RIVER DISH with Mz. Alice Dee

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August 2008

August is the pinnacle of Summer. This month brings out so much of what we love about the river. Big events, small parties and everything in between.

In Like a Bear
Starting out with the tail end of Lazy Bear Weekend. There are really so many events that I don't have the space to list them all. Check out http://www.lazybearevents.com for the full schedule. But I am going to touch on what I feel are the events not to miss. Keep in mind that this event raises funds for a ton of charity groups from Seattle through to Los Angles and right here in Sonoma County. So buy tags if you plan on going to more than a couple of the parties. So starting on July 30th and running through to August 4th, we have the influx of bears. On August 1st the event to be at is performing artist Seth Montfort will host a different kind of gathering at LB this year. Performing concerts and entertaining our Lazy Bear in his beautiful studio just around the corner from The Woods and Triple R, this musical getaway from the hustle and bustle of Lazy Bear may just be the ticket for those looking to take a refreshing break from all the other activities. Friday's concert will be performed in underwear and patrons are strongly encouraged to attend in their briefs. This show is included if you have tags, $5 donation to the center if you don't. Now keeping with the underwear theme, the RRR will host that evening a �Underbear� Party. So feel free to wonder over to the RRR after the concert and have a drink at the bar or a reading with Christine while wearing just your briefs.

On Saturday the event to be at is the Ice Cream Social at Coffee Bazaar. From 1pm through 4pm get some ice cream, free with your tags. And that evening we have the Lazy Bear BINGO with the Sisters, this event starts early. Doors open at 5pm so you want to think about getting there early if you want to get in. Discount on the BINGO cards if you have tags.

Sunday we have Mark Allen Smith at the RRR . You may recall him from last year (Or the write up I gave him last month) so I'll just say that it's his real voice and a show not to miss. Starting at 9, admission $10 with tags $15 without.

Other Goings On
So you may ask what else is going on in August? Let me tell you there are some other great events around the pool at the RRR the rest of the month also. The 9th and 10th of the month we have Some Are Camp at the RRR. Two full days of campy fun at the RRR. Brought to by the creators of Trans AM, Beast and Tiara Sensation. Saturday Noon to 5pm TRANS AM pool party. DJ Dirty Knees and special guests, kick of the weekend with some great music. Saturday 10 pm to 2 am we have BEAST. The Bearded Lacy (Chilidog) and down-Erile up the disco critters with bales of electro beats at this Beast-of-the-Bay winning petting zoo gone awry. Sunday Noon to 5pm TIARA SENSATION Pool party. Pageant worth drag presences and a wet one piece contest. DJ Down-E spins a soundtrack fit for a hung over homecoming queen.

Saturday the 16th we have the return of the Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad. Now if you haven't had the chance to come out and see these girls gone bad I'd like to ask why not? They are so fun, campy and a bit silly. A show really worth coming out to. It's 9 pm on the main stage out back at the RRR and so much fun you should be there for it!

August 22nd through the 24th it's Lady Bunny Weekend. Yup you read that right, I didn't mistype the one and only Lady Bunny is going to be at the RRR. (I swear I almost lost my glitter when I hear about this one.) Lady Bunny is the person who made Wigstock happen in New York, world renowned Drag Diva will be performing her one woman show on the main stage at the RRR on the 22nd at 9 pm and on the 24th she will be the pool side DJ from 12 to 5pm.

Labor Day Already?
Now the month ends out with the Labor Day weekend. This weekend is going to be some of the most fierce entertainment you have seen in years (since the days of the OLD Woods resort.) It's going to be the weekend to cap the Russian River Renaissance that has been going on all summer. Unfortunately I can't at press time write about who and what is going on (I've been sworn to silence by the Lavender Illuminati...) No not really, actually it's just that not all the details have been worked out, but it's going to be great. Check out the web site of the Resort at russianriverresort.com for the 411.

Art and Such
Oh and some of the other events going on around town. For the month of August we have the show of Blossoms and Bums at the Coffee Bazaar. It's a diverse show of watercolors by Artist Emilio Gonzalez. This show is a glorious exploration in watercolors of flowers and the male form. Emilio Gonzalez is a poet, painter, writer and teacher of Tai Chi and Qigong. He has painted watercolors for over thirty years. He studied under American Expressionist Master, Victor Thall, in the 70�s and 80�s and is now a student of Susan St. Thomas, renowned Sonoma County artist. Emilio�s paintings have been exhibited in Santa Fe, San Francisco, and at the Barnsdall Art Museum in Los Angeles. In May 2008, he had a very successful one-man exhibition at I.E.P. Gallery in San Francisco. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some great work on display here in Guerneville.

Bear Bingo
What would an installment of this article be without talking about the Monthly Sisters BINGO? So I did mention the Lazy Bear BINGO but it's not the only time they are playing this month. On the usual night (Second Saturday August 9th:) "Blazing Paddles Bingo" Benefits RR Fire Fighters Association. The game is also at the usual time. This game is sure to be a hot one, so plan on getting there well before the doors open at 6pm if you want to get in. And feel free to order a iced coffee (donated by Coffee Bazaar of course...) and tell me how cute my little red dress is (just lie to me, I'll love you for it!)

Let's talk about a great event at Club Yamagata. On August 17th they are hosting a night of Island Delights. With Caribbean cuisine from 6 pm. Also in line for fun that night is a limbo contest (ya know how low can you go...) a great drum circle and Reggae music the rest of the night.

Weddings�YES! Weddings�
Now since it's my cause of the moment I wanted to touch on the services offered out at Rio Villa Beach Resort. Located in the lovely town of Monte Rio. They are currently offering hosting for small to mid sized wedding packages. With very reasonable rates and a truly amazing space it is a great way to celebrate that special moment in ones life. You can find them on line at www.riovilla.com on the phone at 707-865-1143.

I hope everyone has had a great summer. And while you may be right in saying the Season is over, the fun in no way stops around the area. Early fall is often a great �Native American� Summer around here. So of course it is still a great time to visit. I look forward to all that fall has to offer and some great events as always.

If you have any suggestions as to events to cover for September, or questions about all things dishy and swishy in West Sonoma County send a quick email to [email protected] and as long as the station lets him; tune into Owen's show We the People Radio on KGGV 95.1 LP FM each Sunday but the fourth at 9 pm. On line live and streaming at www.kggvfm.org.

 

JULY 2008

Now as you all know, Summer is in full swing around the river. And July really is the best of the best for this time of year. It's a month that starts with a bang and ends with a grrr. So shall we just jump into all the fun things that make this month so much fun.

Big Bang Beginning
First we have the 4th of July fireworks around the area. On the 5th we have the Monte Rio Water Parade and fireworks display. Now I hope this year we aren't going to have a Viking ship with a gorilla that catches fire and forces all to abandon ship mid way through the parade. I'm not making that up, it did really happen. After the parade, they spray water off the bridge for the water curtain and slide show and then end the night with a great fireworks display.

Sunday July 6th is the day and night to be around town in Guerneville. We start the afternoon with a great pool party at the RRR. Now we all know that I'm not one to blow my own horn (and hey if you believe that one, I think I have some ocean front property in Arizona you may be interested in...) but this pool party from noon to five is my 36th birthday! So come over for my T Dance and end the night with that BANG that we all have been working so hard to make sure happens. Also at the same time there is a craft fair in the downtown plaza and a BBQ in the Larks Drug parking lot with free live music. As a side note, I want to thank the gang at the Rainbow Cattle Company and Valerie for hosting a fund raiser for this night, also all the work of Lew and Sandy Brown and many other people whom I don't know. It's an amazing community we live and play in when we can pull together and make the annual fireworks display come off each year. So to sum it up, the pool at the RRR (Corner of 4th and Mill) is the place to be and perfect spot to enjoy the fireworks.

More 4 the 4th and More
Now just so you don't think that the fireworks are the only thing going on at the RRR the 4th weekend, let me let you in on the other events going on around the resort. Friday July 4th we have DJ Pinky Ring spinning around the pool from noon to five. Starting that evening and running though the 5th San Francisco's Cabaret favorite �Kitten on the Keys� returns. And performing with her is the talented Visantos performing live. Now this show has no cover other than the two drink minimum. If you happened to have missed Kitten the last time she was here, you really should make it out for this one. On the 5th, we have the resident DJ �JFX� spinning around the pool from noon to five. That evening is one heck of a show. The RRR welcome back Atlantis cruises favorite comedian Shann Carr. �She's witty, she's the gay man's Wesbian!� with Miss Tranyshack Precious Moments and special drag diva guests starting at 9 pm on the main stage. On the 12th we have another fabulous funny woman �The Italian Floozy� Cheril Vendetti also at 9 pm on the main stage.

Shameless Plug
Now just so you don't think I only talk about the RRR, I need to say a few things about some other the other wonderful businesses around town. Have you had a chance to enjoy an iced latte in the new garden space over at Coffee Bazaar? If you haven't you should really think about heading down there and doing so. (Job security plug taken care of for the month, YAY!) Oh and speaking of garden space, how about the new space over at Sonoma Nesting Company? It's a great and beautiful addition to the down town plaza.

Sad�but 50% OFF!
Now I do have some bad news, one of the best little stores in town is closing. Memories the Linger is in the process of liquidating their inventory. The not so bad news with this is that everything in the store is 50% off. Now this sale is going on until it's all gone, so you may want to head in to the store as soon as possible.

It�s About Time
On another exciting note, as I mentioned last month and you would have had to be hiding under a rock not to have heard about the fact that California is now doing fully supportive of marriage equality. So many of our local resorts are offering honeymoon packages, wedding services and all that goes along with this joyous occasion. Of special note is my good friend the Reverend Brown. He is an amazing personal friend of mine (the fact that I have friends is quit amazing in some ways... just kidding.) If anyone is interested in having a pan-cultural wedding service; a traditional wine country wedding or something edgier he is the man to talk to. Check him out on line at www.riverseer.com.

BIG BANG BINGO
On to the regularly scheduled event of the month that is anything but regular�the monthly BINGO with The Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The theme for July is Big Bang BINGO. Now as you know if you show up at 6 pm when the doors open you may not be able to get a seat. And I really want to thank the Sisters for this event, each month they give back so much monetary support for the community with this event. Oh and when you are there, make sure to pop into the kitchen and get an iced coffee with me. Finally we really should tell Sister Frances A. Sissy that she's so pretty. This game is on the usual night (the second Saturday of the month) July 12th. The price for playing is $15 for one set of cards and for an extra $5 you can double your chances of wining with a second set. And just because I told her I'd mention it, Sister Barbi Mitzvah would like to let her fans out here at the River know that the San Francisco order (on line at www.thesisters.org) has started back up with BINGO in the city. Check out the web page for more information.

Shameless Gush
And finally let�s get to the GRRRR of the month. Lazy Bear Weekend will be upon us July 30th through August 4th. It is always hard for me not to gush about the bears. I just love big guys who are just out to have a good time. (I promised myself this year I wouldn't use that tired line �I just love being able to go out during LBW and feel like the pretty skinny thing...� So I will not type it really.) With so many events, many of them still in the works at press time I'm not going into many of them. But I will say that the gifted illusionist Mark Alan Smith (and yes that is his real voice) will be performing for his second consecutive year at the Under the Stars show at the RRR. Get your tickets early for this show on August 2nd. It is expected to sell out. www.castrobear.com/LazyBearWeeked is the web space to check out for all the details for this event.

Now I just need to again thank our amazing community for stepping up to the plate, stuffing the collection buckets around town and making the 4th of July weekend happen. Until next month, have some fun in the sun. I'm sure I'll see you at many of the events around town!

As always feel free to send any questions dishy and swishy about the River community to [email protected] And tune into We the People Radio on KGGV 95.1 LPFM The Bridge all but the 4th Sunday of the month at 9 pm for an hour of news commentary, events listing or just my chatting about what's going on around Guerneville California.
 

JUNE 2008

June is just chocked full of events. Though one of the big ones around is of course LGBT Pride, but I'll touch on that one at the end of the article. First le�ts look at the local Russian River scene.

Go Go? Yes Yes.
I just wanted to start the article with a discussion of one of my favorite things, Go Go Boys. Well perhaps it's just me, but I love the idea that Friday Nights Club Yamagata in town is going to have Go Go Boys dancing the night away along with the crowd. The evening is called Phat Fridays starting at 9:30 with DJ XSO. So you know where I'm going to be at least a couple of Friday nights in June.

Let Freedom Ring
And I want to just spend a moment talking about our local custom jeweler who recently moved his shop onto Main Street. David Allen Designs has new digs on at 16250 Main Street. David has some beautiful work in his shop. The prices for his custom works are really very reasonable. And of course I'm a firm believer in shopping locally as much as possible. So hey, if you need some great rings for your upcoming wedding (details I'm sure are being worked out, but you know it's now legal according to the state supreme court for same sex couples to wed...) please check him out.

Vote for This StrawFaerie
Now of course I know of my fans really look at this space to get the event listings for the month. First we have the annual event and fund raiser for our local fabulous radio station KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM the one and only Strawberry Festival. So for the third year we have this celebration of all things strawberry. Between the strawberry desert contest and all kinds of strawberry yummies for sale, we also have the Strawberry Queen Contest which I hope to win this year (oh and yeah the Strawberry King is also running...). So June 7th is the day for this event at the Guerneville Community Church 14520 Armstrong Woods Road.

And All That Jazz
Also this month is one of the big events of the Summer. On the 14th and 15th of the month we have the Jazz Festival. This event always brings out the best musicians and a great crowd. Now this year we have a special treat in store for the folks coming out to the event: it's Mama's Family Reunion at the same time. Now the folks of Mama's Family are a great group. If you don't already know who they are, let me explain. Mama's Family is large group which at last count was almost one thousand people that were hand picked by Mama that represent a facet of the leather community or a close friend of community. By the by I was recently pinned as �Mama's River Dish�. Anyways, this weekend is not about raising funds, selling raffle tickets or any of the other things that Mama's family does so well, it's all about being pretty by the pool at the RRR. So it's just a good time to hang out with the family, meet the new members and reacquaint with old friends.

RRRapid Fire Event Listings
Speaking of the RRR, there are some great things as always going on around the resort. Recently the bar started hosting Thursday Nights as a ladies night. Now the event is called Get... Felt Up. Ladies night with a pool tournament starting at 9 pm And I've been told that the winner takes all! With drink specials all night long. Oh and I almost forgot to mention the amazing DJ JFX. I've heard her spinning and I must say that she is really good, I mean really good. So this no cover event is just a great night for the ladies and please feel free to tease the bartenders Billy and Maddie (who are good friends of mine, tell 'em Mz. Alice Dee sent ya!). Also at the resort June 6th through the 8th they are hosting Disco Down the River. It's a weekend all about Under One Roof. Under One Roof operates a retail gift store in San Francisco , California which has grown to a $1.2 million dollar fund raising engine that continues to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for HIV and AIDS Service Organizations. Since 1990, Under One Roof has distributed more than $3.8 million to the fight against AIDS. Fifteen years after the store's opening, as the AIDS epidemic changes and public funding sources diminish, Under One Roof's mission has become more critical than ever. Please join us for this fun and community minded weekend of �Disco Down the River.�

On Friday June 6th we have the River Idol contest which I'm sure is going to be a ton of fun. Saturday June 7th the resort is hosting a Disco Pool party from 12 to 5 with DJ Bus Station John and a Wet Jock Strap Contest hosted by Sister Barbi Mitzvah. And on the main stage that evening we have Ethel Merman still alive and singing at 9 pm There is a $10 cover for the evenings show but it's still a benefit for Under One Roof. And Sunday we have a Disco T Dance from 12 to 5 with DJ Jimmy Strano and a special round of Beach Towel Bingo at 3:30 pm.

Also in June on the 14th I'm so excited to say that one of my early singers that inspired me to rise to the media personality I am today (though I can't say she inspired my makeup, but that's a different story) Tiffany is going to be at the RRR. Yes, I'm not kidding. She's going to be doing Saturday the 14th. Yay. So come out and see her at the lovely back deck stage.

The other bit of excitement for the month is going to be the Hurricane Party on June 21st and the 22nd. Get wet and wild during the RRR's first Hurricane Party Weekend. �It's raining men� and you will get wet. Bring your skimpiest thong, they are providing the Mardi Gras beads, father masks and the New Orleans style BBQ. This really is the part to usher in the summer. Saturday June 21st is the Masquerade Pool Party with DJ Silence Fiction from 12 to 5. The sprayers will be on and boys will be wet. The only known living mermaid will make a special appearance in the pool . On Sunday the 22nd we have Mz. Alice Dee's Sunday T at the pool with DJ Pinky Ring. From 12 to 5 we have $5 Hurricane drink specials, boys beads and all those things dripping wet. Also it's a great way to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

Fireworks Needs More Bucks for the Bang!
So can I talk about a event that I'm looking forward to? On Tuesday June 17th the Rainbow Cattle Company is hosting a give back Tuesday for the Fourth of July Fireworks Display. It's about putting the bucks together for the Big Bang that we all love. The event is from 6 to 8 with all the usual, some food and raffle ticket sales so we have the Fireworks on the 6th of July. I just also want to let all my fans know that the 6th is also my birthday, so in lieu of gifts please feel free to stuff any one of the collection buckets you will find around town, or come to the Rainbow and support the fireworks. Of course you know that 10% of the bar sales for the day go to this event and that they do host a different charity every Tuesday.

The other regular charity event in town is the BINGO on June 14th. It's �Who's your Daddy BINGO.� Hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Doors open at 6, with the game starting at 7. And as I always say, they do sell out, so if you aren't in line early; you most likely won't get in.

P R I D E
And finally, let's finish up the month with a bit on Pride. June is for many events the month of Pride. In Santa Rosa at the Wells Fargo Center for the Performing Arts we have a couple of events. On the 14th it's Pride Comedy night. Starring Suzanne Westenhoefer and Special Guest Ali Mafi. It starts at 8 pm And tickets are $25, $30 and $35. With a dance in the lobby after the show. On the 15th also at the Wells Fargo Center is Sonoma Pride. All day long it's a party under the tent celebrating all things LGBTQQI about Sonoma County with bands, food and fun. Now San Francisco Pride is June 28th and 29th. This is a great weekend in the city, but we are also hosting �Pride in Exile� weekend at the RRR. So you can hang out with the gang from San Francisco or head down to the party, it's your choice.

As always Mz. Alice Dee can be reached at [email protected] for any questions you have on all things dishy and swishy around the river. Or you may want to tune into Owen's radio show on KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM The Bridge all but the 5th Sunday of the month at 9 pm (Streaming on line at kggvfm.org)
 

MAY 2008

May has arrived. This month is the start of the summer season here. While yes the last few weeks have been gloriously sunny and warm, it�s still not really the season. Well May kicks it off with gusto for the lower Russian River area. It�s time to break out the sunscreen, dust off (or just buy a new one at that) the swim shorts and get fired up for summer.

Crab Rolls & Drag Balls
First off I want to talk about the changes they are doing over at Club Yamagata. The new sushi menu is quite nice. Key points I want to touch on are the Craigers Roll; it�s a crab, cucumber, avocado with cr�me cheese; toped with prawn at $11.00. Another fun one is the River Roll. A marinated tuna roll, with jalape�o, cilantro, sprouts and avocado at $10.00. And finally I want to mention the Submission Roll. It�s all about you pay for it, sit down, shut up and eat it. Also I want to let everyone know about the Russian River Closet Ball (yeah I�ts true this is the other event with this name this year). This time around it�s not just a benefit for the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, but they are also putting on the show. At Club Yamagata on Friday May 23rd. Now this event is the same rules as always; come out and cheer on the boys as they become girls and the girls as they become boys.

Mz. Alice Dee�s Home Away From Home
And of course keeping with food, can we touch on the RRR? I am so excited to see the TIKI bar back up and going. The back pool bar is just the place to get a wonderful drink while soaking up the rays around the pool or just hanging out with your friends. So I�m sure I�ll be seeing you around the bar soon. Also did you know that they are doing brunch? Yes it�s true. And it�s a lovely brunch buffet Saturday and Sunday starting Memorial Day weekend. Oh and a quick note: they are doing some wonderful pizza every day of the week so you can eat, drink and be merry at the RRR seven days a week during the summer. And with the TIKI Bar, the back BBQ will be returning. Though I do want to say how much I enjoyed the Sunday Comfort Supper, and I look forward to its return in the fall.

Dropping the Soap
Keeping with the theme of local business, I want to let everyone know that our local soap maker Caz Gal whom you may have seen selling her wonderful hand crafted soaps around town has now started up a little store front business. She is working with Wayne Skala's Jewelry & Gifts offering along with his vintage jewelry and fine gifts a great selection of her soaps. Stop into the store and check out all the new offerings. The store is located just off the plaza next door to the Visitors Center.

Ladies First
The event weekend that starts things for the season is Women�s Weekend. While not an event that I do personally (I�m a drag queen; still just a boy in a dress really), I love the fact that we have this event. And I�m so happy to see the community get involved to make this event a stronger and more inclusive weekend. A few of what I would consider to be key points are as follows in no particular order of importance. We have the talented Marga Gomez, who beyond being a truly funny woman had the pivotal film role as a computer expert and muffin maker in Sphere. Our local Soul Diva Gwen Avery is also on the bill for performing. Another performer that I�m very excited to announce is Vixen Noir. She is a vision on stage with her own unique mix of a burlesque stage show; including excerpts from her one woman show �Sweet� Deliverance, which will have its first showing at the San Francisco National Queer Arts Festival in June! Also I wanted to let everyone know that one of my personal favorite DJ�s Lori Z. will be spinning at the RRR. Along with the talent there are a few great events to talk about. Of course it wouldn�t be Women�s Weekend with out a Drag King Contest at FAB on Friday the16th from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.

Also on the schedule for Saturday the 17th is Lollies Pleasure Paddle and Treasure Hunt. Starts at 10 10am - Pre-Registration Required - $75 per canoe. Meet at Buck�s parking lot near the corner of 4th & Mill. This is an eight-mile three to five hour paddle on a quiet class I float on the scenic Russian River. You will receive the Treasure Hunt map which will show where X marks the spot for the many prizes to find along the way. Only $75 per canoe (seats 2-3). No VIP Passes. Check in for Shuttle at 10am in Guerneville. Please call in advance to reserve and for event details. Hosted by River�s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips (The Most Thorough & Friendly Excursion Service on the Russian River). Call 707-433-7247 to Reserve. Or visit: www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com. I don�t have the room to touch on everything here; but do check out the website at www.russianriverwomensweekend.org

Tids and Bits
Now the event weekend that I am working on is Memorial Day Weekend. The 24th through the 26th of May. This weekend is always such a powerhouse of fun. The talented Kim Kuzma is going to be keeping with tradition and performing at the RRR. And Gregory (the Summer General Manager who is a dear friend of mine and a great guy) has shown the amazing foresight to hire everyone�s favorite trashy drag (yes you guessed it I�m referring to myself) to host the t-dances at the RRR�s Pool. So we have Kim Kuzma and drag queens for the weekend. What more could you ask for?

And of course Rainbow Cattle Company is doing their Give Back Tuesdays. Every Tuesday of course they give 10% of the bar sales back to the community. On May 6th we are having a little get together for the local Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwood Empire. It�s also the kick off party for the church team for the Human Race. So come out from 6 pm on and have some good food, a drink or just hang out with the friendly folks from the MCCRE.

Speaking of Drag; the Russian River Sisters are doing BINGO on the Saturday May 10th: "101 Damnations Bingo" benefits Dogs for Diabetics. And just to let everyone know, Coffee Bazaar is bringing back iced coffee for the food service at BINGO. So you can have all the caffeine that is required to keep up with the seniors at BINGO and keep cool at the same time! The games start at 7 with doors opening at 6, so get in line early if you want to get in.

One quick final note; anyone that knows me has seen me I�m sure walking up and down river road for the last few years. I want to publicly thank my friends Leslyn and Doug Dooly of River Pluming (You can reach them at 707-869-0660 for all your plumbing needs) for giving me the opportunity to purchase a small motorcycle from them. So you may not see me walking as much but as the Russian River Social Director having wheels is a good thing.

So keep an eye out for June events around town, and vote Mz. Alice Dee for Strawberry Queen. (Basically you vote with your donations, so feel free to give me any small or large bills you would like to donate.) It�s a benefit for our local radio station KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM which as you know I have a radio show on Sundays at 9 p.m. all but the forth Sunday of the month. As always feel free to send me email at [email protected]
 

APRIL 2008

Spring has sprung (Ok, so yes you are correct in thinking I say that each year at this time, it�s one of the things I love saying. So I�m going to keep saying it). And so it is April. Spring is in full force and the flowers are blooming. But enough of the sappy stuff, let�s talk events and happenings.

Get to the Village, People

Just up the road from Guerneville is the lovely Village Inn and Restaurant. It�s one of my favorite places to dine with lovely river views and a wine list that has won many awards.  In April the big thing I want to talk about is some really fun dinner theater. The fist of the two shows is The Daddy, the Diva & the Detective. This show is high camp and interactive.  Join Absolute Empress XXX Donna Sachet and Lenny Broberg celebrating their latest blockbuster movie. Anyone alive at midnight shares in the $20 million dollars in royalties. This happens on Saturday April 12th and Thursday May 15th.  I�ve heard so many good things about this show. And as a true fan of Donna�s loveliness I have to recommend this show. And you are encouraged to dress as a daddy, a diva or a detective when attending the show; I hear they may have a costume contest to add to the fun. The other show they are doing at the Village Inn is The Detectives� Club. The Detective Club members gather to split the $5 million in royalties from their best-selling book. According to the terms of their contract, anyone alive at midnight shares in the royalties. This show is on Saturday April 19th, and Thursday May 28th. Both shows are $85 per person, and cocktail time kicks in around 6:30. Now keep in mind folks come from all over the bay area to see these shows so reservations are essential. You may call the Village Inn at 707-865-2304 or visit them on line at www.villageinn-ca.com And just because I love the web and fun pages, visit Donna�s web site at www.donnasachet.com

Get Up, Dress Up & Save Up

Looking at a couple of events here in Guerneville we first have the annual Pajama Sale on Saturday April 5th. This starts at 7 am and runs until noon. Now I�m sure anyone who knows me is aware I am not normally a morning person. Heck 7 am is a good time for me to be crawling into bed, not wandering around downtown Guerneville. But this is one of the few times a year I�m up, about and looking fabulous. The main reason is the fact that many of the merchants on Main Street do some great sales and discounts. More often than not this morning it�s a progressively lowered discount starting at 7 and dropping off as the day grows. So come out in your best sleep wear and save big bucks. And of course there is a costume contest at the end of the day at the Coffee Bazaar. So after a morning of shopping stop by the Bazaar and have a lovely latte and perhaps win a prize.

Stumptown at the Rainbow

On Tuesday April 8th we have a fun evening at the Rainbow Cattle Company. Its give back Tuesday. Now as you know they do this every week for a different worthy cause. This week the cause du jour is the Stumptown Daze Parade. Stumptown Daze of course is one of our amazing events during the summer that really makes Guerneville such the fun place. So come out from 6 p.m. till about 9ish and buy raffle tickets and such to support this event. Oh and of course the bar donates 10% of the days sales to the event, so have a drink if you so desire. (Or you can donate to run the train; this for the entire week also goes to the event).

You Spin Me Right �Round

And I�m pleased as punch to announce that my friend Mr. Russian River Leather 2008 Hunter is back in the DJ Booth again. Now if you don�t know Hunter, he is such an amazing person. He is one of the folks working on Sonoma County Pride (along with everyone�s favorite trashy river drag queene yours truly) and our current leather title holder who is going to be representing the River at IML (but that�s a story for next month). Anyway back to details, he is going to be the DJ at the Russian River Resort�s Wednesday night Disco Leather Party. Every Wednesday from 9 p.m. Hunter is going to be spinning all of our favorite disco music at the lovely RRR. And of course you can catch Hunter on our favorite local radio station KGGV 95.1 L.P. F.M. The Bridge on Monday at Noon with his show �Thriving with HIV.� And Saturday at 4 p.m. with Classic Disco Hits (Streaming on line at http://kggvfm.org).

On to New Business

Next I just want to touch on one of the new businesses in town. My friend Dr. Steven Schlais has opened his office of chiropractic care. He is such the nice guy and has a great touch to this work. His work can help you achieve a higher lever of health through natural pain relief, which is gentle and effective. And he keeps the price very affordable with his work. You can reach him at 707-799-7004 or check him out at his website www.harmonychiropractic.org

Then of course we have the monthly BINGO game with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Congrats girls on seven years of great work.)   Saturday April 12th: "Hats & High Heels Bingo" benefits Friends Outside. You know the details, doors open at 6; game at 7. 

SOS

Now I want to get a bit serious for a moment. If you haven�t heard the Governor has talked about closing some state parks to save money. Our Armstrong Woods is one of the parks that have been targeted. I urge everyone reading my column to take the time to call the Governor and let him know how devastating this would be. Not only just because of the fact that Armstrong Woods is something that really does bring people to the Russian River area; it�s something that is an investment in our community. His contact information is Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA 95814, Phone: 916 445-2841, Fax: 916 558-3160, Email: [email protected]. You can find out so much more information than I have space for by looking at www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org.  I again urge all of my fans to take the time to contact our elected officials and let them know how important the state park system is to us. We are the ones that they were elected to work for and without our important voices being heard by them we have no power.

Well I think I�ll sign off for the month with that important message.  Feel free to send an e-mail message to me at [email protected] or tune into my weekly show on KGGV 95.1 L.P. F.M. The Bridge (all but the 4th Sunday of the month) Sunday at 9 p.m. for all things dishy and swishy on the River. Streaming of course at http://kggvfm.org.

FEBRUARY 2008

February has such the allure doesn�t it? All right it may just be me, but I love this month on the River. It may be warm, it may be a bit not so warm and perhaps wet; but it�s still so lovely. Just a hint of spring in the air, knowing that it's just around the corner. Though it still may be a touch off season (hint you can get some great rates at many of the resorts around town if you are looking for a room), it�s a great time to visit. But let�s just jump into the great things going on around town.

Anyone a Poet and Know It?

The first thing I want to let you all know about is the poetry contest titled �Love on the River� sponsored by Hemp and Chocolate. It�s about love and the river in any way you chose to express such. Write a one page poem in this topic and drop it off with your name, address and phone number to the store (Located at 16222 Main Street and while you are there pick up some truly amazing truffles or perhaps some new clothes) and enter the contest. The only thing to keep in mind is that you may only enter once. It�s open to all ages, with prizes to the following groups: Children ages 1 to 11, Young Adults 12 to 18 and Adults 18 and over. Entries must be turned in by the 8th of February. The next part of the contest is going to be on Friday the 15th at Coffee Bazaar from 6 to 7:30 p.m. To hear live performances of some of the best poetry entries and share in the excitement of awarding prizes to the entire contest winners. It will be a fun event, and hey � have some coffee while you are in attendance. And as a final bonus the winners will have a chance to read their work on our local radio station KGGV though the air time at press time is yet to be announced.

Sing Out Louise

On other news of the night life around town, Club Yamagata has started every Wednesday night open mic. If you have had the chance to make it to the last couple that they were doing monthly I�m sure you will be just as excited as I am about this change. While on the subject of Yamagata lets talk about another monthly event. Every third Thursday of the month the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are hosting a Bad Movie Salon starting at 7 p.m. With a different fun, fabulous film that shows the extreme lack of taste that we have come to know and love about those Sisters.  It�s a small suggested donation of $5.00 for an entire evening of fun, cocktails, food and friends.

Good (Pot) Luck

Speaking of food, fun and friends, let�s touch on the 11th Annual Rodger Gibson Hump Nights at the Rainbow Cattle Company (www.queersteer.com, 16220 Main Street in Guerneville, 869-0206).  On February 6th it�s all about Comfort Food. The 13th is for Chicken and Chocolate. The 20th is German and French foods. The 27th it is all about Vegetarian food. Into March we have the 5th Asian and the Grand Finale on the 12th. So whip up something yummy, either an entr�e or dessert. The fun starts at 5 p.m. with tickets for the Wheel with a new addition of a travel package for one of the prizes. The first spin on the Wheel is at 8 p.m. and the food starts at 7 p.m.  Oh and just for fun, did you know that the Rainbow offers a text message service? You can sign up by sending a text with the word RAINBOW to 41411. The service is free, and standard text messaging rates apply. You can unsubscribe at any time. For those who sign up for this service, they do send special deals ever so often. For instance, you may receive a 2-for-1 drink coupon as a text alert. Show it to the bartender, and receive your 2-for-1.

Get Cookin�

So you can�t cook you say? Well let me tell you about some great classes for cooking at the lovely Charisma Wine Lounge. (www.charizmawinelounge.com, 16337 Main Street in Guerneville, 869-0909).  The classes are a ton of fun with some of the best cooks around. On February 13th they are hosting Mexican Cooking. Helena and Marisol will teach you how to make authentic Mexican dishes. The 20th is a perfect class if you are vegan, vegetarian, health conscious or just looking for a healthy diet. The class is all about Raw and Vegan Dishes. The final class for the month is on the 27th. Soups, sauces and Dressings; learn how to make yummy healthy soups, easy sauces and creative dressings. All classes are from 6-9 p.m. Prices are $40 per person, $30 for seniors and students. They also offer package deals; four classes for $120. The classes do fill up so call in advance and make your reservations.

Tired of Cookin�?

Keeping on with food.  Have you had the chance to try the new offerings at the RRR Bar and Grill (at the corner of 4th and Mill just in case you didn�t know)?  Well, let me tell you about how fabulous they are. Starting on the starters menu, the Poached Pears � goat cheese, candied pecans, arugula, pickled onion with brown sugar balsamic. All I can say about these would be oh my goddess are they good.  There�s the new Pesto Farfalle, with bowtie pasta, mushrooms, onion, garlic, sun dried tomato, pine nuts in a pesto cream sauce. It�s a truly divine vegetarian experience; though if you are a meat eater it�s fabulous with grilled chicken. Now my personal favorite of the new offerings is the Chicken Carbonara Pizza (grilled chicken with mozzarella, mushrooms, bacon and a white cream sauce. And it is just as good as it sounds. And just for your information, on Valentines Day the Restaurant is having an Amazing preset menu for you and your special someone.  

So the end of the month has my personal favorite event of the season. With the Russian River Resort on Sunday February 24th I am hosting my annual Oscars Party.  It�s a wonderful night of the glitz and glamour of the awards. Even if something happens and we don�t have a live broadcast the party will go on.  For a $5.00 donation you get a ballot to vote on which films and actors you think will get the awards, with the person who scores the highest winning our grand prize package. Also there is going to be a separate raffle though out the evening. So even if you aren�t good at picking movies, you still have the chance to be a winner.  The benefit is again for the LGBT Guild and Positive Images, the Sonoma County LGBTQQI Youth Group.  They are an inspiration and vital part of our community. I�m honored to host this event for them. You can find them online at www.posimages.org if you would like more information about them. And of course since it�s a Sunday night, you know Country Dan is doing karaoke after the party.

And oh just to finish this month. The Sisters are doing the BINGO on the 9th.  Doors open at 6 with fun nibbles and such. With the games starting at 7 p.m. Price is as usual $15 for one card $20 for two. And when you get there, please let Sister Vanna T. Fair know what a wonderful job she is doing as BINGO Chair Nun.

So should you have any questions about the river, prophetic thoughts to share or just want to ask a drag queen out on a date feel free to send a message to [email protected]  You may also want to tune into Owen�s show on KGGV 95.1 L.P. F.M. The Bridge all but the fourth Sunday of the month from 9 to 10 p.m. or streaming live at www.kggvfm.org for all things dishy and swishy on the river.

JANUARY 2008

Now we come into 2008. Is it just me, or does it anyone else take until oh�.about June to get in the habit of writing checks with the New Year on them? Well, not that it�s important. Anyway let us talk about Guerneville and not my personal banking issues.

Big Bottom
So the first thing I want to really talk up, my dear friend Mary has an art show up in the dining room at the Russian River Resort. Her work is all about the Big Bottom. Oh come on you know that�s what they used to call this area way back when. The show is full of great photos and reproductions of old pictures of Guerneville, the Russian River and all that makes this a fabulous place to live. The prices are very reasonable for the charming framed historic photos.

A New Nest
Oh and while we are on the subject of business can I let you in on a little secret? Did anyone beyond me notice the new addition to the plaza? I�m sure you noticed that Sonoma Nesting Company moved into their new digs. The store is simply divine and full of just fabulous things. The store has been around for a bit; it�s just a new location here in town for them. You can find all the lovely things that anyone would need to make there house into a space to call home.

Old Habits Die Hard with a Vengeance
I�m stepping away from my usual form for this space. I�m going to share with you my New Year�s Resolution. Oh, don�t worry � I�ll mention a few things and get back to the usual next month.

So of course I make all the usual resolutions, quit smoking (maybe, but most likely I�ll still be sucking on those cancer sticks next year�), to start exercising more (I do yoga, but not enough really), to try an be less caustic to some folks (you know who you are and while one could make the case that you deserve it, I�ll try and be nicer to ya), and finally to lower my carbon footprint (something I can and actually am working on doing).

Now as everyone knows, I walk all the time. I don�t actually own a car, and I do enjoy the walking. Even with that, there are a few things I can do to lower my impact on the local environment. I want to share a few of them with you dear reader. First I shop locally. This might sound a bit odd from an environmental stand point, but think about it. I don�t use gas to drive into another community to buy things. This also keeps all of us going. It�s a tough economy right now. Every dollar I spend in a local shop goes back into the local pool so to speak. If I were to order books from say, a web site, rather than going into River Reader (which has a new owner by the by�.her name is Susan Ryan. Oh and they are having an open house January 19th all day. With food and store-wide discounts you should think about stopping in and saying hey) at 16355 Main St. or Twice Told Books at 14045 Armstrong Woods Road.

I�m in the Mood for Food
Now food is one of my top five things, (good wine also is up there; and I�ll not go into the others since this is a public paper.) I just wanted to mention a great book by a friend of mine on this subject �The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved� by Sandor Ellix Katz. It�s all about food and getting in touch with where it�s from, how it�s made etc. A wonderful book for anyone to read, and I can�t recommend it enough. And yes, you can get it from River Reader. They are more than happy to order anything you might want that they don�t have in stock. Goodness knows I�ve annoyed them with more than a few odd off the wall book orders over the years.

The next thing I try and keep in mind is my dining habits. If I were to go out and say have a cup of coffee or a light lunch, where is the food I�m eating coming from? Is it locally grown and or perhaps organic? Organic coffee is easy to get here in town. Both of the local coffee shops carry organic roasts. Kaya is a wonderful place to pop in for a quick espresso drink located at 16626 Hwy 116. And of course the shop you read about quite a bit in this space is Coffee Bazaar at 14045 Armstrong Woods Road. They � beyond organic coffee - carry locally made baked goods from Raymond�s Bakery, locally made ice cream from Humboldt Creamery and recently started carrying sandwiches and treats from Helena�s Kitchen (aka Charisma Wine Lounge). A few of the other things that the gang at the Bazaar do to keep the �green� theme going of course is recycling, composting of organic waste (it is donated to a great local gardener), limited use of packaging materials (and using for the food boxes when needed a bamboo rather than paper box). So beyond being a great community resource (and a space for WIFI if you didn�t know), Coffee Bazaar takes keeping the community eco space as well.

Speaking of food for a moment, I want to bring up the restaurant at the Russian River Resort. Just a quick mention along the lines of local food. The head chief Mary is so amazing with her use of locally grown, organic as possible (they don�t say they use organic produce since some of the produce isn�t), and all this while keeping the prices reasonable for everyone. Now of course you all know about the big giant grocery store on Mill Street. I�m not saying that they are a bad guy in town; I�m just saying that I�d rather focus my shopping and eating habits on food that wasn�t shipped from somewhere else (as much as possible), though I do have to give the company credit for the amount of products that are part of their in house organic line. Where I try and shop as much as possible is our heath food store Food For Humans. Not only do I love the produce they have (one of my best friends is the produce manager and Danielle is such a lovely person), but I�m happy to say that as much as possible it�s locally grown and gotten directly from the farmer. So you never know what exactly they may have, it�s worth just taking the time to check in and see what�s in stock at the moment.

The other items that I buy from them all the time are cleaning supplies. They carry some totally environmentally friendly and well priced cleaning and personal care products. It�s a great place to shop, and again it supports locally grown farmers and keeps some great folks employed; while giving us the options to buy food, vitamins, herbal supplements and tons of other stuff from a store that cares about the community,

So to wrap up this conversation, eat locally, shop consciously and with awareness. I�m sure you�ll agree that this is just a small part of a few things we can all do in 2008 to make a difference.

And to wrap it up, let�s talk about the big event of the month. The monthly game of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence BINGO is on January 12th. It may be a new year, but it�s the same game folks. $15 for one set of cards and $20 for two gets you into the best darn game of BINGO here on the River. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the game start at 7 p.m. Oh and stop by the kitchen and grab some great snacks and such. While there say hey to your favorite Trash Drag Queen who will be helping out in the kitchen again this month. Humor me and tell me my dress is pretty.

Feel free to send Mz. Alice Dee a short email message about how much fun you have had reading this feature over the last year. Or if you have questions about Guerneville or the Russian River area send them to [email protected]. Or you may want to tune into Owen�s weeklyish radio show (all but the 4th Sunday of the month) on KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM The Bridge at 9 p.m. for all things dishy and swishy on the river.
 

DECEMBER 2007

Here we are in December. It�s the time of the year when we think of Christmas, Hot Buttered Rum and all the holiday parties around the River. Of course you should know that this time of year Country Dan Karaoke at the Russian River Resort lets you sing Christmas Carols (Between Thanksgiving and Christmas we do them. But don�t even think about signing up for one after Christmas day, he will read you for filth� Trust me I know, really I do).  As always I�ll be here telling you all about the Christmas and New Year parties, but I want to mention a couple of other things first.

Give (to me) �til it hurts

As we think about the holidays, a few things come to mind. The art of giving gifts that are loved by everyone comes to the top of my mind.  And I want each and every one of my many fans reading this article either in print or online that yes, I do accept gifts. (I�m registered at Vine Life in Guerneville). Speaking of Vine Life, they always have some fun kitchen wares, gourmet food and amazing wine. You really should check out the selection of kitchen towels they have. The other holiday must have that they offer is a single plug in bubbler night light; and who wouldn�t want one of those? Hint, hint.

The other thing that I know comes to mind for many people is a Christmas tree. Now you know the gang at End of the Rainbow offer Trees, but did you know they are from Silver Bells Farms? This is a fully organic tree farm that raises the trees totally sustainably and is a family owned business with three generations working the farm.

Take my advise and give some advise

Now of course another great Christmas gift idea is a psychic reading with the talented Russian River Psychic. Now you can find her contact information on line at www.rrpsychic.com or stop by the Game Room at the Russian River Resort Wednesday, Friday through Sunday weekly. And for that special end of the year wonderfulness from Christmas night through New Years Eve she will be at the RRR from 8 p.m. non stop for that week. I can�t think of a better way to start the New Year. Her rates are really very good starting at a low ten bucks for fifteen minutes of tarot or palmistry work. If you are really interested in getting some in depth insight, you should consider booking a numerology reading which is a bit more but still well worth it. She does gift certificates in any amount for any of her work. And it�s worth noting that should you want to have a psychic party, Christine is more than happy to schedule something for you!

Give back

One quick event that I want to make sure to highlight is Give Back Tuesday December 4th. I�ll be hosting the evening with some good food and yummy deserts (for a small donation of $5.00) from 6 to 8 p.m. And as always 10% of all drink sales go to the charity. This night is benefiting the Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwood Empire�s World AIDS Day event (which was on the 1st�) so come out, have some dinner and join us for a drink.

Give a toy

The other end of the year event going on is as always the Annual Christmas Community Dinner. On Christmas day it�s a great way to spend time with your friends and family. Location is the Guerneville Vets Hall. Oh, and of course I usually end up helping out at the event.  This event is also one of the toy drives give away.  So come on out for this dinner and toy give away for the kids. And speaking of toy drives, feel free to drop of a new unwrapped toy at any number of locations around town; the Russian River Chamber, The RRR, Club Yamagata and Rainbow Cattle Company to name a few.

Take a shift

And then, we wonder around the corner to the Russian River Resort for the annual Celebrity Bartender Marathon. Starting at Noon and running until midnight. It�s a great way to hang out with your friends and make new ones at the same time. The point behind this event is to raise funds for various charities. All of the tips raised during the day go into the fund. Not that it�s a contest to see who raises the most during the shift, but many people do keep that in mind. I have done this now for years and it�s always such fun. This year I�m planning on sharing my thirty minutes yet again with Art of Russian River Getaways. So if you would like to aid this queen in her goals of world domination, media domination or whatever, feel free to help me stuff the box. I�m not sure at press time what shift I�ll be getting, but (wink to the RRR I really would like this shift�) I�m hoping to get the 5:30 to 6 p.m. shift. Feel free to check in with the resort to make sure you can have a cocktail during my shift. I�m told that since we aren�t real bartenders, it�s expected that we pour a stiff drink.

I�ve also heard rumor that Mama�s Family is going to be doing some events around the area and I expect to see Mama at both the Community Dinner and the Bartending Marathon. (I hear that Mama is doing the 8:30 shift at the RRR. And of course you want to be good to Mama�) for the details, check out www.mamasfamily.org  

Give a buck

Of course the holidays are not just about the events, but enjoying time with your friends over wonderful food or a great cup of coffee. I�m really excited to let everyone know about some of the new menu additions at Coffee Bazaar. Which by the way, offers �Bazaar Bucks� valued at five bucks each to stuff in your loved ones stocking. But the exciting news is the addition of Raymond�s Bakery of Cazadero to the offerings. If you haven�t had a moment to make the trek out to Cazadero to enjoy some of the wonderful award wining offerings they have, you can now just pop into Coffee Bazaar. I personally have to recommend their mini bear claw, which is chocolate filled but oh my goodness is it good. The other sweet treat that I have to stop myself from eating all the time is the apricot square. The variety of things they do at the Bazaar is always changing, so you really might want to check in often to see what the gang has each day.

Take a memo

The other good holiday nibble that I would like to touch on is the Sushi that my friends at Club Yamagata do. Oh and of course I just want to thank Valerie from Memories that Linger and the crew at the Club for the great Disco Event we had in November. A good time was had by all and funds were raised for the Special Events fund with the Chamber. Now back to the Sushi; Yamagata does such a great job with a varied list. You have the more traditional offerings, paired with some great rolls. My personal favorite is the Redwood Roll. A vegetarian roll with Shitake Mushrooms Cucumbers and Sprouts offered for $6.75. Another great offering is the White Tuna Sashimi priced at $10.50 for 6 pieces.  And a quick note, did you know that Yamagata has started doing a open mic nights on the second Wednesday of the month? Well they are. 

Now the Sisters Bingo this month is a on the 8th and is a benefit for the Russian River Senior Center. It�s something that I find I have a hard time wrapping my mind around; how is it that every time I�ve been at Bingo, I never see a senior miss call a Bingo. Or is it that the rest of us are just to busy wondering how Sister Sparkle walks in those shoes to pay attention? Usual price and times apply.

And finally we find ourselves at the end of the year. New Years Eve on the River is such the event. Every bar & restaurant in town is pulling out the stops for you. It�s a great night to get a room (so you don�t have to drive after drinking). Come out with a group of friends (so you can have a designated driver�hint, hint).  And have a truly amazing evening of fun as we ring in 2008. Oh and do yourself a favor, if you have a midnight toast, don�t get behind your wheel after your done. I�d like to have all my adoring fans still with us in 2008!

And well I hope that everyone has had a good year. 2007 was good for me and I hope that we as the varied and diverse community that we are can look forward to a great 2008.

As always tune into We the People Radio every Sunday but the 4th of the month for Owen�s spin on local nightlife, happenings and political musing. On KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM the Bridge on line at www.kggvfm.org  And if you have any comments, questions or need the advice of drag queen on fashion topics send a e-mail to [email protected]

NOVEMBER 2007

I always find myself caught off guard by November. It seems like just yesterday when I was thinking about pumpkin pie and all the holiday action. But yes it�s true �tis the season again as they say. And of course you know what that means, Turkey and all the fixings. So let�s get right into it.

MCC is XXV
First and foremost I want to say a quick word of congratulation to the Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwood Empire on twenty-five years of service to the Russian River Community. Last month they had a grand gala out at the Highland Dell in Monte Rio. The MMC-RE is one of those groups that never stops to amaze me. They do some great community work around homeless issues and all the things that you would expect of a church, with no judgement on who you are. As an open communion group, you need not be a member of their congregation or any to take of god�s blessings. They meet every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Oddfellows hall in Guerneville.

You make me feel like dancin�
All right so let� talk about some of the events shall we? On November 16th we are having such a wonderful event at Club Yamagata. It�s Staying Alive Disco Party. Now I know you all have something hiding in the back of your dresser or closet (though the gods know I never have been in the closet but that�s a different story.) that dates from the 70�s. So wear it loud and proud sweetie and have a good time. The event is a big old disco party and we are doing prizes for the best dressed (and no I�m not going to be part of that contest, so no worries) disco diva and guy. It�s a fundraiser for the Russian River Chamber Special Events Fund. You know all those parades and things that happen like the Fourth of July Fireworks aren�t free to put on. And this queen for one wants to make sure they keep happening. Come out and party with Guerneville�s favorite trashy drag queen. For the small cost of twenty in advance and twenty five at the door you get a evening of disco, nibbly bits; with beer and wine included. Oh and I almost forgot to mention the raffle through out the event. We start the party at 8 p.m. and keep it going until the disco ball stops. Advance tickets are available at the Russian River Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at 16209 First Street. Club Yamagata is located at 16225 Main Street.

Mama�a Coming to Town
Now this weekend is the weekend to be out about town. It�s also the Russian River Leather Weekend. And let me tell you, oh how do I love those leather boys and girls. Now while I�m not a �leather� person (ok I do own a leather purse, but that doesn�t count really), I do need to honor Mama and her tribe. Gentle reader you may not know, but Mama, her boys and girls have done some amazing work around the Bay Area and beyond. You may know about the amount of work they do every year for the toy drives around Guerneville and beyond. But do you know that one of the big charities that they raise money for with the annual Leather Walk in San Francisco is the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund? Mama�s Family isn�t just about wearing leather (though they do that quite well let me tell you), but they are about supporting the greater community though good works. Guerneville�s Leather Weekend will be the 17th and 18th of November. The loose schedule of events is 11/16 RRR at 9:00 pm for the Official Contestant Number Draw; 11/17 � RRR at 10:00am for Contestant Interviews, Club Yamagata for the Meet and Greet between 2:00pm�6:00pm, RRR for the Judges Dinner between 6:30pm-8:30pm, RRR for the remainder of the evening to meet and participate in the prejudging and in the Contest; 11/18 � RRR at 10:00am for the Victory Brunch.

Let the Eating Season Begin
So the next big event coming up is �Stuff that Turkey Day� as I call it. You may know it as Thanksgiving Day. Now for many of us (myself included), we don�t spend this day with our biological family. But we do spend it with our chosen family. And I really want to let everyone know that the new head chef at the Russian River Resort Mary Durham is going to be pulling out all the stops for her Thanksgiving Dinner. If you haven�t had a chance to join them for dinner lately, you are in for a treat. The new �back to basics� menu is just divine. I personally am absolutely in love with the crab cakes. They are some of the very best that I�ve had in years. The new menu is focused on local produce from Sonoma County. With prices that are reasonable and food that you will love to eat. Another fabulous addition to the make up of the restaurant is the addition of Sunday Comfort Supper every Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The dinner is just that, comfort food. With a three course meal, your choice of entr�e and desert, you can�t beat the price of $16.95 with a stick. The main course includes choices like fried chicken, lasagna, meatloaf or spaghetti and meatballs.

Read This Part and Participate!
Now keeping with the food theme, I want to touch on a great event that has been going on now for six years. The annual Dining out for Life is the 29th of November. This is a great benefit for Food for Thought. It�s a great way to support them, you simply go out have a wonderful time dining out and the restaurant donates 25-50% of your bill to Food for the Thought. Some of the restaurants also donate a portion of alcohol sales as well. There are places to eat all over the area that are part of the event. Notable here in Guerneville are Charizma Wine Lounge & Deli, The Roadhouse Restaurant at Dawn Ranch Lodge and the Triple R Bar & Grill. Just a hop skip and a jump up the road at the Village Inn in Monte Rio they are also in on the event. Though if you really want to venture out and make a grand night of it, check out the web page at www.diningoutforlife.com for restaurants all over that are part of the night.

Speaking of holiday wonder on Thanksgiving - if you are hosting a group of friends and family at your table but find you need a quick break from the home. Head over to Coffee Bazaar. We are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to fulfill all you caffeinated needs on this holiday (Our normal hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. will return on Friday.). Oh and be sure to let us tempt you with a lovely pumpkin spice mocha.

Back to the MCC
Just a quick note about the first of December before I sign off for the month, World AIDS day is December 1st. The Metropolitan Community Church of the Redwood Empire is hosting a small gathering of panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The quilt I�m sure you know represents the love that many of still have for our friends and loved ones who are no longer with us due to AIDS. It�s a powerful reminder for me each time I see even a small portion of the quilt on display that we can never forget. This year the MCC-RE is hosting a display at the Guerneville Veterans hall to mark this day. Feel free to stop in at the hall and view the display through out the day.

Latter that night on the first, is the Annual Parade of Lights. You can�t beat the light up parade as a fun small town event for the entire family. Also that night at the Oddfellows hall you would have the chance to see the Second River Home Companion show. This is an event put on by your fiends at KGGV 95.1 LP FM the Bridge. Last year a good time was had by everyone in attendance and I think this year we are looking toward an ever better show.

Oh and I almost forgot, the November BINGO by the lovely Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is on November 10th (The second Saturday of the month as usual.) and benefiting Bokb Burke�s Kids.

So have a great Holiday Season and I�m sure I�ll see you around at all the fun festivities.

Mz. Alice Dee can be reached at [email protected] with questions about the river, Guerneville or for make up advice. It�s also well worth turning into �We the People� radio on KGGV 95.1 LP FM The Bridge every Sunday but the fourth of the month at 9 p.m. for Owen�s witty social commentary or a chat with guests about the LGBT community of West Sonoma County. Streaming at www.kggvfm.org.

 

October 2007

Fall is into full swing here on the river. It�s a perfect time of year to reflect in front of a fireplace, share a glass of wine with friends over dinner or plan that perfect Halloween costume! Even if it�s the one day a year you think about doing drag (Yes it�s true, there are some folks who only do drag once a year, I know it�s hard to understand why anyone wouldn�t want to be glamorous more than once a year...).  Halloween is in many ways one of the high holy days of the L.G.B.T. community. And we do pull out all the stops for this one. I�ll be getting into Halloween later in the article.

Happy Trails to Ya

The first event I want to touch on is the Art Trails. This year is the 22nd year that the Sonoma Arts council has hosted this event. I find it�s a great way to support our local arts. You get the chance to spend the afternoon touring the wine county around Sonoma County and supporting local artists. Personally I enjoy visiting our local west county artists; between Forestville, Guerneville, Graton and Occidental you have quite the plethora of artists to visit.  Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day. The dates for the event are the 13th - 14th and the 21st and 22nd of October from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. More information can be found on line at www.artrails.org. You may also want to download a copy of the full program from the site, which includes a map of all of the event in case you want to go beyond West Sonoma and check out the rest of the county�s arts.

On Gourd

Another really amazing and fun event around the arts is Calabash: A celebration of Gourd Arts and the Garden. Now this event is all about the Gourd and the truly amazing variety of things the creative artist can do with one. This event is also a fund raiser benefiting Food for Thought and the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Both of whom do some great work around Sonoma County. The Gourd art takes center stage in a silent auction through out the event. Over 100 artists from around the bay area have been invited to feature there work. The event also features musicians playing gourd instruments. Live demonstrations in creating gourd art and organic food and wine from Sonoma County�s bountiful harvest. Of course you have the chance to tour the amazing organic gardens the Food for Thought has. This event is Sunday October 7th from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. 6550 Railroad Avenue in Forestville. Tickets for the event are $30 in advance and $35 at the door and my be purchased in advance tickets by phone from Food For Thought at 707-887-1647. Also check out the web site for the event at www.calabashartfest.org

Now on the local scene; I wanted to let all my readers know the Rainbow Cattle Company is keeping up on doing the famous �Give Back Tuesdays�. Each and every Tuesday they host a different group and give back to the community. 10% of the bar sales for the day go to the group, and many times the group hosts a evening event that night. Check out www.queersteer.com for the details on up coming nights. Or better yet, just pop into the bar on Tuesday and see what�s up. It�s always for a good cause and a heck of a lot of fun. Located at 16220 Main Street in downtown Guerneville.

Bingouls & Fools

And another event that we have all the time is the wonderful Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence BINGO. This event is on the second Saturday of the month. This month the theme is Goals and Fools BINGO. So I�m going to guess that the drag is going to be scary and silly; above and beyond what we normally have with the Sisters. I know I�ll be doing my best to be in something amazing or at least silly (though this isn�t really a stretch for me...) The doors open at the usual time of 6 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. With tickets at $15 for one set of cards and $20 for two. This month�s games benefit Food for Thought. Oh and I almost forgot to bring it up, but myself and the rest of the kitchen crew wanted to make sure that everyone knows about the yummy treats and light dinner that we serve every month. Also featuring hot coffee this month; graciously donated by Coffee Bazaar. So bring more than just your appetite for fun.

Annual Progressive Halloween Costume Contest

Now of course the high holly daze of Halloween is upon us. And I know many of my readers spend days, weeks perhaps even months planning the perfect outfit to wear. I just wanted to say that while I love his outfits, Stewart of the RRR has won pretty much (I can�t personally recall a year where he didn�t win since I�ve been living here full time.) every year for at least ever. Come on folks! Somebody give him a good run for his money! The main party�s around town are taking place on the Saturday before Samhain (I always like throwing in a few fun woods, don�t ya know. Basically Samhain is Gaelic for Summers End. And is used by the neo-Pagan Community for Halloween...) So on the 27th of October we start the evening off with festivities at the Russian River Resort, corner of 4th and Mill. Starting at 8 p.m. with the first Costume Contest of the evening.  This contest is as tradition fro the last few years hosted by the River�s version of Dame Edna Everage, though I hear rumor of a special guest co-host. So it�s a great way to start the evening with cocktails and costumes.

We then continue the event at the Rainbow Cattle Company at 16220 Main Street. Starting at 10 p.m. So it�s over the river and through the woods (Not really, it�s just a couple of blocks to be honest.) to this contest. The key thing to keep in mind with the Rainbow is the mason jars of Long Island Ice Tea, though don�t have to many of �em since your going to want to keep the party going.

Now we finish to fruit loop of town with a the final stop at Club Yamagata. Just across the street at 16225 Main Street. At midnight they are doing the final costume contest of the evening. And for a special treat (or just a trick I�m not going to admit to it.) everyone's favorite trashy drag queen will be hosting the contest at 1 am. Of course I�m speaking about myself. Now of course this event as the others of the evening will be audience participation on the voting so it isn�t worth trying to bribe the host (though hey a cocktail for the emcee could only enhance your chances ya know..)  Anyway it�s a great way to end the night. Though keep in mind the best part of the evening is always seeing who wins at all of the bars and who took a moment to hide in some dark corner around town and change costumes at some point during the events. It�s been known to happen that the same person while changing costumes still wins more than once during the night, or even all three times with the same costume. And I do feel the need to say that while I enjoy a great party and a drink or two during such a party I always try and take care of myself and my friends. So feel free to have someone who is your designated driver or call our wonderful local cab company Bills Taxi for a ride home. You can reach Bills at 869-2177 all hours of the night. And while I hate to say it, if you see your friends thinking about driving after drinks, please do them a favor and take their keys please.

And that�s my story and I�m sticking to it for the Month of October. If you are planning on coming out for Halloween or any other event this month, the resorts around town have plenty of rooms. So take a look at www.gayrussianriver.com to get the details on all the places to stay around town.

Feel free to tune in on Sunday at 9 p.m. for Owen�s show �We the People Radio� on KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM all but the 4th Sunday of the month for one hour of all things dishy and swishy around the Russian River. You can get the show streaming at www.kggvfm.org.  And of course fan mail is always encouraged at [email protected]

September 2007

September on the River is a magical time of the year. I personally enjoy the sunny and warm days with just a hint of crisp fall on the air as the sun sets. This month also heralds in the fall season and the harvest here in the Russian River Valley. And I�ve decided this month to get away a bit from my usual format and focus on a few of the things other than the night life that make the River such a wonderful place to live and play in. Though don�t worry, I�ll still talk about the two or three big events this month!

Over the River and Through the Woods
First lets talk about the natural beauty of the River. Yes it is true that we have some of the state�s most scenic country around these parts. Between Armstrong Woods State Park and out to the coast, you�re going to find miles of hiking trails and other things to do outdoors. September is a great time of the year to enjoy these activities. Speaking of Armstrong Woods, you would be hard pressed to find a more uplifting experience. It always brings me into a meditative state of mind walking through trees that are even older than most of my drag (being a queen who wears mostly vintage, I can say that.) The old growth grove is inspiring on so many levels. And with walking trails that are for all levels of experience, you can have a simple stroll through the trees or go on a more hard core back country hike if you desire. Hours for the park are 8 am to one hour after sunset. Online you can find information at www.parks.ca.gov.

If you�re up for more of a history lesson, head out to Fort Ross. This is the old Russian Fort, the most northern settlement of the Russian Empire, and the entire reason we call this area the Russian River in the first place. It�s a great day trip, the drive out to the fort is wonderful along Highway 1 up the coast from Jenner. Give yourself plenty of time to make the trek though, since you may be slowed down on the coast by the occasional cow on the road. (I�m not kidding, I once spent a good ten minutes waiting for a few to clear the way, a cow and a motorcycle; you do the math and figure out who would have won...) Though it�s not a big problem and who cares if you have to wait a bit since your enjoying the lovely vistas of the North Coast at the time. The park grounds are open half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset each day. Fort Compound, Visitor Center and Bookstore are open daily 10:00am to 4:30pm. Online you can find information at www.parks.ca.gov.
 

Remember to Spit
Now the other thing that of course we are known for is our lovely wines. And the best way (besides the Food and Wine Festival, which I�ll be getting to later...) to get to know a wine is visit the winery. There are literally hundreds of small wineries in the area, and many of them do offer tasting rooms. The first one that I would call a must visit is Korbel. They are just outside of Guerneville on River Road, so they aren�t hard to find at all. The cellar tour they offer is free, and really well worth the trip if you enjoy learning about the champagne process. And of course it includes a visit to there tasting room. But did you know that beyond Champagne Korbel is known for still wines and my personal favorite product Brandy. And they have a nice little deli and market. The Deli is open 9am to 5pm through the end of September and closes at 4:30 after that. They are located at 13250 River Road just outside of Guerneville. And online at www.korbel.com.

The other winery I�d like to touch on is Hartford Family Wines. They produce some lovely wines. Hartford Court bottlings are small lots of high-personality single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that express the distinctive qualities inherent in each vineyard's terroir - the interplay of soil, slope, exposure and climate. The fruit is sourced from the Russian River Valley, Green Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. They also do the Hartford Russian River Valley Zinfandel which is a blend of old-vine, dry-farmed and low-yielding Zinfandel vineyards from the Russian River Valley. These old vineyards, with an average vineyard age of about 75 years, offer an impressive articulation of this idiosyncratic varietal. Bright, natural acidity and vibrant fruit aromas and flavors are the result of typically cool, fog-laden nights and warm days. The tasting room is located at 8075 Martinelli Road in Forestville, CA and open daily from 10 am to 4:30. Online you can find them at www.hartfordwines.com.

Eat, Drink and be Mary
So let�s get to the event of the season, the Russian River Food and Wine Festival. On Sunday September 30th in Monte Rio. This event is really the crown jewel of the Harvest here on the River. It brings out all the best of the Russian River Community, Farmers, Artists, Wine makers and Drag Queens (I was kindly asked by the LGBT Guild to work the booth last year and plan on doing so again this year. I mean really what�s the point of being the Rivers Social Director if I can�t have a glass of wine now and then...) You get the chance in one place to have some of the best offerings of wine, cheese and food. Set on the beach in Monte Rio, you can�t find a better value for the ticket price. Though if you are a real foodie, it�s worth the little bit extra to get the VIP Ticket, you get more wine, more food demonstrations and all that. Though the best part of this event really is how much they give back to the community. The first three years of the festival has giving back almost $50,000! And I know they plan on maintaining this trend. The event starts at Noon and runs through to 5 pm. You can find them online at www.russianriverfoodandwinefest.com. And please stop in at the LGBT Guild booth, I�ll be signing autographs! (Ok, just kidding I�m just hanging out and talking about the lovely community here on the River. But I suppose if you really wanted a autograph I could find something to sign...)
 

Show Me the Funny
This has become a tradition at the Russian River Resort, so it�s exciting to say that the talented Ida Slapter is coming for the Labor Day Weekend. The life of Ida Slapter as an Internationally Renowned Drag Queen began when she arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with "a pair of pumps, two gowns and a tackle box full of cosmetics". Now she's back at the RRR for a return engagement. A potty mouth through and through � part high spirited filly, torch singer and dock worker . Her show is one of the best ever at the Resort and you really can�t call yourself a river rat if you miss it. Also joining her is Kim Kuzma. Heard worldwide, Kim's award winning debut CD release Contradictions received rave reviews by critics & fans alike and held the No.1 spot on the HMV Vancouver Indie Sales Charts for over 7 and a half months. Walt Grealis, founder of the Canadian Juno Awards, called Contradictions, �pretty powerful stuff�.

Voted Canada's Best Independent Artist in 2001 by fans at canadian music.com, Kim Kuzma continues to build on her career with her bold new release Who You Are featuring a remix of Bagdad Caf� hit Calling You, The Beach Boys� God Only Knows and Kuzma originals I�d Miss You, Come Along and Price You Pay.


Get in Line, Sister
Now of course as we know, each and every month those wonderfully crazy, wild and wacky Nuns do BINGO. The monthly game by the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is on the third Saturday of the month! It�s Saturday September 15th: "In Your Face Bingo" and benefits Face 2 Face. Other than being the third Saturday, all the usual rules apply. You must be over 18 to play. Any beverages of a fermented nature need to be fully consumed before you enter the BINGO hall, or you should turn them over to one of the Sisters for �disposal�. And of course if you miss call a BINGO or a few other things, you get a beating or a �Sisters Make over� (Don�t ask me, I just report these things, basically they either let the folks in hall dob the heck out of you. Or the Sisters dob your face and make you look real pretty). Doors open at 6 pm with the games starting closer to 7. And again let me remind you, the games do sell out. So don�t be surprised if you show up at 6 and are unable to get in.

So of course I don�t have room to mention everything going on around the area, be sure to check on www.gayrussianriver.com for more information about all things dishy and swishy on the River.

You can send me email at [email protected] And as always tune into KGGV 95.1 L.P. F.M. every Sunday but the 4th of the month for Owen talking about all things Queer on the River. Online at http://kggvfm.org
 

August 2007

In Like a Bear
August, the month of the bear � at least here on the River that is. So get ready, the bears are back in town. I personally love Lazy Bear week, I can go out and feel like the skinny little thing; but that�s just me. Anyway, so from the 1st through the 6th of August the bears take over town. And a good time is had by all. For all the details click onto http://www.castrobear.com. It�s a great resource for all the events around town this weekend; which there are more than I have space to mention. Though of course I�ll hit what I feel are the highlights.

So let us get right into it. On August 2nd at 8:30 P.M. Coffee Bazaar is hosting �Up the River Without a Paddle�. A Fresh Retrospect Art Show and Opening. If you aren�t familiar with his work, he does very fun bears in their natural habitat (Ok, not really... unless you think of bears in the Lazy Bear sense...) But the art is a lot of fun, and well worth taking a look at. Feel free to drop in and have a look. Oh and my favorite part of this event; Raymond Burr Vineyards will be pouring. So Bears, Art and Wine; who could ask for more fun? Well maybe having a bit of coffee wile at the Bazaar, but that�s just me.

Make Bingo Your Name-O
Now as a special for this weekend, the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are have not just the usual BINGO game on the second Saturday of the month, but a special �Bare Bear BINGO.�! The event is on the first Saturday of the month August 4th, starting an hour early. So doors open at 5 P.M. and games start at 6 p.m. Also you should be aware that the cost of the game is a bit more than usual, with one set of cards at $20 and two at $25. If you only make it once in awhile for BINGO, this may be the one to do. Since it�s BINGO with the Sisters, you know this ain�t your mammas BINGO. And since Bears and Drag Nuns get along so well, they really do pull out all the stops on this game. Now keeping with BINGO, the usual game is the following weekend August 11th. At the usual time of 6 P.M., with the games starting at 7 P.M.  Now do keep in mind that the games almost always sell out (Bare Bear BINGO I�m quite sure will sell out!) and come with an appetite for good food. Oh and I just want to put in my �job security� plug, Coffee Bazaar is once again donating some wonderful Iced Coffee to go along with the games.

Rocky Hairspray Picture Show
Now the 4th is in my view the night to be out. After BINGO, you might want to dash out to the Rio Theater in Monte Rio. They are having one of the best Drag Movies of all time. The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The showing is at 9:30. I know we have all more likely than not seen this one at least once in our life. But it�s always fun to see again, and with all of your friends in tow... think about how much fun that�s going to be?

And then at the end of the month, the 26th and 29th they are showing Hairspray. Now I have to admit, I�ve been a little bit bewildered by this movie. Why remake such a good film, and with my �Mother Inspired� Divine (take a look at my makeup, and you will know what I mean...), why muck it up with John Travolta? Well, I�ve heard from so many of my minions that this film is fun, and worth the remake. So I�d say if you like campy musicals and drag (and who doesn�t really?) It�s also worth the jaunt out to Monte Rio to get this one.

No Hankies Needed
Now back to Lazy Bear Weekend. A couple of other events around town are worth talking about. The Rainbow Cattle Company has hosted a couple of these partys in July and is doing it again in August. The event is called a �Steer Tag� Party. Get your tag and place your dots on it. The color code of the dots lets everyone else at the party know if your single and looking, taken and not looking or one who has a partner but open to ideas. The code is * Red - No, I'm Taken * Yellow - Maybe (Buy me a drink first) * Green - Yes, I'm Single * Yellow on Red - Taken (But I may be persuaded) * Green on Red - Taken (But WE play)* Green on Green - Yes, I'm Easy. It�s a fun night and lets you know up front if the guy your talking with might be open to a date or whatnot. They are doing this on August 2nd and the 31st. http://www.queersteer.com for more information on the bar.

Wha�s Happenin� Hot Stuff?
Now let�s take a quick look into what�s going on for the month at the heart of the LGBT entertainment scene around the River. The Russian River Resort at the corner of 4th and Mill Street. Weekly events have not changed much. Tuesday is Pool League Nights. Wednesdays are the Pool side BBQ, with the return of grilled Oysters; I personally highly recommend the pesto sauce on them. With Karaoke Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. And Christine our Russian River Psychic, is as always at the resort Wednesday, Friday through Sunday. Check out her website at http://www.rrpsychic.com if you would like the 411 on her.


The Saturday nights Comedy nights are going strong. The events for August are looking to be a good group, and I�m looking forward to them. On the 4th we have Mark Allen Smith. The 18th Cheril Vendetti is the comedian to laugh with. Italian-American comedienne Cheril Vendetti began her professional career when she was 12 years old at her parents' pizzeria in South Boston when it burned down. "Everyone was so upset I started telling jokes," she says. From Boston to LA, this mama mia of a singing comedian has left em in the aisles-especially in gay clubs-with her raunchy, sassy, full-bodied comedy. Her voluptuous showgirl persona (another "female female impersonator") has earned her a devoted following. "I think I was a stripper in a past life, only this time I came back a little chubbier. I'm trying to get back to my original weight: eight pounds, three ounces." Not only does she know how to work a room, even the grungiest, she also sings and camps it up Big Time, having honed her act over many years in over 300 clubs coast to coast.

The 25th is Beth Schumann, the winner of the 2006 Russian River Comedy Contest. Beth�s hilarious observations and anecdotes are at once intelligent and silly. Completely at ease on stage she consistently draws laughs at showcases and other comedy events throughout the Bay area and beyond. Beth speaks to many of the issues baby boomers are facing today; high stress jobs, divorce (�I found a great way to manage my Christmas card list. Every few years I get a divorce�). Weight gain, health problems and medication. She is one of the founding members of the Mixed Nuts: Comics on Meds stand up troupe, which performs at popular venues around Northern California. She is very funny, and we are really happy to see her come back to the RRR.

And it�s with true glee that I have to let you know about the return again of the talents of Kim Kuzma and Ida Slapter on the 1st of September. Of course it�s a bit of a drag to say (pun intended) that this means the Summer Season is kinda over, it is Labor Day after all.

Native American Summer
But you know, the warm weather and sun keep going for months...September and October at the River are highly underrated and often the best weather of the year. So I�ll see you around a pool or over a glass of wine, and until next time feel free to send me e-mail at [email protected] And of course my better half (Ok it�s just me out of drag...)

Owen hosts We the People Radio on KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM every Sunday but the 4th of the month at 9 p.m. Owen has some interesting guests or at least something interesting to say about the LGBT community, and life here on the River.
 

July 2007

Rollin� on the River
July is such the month to be here on the River. The sun, the heat and the bang that we all love. The big bang of the month is of course the fire works. On the 30th of June they are doing the totally fun and so kitschy Water Carnival and Parade. Coming to a total wow with the Water Curtain and Show projected onto said curtain. Followed by the fireworks. If I could ever figure out how to be full of my usual fabulosity and waterproof, you might see me on one of those floats someday... This event is in the Vacation Wonderland of Monte Rio and starts around dusk.

The Big Bang is Back
Moving up the river to Guerneville on the First of July, we also have fireworks. In Guerneville we are hosting a BBQ put on the by the Rotary Club and a craft fair in the Plaza at the foot of the walking bridge in the afternoon. With the fireworks off of Johnson�s beach at dusk. The best viewing of the pyrotechnics will be along Main Street or from the walking bridge. Stop by the Rainbow Cattle Company for a quick long island ice �tea� (ok you can�t really drink one of those quick, but that�s beside the point.) or you could pop into Club Yamagata for some sushi before the show. Either way, the 1st is the night with the bang, so have a gay old time. This event has made it�s return to town through the endless work of so many folks. Between everyone who donated to the little buckets scattered around town, the Scott�s of the RRR, myself, Valerie of Memories That Linger and the Chamber who hosted fund-raising events; we got the Fireworks back and got �em good.

XXXV
As we move into the first bit of July, the one thing I�m not going to talk about is July 6th at the RRR. Really, I�m not going to talk about it. Mz. Alice Dee Bauchery (ok ya know it�s serious when I use my full assumed name...) is turning 35. It�s the usual fun Karaoke night. We aren�t having a big party or anything, but there will be cake and gifts should you want to bring them will be accepted. But we aren�t going to talk about it.

Radio Free Bingo
Really though, lets talk of the actual events coming up. On July 14th it�s Radio Free Bingo. The beneficiary for the monthly Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is our own KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM The Bridge. I still am constantly amazed that we have such a great local radio station here on the River. With live shows, talk and music between twelve and fifteen hours a day, seven days a week. The doors for BINGO open at 6 p.m., but as you have heard me say before if you want to get in you should be in line before 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. with the doors open they also have a bit of food and some yummy stuff available. And the games start at 7 p.m. Oh and this month they are doing Ice Coffee from the Coffee Bazaar. So be there and bring an appetite for the food and for fun. With a small cost of $15 for one set of cards and $20 for two (double your chances and spend that extra five don�t ya know...) It�s the most fun your going to have all month at the price. (Please keep in mind the games are open to anyone over the age of 18 please.)

I want to let everyone know about the Farmers Market back in the plaza in down town every Tuesday. With some great live music, craft booths and fresh produce it�s worth a trip into town. The market running from 4 to 7 p.m. Make a afternoon of it and stop by the Rainbow for the Give Back Tuesdays every week.

Let Us Entertain You
Running through July 21st the Pegasus Theater is showing the play Jeffery. It�s a light romp through life in the midst of a epidemic. The play when it opened in 1992 received numerous including the Obie, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the John Gassner Award for the best new American play. A New York Times critic described the comedy as �just the sort of play Oscar Wilde would have written if he had lived in Manhattan in the 1990s.� Check out their web page at www.pegasustheater.com or call for tickets (707) 522-9043. The Theater is located in Monte Rio.

On the 28th of the month, the Russian River Resort is hosting Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad. The girls have been here before, so you know they are well worth seeing. Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad is a night of comedy and burlesque, told by the gals who learned to smoke at Hebrew school, get drunk at their Bat-Mitzvahs and would rather have more sctuppa than the chupah. These badass chosen chicks boldly dare to deconstruct years of tradition, expectations and guild in a fast-paced vaudeville extravaganza; complete with kick lines, punch lines and a rendition of �L�chaim� with a fist in the mouth. This ain�t yo� mama�s �Fiddler�. They have been featured on Comedy Central, HBO and MTV. Check out their web site at www.nicejewishgirlsgonebad.com

So there are a few changes around town that I want to let everyone in on. Wednesdays Nights at the Russian River Resort is no longer a Karaoke Night. So you know, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are still all the usual Karaoke madness (at least when I sing that is...). It�s just Wednesday that they are changing. So you can�t sing, but you can lie through your teeth you say? Well then join us for Liars Dice instead. The RRR is now hosting the game of Liars Dice Wednesday nights. If you haven�t played it�s a easy game to pick up on, it�s all about bluffing and calling others bluffs. So join the RRR for the fun of the game and a good cocktail at the same time. And so you know our Russian River Psychic Christine is also going to be there Wednesday nights (she is also available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in the game room.) The RRR is located at the corner of 4th and Mill.

The other change to the schedule of events in town are the weekly Thursday night shows at the Coffee Bazaar. Both the Open Mic nights and Live Music Nights (Open Mic is the second and fourth Thursday of the month, co hosted by Twice Told Books; with Live Music on the other weeks.) are now scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. So you still can get some of the best coffee and espresso drinks on the river, along with blended drinks and some good food. Keep an eye out for the new menu items at the Bazaar. Coffee Bazaar is located at 14045 Armstrong Woods Rd.

For Stephanie
So I�m going to stray from my usual work in this space. I need to say a few words about my dear friend Novice Sister Mary Posa Flutterby - a.k.a. Stephanie. She left our community on the 13th of June. She was one of those who deeply cared about the people here on the river. As my friend and cohort in fashion I miss seeing her around town, and know that the �Nun�s of Above� have welcomed her with open arms and glitter. She was one to always have the inner strength to be who she was. To never allow anyone to bring her down or cause her to have any doubt of her own worth, that is the message I always got when being around her. I know I�ll never be able to look at another butterfly with out thinking of her. At press time the details for her memorial have not been finalized by the Order yet so if you would like to attend be sure to check out www.rrsisters.org for the details.

Well that wraps up my report on July. Just know that Lazy Bear Week is just around the corner in August. I love the bears, always makes me feel like a slender waif of a thing when I party with �em. Look for more info on this event next month

Owen a.k.a. Mz. Alice Dee hosts �We the People Radio� every Sunday but the fourth of the month on KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM from 9 to 10 p.m. Tune in to hear all about what�s going on around town, the bay area or just to listen to Owen fumble names and talk about whatever is crossing the mind of the Rivers Social Director. You can also get the station on line at www.kggvfm.org Feel free to send email to [email protected] if you have any questions about events on the River.
 

June 2007

Proud Mary

June as we all know is the month of Pride. And I have to say that I�m very excited to say that Sonoma Pride is back and going strong. So we will get into all the Pride events in a moment, first let�s talk about May.

Dancing Returns to the River

On the 11th we saw the Grand Opening of Club Yamagata (pronounced Yam ah gota). At 16225 Main St (right next door to The Mercantile.) The space is so new, if you ever went into the former club at the space you�re not going to recognize it. Now the space has an Asian theme (hence the name), and they are so cool. With lounge vibes in the afternoons; transforming into a dance club as the evening progresses. The drink menu has all the usual suspects, but make a point of ordering the house specialty � the Yamagata Green Tea (think long island with a Asian twist).  They are also doing fresh and yummy Sushi along with all that goes along with that. Oh and for those of us who chose not to drink the hard stuff, they are doing some really great smoothie action. So stop in and say hey to the gang. They are open 11 am to 2 am seven days a week. And for those computer folks like myself, they are going to be doing WIFI.

Likey Tiki?

Speaking of new clubs (ok it�s not new, but totally reborn), you shouldn�t miss the new Tiki Bar pool side at the RRR (corner of 4th and Mill) The drink menu is so much fun. With new drinks such as the �Tim�s Hawaiian Punch� (by our favorite bartender Too Tall Tim) that let me tell you packs a punch for sure. You�re going to find something to satisfy that thirst for the tropics. Along with all the usual suspects of frozen and blended drinks. Of course you know that the RRR�s famous mudslide is back. And to complement all the new drinks the pool side BBQ is going with totally new menu choices. I personally loved the Portobello Mushroom Burger (veggie choice extraordinaire) or the pulled spiced pork sandwich for those of us who eat meat. The Tiki Bar & BBQ are open through Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6ish. (though all the Tiki theme drinks are available in the main bar at anytime the bar is open)

Dinner is Served

Since we are on the topic of the RRR, you should also give the restaurant another go around. The menu has be radically redone for the summer with so many new choices (and of course they have kept some of our favorites, so don�t despair.) The new offerings include but are not limited to Duck Confit Spring Rolls, served with an Indonesia Sweet Soy Sauce. Light and crispy layers in this wrap make it just lovely. Proscuitto Wrapped Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Potato Latkes, Fennel Salad, Citrus Wedges, Lemon Vinaigrette. All I have to say about this is just simply yum. On the Entrees, Cherry Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon and Green Onion. One can never go wrong with a cherry glaze and here the gang has proven that. The Roasted Double Lamb Chops with Fingerling Potato Salad, Mache, Tarragon and Peas with a Honey Aioli is just luscious, and you can cut the lamb with a butter knife (I know because I did this).  And for desert, you would be silly not try the Lemon Curd Napoleon. Phyllo Triangles, layered with Lemon Curd, Grand Marnier topping, garnished with pineapple and mango salsa. Sonoma fresh comfort food with emphasis on organic produce are now the key words for the Menu. Saturday brunch is now on going. Dinner hours are Thursday through Monday starting at 5:30 p.m. and Brunch Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 am to 2 p.m.

Local, Live and Wired (on coffee, that is)

The entertainment scene around town has grown. Coffee Bazaar is now offering some great frozen beverage options; but the best news is that they are also now hosting live music by Mountaindawg on the first and third Thursday of the month. Playing Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin, Resonator (like a DoBro) and singing vocals, in addition to playing some keyboards and percussions on a few songs, he also performs solo, acoustically. Jodawg has been performing 16+ years at numerous venues, Festivals, private events. Jodawg's songs have easily understood lyrics. Galvanic music that is original, melodic and guitar based. Both serious and fun songs that are uplifting, addictive and dance-able. Mountaindawg is gaining popularity fast. Fans ages range from 2 to 92, with the crowd often including multiple generations of the same families! Live performances are fun filled and memorable, leaving fans wanting more.

Jodawg has played Lead Guitar and Mandolin for various bands, including: Feast of Friends (Hard Rock), Nunda Sisters (Melodic Rock), plus for 2 Sonoma County Folk Rock bands, Peggy Day & The Gypsy Knights, and Eric's Road Band with legendary Dickie Peterson of BLUE CHEER. Mtndawg (Joe Johnson) performed solo-acoustic on the 2006 live morning radio shows at Northern California's High Sierra Music Festival each morning, and will return to perform on Grizzly Radio in 2007. He currently has a song being played on several national radio stations. He has also been a regular performer at several Annual Festivals, including Oregon's Blackberry Arts Festival, The Hemp Faire in Occidental, Key West Florida's Sunset Celebration, Sonoma County Black Bart Days, Russian River 4th of July Festivities, All Veterans Reunion at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Guerneville Plaza Farmers Market, and the Santa Rosa Downtown Market & Street Faire. With a CD Release coming up his music is sure to be a hit.

Now for the fans of Open Mic Nights at the Bazaar hosted by Twice Told Books, they are still going. On the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. This is a great time to listen to some of our local musicians, poets and other performers from around West Sonoma County.

Celebrate Pride at the River

Alright at the opening of this article, I mentioned Sonoma Gay Pride is going�. it�s back and big as ever with a couple of small changes this year. With regret that there is no parade in Santa Rosa, but the best part is that they are hosting a couple of events here at the River. On the 8th of June, party on down at the Rainbow Cattle Company with the Official Kick Off Party from 4pm to 8 pm and then at the RRR from 8 pm to 11 pm. Then things get HOT on Saturday at the RRR with a Pride Pool Party from Noon to 5 pm Then the 13th Annual Pride Comedy night at the Wells Fargo Center Starring Elvira Kurt and special guest Eddie Sarfaty (http://www.wellsfargocenterarts.com).  

And of course the big event is Sunday June 10th, from 11am to 4pm � We Are Pride: A Celebration for Sonoma County's LGBTQ Friends & Family will be held at Juilliard Park in Santa Rosa. Sign language interpreting will be provided for all events and performances at the celebration. Live music, community vendors, delicious food and drinks, and fun for all ages!

Other Morsels

Now the local events worth mentioning are of course the second annual Strawberry Festival on June 2nd at the Guerneville Community Church, benefiting KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM. Always a good time and tons of strawberry-centered things. On the 9th we have a few things going on. First at 11 am is the Stumptown Daze in downtown Guerneville. That evening with doors opening at 6 pm is "Twister Sister Bingo" with the Russian River Sisters, benefiting Russian River Child Care Kindergym. And of course June wouldn�t be complete with out the Russian River Blues Festival on the 16th and 17th. So many big names I don�t have space to mention them all here. Take a look at http://www.rrfestivals.com for all the buzz.

So of course Mz. Alice Dee is still the RR Social Director. And Owen hosts a weekly radio show (it�s Owen�s show - you can�t �hear� make up on the radio of course...) On KGGV 95.1 L.P. FM three Sundays a week at 9 p.m. If you�re out of the broadcast range feel free to listen to the show at http://kggvfm.org and as always send any prophetic thoughts or questions to [email protected].

May 2007

Good Day Sunshine

May starts it all around here as anyone who has lived here on the river knows. With the season kicking in full force things get hopping around town. Though a quick look back at April. We had a good month as always. On the 17^th a great fund raiser at the Rainbow as one of their give back Tuesdays raised a bunch of money for the Fourth of July Fireworks. A good time was had by all. Big thanks to Valerie of Memories that Linger and Ann over at the Chamber for all the work they put into the event.

Keep Giving Back

And so you should know that the Rainbow is keeping give back Tuesdays going through the summer. Every week a different group gets the chance to host the event. The bar gives 10% of the sales of the day towards the group. Also it�s worth talking about that the �Appy Room (Down stairs at Bucks - Corner of Fourth and Mill Street) had their grand Reopening on the 14^th. With a great BBQ and all the fixings the bar is back and going strong.

Sister, You�ve Been on My Mind�

Now let�s take a look at May. Of course all the usual stuff is going on. But we are going to start off with the Sisters Bingo on the 12^th. You might recall last month I talked about how the Russian River Order is the only Sisters Bingo in this part of the state? Well this is still at press time the case, but I hear that the infamous Sister Barbie who is now with the San Francisco Order has been working herself into a frenzy to find a location in San Francisco to have BINGO. Anyway the best game in this area is going to be benefiting the Russian River Child Care this month. And they are calling it Cinco Da BINGO.  As usual the games start at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m. And you should know that the usual rules apply. Now first you should turn off your cell phones �cuz if it rings you get a beating. And make sure you pay attention to the game that is being played, �cuz if you call a false BINGO ya get the paddle. Now it�s all in good fun so don�t worry. It�s a hoot of a good time and the best $15 you�ll spend all moth (or $20 for two cards). Keep in mind the games sell out, so if you show up at 6 p.m. you may or may not get in. Games are as always played at Oddfellows hall.

And not that one really needs an excuse to run out and drink tequila or have a Corona. The 5^th is Cinco de Mayo. And the RRR and Rainbow are having drink specials and other festivities for the night. More info on the events can be found at www.queersteer.com and or www.russianriverresort.com

Happenings

Now this month over at the Russian River Resort it�s looking to be a great month. The Thursday Night �Ugly Betty� Nights are still going strong. A great crowd always shows up to watch this fun campy, well written and almost to smart for network television. And just a bit of drag queen trivia the RRR is the only place this side of the Golden Gate that shows it this regularly. And I am so happy to say that Momi Starr is back. He is doing well and wants to let everyone know he so appreciated all the good thoughts and cards. Friday and Saturdays starting at 9 p.m. I know for a fact that so many people have missed him at the Piano Bar. Of course I would be one of his fans. And if you don�t know what I�m talking about you have missed out on so much fun. So show up some time and enjoy the show tunes and Momi�s amazing talents on the keyboard. If you feel so inspired you can ask for a microphone and sing along! (Of course anyone who has heard me sing will be happy to know that I almost never sing at the Piano Bar!) So come out and welcome our Starr back!

Season Kick-Off

So the big event in May is The Russian River Women's Weekend. May 17^th through the 20^th. So many events going on around this event. The key points in my book are the Craft Fair on the walking bridge in down town. It�s a great space to get some wonderful hand crafts and other gifts. Do take a moment to check it out. Also for the ladies there are some great pool parties around town, everything from the mild to the wild. The big night in my mind is Saturday Night Comedy at the RRR. Julia Jackson is a comedienne and solo artist known for her biting social commentary, as well as actually biting audience members from time to time. This rising comedy star has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and was a Semi‑Finalist in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. Her solo performance piece �Turbulence� was selected for the 2006 San Francisco Theater Festival, and the 2006 San Francisco Solo Festival. Julia appeared in the film �Some Prefer Cake�, and has worked with Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, and Paul Mooney. So for all the details on the weekend check out www.rrwomensweekend.com.

Show Me the Funny

And since I�m talking about the RRR it�s so exciting to say that the talented Ida Slapter is coming for the Memorial Day Weekend.   The life of Ida Slapter as an Internationally Renowned Drag Queen began when she arrived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with "a pair of pumps, two gowns and a tackle‑box full of cosmetics". Now she's back at the RRR for a return engagement. A potty mouth through and through � part high‑spirited filly, torch singer and dock worker . Her show is one of the best ever at the Resort and you really can�t call yourself a river rat if you miss it. Also joining her is Kim Kuzma. Heard worldwide, Kim's award winning debut CD release Contradictions received rave reviews by critics & fans alike and held the No.1 spot on the HMV Vancouver Indie Sales Charts for over 7 and a‑half months. Walt Grealis, founder of the Canadian Juno Awards, called Contradictions, �pretty powerful stuff�.

Voted Canada's Best Independent Artist in 2001 by fans at canadian‑music.com, Kim Kuzma continues to build on her career with her bold new release Who You Are featuring a remix of Bagdad Caf� hit Calling You, The Beach Boys� God Only Knows and Kuzma originals I�d Miss You, Come Along and Price You Pay.

It�s Bigger Than You Think

So just four and half miles up the road from Guerneville you have the lovely little hamlet (don�t ya just love it when I break out my thesaurus?) of Monte Rio. Beyond the beach and such is the Rio Theater, the best little movie house west of the 101. I love this space. It�s an old  Quonset hut with a great mural on it�s side. And the movie screen is HUGE! Anyway why am I talking about this? Well on May 2 they are showing  Blades of Glory. Ok so it�s not really a LGBT film, but who cares! A comedy about two guys who have to team up to skate always get a big plus in my book. And if you haven�t been to the movies they have, you should really take the time. You need to make sure you have one of Don�s Dogs. Some of the best dogs in the world. And now towards the end of the month you have one of my favorite things (Ok so at times I�m a bit of a shallow Queen, it�s true) really cute guys in spandex! They are showing Spiderman 3. Now I don�t know about you, but I really personally try and not have to schlep into Santa Rosa just to see a movie and I love the fact that we have a good movie house here on the river.

So May is the start of our Summer season here. I do know that I feel we are going to have a great Summer. Oh and a quick note in parting. Up the River on Main Street has some new swim wear. Be sure to check the new gear out. Tell �em Mz. Alice Dee sent you. (Note there is no discount because some Drag Queen sent you, but it�s just fun to say my name really. Try it some time and you�ll see what I mean.)

Website Relaunch!  Version Three-Point-Ohmygoodness�

To wrap this up you need to check out the new design on www.gayrussianriver.com The total redesign has been months in work and it is so wonderful. The work that has been put into the page has paid off so much. Beyond all the best of the river they have shown the truly amazing insight to give this Queen space called River Dish. Click on that outrageous photo of your favorite River Queen and Social Director (that would be me by the by) to keep up on all the best dish around here.

So beyond witty banter over cocktails around town (or the occasional catty remark) Mz. Alice Dee is the evil twin of Owen Edwards who hosts a weeklyish Radio show on KGGV 95.1 L.P. three weeks out of four on Sundays at 9 p.m. So if you have any great ideas about events around town or prophetic thoughts to share feel free to send a email to [email protected].

March went out like a lamb, yeah it�s clich� but it�s one that I enjoy saying.  So on March 17th besides being Saint Patty�s day ( and I have to let everyone who wasn�t there, you missed some great corn beef and cabbage at the Rainbow Cattle Company. www.queersteer.com for more information on the Rainbow).  It was also the annual Russian River Closet Ball. This event every year transforms a group of folks. Literally even.
You're introduced to the contestant as one gender and then they are whisked away to a secret location (I think it was room 14 at the Russian River Resort. But I could be wrong), then transformed into the other gender. Stuart once again worked his magic and his contestant won the show. And Michael a.k.a. Kay Sarah was just luscious for the evening.

This event was a benefit for the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. And let me tell you a good time was had by all. The crowd was wonderful, the raffle tickets were being sold by the dozen and yes it is true that I was also selling tickets and enjoying a good cocktail.
And while it�s always good to touch on the past events, but lets get into why your really reading this article. That would be what�s going on in April.

April on the River

All I have to say to this is �spring has sprung� and this queen for one is quite pleased as punch for this. Not that I dislike winter, but the sun and the boys around the pool are always welcome. There are some truly fun events going on around Guerneville this month; as always. And I�m here to tell you all about them.

Lets start off with the inspiring events put on this month by the Russian River Order of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Staring off the month on the 6th, Good Friday is the anniversary of the RR Order.  It�s so amazing that this small town area on the River has an order of the Sisters. With orders all around the world, we as a community are truly blessed to this group of hard working �gals� here. The event is at Wild Jane's (4th and Mill street). This time around the group isn�t hosting a fund raiser, they are actually giving away money. It is a grant give away. So come on out and show your support for the Order. For more information on anything about the sisters look at www.rrsisters.org

Speaking of the Sisters

The BINGO game this month is on the 14th. �It�s Elementary�. The game benefits the Forestville Elementary School Arts Program. Of course I don�t need to get into all the wonder of BINGO with the Sisters, but I will mention this. The RR Order is currently the only order of Sisters in this part of the state doing BINGO, San Francisco is currently between venues. So we are again blessed by the presence of our Order. The games start at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6. But you need to really be in line early, I�m told some folks show up at 4:30 to make sure they get in. The game does sell out. Also show up with an appetite.  They serve good food and nibbles, along with great organic, fair trade coffee donated by Coffee Bazaar. So make a evening out of it. Cost of the game is $15 for one set of cards, $20 for two. Oh and on the topic of the Sisters, I did promise Sister Dawna Matrix that I would mention her new Radio show on KGGV 95.1 �Bad Habits� is on every Thursday at 7 p.m. If you would like more info take a look at www.kggvfm.org. And just for fun, since we are talking about the radio, if you have the desire to listen to information about HIV and how it affects all of us, tune into Hunters show every Monday at 12 also on KGGV.

And since we are on coffee, did you know that Coffee Bazaar along with Twice Told Books (Located at 14045 Armstrong Woods Rd) host every other Thursday nights a open mic? The event brings out some great local talent. Starting at 6:30 and running through until 9 p.m. You can sit and enjoy the music with a good cup of java and carrot cake. The event has no cover charge, but they do accept donations for local school arts programs. The dates in April are the 6th and 20th.

Live Entertainment

About music around town, I wanted to let everyone who doesn�t know that my good friend Karen Mars is playing piano at the Road House (located inside Dawn Ranch) on Friday and Saturday nights. She is such a talented pianist. I�m always happy to go and hang out with a glass of wine, good company and listen to her play.

Now I want to tell you about the scheduled events at the Russian River Resort. Now if you haven�t been in there in awhile, your not going to recognize the place. And yes it�s true the restaurant is truly amazing.
The new chief besides being just so darn cute, is one great cook. The new menu is diverse and well rounded. I personally love the pizza that they are doing these days. And of course the best thing is that they have something on the menu for every budget. At present time the restaurant is open Thursday through Monday with a Sunday brunch to die for. Ok, so that�s great but really what�s going on around the place I�m sure your thinking about now. So Tuesdays are being called these days �A night on the Rox with a twist of Judy� or you could say Ladies nights.
 

With a light dinner benefiting Women�s health issues at the our health clinic, it�s a night to be at the resort. Thursday are �Ugly Betty�
nights. And then comes my favorite things, Wednesday and Friday through Sundays we have Country Dan doing Karaoke. Also on that schedule is Christine Therisa Laporte. Our own Russian River Psychic who�s web page can be seen at www.rrpsychic.com Though if you can only make it once a week to the RRR it should be Saturday Nights. The resort hosts a different comedian each week, with the exception of BINGO Weeks. The show starts at 9 p.m. and has the low cover of $5.

You should think about coming on the 7th. Karen Ripley is the performer. Karen has always brought down the house at the RRR. Her deadpan delivery, inspired rubber facial expressions and quirky take on gay life is always funny as all get out. She is one of the funniest lesbians on the planet in my book. Every time she shows up here on the River she has the audience crying with laughter. Check out her web site at http://www.karenripley.com

April 21 Nick Leonard is in the house. This guy is also a return comedian to the RRR. He has for the past six years hosted the gay comedy showcase in San Francisco. Currently now at the Jon Sims Center as of January 2006. He also performed regularly at the legendary Josie's Cabaret in San Francisco. http://www.nickleonard.net is the page to click to for more information on him.
 

Fireworks Fundraiser

And finally to wrap up the column this month, on April 17th the Rainbow Cattle Company will be hosting a Give Back Tuesday befitting the 4th of July Fireworks Display. Yes it�s true that this year we are going to have fireworks again And while I lobbied to do the Fireworks on the 6th (my 35th birthday and I personally would love to have that day end with a bang) we are going for the first. Anyway on the 17th the bar donates 10% of all bar sales to the event. We are planning on kicking off the party at 6 p.m. with raffle tickets and fun, at 7 p.m. getting some food and even more fun going. And look for other fund-raising events through the next few months around he Fireworks.

Mz. Alice Dee is the evil twin of Owen Edwards. Between writing for various LGBT publications, Owen also hosts �We The People Radio� every Sunday at 9 p.m. on KGGV L.P. 95.1 fm. You can send any questions or comments about events around town to [email protected]