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MONDAY
OCT 12th: FREE!
Laramie Project 10 Years Later
On
Monday, Oct. 12th, the anniversary of Matthew Shepard's death, it
will be premiered simultaneously in staged readings at over 100
theaters nationwide and around the world - including at the Academy
of Music, with a cast of 16 local professionals and public figures.
Admission is free, thanks to the generous support of a number
of sponsors.
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
OCT 11, 2009
NOHO GOES NYC!
COME ONE, COME ALL!
(to the hot new gay men's dance)
UPDATE:
This event is at
Bishop's Lounge
in Northampton, from 10pm-2am, Friday, Sept. 18. $5
at door. 21+older.
The
inimitable Michael Kusek is at it once again, this time with a dance
for gay men & friends (in Northampton, if you can
believe it)! Hot
DJ Drew G (pictured) spins it out all night long, which is
reason enough to go, if you ask me. But the biggest reason is this:
a bunch of gay guys, together, in a dark room, in Northampton, with
great thumping beats pounding in the background. I mean, how often
does this happen? That's right, almost never. Let's flood this thing
and make it a crazy success, and Michael might make it a
semi-regular event!
ABOUT DJ DREW G from NYC: Drew 'G' Montalvo is resident DJ at
G and HK Lounge, GYM Sportsbar and The Eagle in New York City. As
his prominence in the entertainment and nightlife industries grows
by leaps and bounds, the Long Island, N. Y., native has gone on to
work with such mega music stars as Ashanti, for who he crafted two
official hit remixes for, as well as remixing the likes of Whitney
Houston, David Archuletta, Britney Spears, P!nk, Mario Vasquez,
Deborah Cox, Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, & Good Charlotte. Drew has
recently been privileged enough to be chosen from a long list of DJs
to spin at the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Dance for Barack Obama
and is working in the studio on Grammy Award Winning Mya’s 6th album
due out fall '09 as well as producing tracks for RuPaul’s new
television show 'Drag Race' & his new AOL Radio show 'Signs of the
Times.'More information on Drew G is available at
www.djdrewg.com.
— your humble monoho webmaster
SEPT 3, 2009
THE CIRCUS IS COMING! alegria arrives sept 16
The
Cirque du Soleil comes to town starting on September 16 in Amherst.
The show they are touring is Alegria, described as "a joyful
rendez-vous with the beauty and power of the human body." (Sounds
like everything I wanted my vacation to be, but wasn't.)
Ahem, where were we? Oh, yes, the show!
Click here for more details, and get your tickets while they
last. These guys are always amazing, and always popular! Besides,
what's not to love about amazing feats in tights?
— your humble monoho webmaster
SEPT 3, 2009
THE BALL'S
STILL IN PLAY:
volleyball goes into overtime
OK,
even though volleyball season is "officially" over (tear, sniff),
there is still time to play! We've gone into unofficial overtime. So
long as there is warm decent weather, we will still meet at Maines
field on Tuesday nights around 6 p.m. Guys, if you have not been,
you need to come. To volleyball. We've had lots of guys lately, and
lots of fun. There are all levels of players, and all the games are
pick-up teams, so you are not committing to anything. Well, except
hanging out with cute guys in shorts, shirts, and bare feet.
Afterwards, most of the guys head down to the Brewery for drinks and
more. Volleyball is every Tuesday night, 6:00pm-ish, at Maines Field
in Northampton. More info
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
UPDATED SEPT 2, 2009
JUST
"GET OVER IT": Humpday playing right now at
Pleasant Street!
I
last reported on this film when it was playing at the Ptown Film
Festival in June. Most times these types of movies disappear
completely, only to reappear a few years later on a dusty bottom
shelf in the basement of Pleasant Street Video. But I am more than
pleased to say this one apparently "has legs" because it is playing
(right now) at Pleasant Street Theater. The plot seems
downright unbelievable: two straight guys get caught up in a dare to
make a gay porn movie together. I'm thinking there has to be some
Nora Ephron twist to this, and they decide to "just be friends."
There's no way an ordinary movie can possibly deliver on this kind
of promise. Still, it is rated R.
See it tonight, ends Thursday, August 6!
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
AUGUST 6, 2009
We Want You! the VT Bear Film Fest goes
Military
OK, total false advertising on my part. This picture is an
attention-grabber, nothing more. (I googled "Gay Army" and voila!
...)
Anyway, the point is the VT Bear Film Festival is coming up soon
(Aug 14-16). Reserve your tickets now. Now, I know it might not be
everyone's cup of tea (Pilgrims and the Amish might want to sit this
one out), but it is worth checking out if you: like bear films, like
mingling with bear-like guys, like being on a lovely private farm in
the VT woods, like a free and private environment to be your bear or
bear-loving self, like to bare all if you so desire (or see others
do so, too), like to dance, like to hang out and camp, like to drink
and have fun, and like getting to know other like-minded
individuals. (Whew!) Anyway, every year is themed, which mostly
matters for the barn dance on Saturday night. This year it's
"military," hence the picture above. See ya there. Bring yer boots!
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
AUGUST 6, 2009
YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND: Turner's
Tea on Sunday! (8/2/09)
Hey,
guys. Check out the new gay/gay-friendly Tea Dances being held at
the trendy Ristorante DiPaolo in downtown Turner's Falls.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, indoor/outdoor bar (weather
permitting), and cool music by DJ Hush.
Takes place AUG 2, from 1-4 PM. Guys, come check it out. When it's
hot out, why not get totally chill? ... with the music and
the margeritas.
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 30, 2009
THIS WEEKEND: Bears on the Beach!
This
weekend, if you are anywhere near lower New Hampshire, at all, and
you are into the bears, you have to check out Bears on the Beach,
an annual Bear event that has BBQs, cruises, and more!
It's this
weekend, Thu July 30—Sun Aug 2.
More info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 30, 2009
ALSO THIS SUNDAY: the
Pride & Joy picnic!
The first-ever Pride
& Joy Picnic!
Horseshoes, volleyball, swimming, dancing. It's being held at the
Clarion Hotel so, no doubt, it's happening near the pool out back.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. BBQ (and veggie
options) are also being provided.
Click here for more info!
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 30, 2009
SATURDAY—ONE DAY ONLY:
Go, Go, Go see "Joseph"!
This
is it! At the Academy of Music Theatre in North-ampton this
Saturday, July 25. Come on out and see your favorite local gays
sing and dance their way through everyone's favorite Bible story:
it's the one with the best costumes, the funniest lines, and the
most memorable tunes! (Take that, Ecclesiastes!)
At the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton. Saturday, July 25,
2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Click here for more info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 23, 2009
JULY 23-25: Noho
Sidewalk Sale
Starting today and going through Sunday, Northampton rolls out the
red-tagged carpet with their big sidewalk sale. Food, fun, street
vendors, craftsmen, bargains, deals. And—most
important of all—great people-watching. Grab a coffee, stroll,
browse, shop, or just sit on the City Hall steps and take it all in.
Click here for more info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 23, 2009
meditation takes a (short) breather.
Folks,
just take note that there will be no Thursday mediation this week
(July 23). I should have told you this earlier, but I am a bad
webmaster and, well, I guess I got lazy about checking my email.
Though not nearly as creative as "the dog ate my homework," I think
that "I looked outside and it was summer" is gonna have to do for an
excuse. I know: bad me. Please, don't get me all stressed out,
'cause then I am gonna need mediation and there isn't any this week.
That's called irony, people. That's called irony.
Well, I think we all can say we have learned something,
don't you?
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 20, 2009
UPDATE:
meditation moves to thursday nights!
Just
found out: the weekly meditation, which used to be run by Paul, is
now being run by Brandon and two other meditation regulars. Fear
not: the group will still meet in the same place, but gatherings are
moving to thursday nights. Brandon sends out this message to
all:
Join us for a weekly queer men's mindfulness meditation group. No
prior meditation experience is needed, and people of all faiths and
wisdom-traditions are welcomed. We have a few cushions and blankets
to share, but please consider bringing your own sitting cushion or
pillow ... (click
here for the rest of the info)
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 26, 2009
northampton social out
on the patio!
Guys,
the patio is open once again! So let's get out there this Friday
(tonight 7/17).
Summer is happening, and it's happening now. God knows, the sun
hasn't been around much lately (though mercifully it has finally
shown up) but that's no reason to drag your feet. Grab a friend (take
that as you will). Grab a drink. Grab some dinner after. The fun
starts 6 pm, this Friday, at the Hotel
Northampton. Hope to see you there!
Click here for more
info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 17, 2009
EARLY JULY: betty
buckley!
The
multi-talented Betty Buckley, renowned for her Tony-winning
portrayal of Grizabella in the original cast of Cats and the
show-stopping hit “Memory” brings her spectacular cabaret act to
Hartford Stage for five performances only! And she’s taking your
requests. You pick the songs and she does the rest, singing hit
after hit from Broadway and beyond, spiced up with touching, amusing
and inspiring anecdotes from her legendary career.
(official
website & ticket info)
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 26, 2009
UPDATE: so that explains it!
After
my original post on the the new Dam Cafe in Holyoke, I received a
message from none other than Doug Fountain, of Northampton Social
Hour fame. He clued me in to a number of fun facts: (a) that's his
house on the left-hand-side of the pic, so he definitely knows the
neighborhood well, (b) it being his neighborhood, he was a little
less than thrilled with my calling the area "nowhere Holyoke"
in my writeup—OK, fine: "less-than-happening Holyoke" then, (c)
living as he does right across the street, he knows the owners and
had strong (gay) input as to the look of the interior, the choice of
dark woods, the colors, the lighting. In fact, Doug had one of his
carpenters contracted to build the bar. Good job, Doug! No wonder I
got gay whiplash driving by. Now all we have to do is make it a
scene. Hmmm, but who out there organizes social events? Who could we
possibly ask to get something going? :-)
— your humble monoho webmaster
JULY 1, 2009
ANOTHER NEW HOT SPOT: venus, the
cellar bar!
Guys,
new places keep springing up all over. The latest: a cool, hip, chic
eatery (venus) and lounge (cellar bar) right on 95 Main Street in
downtown Easthampton. The chef comes from the Apollo Grill, so you
know the food is good, and the cellar fills the niche for a groovy
hangout for all our Sumoho (south of mount holyoke) people out
there. Come check it out! (how
to get there)
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 24, 2009
THIS
JUST INN:
some new cafes to check out.
UPDATE:
OK, I know we're talking about cafes, not inns, but c'mon: a
little slack, please. Anyway, out and about in my travels
recently I have discovered a few new cafes. This only confirms for
me—once again—the
completely underrated benefits of global warming. You simply do not
go out and explore your world when it is cryogenically cold out: you
cash in your stash of Big Y coins for a large cheese pizza, curl up
with your Sony flatscreen, and watch Dancing with the Stars.
(When you consider that the New World was discovered by Columbus
staring icily at the Pole, saying "fuck that," and aiming his fleet
for the tropics you will see the irrefutability of my point.)
Anyway, the places I have recently stumbled upon:
Mosaic Cafe, Masonic Street, Northampton, MA.
On my way to Woodstar one day, after happily surviving
haircut-roulette at Bucci's, I walked by that run of small houses
and businesses on Masonic and thought that something looked
different: namely that there was one more cafe on the street than
there was a week ago. Sometimes I can be uncannily observant.
Anyway, I stopped in to grab a menu, learned it was their first day
in existence (that explains it), and was pleasantly surprised by
what I saw: though small from the outside, there are a good number
of tables within, and—much more
important, at least as far as Northampton is concerned—there
was a good handful of tables outside. Not on the sidewalk,
mind you. On an actual terrace. No longer will you have to
sip your coffee while one eye scans the immediate horizon for that
guy with the one sandal and the three strings on his guitar. Mosaic
Cafe handily inserts a wooden rail between you and the rest of the
world ... well, at least as long as you still have coffee in your
cup, that is.
The Dam Cafe, Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA
So
new that it doesn't even show up on Google's "street view" yet, The
Dam Cafe came into view the other day as I missed the entrance
for I-91 South, said screw it, and decided to off-road it to the
Holyoke Mall. I had to actually turn around in a Dollar Store
parking lot half a mile down the road and go back to see what I
thought I saw but couldn't possibly believe: a totally gay-aesthetic
coffee shop in the heart of nowhere Holyoke. (Across the street is
an aging public school and next door is a an old-timey barber shop,
just to
give you an idea.) Anyway, I pulled up and got out of my car. It was
not a mirage: there it still was, a totally gay-aesthetic coffee shop. I went in and it
was all there, the funky chairs and dark wood tables, the coffee bar
with hand-made baked goods, the soft warm light that hides all hair
loss. The only thing missing was the gays. Of course, I caught the
place on the first night they had ever stayed open past 5 pm.
(They've been open a month, I learned, by peppering the barista with
lots of
questions.) In the corner sat one hip girl with a laptop, writing
her dissertation, or tweeting—who can tell
anymore. So I ordered my obligatory coffee and wandered
around the open space, as agog as a Serbian refugee in a Lexus
dealership. The barista, perhaps sensing my mini-wanderlust, told me
there was a patio out back as well, which I then felt compelled to
confirm. Like a hologram sent by beneficent beings from the future,
I could suddenly see this place in all of its potential glory: a warm summer
night, lit by pastel paper lanterns, packed with gays sipping their
cinnamon-tinis and tossing scathing remarks around like little pink
hand-grenades. I asked the counterperson if they had a website yet:
nope. An email list? Still nope. A schedule of coming
events, of live music? Working on it. As a parting note, the
barista offered that she thought—maybe—that
they might have a facebook page, but she couldn't quite confirm
with actual certainty. I get it, you don't know. But anyway, I sure
do hope they get it together, because this place could be the start
of something great. It could be the birth of Sonoho—South
of Noho, or Hoyo, or some other crazy business.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 17, 2009
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: coming sept
16-20, 2009!
PLEASE
NOTE: The discount-ticket offer expired on July 6.
Check
this out: Cirque du Soleil's ALEGRIA is coming to
the Mullins Center in Amherst this September (16th through the
20th). I was contacted by the Cirque folks to offer monoho.com
readers the chance to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the
general public on July 6, plus you get a discount! You can choose any date and time you want
before the prime seats go on sale and become unavailable.
Please visit
this link. Simply register for free on their "Cirque Club"
and then you can
purchase your presale tickets at a discounted rate
of $10-$15 off per ticket (on Category 1 and 2 seating).
Please note: they're sayin' this presale offer will end on
Monday, July 6, at 9:59 am, so get a move on—get
your tickets now!
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 26, 2009
NYC PRIDE: the big daddy of all
prides is here!
That's
right, this
weekend is NYC pride! You've been saving up all your good pride mojo
for this one. Carpool, hop on a bus, dust off your Vespa, whatever,
but do what you have to do to get there. Right now, the
weather's
looking to be 78 with some T-showers. But c'mon now, what's so bad
about getting wet with the guys? More info here: (NYC
Pride).
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 26, 2009
"PAL" FRESCO: northampton social
out on the patio!
Guys,
the patio is open! Last Social Hour, I had idea I was missing
outside (I was really still thinking of the patio as more of a
"smokers' lounge") and so I blithely, stupidly chatted the evening
away inside, until, well ..., I finally stepped outside. Then my
moronacy (a step up, or down, from idiocy) became clear. I
should have been hanging outside all along. It was gorgeous. The
patio (not that you don't know what a patio is like), but the patio
was surrounded by green and by fresh air and by blue skies. Not to
mention in the ample daylight you could that much more swiftly make
a determination of your conversation partner's better attributes.
So, anyway, come on out at 6 pm, this Friday, at the Hotel
Northampton. Hope to see you there!
Click here for more
info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 17, 2009
CHATTY-CHATTY, BANG-BANG: even more
opportunities to socialize this weekend.
Hartford
Happy Hour: Fri 6/19, 5:30
If I Had a Rich Man ...
This is the granddaddy of happy hours: several hundred guys at a
time. For chatting, I mean. Anyway, afterward, you can reward
the guy who ignored you the least with a nice dinner out in the "big
city."
More info here.
Berkshire
Martini Nite: Fri 6/19, 7 pm
Here's Johnnie! (Walker, that is.)
I've never been to one of these, but they are supposed to be
fantastic. Especially if you live out on the far, far end of the
state and your Vespa only gets 50 miles on a full tank of gas. It's
held at a nice French restaurant in West Stockbridge and there's
friendly faces, tapas, dinner, drinks, you get the idea ...
HEY YOU,
you've got the whole winter to stay inside with your app store, your
backlogged stack of New Yorkers and your pellet stove. Get
out there out and check it out!
More info here.
RocketQueer:
Sat, 6/20, 10 pm
The Best Little DanceHouse in Turners.
The coolest dance-party love-shack north of Noho, held at The
Rendezvous bar and eatery in Turner's Falls. Come check out funky
DJs and even funkier people. This month is "xtra special drag night"
so get out, get into it, and get down. $3 cover. Kitchen open
saturdays till midnight.
More info here.
Summer Tea Dance: Sun, 6/21, 3
pm
I
Want to Fund You Like an Animal.
The good people at Pride Promotions (I don't know why I always
say that, I don't even know if it is true!) Anyway, the GPAPP are
holding their monthly tea dance at Union Station in Noho this
Sunday. There's an $8 cover ($5 w/ student ID) but it benefits the
Dakin Animal Shelter. Come on out to this town's biggest LGBT social
event and get your groove on!
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 17, 2009
PRIDES: they keep coming and a'coming
...
This
weekend we come into (ahem) yet a few more prides: Providence &
Southern Maine. Yes, I know we all start suffering from PFS—Pride Fatigue
Syndrome—right about now and maybe
you are saving up your mojo for NYC Pride next weekend, but if you
happen to be heading towards Rhode Island or Maine anyway, then
they're worth checking out. More info here: (Providence)
(Southern
Maine).
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 17, 2009
AND
"SCENE ...": the
ptown international film festival.
I've
never been, myself, but I have certainly kicked myself for not going—especially
after learning that Quentin Tarantino attended a few years ago.
A rather underpublicized film festival, it is certainly worth
checking out. Oh, and in case you are wondering, the image above is
from one of their films, Humpday. Why don't my
humpdays look like that?
More info
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 17, 2009
THIS
SUNDAY: Come "tea" off a new event!
Hey,
guys. Check out the brand new gay/gay-friendly Tea Dance at the
elegant Ristorante DiPaolo in downtown Turner's Falls.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, indoor/outdoor bar (weather
permitting), and cool music by DJ Hush.
Takes place the 1st Sunday of every month this summer. THE FIRST ONE
IS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 1-4 PM. Guys, come check it out
— it's gonna be totally chill ...
plus, it's great to have a hip, lazy-summer-afternoon event to hang
out at in the steamy summer months. Heck, you might even work it
into your rock river routine ...
more info
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
FRIDAY:
Underneath it all
Ahem.
Now that I've got your attention. Just a quick heads-up that this
Friday, June 5, there is an Underwear Party in Albany as part of the
kickoff of their Gay Pride Week. I've not gone to this event, but I
do know that Bear Albany has a "huge" presence in its name-sake city
and there is bound to be a nice musclebear or two at this event,
prowling around wanting to be fed, or at least let out of his cage.
More info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
STARTING THIS WEEKEND: Bursting with Pride!
It
starts this weekend: all the big-city Prides. This weekend is
Hartford,
of course, then it's off to
Albany (which also kind of starts this week), then
Boston and
Providence and
Southern Maine and
NYC. There's
also Burlington
in August and
Carnival
in Ptown in August. Whew! It's no wonder I want to crawl into a hole
(shut up) before the summer is even over. So, anyway, this is the
kickoff week—let's get these
parties started! Oh yeah, and get out your Red Bull (ahem) ...
you're gonna need it.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
And
now for something completely different!
Wha-?I!!!
I know: "needle off the record," right? Anyway, at the Academy of
Music this Saturday, for one day only, they will be
performing Snoopy!!!, a comedy musical.
It seems a handful of enterprising Pioneer Valley teens pulled this
whole production together themselves, though with the guidance of
some folks at the Academy. A friend of mine saw a sneak
preview the other night and said the kids were just absolutely
spot-on and totally hysterical.
More info and tickets here. An finally, a little more info from the Academy's
own website:
Snoopy!!! is a family-friendly musical featuring energetic numbers
and hilarious dialogue. Snoopy!!! depicts the life of a troubled
canine and his difficulties with other familiar characters: Charlie
Brown, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Lucy, Linus, and Woodstock. The
sequel to "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," Snoopy!!!
is sure to leave your heart full of laughs in its lighthearted and
always-comical portrayal of Charles M. Shultz’s comic strip Peanuts.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
SUNDAY:
Queer Idol—Karaoke, BBQ
& Dance Party!
I know: another "needle off the record" moment. Like, 'what?!!'
But, you know what? It's just so crazy that it has to work: I love
BBQ. I like karaoke. I like dancing (when my good friend Drunken
Buzz is showing me how). Granted, it's three things I would never
have put together, but therein lies the brilliance. So, let's recap:
BBQ, karaoke, and dancing. I say give it a shot (or just show up and
at the very least have a shot). Who
knows? You just might suddenly feel brave and surprise yourself ...
and all the other people
you came with.
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
THIS WEEKEND: Open Studios in Easthampton!
OK,
guys,
Daddy is getting tired and has to go soon, so how about we let
their the Cottage Street Sudios website take the mic for a moment:
Over 25 local artists comprise the 2009 Cottage Street Spring
Open Studios and Sale. Participants will exhibit (and offer for
sale) a range of fine art and craft including glass, jewelry,
paintings, pottery, sculpture, home-furnishings, fine furniture, and
photography—all created by hand right here in Hampshire County! It’s
a weekend to explore and visit the artists in their spaces, or
purchase items from fine art to exceptionally unique but affordable
gifts. This year some participants in the Spring Open Studio Sale
will feature special discounts for the budget-conscious public.
So, if you get a chance, definitely go check it out. They have some
really spectacular work, and the fact that some of the artists are
helping us keep the belt tight isn't too bad, either!
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
QUICK UPDATE:
the monoho community board
Fear
not! It is still the same old "community board" wepage all three of
you who have previously used it know and love—it's
just a little bit more organized and a lot less Coyote Ugly.
No longer the shoebox full of post-it notes it once was; now it is
much more like, well ... an actual organized webpage.
I was up latey-late-late last night—while
all of the rest of you were happily cruising Manhunt—making
sure the list was at least preliminarily complete. (By the way, that
is the first and last time I will ever use the word
"preliminarily" on this website; what a buzzkill.) Anyway,
please go to the community board page
frequently, please let me know what you think is missing, please use
it, and—most importantly—please
don't make poor Kenny cry and tear at his remaining hair over all
his wasted effort. It could really be a useful page for the
community if (a) anyone cares to use it, and (b) we keep it freshly
stocked. Granted, "community board" conjures up all the excitement
of a Department of Public Works meeting in a Unitarian church
basement. Maybe I should call it the Bear Board? Hmmm, now we might
be getting somewhere. Anyway, click here to
breathlessly visit the community board right now!
— your humble monoho webmaster
JUNE 4, 2009
Last Weekend for the CT G&L
Film Fest!
This is the concluding weekend of the
Connecticut Gay &
Lesbian Film Festival at Trinity College in Hartford.
You should check out this great
but-once-a-year event before it is gone!
Personally, I have always really liked the CT G&L
Film Fest. Most films I've seen there have been quite good—although
I guess it's me against every film critic on Earth, because I really
really didn't like Were the World Mine last year, and
apparent everyone else thought it was brought down from Pink Heaven
by Gay Jesus.
But, anyway, I really like going: not knowing what you are gonna
see, watching
interesting/emotional/poorly-shot/disturbing/engrossing short films
before the feature, and then whatever the feature is ... again,
usually a good one. During the intermission they always have a
silent auction out in the lobby, benefiting something or other. But
I do not trouble myself with such matters. I just make sure I get in
line at the crowded restroom as quickly as possible and then spend
my remaining ten minutes scanning the crowd for new and interesting
faces. Anyway, that's just me. You are perfectly free to show up and
make the event all your own.
— your humble monoho webmaster
UPDATED MAY 28, 2009
The Noho Social is TONIGHT! (Thursday, May 21)
Guys,
due to lots of heavy booking at the hotel for graduations,
commencements, and whatnot, our good kind sir—Doug
of the Noho Social—has wisely
decided to hold the Social on Thursday, so launch your weekend a
little early and come on out—this
event gets better every month! (Full
event info here.) And if you won't listen to me, then
maybe you will listen to Sir Doug himself. Hope to see you there!
Hi, guys, just a friendly reminder that this months Social Hour
is this THURSDAY night at the Hotel Northampton from 6-8:30 in the
Coolidge Park Cafe. If the weather is dry and warm the Patio will be
open for us, both levels. Hope to see you all there!
Doug Fountain,
Northampton Gay Men's "Social Hour"
P.S. Just a note from the Hotel. The Hotel Management asks that all
smokers smoke in the upper level of the Patio. THANK YOU.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 21, 2009
Headed to Hartford?
Check Out This Two-fer!
This Thursday (tonight) is the start of the weeklong
Connecticut Gay &
Lesbian Film Festival at Trinity College in Hartford. I think—technically—it
is only a sneak preview on Thursday night, but I'm not even sure
what that means because, as far as I know, shows are showing and you
can go to them. So what is all the sneaking about?
Oh, I see ... I went to the
Hartford Happy Hour (H4) website and I guess what they are doing
is moving their usually-on-a-Friday happy hour to Thursday in
conjunction with the Film Fest. So this social will be held at
Trinity, and then attendees can also go to a screening of Tru
Loved at 8pm, just a few steps away over in the theater.
Personally, I have always really liked the CT G&L Film Fest. Most
films I've seen there have been quite good—although I guess it's me
against every film critic on Earth, because I really really didn't
like Were the World Mine last year, and apparent everyone
else thought it was brought down from Pink Heaven by Gay Jesus.
But, anyway, I really like going: not knowing what you are gonna
see, watching
interesting/emotional/poorly-shot/disturbing/engrossing short films
before the feature, and then whatever the feature is ... again,
usually a good one. During the intermission they always have a
silent auction out in the lobby, benefiting something or other. But
I do not trouble myself with such matters. I just make sure I get in
line at the crowded restroom as quickly as possible and then spend
my remaining ten minutes scanning the crowd for new and interesting
faces. Anyway, that's just me. You are perfectly free to show up and
make the event all your own.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 21, 2009
Time to Get Out Your Stain
Stick!
It's
time once again to get down and dirty. That's
right, I can't believe it either, but somehow we all have survived
one more year of Grey's Anatomy scriptwriting, and we are now
standing breathlessly at the portal to volleyball season. Now, I
don't usually say this (unless I am reading Dr. Seuss to comatose
children and really need an attention-grabber) but
HOORAY!!! Guys, honestly, if you have not been, you need
to come. This is the bestest, funnest thing going, all summer long.
Shorts, sand, sweat, sun, and even occasional shirtlessness (hey,
why not?) We welcome all levels of player, and afterward the guys head
down to the Brewery for drinks and more. So come on down and get
dirty ... like Christina Aguilera used to. Starts Tuesday, May 19,
at Maines Field in Northampton.
More info
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 14, 2009
It's Not So Easy Being Green (or Blue, Either)
Now,
I know the world has become very boring and constrictive, and all
those nothing-better-to-do PC people will stare at you like Hester
Prynne for taking unnecessary drives in your
not-quite-fuel-efficient vehicle, but I just wanted you to know John
Waters will be within a 2-hour-drive radius on Friday. In
Ridgefield, CT of all places, actually. I can't imagine what a place
like Ridgefield does with a person like John Waters, build
somehow angry dogs and pictures of Abu Ghraib come to mind. Anyway,
take a not-so-green drive to see the guy who practically invented
blue.
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 14, 2009
Get Down and Out (for Reel)
Out
for Reel will be hosting a GLBT after-party this Saturday night in
downtown Norhampton at the Pearl Street Nightclub at 9:30. They are
always trying to build community here in, well, our community
and are calling all queers to get out there and have a good
time--c'mon and work it on out!
More info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 14, 2009
I'll Drink to That
Guys,
this Sunday in Hartford at the Chez, they will be having a
"charitable" beer bash. It's a $6 cover,
with proceeds going to charities supported by some Hartford-area
groups, including the Hartford Eagle and the Imperial Sovereign
Court. We know you guys like to have fun and hang out. Come do it
for a good cause for once!
More info
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 14, 2009
Pride, In the Name of _____?
I don't think I am entirely alone in this when I say: Pride was
great, but what was it, really?
Now, before you go get all riled up and email me about the good
works all these community groups are doing (which I know they are),
just give a listen,
read
on ...
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 7, 2009
STARTS TONIGHT: Bare—The Musical
Starting tonight, this is an all-student UMASS undergrad production,
featuring a pop-rock score. The following is from their press
release:
BARE is a pop-rock musical that follows a group of high school
students in a catholic boarding school and the different issues they
deal with growing up under the watch of their elders ad religion.
Dealing with family, love, acceptance, homosexuality, the power of
silence and speech, friendship, religion, drug abuse and other
prevalent issue, BARE is bound to be a powerful theatrical
experience.
More info at their
website.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 7, 2009
SATURDAY: Art Opening
Come
check out our own Joey LaValle. The art opening for his new show is
this Saturday. Original watercolors and watercolor prints. At the
Galleria Vivance (860-810-9718),
located at 2 River Road #208 in Stafford Springs, CT.
Opening on Saturday 5/9 4pm-8pm. Refreshments will be served. For
more info, check out:
www.justjoeyl.com.
Show runs through May 25.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 7, 2009
On TV: Kenneth Branagh (look, but don't touch)
Kenneth Branagh is my secret backpocket husband, the one I will dial
up one day, when all of us are old and gray and that endless string
of May-December romances are just a fading—but
well-documented—Facebook nightmare.
Though I never been much of an expert, he is like a fine wine to me:
better with ... no one else around to share with.
Anyway, apparently he has chosen to be highly productive while
awaiting the day that we spend the rest of our lives together,
tending to our beachfront property in Antigua. (Cleverly, we will
have separate huts, just to throw off the press.) So I guess what I
am here to tell you is that my FH is in a new show on PBS: a
three-part miniseries about a rumpled but gorgeous inspector hunting
down a serial killer in Sweden ... which is hell on your sleep
cycle, by the way, and would make anyone looked rumpled.
See how you would hold up, Brad Pitt. So that's that. I am just
very proud of all his hard work and I really want people to see it.
You can send all plaudits, congratulations, and cash awards to
askmonoho@gmail.com. I will
pass them on to my Kenny-Ken.
Watch Wallander this Sunday on PBS, the latest offering from
Masterpiece Mystery. Check local listings.
Click here for more info.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MAY 7, 2009
STARTING TONIGHT
...
Northampton Pride!
That's right, all the Pride you can handle: dykes on trikes, bears &
queers, proud parents, episcopalians, illegal aliens, hugs
& pugs & cops
& tops ... lesbians, thespians, trans
& their fans, drags, fags, hags
& wags. And best of all, men beyond
mention: guys for the eyes, chaps in their chaps, studs in their
duds, blokes with their cokes, bears with their beers, and dudes
being crude (though sadly not nude!)
Check out all this and more at the parade at noon, the block party
after, and then over at the Brewery with a crowded but lively crew.
Then head over to one of the
many events for the evening,
although what
you really wanna do is go to the
The Gutterball!
More Pride info here.
Anyway, come out and celebrate. It's that one special time of the
year to stand up for who you are ... and get down with your bad self.
Don't miss out!
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 29, 2009
THIS SATURDAY NIGHT ...
Get Spring Loaded—And Let It
All Hang Out!
As Marko—one of the organizers—says,
this will be a can't-miss night of MEN, MUSIC & MAYHEM.
An annual down-and-dirty dance just for the guys on the
night of
Northampton Pride,
it's the thing to do this weekend.
It will be held once again at
the
City Sports Grille (google
map), which is the cozy, redecorated bar just inside the Spare
Time bowling center. (There is a separate entrance from the parking
lot.) DJ Rafael Hulme will be spinning for us all night—a
great mix of new and classic.
Last year's Gutterball was a huge success, and this year we expect
it to grow even bigger. So come on out for Pride during the day, but
save your energy—we wanna see you in all your get-down glory,
"Spring Loaded" for a good time all night long.
— your humble monoho webmaster
UPDATED APRIL 29, 2009
STARTING TONIGHT ... Falsettos is Here!
OK,
I will admit it. I never really knew what Falsettos was. A little
quick internet research clears it up: a story about gay love,
family, relationships, and the first Broadway musical to tackle the
issue of AIDS head on. It's shameful what I don't know about our
cultural history, but then again, when this show came out in 1992, I
had much bigger fish to fry: I was only just beginning my extremely
slow-mo, drawn-out-as-long-as-possible coming out phase. So that's
my excuse. But now that I am comfortably gay, I can go back and see
what I missed. And you can, too. So check it out. Starts May 1 at
the Academy of Music Theater in Northampton. See the
PACE website for more details.
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 29, 2009
The Pub's Website is Back—Check
it Out!
OK,
again: I don't know what all the hullabaloo was about last week
regarding the Pub, but the new actually-factual news that I can
happily report this week regarding the Pub is that their website is
really truly truthfully back online.
Click here to visit and get
back in touch with your local gay proprietors in Springfield.
Anyway, not to get all Davy and Goliath on you, but there
might just be a lesson here: regardless of who's right and who's
wrong, always be kind to your webmaster!
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 29, 2009
The Drainpipe: Help Me Keep It Up
Guys,
check out all my latest gay ramblings at
The Drainpipe. Just go to the monoho homepage, and click on
( the drainpipe ) above. Trust me, I am
no late-breaking source on anything, but occasionally there
is something I want to share with the guys that doesn't quite fit
the "events & happenings" mold. So check it out. Also, feel
free to give me the heads-up on anything new
that I should let the guys
know about: new music artists, hot celebs to keep an eye out for, or
even ladies (like my dear Chelsea Handler) who might be up for
consideration for New Gay Icon status: that sort of thing. So
drop me a line, and maybe I'll send it
down the Pipe.
The Pub: Alive and Kicking!
Whoops!
Sorry, Pub!
It seems the tales of the Spring-field Pub's death have been
greatly exaggerated. Lesson learned: always fact-check before
printing. It seems that, due to differences between a few folks, a
rumor started that the Pub was closed, but I have been told first-hand that they are open and always have been. It also seems that the disgruntled-person-in-question also took down their website, which—truthfully—is
still down (update:
it's back
up).
Anyway, despite the differences, let's all just
remember to support one of our oldest local gay establishments.
Maybe stop down for a drink on your way to/from the Hartford Happy
Hour. Wait, that sounds like I am advocating drinking and driving.
Which I'm not. Maybe it's best for all involved to simply park and party
at the Pub, then.
Anyway, guys, glad you're back!
— your humble monoho webmaster
UPDATED APRIL 29, 2009
Make Lust, Not War
Opening
this Friday is the new movie,
Fighting. All I know is I saw the
commercial and had the closest thing to a psychic vision I will ever
have: I suddenly knew with Nostradamus-like certainty where every
single gay guy will be this weekend. My good friend the internet
tells me that this movie's young star, Channing Tatum, is a former
Abercrombie & Fitch model. Well, that explains it. Anyway, it opens
Friday. I have no personal interest in this movie (it's not like the
movie is called Bear Fighting or anything) but I know the
rest of you will all be staring slack-jawed in the dark. Wait, how
is that different from any other weekend?
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 22, 2009
Hartford Friday
OK,
if you're not off in the dark enjoying Fighting, perhaps a
little too much, then you might consider heading down to Hartford
this Friday after work for a little socializing. It's always a great
event, with several hundred guys attending. Besides, it's getting
warm out once again and everyone is finally coming out of their
Netflix caves. And you know what that means. Hunting season is
finally open. (Husband-hunting, that is.)
More
info here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 22, 2009
The Drainpipe: Get Into It
Guys,
check out all my latest gay ramblings at
The Drainpipe. Just go to the monoho homepage, and click on
( the drainpipe ) above. Trust me, I am
no late-breaking source on anything, but occasionally there
is something I want to share with the guys that doesn't quite fit
the "events & happenings" mold. So check it out. Also, feel
free to give me the heads-up on anything new I should let the guys
know about: new music artists, hot celebs to keep an eye out for, or
even ladies (like my dear Chelsea Handler) who might be up for
consideration for New Gay Icon status: that sort of thing. So
drop me a line, and maybe I'll send it
down the Pipe.
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 22, 2009
Double your fun!
Hey,
gays, just a quick heads-up that the date for the upcoming Hartford
Happy Hour (H4 Social) has recently changed from April 17 to April
24. This is good news, because now you can enjoy the upcoming
Northampton Social Hour guilt-free on Friday, April 17.
Then, once you've had a nice long week to sleep that hangover off
(and fake your way through work) then you can do it all over again
... although with an admittedly longer commute. Hartford can be
expensive, so always remember: don't drink & dine. At the very
least, let
your most sober friend pick the bottle of wine.
— your humble monoho webmaster
APRIL 8, 2009
Spring into action!
Hey,
gays, come on out this Friday (March 20) to the highly successful, monthly
Northampton Social Hour. The weather is getting
warm (finally) and it's a great time to get out of work, saunter
over to the hotel, have a drink or two (too many), and then happily
stumble (I mean, "perambulate with studied grace") to dinner.
Less-bulky clothing, the abandonment of the T shirt, less buttons
buttoned: this is my favorite time of year. Spring is springing,
buds are budding. Come on out and be a part of it! More info
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
MARCH 17, 2009
Dodgeball Update - The Pause that Refreshes
Cancelled
for now: OK, guys, we tried to get dodgeball back together
again this spring. Or, more to the point, Organizer Al did. Even
though we had a really great and successful 4-week run of dodgeball
this winter—it was
well-attended and everyone really had fun—it
seems it has been tough corralling guys to commit to another run at
this time. (Must be the warmer weather, you know: the bears and the
bees and all that ...) So Al is gonna try again in the fall (the
Allsports Center where we play closes down for the spring and
summer.) Anyway, thanks to all who did come out, and please help
spread the word when we do start playing again. It was a real
blast. And, thank you, Al Cennerazzo, for always rolling up your
sleeves and coming up with new things for us guys to do!
— your humble monoho webmaster
MARCH 15, 2009
Take a Chance on Me
OK, guys, now that I've got your attention: This Friday, at the
Academy of Music Theater in Northampton, the Out! for Reel film
series will be showing the Mama-Mia! movie as a sing-along. When the
DVD of this movie came out, I actually bought it sight-unseen,
because—well—it
was Meryl Streep. Long story short, the movie is like most gays I
know: gorgeous but kind of a mess. But again, like most gays I know, throw on a little ABBA and suddenly
everyone starts perking up (one day we will find the gene for this—mark
my words).
But anyway, that's the whole point, isn't it? It
winter-doldrums time, and we all could use a little perking up right
about now. So come on down to the Academy this Friday night. Bring
your friends. More info at the
Out!
for Reel website.
--- your humble monoho webmaster
(not pictured above)
MARCH 3, 2009
C'mon get happy.
Anyway, come on out this Friday. Cool drinks, soft light,
hot guys. Oh, and by the way, it's Oscar weekend, and I think it's
Mardi Gras weekend, too, so there's bound to be a party spirit in
the air. C'mon on (down), get happy.
— your humble monoho webmaster
FEBRUARY 18, 2009
You say "good buy," I say hello.
Northampton's
pride and joy -- well ... "Pride & Joy" -- is up for sale. Come
check out our first-ever monoho interview as P&J owner, Mark Carmien,
tells all about his plans for the future, as well as that of the
store, and drops hints about things to come.
Read the interview!
— your humble monoho webmaster
JANUARY 28, 2009
One final fling!
The
following is an open letter to any and all who still want to give
dodgeball a shot. Organizer Al says:
Dodgeballers:
So the last week of dodgeball is this Monday. Let me know if you'll
be able to make it and if you'll be bringing anyone. If we get
enough guys we be able to do teams of 6. My idea for the last week
is to try to put together 4 fairly equal teams. Also since the ref
gets paid a minimal amount I thought it would be nice if everyone
threw in an extra 1-2 dollars to give her as a tip. And lastly,
Kevin and I are thinking of having a party for dodgers at our house
some Saturday in Feb---more to follow. Hope to see you all on
Monday. Email me if you are
interested. -- Al
So, guys, that's that ... I can't believe it's already been almost 4
weeks of dodgeball. It's been really great and I want to thank Al C.
for always initiating and organizing these events. Guys, come on out
for one final fling and beat the winter blues!
More
dodgeball details
here.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JANUARY 27, 2009
You simply must go ...
Hey,
guys. I know, I know: it's frickin' cold out, but I hope that
doesn't stop you from comin' out once again to the best thing we got
going here in town: the Northampton Gay Men's Social Hour,
tonight at 6 pm. Call me a
pessimist at heart, but I have to say: every time
I am flat-out impressed by just many guys show up. We're still
pulling guys (shut up) from as far as CT and VT. Anyway, it's a
great time to bask in the glow of soft lighting and clinking
glasses, and--hopefully--at least a few appreciative stares. And if
the guys don't warm you, the alcohol certainly will.
Baby, it's cold outside.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JANUARY 23, 2009
Taking one for the team ...
I
know that we're generally not the type to see a ball and run the
other way, but in this instance ... it's how you win. I'm talking
about dodgeball, of course.
Organizer Al has given us yet another opportunity to show how the
gays can still bring it when it comes to sports. This past Monday
night at the Allsports Center in Noho about 24 guys got together to
duck it and dodge it.
It was loads of fun, but let me just say--on a personal note--that I
have never felt older. (A quick remedy, of course, would be to
simply fit in about 400 hours of cardio between now and next
Monday.)
Anyway, it was a great group of guys and a very lively night ...
except for me, of course. Check out the
event listing and contact
Al if you are still interested in playing. Currently, I think Al has
three more nights scheduled, so check it out.
— your humble monoho webmaster
JANUARY 14, 2009
