No Gancho…this year
The annual Gancho dance party that has invaded the Ritz Ybor the past couple of years will take 2013 off, according to organizers. Last year the dance party was held during Gasparilla Weekend and sparked controversy when it was viewed as direct competition to nearby clubs. Details on why the party is taking this year off are sparse, but a statement from organizers says that future Gancho parties won’t be held during Gasparilla and cites “scheduling issues and competing events.” Gancho remains a partner with other Florida events, including Miami’s Winter Party Festival, Mark Baker’s Wonder World, Let’s Go Play One Magical Weekend and Pride & Passion, among others. More information on Gancho’s partner events – and the future of Gancho itself, can be found on the GanchoTampa Facebook page.
St. Pete: Hipper than you thought
Things are changing in St. Petersburg – at least according to the folks at the Toronto-based publication The Star. In a recent issue, the paper sent a reporter to St. Petersburg to explore, and what she found was “trendy cafes,” “speed walkers, dog walkers and your regular-brand leisurely walkers on the prowl for a hit of caffeine.” The hustle and bustle of St. Petersburg impressed the writer, who found that the image of the coastal community being “God’s waiting room” is about three decades out of date.”What’s happening in St. Pete is hip, happening and cool. And it’s all thanks to museums,” the article reads, citing experiences at the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Chihuly collection. The exposure is good for the city’s tourism industry, and for the home of the state’s largest LGBT Pride celebration. Who knows, it could mean even more people invading St. Petersburg this summer.
Buckhorn talks to GLCC
The Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (formerly known as the Tampa Bay Business Guild) is starting 2013 on a high note. It hosted Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn at its Jan. 15 meeting at the Wyndham Tampa Westshore Hotel. Buckhorn, who has consistently voiced his support for diversity and the LGBT community, spoke about what lies ahead this year for Tampa’s growing business community. This issue of Watermark literally went to press while Buckhorn was speaking to the organization, so expect to hear more about his visit at WatermarkOnline.com.
Looking for Sarasota’s talent
Every Friday, Club Throb is literally looking for talent in Sarasota. Friend of Watermark Arica Love hosts the weekly event at Sarasota’s only LGBT club and is joined by a rotating cast of special guest judges. Talent can range from drag, dancing, male revue numbers, comedy or musical talent. Winners get to take home some cash, some liquor and a couple of possible gigs. The contest starts at 10:30 p.m. each Friday, but if you plan to participate, make sure you’re at Throb no later than 9:45 p.m. to ensure you’re seen by the judges.
