Desperately seeking a Katy
Diva galore Katy Perry is scheduled to perform at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Monday, June 30, and local radio station Wild 94.1 has been on the hunt for an impersonator to attend the show—and probably promote the station. A call was issued earlier this month for impersonators and no specific gender requirements were included. Queens from throughout the area have expressed interest but as of press time there was no confirmation onto who may have landed the gig. Blue hair and some Tarzan/Jane inspired outfits no doubt helped the station select its winner. Expect to see some photos and announcements soon on the station’s website, Wild941.CBSLocal.com.
Blevins needs our love
As you’re reading this, it’s very likely that residents of St. Petersburg are voicing their opinions over who should be the city’s next Police Chief. Mayor Rick Kriseman is expected to select the person for that role within the next month, and LGBT community member and Assistant Police Chief Melanie Blevins is one of four finalists! On June 19, the Coliseum Ballroom will no-doubt be packed with supporters and detractors of Blevins, who has been with the police department for two decades. When she’s not doing police work, Blevins, who has a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, teaches community leadership at the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg. If you missed the meeting but want to express support for Blevins, email Kriseman at Mayor@StPete.org to show her some love.
Turnabout turns heads
If you missed this year’s St. Pete Pride turnabout, you missed a heck-of-a show! Board members of the organization swapped gender roles at Georgie’s Alibi June 5 and performed for tips to benefit the annual festival. Special guests Jay Aller, best known for his work with the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas and as a grand marshal this year, and Steve Blanchard, Watermark editor, surprised the audience with their drag appearances. Ina Lush and Ginger Vitus, respectively, joined eight other performers for a night of fun and celebration. Every dollar that was tipped to the performers went directly into one of two large buckets that was then given directly to Pride. All the performers who don ‘t normally take to the stage have a new appreciation for the impersonation arts and for the comfort of tennis shoes!
Pride prep underway
Speaking of St. Pete Pride, you have one more chance to get your questions answered if you’re a part of the first-ever night parade or the following day’s street festival. St. Pete Pride will hold a second town hall meeting at the Metro Center on Sunday, June 22 at 7 p.m. A slideshow presentation will discuss float decorations, prep times, vendor booth details and clean-up schedules. The last meeting was packed to capacity, so we suggest getting there early to secure a seat. The Metro Center is on 3rd Avenue North, across from Georgie’s Alibi.
