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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Ann Hampton Callaway Talks BGMC Concert (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway about her upcoming performance with the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) on March 16th at Jordan Hall in Boston, MA at 8P. The concert entitled "Melodies for a Movement" will highlight the "Tyler’s Suite" that sheds light on the devastating impact of cyber-harassment and bullying that our LGBTQ youth continue to face. Tyler Clementi was the accomplished violinist who took his life in 2010 after being cyber-bullied by his Rutgers roommate for being gay. This powerful performance will feature a suite in nine movements for chorus with a solo violin performance dedicated to the memory of Tyler Clementi. The "Tyler’s Suite" was created under the leadership of Composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin) and explores the voices and experiences of Tyler and his family through the music of eleven of today’s top composers including Ann Hampton Callaway. "Melodies for a Movement" will also feature a cabaret set by Callaway one of America's most gifted and prolific artists. Through the stirring composition of "Tyler’s Suite" and the mesmerizing performance by Ann Hampton Callaway this fabulous concert event will evoke empathy, foster understanding and promote acceptance. Especially in these difficult times with over 600 anti LGBTQ bills in states across the country, women's rights continue to be on the chopping block, antisemitism and hate crimes on the rise all as we head toward the 2024 presidential election. We talked to Ann about what she hopes to accomplish with her music and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Ann Hampton Callaway is one of America’s most gifted artists in pop and jazz. A leading champion of the great American Songbook she’s made her mark as a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, educator, TV host and producer. Voted by Broadway World as “Celebrity of the Year” and two years in a row as “Best Jazz Vocalist” Ann is a born entertainer. She is best known for Tony-nominated performance in the hit Broadway musical “Swing!” and for writing and singing the theme song to the hit TV series “The Nanny.” Her latest CD “Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1” premiered number 1 in Jazz on Amazon. Currently Ann is working on “Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 2”. The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus founded in 1982 is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses consisting of over 200 voices. "Melodies for a Movement" honors Tyler Clementi's memory while igniting the flame of positive change to build a world where every individual is cherished for exactly who they are. For More Info & Tix...

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Jason A. Rodriguez Talks New Way Vogue Events (AUDIO)


 




In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with dancer/actor Jason A. Rodriguez at the 2024 National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Conference that took place in New Orleans, LA. Creating Change is the foremost political, leadership and skills-building conference for our LGBTQ social justice movement. There are also fun events especially when Jason A. Rodriguez the talented dancer/actor from the hit FX series “Pose” presented a workshop on the history, importance and elements of Vogue. This year’s conference theme was “Queer Power, Action & Joy” and Jason delivered the joy conducting workshops on New Way Vogue. Jason who played Lamar on “Pose” also served as the movement coach for all three seasons. Currently Rodriguez conducts New Way Vogue classes at the Ailey Studios in NYC. The workshops Jason led at the Creating Change Conference gave the attendees an opportunity to learn the three styles of Voguing. Stretch and precision are key to New Way Vogue allowing the voguers to show off contorted and flexible poses with precision and grace. It’s all accomplished by learning arm controls to show off your control of creating lines, shapes, illusions and face framing movements to the beat of the music in addition to poses, floor work, cat walks, duck walks and dips. Jason also served as one of the judges at the Conference’s “Agents of Change –A Night of a Thousand Stars Mini-Ball” which presented professional and novice Voguers to strut their stuff down the runway. We talked to Jason about his inspiration to carry on the Voguing tradition and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Jason Anthony Rodriguez is a Dominican-American born and raised in Washington Heights in New York City. He was trained in voguing by Benny Ninja, Dorit Koppel and Kevin Wynn. Besides being a series regular on “Pose”, Jason also guest-starred on HBO's The Deuce as Enrico. Rodriguez has taught vogue in various institutions throughout the states as well as internationally in Dominican Republic, Vienna and Japan. Next year’s Creating Change Conference will take place in Las Vegas, NV January 22nd to the 26th, 2025. We want to thank New Orleans and Company for sponsoring our coverage of the 2024 National LGBTQ Task Force Creating Change Conference. For More Info…





 
 
 

Monday, January 29, 2024

Peaches Christ Talks Mink Stole Idol Worship Tour (AUDIO)


 


 



In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with San Francisco's own drag impresario and filmmaker Peaches Christ about her upcoming northeast tour of “Idol Worship: An Evening with Mink Stole and Peaches Christ”. Coming off their sold-out San Francisco shows they’ll be kicking off their northeast Queer theatre tour in Salem, MA on February 14th Valentine’s Day at 7:30P presented by Salem Horror Fest and Cinema Salem. If you're a fan of John Waters' films, Divine, drag history or cult movies you don't want to miss this fabulous event. This heartfelt cabaret show starring living legend and cult film icon Mink Stole alongside Christ who have been close friends for 2 decades will include an evening of storytelling, film clips and performance in a wildly entertaining and uncensored exposé that is as hilarious as it is revealing. The tour then continues on to the Columbus Theatre, Providence, RI on February 15th at 8P, NYC at the Green Room 42 570 Tenth Avenue February 16th & 17th, Punch Line Philly, Philadelphia, PA February 18th and concludes in DC at The Comedy Loft on February 20th. Mink Stole is an original Dreamlander the term for John Waters’ cast and crew regulars across his 50+ years as a filmmaker. Mink has co-starred in every single Waters film dating back to his notorious 1967 short “Roman Candles”. She then created the iconic characters of Connie Marble in “Pink Flamingos”, Taffy Davenport in “Female Trouble” and Dottie Hinkle in “Serial Mom” to name a few. Peaches and Mink will share her decades of cult filmmaking on this intimate tour and more. We talked to Peaches about what she hopes to accomplish with “Idol Worship: An Evening with Mink Stole and Peaches Christ” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Peaches Christ is the alter- ego of writer/director Joshua Grannell whose infamous movie events are self-produced at the Castro Theatre and regularly draw over 1,000 attendees to each new production before they tour. Events have featured special guest stars John Waters, Cloris Leachman, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Linda Blair, Bruce Campbell, Apollonia, Barry Bostwick, Pam Grier and more. Grannell is the writer and director of the feature film “All About Evil” the award-winning dark comedy gore film stars Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Dekker, Cassandra Peterson, Mink Stole and Peaches Christ herself. Peaches Christ has been featured in the films Milk, I Am Divine, Diary Of A Teenage Girl, Mansfield 66/67, Tura!, Scream Queen: My Nightmare On Elm Street, You Don’t Nomi and more. “Idol Worship: An Evening with Mink Stole and Peaches Christ” tickets prices vary with VIP tickets including a post-show meet & greet in a private room and a photo with Mink & Peaches, priority seating in the front rows of the theatre and a signed commemorative event poster. For More Info & Tix...

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Cathy Renna Talks 36th Creating Change Conference (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Cathy Renna, Communications Director for the National LGBTQ Task Force about the upcoming Creating Change Conference that takes place Wednesday January 17th to Sunday January 21st at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans, LA. Creating Change is the foremost political, leadership and skills-building conference for our LGBTQ social justice movement. This year’s 36th annual conference theme is “Queer Power, Action & Joy” and Kierra Johnson, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director will deliver the opening State of the Movement plenary. Raquel Willis the award-winning activist, author and media strategist dedicated to Black transgender liberation will emcee and host the conference. Creating Change continues its long tradition of presenting compelling keynote speakers, presentations, annual awards and more than 100 workshops and caucuses. This year’s Indigenous Leadership Award Honoree will be presented to Jean-Luc Pierite, scholar, advocate and founder of InDigiFab (Tunica-Biloxi). There will also be fun events including special guest Jason Rodriguez the talented dancer/actor from the hit Fox series Pose who will be presenting a workshop on the history, importance and elements of VOGUE. Other fun events will include Gayme Night, Opening Cruise and the Agents of Change Masquerade Ball. Then Big Freedia the nationally recognized hip-hop artist, TV personality and larger-than-life ambassador of New Orleans Bounce music will be dancing her way to Creating Change to perform at the closing plenary. Since 1988 Creating Change has created networking opportunities and inspiration for thousands of committed people to develop and hone their activist skills. We talked to Cathy about what she hopes to accomplish at this year’s Creating Change Conference and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Cathy Renna has been part of the National LGBTQ Task Force’s extended family for decades. Renna is a veteran in the communications industry and serves as the Principal of Target Cue an LGBTQ+ focused communications consultancy. Since her time at GLAAD through the 1990’s Cathy has executed her particular expertise in crisis and strategic communications. She played a central role in shaping nearly all major issues affecting our LGBTQ community from the beating death of Matthew Shepard in 1998 to the fight for marriage equality and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”. In her 30 years of media relations and activism experience Cathy has garnered placements in every major media outlet in the U.S. and internationally including The New York Times, USA Today, The Associated Press, BBC and the Washington Post. Renna lives in Montclair, New Jersey with her wife Karen. She is the proud Mom of Mars who attends HSPVA High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, TX. The National LGBTQ Task Force recognizes that COVID-19 remains an ongoing public health concern and complies with all local and federal regulations at their in-person events. For More Info….




 
 
 

Monday, December 11, 2023

Rev. Richard Emmanuel Talks Humanity In Crisis (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Rev. Richard Emmanuel Founder of The Church, a non-profit organization established in 1968 in East Gloucester, MA that is dedicated to raising individual and collective consciousness while increasing spiritual awareness. We called on Emmanuel a visionary and dedicated political activist to give us his brutally honest spin on where our world may be headed in 2024. With religious wars raging in Middle East and the war in Ukraine among others, we are faced with a global humanitarian crisis. Emmanuel addresses the fact that Christianity, Judaism and Islam are at war with one another causing a younger generation to become both weary of global conflict and wary of hierarchical institutions. Currently in this country we’re under attack by white national domestic terrorists as we fend off over 600 anti LGBTQ bills in states across the country, women’s rights are on the chopping block and antisemitism is on the rise all as we head into the 2024 election. Since 1968 Emmanuel has questioned the uncomfortable truths that the western religions are for the most part a perpetuation of conformity to the patriarchal myth that males are superior to the females of the human species. Richard also addresses the human experience as a life cycle of four stages. The cycle mirrors the planetary earth seasons consisting of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter as the four phases of being human as in childhood, young adulthood, middle age and elder-hood. We talked to Rev. Emmanuel about how we can regain a sense of humanity in a world spiraling downward and his spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Rev. Richard Emmanuel is a provocateur who creates both concept iconography and multimedia assemblages in 2d and 3d. His work is an exploration of consciousness with great emphasis drawn from the ancient civilizations on this planet and the “aboriginal dream” which spawned these ancient narratives. The practical use of his concepts and “designed environments” have been used in international corporate communications and exhibits. His work has shown at the Baltimore Visionary Art Museum. As a consultant he has envisioned for major international corporations and has had work installed at the American Visionary Art Museum and the Smithsonian Air-Space Museum. Richard understands that the greatest task is to teach each generation the quest for “what is truth?” Emmanuel sees the path and agrees with the greatest of ancient teachers that “one can only point the way” and above all “know thy self”. For More Info…






 
 
 

Monday, November 13, 2023

Laury A. Egan Talks New Novel “The Firefly” & More (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with author Laury A. Egan about her latest novel “The Firefly” published by Spectrum Books. “The Firefly” begins as an LGBTQ coming-of-age novel set in 1964 and evolves into a woman’s lifelong journey to find fulfillment in both love and career. The story begins with Robin Bennet at fourteen who has been left to fend for herself at a lakeside rental after her parents argue and leave the premises each believing the other has remained with their daughter. Robin then discovers someone has been sleeping in the house and stealing food. That night Robin observes a beautiful blond girl who magically appears on the dock dancing to the light of a lantern. The next day Kieran a fifteen-year-old charming intruder invites himself to dinner. It turns out that he is the brother of the beautiful blond girl Stella who magically appeared on the dock the night before and after he departs the “Firefly” returns. This time Robin is brave enough to approach her leading to Robin’s first kiss but in the morning Stella has disappeared. Robin’s quest to find her is then cut short when Teresa her mother returns canceling their summer holiday on the lake. With Robin’s attempt to find her new friends ending in vain she returns home but never forgets that night of passion on the lake. As she enters adulthood pursuing her dream of becoming an architect she continues to explore her sexuality as she struggles to fulfill her lost desire for Stella. We talked to Laury about her inspiration for writing “The Firefly” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Laury A. Egan is the author of thirteen books of fiction. Her stories and poems have appeared in 85 literary journals and in multiple anthologies. Two full-length poetry volumes Snow, Shadow, a Stranger and Beneath the Lion’s Paw were issued in limited edition as were two chapbooks Presence & Absence and The Sea & Beyond. Egan is also a fine arts photographer, a former book designer and a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey. For More Info…

Monday, October 23, 2023

Paula S. Apsell Talks New Holocaust Resistance Film (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Executive Producer Paula S. Apsell about her new documentary “Resistance - They Fought Back” that’s having its World Premiere at the Boston Jewish Film Festival November 2nd and 9th. “Resistance - They Fought Back” explores the misinformation that Jews went to their deaths like sheep to the slaughter during the Holocaust. Actually Jews fought back in more than sixty armed rebellions including six in death camps and thousands of Jewish partisans in forests of Europe. Through interviews with historians, survivors and their families the film belies a long-held myth and shines a new light on a lost chapter of history. Apsell co-directed this relevant and timely film with Kirk Wolfinger after a documentary they made for the PBS NOVA series in 2016 which she helmed for 35 years. Told by survivors, their children and expert witnesses from the U.S, Israel and Europe “Resistance - They Fought Back” is a revelation based on extensive research of how the Jews of Europe fought back. It uncovers evidence of non-violent methods which served as crucial tools of resistance and evolved into Jewish armed revolts in ghettos, forests and death camps even as the odds of success were alarmingly small. Today almost eighty years after the Holocaust this story remains largely unknown to the general public. It is important to understand this genocide that wiped out two-thirds of European Jews especially with the global rise of antisemitism, hatred and denial of the Holocaust itself. We talked to Paula about what she hopes to accomplish with “Resistance - They Fought Back” and as a fierce ally her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Paula S. Apsell spent 35 years as the Senior Executive Producer of the PBS NOVA science series responsible for more than 650 documentaries in the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine which won every major broadcasting award including the Emmy; the Peabody; the duPont-Columbia University Gold and Silver Batons and an Academy Award nomination for Special Effects. She has been recognized with numerous individual awards including the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Emmy of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Currently she is CEO of Leading Edge Productions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. “Resistance: They Fought Back” is currently being screened at the Boston Jewish Film Festival and numerous screenings globally and is distributed by Abramorama. For More Info & Tix…

Thursday, September 28, 2023

The Dinah Red Carpet Celebrities Speak OUT (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio montage Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talked with The Dinah’s celebrities on the Red Carpet for the legendary Black & White Ball and Hollywood Party in Palm Springs. We had a blast chatting with these fabulous women about their music, what they hope to accomplish with their work and how they’re coping in these challenging times. 

First we talked with Black Box headlining the Friday night Black & White Ball who is passionate about bringing back the 80’s dance sound and talked about the importance of forums like The Dinah bringing people together. Next we spoke to XANA a new rising star on the pop scene who performed at Sunday’s Pool Party who’s currently on her first American tour and recording a new album. Then we chatted with singer-songwriter Ariana Castelli who released her first single “Love is Love” a few years ago and performed at The Dinah with Keeana Kee. Then we talked with The Dinah’s DJ’s Mo, Alex D and China G who are all committed to creating a safe place for women to party and thrive. Next we chatted with Phem one of the most prominent new queer indie singers who performed poolside and just concluded a world tour with Avril Lavigne. Then we chatted with influencer Divinity Ray an LA-based content creator, dancer and hair stylist with a passion for beauty, fashion and mental health. Concluding Friday night’s Red Carpet was Oomy Oomy The Dinah’s Emerging Artist Winner also known as "Porno" a trailblazing force in the realm of futuristic feel-good funk. 
Then for Saturday night’s Red Carpet at the infamous Hollywood Party we talked to Chef K a private chef who spent the last several years working on the margins of the Kardashians and is now stepping into her own celebrity chef status. Then we caught up with Mackenzie Lansing a French-American television and film actress who was cast in the Hunger Games prequel and “Mare of Easttown” alongside Kate Winslet. Next we chatted with Latvian-born New York based lesbian fashion model turned pop star Keeana Kee who performed at the Sunday Pool Party. Then Rose Garcia from the Showtime docuseries “The Real L Word” talked about her 27th year at The Dinah after beating stage 3 ovarian cancer last year. Rose is now advocating for people to get tested and also shared how practicing meditation helped to get through it. We concluded our Red Carpet coverage with rapper and songwriter Princess Nokia who headlined The Dinah’s Hollywood Party. When asked what she wanted to accomplish with her music Princess Nokia stated, “I want people to feel like they are wonderful, amazing and free and I hope that my music always inspires people to feel awesome and feel relatable.” For Info…

 
 
 


Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Mariah Hanson Talks The Dinah Building Community (AUDIO)


 





In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of The Dinah the most renowned annual music festival for queer women that’s celebrating its 32nd year and takes place September 20th through September 24th in Palm Springs, CA. The Dinah is continuing its legend with a show-stopping all-female entertainment line-up at one of Palm Springs’ most historic hotels The Margaritaville formerly The Riviera. This glamorous venue will host The Black and White Ball in the Grand Ballroom Friday night September 22nd with Doechii one of today’s most magnetic rappers who will take centerstage as the headliner. Doechii rose to prominence in 2021 with the viral Tik Tok success of her song "Yucky Blucky Fruitcake" and earlier this year appearing on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single “What it is (Block Boy)”. The Dinah mix on Friday night will also feature Black Box who has been keeping millions of fans dancing beneath disco balls and neon lights for 3 decades. Then on Saturday night at The Hollywood Party Princess Nokia the electrifying gender nonconforming queer NY Rapper and newest star to be is set to deliver an explosive headlining performance. After nearly a decade as a leader and icon for outsiders and misfits the New York-born Puerto Rican MC, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, style icon, actress and activist Princess Nokia continues to speak up and speak out. Of course, during the daytime there will be The Dinah’s legendary pool parties showcasing a string of galvanizing queer emerging performers. FYI don’t miss The L-Word Pool Party on Saturday September 23rd as Phem one of the most prominent up-and-coming queer indie genre-defying singers will be performing poolside to get your swim on. Throughout the festivities The Dinah will also present world-famous DJs, go-go dancers, red carpet events with celebrity guests, dance parties, meet and greets and so much more. We talked to Mariah about what she hopes to accomplish with The Dinah this year and her spin on our LGBTQ issues. 

Mariah Hanson continues to utilize The Dinah as a platform to mobilize our LGBTQ community around humanitarian and social issues especially in these challenging times. An exemplary community leader she has single-handedly revolutionized her industry, overturned tradition and raised the bar on female achievement with an event that is entirely produced by women for women. OUTTAKE MEDIA has been a proud Media Sponsor of The Dinah for the last seven years and we’ll be onsite broadcasting all the festivities this year for our global LGBTQ audience. For More Info & Tix…