Out and About with Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Eve, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Alan Cumming and Ellen Barkin

New York City is a grand place and it's the only city that offers the Gay Community options in both day-life and nightlife. Our city’s culture starts with Art/Fashion and ends with Food/Nightlife. That being said read on to recent happenings in our city.

I was at the grand opening of the Atlas Social Club, the newest hotspot to hit Hell's Kitchen. It was a magical night as the Crème de la Crème of New York City came together to show their love and respect for the fabulous creators of ASC Josh Wood, Pablo Raimondi, Benjamin Maisani and Asi Mazar. Let me tell you - the concept, decor and location are brilliant.

I sat and chatted with restaurateur Chef Michael Guerrieri of City Sandwich. His restaurant is just doors down from the new spot. He was very excited at the opening and he gave them rave reviews. I have to say our city is blessed to have a new gay opening as it will add to the greatness of the Hell's Kitchen area.

Whoopi Goldberg and Chef Michael Guerrieri

The retro athletic decor of ASC is dressed in vintage photographs along with news clippings/magazine covers of boxers/wrestlers and boxing gloves. It has a chill, yet exclusive social club feel, minus the cigar smoking. The cocktails were as delicious as the bartenders. At the door were notables Aaron and Brian. The venue was filled with the sounds of DJ Sam Chiera who turned it out.

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos

As you know, every deck of cards has Four Kings, and now so does New York City Nightlife. They've put their best foot forward as they entered the Hell's Kitchen community, and with that, I say Bravo Boys Bravo!

Eve with ASC with owners Benjamin Maisani,
Josh Wood, Pablo Raimondi and Asi Mazar

From what I hear, Sammy Jo of the Scissor Sisters will be doing a party at the Atlas Social Club, so stay tuned, gays, more to come.

Seen at the opening: Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Alan Cumming, Ellen Barkin, Tony Cortopassi, Bassam Ghabra, James and May Famularo, Ashley Javier, Edwin Joel Vazquez, Christopher Jiménez and Next Magazine's Alex Erikson and Gustavo Monroy. Check out: www.atlassocialclub.com

Then it was off to show support for God Save the Queen at XL Cabaret. The night was blessed with the sounds of DJ Miss Guy and the show was hosted by Mistress Formika who whipped the night into shape starting with a straight supporter whose comment when asked, "What brings you here" was "It's a hobby.” Well, Miss Formika, let him have it! Saving gays should not be a hobby; it should be a way of life…Thank you.

Miss Guy and Mistress Formika

The evening was sponsored by Stoli Premium Vodka and produced by New York nightlife producers Lyle Derek & Noah Valentyn. It was to benefit the Spectrum Human Rights Alliance which will help put an end to the LGBT injustices in Russia.

Katrina Darling

The show opened with a royal performance by Katrina Darling, you know Kate Middleton’s cousin, the wife of Prince William. Yes, she's a burlesque queen and a Playboy cover model. She has no shame in showing her jewels...Love It.

Svetlana Stoli, Dallas Dubois and Maddelynn Hatter

Darling along with Sherry Vine, Thorgy Thor, Michael Cavadias, Tina Burner, Cher Noble, Keyke and Joey Arias came together to help shed awareness on the crisis in Russia. Congratulations on a job well done. Check out: www.spectrumhr.org

Tash and Malan Breton 
at the showing of his new collection

Off to the showing of Malan Breton’s new collection held at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The line is magnificent. His men's wear is classic, and his women's wear is stylish with vibrant tones and an edgy feel.  I sat with Tash, the gorgeous model, and we took in each outfit and model that walked the runway. Congratulations to designer Malan Brenton and the show's director Luis Villabon. Great show!  www.malanbreton.com

Congratulations:

Miss Fire Island 2013 Roxy Brooks, Miss Cherry Grove 2013 Dallas DuBois, Entertainer 2013 Bootsie LeFaris and Miss Ice Palace 2013 Brenda Dharling.

Mao Padilha, Happy 15th Anniversary of MAO Public Relations.

Michael McGrail, Happy 16th Anniversary of G Lounge.

Eddy Barrena, Happy Birthday. Dinner at Bamboo 52 was delicious.
It was a pleasure seeing Meg, Mila Jam, Judah Gavra, and all the boys!

Best always,

Frankie C.

Email me at: thecolumnbyfrankiec@gmail.com
Website: www.odysseymagazine.net

Follow me on twitter: @FrankieC_
The Blog: www.thecolumnbyfrankiec.blogspot.com

A Night Out in New York City

It was time to kick off Gay Pride 2013 the Friday before, and what better way to do it than at Mark Nelson's The F Word?!  It was a grand night filled with great friends who came together for fun and frolicking at Splash Bar in Chelsea.

We toasted and celebrated the birthday of Mr. Sexy himself, DJ Eddie Baez. Some of his guests were: the hottest couple in reality TV land, Melissa Gorga and Joe Gorga of Real Housewives of New Jersey, DJ Mike Cruz, Colton Ford, The Men of David Barton and the night Hosts Lady Havokk, Willie Estrella, Thorgy Thor, Vincent Vega, Shane Mercado, Jake Benson, Michele Kegler, San Pedro, Oscar Grullon, Jesse Helinski, David Sepe, and (dancer turned actor) Matthew Camp.  No party would be complete without some of my nightlife photographer buddies, Jeff Eason, Andrew Werner and Jason Russo, who also made an appearance and snapped away as DJ Eddie Baez filled the venue with delicious beats for party goers who danced the night away.

I kept looking for Rosemarie Pierri aka "Rosie", but couldn't find her. I want to show some love, extend a hand and say, "Doll, let me glam you up and turn you out. We can cinch the waist, fluff the hair, pop on a touch of makeup and, bam, you'll have the fem girls chasing after you. You’ll be my "Eliza Doolittle" from "My Fair Lady"

We needed to pump in some theater for Pride Month so Caesar Monroy and I made our way to Red Bank, NJ to see "Present Laughter" at the Two River Theater Company.

"Present Laughter," directed by David Lee and written by Noel Coward as a vehicle for himself, is a joyous homage to the theater and to those who dedicated themselves to keeping it alive. In the style and taste of the script, you can see Noel Coward was ahead of his time. The actors in the 2013 production gave new life to the characters as they added a fresh feel for the theater of today.

The show set in London, England, in the drawing room of an aging English stage matinee idol “Garry Essendine” played Michael Crumpsty and was grand. It seemed as if the character was an overgrown man-child that always needed coddling and nurturing from all who surrounded him. Crumpsty gave a great performance.

“Miss Erikson” played by Camille Saviola is amazingly funny, and I'm glad the character was portrayed with life rather than a boring old housemaid. As Saviola moved about the stage fluffing pillows, belting out for the butler to come, watering plants, and even opening the door as guests arrived, she never once lost the cigarette that lay on her lip and bounced up and down as she spoke. Her comedy flair is brilliant, full of life, and not to be missed.

The full cast of "Present Laughter" should be looked at as the Crème de la Crème in Sophisticated Comedy. The actors chosen were incredible in their roles: Hayley Treider as "Daphne Stillington"; Veanne Cox as "Monica Reed"; Richard Hollis as "Fred"; Kaitlin Hopkins as "Liz Essendine"; Cole Escola as "Roland Maule"; Mark Capri  as "Hugo Lyppiatt"; James Riordan as "Morris Dixon"; Leighton Bryan as "Joanna Lyppiatt"; and Robin Moseley as "Lady Saltburn".

The show transcends well into today’s market. It’s scintillating with a whole lot of wonderful twists and turns, and its characters seem self-centered with an underlying love for each other. All I can ask is...When is it coming to New York City? This is the stuff Broadway should be made of.

The summer heat is here, Gays, and with that I popped in to Franco DiLuzio & Mark Lander’s “Summer Share HK” at Bartini Ultra Lounge in Hell's Kitchen.

Walking into Bartini was like stepping onto a stage with music conductor, DJ Whitney Day, who orchestrated a beautiful musical score for the production of the night.  The “cast” staff dressed in Rufskin swim gear and played their parts as they presented a special CD release of Dimitri Minucci's "Who We Are".

Minucci performed as first Lady of Bartini Bootsie LeFaris who served up her jello shots as dazzling duo Vincent Vega and Andy Sween glided like dancers across the floor. Every production has to have a leading man, and Bartini's leading man is Ricky De Cleva who is Sociable, Sweet and Sexy. I say it’s one night not to be missed, and it’s every Friday.

It’s always a pleasure when the LGBTQ community comes together for a great cause. That being said, Jeff Eason and I made our way to the “Shred of Hope” event at Rootstein Mannequins. The event was sponsored by David Lauterstein, CEO of Nasty Pig in Chelsea. The event was to raise money for the Ali Forney Center. All bids on a Shred of Hope tee shirt will support the next generation of LGBTQ youth.

The event was hosted by celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz. He and Alan Cumming, Jake Shears, Michael Stipe, Ally Sheedy, John Cameron Mitchell, Dustin Lance Black, Casey Spooner and Adam Lambert personalized a one-of-a-kind tee shirt that was a work of art and put up for auction online.

David Lauterstein, Thank you for reaching out a helping hand into the community. It was great chatting with you, and I look forward to your next event. It was also a pleasure to see Rowan Pierce and Jay Roth. 

Gays in film... "The Go Doc Project", directed by Cory James Krueckeberg, stars Tanner Cohen as “Doc” and Matthew Camp as “Go”. It’s a film based in New York City, the concrete jungle. It shows the hardships of being gay, falling in love, boys’ cyber-obsession with a GoGo Dancer, GoGo Dancer plays hardball but sweet, boy gets dancer involved in project, boy gets involved beyond project, dancer gets comfortable with boy, boy walks in on dancer having sex with another, dancer falls for boy, dancer and boy have one last night, boy moves away and dancer is crushed by losing boy.

The film was fun and if you get a chance, see it. A number of scenes were shot at Splash Bar and you’ll see a few faces you might know. Wine and chips were served at the screening giving it a cocktail-ish feel. The movie was hot. Cohen was adorable and, yes of course, Camp flashed his boyish smile which wins your heart. It’s a summer fling movie, but they are definitely not Danny and Sandy in Grease...a lot of skin is shown. Hey, see the film and when you get home, all I can say is “sweet dreams”.

Congratulations to newlyweds Jonny and JJ Mack. Thank you for the invite. I was honored to have been a guest at your wedding. I'm wishing you both all the best in life and all that love has to offer. You guys are One Big Mac...Love it.

At the wedding: Franco DiLuzio, Mark Lander, Vincent Vega, Hrran, Gabriel Joseph Anthony, Nathan Kelly and Bill Coleman.

Happy Birthday, Nic Graziani!

Check Out:
mistersocialnyc.com for Curated Events for the Modern Gay Man
“The Way I Am” Colton Ford on iTunes

Best always,
Frankie C.
Email: thecolumnbyfrankiec@gmail.com
Follow me on Twitter: @FrankieC_
The Blog: www.thecolumnbyfrankiec.blogspot.com

"Kinky Boots is not just a musical...it’s a reality!"

"Kinky Boots is not just a musical...it’s a reality!"
Frankie C "The Column" Odyssey Magazine

 

It was time to hit the Gay White Way... Broadway, that is. So, my cohort Jeff Eason and I made our way up the legendary road for some high-heel stepping madness to see the new hit musical, "Kinky Boots". The dazzling trio behind “…Boots” is director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell; book by Harvey Fierstein, and music/lyrics by Cyndi Lauper.  “Kinky Boots” is not only a musical, but it also depicts reality, being based on the true story behind the 2005 film of the same name.  “Kinky Boots” has given Broadway a swift kick in the ass that it’s been needing for some time, and what better way to do it than with a man in high-heel boots and a straight man, both serving up drama as they look to be loved and understood by others... but mostly by their fathers.

“Kinky Boots the Musical” stars the talented Billy Porter as “Lola”, a high-heeled drag queen searching for the true meaning of life and what she's meant to be. She meets the handsome "Charlie Price" played by the talented Stark Sands who's trying to sort out and understand his own life and where he wants to be. The two find each other in a very unusual way, and in doing so, they team up to breathe life back into the failing shoe factory Price inherited from his father. When they find inner meaning for themselves and each other, the two men (one gay and one straight) demonstrate love for each other, seeing beyond sexuality, and living the truth that even though we're all different, in the end, we all want to be loved.

As the lead characters grow from young boys into manhood (young Lola - Marquise Neal, and young Charlie - Sebastian Hedges Thomas), the audience can view their own lives and the changes we've all made in becoming who we are as adults. Yes, it’s true, Broadway's had its drag before on many different levels, but not like “Kinky Boots”. The show is about freedom to express who you are; and that many individuals have their own rainbows of many different colors that illustrate how they want their life to be.

The cast of Annaleigh Ashford, Celina Carvajal, Daniel Stewart Sherman, Marcus Neville, the Angels (Joey Taranto, Paul Canaan, Kevin Smith Kirkwood, Kyle Post, Charlie Sutton, and Kyle Taylor Parker) and the Ensemble group belted out each song as they pranced around on stage like golden swans.  Half way through the first act, I could just feel a Tony coming on, and I don't mean the tiger. As it’s said in the show and I quote: "Papa's got a brand new shoe" and "The sex is in the heel"... I love it. Billy Porter has the bigness of Jenifer Lewis and the elegance of Whitney Houston.

The show will teach you the difference between being a man, a drag queen, and a transsexual, if you don't already know. Hey, I've always said, "A man who can turn out drag with the utmost attitude will transcend what being fabulous is all about.” Snap to it, gays, and get your tickets to see “Kinky Boots”.  It’s not to be missed.For more information check out: www.kinkybootsthemusical.com   

Best always,

Frankie C.

Email me at: thecolumnbyfrankiec@gmail.com

Follow me on twitter: @FrankieC_
The Blog: www.thecolumnbyfrankiec.blogspot.com

Breaking bread with Reality Star, "Ramona Rizzo" of VH1's “Mob Wives”, in New York City's Little Italy in downtown Manhattan was enjoyable and interesting. The area once called home by a highly populated Italian community, “Director Martin Scorsese”, “Actor Robert De Niro” and the location for the film "Mean Streets", yet it’s still called home by many Italians today and was the perfect setting to meet the Italian Princess.

As we strolled through the streets of Little Italy making our way to the trendy Bowery Diner, I was thinking, "These are the same streets her Grandfather, Benjamin ‘Lefty Guns’ Ruggiero walked before her.” In the movie, “Donnie Brasco”, her Grandfather was played by “Al Pacino” and it made movie history. The Italian community as well as so many others watched the “Godfather” and “Sopranos” as they romanticized their love and obsession for the Mafia. Now in the year 2012, the ladies have come forth to let their voices be heard in the hit series, “Mob Wives”   

Ramona is the mother of four: Giovanni, Anissa, Melina, and Gianna. While chatting with her as we walked, she talked so lovingly of her family, and as any good Italian will tell you, "Being Italian is about Family, Honor, Loyalty and Respect", and I will say this, she lives all four and has many other great qualities that others may only wish to possess and call their own.

Being Italian and from Little Italy, let me say that after meeting Ramona, I felt she could have grown up in Little Italy among the girls in the neighborhood. Most Italian girls are raised to care, speak what's on their mind, and let people know where they stand. She believes like most Italians, "You mess with me, you’re gonna get hit", and she stands up for her rights and the rights of others. She is supportive of many causes including the  LGBTQ Community. 

Ask yourself, do you really know Ramona Rizzo? Is she as they make her out to be on the show - hard and mean; or is she just human? Having met with her several times, I will say she holds herself like a lady, is soft spoken, and speaks kindly others, even of some who would be shocked if they heard her kind words. Like anyone else in their right mind, she would say, "You push me, I'm going to push you back", and we in the LGBTQ Community can attest to that because we’ve all been pushed around and we're all standing up for our rights as is she.

She's Fun, Feisty and Fabulous... Dear Gays I give you, Miss Ramona Rizzo....

FC: Since signing onto “Mob Wives” in Season Two, how has the life of Ramona Rizzo changed?

RR: I'm still me. With or without the cameras I will say that it's exciting and fun. You know when someone comes up and asks for my autograph, it makes me smile and I have to say thank you.

FC: Your life’s had many twists and turns. Which one are you most proud of, and which would you change if you could?

RR: I’m most proud that my children and I are together. If I could change the fact that people think I am brazen when in fact I am sensitive.

FC: How much of your on camera personality is true to life?

RR: They only show the one side of me rather than the well-rounded person who is funny, loving, caring and protective of the people I love.

FC: Where does your inspiration in your life come from?

RR: People who have a backbone like my Grandmother, Grandfather and even Scarlet O'Hara. “Hey anyone who can take a drape and make a dress and turn it out in diva style gets points”

FC: When they introduced you onto the show, did you hit the ground running?

RR: I gave them what they wanted, but kept true to myself whenever allowed.

FC: What is expected of you as a cast member?

RR: They depicted me as the bitch. I mean we all have “50 Shades of Grey” when we need to be or when crossed.

FC: Now that the show has signed on for Season Three, what should we expect from Ramona?

RR: If all is shown, you will see the many sides of Ramona - the good and def not just bad. I've filmed so much, but only a select few scenes have been chosen.

FC: Is it easy being you?

RR: No.

FC: What is Ramona Rizzo up to in her everyday life?

RR: Mother first, reality personality and always a mother.

FC: Regarding business, what do you have going on?

RR: I'm in talks on writing a book about my life story, and I have a jewelry line I'm designing. I'm the spokesperson for “Bronze Glow” a spray tan line my sister Roxinne Rizzo created which can be purchased on my website www.ramonarizzo.com. I also have a few other projects that are in the process and they will be posted on my web site when its time.

FC: Has the show opened new doors for you?

RR: Yes.

FC: If someone was going to sign on to a reality show, what advice would you give them?

RR: Know what you signed up for and what the rules and regulations are for the game.

FC: The Gays, as you know, love you and they have said, “She has style and she’s put together well.” “I am so happy she’s not rolling all over the floor like the others.” “She’s a Diva and a Lady…she knows how to carry herself and knows what to wear.” All that being said, what can you add to that?

RR: I was raised with understanding and self-respect, yet I'm not the person you want to fuck with, but I am the person you will call if you’re being fucked with.

FC: What things in life do you stand by?

RR: Morals, loyalty, respect, and never giving up on what you want to accomplish.

FC: We know from the show title, “Mob Wives”, what the show is about and your life’s history, but we never really see Ramona Rizzo for who she is as a person and that’s what people want to know. Who is Ramona Rizzo?

RR: Business woman, loyal person and first and foremost, a mother.

FC: Why was it important for you to do Mob Wives?

RR: Financial reasons and to set a few people straight on the show - bring them back to reality.

FC: What is your ultimate goal in life?

RR: To be able to support my children, be happy, and live in peace.

FC: What is the wildest thing that’s happened to you since you became a Reality Star?

RR: I was on Sunset Blvd and one of the double decker buses pulled up as I was crossing the street. They were pointing and saying, "Oh my god, that's the girl from Mob Wives". I laughed out loud and felt like livestock. But it was amusing and I did it enjoy it.

FC: How has the Italian community embraced the show?

RR: It’s been divided. It’s not just the Italians, it’s people in general. I say, "Hey if you don't like the show, change the channel."

FC: When people meet you in person, what seems to shock them the most?

RR: How nice I am, and that I'm not that tall.

FC: In sitting with you, I have to say your laughter is brilliant. I have to ask - why did they go with a strong edge on each of the cast members?

RR: You know, they want to show the hardness as to what the mob is about.

FC: What is your life quote?

RR: To really know me is to laugh with me - but to really love me is to cry for me.

FC: Mob Wives returns?

RR: We began filming Season 3 of Mob Wives and it is scheduled to premiere in January 2013.

FC: Where can our readers find you and/or follow you?

RR: My web site: www.ramonarizzo.com twitter: ramonarizzovh1
instagram: ramonarizzo and Facebook: ramonarizzomobwives

Best Always,

Frankie C
Email me at: thecolumnbyfrankiec@gmail.com
Follow me on twitter: @FrankieC_
The Blog: www.thecolumnbyfrankiec.blogspot.com

Frankie C goes head to head with fellow New Yorker and recording artist, Ari Gold.

They cover ground from the start of his music career to the present moment… 

FC:  How did you get started in the music industry?
AG:  I recorded my first record when I was 6 for CBS called “Pot Belly Bear”. I made my national television debut on the Joe Franklin Show when I was 7 years old singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and “Give My Regards to Broadway”.

FC:  Who's inspired you to go forth as an artist?
AG:  I was born an artist. I started writing songs when I was 14. I was writing soap operas before that.

FC:  What's been your greatest artist moment?
AG:  I don’t think I’ve had it yet, but I’ve certainly been very proud of my albums, videos and live shows. I’m really proud of my one-man show, “Bashert” that I did this past summer as part of the New York Musical Theater Festival.

FC:  Do you write your own songs/music?
AG:  Melody, lyrics, sometimes chord progressions. I love collaborating with other musicians and write the top line to a track, or write with a guitarist or keyboardist.

FC:  When writing a new song, where do you get the story?
AG:  If I stayed home for the rest of my life, I’d still have an endless supply of stories, emotions, heartbreak, love and passion... all of it!

FC:  You're always reinventing yourself. What drives you?
AG:  The creative process. I live for it.

FC:  You have several videos out. Of which are you the most proud?
AG:  I have a special place for my first video, “Wave Of You”, that Guy Guido directed.  It was filmed on Fire Island which has such a rich gay history, and it’s a tribute to Herb Ritts. I think my last video, “My Favorite Religion”, really brings to the forefront the themes of religion and sexuality that I’ve been exploring; and it was beautifully shot and edited by David Graham and Alessandro Calza.

FC:  Do you remember your first performance? Tell us about it.
AG:  My first New York gig as a grown up with my original music was at Meow Mix which was an east village lesbian club. My Mom ended up dancing with some cute girl.  Hilarious!

FC:  What was the wildest question anyone’s asked you?
AG:  Can I stick my toe in your ass? I don’t know!

FC:  When did you find your interest in DJing?
AG:  I started DJing at The Cock like 10 years ago. DJing is a very natural thing to do for a musician and songwriter. I love music, so how can I not be a DJ who plays music I love for other people?

FC:  As an Out Artist, what effect has being Out had on your career?
AG:  It’s been quite a journey. Every year, I feel more and more grateful to have been a voice within pop music in this moment in history of achieving our equality. Easy, it has not been, but it’s been incredibly gratifying. I made a lot of sacrifices, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

FC:  Tell us about the new single you have coming out?
AG: “Play My F**kn Record”! It’s from my last studio album, but is also the lead single for my upcoming remix album. The remixes are hot and the “Country Club Martini Crew” mix is the version we’re going to radio with.

FC:  Is there an Album in the works?
AG:  My remix album has songs from all four of my studio albums, and a couple of brand new tracks I’m recording right now that are awesome. Jared Jones has been a godsend in working with me to get some amazing mixes. He produced one of the new songs I wrote. It should be out by spring.

FC:  Who do you look forward to working with on the film side of the industry?
AG:  I’m really looking forward to working with Lisa Ades who is an award winning documentarian. We’re putting together a very cool doc about my work, my family, and my life.

FC:  Has the LGBTQ Community been supportive of you?
AG:  I would not have a career if not for the LGBTQ community, so yes, they have.  I’ve been an OUT100, received a Decade of Achievement Award from the LGBT Expo, the Odyssey Award for Best Nightlife Performer, and just received LARA’s (The LGBT Academy Of Music) “Visionary Award” at the Outmusic Awards, and that’s only the awards! I love my gays and when I say “my gays” it’s not in the heterosexual celebrity way of trying to appeal to their gay core. They really are my gays because I am gay.

FC:  Who would you be interested in working with and why?
AG:  I’d love to work with Harvey Fierstein. Just met Sia recently and would love to write with her. Ron Fair for vocal production. Oh yeah, and Madonna.

FC:  Where do you find the strength to endure the daily grind of the Music Industry?
AG:  Have I found the strength? Then tell me where I put it! LOL... I’ve been in show business for 30 years now. There are ups, there are downs, but thankfully anytime I’ve felt like I couldn’t go on, my fans have kept me going and always reminded me why my work is important and that they need me. Much gratitude. My parents and my brothers, Elon and Steven, give me tons of support that I am so blessed to have. I happen to think maybe my greatest talent is finding and keeping good friendships. It takes work. Communication. Honesty. I do need to meditate more.

FC:  As an Artist, do you think the nightlife scene has changed, and how so?
AG:  Drastically. You used to be able to go out to the gay clubs and hear dance and house music that you never heard before and the crowd actually loved that. Now people still request Rihanna after the DJ just played one of her songs. But if I start complaining about it, I’ll just sound like an old curmudgeon! Gay clubs started trends. Now they follow them. But gay people in the arts are still at the forefront of culture; don’t get it twisted.

FC:  Tell us about the filming of "Play My F**kn Record”?
AG:  After years of talking about working together, I’m finally working with Francis Legge. We’re doing a 3D Video and we already shot the scene of me running naked in the streets of NYC holding a sign that says, “Play My F**kn Record.” It was very liberating. I’m just glad I didn’t get arrested! Michael Musto, Sherry Vine, designer Jamie Drake, Michael Lucas, Laverne Cox, recording artist Meg, Eddy Barrena, Peppermint, and some “Drag Race” royalty make cameos. You can see the 3D teaser on indiegogo.com.

FC:  How did you go from Ari Gold to Sir Ari Gold?
AG:  I was knighted by a drag queen at the Night of a Thousand Gowns by the Imperial Court of New York which is one of the oldest human rights organizations working today. Considering the importance of drag in the gay rights movement, kneeling in front of a drag queen is quite an honor!

FC:  What would you like our readers to know about Ari Gold?
AG:  Ari Gold is an agent...of love.

Web Site:  www.arigold.com
ITunes: SIR ARI GOLD:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sir-ari-gold/id453152740?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
ARI GOLD: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ari-gold/id4227877?uo=4
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SirAriGold
YouTube:  www.youtube.com/sirarigold
Indiegogo:  www.indiegogo.com/SirAriGold3D 

Best always,

Frankie C.

Email me at: thecolumnbyfrankiec@gmail.com

Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/FrankieC

The Blog: www.thecolumnbyfrankiec.blogspot.com

photo:  wilsonmodels.com, grooming: Josh Galarza,location home of:  Dr. Rob Levy, Dex tanning spray.