Ashlee Keating is Comin' to Town!

Weslo: Hey, it’s Wesley Smoot with Unleashed LGBTQ, today we’re chatting with Ashlee Keating, singer-songwriter, and pop star extraordinaire. How are you?

Ashlee Keating: Awe, you’re so sweet. Thank you, I’m great thanks!

Weslo: I got to tell you, “Saucy” quickly became a summer anthem for me. It was released this year with stellar reviews, so congratulations on that… What was it like working with such a talented group of people for this project? 

Ashlee Keating: Ah, thank you so much!! That’s so amazing to hear and means a lot. I worked really hard on it. Man…I thank God and I’m grateful every day to have been able to have worked with the Champagne Therapy Music Group team on this music and SAUCY. They’re all insanely talented and down to earth people. Great energy, and that’s hella important to me.

Weslo: The music video to "Saucy" is just fabulous… And it seems now you have a huge LGBTQ+ following. I definitely see why your music is so appealing to queer audiences. Did you have many gay inspirations growing up?

Ashlee Keating: Thank you. Not in particular, but I did love Freddie Mercury and Elton John of course. I honestly always looked up to strong artists that made a huge impact on the world with their music and beyond as well as being very bold and fearless with their fashion tastes and decisions. I also loved Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga, Prince, Pink, Britney Spears, Tina Turner, Marilyn Monroe…the list goes on. They were big in that community.

Weslo: Speaking of gay appeal… you have a recent single “YASSS”... another favorite. This track got over 1 million streams on Spotify in almost no time. What was that like?

Ashlee Keating: SO COOL!! Lol. It was my first million streams, and I still can’t believe it! It did well, even during the pandemic, and I hope it gave people a little escape and made them want to dance. I’m so happy everyone loved it, it’s a fun song and just the beginning.

Weslo: I just want to touch a little on your past, because you are no stranger to the spotlight… You were on Broadway at six years old alongside Richard Chamberlain (The Sound of Music), you played Annie at the famous Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, you’ve worked with Disney, CBS… You’ve managed to sustain and continue to grow in a very difficult industry. What has contributed to this? Any advice to other young talents entering the show business?

Ashlee Keating: I think it’s very important to know yourself well and stay true to your roots and who you are. If you don’t know, that’s okay—keep searching and keep finding it. Don’t be afraid to be that unique version of yourself. People in this industry have a lot of opinions, but always be true and authentic to who you are, work hard, and never give up!! It’s not easy, you have to be hungry!!

Weslo: Giving back is obviously very important to you. You work with philanthropic organizations that support women empowerment and the LGBTQ+ community including GLAAD, Girl Up, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Why are these endeavors so important to you?

Ashlee Keating: I love being involved in philanthropy. Giving back is such a big part of my heart. I team up or work with organizations I connect with. GLAAD is connected to the LGBTQ community which is dear to my heart, Girl Up is supporting women empowerment and leadership which I support heavily, and St. Jude and the Make-A-Wish Foundation are all about kids and helping them feel/get better which means a lot to me.

Weslo: So, Christmas is right around the corner and I understand you have something extra special for your fans this year… a remake the holiday classic, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”. I love the energy of this track, and I understand there will be a music video as well. Can you tell us a little more?

Ashlee Keating: YASSS!!! I’m so excited to share that this holiday season! It’s going to be super fun, and it’ll feel like a sassy and fierce type of holiday video with a little bit of naughty and nice like me haha. I loved my looks from the video. Hope everyone loves it!

Gay Streaming Service Dekkoo Begins Streaming Its Provocative New Series This Fall

Dekkoo.com, a subscription streaming service dedicated to gay men, will begin streaming its new original series, Adam in Fragments, on November 17. The provocative, gritty drama follows Adam (Beau Swartz), a sex worker who has never had to worry about anyone but himself until he meets Lucy (Keiva Bradley). Adam’s urge to guide the young and naïve aspiring adult film starlet and protect her from their terrorizing handler, Felix (Francisco Antonio), triggers a series of events that sends violent ripples through the Los Angeles underground sex-trade. Adam in Fragments is produced by Dekkoo Films and The Arbor Company.

“Most television shows and films about sex work either glorify the trade or exploit it,” says Omar Salas Zamora. He wrote and directed the series with Calvin Picou. “In Adam in Fragments, we aim to examine the profession, not by sensationalizing it, but through exploring the main character and his interactions with drug dealers and johns.”

Zamora and Picou drew inspiration from 70’s crime thrillers. “We incorporated that same coarse-grained aesthetic for a story aimed at a queer male audience,” Picou explains.

Each episode of Adam in Fragments builds a new picture of Adam. In the premiere, “Crawling Back”, the young man returns to his former life as a sex worker and quickly re-engages with his seedy and often dangerous male clients. In episode two, “Meal Ticket”, viewers are introduced to Lucy and witness the burgeoning relationship between the girl and Adam as they prepare for another night of work. In the third episode, “One Hundred & Fifty”, Adam is set up on a date where he meets a young hustler who opens his eyes to playing the sex trade by different rules. “In Through the Out Door” is the fourth episode in the series; Lucy reveals the abuse she’s endured at the hands of their pimp, Felix, and she and Adam begin planning their escape. In the series finale, “Fear Eats the Soul,” Adam struggles with the price he must pay for a safe and comfortable life.

“Throughout the series, Adam remains enigmatic,” says Brian Sokel, President of Dekkoo who executive produces along with Derek Curl. He selected Adam in Fragments as an exclusive series for Dekkoo. “The moment viewers think they have a handle on him, they realize that they do not. Adam’s ability to maintain his anonymity by never getting too close to johns, pimps, drug dealers, and even viewers, allows him some level of control, and it makes the series a fascinating and almost immersive experience for the audience.”

“Mainstream society will view Adam and the characters in Adam in Fragments as irredeemable, but these veterans of the underground are, in most cases, comfortable in their skin and together, they form something of a family unit,” Omar Salas Zamora adds. “It is only when a fresh new face comes along, with unattainable dreams and false illusions about life, that chaos ensues. Adam’s mistake is that he allows himself to become emotionally accessible to Lucy.”

Adam in Fragments stars Beau Swartz, Keiva Bradley, and Ryan Ruffing, and features supporting performances from Jonathan Miller, Francisco Antonio, Nick Flaig, Joe Garcia and Tara Emerson.

“We hope viewers find the humanity in these difficult characters,” Zamora and Picou agree. “They’re not heroes, villains, or victims. They merely exist.”

Filming for Adam in Fragments was done primarily on the streets in downtown Los Angeles.

Adam in Fragments premieres on Dekkoo on November 17, 2022. For more information, visit Dekkoo.com.

It’s Here! Ben Bakson Releases “You Got Me”

An Original Club Track Featuring Vocals by OMEO

*Remixes by GSP, JUNYO, Mauro Mozart, Elof de Neve and Dan Slater *

DJ Ben Bakson is out now with ‘You Got Me’, an uplifting original club track that features the incredible vocals of pop singer OMEO. It encourages listeners walk away from toxic people that keep them from achieving their life goals. “The song is about leaving the past behind and moving towards a happier, freer self,” Bakson explains. “It’s about finding peace within and taking back your power.” OMEO wrote the song and Ben Bakson produced its radio edit and original club remix. To support the single, Bakson is also releasing a dance package of ‘You Got Me’ with additional remixes by Dan Slater, GSP, Elof de Neve, Mauro Mozart & JUNYO. All are available on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms.

“I’ve known OMEO for many years but when we ran into each other at this year’s Mardi Gras in Sydney, I knew it was kismet,” Bakson continues from his Miami home. He says the song’s story is one he can relate with. “I’ve had so many naysayers tell me I couldn’t do this or I was too young to do that. I have gotten rid of them all. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it is how important it is to surround oneself with positive people that encourage you to go to the distance. Anything worth achieving is going to take blood, sweat, tears and a whole lot of optimism.”

Ben Bakson grew up as an only child with two parents in a small village in south Germany where he enjoyed watching movies, listening to music and long days at the lake or sea with family and friends. At 18 years old, he moved to Berlin to study Economics and after graduating, he landed a marketing job at a large firm. It was only then that he began dabbling in music production.

His music style is commercial with hard, emotional, and energetic beats. Vocals are important to Ben as he believes that they are the soul of every song. In addition to his original compositions, he is noted for re-working famous songs from the 80s and 90s, as he did recently with Cutting Crew’s “(I Just) Died in your Arms”. “It’s fun to recreate past hits with fresh vocalists and modern, driving melodies,” Ben Bakson says.

OMEO is a pop singer from Sydney, Australia. His signature sound is one of smooth tones and warm vocals over electronic beats. He grew up singing a mix of Soul, R&B, gospel, and pop music. His name is indigenous and means ‘mountains’. It is a reminder to the artist that every mountain top is within and it is important to keep climbing. OMEO lives by the quote “The best view comes after the hardest climb”.

Ben Bakson is currently on a world tour. He premiered “You Got Me” at his recent parties in Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Washington DC and NYC. His next events will be in Madrid, Panama, Mexico City, and Dallas. “I can’t wait to open my sets with ‘You Got Me’ because it’s the best feeling in the world to see crowds enjoying music I have made.”

Ben Bakson’s “You Got Me” featuring OMEO is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all platforms

SXSW ANNOUNCES INITIAL KEYNOTE AND SECOND ROUND OF FEATURED SPEAKERS

Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert Announced as Keynote

Featured Speakers Announced include Andrew Callaghan, 
David Chang, Julia Ducournau, Scott Galloway, Valerie June, Miranda Kerr, 
Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Cheech Marin, Hamilton Morris, Esther Perel, 
Ginni Rometty, Kara Swisher, Anne Wojcicki, and more

Austin, Texas — November 15, 2022 — South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals has announced its initial Keynote and the second round of Featured Speakers for the 37th edition of its annual Conference, which celebrates the convergence of technology, film, television, and music. SXSW takes place March 10-19, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

The Keynote and Featured Speakers announced today include Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert; founder of Momofuku and Majordomo Media and New York Times bestselling author David Chang in conversation with co-founder and CEO of Meati Foods Tyler Huggins, and co-founder and Chief Concept Officer of Sweetgreen Nicolas Jammet;director and screenwriter of the Palme d'Or winning film Titane Julia Ducournau; New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of the Pivot podcast Scott Galloway in conversation with Editor-at-Large of New York Magazine, host of On with Kara Swisher and co-host of the Pivot podcast Kara Swisher; Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Valerie June; and co-founder and CEO of 23andMeAnne Wojcicki.

“At SXSW, we thrive on creative ideas that lead to bold action when it comes to addressing society’s biggest challenges,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “Our first announced Keynote Speaker, Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert, is a true leader in the world of business who is unafraid of pursuing the systemic reform needed to protect our planet in the face of climate change.”

The SXSW Conference is organized into 25 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats. The tracks for 2023 include 2050, Advertising & Brand Experience, Cannabis, Civic Engagement, Climate Change, Creating Film & Episodics, Culture, Design, Energy, Film & TV Industry, Food, Game Industry, Health & MedTech, Markets & Economies, Media Industry, Music & Tech, Music Careers, Psychedelics, Sports, Startups, Tech Industry, Transportation, Travel & Leisure, Workplace Revolution, and XR & Metaverse. More information about SXSW programming tracks and formats can be found here.

Newly-announced SXSW 2023 Keynotes include:

• Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert

Newly-announced Featured Speakers include:

• Chemistry professor at the University of Texas at Austin Dr. Kate Biberdorf

• Founder of Royal and DJ Justin Blau, aka 3LAU

• Gonzo journalist and creator of Channel 5 Andrew Callaghan

• Professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business and author Dolly Chugh

• Director and screenwriter Julia Ducournau

• Professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of the Pivot podcast Scott Galloway in conversation with Editor-at-Large of New York Magazine, host of On with Kara Swisher, and co-host of the Pivot podcast Kara Swisher

• Emmy and Tony Award-winning producer, co-founder and Managing Partner of Get Lifted Film Co., and Fellow and Professional-in-Residence at the University of Texas’ Moody College of Communication Mike Jackson

• CEO of Luminate Rob Jonas

• Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Valerie June

• Founder and CEO of KORA Organics, entrepreneur, and supermodel Miranda Kerr

• Actor, director, writer, comedian, and musician Cheech Marin

• New York Times bestselling author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together Heather McGhee

• Psychotherapist, New York Times bestselling author, and host of the podcasts Where Should We Begin? and How’s Work? Esther Perel

• Author and former Chairman, President, and CEO of IBM Ginni Rometty

• Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup Boyan Slat

• Mycologist, entrepreneur, author, and inventor Paul Stamets

• Associate Professor of Environmental Politics at the University of California, Santa Barbara Leah Stokes

• Founder and CEO of Strangeworks whurley

• Co-founder and CEO of 23andMe Anne Wojcicki

Newly-announced Featured Sessions include:

• An Imminent Shift In The Plant Based Ecosystem: Consumers are finding themselves at a long-awaited intersection: diets are shifting to prioritize nutrition and environmental impact at a time when food innovation is booming and new brands hoping to address consumer’s fluctuating priorities emerge daily on grocery shelves. However, when food culture drives buying decisions in a sea of indistinguishable plant-based options, how do emerging products bust the paradigm of what people can expect from alt-meat? Where will consumer behavior go and how will the industry keep up? In this session, join founder of Momofuku and Majordomo Media, James Beard Award-winning chef, host of The Dave Chang Show and Recipe Club podcasts, and New York Times bestselling author David Chang, co-founder and CEO of Meati Foods Tyler Huggins, and co-founder, Chief Concept Officer of Sweetgreen Nicolas Jammet, and Head of Content at SutherlandGold and lecturer at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania Aditi Roy as they discuss this shift and what the implications are for buyers and the food industry, ending with a hands-on activation where attendees will experience and taste mushroom root.

• Bijan Mustardson & the Future of NIL Partnerships: In 2022, creative agency CALLEN and Bijan Robinson launched the dijon mustard brand Bijan Mustardson, a partnership made possible by recent changes with NIL rules for college athletes. In this session, join founder and Chief Creative Officer of CALLEN Craig Allen, Marketing Manager at Athletes First Bryan Burney, running back for the Texas Longhorns Bijan Robinson, and Director of the School of Advertising and Public Relations, Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin Natalie Tindal, Ph.D., APR as they discuss how creative agencies can invest in more than a campaign and build a true business partnership for long-term success, developing a product and growing a brand with a celebrity business partner, and how to adapt to and anticipate where the NIL market is headed.

• Build the Damn Thing with Kathryn Finney: Founder and Managing Partner of Genius Guild and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kathryn Finney’s book, Build the Damn Thing: How to Start a Successful Business if You're Not a Rich White Guy, is a hard-won, battle-tested guide for every entrepreneur who the establishment has left out. In this session, join Finney for a conversation where she will share her storied career as an entrepreneur, inclusion champion, and investor who funds Black founders and women entrepreneurs in pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams. 

• Building an Open Metaverse: As it stands today, a sole metaverse does not exist. What does exist are thousands of virtual worlds, many of which are connected through Ready Player Me’s network; an avatar system used by over 3,000 app and game developers. It is this interoperable network that has earned their reputation as a default avatar platform for the metaverse. In this session, join co-founder and CEO of Ready Player Me Timmu Tõke as he focuses on the importance of collaboration and building out partnerships in order to create an open metaverse and what brands need to do in order to make this happen.

• Building a Sustainable Economy in the Metaverse: As the metaverse is being created, it is our responsibility to build a sustainable foundation. But, how sustainable is the journey to this virtual landscape? In this session, join co-founder and CEO of VNTANA Ashley Crowder, founder and CEO of Emblematic Group and Director of Arizona State University’s Narrative and Emerging Media program Nonny de la Peña, and founder of Friends With Holograms Cortney Harding, as they discuss what the metaverse is today and explore how to build an inclusive environment, drive a shared value for businesses and creators, empower consumers, and enable ways to measure impact to create digital sustainability.

• The J Dilla Effect: Breaking Barriers Through Beats: James Yancey, aka “J Dilla,” is one of the greatest all-time hip-hop producers, a musical genius and visionary that inspired artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Pharrell Williams, Erykah Badu, and many others. Dilla made ultimate sacrifices to build opportunities for young, diverse creators to continue breaking down societal and cultural barriers. Curated by Save The Music, this session will feature founder and Chairman of the James Dewitt Yancey Foundation and J Dilla’s mother Ma Dukes and Grammy Award-winning DJ and music producer DJ Jazzy Jeff as they share personal stories of Dilla’s life and how his work changed hip-hop culture, while exploring how to carry on his legacy by investing in culturally rich communities to provide equitable resources for young creators to achieve economic stability and success through music and technology.

• Own Your Data: Empowering Our Digital Future: In this session, co-founder of the Own Your Data Foundation and author Brittany Kaiser will explain how she decided to become a whistleblower to protect our human rights in the digital space and discuss the issues that Big Tech has presented us with (lack of transparency, uninformed consent, no tracking or traceability, monetization of our data without any value going to us, etc), as well as the solutions she believes are essential to making technology more ethical and congruent with rights protection. 

• Reigniting Fan Engagement at Live Events: ​​The importance of community and human connection was more prevalent than ever when World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) returned with its biggest event of the year, WrestleMania, in April 2021. This historic event featured the first Black female Superstars to main event WrestleMania, celebrity appearances, live music performances and the unveiling of WWE’s new signature, “Then. Now. Forever. Together.” to recognize and celebrate WWE fans, their community and the message of inclusivity. As WWE prepares to host WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles this coming April, Chief Content Officer of WWE Paul “Triple H” Levesque will discuss in this session the road to WrestleMania, the importance of the WWE Universe and how this community has evolved.

• To Trip or Not to Trip: The psychedelic science torch is getting passed to the next generation, with fresh perspectives on both ancient and future medicines. In this session, join Writer and Director of Hamilton's Pharmacopeia, chemist, and science journalist Hamilton Morris, professor of Pharmacology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Charles Nichols, adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Professor Emeritus at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy David E. Nichols, co-founder and Partner at Palo Santo Tim Schlidt, and endowed professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Trauma and Director of the Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Director of Mental Health at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center Rachel Yehuda as they explore the future of psychedelic science and answer questions such as, can we take the “trip” out of psychedelics, do we want to, and will “next gen” psychedelic compounds have an advantage over today’s medicines? 

About SXSW
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film & TV screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2023 will take place March 10 - 19, 2023 in Austin. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend. 

SXSW 2023 is sponsored by White Claw, Porsche, Itaù bank, and The Austin Chronicle.

Jinkx Monsoon & BenDeLaCreme’s “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” Tours Internationally This Fall

You better watch out, you better not cry, because global drag icons and RuPaul’s Drag Race stars, BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to town with the wildly successful, internationally acclaimed The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show (Produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents). The tour will run from November 11 - December 30 across the U.K, U.S. and Canada with a new show written by Jinkx & DeLa that proves why they’re still the reigning “queens of Christmas” (Entertainment Weekly).

Following the massive success of three previous holiday tours, fans can expect another year of fabulous spectacle, whip-smart comedy, brand new songs, and annual favorites. Join the sugary DeLa and spicy Jinkx for an evening The New York Times says is “sure to lift your spirits and make you howl with laughter.”

BenDeLaCreme says, “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is joyous, hilarious, surrealist, communal, and heartwarming. Nothing makes me feel more connected to the good in the world than the seas of people we get to celebrate the season with night after night--laughing, cheering, and being in our feelings together. I’m so lucky to get to experience that each year, and I hope you all will experience it with us.” 

Jinkx Monsoon (who just won All Stars 7) adds, “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show will take everything you expect from a drag queen variety show, and spin it on its side. It will test the limits of stupidity, while being unexpectedly deep and reflective. We strive for entertainment while always proving that the holidays are for you to celebrate however you want to.” 

BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are the sole writers of their holiday shows, a major achievement for two drag artists who tour at such a large scale each year. Jinkx says, “I think it is important that the show is created BY us, so it's decidedly FOR us, and those like us. So often, queer and drag stories are written by outsiders, and lack an authenticity that queer audiences crave. Creating the show ourselves, from the ground up, ensures that that authenticity is infused in every aspect of the production.” 

DeLa adds, “Jinkx and I LOVE writing. We are passionate and have something to say. It comes from the heart. Writing AND performing as a combo is the best way for us to express what drives us as artists and as humans and fortunately, on top of that, people just happen to think we’re very funny.”  

For the past four years, Jinkx and DeLa have owned the season with their sold-out holiday tours including To Jesus, Thanks for Everything in 2018, All I Want for Christmas Is Attention in 2019 and The Return of the Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show, LIVE! In 2021. In 2020, BenDeLaCreme produced her first-ever film under BenDeLaCreme Presents with The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special (Hulu / PVOD), a 60-minute variety special made for the screen. The special debuted to critical acclaim and solidified itself as a global queer holiday must-watch for years to come. 

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show is co-written and co-created by BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon, directed by BenDeLaCreme, and produced by BenDeLaCreme Presents, a company comprised of producers BenDeLaCreme, Kevin Heard, and Gus Lanza. For more information, and to sign up for updates, visit jinkxanddela.com.

As “Queens of Christmas” Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme prepare to kick off their 4th annual critically-acclaimed holiday tour - “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” - they’ve released a hopeful and classic holiday ballad, “Looking at the Lights” available on all streaming platforms November 1st via BenDeLaCreme Presents Records. Written by BenDeLaCreme, composed by Major Scales and performed by Jinkx Monsoon, the song debuted in the 2021 holiday tour which beautifully (and hilariously) explores the effects the pandemic had on our mental health, and how the “joy” of the holidays felt different than before. 

DeLa says, “‘Looking at the Lights’ is the first song I’ve ever written that’s just earnest and didn’t break itself with a joke. It’s a true holiday song about friendship and community, and how even in the darkest of times, we still have each other. I wrote it as a way to process all my feelings of trauma, grief and anxiety in the pandemic. When we were working on the show last year, it had all the campiness, jokes and parodies our audiences love but it was still missing something that truly acknowledged what we had all gone through. This song became the climax of the show, and hearing Jinkx sing it for the first time absolutely floored me. As someone who’s always struggled with the holidays, this is more than just a song about pandemic loneliness. It’s timeless and always relatable.” 

Jinkx adds, “First of all, it’s such an honor when two of your brilliantly talented friends [BenDeLaCreme and Major Scales] make a song for you and ask you to sing it. When DeLa and I first heard the composition by Major, we had mutual goosebumps. It’s become one of my absolute favorite songs to perform, and even more special knowing how audiences connect with it. I’m excited for fans who got to see the show last year to add this studio recording to their holiday playlists.” 

“Looking at the Lights” follows the release of the duo’s first joint studio album, The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special Soundtrack from their beloved holiday film classic The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special streaming on Hulu (Produced & Directed by BenDeLaCreme).

Tour Dates:

November 11 - Clearwater, FL (Capitol Theatre) [Preview Performance]
November 12 - Clearwater, FL (Capitol Theatre) [Preview Performance]
November 17 - London, UK (London Palladium) *SOLD OUT*
November 18 - Sheffield, UK (Sheffield City Hall)
November 19 - Manchester, UK (Manchester Opera House)
November 20 - Brighton, UK (Brighton Dome)
November 23 - Buffalo, NY (Riviera Theatre)
November 25 - Toronto, ON (Queen Elizabeth Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
November 26 - Ottawa, ON (Algonquin Commons Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
November 27 - Montreal, QC (Olympia) *SOLD OUT*
November 29 - Boston, MA (Chevalier Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
November 30 - Philadelphia, PA (The Fillmore) *SOLD OUT*
December 2 - New York, NY (Town Hall) *SOLD OUT*
December 3 - New York, NY (Town Hall) *SOLD OUT*
December 4 - Washington, DC (Lincoln Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 6 - St. Paul, MN (The Fitzgerald Theater) *SOLD OUT*
December 7 - Chicago, IL (Auditorium Theatre)
December 8 - Detroit, MI (Royal Oak Music Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 9 - Indianapolis (Murat Theatre at Old National Centre)
December 11 - Austin, TX (Paramount Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 12 - Dallas, TX (Majestic Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 14 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 16 - San Diego, CA (Balboa Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 17 - San Francisco, CA (The Warfield) *SOLD OUT*
December 18 - Los Angeles, CA (Orpheum Theatre) *SOLD OUT*
December 19 - Los Angeles (Orpheum Theatre)
December 21 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)
December 22 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)
December 23 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)
December 24 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)
December 27 - Portland, OR (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall)
December 29 - Calgary, AB (Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium)
December 30 - Vancouver, BC (Vogue Theatre) *SOLD OUT*

Additional Praise for The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show:

"Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are the Queens of Christmas." 
- Entertainment Weekly

"Filled with queer Christmas cheer, these queens deliver the goodies." 
- Film Inquiry

“A masterclass in polished, elevated drag, that plays to the special talents of its stars, this is a pairing not to be missed.”
- Glasgow Theatre

“[Jinkx & Dela] are experts at the kind of physical comedy Lucille Ball perfected in her heyday. Whether it’s with a snarl of the lip, in Jinkx’s case, or a widening of the eyes, in DeLa’s, each has the ability to make small movements speak volumes…”
- Exeunt Magazine

“A double dose of delight...One story, two queens, and an extravagantly side-splitting evening.”
- Out Front Magazine

URGE Miami Festival Returns This Thanksgiving Weekend

With Three Massive Night Spectaculars and the Steamiest Beach Party on the Sands of South Beach

URGE Miami Festival returns this Thanksgiving weekend with three massive nighttime events and three sizzling daytime fetes including the Royal Palm Pool Party and the legendary Beach Party on the sands of South Beach.    Produced by Luis Morera, Billy Kemp and Hilton Wolman, the LGBTQ+ festival weekend will take place November 25-28 and will feature a list of the world’s most famous circuit DJs including Alex Lo, Dan Slater, Edu Quintas, Enrico Meloni, Jerac, Joe Gauthreaux, Marvin Ayy, Mauro Mozart, Paulo Fragoso, Suri and Tom Stephan, with more to be announced.

“After the massive success of last year’s Thanksgiving festival, we are excited to do it all over again, bigger and better than ever before,” says Hilton Wolman.

URGE Miami Festival kicks off Friday, November 25 at 10pm when Barcelona’s Matinee Group makes its triumphant return to Miami with Matinee Pervert XXL.  DJ’s Tom Stephan and Alex Lo will take over the decks at Miami's newest nightclub, M2 Nightclub, for their raunchiest production ever.  The historic nightclub (formerly known as Paragon/Glam Slam/Level/Mansion and Icon) has been transformed with $10 million in upgrades to structure, sound and lighting.  At 35,000 square feet, it will be the largest party ever thrown by URGE. Matinee Group is promising a level of production seldom seen before and they are flying in some of the hottest dancers from Spain and Europe to keep the dancefloor shaking into the wee morning hours.

At 2pm on Saturday is the Royal Palm South Beach pool party, presented by Eliad Cohen as part of the Papa World Tour.  DJs Dan Slater and Paulo Fragoso will raise the temps with their high energy beats, making extensive use of the incredible facilities offered by Royal Palm.  Expect plenty of wet and wild, splish and splashy fun and gorgeous men in skimpy bikinis.

The weekend’s Saturday night Main Event, URGE Warrior, will take place at one of Miami's premier film studios, home to some of the biggest blockbusters on HBO Max and Netflix, on their largest sound stage. DJs Suri and Mauro Mozart will battle it out with incredible beats in a spectacular production, sure to amaze. 

It leads to the signature event of the weekend:  the long-established Sunday Beach Party on the sands of South Beach. The sandblast begins at 2pm with DJ’s Enrico Meloni from Italy and Joe Gauthreaux from the USA dropping the beats on the largest stage and dancefloor and most colossal VIP deck this event has seen before. Kidd Madonny and his company, 3DX, are building the decor for the party and like last year, it will incorporate URGE Miami Festival’s yellow and white retro resort and cabana influenced theme.

“Circuit fans come from all over the world to experience one of America’s biggest LGBTQ beach parties,” Wolman explains.  “We will not disappoint.”

This year’s host hotel is the Royal Palm South Beach.  With 400 rooms, more than a quarter of which are suites, the Royal Palm is one of South Beach’s largest hotels, superbly located directly on the beach on Collins at the end of Ocean Drive. It offers a superior experience and will serve as the location of URGE Miami Festival’s Welcome Center and Saturday Pool Party.  It is also a short walk to a majority of the parties. Special $249 room rates are available while supplies last.

A portion of the proceeds from URGE Miami Festival will once again benefit Miami Beach Pride, a not-for-profit organization that works to unite members of the LGBTQ community by celebrating the unique spirit and culture of its people. 

Tickets for URGE Miami Festival are available now on the website.  GA and VIP tickets are available, as is the popular 24-hour pass that includes the Sunday Beach Party, Sunday night event and Monday morning Afterhours event. 

LUCKTOBERFEST LIGHTS UP LUCK, TXAN INCLUSIVE CELEBRATION OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

With unforgettable performances from Orville Peck, Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue, Tanya Tucker, Shinyribs, Los Lobos, Jake Wesley Rogers, Alex Meixner and more

Orville Peck Credit: Brittany Halberg

Austin, TX - October 30, 2022: This past weekend, Luck Presents’Lucktoberfest took over Willie Nelson’s Luck, TX for an incredible, culturally-rich weekend of unique music, food, and artisan experiences that celebrated the diverse, amazing people that call Texas home. It was a weekend of non-stop connection, inclusivity, and experiences at a party that only Luck Presents could create. The three-day festival saw show-stopping performances from Orville Peck, Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue, Tanya Tucker, Shinyribs, Los Lobos, Alex Meixner, Jake Wesley Rogers, and more, with plenty of surprise guests taking the stage.

Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue Left to Right: Kirby Brown, Paul Cauthen, David Ramirez, and The Kernal Credit: Brooke Hamilton + Amanda Cooper

On Friday, Ryan Quiet, Los Lobos and The Kernal all took the stage ahead of a spectacular performance of Paul Cauthen’s Big Velvet Revue where he was joined by special guests David Ramirez and Kirby Brown. 

The Beer Hall tent lived up to its name, offering patrons the option of a pint or pitcher from Real Ale, Deep Ellum, Lagunitas, Thirsty Planet, and Yuengling. Music wasn't the weekend's only attraction. Guests of all ages were treated to a midway carnival with classic games and Luck-themed prizes. In addition, local creative collective Preacher took over the chapel for a recorded confessional activation, inviting attendees to anonymously broadcast their deepest, funniest, or weirdest thoughts - to the crowd throughout the day.

Jason Scott kicked things off for Saturday’s Outlaw Masquerade with Jonathan Terrell and Jake Wesley Rodgers both taking the stage. Saturday was a fashionable affair, with fans fully decked out for the occasion. The Desert Roses Southern Glamour Fashion Showbrought the runway to the center of Luck, with outstanding queer southern glam looks and more from central Texas designers NICÓ, This is Sloane, DASHE, FLAMER, and Alive By Benjamin, and TheJigglewatts Burlesque took over the town with an extravagant burlesque show. The love amongst the community was palpable as festival goers embraced the genre-bending, binary-defying art, fashion, and performances of the weekend. 

In addition to the themed flair, many attendees dressed in elaborate Halloween costumes - and were able to enter a costume contest to win a $400 Southwest Airlines gift card. Guests could also top off their look at Tecovas' braid bar and shoe shine station. Headliners Orville Peck and Tanya Tucker ended the night with two show-stopping sets under the glow of the iconic Luck sign. While Tucker surprised the audience with appearances from Country hero Sonny Throckmorton and Craig Dillingham, Peck made his biggest (littlest) fan’s night with an onstage greeting. 

Tanya Tucker | Credit: Brittany Halberg

Throughout the weekend guests enjoyed beverages from Tito's Vodka, White Claw, TX Whiskey, Bev, Epic Western, Topo Chico, Sap's Original, Liquid Death, and Guayki. 

The weekend came to an epic conclusion on Sunday for ‘Prost, Y’all!’, a night of German-influenced entertainment celebrating cherished Bavarian traditions from everything to polka to the stein holding competition, hosted by New Braunfels' Krause's Beer Hall, celebrating the end of October in true Bavarian fashion. Participants competed for VIP tickets to Luck Reunion 2023. Music was of course the centerpiece with performances from Alpenmusikanten, the Walburg Boys, Yodel Blitz, Tanzenfest and Alex Meixner, who was joined by friends Walt & Tina Wilkins and Sunny Sauceda for a very special set. Shinyribs pulled out all of the dance moves for their Southern soul headlining set, with a crowd pleasing performance of hits. 

Orville Peck with Fan | Credit: Brooks Burris

 $1 from every ticket sold went directly to the Central Texas Food Bank through the Luck Family Foundation. Now in its 40th year of serving those in need, the mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. The Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 60,000 people every week.

Renowned as one of the most exciting, singular musical experiences of the calendar year amongst artists and fans alike, Luck Reunion will return to Willie Nelson’s “Luck, TX” on Thursday, March 16th, 2023 for it’s 11th year. Tickets will go on sale to the public soon. 

Jake Wesley Rogers | Credit: Brittany Halberg

Desert Roses Fashion Show | Credit: Brittany Halberg

A Passion for Pussies

By Arnold Wayne Jones

Documeowntary Cat Daddies proves it’s no dog.

All queer people experience it eventually: Coming out. When you say – first to yourself, then close friends, then the world at large – “I am who I am and you need to know it and accept it if we are to move on together.”

I refer, of course, to confessing to being a cat lover.

Oh, sure, we come out as gay or trans or nonbinary – it takes courage, yadda yadda… but saying “I love cats!”??? That can be a bridge too far for some guys.

At least that’s the premise of the absolutely authentic but plays like a joke documentary Cat Daddies, in which a parade of men (many gay, but for the straight ones, an even more fraught process) admit to being out-and-proud lovers of pussies.

That’s true of Nathan Kehn, an Instagram content creator and (straight) cat dad of four frisky felines. He’s lost acting gigs, he says, when casting directors see his Insta and think, “Who is this freak?” That’s not a reaction anyone expects for doggie daddies. How did it come to be that guys have dogs and women have cats? (Kehn’s social media handle is Crazy Cat Lady.) How has masculinity become so tied up in the kind of pet we gravitate toward?

It’s more complicated than you might expect – complicated enough that the film never actually answers that question. Owners talk about relocating cities to provide “quality of life” opportunities for their furbabies. One owner observes that cats are the only domesticated pets who have trained humans more than we have trained them – we cat-er to their needs and they — maybe — will deign to show us affection back. Or not. Depends.

There are funny profiles; emotional ones (a homeless man who rescued a dying kitten who essentially saved his life); offbeat ones. What they all have in common is men (youngish/older; butch/bookish; white collar/blue collar) in touch with their love of kitties for their smarts, their personalities, their survival skills, their independence.

Cat Daddies is sweet and quirky, more interested in mood and creating a safe space where this community can share stories and deal with their freaky side of felinephilia. How charming is that? … It’s the cat’s meow.

Now playing at the Angelika Film Center Dallas.

Disko Cowboy Interview | Austin City Limits 2022

Interview by Wesley Smoot

Disko Cowboy at Tito’s Vodka Stage- ACL 2022

Weslo: This is Wesley Smoot, with Unleashed LGBTQ, I’m here at Austin City Limits in Austin, Texas with Disco Cowboy... How are you today? I heard you crushed it at last year.

Disko Cowboy: Thanks brotha. I’m great, how are you?

Weslo: Not bad at all. How’s your ACL?

Disko Cowboy: Actually, it’s my first day here. But it’s been awesome.

Weslo: So, you’re going on soon.

Disko Cowboy: That’s right, here in about an hour.

Weslo: Yassss… You’re a Texas boy, what’s your thoughts on the scene? You've been here a while. 

Disko Cowboy: I grew up outside of Austin, this is my permanent residence now, looking at about 8 months. Austin is great, it’s not what it used to be, but you can say that about most places.

Weslo: I'll agree wholeheartedly. You're not only a musician & producer but a designer and entrepreneur. You’re the founder of Vinyl Ranch, a really hip apparel company, can you tell our readers about the line?

Disko Cowboy: Sure, it’s kind of more of a pop-culture mash-up, obviously rooted in country music and dance music culture— I just kind of pull off kinds of topical references from what I’m doing. I try to keep myself open to always receiving new, creative ideas.

Weslo: I can dig it. I’m seeing so much overlap and synergy between pop music and country, things like Lil Nas X with Ol Town Road, do you see this growing as more of a sub-genre?

Disko Cowboy: Definitely, that’s been a whole conversation lately. I almost feel like with most genres, the lines are blurring in every direction– there doesn’t need to be a singularity of what a music genre is. It’s just gonna be music, kind of like food. Now, we’re all just cooking gumbo, it's actually a great time to be making music. 

Weslo: I can see that. I saw Diplo wearing your gear, it seems like Vinyl Ranch is blowing up. Congrats! Can you tell us more?

Disko Cowboy & Diplo wearing Vinyl Ranch

Disko Cowboy: Yes! I did a merch collab with him. I helped design his merch for Stagecoach in April. I’m actually collaborating with him on some other live events– stay tuned. I just DJ'd the Stagecoach launch party in LA. I think everyone is assuming a partnership has developed. But yeah, he’s been a big supporter of Vinyl Ranch. It’s cool to work with people that have brands that are so expansive and universal. He’s obviously one of the most prominent, famous Djs in the galaxy. To have someone like that put you on, it’s a real honor.

Welso: I dig it. So back to music, anywhere specific you pull inspiration from?

Disko Cowboy: Everything. I’m so curious about everything. I love the term country-curious (laughing), but I’m like, curious about everything. Anything that I can experience that will make an impact in my creative statement, I’m always open to living it, learning it, loving it. 

Welso: Are there close connections or overlap in the creativity of fashion and music? 

Disko Cowboy: Absolutely. I think they're so interdependent on one another. I’ve always been at the intersection of the two, ever since I was a kid. I have polaroids of me dressed as Michael Jackson, sleeves rolled up– my mom said I used to cut my own hair because I had to be in control of my own look, style. I think the two will always go hand-in-hand.

Disko Cowboy at Tito’s Vodka Stage- ACL 2022

Welso: Well as you know, we are Unleashed LGBTQ, we know you do not identify as queer yourself, but you mentioned before the interview started, you have always got lots of inspiration from queer artists.. We can definitely see that in your fabulous outfits. Can you tell us more?

Disko Cowboy: I have lots of LGBTQ+ influences. When I was younger, my mom’s two best friends, Eric and Michael were really influential to me. They were a gay couple in San Antonio, Texas, “roommates” – my grandfather was queer as well, a great man. But, when I first started DJing, I was playing raves and a gay club in San Antonio, called The Saint, this was many, many years ago in the Y2K. But I’ve always had friends in the community, I was always proud to be an ally, it’s thanks to my upbringing that I was open and accepting, we’re all just people, we all need love. 

Welso: I love that. As far as gay music, who were your influences?

Disko Cowboy: George Micheal, 100%. The day George Michael died; I’ve been wearing this dangly earring. I’ve been wearing it ever since. When I was a kid, my mom had two cassettes: The Judds and George Michael, Faith. And when I was a young boy, I'd see this cassette every day on the way to school, I’d think to myself, that’s what I want to look like. To this day I rock a five o’clock shadow and my tight jeans. He could have been gay, straight, a fucking martian… I knew I idolized him. To this day, universal sex appeal.

Disko Cowboy & Wesley Smoot ACL 2022

Welso: Well, he’s still one of the most beautiful men to have walked the planet. Not to mention his charitable contributions and influence on the actual music industry/business.

Disko Cowboy: Absolutely, George Michael and Prince both. It takes individuals as talented and bold as them to stand up to the industry giants. What they did for all musicians, songwriters, publishers, should never be forgotten.

Welso: Amen, boo. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. You’re an ally and a hell of a talent. I look forward to catching you on stage and keeping up with you.

Disko Cowboy: This has been my pleasure. Thank you, Wesley.

---

Disko Cowboy has been pioneering and redefining urban cowboy culture through Vinyl Ranch and his own DJ prowess since the brand launched in Houston in 2007.

He has become especially known for his country disco music mashup DJ party that's grown in popularity across the country. In fact, Disko Cowboy is one of the only DJ's regularly booked on big festival bills like Bonnarroo (for the last two years), Stagecoach this year where he did a merch collaboration with Diplo, the inaugural FORMAT Fest last weekend in AR, now ACL Fest both weekends for the second year in a row, Lucktoberfest this Halloween in Austin opening for Orville Peck, and partnering in a big way on a brand new fest coming very soon -- more in store to be revealed.

• This is all without consistently publishing new music, yet staying relevant with his unique style reinforced through the Vinyl Ranch brand.

SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL FIRST ROUND OF SHOWCASING ARTISTS ANNOUNCED

Spotlighting Emerging Talents and Legendary Artists

Austin, Texas - October 19, 2022 - The South by Southwest® Music Festival (SXSW®) has announced the first round of Showcasing Artists invited to perform at the 37th annual event. The festival features multiple one-of-a-kind events that spotlight emerging talents and legendary artists performing for the international creative community and passionate music fans. The first essential and global music event on the industry’s calendar, the SXSW Music Festival takes place March 13 - 18, 2023 on Austin’s iconic and offbeat stages.

CIFIKA at Central Presbyterian Church Photo by Adam Kissick

Each year, SXSW Music Festival programmers present the best new artists and established acts from countries around the world including Armenia, Australia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, and Wales. Highlights from this first round of artists include: Armani White (Philadelphia PA), Algiers (Atlanta, GA), Balming Tiger (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Beenzino (Seoul SOUTH KOREA), Edie Bens (Swansea UK-WALES), iLe (San Juan PUERTO RICO), Ladaniva (Lille FRANCE), Max Cooper (London UK-ENGLAND), Mightmare (Chapel Hill NC), Núria Graham (Vic SPAIN), The Orielles(Manchester UK-ENGLAND), Otoboke Beaver (Kyoto JAPAN), RVG (Melbourne AUSTRALIA), Sarah Shook & the Disarmers (Chapel Hill NC), Son Rompe Pera (Naucalpan MEXICO), Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND), Thao (Oakland CA), Yazmin Lacey (London UK-ENGLAND) and Yogetsu Akasaka (Setagaya-Ku JAPAN).

Poppy Ajudha at Cedar Street Courtyard Photo by Caleb Pickens

This is the first of several announcements of can't-miss showcases spanning six nights. Showcases are curated by SXSW programmers in collaboration with record labels, booking agencies, export offices, management and PR firms, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands and festivals. These showcases give attendees the opportunity to experience today’s and tomorrow’s headliners in small-stage performances. A few of this year’s showcase presenters include Anniversary Group, Atomic Music Group, Athens in Austin, British Music Embassy, Don Giovanni Records, Fire Records, FOCUS Wales, Gorilla vs Bear, Jazz re:freshed Outernational, Pop Montreal, M for Montreal, Music From Ireland, New West Records, Space Agency, and Wide Days Scotland.

The first round of artists invited to perform include:

250 (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Ailbhe Reddy (Dublin IRELAND)
Albertine Sarges (Berlin GERMANY)
Algiers (Atlanta GA)
Alien Tango (London UK-ENGLAND)
Amber Arcades (Utrecht NETHERLANDS)
Anna Salman (Lahore PAKISTAN)
Ariel & The Culture (Dallas TX)
Armani White (Philadelphia PA)
ASHY (Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
Automelodi (Montreal CANADA)
Avalanche Party (Middlesbrough UK-ENGLAND)
Baby; Baby: Explores the Reasons Why That Gum is Still on the Sidewalk (Providence RI)
Balimaya Project (London UK-ENGLAND)
Balming Tiger (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Beatenberg (Cape Town SOUTH AFRICA)
Been Stellar (Brooklyn NY)
Beenzino (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Being Dead (Austin TX)
Beverly Kills (Gothenburg SWEDEN)
Bibi Club (Montreal CANADA)
Big Bill (Austin TX)
BIRTHH (Florence ITALY)
bj wnjn (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Blondshell (Los Angeles CA)
Bloomsday (Brooklyn NY)
Bones and Jones (Geelong AUSTRALIA)
Brighde Chaimbeul (Isle Of Skye UK-SCOTLAND)
Cafuné (Brooklyn NY)
Cailin Russo (San Diego CA)
Campfire Social (Wrexham UK-WALES)
The Chairs (Taiwan TAIWAN)
Chief Cleopatra (Austin TX)
Chiiild (Montreal CANADA)
Choses Sauvages (Montreal CANADA)
CHROMA (Pontypridd UK-WALES)
Coach Party (Newport UK-ENGLAND)
Colin Gilmore (Austin TX)
Constant Follower (Stirling UK-SCOTLAND)
Crawlers (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Criibaby (San Francisco CA)
Darling West (Oslo NORWAY)
Data Animal (Berlin GERMANY)
Dead Gowns (Portland ME)
Dead Pony (Glasgow UK-SCOTLAND)
Death And Vanilla (Malmö SWEDEN)
Demob Happy (Newcastle Upon Tyne UK-ENGLAND)
Die Spitz (Austin TX)
Disq (Madison WI)
DoomCannon (London UK-ENGLAND)
Dream, Ivory (Lake Elsinore CA)
DYGL (Tokyo JAPAN)
Edie Bens (Swansea UK-WALES)
ena mori (Parañque PHILIPPINES)
Exit Kid (London UK-ENGLAND)
Far Caspian (Enniskillen IRELAND)
Fat Tony (Houston TX)
Flowerkid (Sydney AUSTRALIA)
foamboy (Portland OR)
Folly Group (London UK-ENGLAND)
Foyer Red (Brooklyn NY)
Fragile Rock (Austin TX)
fuvk (Austin TX)
Germein (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
Ghouljaboy (Jerez SPAIN)
GHUM (London UK-ENGLAND)
Ginevra Nervi (Rome ITALY)
Gloria de Oliveira (Berlin GERMANY)
Godcaster (New York NY)
The Golden Dregs (London UK-ENGLAND)
Grace Pettis (Nashville TN)
Great Gable (Perth AUSTRALIA)
HARU NEMURI (Yokohama JAPAN)
Hayley Warner (Sydney AUSTRALIA)
Helen Ganya (Brighton UK-ENGLAND)
Her Skin (Modena ITALY)
Hope (Berlin GERMANY)
Housewife (Toronto CANADA)
Iguana Death Cult (Rotterdam NETHERLANDS)
iLe (San Juan PUERTO RICO)
Immaterial Possession (Athens GA)
Izzy Heltai (Boston MA)
Jad Fair and The Placebos (Austin TX)
Jaguar Jonze (Brisbane AUSTRALIA)
James and the Cold Gun (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Jane Weaver (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Jazz re:freshed DJ's (London UK-ENGLAND)
Jealous (Berlin GERMANY)
Jeannel (Berlin GERMANY)
Jembaa Groove (Berlin GERMANY)
JessB (Auckland NEW ZEALAND)
JESSWAR (Gold Coast AUSTRALIA)
JEVERSON (Nashville TN)
Jobber (Brooklyn NY)
Julie Doiron (Memramcook CANADA)
Julie Odell (New Orleans LA)
Kalush Orchestra (Kyiv UKRAINE)

Kidd Kenn (Chicago IL)
Kiwi Jr. (Toronto CANADA)
Knifeplay (Philadelphia PA)
Krooked Kings (Salt Lake City UT)
Kym Register (Loamlands)
(Durham NC)
Ladaniva (Lille FRANCE)
layzi (Boston MA)
Le Couleur (Montreal CANADA)
Lee Bains + The Glory Fires (Birmingham AL)
Leesuho (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Lemonade Shoelace (Newcastle UK-N. IRELAND)
Letting Up Despite Great Faults (Austin TX)
Living Hour (Winnipeg CANADA)
Lola Brooke (Brooklyn NY)
The Lounge Society (Hebden Bridge UK-ENGLAND)
MANE (Adelaide AUSTRALIA)
Marina Allen (Los Angeles CA)
Max Cooper (London UK-ENGLAND)
Medium Build (Anchorage AK)
Meltt (Vancouver CANADA)
M(h)
aol (Dublin IRELAND)
Mightmare (Chapel Hill NC)
milk. (Dublin IRELAND)
modernlove (Drogheda IRELAND)
Moritz Fasbender (Leipzig GERMANY)
MOSES (London UK-ENGLAND)
Mudd the student (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
mui zyu (London UK-ENGLAND)
Mynolia (Berlin GERMANY)
Nadeem Din-Gabisi (London UK-ENGLAND)
NEMOPHILA (Tokyo JAPAN)
N'famady Kouyaté (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Nisa (Brooklyn NY)
NTsKi (Kyoto JAPAN)
Núria Graham (Vic SPAIN)
Omega Sapien (Seoul SOUTH KOREA)
Orchestra Gold (Oakland CA)
The Orielles (Manchester UK-ENGLAND)
Orions Belte (Oslo NORWAY)
Otoboke Beaver (Kyoto JAPAN)
Paisley Fields (Brooklyn NY)
Panic Shack (Cardiff UK-WALES)
Pearla (Brooklyn NY)
Pickle Darling (Christchurch NEW ZEALAND)
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (Newcastle Upon Tyne UK-ENGLAND)
Plàsi (Stockholm SWEDEN)
Plattenbau (Berlin GERMANY)
poolblood (Toronto CANADA)
Poster Paints (Glasgow UK-SCOTLAND)
Quarters of Change (New York NY)
Red Rum Club (Liverpool UK-ENGLAND)
Rett Madison (Los Angeles CA)
Ric Wilson (Chicago IL)
Robocobra Quartet (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Ron Gallo (Philadelphia PA)
Rosie Darling (Boston MA)
RVG (Melbourne AUSTRALIA)
Saloon Dion (Bristol UK-ENGLAND)
San Saba County (Austin TX)
Sarah Shook & the Disarmers (Chapel Hill NC)
Scorey (Syracuse NY)
Sea Lemon (Seattle WA)
Sego (Los Angeles CA)
Shadow Show (Detroit MI)
Sid Simons (Brooklyn NY)
Silverbacks (Dublin IRELAND)
Smut (Chicago IL)
Snøw (Salem MA)
Somebody's Child (Dublin IRELAND)
Son Rompe Pera (Naucalpan MEXICO)
Sophia Galaté (Los Angeles CA)
SPARKLING (Cologne GERMANY)
spill tab (Los Angeles CA)
Steam Down (London UK-ENGLAND)
Sug Daniels (Philadelphia PA)
Sweet Pill (Philadelphia PA)
Tamzene (Cromarty UK-ENGLAND)
TC Superstar (Austin TX)
Teenage Halloween (Asbury Park NJ)
Thanya Iyer (Montreal CANADA)
Thao (Oakland CA)
TmbaTa Orchestra (Yerevan ARMENIA)
Tomato Flower (Baltimore MD)
The Trials of Cato (Wrexham UK-WALES)
Tribe Mafia (Austin TX)
The Vices (Groningen NETHERLANDS)
Vox Rea (Vancouver CANADA)
The Wandering Hearts (London UK-ENGLAND)
Warm Human (Chicago IL)
Why Bonnie (Austin TX)
Wynona Bleach (Belfast UK-N. IRELAND)
Yazmin Lacey (London UK-ENGLAND)
Yogetsu Akasaka (Setagaya-Ku JAPAN)
Your Grandparents (Los Angeles CA)

(This list is subject to change. More performers will be announced at later dates.)

Listen to the artists who will be performing at SXSW 2023 by subscribing to the official SXSW Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music Video playlists.

All SXSW Music registrants receive primary access to Music and Convergence Conference programming, including Keynotes and Featured Speakers, Music Festival showcases, the Comedy Festival, exhibitions, networking Meet Ups, the Flatstock Poster Show, Registrant Lounge, and the BBQ & softball tournament. Secondary access is available for most Interactive and Film events. 

The online SXSW Schedule, launching October 25, provides a complete rundown of 2023 programming, broken down by time and event category, with the ability to build a customized schedule. Please visit https://schedule.sxsw.com/.

SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film and television, music, education, and culture. An essential destination for global professionals, the annual March event features sessions, music, and comedy showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, professional development, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2023 will take place March 10 - 19, 2023 in Austin. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.  

SXSW 2023 is sponsored by White Claw, Porsche, Itau Unibanco, and The Austin Chronicle.

Jake Wesley Rogers Interview | Austin City Limits

Interview by: Wesley Smoot

Jake Wesley Rogers. If you don’t know the name already, you will. He’s an absolute powerhouse— singer, songwriter, showman, and a master on the keys. At 25 years old, he’s done Madison Square Garden (opening for Panic at the Disco), has been a musical guest on The Ellen Show, and currently has a track featured on the major Universal Pictures rom-com, Bros. His lyrics transcend generations with a kind of depth you’d find hard to believe is coming from someone his age.

I got the chance to chat with Jake Wesley Rogers at Austin City Limits.

Pinkies up, now sip!

Jake Wesley Rogers by Chad Wadsworth for ACL Fest 2022

Weslo: Howdy ya’ll, this is Wesley Smoot (Weslo) with Unleashed LGBTQ, in Austin, Texas at ACL– today I get the chance to sit down with Jake Wesley Rogers. How’s your ACL?

JWR: Hey! It’s very hot. Literally. But it has been so much fun.

Weslo: So freakin’ hot. Texas heat!

Well the crowd obviously loved your performance. What are your thoughts on Texas, besides the heat?

JWR: Well, I'm from Missouri, so I understand what it means to come from a complicated place, but I’m always astounded by how much love there is, even in a state where there is a lot of bullshit going on.

Weslo: It’s a big state with lots of fabulous folks, I’m glad you get to see there are all kinds, plenty of like minded people. 

JWR: Of course. You sometimes have to remind yourself, we’re everywhere and we’re not going anywhere. So, I’ll always keep coming back. 

Weslo: Please do.

I have to talk to you about the movie Bros with Billy Eichner. One of my favorites of the year, not just because it’s a gay film, but it’s just so well done. You have a song featured in the movie— your single Hindsight. What’s it like having your music on such a groundbreaking film?

JWR: It was mind-blowing to hear my song in a movie theater and be part of such a historical film. I would actually call it a surreal moment for me.

Jake Wesley Rogers & Wesley Smoot in Media Tent at Austin City Limits 2022

Weslo: So you’re on the cover of The Advocate this month, it seems like you’re well on your way to becoming a LGBTQ+ icon. How does that feel?

JWR: I don’t want to speak for anyone. I can only tell my story, I do that on purpose. Tony Morrison says “The function of freedom is to free someone else” so I think if I show up, even if I’m not feeling confident, tell my story, the hope is to allow anyone to feel free to be themselves, because that makes everything better. 

Weslo: I agree 100%.

I know some LGBTQ+ artists might not care to be labeled or pigeon-holed as a gay artist, I’m sure with you, there’s a lot of crossover with other demographics.. I mean, you have been opening for Panic at the Disco. Have you seen your fanbase grow with the non-LGBTQ+ audiences?

JWR: I'm always surprised how many straight people are at my shows. I think my favorite thing about being queer is that it shows very explicit on the outside. But we all feel different, excluded, even if only to some degree. I think we’re the superheroes that have no choice but to show it. 

Weslo: Well you really go into that with your song Pluto. Which I love by the way.

JWR: Yes! Exactly, and thank you. That is very much what the song is about, using Pluto as a metaphor, as the outsider. And just giving everyone permission to embrace it because I think that’s how things change, when everybody realizes we have this tendency to hide something. It’s the queer life. We’re accustom to it and learn it at such an early age. But not only us, everyone feels that on some level, we’re just the lucky, fabulous, beautiful ones that get to show others that it's ok. It’s ok to be free.

Austin City Limits 2022 | Jake Wesley Rogers | Photo Credit: Jakob Wandel

Weslo: Inclusion is incredibly important. I think ACL, it’s organizers, and bookers do an amazing job bringing in queer artists. I have been able to see so many over the last few years. Did you get to see anyone here? Lil Nas X? Boy George, Izzy Heltai?...

JWR: Sadly, because of the tour, no. We have been doing red-eyes to come in and make these events. Usually I come in, play, and go to bed (laughing). So I’m sad I missed Lil Nas X but hoping to catch Kacey Musgraves tonight.

Weslo: That will be a great show.

You covered I’ll Stand by You by The Pretenders. You did it magnificently. It has millions of streams… Do you plan on covering any other artists' songs in the future?

JWR: That’s a great question.

We have been covering Welcome to the Black Parade (My Chemical Romance) on the tour. But we’ll have to see. I enjoy singing so many… I’ll keep you posted.

Austin City Limits 2022 | Jake Wesley Rogers | Photo Credit: Jakob Wandel

Weslo: Your outfits for live shows are Everything! What inspires you in picking your wardrobe? Are you inspired by other artists?

JWR: This outfit I’m wearing now is like a red dandy number inspired by the movie The Velvet Goldmine, it’s like an unofficial David Bowie bio pic and there’s this one scene where a character is wearing this dandy outfit — I did a photo shoot for Vogue, they had me wear something similar, and when i wore it, I felt I had been there before. So I wanted to make something, something to recreate that feeling.

But you know before every tour, I think about what I want to wear, feel like, and present to my fabulous audience. But yes, I’m proud to say all the costumes from my tours are made by queer designers— which is always very exciting to me. I love a great collaboration between creative minds. 

Austin City Limits 2022 | Jake Wesley Rogers | Photo Credit: Jakob Wandel

Weslo: I love that.

Many queer artists I see perform to tracks in the background. You not only have a full band but you are also slaying it on the piano. Has that always been the vision?

JWR: When it comes to music, for me personally, it’s always been me and the piano. I don’t think that will ever change. As far as having a band to perform with, it just feels right to me.

Weslo: Well, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. You’re an amazing talent and we wish you all the success. You have our full support.

JWR: Thank you for that, I appreciate you as well.

---

Make sure to check out Jake Wesley Roger’s new EP LOVE 

The EP includes two brand new songs “My Mistake” and “Call It Love” along with previous releases, “Modern Love,” “Lavender Forever,” which he performed on ELLEN, “Dark Bird” and the most recent “Hindsight” from the Billy Eichner film Bros.  

5® GUM TEAMS UP WITH YUNGBLUD AND GREG YUNA TO CREATE THE “MASTERPIECES” CAMPAIGN FEATURING LUXURY JEWELRY CONTAINING CHEWED GUM

Fans can own the thrill by bidding-to-win one of 5® gum’s fifteen limited-edition luxury necklaces that feature Yungblud’s chewed 5 gum

Photo courtesies to Jordan Strauss Photography

NEWARK, NJ [October 17, 2022] – Today, one of Mars’ most exhilarating and adventurous brands, 5® gum, announced its “Masterpieces” campaign in collaboration with musician and Gen Z icon, Yungblud, and prominent New York City luxury jeweler and artist, Greg Yuna. The campaign brings to life across multiple touch points the brand’s purpose: to encourage people to embrace the thrill of taking a chance, pushing the limits of their craft, and doing what makes them feel alive.

At the center of the new campaign is the “Masterpieces” collection, a set of 15 custom luxury necklaces designed and crafted by Yuna using pieces of Cobalt Peppermint 5 gum that were chewed by Yungblud as part of his pre-concert ritual during his 5 gum-sponsored U.S. album release tour last month. Leaning into the brand’s namesake of stimulating all five senses, Yungblud chewed a piece of 5 gum before hitting the stage at each show throughout his tour, capturing the anticipation and exhilaration felt moments before doing something life-changing.

Photo courtesies to Jordan Strauss Photography

 After his electrifying concerts, a total of 15 pieces of the iconic bright blue 5 gum were collected and sent to Yuna to handcraft into 15 collectible necklaces, each representing the thrill felt by both Yungblud and his fans before, during and after each performance, as well as by Yuna when ideating and creating such fascinating pieces of jewelry. 

"I love these jewelry pieces that Greg Yuna created. His work is next level and the fact that some of my fans will have the chance to own a little piece of history is amazing,” said Yungblud. “I loved this tour with 5 gum and I couldn’t think of a better way to have celebrated the release of my album than by hitting as many cities in the U.S. as I could and seeing as many of my fans as possible. Playing these new songs for the first time in these beautiful record stores was an experience I’ll never forget.”

No two necklaces of the 15-piece collection are the same. Each one features a piece of chewed cobalt blue gum in its original shape as the center piece, encased in Lucite. White diamonds and a charm engraved with the 5 gum logo and Yuna’s signature stamp surround the gum pendant, which hangs on a 14K white gold chain. Each of the necklaces will be encased in a custom-designed 5 gum jewelry box, featuring an exterior inscription noting the edition number of that specific “Masterpiece” within the larger collection. The jewelry will also come with a certificate of authentication and a pack of the limited-edition Cobalt Peppermint 5 gum featuring Yungblud’s name and image.

Photo courtesies to Jordan Strauss Photography

“Creating slightly shocking luxury jewelry pieces out of an everyday item such as gum is something that has never been done before in the industry, so I loved stepping into the unknown and challenging myself to create pieces that were equally as exhilarating as Yungblud and 5 gum,” said Greg Yuna. “Experiences that heighten your sense is the new luxury, and I’m incredibly proud of both this partnership with 5 gum and the final jewelry pieces. As fans will see, they truly embody self-expression, passion and boldness, which is what I’m all about.”

“As a brand that strives to be the most adventurous and distinct brand for life's most exhilarating moments, 5 gum’s partnership with two authentically bold, artistic geniuses, like Yungblud and Greg Yuna, was a natural fit and a great honor,” said Justin Hollyn-Taub, Senior Marketing Director at Mars Wrigley. “The 15 pieces of custom jewelry, featuring our very own 5 Cobalt gum, were created in such a way that they truly live up to the name of this campaign and collection – Masterpieces. We simply cannot wait for fans to get the unique chance to take home a piece of the thrill that was experienced throughout Yungblud’s tour and the masterful creation of the jewelry.”

Yungblud & Weslo (Wesley Smoot) SOHO House 2022

 Now through October 26, fans worldwide can bid on 5 gum’s Masterpieces collection on eBay at www.ebay.com/e/ad/5GumMasterpieces. Bidding starts at $5 and all proceeds from the sale of each Masterpiece will benefit the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF) to further its mission to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent venues, promoters, festivals, and cultural hubs of local communities across the United States.

To see a behind-the-scenes look at the thrill felt on stage and in the studio with Yungblud and Greg Yuna, check out this video and follow 5 gum on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook.

TAMMIE BROWN’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR PREMIERES OCTOBER 21ST ON OUTTV

Tammie Brown and Kelly Mantle are thrilled to return to OUTtv with their brand-new holiday special, Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular.  Premiering October 21 and streaming throughout the trick-and-treat season, the show stars everyone’s favorite comedic drag duo as they fight ghouls, goblins, and crazed fans to keep their Halloween Spooktacular afloat. The hilarious hour of comedy and hijinks includes negligent bodyguards, botched fashion shows, and meet-and-greets gone wrong. Luckily, Kelly Mantle is there to take matters into her own hands… so what could go wrong?  Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular features two new singles by Tammie Brown, “Soothsayer” and “Pumpkin Blaster,” and guest star appearances by Sonique Love, April Carrión, Fena Barbitall, Todd Glass, and the Sugarbaker Twins. 

“I love the variety show format,” says Tammie Brown, the drag persona created by Keith Glen Schubert who is best known for her stand-out appearances on RuPaul's Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. She has released four music albums including the popular hit singles, “Port-A-Potty Prostitute” and “Schubert,” and regularly performs all over the world.  “Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular will introduce new music, hilarious sketches, and a myriad of dynamic guests.  It will be a rip-roaring event,” she promises. 

Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular also sees the return of Kelly Mantle’s zany alter-ego, Sheila. “People love Sheila because she has no filter, no censor and no shame,” Mantle explains.  “She says what we’re all thinking. She’s bold and blunt, but it goes down smooth like a Pumpkin latte mixed with Southern Comfort.”

Kelly Mantle made Oscar history by being the first openly non-binary person to be approved and considered by The Academy for both Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress for their role in the feature film, Confessions of A Womanizer. Mantle is a graduate of Second City in Chicago and has appeared on television in RuPaul's Drag Race, Lucifer, Modern Family and Mike & Molly, among others. Their uncle is the late great Mickey Mantle. 

Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular is directed by John Mark, who also created Tammie Brown and Kelly Mantle’s half-hour comedy series, The Browns, available on OUTtv. 

Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular will be available to stream OUTtv.com and on AppleTV+ via the OUTtv Channel on October 21.  

Follow Tammie Brown on IG @planettammie

Follow Kelly Mantle on IG @kellymantle, Twitter @thekellymantle, and FB @ Kelly Mantle

Follow John Mark on IG @johnmarkcreative

C3 PRESENTS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER ANNOUNCE THE AUSTIN DEBUT OF BRUCE MUNRO’S FIELD OF LIGHT IMMERSIVE LIGHT INSTALLATION

“Mr. Munro… has become the Christo and Jeanne-Claude of fiber-optic light environments.”

—The New York Times

AUSTIN, TX - Austin’s own C3 Presents, in collaboration with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin, is proud to announce that highly acclaimed British artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light will debut on September 9, 2022, at the Wildflower Center.

Illuminating 16 acres in the Arboretum at the Wildflower Center, Field of Light is a stunning display of 28,000 stemmed spheres that are subtly lit by solar powered fiber-optics. Field of Light beautifully showcases the intersection of art, technology, and nature and its purpose is to inspire a sense of shared existence, and of being part of life’s essential pattern. The installation unites with the outdoors, celebrating the natural topography of the landscape and creating an immersive and emotional experience for guests.

“Austin is such a unique destination that embodies many of the core values of this installation. My hope is that the Field of Light installation will inspire visitors to contemplate a kinder and more connected world,” said Bruce Munro. “The Wildflower Center is the ideal venue for this exhibition simply because it brings people, art and nature together.”

“We’re thrilled to host Munro’s Field of Light in collaboration with C3 Presents and share this world-renowned exhibition with our community,” said Lee Clippard, executive director of the Wildflower Center. “The shifts of color and light will be a unique and provocative way to celebrate our Central Texas landscape.”

Bruce Munro is best known for large-scale light-based artworks inspired by his continuous study of light and his curiosity about shared human experiences. With a fine arts degree, early career training in the lighting design industry and an inventive urge for reuse, Munro creates art that captures his responses to literature, music, science and the world around him. His work has been commissioned by and displayed in special exhibitions in galleries, parks, grand estates, cathedrals, botanical gardens and museums around the globe.

The New York Times says of Munro’s Field of Light in Paso Robles: “There is nothing quite like the mind-bending spectacle now on display at dusk in the hills of Paso Robles. … That is the witching hour when thousands of solar-powered glass orbs on stems, created by the artist Bruce Munro, enfold visitors in an earthbound aurora borealis of shifting hues.”

Tickets will be on sale in July. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wildflower Center. Guests can enjoy the exhibit from September through December 2022. Click here to learn more, or get social media updates at @fieldoflightaustin on Instagram and Facebook.

Ada Vox Sings Out Loud and Proud This National Coming Out Day with Powerful New Anthem, “Let My Love Shine”

This National Coming Out Day, drag queen Ada Vox, best known for competing on American Idol and winning runner-up on the first season of Paramount Plus’ Queen of The Universe, will release her new song, “Let My Love Shine.”  The beautiful song about finding strength and resilience through life’s toughest challenges offers a combination of electronic and dance music, with small gospel influences in the bridge.  “I’m known more for dramatic, heart-wrenching diva ballads, but this time around, I wanted to be able to spread joy and happiness,” she explains. “By the end of the song, every single listener should feel compelled to toss their fears aside and live their lives in a way that leads with positivity and light.”  Ada Vox’s “Let My Love Shine” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major platforms on October 11. 

“I have experienced hiding behind the facade of a fake smile while feeling miserable inside,” admits Ada Vox.   “I’ve learned we cannot let our feelings control us.  We need to consciously find joy and absorb it and share it with others. In the end, we’re all mere specks of dust in this universe.  We may as well float around like happy specks, making as many other little specks happy along the way.” 

The lyrics for “Let My Love Shine” were written by Negin Djafari (who has written previously for Miley Cyrus and Drake) and Helienne Lindvall. The song was produced by Daniel Robles. 

“I met Daniel at RuPaul’s DragCon,” Vox continues.  “He proposed the idea of a collaboration and his energy inspired me.  I just knew everything would fall into place beautifully; so as soon as it was possible, we made it happen.” 

The world first met Ada Vox when she auditioned for American Idol in 2013.  At the time, she was known as Adam Sanders.  In one of his Season 12 performances, Adam got a standing ovation from three of the four judges with his rendition of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” However, he was eliminated after Hollywood week.  It came as a surprise for all when on the March 25 episode of American Idol, Adam returned as Ada Vox, wowing judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan with her rendition of “House of the Rising Sun”.  She was immediately given her golden ticket to Hollywood.

While the exposure from the show won Adam Sanders AKA Ada Vox plenty of new fans and many exciting opportunities to perform, he also began getting death threats on social media. People attacked his weight and his sexuality.  It crushed his soul and he admits he even contemplated taking his own life.

Luckily, with the help of fans from the LGBTQ community and beyond, Ada found her strength.  “Let My Love Shine” reflects her long-held motto, "I do what I love for the people that love what I do."

“There is so much more to life than worrying about how we can please the naysayers,” Ada Vox says today.  “There are people out there who love us for exactly who we are.  The only way to find them is to be our true selves. Light attracts light, so let your love shine through in every little thing you do!”

Follow on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @adavox.

DreamHack Atlanta to Present the Ultimate Weekend Gaming Experience with First In-Person Georgia Event in Three Years, Nov 18-20, 2022

Esports Tournaments Added to Three-Day Festival Include $100,000 DreamHack Featuring Fortnite Competition and $100,000 Starcraft 2 Masters, Plus Over $35,000 in BYOC Tournaments, and More than $25,000 Across Nine Fighting Games Tournaments

COLOGNE / STOCKHOLM / NEW YORK — DreamHack Atlanta, the three-day, immersive, gaming lifestyle festival, has esports competitions this ultimate weekend experience November 18-20, 2022, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Featuring everything gaming under one roof, the event has now added several esports tournaments which offer everyone the opportunity to compete and win — from amateurs to pros. This includes: a $100,000 Fortnite Competition; a $100,000 Starcraft II Masters; a prize pool of more than $35,000 for Bring-Your-Own-Computer (BYOC) tournaments; and a prize pool of more than $25,000 across nine Fighting Games tournaments. Additional content will be announced soon.

“DreamHack loves Atlanta, and we are thrilled to be back! This pandemic has been so hard for so many — but gaming has always had a special way of bringing communities together both online and in person," said Shahin Zarrabi, VP Strategy & Growth at DreamHack. “We always strive to not only create not only a world where our community comes to life, but also one where everybody can be somebody. This array of esports competitions will offer that opportunity to all, so we can’t wait to once again share our festival with the people of Atlanta.”

DreamHack’s 2022 global tour includes a total of 10 festivals in seven countries. DreamHack’s first event since the pandemic was DreamHack Dallas in June — DreamHack has not been to Atlanta since before the pandemic in November 2019.

Prices start at $31 for a one-day pass, and $85 for a three-day experience. More details are available at dreamhack.com/atlanta/tickets.

ESPORTS COMPETITIONS
DreamHack Featuring Fortnite — $100,000 Prize Pool
The DreamHack Featuring Fortnite competition will run all three days of DreamHack Atlanta, beginning on Friday, Nov. 18 and finishing Sunday, Nov. 20 on-site in the BYOC LAN area. Anyone with a BYOC ticket will have the opportunity to compete and begin their journey to become the next DreamHack Featuring Fortnite Champion.

DreamHack Starcraft 2 Masters — Over $100,000 to be won
Participation can be achieved through two routes: 1) Qualify through the regional competitions and secure yourself a paid trip and seeding into the deep stages of the competition, or 2) Register for the 63 slots available in the early stages of the competition.

Fighting Games — More than $25,000 Prize Pool Up For Grabs
DreamHack Atlanta will feature Fighting Game Championships (FGC) including:
● Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Singles — $10,000 Prize Pool
● Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Doubles — $1000 Prize Pool
● Super Smash Bros. Melee, Singles — $1000 Prize Pool
● Super Smash Bros. Melee, Doubles — $1000 Prize Pool
● Guilty Gear Strive — $5000 Prize Pool
● Tekken 7 — $2,500 Prize Pool
● DNF: Duel — $1,500 Prize Pool
● Street Fighter V — $1,000 Prize Pool
● The King of Fighters XV — $1,000 Prize Pool

BYOC Tournaments — More than $35,000 Prize Pool Available
The LAN is a “Bring-Your-Own-Computer (BYOC) or console area and is the core of a DreamHack festival. Each BYOC ticket guarantees a reserved seat, a port on the LAN, power outlets for gear, and a chair (but feel free to bring your own!).  BYOC LAN ticket or a 3-Day Pass is required to enter. The Bring-Your-Own-Computer (BYOC) tournaments encourage participants to grab friends and competefor well-deserved cash prizes, including:
● Rocket League — $10,000 Prize Pool
● Team Fortress 2 — $10,000 Prize Pool
● Teamfight Tactics — $5,000 Prize Pool
● Counter Strike: Global Offensive — $2,500 Prize Pool
● League of Legends — $2,500 Prize Pool
● Starcraft 2 — $2,500 Prize Pool
● Age of Empires IV — $2,500 Prize Pool
● Legends of Runeterra — $1,500 Prize Pool


ESPORTS SUMMIT
In addition, the annual Esport Summit will take place ahead of DreamHack Atlanta, November 17-18, punctuating the thriving esports industry in Georgia and beyond. Esports Summit provides global business leaders and educators a comprehensive view of the entire esports ecosystem, including networking opportunities, presentations from industry leaders, and workshops with some of the largest names in the esports and scholastic esports industry.

Jake Wesley Rogers to Perform at Austin City Limits

Rising superstar Jake Wesley Rogers is set to play ACL both weekends with sets Sunday 10/9 and 10/16 @ 1:15pm on the Miller Lite Stage. Attendees will not want to miss this electrifying, live show.

With the release of new song “Hindsight” for gay rom-com film, BROS this past Friday, major buzz is surrounding up-and-coming queer artist and advocate Jake Wesley Rogers. 

Jake released his first major-label single “Middle Of Love” last May, Paper Magazine said “Give Jake Wesley Rogers a stadium” and now he is performing in arenas across the country, opening for Panic! at the Disco.

“Hindsight” along with earlier releases from this year including  “Modern Love” and “Lavender Forever” which he performed on Ellen and HBO Max’s Legendary can be found on Jake’s upcoming EP.

"My new song Hindsight is very special to me, especially since it will be the end title track in Billy Eichner’s historic new film, “Bros”—the first gay rom-com made by a major motion picture studio. I wrote it with my go-to collaborator Justin Tranter, as well as the producer, Jason Gill. The song is about looking back at the past and longing to make the future better, by actually living and loving (and dancing) to your fullest potential." – Jake Wesley Rogers

Interview coming soon.

3x GRAMMY Award-Nominated Alphabet Rockers Raise Children's Voices for Change on New Album, The Movement

Oakland, Calif. -- Tuesday, October 4, 2022 -- Alphabet Rockers have captured the attention of families and the music industry with their authentic voices for change since the influential group's first GRAMMY Award nomination in 2018. Alphabet Rockers raises the bar - and ante up for big moves - with their fifth album, The Movement, featuring the children of Alphabet Rockers as songwriters, lead vocalists and the compelling voices of our times. Building on their mission to produce music that creates change, Alphabet Rockers crafted 13 new songs with a clear message - we have the power in our community to build a world of justice and belonging. Alphabet Rockers will tour The Movement in selection markets across the country, including an appearance at Austin City Limits in October 2022.

When the world shut down in March 2020, the Rockers were coming off their second GRAMMY-nomination for "Best Children's Album," and persisted with their intergenerational anti-racism work online through free community workshops, curriculum (We Got Work To Do), and virtual creative sessions with their core group of youth artists. The seminal work caught the eye of CBS Mornings who ran two national features on the significant positive impact the Alphabet Rockers had on children during these challenging times. The COVID-19 global pandemic was a racial reckoning across all industries, including children’s music and the GRAMMYs; Alphabet Rockers worked to transform family music by centering Black voices into the conversation and dismantling racial bias within the industry as co-founders of Family Music Forward. 1 Tribe Collective, a Black artist collective, emerged from this work and recorded the album All One Tribe, bringing Alphabet Rockers their 3rd GRAMMY nomination. 

Alphabet Rockers utilize important questions to drive its creative process, including how to create justice in a country facing its racist truths – this led the group to an artist fellowship at the Othering & Belonging Institute at U.C. Berkeley supporting their early development of The Movement. The collective of children and adults asked questions, as simply as "when do you feel powerful, and when do you feel powerless?" and as complex as the tween writers asking, "how can people see that someone has changed?" and "how can the government use its resources to support the people, not just its systems?" The songs that came from this creative process on The Movement are bops -- with a depth that serves their intended audience - children wanting for everyone to be treated fairly and feel loved. 

The Movement opens with an invitation to "connect the head and heart" as "when people connect -- that's how we find unity." The songwriters reflect on real moments from their lives, and lean on the conversations and interviews they conducted with restorative justice practitioners from Oakland and leaders like Angela Y. Davis. As writer Maya Flemingsays in her song, "Our Turn": "I've got a voice and I'm using it /And its way past time that you're hearing it /You can find a lot when you listen up." The voices of Alphabet Rockers are the balm for the reckoning of 2020. The Movement helps the whole family to understand their power, break biases, disrupt systems of oppression, and find community care. And "When it's all said and done - the word is LOVE." 

The Movement will be released on all platforms on Friday, September 9.

For more information on Alphabet Rockers, please visit:

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

MIGGUEL ANGGELO BRINGS ENGLISH WITH AN ACCENT TO LINCOLN CENTER’S CLARK STUDIO THEATER, DECEMBER 1-3

THE PRODUCTION COMBINES ORIGINAL MUSIC WITH DANCE AND THEATER; EXPLORES THE INTERSECTIONS OF HIS QUEER, LATINO AND IMMIGRANT IDENTITIES

WATCH A PERFORMANCE TRAILER HERE

ALBUM OF THE SAME NAME OUT ON DECEMBER 2; WATCH THE “SO IRONIC” MUSIC VIDEO HERE

Photo Credit: Nico Iliev

Migguel Anggelo is a Venezuelan-American singer-songwriter, multidisciplinary performing artist and countertenor, dancer, actor and painter. His work explores the intersections of his queer, Latino and immigrant identities using music, physical theater, dance, text and costume. As a theater creator, he has been awarded residencies to develop new works at MASS MoCA, the Kimmel Center, the Miami Light Project and beyond. 

English with an Accent is an original musical production of dance-theater, helmed by Migguel Anggelo and a company of 10 dancers. These performances at Lincoln Center’s Clark Studio Theater, December 1-3 - which celebrate the project's album release - follow an immigrant caterpillar's arrival in New York City with hopes of becoming a butterfly. English with an Accent explores the attainability of the American dream through themes of freedom, safety, and self-worth. Directed, choreographed, and developed by Avihai Haham, the production boasts original music and lyrics composed by Migguel Anggelo and his longtime collaborator and music director Jaime Lozano. English with an Accent, the album, will be released on December 2. Watch the first music video for “So Ironic” here.

Migguel Anggelo: “I am very excited to bring English with an Accent to Lincoln Center – I’m so thankful for their generous support and for co-commissioning the piece. After sixteen long years, I am now (finally!) a naturalized U.S. citizen, so this work is especially meaningful to me. It represents my quest for safety, for happiness, for self-worth – and finding that in the United States, I can now call this country my home. Home and safety matter to everyone, regardless of where they are from, and it’s my hope that people who don’t normally see their stories reflected on stage, find theirs in our work.”

Tickets are available now on a choose-what-you-pay basis. 

English with an Accent credits:

Conceived and Written by Migguel Anggelo
Music and Lyrics by Migguel Anggelo and Jaime Lozano
Musical Direction and Arrangements by Jaime Lozano
Directed, Choreographed, and Developed by Avihai Haham 
Associate Director and Choreographer: Jakob Karr
Costume Design: Ryan Park
Lighting Design: Scott Davis
Recorded Music Production and Sound Design: Jaime Lozano and Demián Cantú
Executive Creative Producer and Production Design: David Stark
Production and Stage Management: Jessi Cotter
Identity and Graphic Design: Studio Usher
Casting: Mungioli Theatricals, Inc.
Management and Booking: Greg Kastelman / Unbound Artists

“A Migguel Anggelo performance is guaranteed to entertain and enthrall.” – Broadway World 

"Migguel Anggelo exhilaratingly recalls the showmanship of Desi Arnaz and the performance art of Klaus Nomi" – Theater Scene 

“[Migguel] was born to be on stage and delivers a performance with incredible honesty, humor, and flair… Anggelo forces his audiences to think and feel — and ultimately connects with them in a way that leaves an indelible and remarkable imprint.” – The Broadway Blog

About Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts 

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is the steward of the world’s leading performing arts center, an artistic and civic cornerstone for New York City comprised of eleven resident companies on a 16-acre campus. The nonprofit’s strategic priorities include: supporting the arts organizations that call Lincoln Center home to realize their missions and foster opportunities for collaboration across campus; championing inclusion and increasing the accessibility and reach of Lincoln Center’s work; and reimagining and the strengthening the performing arts for the 21st century and beyond, helping ensure their rightful place at the center of civic life.

Migguel Anggelo: Official site / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Linktree / YouTube

FILM REVIEW: BROS

When Hairy Met Slutty: The unlikely romance of BROS is its blindspot, but the jokes come fast and furious

by Arnold Wayne Jones

Sometimes, the aggressive marketing of a project can actually undermine our confidence in it. 

Take Bros. When we first saw the trailer? Pure delight. But in the intervening months, we’ve been inundated by a a chorus reminding us that this is the first mainstream/sex-positive/big-budget/alphabet-inclusive/majority gay cast/R-rated/Hollywood studio-backed/wide-release/yadda yadda/adult gay rom-com EVER!!!! Subtext: It doesn’t matter if it’s good – it’s important. You do want to encourage gay cinema, don’t you?  You’re expected to see it, to say you like it, and bring your friends to see it again… all in solidarity. Being entertaining almost seems incidental to our supporting it. And how can we really know if it’s any good, if the messaging is so unrelentingly politicized?

Courtesy of Universal Studios

So I was more than a little relieved when I ended up genuinely enjoying Bros as much as a I did. Important? Meh. It’s not the 1990s anymore; we are not starved for gay stories –any gay stories – that we will  hungrily pretend to like dreck just so that we don’t have withdrawl. We’re post-Brokeback, post-Moonlight, post-Will & Grace. Even straight rom-coms find avenues of gay outreach. The bar has been raised. And for the most part, Bros sails over the bar like an Olympic pole-vaulter.

The premise is pretty standard in a heteronormative-cliche kinda way: Bobby (Billy Eichner) and Aaron (Luke Macfarlane) are two strands in the late-Gen-X DNA of gay dudes: Both excrutiatingly single to the point of relationship-phobic, but with very different vibes: Bobby is the cynic who thinks marriage is actually some kind of punishment for straight folks and gays should embrace their outsider status; Aaron is the meaningless-hookup gym-rat whose serial anti-monogamy gets him laid without commitment.

Courtesy of Universal Studios

Yet both are also walking contradictions: For all his disparagement of mainstream culture, Bobby – an erstwhile podcaster now tasked with running a yet-to-open gay history museum – is filled with righteous anger that gay stories haven’t been drilled into the culture like Washington chopping down a cherry tree or Betsy Ross sewing the flag. He’s determined that the museum will not be fun, but confrontational to the point of chastising. In the words of Sally Field, he wants you to like him, to really like him … and what he represents, which is kind of pill-ish. Aaron, on the other hand, has a sensitive side that isn’t served by the soullessness of Grindr dates. He’s a dull estate lawyer who dreams of something more satisfying; even his ripped body isn’t enough. 

Courtesy of Universal Studios

The men more-or-less quickly meet up with the agreement that neither, heaven forbid, wants a relationship. It’s When Hairy Met Slutty. But because it is a rom-com, can there be any doubt where they will eventually end up?

The most convincing thread of the plot is the “com” side: The script, co-written by director Nicholas Stoller and Eichner himself, is dense with smart, and smart-alecky, one-liners. Many of the characters, even the small ones or walk-ons by the likes of Debra Messing, are sharply drawn and get their share of zingers. And even when the jokes thin out, the wise observations of gay culture are handled perfectly (for instance, when friends announce they are in a trouple, it’s played less as scandalous than as a lot of work; at the end, the three are still together, without judgment). 

Courtesy of Universal Studios

It’s the rom that could have used a little tweaking. A downside of the screenplay is something that often arises when the writer is also the star: A tendency to make his character “right.” A major conflict is Aaron asking Bobby to “tone down” his excessive Bobby-ness when they hang out at Christmas with Aaron’s family. Rather than comply, Bobby intentionally antagonizes them until Aaron snaps out of embarrassment. It’s played as “never ask a gay man not to be himself” – that the initial request was the original sin – when, for me, it was more “you don’t have to have an opinion about everything and argue with my elderly parents out of spite.” The script almost never leaves Bobby in the wrong, even when he clearly is (such as his dictatorial attitude about the museum exhibits; he physically assaults his subordinates yet they apologize to him). Bobby is just a bit too sanctimonious, even when he’s right, to make us really believe Aaron would want him… or want him back.

Courtesy of Universal Studios

And that’s where the casting of Macfarlane proves to be Bros’s nuclear weapon. Macfarlane is shredded and gorgeous, simultaneously boasting smiling eyes that could melt gold, nipples that could cut glass and a sincerity that sells even the most unlikely twists. You totally buy why Bobby – who objects to the roided out pretty boy culture – would nonetheless be drawn to Aaron, and less understand why the feelings are mutual. Except that you do, because Macfarlane makes you.

The film is produced by Judd Apatow, and it reeks of his brand: the funny, quasi-explicit sex scenes, the raunchiness, the outrageously inappropriate anything-for-a-laughisms. But if it seems formulaic, hey, so is Coca-Cola, and who can resist a Coke?

Courtesy of Universal Studios

Peopled with a diverse cast of queer, trans, genderfluid actors – many even in the “straight” roles – Bros ultimately is kinda important. I’m not convinced because some suits at Universal greenlit a film they thought they could make money on, but because a joke-rich comedy delivers the goods …. and we don’t have to endure a bunch of cis-women whining to their girlfriends; we get abs and furry asses.  That’s the step in the right direction.

Opens wide on Sept. 30