June 3, 2019June 5, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

MOTHER JUAN AVIANCE

You may have seen Pose, the hit TV series about the ball room scene, but let’s not forget about the real house mothers please. Ladies and gentlemen, meet one of the longest-reigning mothers of them all—Mother Juan Aviance.

You were raised in Boston. What do you miss about it? It was an easier way of life when I grew up in Boston. So, if anything, that’s what I miss. Other than yourself, who was the fiercest voguer of all time? Well, to be fair, we’re all fierce in our own special way! What’s the most complex style of vogue? In vogue, it’s all pretty complex. For me, I tend not to vogue any particular way but my own. What D.C. venue do you miss that’s gone? Where it all started—Tracks. What politician were you the most excited to meet in D.C.? One time my house did a vogue show at a D.C. festival, and we met Mayor Marion Berry, so that was pretty exciting. What New York Venue do you miss that’s gone? Hands-down, the Sound Factory!

What’s your favorite house song? The House of Aviance adopted theme song, “You Gotta Believe,” by Fierce Ruling Diva. Of all the collaborations that you’ve done, which was the most special to you? That would be an event that I vogued in starring Jennifer Hudson. She was kind, witty, and down-to-earth. Who would you kill to produce musically? (laughs) I wouldn’t “kill” anybody, but whoever’s ready and willing to be produced by David Ohana Aviance of Aviance Records, hit us up! How did you come up with your name? It actually came to mind one day while shopping for fragrances. The Aviance Night Musk commercial popped into my head, and I said, “That’s it… “Aviance.” If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? When that day comes, I’ll let the people have their say.

What do you want to live long enough to see? Peace on earth! Will you ever retire? I plan to but not sure if it will ever be a 100% retirement. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? I’ve been asked, “Will you ever do drag or transition to be a women, since you’re the ‘mother’ of the house.” FYI, the answer is, “No!” How long have you been the “mother” of the House of Aviance? Thirty years! I founded the house in August 1989, so August 2019 is our 30^thanniversary. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Hmm… I’ve met many celebs, but I pretty much held myself together, or I’d like to think I did. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? All the Trump drama!

What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Unfortunately, I don’t travel much, but the few places that I’ve been I loved… San Francisco, Tel Aviv and Puerto Rico. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To live each day to the fullest, cuz’ life is short. What did you learn from your parents? To live life with honor, compassion and integrity. Who’s your favorite performer? As a lover of the arts, it’s hard for me to pick a “favorite” anything. Let’s just say that I love a good performance when I see it! What’s your best characteristic? My compassion for others. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love lazy days at home watching TV and talking on the phone. I also love the beach, but being in New York City, there’s only a few months of summer, which sucks.

What celebrity do you have a crush on? Well he’s not a celebrity per-se, but I love me some Prince Harry! Who do you admire? Billy Porter. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My Mom. Where would you go in a time machine? To the beginning of time. What would your last meal be? Tons of seafood… Please! What do you worry about? The state of the world today. What are you afraid of? Not being able to provide for myself. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A harp. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf for sure!

Other than your house children, who depends on you, and for what? My friends and fans outside of the house depend on my guidance, advice, or just for me to sit and listen. Who are you closest with? God. What would your autobiography be called? Who Said Gay Men Don’t Have Children. What’s on your bucket list? To travel the world and teach vogue. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have no regrets! What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? I’m a cry baby and a sucker for love stories. Where can we see you? Currently, I’m hosting a party at Christina Visca’s “Birdcage” every Sunday at Le Bain in the Standard Hotel. You can also see me on my website or at my pride party in New York City on Monday July 1!

March 17, 2019March 17, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

COCO PERU

Coco Peru brings her unique brand of humor to Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine Cathedral on March 23

Of all the movies and TV shows that you’ve been in, which one’s your favorite? Trick, because I got to do a monologue, and it’s the film that put me on the map back in 1999! Which interview from your live show, Conversations with Coco, is the most special to you? They were all very special to me, but the person who started it all with me was Bea Arthur, who was my idol growing up. And although she was very nervous about doing it, she cared deeply for gay youth and for me, and I will never forget that my idol did that favor for me by being my first guest. What’s the strangest thing that even happened to you onstage? I was doing a show in Provincetown, and there was a storm. Towards the end of the show, the electricity went out. I was standing there in total darkness, and the audience thought the show was over, and they were applauding. Finally, they all realized the electricity had gone out. And as they filed out of the theater, I was yelling out for help, because I was stuck onstage alone and couldn’t see a thing.

Is Drag Race making drag too commercial? I get asked this question a lot. My beef with reality TV, in general, is that we have made celebrities out of people who sometimes don’t have any craft, and we sadly don’t expect or even desire that an “entertainer” have a craft. We are willing to throw our money at mediocrity. However, I have benefitted personally from Drag Race and from drag becoming more mainstream. I have many talented friends who’ve been on that show and have a craft and who deserve the success, and it’s amazing that we live in a world now where Ru can win Emmys! Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Being a waiter. I was terrible! If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? She did her best. What do you want to live long enough to see? Contact with alien life. Will you ever retire? Yes, in four years. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? After showing a video in a show of myself speaking at Bea Arthur’s memorial, a fan asked me, “Did you really speak at Bea Arthur’s memorial?”

What’s the meanest thing that a homophobe has ever said to you? “Can I help you, sir?” What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Barbra Streisand. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? An article about Drag Race doing a “Legends” season, which I’m apparently a part of. Fake news! What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Spain! My husband, Rafael, is from Spain. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That I wasn’t ugly when I was younger. Who would you like to be for a day? Albert Einstein, or another scientist like him, because I’d like to know what it feels like to have a brain that works like that. Do you believe in an afterlife? Sometimes. But I do believe in ghosts, so I guess I do. Do you think that this is the most amoral time that’s ever existed? No—although it does feel pretty rotten sometimes. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My husband. What talent would you most like to have? Speaking several foreign languages.

If you were a dictator with unlimited powers, what would you do first? Hard labor for intentional littering. Or perhaps the death penalty for it, depending on my mood. What did you learn from your parents? Don’t hold grudges. Who’s your favorite performer? I love watching Julie Halston do anything. Hilarious! And Amy Armstrong. And Varla Jean Merman… I have many favorite performers! What comic are you most influenced by? I don’t feel influenced by comics. What’s your best characteristic? My eyes. How do you enjoy spending your time? Sitting on the beach in Spain, followed by a big lunch, followed by the best thing ever… siesta! What celebrity do you have a crush on? The Rock—Dwayne Johnson. Who do you admire? Queens who show up on time and are prepared. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My dad. Where would you go in a time machine? I’d go back and meet Jesus and tell him and his apostles to be very specific, because their words are going to get twisted and will cause me lots of damage.

What would your last meal be? Chicken parmigiana. What do you worry about? Everything. But mostly littering and its effects on our oceans. What are you afraid of? Sharks. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A trombone. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m bi. Who depends on you, and for what? My fans depend on me to be truthful. Who are you closest with? Rafael. What would your autobiography be called? Out, Loud and Exhausted. What’s on your bucket list? To learn Spanish. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I never learned Spanish. And that I didn’t have sex during college! What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? That I hate goat cheese with a passion. Where can we see you? At the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale! Also, all my future dates are listed on my website.

February 19, 2019March 24, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

ARI GOLD

Ari Gold will perform at The Pub this Friday in Wilton Manors. But before you see him live, keep reading to find out which of Gold’s relatives was a pass-around butch party bottom.

PHOTOGRAPH BY KEANS LLAMERA; STYLE BY DELICIA GLAM

You grew up in the Bronx. What’s special about the Bronx that’s not common knowledge? It’s the only borough with a “the” in front of it. It also has more parks than any other borough. Growing up, it was great being in such close proximity to black and latino people, which greatly impacted my musical tastes toward R&B, soul and dance music. What New York venue do you miss that’s gone? The Palladium! It was such a beautiful space, with such a huge dome ceiling. I will never forgive my alma mater, NYU, for tearing it down to build an ugly brick box dorm. Where do you hang out in New York in your down time? I love going out to eat. I don’t hang in the clubs like I used to, but there also isn’t the same club culture like there was when I was coming up in the 90s. That was a heyday. I just did a big concert in New York at The Cutting Room, which is a great music venue. I’m always going to the theater! Do you live in New York? I live on the lower east side of Manhattan, and I’m a fourth generation Lower East Sider. My mom grew up there. I’ve lived in New York City my whole life except for some stints in L.A., which I love, and my brother Elon lives there with his wife and kids. I would move there if my life allows.

As a commemoration to the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, Ari Gold and GoldNation will release a new remix every month until June 2019. “Make Music” was the first remix that was released.

If you had to live somewhere other than New York, where would you live? I’ve always wanted to live in the UK or Berlin, so who knows? Which collaboration was the most special to you? I was particularly touched when Peppermint asked me to sing the George Michael cover for “Too Funky,” especially knowing how important George was to me as an openly-gay artist. I love working with Kevin Aviance, getting to write, record and be styled and photographed by Boy George, working with RuPaul in Starbooty, my ex Billy Porter, and my collabs with Adam Joseph. But my favorite has been writing and recording my album, Soundtrack To Freedom, with Bob Sandee, a.k.a. Subgroover. It was the most magical time I’ve ever had recording an album. Collaborating with both my brothers as a child can also never be rivaled. I guess I can’t choose one. If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you pick? There are producers like Jam and Lewis and Babyface that I’ve always wanted to work with, but I’d have to say the craziest dream come true would be to work with Madonna, because I’ve spent so much of my life worshipping her—and I still do. If you had to choose one of your songs to launch into space, which one would you choose? “Space Under Sun,” cause’ its spacey! Since you’ve toured all over the world, what was your favorite destination so far? Overseas, the audience in Switzerland was awesome. In America, performing at SummerStage in Central Park was pretty damn cool.

What’s your favorite movie? Just because it’s the gay bible, The Wizard of Oz. What drives you crazy? Being asked to choose my favorite! How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I co-parented an English Bull dog with my first boyfriend—the Lady Bully J. Blige—named after Lady Bunny and Mary J. Blige. Lady Bully, RIP, was a pass-around butch party bottom, so I don’t think that would work. Do you like zoos? My Mother would take me to the Bronx Zoo as a child all the time, and I loved it. I like aquariums now because they’re environmentally conscious and do work to help the animals and Mother Nature. Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? If I was healthy enough to do so, I’m sure it would be a huge gift for me to be able to do that. My percussionist, Hector, just did that for his sister, and they’re both doing great—it’s so beautiful to see how a human can sacrifice for another human like that. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? First, as a loving son, brother, uncle, and, most importantly, as a good friend. After that, as someone who sacrificed a lot in order to heal communities with music and storytelling in ways that hadn’t been done before.

What do you want to live long enough to see? Peace on earth, LGBTQ freedom and equality, and Trump going to jail. Will you ever retire? I don’t think that I’ll every stop being an artist. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? I had a fan tell me that when I wanted “alone time” he wanted to be there to share it with me. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I remember being 19 and meeting Madonna’s back-up singer, Niki Harris, at a club in L.A. I told her that I don’t usually go up to celebrities, but that I was a huge fan, and she sassed back, “I’m not a celebrity, honey. I’m a real person!” So thanks to her I now fangirl all the time to everyone I meet and love, and I’ve met almost everyone I’ve been a fan of. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My new music video for NGOR Radio! What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? I never knew how much an 80s TV theme song would speak such deep truth. “You take the good, you take the bad, you take em’ both and there you have the facts of life.” Life is a paradox, so practice cognitive dissonance. Balance is key. What did you learn from your parents? It’s always an opportunity to learn something, and it’s never too late. Who’s your favorite performer? Madonna. Who’s your favorite singer? Brandy.

What’s your best characteristic? I’m a talker, but I think I’m even a better listener. How do you enjoy spending your time? With friends and family, and doing anything cultural. Celebrity or not, who do you have a crush on? I had a big one on out-actor Brian J. Smith, but I’ve gotten over it, thankfully. Well, I at least stopped torturing myself by following him on Instagram. Who do you admire? Oprah, and Michelle Obama. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Mr. Rogers. Where would you go in a time machine? To the 70s pre-AIDS disco era. What would your last meal be? Something Japanese. Maybe scallops with foie gras. What do you worry about? My parents getting older, and this country falling apart. What are you afraid of? Trump’s power and stupidity. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A piano. It’s my favorite instrument and the one that I wished I played well. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A fierce golden Daniel lion. “Ari” means lion, “Gold” is my last name, and “Daniel” is my middle name. So there. Who depends on you, and for what? My parents depend on me to keep them growing, on their feet, and never getting too comfortable or set in their ways. Who are you closest with? God. Where can we see you? On my website or at The Pub this Friday!

February 11, 2019February 22, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

PEACHES CHRIST

SF drag legend Peaches Christ kicks off her world tour of Mean Gays this month with dates on the West Coast

Where did you grow up? In Annapolis, Maryland. What’s special about that city that most people aren’t aware of? It’s home to the best seafood in the country. Where do you live now? In San Francisco. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you live? In Los Angeles. Other than Oasis, where do you hang out in San Francisco? The Castro Theatre, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the beach, the parks, and The Old Mint building. What’s the difference between the East Coast drag performers and the West Coast ones? The East Coast drag performers tend to have drag coats and more cold weather couture. Either living or dead, who’s the most influential drag performer? Divine—I think she re-defined what drag could be.

Carsick is the New York Times bestselling chronicle of a cross-country hitchhiking journey with America’s most beloved weirdo. John Waters is putting his life on the line. Armed with wit, a pencil-thin mustache, and a cardboard sign that reads “I’m Not Psycho,” he hitchhikes across America from Baltimore to San Francisco, braving lonely roads and treacherous drivers.

Who’s your favorite performer? Elvira. Who’s your favorite filmmaker? John Waters. What’s the craziest movie that you ever saw? Happiness. What’s your favorite horror film? A Nightmare On Elm Street. Who was your favorite celebrity guest at Trannyshack? Clive Barker, because he was there on a night that I performed a gore number. I didn’t know that he was there, but I found out afterward. I also found out that he loved my number, and it meant the world to me. What’s the craziest thing that you ever saw at Trannyshack? I think it was when Vinsantos set a Christmas tree on fire and almost burned the place down. If you had to choose one, which one do you enjoy better—filmmaking or performing? It’s all the same to me, because for me, it’s storytelling. And I really do enjoy them both equally.

What’s your dream role or project? I’d love to create a proper musical someday. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Probably working at a frozen yogurt shop. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who was kind, fair and funny. What do you want to live long enough to see? The end of Trump. Will you ever retire? Hopefully someday I’ll be able to happily retire. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? “Will you ever retire?” What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Mick Jagger. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? A Tweet. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Rio De Janeiro. What’s your current state-of-mind? I’m hopped-up on cold medicine.

What were you doing before we spoke? Working on a script. What’s your idea of perfect happiness? Being with my loved ones and enjoying each other’s company. What’s your greatest fear? Death. Living or dead, who’s the greatest political figure in America? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Not to sweat the small stuff. What did you learn from your parents? To follow your dreams. What’s your best characteristic? Kindness. How do you enjoy spending your time? Working. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Dan Levy. Who do you admire? John Waters. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Divine. Where would you go in a time machine? To 1984. What would your last meal be? Crab cakes.

What do you worry about? Way too much (laughs). What are you afraid of? Natural disasters, war, and Trump. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A piano. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep. Who depends on you? I have no idea. Who are you closest with? My partner. What would your autobiography be called? A Wig and a Dream. What’s on your bucket list? To visit many travel destinations. What’s your greatest regret in life? I try not to have them. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? That I’m a bear. Where can we see you? On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, on tour, and on my website!

January 15, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

JUDY GOLD

From fielding queries about raising her sons as homosexuals, to making sure that all of her cash faces in the same direction, to being a piano in a gay bar, it’s all in a day’s work for comic Judy Gold.

Where did you grow up? In Clark, New Jersey. What do miss about it there? What do I miss? Nothing. Where do you live now? I live on the Upper West Side of New York City. What’s special about it there that isn’t common knowledge? The Upper West Side is home to the city’s four remaining phone booths. What’s the strangest thing that even happened to you on stage? I was performing on a RSVP cruise in the main theatre, when the captain came on to say that there was a small fire on board and that everyone should remain in place. While he was talking about how minor the fire was, he kept having to interrupt himself so he could cough. Then the electricity went out, the generators went on, and I just kept on going and finished the show. People still stop me to this day to tell me they were there. It ended up being a great and memorable show!

Can comics go too far, or does it only come down to if the material is funny or not? It’s 100 percent about “the funny.” You can talk about any subversive topic, but it better be funny. What comic do you admire? Joan Rivers. What’s one of the funniest TV shows ever? The Office. What’s harder to handle—an audience member who gets offended and visibly walks out, or one who stares at you with no reaction? They both suck. But often times the starer is deaf. What audience member was the worst so far? There’s not enough space or time. What’s your dream role? Maude. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I’ve been doing stand-up since I was 19-years-old, so I haven’t had that many “job” jobs. Although, I was a toll collector on the New Jersey Turnpike the summer in between my freshman and sophomore years in college. I still make sure that all of my cash faces the same direction.

If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a good mother, kind, funny and honest. Oh, and really thin. Will you ever retire? Absolutely not. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? Whether or not I’ll be raising my kids as homosexuals. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Michelle Obama. What do you want to live long enough to see? Trump in handcuffs. Oh, and my grandchildren. What’s your favorite drink? Strong black coffee. What’s your most treasured possession? Memories. Do you believe in ghosts? Sometimes. Either living or dead, who would you love to have lunch with? My father. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? How many phone booths there are on the upper west side. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Israel.

What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To trust your gut. What did you learn from your parents? That just because someone has a big house, nice car, and lots of jewelry, doesn’t mean that they have money. Who’s your favorite performer? Really…? Okay, Barbra… Young, raw, ambitious Barbra. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor. What politician don’t you like? I can’t believe that you’re even asking me this question. If that person was drowning, would you save them? Probably, out of guilt. How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching my younger son play basketball, eating, reading, eating, tennis, eating, swimming in the ocean, eating, listening to music, eating, and hanging out with my girlfriend and my kids. Did I mention dining out? What celebrity do you have a crush on? You have no idea how jealous my girlfriend can be.

Who do you admire? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Only one…? I can’t pick. But I’d love to see my parents. Where would you go in a time machine? To 1920s Berlin. What would your last meal be? My mother’s stuffed red cabbage, egg noodles and challah. What do you worry about? Everything. What are you afraid of? Not being able to speak. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? An upright piano in a gay piano bar. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Who depends on you, and for what? My sons do, for unconditional love. Who are you closest with? My iPhone. But we spend way too much time together. What would your autobiography be called? The Jewish Book of “Why Me?”. What’s on your bucket list? To act on Broadway. Where can we see you? On tour or on my website. I’ll be in Aventura on January 18, and at the Boca Black Box on January 19!

January 2, 2019January 3, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

LADY BUNNY

By all accounts, Lady Bunny is probably the most important living contributor to the art of irreverent drag in the USA. But despite that, her serious side is less known. Take a peek at Bunny’s deeper thoughts before her two shows in Wilton Manors this weekend.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In Chattanooga, Tennessee. What do you miss about it there? Grits…? My mom’s cooking…? I don’t miss much, and I haven’t been back in a decade. It was a stable environment to grow up in, but a little dull for a thrill seeker like me. Where can you get the best southern food? You can get it many places here in New York, but they never get the coleslaw right. I like it with sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise and grated carrots. Since you’ve been in New York City since 1984, do you consider yourself more a southerner or a New Yorker? My mom claims that she must be very approachable, since strangers often stop her for directions. I’m awful with directions, but I must be approachable like mom. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact, Southerners are a lot of fun to be with. Until they get into the voting booth! I haven’t left New York City since I moved here in 1983, so I’m definitely a New Yorker—but with a Southern twang.

RuPual MP3 track, featuring Lady Bunny. Download it for only $1.29.

Although New York has changed a lot since the 1980s and 1990s, what’s still unique about it that most don’t realize? It’s one of America’s few walking cities, with an outrageous street scene, and great people-watching. I’ve always had a theory that passing by all kinds of people is very humanizing. Every day I pass Muslims, Jews, trans people, handicapped people, straight jocks, homeless and tourists from all over. Down South, we would get bottles thrown at us from cars as the drivers yelled anti-gay slurs. Seeing people face-to-face opens your eyes and you realize things like, “Well, she has on a hijab, which I may not fully understand, but she is snatching that video game out of her kid’s hands just like any other mother would.” What New York venue do you miss that’s gone? Palladium, The World, Tunnel, Splash, Mars, Building, Limelight, BoyBar, Sound Factory Bar, Sally’s Hideaway and Jackie 60. There are so many! When you’re out of drag, where do you hang out in New York to unwind? At a massage parlor! Carrying those big wigs on your head, twisted up in girdles, and prancing in heels can really work up some kinks which need to be released regularly. And no, I’m not talking about a massage with a “happy ending” (laughs).

Either living or dead, who’s your favorite New York queen? Ethyl Eichelberger took her own life decades ago, but she was always so nurturing to others. She taught me how to put on lashes and was a terrific performer. She go-go danced on the bar at The Pyramid with the rest of us, but she would also put on original plays which the NY Times would review. So she also taught us the possibilities of drag outside of nightclubs. Who’s the most underrated drag performer? In New York City? Sugga Pie Koko. She’s absolutely hysterical, but is sometimes overlooked because she’s not the prettiest. But in my view, variety is key. You can have ten glamazons in your cast who look astounding, but the comedy booger-queen can bring the house down in a $10 dress and sneakers. Other than yourself, who do you think has made the biggest contribution to the art of drag? Definitely Divine. RuPaul is certainly up there. And Bianca Del Rio is taking things to a whole new level with her sheer talent. As long as the material is scripted, and not some Michael Richards-type rant, do you think that a comic can go too far? I like it when comics go far, or I wouldn’t like Bianca! And my own comedy is very raunchy and not suited for everyone. But my attitude is that if you don’t like something, don’t watch it. But don’t try to shut it down. There’s such a thing as freedom of speech, so we can say whatever we like. But there may be repercussions.

Should Kevin Hart have quit the Oscars? I’m not a fan of Kevin or the Oscars, so I could care less. Do I wish Kevin hadn’t made anti-gay slurs? Sure. But do I believe in his freedom of speech? Sure. The issue with him is that you can’t cross the line and get the big jobs. Do you think that social media is doing more harm than good? It’s lovely to share photos with your friends all over the world with a click, and it has many other benefits, like instant marketing. But social media is like the new nightclub, and now clubs have closed because we keep in touch online. I do think it’s important to see people face-to-face. For those who refuse to even speak on the phone, all of their contact is electronic. I don’t think that that’s healthy. Who’s your favorite comic? George Carlin, because he spoke hard truths and somehow made them funny. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I worked at various fast food places and ice cream counters, so none of them were too big a help! If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who was honest and loved to laugh and dance.

What do you want to live long enough to see? Medicare for all. Will you ever retire? It’s doubtful. I can’t do anything else. And with my limited skills, the tech world certainly won’t be calling. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? Someone once asked me if I wanted to “hump his stump.” I asked, “With my pump?” What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Patti Labelle! I couldn’t help it. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Tickets to Puerto Rico, where I’ll vacation after my two gigs at The Pub. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? I love Amsterdam. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? TCM. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Got drunk, lost my keys, and barreled through my window! I woke up covered in blood. What’s your favorite book? Little Me. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? My first Patti Labelle concert in New York City. She was wearing that hairdo ironed up into a crown shape. Do you still have your childhood blanket or stuffed animal? No, just some comic books, which my mom is dying to throw away. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That high heels screw up your feet, knees, back, and sometimes hips (laughs). What did you learn from your parents? That war was usually wrong.

Who’s your favorite performer? Still Patti! What’s your best characteristic? I’m very loyal to friends. How do you enjoy spending your time? I’m a news junkie who also loves sex! What celebrity do you have a crush on? Colin Kaepernick! Who do you admire? Charo. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? I really don’t think in those terms, because I don’t and won’t ever have that ability. I loved Penny Marshall, though! Where would you go in a time machine? To London’s Carnaby Street in the swinging 60s. What would your last meal be? Probably fried shrimp! What do you worry about? The ignorance that our schools and news are feeding us. What are you afraid of? The actions of those who buy whatever they’re sold. Critical thinking is dying. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? The drums! Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m definitely not meek or a follower like a sheep, but I hope that I’m not as aggressive and frightening as a wolf. Who are you closest with? My mom. What would your autobiography be called? The Lady is a Tramp. What’s on your bucket list? I’d love to see the pyramids of Egypt before I’m in a diaper. Where can we see you? On my website, or live and in person at The Pub on January 4 and January 6. I can’t wait to be back there!

November 21, 2018November 21, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

GARETT HAWE

Hi-diddle-dee-dee, an actor’s life for me. Out actor Garett Hawe discusses one of the mostly anticipated tours of the season, Hello, Dolly!, and life in the theater.

You’ve been in a number of shows. Other than Hello, Dolly!, what was your favorite one so far? I’m so lucky to have been a part of so many wonderful shows, and they all stand out for different reasons. If I had to pick one, I would say Mary Poppins, because it was my Broadway debut. That show was just so magical, and the experience of performing on Broadway for the first time is something that I will never forget!

So what’s your favorite theater score? These questions are getting tougher. There are so many great scores! The Sound of Music stands out for me. I remember watching the movie as a kid and just being completely obsessed with it. It’s definitely the reason I started doing theater. When I listen to it still, it takes me right back to my childhood. Carousel and West Side Story are close behind. I’m a sucker for the classics.

Do you have a dream role? Again, there are so many! I’d love to play Bert in Mary Poppins or the Baker in Into the Woods. Did you see the recent revival of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway? I did! What did you think of it? I was blown away by it. I saw both Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters, and I thought that they were just so extraordinary. The costumes, the scenery, the dancing… it’s all so lush. It’s everything you want in a revival of a classic musical.

You play “Ambrose Kemper” in Hello, Dolly!. Were you inspired by how other performers have interpreted the character, or did you avoid seeing how anyone else did it? Well, I certainly grew up watching the movie version, and I love Tommy Tune’s portrayal of Ambrose. However, the movie version is very different from the stage version, so I think that my interpretation is probably pretty different. My Ambrose lives in a constant state of stress.

Is this your first time in Miami? It’s not! I was here once before in 2009, with The 101 Dalmatians Musical. I’m so excited to be back! And finally, what will you do with you down time when you’re here? Ok, this one’s easy. The beach! I’m also excited for Thanksgiving. I love pie!

The Arsht Center is located at 1300 Biscayne Blvd, in Miami, Florida. Hello, Dolly! runs from November 20 to 25. Tickets can be purchases online at www.arshtcenter.org or by calling the box office at (305) 949-6722.

November 8, 2018November 27, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

PENNY ARCADE

Penny Arcade, one of New York’s preeminent nightlife queens, and a Warhol alumni, stops by Miami on her 40-city international tour to perform her New York-centric one-woman show, Longing Lasts Longer

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In New Britain, Connecticut, in the 1950s, when it was known as the hardware capitol of the world. When’s the last time you went back there? On September 29^th, 2018, for the 50^thhigh school reunion, for high school years that I didn’t attend! Do you miss anything about the town? I miss what New Britain was before Paul Manafort Sr. destroyed the town with so-called “urban renewal.” Of all the venues that are gone in NYC, which one do you miss the most? The Bottom Line. Who’s your favorite Warhol superstar? It’s a tie between Taylor Mead and Ondine. Since you’ve toured extensively in Europe, what’s your favorite place there? The island of Formentera, Baleraric Islands, Spain.

This is a faithful reprint of Taylor Mead On Amphetamine and In Europe: Excerpts from the Anonymous Diary of a New York Youth. Volume Three. Last printed in 1968. Taylor Mead Beat poet, Andy Warhol Superstar, artist and star of film and stage. This volume contains Taylor’s poetry, rantings and musings from the 1960’s.

What will you do with your down time when you’re in South Florida? I intend to show my collaborator’s wife, Marina, all the sights. It’s her first visit here. Other than your own plays, what’s your favorite play? Anything by Tennessee Williams. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Being a social worker in back-woods Maine. How did you come up with your name? I named myself Penny Arcade coming down from LSD at age 17. It stuck. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? For my kindness and action in compassion. What do you want to live long enough to see? For my 11 and 13-year-old friends, Gandan and Diesel, to grow up to be 21!

Will you ever retire? Actresses like me never retire. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? “What are you really like?” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Liza Minnelli. I was completely tongue-tied. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? An “enlarged heart portal.” It came up on my chest x-ray. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? The best…? Every place has something ‘best’ about it. There is no best place. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That the only approval that really matters is my own approval of myself. What did you learn from your parents? How to work hard. What’s your current state-of-mind? Enlightened.

What were you doing before we spoke? Thinking of getting out of bed. What’s your idea of perfect happiness? Swimming in the clean, clear, beautiful ocean. What’s your greatest fear? Pain, sickness and immobility. Living or dead, who’s the greatest political figure in America? Vito Marcantonio, the first-born Italian-American representative from New York’s 18^thdistrict, who put the word ‘service’ into public service. Who’s your favorite performer? Tammy Faye Starlight and Bina Sharif. What’s your best characteristic? Enthusiasm. How do you enjoy spending your time? Walking around. I’m a flaneuse. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Hmm…? I don’t have crushes on people that I do not personally know.

Who do you admire? Noam Chomski. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? James Baldwin. Where would you go in a time machine? To 1910. I’d go to New York City and around the world. What would your last meal be? Sushi and an ice cream sundae with hot fudge. What do you worry about? Money, for old age, and for arthritis. What are you afraid of? Serial blood-lust murderers. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A viola. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you? People who no one else will help. Who are you closest with? Steve Zehentner, my best friend and collaborator of 26 years. What would your autobiography be called? The Broken Genius Girl Must Be Sacrificed.

What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Old R&B, like Solomon Burke, old blues, and doo-wop. What’s on your bucket list? Singing a concert of my original songs and my favorite covers. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I didn’t honor my heart’s desires in my teens and 20s and 30s. I thought that I needed ‘proof’ to follow them. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? Pretty much everything! I only share what makes me the same as others, not what makes me different. But, ok. One thing is, I’m very timid. Where can we see you? My website has my schedule, and my Facebook page is totally open—I run it like a magazine or a diary. You can also see me at the Live Arts Lab at Miami Dade College this Thursday to Saturday!

September 28, 2018November 27, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

BRUCE VILANCH

Despite a dramatic range that’s greater than Meryl Streep’s, which Hollywood star would Bruce Vilanch give it all up for to be their trophy “wife”?

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where do you live? I live in L.A., and I’ve lived there for so long that the statute of limitations in New Jersey have run out. What’s special about L.A.? People move here for the dream—money, fame, sex. I’m deeply shallow; I fit right in. What L.A. venue do you miss that’s gone? Back alleys. Now they’ve got an app for that. If you had to live somewhere else, where would you live? If I had to…? Like, why…? The earth swallowed up Southern California…? That’s gonna happen anyway, and I’ll probably get swallowed with it. I hate you; where’s my Xanax? Is this your first time performing in South Florida? No, but it’s the first time in Boca and Aventura, so, in a sense, it’s like doing a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Will you have time to do something fun when you’re here? Yes, but I can’t mention it specifically, or I’ll get taken to court by Rose McGowan. You can’t be too careful these days. How would you describe yourself? A writer/actor/comedian/stripper. You name it, you book it, you got it.

Superstars Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Bette Midler are just some of the big names who laugh it up in this richly funny behind-the-scenes documentary and look at the art of creating comedy! When celebrities need a hilarious punchline, they Get Bruce!

Which celebrity project was the most special to you? I’d be a fool if I did’t lead with Bette—we have a long and colorful collaboration. But writing 23 Oscar shows, and being a Hollywood “square” for six years, and being a woman in Hairspray on Broadway and the road, were all pretty special. There have also been a lot of fundraisers that helped a lot of people. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever happened to you on stage? In Hairspray, my first week on Broadway, my skirt slipped below my dainty waist and pooled on the floor around me. So I was up there wearing the full top, an off-white girdle, and the fat suit. The audience didn’t know if it was part of the show or not, until I said, “Now you know why I spent six years sitting in a square.” Other than yourself, who’s one of the best comedy writers? The people that I’ve collaborated with the most, Jon Macks and Dave Boone, who write just about every special event on television. But there are lots of fantastic writers out there that I haven’t worked with.

What comic do you admire? George Carlin was my all-time favorite. Eddie Izzard is pretty spectacular. And Lily Tomlin is a genius. Who’s your favorite RuPaul queen? Bianca! She rules when she’s onstage. She’s genuinely funny and fierce. What’s your dream gig? Mrs. Jake Gyllenhaal. Oh, professionally…? I have immense range, so I’d like to do the Meryl Streep story. Other than your Oscars gig, what’s your dream writing gig? It would be wonderful to lie on a fainting couch like Marcel Proust and just churn it out. What’s your favorite play or musical? How to Succeed is pretty perfect, and South Pacific has the most glorious score and a real emotional tug. All those people thrown together on an island trying not to lose it. Oh, wait. That’s Survivor. Which award is the most special to you? The Nobel Peace prize. Think I have a shot? Which Advocate article is the most special to you? Now you’re forcing me to remember opinions that I came up with 20 years ago. I don’t remember how I felt about the brisket at Rosh Hashanah.

Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Everything taught me something. I just wish that I had retained what it was. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a beautiful, thin person. But you get what you pay for. Will you ever retire? But then you have to move to Boca, by law. No, writers never stop. Herman Wouk is still at a desk every day. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? “May I see your feet?” What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I’ve been at it since I was a kid, so I kept meeting celebrities in a professional capacity. However, Sidney Poitier did make me talk in tongues. He’s so gracious and elegant, and, well, he’s a historical figure, not an audio-animatronic. Who would play you in a movie? James Franco said he wanted to, but I told him that he’d smother under the fat suit. What do you want to live long enough to see? Something orange leaving the building. What are you superstitious about? The hell with that. I go full-bore OCD.

Hollywood’s hotshot humor writer emotes and self-promotes in this hilarious collection of essays, stories, and bits covering everything from the Muppets to Star Wars. Buy it for $5.49.

Do you believe in aliens? I think that if they were as great as they’re cracked up to be, they’d have conquered us by now. Unless they dropped by, took a whiff, and put the mothership in reverse. What’s the gayest concert that you ever went to? Judy Garland in Columbus, Ohio, in 1967. I was a college student and came home with a notebook full of numbers from kindly, older gentlemen. What’s the most times that you read a book? I have re-read Patrick Dennis so many times, even my dog says the books are dog-eared. His big hit was Auntie Mame, but he was a brilliant social satirist who wrote a dozen wonderful novels. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Has anyone ever answered that question honestly? What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Israel, when I was a teenager, before it was controversial even to Jews. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? It is what it is. What did you learn from your parents? To pay cash. What’s your best characteristic? That I insist on having a good time. How do you enjoy spending your time? Answering questions, evidently. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I don’t believe that’s legal anymore.

Who do you admire? Paul Newman. He turned his fame into a perpetual revenue-stream for good. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Cleopatra, so people would finally stop claiming they used to be her. Where would you go in a time machine? To someplace where I could still take my meds. What would your last meal be? Pasta, pasta, pasta. What do you worry about? “Did anyone smell that?” What are you afraid of? Spiders dressed as clowns. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? Something that has to be blown. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m like a sheep eating a wolf. Who depends on you, and for what? A black pug, for everything. Who are you closest with? See above. What would your autobiography be called? I’m struggling with the title now, which might wind up being the title. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Schving! What’s on your bucket list? To kick it. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I keep postponing things. Like this answer. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Life is a cabaret, old chum. Where can we see you? If you miss the Boca show, and you know your way around, i’ll be in Aventura at the Arts & Cultural Center the next night. C’mon down!

September 3, 2018October 17, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

DAVID MIXNER

An unparalleled record of activism against injustice for over 50 years. Check. Was once called the most powerful gay man in the country by Newsweek. Check. Best selling author and acclaimed playwright. Check. Quizzed about Bill Clinton during sex. Check. Introducing David Mixner, an American original.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? On a farm outside a small, southern New Jersey town called Elmer, which had about 1,000 folks. What do you miss about it there? The outdoors, the animals, the wildlife, the lightening bugs, and the folks. Where do you live now? In the theater district in NYC, about a half block from Times Square. What drives you crazy about Time Square? Nothing. I absolutely love the wild and unpredictable nature of it. I love people-watching. Although New York may have changed, what’s still special about Manhattan? Hands-down, the diversity of people, ideas, entertainment and politics. It’s 24/7 and a place that never sleeps—there’s a place and a role for everyone in Manhattan. I’m also an architecture nut, so I revel in the buildings, public spaces, and design of this unique and wonderful place on earth. What New York venue do you miss that that’s gone? The destruction of New York Penn Station and replacing it with this Soviet-style brutalist architecture called, “Madison Square Garden.” It was one of the most obscene moments.

In this stirring personal history, one of America’s most influential gay rights advocates recounts his extraordinary career as a policy maker and adviser to the major political leaders of our time, and his own often anguishing, ultimately triumphant life as a gay man.

Of all the places that you’ve lived, what was the best one? Guess I would have a tie. One was the time on a houseboat in Amsterdam writing a screenplay while my lover was painting art. It was magical. The other would be living in Turkey Hollow in the Catskills, recreating a “Walden Pond” moment with the abundance of wildlife. I became a first-rate animal whisperer with the deer, bears, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Being a janitor cleaning food halls at Arizona State University. I hated it. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? That, without fail, I served others my entire life. What do you want to live long enough to see? Beto O’Rourke in the White House. Will you ever retire? When I can’t contribute to making the world a better place through my activism, performances and writing, then it’s time for me to go.

Of all your awards and accomplishments, which one do you cherish the most? Living my values and principle even when they made me very unpopular and I was attacked for them by many people who I loved and respected. Also, any awards that may come out of my writing or performances would be very satisfying in my later years. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked you? I was having sex one time, and a guy looked up at me and asked, “What is Bill Clinton like as a person?” I must say that it killed not only the moment, but the entire evening. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Oh God, I have a horrible man-crush on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. If I ever met him, I think he’d have to take a restraining order out on me the next day! He’s the person at this stage of my life that I’d most like to meet. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Beto O’Rourke’s video on “Taking A Knee.” I’ve looked at it over and over. It’s simply extraordinary. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Singita Castleton in South Africa.

What was the most unjust war that America was ever involved with? Oh God, there were so damn many, but just for kicks, the war on Native Americans, The Spanish-American War, World War I, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, and all those covert operations by the CIA in places like Guatemala, Chile, the Congo, and Indonesia—those operations led to the death and torture of millions. Who’s the most important political figure since WW II? President John F. Kennedy, who in such a short time moved us from being totally a cold war nation to the light of helping other nations, to transitioning into civil rights, and to inspiring in so many of us that we should work for something greater than our selves. What’s your guilty pleasure? Judge Judy and TV crime shows. What’s your favorite band? Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. What’s your fondest childhood memory? Swimming naked in the irrigation ponds in the countryside with my buddies. What were you like in high school? Oh God, I think they must have looked at me as a goofball, and not quite sure what to do with me, but I really liked high school and had tons of fun at it.

Bestselling author and renowned presidential campaign adviser (Bill Clinton, Dick Gephardt, Jerry Brown, Gary Hart) David Mixner returns with his first book in 10 years. In At Home with Myself, Mixner writes from and about his country home in Turkey Hollow, an upstate New York town so small and remote that it has just 10 residents.

Do you think that entertainment awards should be genderless? Yes, I do. Acting is acting and has no gender. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Two things: how to cope with loneliness, and to never stop laughing and being outrageous. What did you learn from your parents? To help thy neighbor. Who’s your favorite performer? Judith Light. What’s your best characteristic? That I’m spectacular and a loyal friend. How do you enjoy spending your time? Having kinky sex. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Ed Harris. Who do you admire? President and Mrs. Obama. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My sister, Patsy. Where would you go in a time machine? I’d go along with Lewis and Clark. I’d also go to the roaring 20’s and hang around with Hemmingway, Josephine Baker, Picasso, Gertrude Stein, and so on. What would your last meal be? Ice cream, pizza and coconut cake. What do you worry about? Where am I going to get the next month’s rent? What are you afraid of? Earthquakes.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? The sax. It’s so fucking sexy. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A lamb. Who depends on you, and for what? My cats, for love and food. Who are you closest with? My small circle of friends, who I love and adore. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? The blues and country. What’s on your bucket list? Seeing the northern lights, taking a first-class rail trip with a hot man, having a nudist weekend with friends somewhere, and getting rid of Trump. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not coming out of the closet sooner and allowing more intimacy into my life earlier. What’s the great tragedy of your life? The AIDS epidemic. What’s something that you never told anyone else? It shall remain a secret. Nice try! Where can we see you? On Twitter, Instagram and my Facebook page. Also, I’m single and can be arranged to be seen any weekend night.