A grand opening, maybe
Managers at St. Petersburg’s newest LGBT nightspot are remaining tight-lipped about any official grand opening plans, but sources have said that Thursday, June 12, may be the celebratory night. The bar has been unofficially open for a month now, and word-of-mouth reviews have mostly been positive. The addition of a new sidewalk/patio bar has been especially welcome. Several friends of the paper have asked about grand opening details, and all report back that an official announcement is “coming.” June 12 may or may not be the grand opening, but we say the city should show up for a cocktail or two that night anyway. They are, after all, open and serving nightly.
Beneva to go to Hollywood?
Rumors are that Sarasota-based performer Beneva Fruitville could be headed to California for the next season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. An unofficial poll on DragOfficial.com has the funny girl placed second at press time on a list of fan-favorites to appear in the upcoming season. The site is unaffiliated with LOGO or RuPaul, but is flooded with votes for 200 queens vying for a spot on Season 7. Watermark selected Beneva as favorite area Drag Entertainer last year and is known for her hilarious take on Drag Bingo in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. To vote for Beneva, visit DragOfficial.com/Rupauls-Drag-Race-Season-7.html.
Benefit for Breul
Entertainers from around Sarasota and Tampa Bay are pulling together to help out one of their own—director Garry Breul. The founder of the Suncoast AIDS Theater Project is battling cancer in his lungs and brain, and the treatment won’t be cheap. So on Monday, June 9, actors, singers and entertainers of all kind will pull together a variety show called “A Life on Stage.” Scheduled to appear are performers Brian Shea, Jim Sorensen, Roxanne Fay, Lulu Picart, Alison Burns and Broadway star Ann Morrison. More performers will be lined up soon. There will also be a silent auction, all to benefit Breull. Tickets are $20 at the door. The benefit will be held at the Gompertz Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota.
5 years, 10 pins
It’s hard to believe, but Gay Bowling will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Thursday, June 5! The monthly gathering of LGBT bowlers takes over Dunedin Lanes every Thursday at 10 p.m., and enjoy the whimsical commentary of hostesses Amy DeMilo, Natasha Richards and Jocelyn Summers. This month’s celebration will feature DJ Mark McKay and free drinks from 10- 11p.m. There will also be a variety of contests and giveaways, plus a midnight show! Even if you don’t want to bowl, check out the anniversary party and win something. Dunedin Lanes is at 405 Patricia Ave. in Dunedin.
