Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > June > 06
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Austin Pride at the Long Center
Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride is bigger than ever. Or maybe the new nonprofit charged with its destiny has figured out what works for that particular festival and parade. From Saturday morning till well into the evening, countless expressions of pride flocked around the Long Center, then lower downtown Austin.
Adam Clements and Lara Aulie
The center’s plaza was buzzing when I arrived at 11 a.m. My aim: “Connections,” four themed playlets by Allan Baker revived on the Rollins Studio stage. Three of the pieces were riveting, emotionally, aesthetically, on every level. The fourth, a conversation between two men in bed, needs more air to grow. But all four reminded me of Tennessee Williams during his experimental stage in the 1960s. (Baker establishes a sense of place through gay characters who grew up in West Texas.)
Pete Murchison and Deandra Harris
After that, I wandered through the pride fair on the plaza and down the center’s lawn. Hundreds of people thronged to dozens of booths, some for nonprofits, others offering pride paraphernalia, and, course, food. Despite the heat, the mood was light, even frisky, as folks took photos, held hands and caught up with old friends. I talked at some length with former mayoral aide Rich Bailey about our usual topic: The need for a gay community center in Austin, a gathering place and nexus for small nonprofits.
Nadine Hughes and Rachel Mykels
I strolled home for nap, then returned in time for Mario Cantone’s set at 6 p.m.. The comic, best known to some his returning role in the “Sex and the City” franchise, does brilliant, eccentric stand-up with his buzz-saw voice and nimble body. This time, he and a small band threw in numerous musical numbers, some of new making, and one unforgettable duet between mocked-up Liza Minnelli and Judy Garland. Cantone’s vocal range is pretty amazing too.
Robby Hausman and Layne Box
Greeting familiar faces all the way — including a spiffed-up Heath Riddles from KOOP Radio and retired Statesman stars Ben Sargent and Diane Holloway — I inspected the parade floats hugging the southern base of the Drake Bridge. Then I crossed the river just in time to hear a welcome invitation for salty snacks and a beverage at III Forks. It was American-Statesman publisher Michael Vivio and his wife Beth, along with two of their friends. They had stumbled on the most pleasant place in the shade along the restaurant’s terrace to watch the pride parade.
Jessica Champion and Kathleen Houlihan from the thoroughly creative Austin Public Library Bibliofiles
As usual, along with solidarity and hilarity, there seemed to be no scarcity of leather, drag, shirtlessness or inventive costuming. As the parade faded away, I bid my civilized companions goodbye to check out the block party on West Fourth Street. Suddenly, the heat of the day hit me. People looked like they had been through the ringer, sweat pouring from every available pore. (The L Style G Style crew had already showered at least twice that day.) Organizers planted a party within a street party in the parking lot at West Fourth and Colorado streets. It looked likely to dance into the wee hours.
Walking home, I ran into Rob Faubion. He informed me that Joe Reynold’s revised Saba is now a gay lounge named M2 after the Los Angeles spot that Joe had helped create before returning to Austin. Huh. Joe had told me his plans to change the name of the West Fourth Street looker, but I didn’t know it would be gay-themed. Makes sense at that spot. The community could sure use a classy lounge.
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Charity Bash Big Bash at Allan House
Charity Bash is hot. Usually not tropical.
Marcy Regan and Bobby Sansone
The group of young Austinites that raises money for charities at stylish mixers capped its year with a Big Bash at Allan House. And raw temps were high on this brutal summer evening.
Ashly Harrell and Arun Chirayil
The graceful Allan House, located across the street from the Travis County courthouse complex, sits on a hill in the Original Austin hood. That allows it to catch some breaks from the unforgiving heat. But the courthouse now blocks the prevailing southeastern breezes, so the patio garden was hotter than Hades on Friday for Big Bash.
John Drogin and Nichole Wright
Even dressed in summer whites, this handsome gathering looked wilted by the time I arrived (after Black Arts Movement and QueerBomb). Fire dancers failed to lift spirits much higher while I was there. Still, Charity Bash leader Alex Winkelman reports at least $12,000 in the bank for the housing group, Foundation Communities. And that take may go as high as $14,000 when all is said and done.
Well done, Charity Bash. If Legacy for Giving trains youngsters in altruism, you extend the lessons into the club and party years for young adults.
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