“We wanted to draw awareness and show LGBT people in a positive light,” said Pride Expo Vice President Ray McCreary. “We are a vital part of the community and shouldn’t be overlooked.”

The event’s creators hope to address the needs and interests of the LGBT community of the South while offering cultural and educational activities that inform, inspire and entertain. The expo will offer exhibits, informational break-out sessions, social networking events, shopping, dining and entertainment.

With the expo only a few months away, McCreary said organizers are busy lining up live entertainment and speakers. He confirmed one after party will be held at My Sister’s Room on Saturday, April 21, with a drag show, VIP room, food, beverages and a DJ.
“Things are coming along great,” he said. “Every day we’re getting more hits on the web site and people are calling in asking about tickets.”

Tickets should go on sale around February 1. Attendees will have three admission options and participation levels. General admission tickets will include attendance to the Pride Expo and all activities held within the exhibit hall. After-hours passes will allow guests the same daily events plus some of the most exclusive entertainment and after-hours parties in the city. The full-access VIP passes will provide an all-inclusive experience, including attendance at all Pride Expo events and all off-site activities. The exclusive VIP events include private entertainment venues, backstage access, food and wine tastings, private parties with celebrity entertainment, photo opportunities, signings and much more.

The Pride Expo will also partner with local non-profits, charities and organizations and will donate a portion of the proceeds generated from ticket sales to those groups. Currently, the event will benefit For the Kid in All of Us, but McCreary said opportunities to work with other charities are still available.

Heretic
New York producer and DJ Chad Jack serves up hot music for the “Halfway to Wonderland” kickoff party on Saturday. No cover before 10PM.

Jungle
No cover when you show your Grindr app at the door or $5 all night for patrons 21 and up this Saturday. DJ Rob Reum spins.

“Avenue Q”
The risqué Broadway hit starring puppets opens tonight at Horizon Theatre. Tickets range from $30 to $100. For show times and more information, please visit www.horizontheatre.com.

XS Ultra Lounge
The King Weekend Extravaganza continues with events through Monday. Doors open at 6PM tonight for the Welcome to the ATL Party with no cover all night. The Man 2 Man MLK Weekend Bash is Saturday featuring a $1,000 Hot Body Contest, hosted by adult film stars from “Dark Centaur.” Doors open at 10PM. On Monday, the Martin Luther King March & Rally kicks off at 2PM with assembly time at 1:15PM. More details at www.traxxatlanta.com.

Shaving off his hair for the role of Daddy Warbucks wasn’t an issue for actor Brad Oscar. His most recent gig as Uncle Fester in the New York production of “The Addams Family” required a similar look.

“Again, another iconic baldheaded character,” said Brad of his portrayal of the billionaire turned adopted father in the Theater of the Stars production of “Annie” at the Fox Theatre.

Although this will be his first time to play Warbucks, Brad has long ties to the show. He was an ensemble member in a production about 20 years ago and his actress sister has played the role of Miss Hannigan on tour.

“It’s always been a special show,” he told Fenuxe during a rehearsal break. “I’m loving it. I’m so excited to sing these songs.”

“Annie” marks the New Yorker’s third performance in Atlanta. He first acted in a production of “Jekyll and Hyde” in 1995, and his most recent visit was two years ago for “Young Frankenstein.”

“It’s always great to be back,” said Brad, who will try to squeeze in visits to the Georgia Aquarium and the Center for Puppetry Arts. An intense rehearsal schedule and various performances will demand most of his time.

But, Brad is used to hectic schedules. He’s been acting since he was a child growing up in Washington DC. With his parents acting in community theater, Brad was exposed to theater at an early age.

“Acting is something that has always interested me,” the 47-year-old said.

His first role in a “real production” outside of school was “Fiddler on the Roof,” where he played the part of Motel at the age of 12. He also played a child reporter for a DC television show.

Brad’s favorite acting job so far has been the Broadway production of “The Producers.” He snagged a Tony nomination in 2001 for his role as Franz Liebkind and was the understudy for the lead of Max Bialystock. Brad later replaced Nathan Lane as Max.

“It’s a role most character actors dream of,” Brad said. “I did that role over 1,400 times on Broadway, on tour and Las Vegas. It made me more visible as an actor.”

His success with “The Producers” has garnered much acclaim for Brad, which keeps his acting career quite busy. His plans after “Annie,” however, won’t require his acting chops. He’ll be preparing an April wedding to his partner, Diego, of six years. The couple will hold their ceremony where they first met—at the Arena Stage in Washington DC.

“It’s very exciting” Brad said.

Actor’s Express brings a bit of Broadway to Atlanta with its new show “Next Fall.” The award-winning, Tony-nominated play shares the story of faithful Luke and the love of his life, a slightly older Adam, who is less inclined to believe in a higher power. They share a perfect New York life until tragedy intervenes, forcing Adam to rely on Luke’s friends and religious family for support.

“Next Fall” comes from the mind of Geoffrey Nauffts, an actor, writer and director with an extensive resume in theater, film and television. A few of his film and TV credits include Woody Allen’s “Melinda and Melinda,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Field of Dreams,” “Six Feet Under,” “Murphy Brown” and “Law and Order.” He was a writer on ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters” for two seasons and he is currently writing a movie for HBO based on an NPR segment of “This American Life.”

Geoffrey, who splits his time between Los Angeles and New York, took a few moments out of his hectic schedule to talk with Fenuxe about his first full-length play.

Fenuxe: What inspired Next Fall?

Geoffrey: I’ve just always been fascinated by religion, not having grown up with any myself. I thought it would be interesting to take two people from completely different ends of the religious spectrum and throw them together and add love to the mix.

Fenuxe: The show moved to Broadway in 2010 only one year after running off-Broadway; how did that feel?

Geoffrey: It was amazing. We first did it off-Broadway with my theater company. That in itself was really an amazing experience to have it come to life on stage for the first time. It’s very thrilling as a writer. We don’t often get to see our work staged because it’s such a competitive market. The fact that it started to get this great response and kept getting extended was beyond what I had hoped for. Moving to Broadway was really exciting. I think it provided the opportunity to be done in the regions—Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Florida. It’s being done all over the place right now.

Fenuxe: With which character do you most identify with?

Geoffrey: There’s a little bit of me in all of them I suppose. Clearly Adam is most like me in terms of age and he is an atheist (I’m actually an agnostic) but we both come from not having grown up with any particular religion. I also completely relate to his hypochondria.

Fenuxe: What is your overall message with “Next Fall”?

Geoffrey: It’s sort of about not putting off living your life and living your truths and telling people the things you need to tell them. Doing all that stuff while you have the opportunity because you never know when it’s going to be taken away from you. I think there’s also the thought of tolerance. I think in the end—no matter what part of the religious spectrum we come from—we’re all seeking grace in some kind of way. I think if you write people off on either side it won’t get you anywhere. Until we start to try and understand each other there won’t be any growth.

“It is a bit surreal,” For the Kid President Christopher Bess said of reaching a decade. “I am humbled and extremely excited to be a part of a group that has worked for the past 10 years to make an impact in our community.”

For the Kid began with a toy drive designed to benefit underprivileged children in Georgia and has grown into a significantly larger organization over the years. With the group’s past in mind, Bess said it is only natural to envision a year ahead that honors the work the group has done up to this point.

“It is my hope that we can use the momentum around this 10th year to re-engage some individuals who in the past have given their time by working on the board or serving on committees or have given financially to support our efforts and bring us all together to make this our best year yet,” Bess said.

For the Kid in All of Us Main Events

Project Prom
Date: Late March-Early April.
Stay tuned for exact date and location.
This cocktail party and runway show helps provide teens with the opportunity to experience prom by giving them with slightly used dresses refashioned by local designers.

Backpack in the Park
Date: Saturday, July 28
For the Kid returns to the Greystone Pavillion in Piedmont Park for its 7th annual event, which collected more than 1,800 backpacks filled with school supplies in 2011.

Toy Party
Date: Sunday, December 2
The annual kickoff to Atlanta’s holiday season celebrates its 10th year. More than 4,000 people attended the 9th Annual Toy Party, which collected more than 4,600 toys and more than $9,000 in gift cards.

For more information, please visit
www.forthekid.org.

Reaching 25 years is a huge accomplishment for Joining Hearts, said President Kerry Loftis.

“We are one of the very few HIV/AIDS fund raising charities in the Southeast that has survived this long, and it is all because of the collaborative efforts and generosity of our corporate sponsors, individual patrons, event guests, volunteers, host committee and board of directors,” he said.

In 2011, Joining Hearts surpassed its goal of $150,000 by donating $185,000 to its beneficiaries, AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House. Loftis said the organization hopes to increase its annual donation by at least 20% in 2012.

Joining Hearts Main Events

Love on the Rocks
Date: Second weekend of February.
Stay tuned for exact date and location.
This annual Valentine’s cocktail party kicks off the organization’s fund-raising season. Typically between 300 and 500 guests attend this event, which features complimentary cocktails, food, a DJ and a silent auction.

Change of Seasons
Date: Mid-April.
Stay tuned for exact date and location.
This Sunday afternoon Tea Dance features a DJ and cocktails and usually draws between 400 and 600 guests.

The Pool Party
Date: Saturday, July 21, 4 to 11PM
Held at Piedmont Park’s Greystone & Aquatic Center, the Pool Party serves as the organization’s oldest and largest fundraiser. An estimated 1,000 guests travel from all over the country to attend this event, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the funds raised by Joining Hearts.

For more information, please visit www.joininghearts.org.

If you crave fantasy this holiday season, we suggest visiting the White Big Top recently erected in Midtown. The massive tent houses Cavalia’s “Odysseo,” an equestrian adventure celebrating the ancient relationship between horses and humans. A Horse Lovers Package allows patrons to tour the Cavalia stables after the show.

“Odysseo”
Tickets: Beginning at $69.50
Dates: Show times and dates vary through January 8
Where: 860 Williams Street
Details: www.cavalia.net

For those who desire an activity to get the blood pumping, we recommend an evening at The Rink at Park Tavern for ice skating. Many amenities abound for day and night skating, including a heated tent, state-of-the-art sound system and rink-side dining. Private and group lessons with a professional coach are also available.

The Rink at Park Tavern
Tickets: $15 to skate or $300
for season pass
Dates: Monday through Friday from
4:30 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to midnight.
Where: Park Tavern, 500 10th Street
Details: Times and availability at www.xorbia.com/therink Other info at www.parktavern.com/about/the-rink

A poignant experience can be found at the Museum of Design Atlanta with the AIDS Memorial Quilt. On display through January 1, the quilt is the largest ongoing community arts project in the world. Visitors to MODA can also view the exhibit Graphic Interventions: 25 Years of International AIDS Posters.

3rd Annual Santa Speedo Run
When: December 10, 2PM
Where: The Hudson Grille, 942 Peachtree Street Northeast
Details: www.atlantasantaspeedorun.org
Scantily clad participants will start gathering at 1 p.m. with the goal of raising $75,000 for Bert’s Big Adventure. If Hudson Grille is packed, Einstein’s will offer a great view of the run as well. On December 12, 2009, the inaugural run took place in Atlanta with 180 runners and raised more than $42,000 to benefit CHRIS Kids. In its second year, about 200 runners raised more than $50,000 to benefit Camp Twin Lakes.

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Bells In Boyland”
When: December 9 at 8PM, December 10 at 2 and 8PM
Where: The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road Northwest
Tickets: Range from $20 to $40
Details: www.agmchorus.org
The AGMC, along with the Atlanta Concert Ringers, will feature a variety of musical offerings including “Fantasia on Christmas Carols,” “Silver Bells,” “Carol of the Bells” and “Judah and His Maccabees.” A free ice cream social will follow the Saturday 2 p.m. matinee.

Varla Jean in “The Book of Merman”
When: December 9-10, 8PM
Where: Actor’s Express, 887 West Marietta Street
Tickets: $25
Details: www.actors-express.com
Featuring Tom Judson on the piano, “The Book of Merman” is the latest creation of drag performer Varla Jean Merman, who recently starred in the musical “Lucky Guy” opposite Leslie Jordan in New York in May and as Mother Superior in “The Divine Sister” in Boston. Varla Jean also just completed shooting the feature films “Varla Jean and The Mushroomheads” and “Girls Will Be Girls 2012.” Her television roles include a guest spot on “Ugly Betty” and an appearance on Bravo’s Project Runway Season 5.

Love Is Art Project
When: Dec. 10, from 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery, 199 Armour Drive
Admission: $10 donation to benefit HRC
Details: www.loveisartatlanta.com
View this sexy exhibit featuring artwork created by couples in the midst of their lovemaking. Their intimate black-and-white paintings will be on display for a one-night charitable art event with more than 500 people expected to attend.

Mixx Atlanta

Thursday, December 8, 4 to 11 p.m.
Ron’s 2nd Annual Toy Drive will benefit CHRIS Kids and Saint Patrick’s Malachi. Bring in an unwrapped toy and receive a ticket for a free candy cane martini an a chance to win a door prize starting at 9:30 p.m. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 10, 10 p.m.
The Big 5-OH Party for Gayla will benefit CHRIS Kids. Bring in a toy or cash donation. Show starts at 10:30 p.m. 1492 Piedmont Ave NE, Suite B


Friends on Ponce
Sunday, December 11, 9 p.m.

Friends is conducting its 7th annual campaign to raise funds for Marine Corps Toys For Tots and Atlanta Community Food Bank with the Winter Benefit Show. The show will feature an all-star cast of performers hosted by Regina “Boom Boom” Simms, Devin Liquor and Aqualencia Litre. 736 Ponce De Leon Avenue.



Oscars Atlanta
Monday, December 12, 9 p.m.

Bring a non-perishable food donation or gift card to The Santa Baby Party to benefit the Jerusalem House. Ruby Redd will host with surprise musical guests. 1510 Piedmont Ave NE, Suite C.

The Model T
Through Tuesday, December 20

Bring in an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl (ages 0-17) to give to the children of Jerusalem House during the 3rd Annual “A Gift of Christmas Love.” 699 Ponce De Leon Avenue.

“It is exhilarating to reach such a milestone,” said owner Philip Rafshoon. “We have enabled so many people over the years to grow and have served as a symbol of strength in this community.”

When asked what factors contributed to the store’s longevity, Rafshoon said, “We have served as one of America’s longest running and visible LGBT bookstores because we have a great selection for everyone, top notch customer service and stay very connected and involved in our diverse community.”

An idea posted on a community bulletin board lead to the beginning of the bookstore in 1993. Outwrite outgrew its original location and moved into a building that formerly housed a disco at the corner of 10th and Piedmont. As a Midtown hub of gay culture, Outwrite spurred new development in a historically gay and lesbian neighborhood.

“We have grown from a small space in a shopping center to serve at one of the most visible corners in the city,” Rafshoon said. “As the neighborhood has become more diverse, we have changed our product mix and menu to reflect those changes. Most importantly, we have expanded our event offerings to bring in top name authors with worldwide recognition.”

Many local and nationally acclaimed celebrity and literary figures have walked through the doors of Outwrite, including Chelsea Handler, Meredith Baxter, Jackie Collins, Tab Hunter, Lance Bass, Judy Gold, Armistead Maupin, Rita Mae Brown, E. Lynn Harris, Maureen McCormick, and Gregory Maguire.

On November 14 Rafshoon announced the lease on the Piedmont property will be coming to an end. He said he will be looking for a new location to house Outwrite.

“Our landlord has been extremely cooperative and has worked with us longer than expected,” he said. “Our departure is amicable. The bottom line is simply we can no longer afford to rent this desirable space regardless of what business model we try to engage.”