoe, Miss Bibi Gunn, Diana Dior, Mary Kay, Miss Artesia Wells and the Easter Bunny.

Another benefit show was also held last weekend up at 'Bout Time produced by Jim Tennessen, candidate for Mr. TGRA 1999. The show benefited the Austin chapter of the Texas Gay Rodeo Association. Due to press time, details of this fundraising event were unknown.

Row Team Austin
To Host Benefit At Twist

Coming up on Apr. 30, a Twist and Shout party and fundraiser will be hosted at Twist Nightclub located at 505 Neches from 7-10pm to help raise needed funds to send Row Team Austin (RTA) to the Gay Games. A $10 donation for door entry is requested. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and snacks will be provided along with a cash bar. DJ Roland Belmares from the Forum will feature music for the evening. Door Prizes will be given away and RTA T-shirts will be on sale.

Row Team Austin comprises more than half of the participants traveling from Team Austin to the games later this year in Amsterdam. More information may be obtained on this event by contacting the Row Team Austin information line at 512.708.9303 or from the web at www.rowteamaustin.org>.

Until Splash, please continue to support our local Austin Gay and Lesbian Business and also give back to our community through donations to needy charities. Drink responsibly and Play Safe! Eric

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