We’re Here! We’re Fierce! Get Used to It! – the Inaugural Year of the Fierce! International Queer Burlesque Festival

The first weekend of May 2013, Columbus, Ohio burlesque performer, Viva Valezz! will embark on a journey of epic, rainbow glitter-covered, proportions.  Valezz! and her cohort, Janine Aquino of Double Oh 7 Productions, will produce “Fierce! the First International Queer Burlesque Festival.”

The inaugural year of the festival will take place in the U.S., in the heart of Columbus, Ohio’s Short North, and a “teaser” of sorts internationally in the United Kingdom during the summer.  It will truly be a celebration of gay culture and the talents of burlesque performers who identify as “queer” worldwide.

Though it may have its focus on the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, also referred to as “queer”) community, the Fierce! Queer Burlesque Festival is intended to be celebrated by everyone – honoring the best of burlesque, highlighting the talents of queer performers and their allies -- all of those people who support them and want to celebrate them.  The Fierce! Queer Burlesque Festival will celebrate the talents of the burlesque performers of the world who identify as “queer,” gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, or intersex, and their queer allies.  The festival will be a celebration of the creativity, talent, and passion of queer performers and their community of fans, supporters and loved ones.

Fierce! the First International Queer Burlesque Festival will be held the first weekend of May 2013 in Columbus, Ohio.  The festivities will include four days and nights of parties and burlesque shows featuring performers from all over the world.  The U.S. leg of the festival will take place over the course of four days:

Thursday, May 2 “Fierce! Opening Night Warehouse Party” at the 400 West Rich Street artist warehouse, 8pm door / 9pm show, featuring live music, cocktails, and burlesque show featuring emcee, local Kaiser Colonic

Friday, May 3 “Fierce! All-Star Showcase” and vending exhibits at Axis Nightclub, 775 N. High Street / Short North, 8pm door / 9pm show featuring headliner, Tigger!, the “godfather of boylesque” from New York, NY, and hosted by Columbus super-drag queen Nina West

Saturday, May 4 burlesque classes by Fierce! instructors, Short North location to be announced, 10am-2pm Saturday, May 4 “Fierce! All-Star Showcase” and vending exhibits at Wall Street Nightclub, 144 N. Wall Street, 7pm door / 8pm show featuring 2011 Miss Exotic World, Indigo Blue from Seattle, WA, and hosted by Chicago's Tamale Sepp

Sunday, May 5 “Fierce! High Tea and Wine Tasting” at Camelot Cellars, 958 N. High Street / Short North, 12pm door / 1pm au revoir burlesque and variety show featuring emcee, local Kaiser Colonic Tickets for Fierce! will be sold for each event or as a weekend package. Ticket sales information will be announced soon. 

Sponsorship and exhibitor forms can be found at www.fiercequeerburlesque.com.  For additional questions about this groundbreaking event, contact Viva Valezz! at [email protected].

Viva Valezz! Burlesque Productions - Firey burlesque performer, producer, and instructor, Viva Valezz! has been turning on the children of the burlesque cornfields of Ohio since 2007.  Her credits include being voted 2010 “Columbus’ Favorite Burlesque Performer,” taking home a pair of “Golden Pasties” from the 2010 New York Burlesque Festival, and her dance troupe, the Velvet Hearts!, was the first and only burlesque troupe ever nominated as one of the “Best of Columbus” in the Best Dance Company category.  She has performed in large cities Chicago, Boston, New York, Detroit, in the New York Burlesque Festival and the Windy City Burlesque Festival, and of course everywhere in the Buckeye State.  She was a featured cast member in both the 2011 “Sin-Fully Yours Midwest Tour” and performed and produced in the “Fierce! Tour” in 2012.  She is the founder of the Columbus Burlesque Academy, teaching burlesque classes since 2008.  Viva!’s goal is to tantalize and evangelize across the country, spreading burlesque love and a trail of spicy glitter-dust all along the way.

Janine Aquino, of Double Oh 7 Productions, is an entrepreneurial whiz with expertise in business, problem solving, leadership, and making wine! Aquino owns Camelot Cellars Winery, an award winning urban boutique winery located in the Short North District of  Columbus, OH.

Lazy?  In a hurry?  Alcoholic?  I'm curious to know the 'real' reason why drive-thru convenience stores were invented.  I have a sneaky suspision that alcohol is the first and foremost item on the store manager's inventory checklist.  With names such as Brew Thru and Beer Barn, it makes me wonder...

I found this interesting website that highlights photos of drive-thru stores throughout America... http://www.beerbarns.com/

I was 18 years old when I had my first experience with a drive-thru store.  I was visiting friends in unknown territory in Chillicothe, Ohio.  I was driving and the passenger was a native of Ohio.  We had driven up from Virginia Beach.   While driving down a main street, I was told to turn right.  Right into a building!  I hesitated, put my foot on the brake, and said "do you think I'm a freakin' idiot?  I'm not driving straight through that building!"  Needless to say, it took quite a bit more convincing but I eventually drove
through.

We recently visited Warren, Ohio to attend a friend's wedding and the faint memories of my drive-thru experience came rushing
back when I saw this:

Great for the golf enthusiast, the Magnuson Grand Hotel in the Warren/Youngstown region of Ohio extends excellent customer service and old-world charm.

Known as the world's largest independent hotel group, Magnuson Hotels, with over 2,000 locations world-wide, are each independently owned.  Why does knowing this make a difference?  It's all in the details, the support of local small business and community, the culture, and the diversity.  We found an excellent article that offers six reasons why booking at an independently owned accommodation is a great choice for the traveler.                                                      http://darngooddigs.com/blog/2010/01/why-you-should-stay-at-independently-owned-hotels/

The Magnuson Grand Hotel provides stunning views, fine dining, 13,000 square feet of banquet facilities and the property is situated between two pristine golf courses.  Also interesting is the wall of autographed photos in the lobby, with celebs such as Catwoman and Superman!

Now, the hotel itself may be full of 'old-world' charm but rest assured that the employees are of a 'new-world' mindset.  Meaning: Yes, this hotel is gay friendly.  Cindy Boren, General Manager of the hotel, says "We’re looking forward to your stay and do not discriminate against anyone.   We welcome all guests with great customer service and the goal of making each stay a memorable experience."

Our room was spacious and included all the ammenities necessary when traveling, and before getting back on the road, we enjoyed our complimentary hot breakfast!

For more info, click to the Magnuson Grand Hotel website: http://hotelwarren.magnusonhotels.com/

From legendary burgers to smokehouse sandwiches and salads, along with a motto fit to serve ALL who are hungry, the Hard Rock Cafe is a sure thing in any city! 

Hard Rock Cleveland takes center stage, as it is located in Tower City, in the heart of downtown.  Tower City is a unique building with over 100 specialty shops, six full-service restaurants, 11-screen theater, 2 Hotels and easy access through the connected walkway to Progressive Field and the Quicken Loans Arena.

Finding parking while traveling downtown in any major city is always a pain in the 'you-know-what,' but don't fret if you're looking forward to the unique and up-beet atmoshphere at the Hard Rock Cafe... they offer valet parking.

Address:
Hard Rock Cafe Cleveland
230 West Huron Road
Cleveland, OH 44113
1-216-830-7625



Hours:
Sun - Thur 11:00AM - 11:00PM
Fri & Sat 11:00AM - 12:00AM

For more Ohio travel ideas, check out Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.  

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Teen Suicide Awareness March

Date: 9/29/2012
Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm
Address:  520 Vine Street in Cincinnati, OH
Location: Fountain Square

Event Information:
This type of event allows us to remember those who felt they had no choice but to take their own life, while at the same time sending an important message to LGBT youth that there are people and organizations in Ohio that support them.  Many things lately such as TV, schools, and politics often sends a hurtful message to LGBT youth.  We want to send a positive message that LGBT youth are valued and that we will fight to make sure they have the same opportunities in Ohio that all other youth have. Ohio does not have many organized events to bring awareness to the issues of LGBT teen suicide. But as a teen who took his life once said:  I found this quote, both deeply disturbing and alarmingly revealing:

 “It happens here about once a week, but officially, you know, it doesn’t happen here.”
~ 17-year old, Jack Reese, from Utah committed suicide after suffering homophobic bullying at school. Jack Reese killed himself on April 22. 
 
Join the movement and help bring awareness to LGBT Youth Suicides.  Stand up and make a difference. Build a better tomorrow.

Things to bring: 
1. Yourself, friends, and family.
2. Signs about teen suicide.
 3. Pictures of lost teenagers.
4. Show up and enjoy creating a better tomorrow.

Background on our movement:
With four successful rallies behind us here comes the NEXT!
1st- Cincinnati, OH  ~  11/5/2011 ~  417 attended
2nd- Columbus, OH  ~  12/3/2011  ~  341 attended
3rd- Cleveland, OH  ~ 3/24/2012  ~ 3645 attended
4th- Dayton, OH  ~  5/19/2012  ~  311 attended

Watch a short video on our movement this year... below
 
Join Us:
Like us(245,000 Likes): http://www.facebook.com/MarriageEqualityOhio
Become a member:  https://www.facebook.com/MarriageEqualityOhio/app_100265896690345?ref=ts 

Don't know the name? Remember it. This 17-year-old from Ohio wants to change the world.  Someday he might even land in the Oval Office. For now, he’ll take Facebook. 

Harrison, Ohio. 7:30am. Adam Hoover starts his day. First it's on to William Henry Harrison High School where he'll hang with friends, learn political science and daydream about taking down social injustice. Then it's onto one of a number of other activities, which these days include spending  time with family, running a charity for the less fortunate and, his latest  project, building a local movement from scratch. "I went to the gay pride parade in Cincinnati. I finally figured out it's okay to be gay. It made me want to do  something." 

Coming out brought this 17-year-old the support of friends, family and his (mostly Republican!) community. So he decided to campaign for marriage equality in Ohio. Over the course of two weeks, 15,000 supporters flooded several congressional offices, including John Boehner's, with phone calls in support of a marriage equality bill. Success in Ohio would add Hoover's home state to a growing number that now recognize marriage for same-sex couples.  Hoover says social media took an important role in making his campaign dream  become real. "Facebook is the easiest way to connect people," he says. "We have about 275,000 supporters across our pages." The Facebook page, Support Gay Marriage in Ohio, has alone attracted nearly 200,000 "likes" and the protest,  held in Cincinnati's Fountain Square on November 5, hasd hundreds of attendees and gained media attention from local TV and radio stations. 

So what made this teen ditch underage parties and World of Warcraft for activism? It's easy; Hoover says everyone should be free. That, and he wants to be able to marry his boyfriend, Tyler. His mom is supportive and his friends think it's amazing how much he's able to do. He thinks the world is too  judgmental but says it's finally starting to turn around with respect to gay rights. He also realizes how his cybermovement needs to happen offline, too. "Ohio marriage equality, that's the goal. 

It won’t happen without media attention. If we can get people to talk about it, we will bring around change. If the adults won't give it to us we will have to get it ourselves." Having the legal right to love who you want seems as good a reason as any to start a local revolution. And these young Ohioans have joined a grassroots movement that's spread like wildfire across the globe. Clearly, people just want to be people. 

Once Hoover moves on from homeroom and dodging study hall paperclips, he hopes to attend college in Miami where he can learn more about the dos and don'ts of politics. Until then he's got Ohio marriage equality to attend to. With his family, and a few housand of his closest friends. "I want to be like Martin Luther King, Jr.," he says. "I know it sounds stupid because he fought for Black rights, but he stands for everything I stand for. Gay people should be equal and free, and protected the same as anyone else." Adam, that’s probably the most hopeful thing we’ve heard in a while.

For more information and to support Adam Hoover’s campaign, visit the Facebook page at:  facebook/MarriageEqualityOhio

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.   Written by C.Antonio, Connextions Magazine Contributing Writer.

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Tucked away on a residential street in the small town of Bellevue (Northern Ohio), is the picturesque Victorian Tudor Inn Bed & Breakfast. We were greeted at the door by Innkeeper Richard Stegman and his warm welcoming smile, then taken on a grand tour of this more than 7,500 square foot historic English tudor, built in 1906. Each of the delicately designed guest rooms are filled with antiques and collectibles, gathered and purchased by Richard over the years. Richard mentions that there were so many antique pieces he found that spoke to his heart, he knew he could not re-sell them… they would eventually have a resting place.

Relaxing in the living room after a long drive, with a glass of wine in hand, we had tantalizing conversations with Richard and some of his other guests. Mary and Jane, out-of-towners who frequent the B&B often, tell us: “The Victorian Tudor Inn is like a journey back in time. A perfect anecdote to the fast paced world…a step away from the rat race.” “We feel welcome and at home in a way that
we don’t feel at other accommodations.” 

Richard is what some would call, a ‘fascinating miracle.’  One month after purchase of the Victorian Tudor in 2007, a literal run-in with a train put him in the hospital for six weeks. Lucky and grateful to be alive, physical therapy came easy since Richard had several thousand square feet of house to renovate and decorate. With so many tokens of history placed so neatly throughout the 2 living rooms, dining room, exercise room, treat room, hot tub room, 5 bedrooms (each with their own private bath), grounds and even the hidden garden, it’s difficult to keep the eyes from wandering, no matter the conversation. 

The morning after our arrival, the aroma of fresh, local bacon frying danced in the air enticing us to seek out the kitchen. The fresh fruit, cinnamon French toast and juices welcomed us to the table. Cooked to order hot Belgian waffles, extra large country eggs or omelets, served with vegetables and cheeses of choice were just minutes away.  This delectable breakfast made for a king, or queen, is the perfect start to anyone’s day! 

Richard’s warm personality and optimistic charm made us feel as if we had been on an overnight visit with our own family. Our only regret was not having had the opportunity to meet Richard’s husband who was out of the country …we wish him a quick return back to the states.  From newspaper boy in Bellevue to Dean of Students, then back to Bellevue 32 years later, welcoming friends new and old, Richard has come full circle.

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.

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In October 2011, we visited the Frank Sinatra, Rat Pack themed restaurant, Danny Boy’s Italian Eatery, in Sandusky, Ohio. At first glance, the décor was what we had come to recognize in Northern Ohio.  With old 45’s and guitars hung on the wall, the rock n roll theme was almost expected.  As we intensely read the menu aloud, we were unexpectedly surprised by the array of unique dishes offered. Although originally designed as a neighborhood pizza joint, this restaurant offers much more!
The ‘Bada Bing Buffalo Chips’ are mouthwatering! These warm and crunchy homemade kettle chips are drizzled with buffalo sauce and topped with fresh crumbled blue cheese and then baked with a perfect layer of pizza cheese. The first taste was as delicious as the last bite! We are grateful to our server for the recommendation. 

Edmond A. Hoty, Owner of Danny Boy’s Italian Eatery, says: "We don’t have a microwave in our kitchen thus everything is made fresh to order. We use the finest ingredients, offer generous portions, and treat everyone who enters the restaurant as a special guest. We have a lot of tourists that visit the restaurant and have started coming back year after year because of the service they received. Bring your significant other for a romantic night out, with a candle on the table and some Frank Sinatra on the radio!" 

From the chicken pecan salad and Tony Soprano’s spaghetti meatball sub, to specialty pizza pie’s such as ‘The Clevelander,’ our experience will not be forgotten. We thank the staff at Danny Boy’s for spectacular service and an outstanding meal!

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.

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What started as a road trip with no specific destination, turned into a scenic drive through Northern Ohio, with more things to do than we were able to fit into one extended weekend. Who knew? 

Cleveland is home to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame! The 150,000 square-foot, extremely unique building design captures your attention from the highway. And the museum itself, with its seven floors, five theaters, and ever-changing exhibits, is filled with iconic artifacts from musicians throughout history. My jaw dropping moments however, were at the Women Who Rock exhibit and gazing at all the outfits worn by 70 of the most influential women in music. Rolling Stone says "A stunning collection of artifacts." The Huffington Post says it’s "A must-see" and The Wall Street Journal quotes the exhibit as being "thoroughly entertaining."

If architecture is your passion, a visit to Ohio most certainly needs to be on your to-do list. Akron, Ohio (dubbed as "Rubber Capital of the World") is home to the Stan Hywet Estate (Old English for stone quarry.) In 1898, F.A. Seiberling founded The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, naming it after Charles Goodyear, the inventor of the vulcanization process for rubber. Between 1912 and 1915, he and his wife, Gertrude, built their country estate. The short-lived American Country Estate building boom began to decline in the 1920s, and by the 1960s many of the most elegant homes ever built in this country had been lost to the wrecking ball. Stan Hywet remains as one of the most important historic estates to endure from this bygone era. Above the Manor House entryway, the crest bearing the motto Non Nobis Solum (Not for Us Alone), still welcomes guests as it did a century ago. This 65-room manor with original furnishings, including 18th-century British portraits, 15th-century French and Italian furniture and priceless antiques is one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in the United States. 

Amusement Parks galore! From Splash Zone in Oberlin and Wildwater Kingdom in Aurora to Cedar Point & Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, there’s fun for the whole family no matter what time of year you visit. With such a rich history and plenty to keep busy, Ohio surprisingly flourishes with something for everyone, no matter the age or interest. 

As featured in Connextions Magazine, Issue 5.

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