Ducks spotted in Cleveland
It’s always hot at St. Pete Pride, and Hot in Cleveland is a big hit. So it makes sense that St. Pete Pride sent it’s Ducks softball team to Cleveland this month to participate in the Gay Games. The team, which also participates in the Suncoast Softball League and will also travel to the World Series in Dallas this September. As of press time, the Ducks were doing well, having won their first two games in the week-long tournament. Before the seriousness of the Gay Games began, the team had a chance to tour the city, take some amazing photos of the skyline and then participate in the opening ceremonies, which included a special recorded welcome video by President Barack Obama.
Chefs and bears
Speaking of softball and the Gay World Series, the Suncoast Softball League’s Metrochefs team will be raising money at this month’s Neigh-bear-hood takeover at The Social on Saturday, Aug. 16. The second-place D-division team earned the right to attend the September tournament in Dallas and is hoping to raise the money to foot the bill for travel and hotels. Plans to raise money include selling special shots and drinks and rumor has it one or more of the Chefs will do a strip tease! The more money that’s raised, the more articles of clothing that will hit the floor. The fundraising starts at 9 p.m. on Aug. 16 and continues through the night at the popular Ybor party. Entry to the party is free before 11 p.m. and the monthly party of bear men and their admirers is for the guys only—sorry ladies.
Finally crowned!
All we can say is, “It’s about time!” Lakeland-based drag performer Kathryn Nevets is hilarious—we’ve been saying that for years. But finally, it’s official since she was crowned Miss Comedy Queen 2014 at the national pageant held at the Parliament House Resort in Orlando the first week of August. Nevets has always performed well at the pageant, and her Kathy Griffin lip-synch impersonation has always been an audience favorite. But what sent her over the top this year was her version of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” complete with a wrecking-ball shaped outfit with fake legs dangling around a chain…just like in the music video! Nevets has given praise to all of the volunteers who helped pull together her performance and to her partner of eight years, Joe Diddy. Nevets is a regular at Club Main Street in Lakeland and recently performed in Miami, with her brand new national crown in tow! Congratulations to a very funny performer.
Sing for your supper!
Okay, so they weren’t really singing for food, but that didn’t stop two of Tampa Bay’s biggest LGBT choruses from holding open auditions this month. Una Voce: The Florida Men’s Chorale, invited members of the community to show their vocal talents on Aug. 11 and Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota invited members of the community to its auditions on Aug. 12. Both groups have grown in numbers in recent years and perform a smattering of concerts over the calendar year. Both have holiday shows planned for this December, and getting new members in place this early ensures the newbies are up to speed and ready to don the gay apparel by then. Check out news on both groups at Una-Voce.org and DiversitySarasota.org.
