Women’s music legend Tret Fure is now in her fifth decade as a recording artist. At her most prolific in the 21st century, Fure has released half a dozen discs since 2001, the latest being “A Piece of The Sky” (Tomboy Girl). She uncovers the mysteries of our bodies, souls and hearts on the title cut and makes an unexpected (and lovely) reference to “Somewhere Over Rainbow” in “Bluebird,” a song about giving love another chance. “The Zen of Being” brings a whole new perspective to calendars and the march of time. “Bucket of Tears” is the tearjerker its title implies. The bouncy “The Artist Way” is the kind of personal career statement that only Fure could make and “My Best” is the result of speculation one can make having lived a full and creative life. To close the disc, Fure digs into her personal record crates with “That Side of the Moon,” a song that originally appeared on her 1984 album, Terminal Hold.

Like Kane and Fure, out singer/songwriter Michelle Malone has been all over the record label map, even recording for Arista (the Lenny Kaye-produced “Relentless”), as well as Walter Yetnikoff’s Velvel (“Beneath The Devil Moon”) and Amy Ray’s Daemon. “Day 2,” released on her own SBS (Strange Bird Songs) label, co-produced by fellow Georgia native Shawn Mullins (of “Lullaby” fame) and Gerry Hansen, finds Malone going deeper into her Southern roots. On “Other Girls,” Malone conjures Lucinda Williams at her most raucous. She proudly displays her political side on “Immigration Game” and then gets personal on the smoldering “Marlboro Man” and the heavenly “St. Peter.” “The Auditor” and “Wasted On You” are proof that Malone has maintained her sense of humor after all these years.

Made in L.A., and produced by Dave Sitek (of TV on the Radio), “Planta” (SQE Music) is the newest album by queer, all-female, Brazilian dance outfit CSS. It won’t take long to grow on listeners. The sticky “Honey” gets things off to a sweet(heart) start. “Hangover” is drunk on hip-hop and the radiant “Into The Sun” burns so good. CSS goes “crazy” on the explosive “Dynamite” and “Too Hot” more than lives up to its title. “The Hangout” borrows from the `80s, while “Teenage Tiger Cat” sounds like the future.

There’s only one thing wrong with the five-song “Name Game” EP by queer duo We Are/She Is. It’s too short, leaving listeners hanging, desperate to hear what else the pair is capable of doing. No one likes to be teased (or to be called a tease), but if that’s what We Are/She Is intended to do, they have succeeded. It’s safe to say that with only five songs, there’s not a clunker to be found. As exhilarating as the best pop music can be, the delirious anthem “And The World” sets the pace with its fist-pumping energy. “Voices” are the kind you won’t mind having in your heard and “Ricochet” will keep you bouncing off the walls.

There’s nothing remotely resembling the sophomore slump on lesbian singer/songwriter Julia Weldon’s awesome second disc “Light Is A Ghost (juliaweldon.com). An exceptional songwriter and musician, Weldon offers new hope for the next generation of queer female performers, writing with a maturity that belies her youth. It’s hard not be effusive after listening (repeatedly) to songs such as “Meadow,” “Went To My Woman,” “Careful In The Dark,” “You Never Know” and “Soon.” Julia Weldon, who doesn’t shy away from queer subject matter in her songs (the amazing “All I Gave Her” and “All The Birds”), is an artist with whom you will want to become well- acquainted; the sooner the better.

Adam Levine has a lot on his plate. Serving as a judge on “American Idol” competitor “The Voice,” launching a fragrance line, and fronting hugely successful pop-rock band Maroon 5—all while maintaining his inked-upbad- boy-sex-symbol reputation. While “moves like Jagger” cemented the foundation for Levine’s career, a great follow up is crucial if he wants to continue cashing in. Obviously, Levine has a lot riding on this album.

Luckily, the latest addition to Levine’s mega-career–Maroon 5’s “Overexposed”—is carefully crafted to appeal to a wide fan base. Levine playfully sings “So I cross my heart and hope to die/that I’ll only stay with you one more night,” on the hook to opening track “One More Night.” On “Payphone,” Adam enlists Wiz Khalifa to back up this sad breakup song, helping to appeal to a broader fan base. “Doin’ Dirt” features a house-heavy beat, but it doesn’t feel forced. At times, the album seems like it’s trying to be one big single. Fortunately, this run-on-single hosts a nice blend of rock, electronic, and pop, with Levine’s vocals effortlessly hitting all of the right notes.

While at times a little TOO radiofriendly, “Overexposed” is definitely Maroon 5’s best album to date.

“Tales from Toyland” is a musical journey complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus and even some very interesting elves. Join the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus as their stage comes alive with characters, music and dance. The show is guaranteed to fill you with holiday spirit and leave you prepared to take on the season.

In the grand tradition of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, their holiday concert promises to be entertaining and provide an enjoyable evening of fun

and music with a few surprises.

MGMC is an inclusive, community-based organization of gay men and gay-supporting people that inspires and changes lives through the power of music. With humor and heart, they proudly entertain our audiences while striving for artistic excellence.

Tickets are $35 for premium seating, $30 for regular seating and $25 for balcony seating and can be purchased online at www.miamigaychorus.org or at the Colony Theatre Box Office.

“The Gift Goes On” will help lift your holiday spirits with traditional holiday favorites as well as some fun new songs sure to delight.

Tickets are $40 for premium seating and $25 for general admission and can be purchased at ftlgmc.thundertix.com or by calling 954-832-0060.

New York recently became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. The ruling has opened new business opportunities for florists, wedding planners and club artists, many of whom are now clamoring to moonlight as wedding singers.

“Weddings are big business,” confirms Kristine W, who ranks as one of today’s most popular gay club artists. She has had sixteen #1 dance singles – only Madonna and Janet Jackson have had more.

“My highest paid private performance was at a wedding for the daughter of the late Kerry Packer, one of the wealthiest men in Australia. He flew my whole Vegas show over to England.”

Weddings are proving a profitable subsidy for club artists who have been struggling with decreased record sales (due to internet music pirating) and club bookings (due to the weakened economy).

“Clubs used to bring artists in every weekend,” laments Miss W. “Now they book artists once a month and offer smaller fees.”
She says it’s even worse for the support team behind the artist. “They [clubs] have stopped bringing in back-up singers and dancers. They’re not paying for sound people. Some bookings don’t include hotel accommodations. The business has shrunk, but if you don’t adapt, you will be sitting home,” she warns.

It’s not just about the money for some artists. Out hip-popper Aiden Leslie looks forward to performing his first gay wedding “for the simple reason that it is exercising our equal rights,” he says.

Club artists like Sariah (top page) and Lala (seen here) are working on gay marriage themed tracks and have found a new, profitable venue, performing in gay weddings.

He feels his track, “Worlds Away”, is a perfect gay wedding song because “it is about putting the past behind you, looking toward the future and knowing that anything is possible.”

Massachusetts-based club artist, Sariah, has been performing gay weddings since they were legalized in her state seven years ago. She is best known for her club hit “All About Sex”, but it’s her single “Believe in Me” that is most requested at nuptials. “It’s the story of two lovers meeting and learning to build and believe in their love together.”

“The main difference between performing a gay wedding versus a straight one, is the underlying accomplishment felt by all,” she says. “There is a certain shared pride that we have fought to make this happen. It makes the celebration that much more celebratory.”

In addition to New York and Massachusetts, gay marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire and Vermont. Washington DC and the Coquille Indian Tribe in Oregon also allow gay marriage.

In addition to performing gay weddings, club artist Lala sees opportunity in creating music specifically for gay weddings. “As a songwriter and singer, I look to current trends to influence my work.  I’m currently in the studio working on new tracks that talk about same sex marriage.”

In the meantime, she says her club hit “I Love My Sex” is surprisingly appropriate for gay weddings. “It’s about boys loving boys and girls loving girls, appreciating their same gender for all its beauty.”

“What better way to show appreciation for your gender than to marry it?”

KEY
SP: Shane Phoenix
RB: Ray Boltz
FS: Frank Sperduti (Ray’s Partner)

Winner of the Out Music Awards for “Album of the Year”, “Songwriter of the Year” and “Spiritual Song of the Year”
for his brand new album, “True,” International Recording Artist Ray Boltz has sold 4.5 million records worldwide. Once adored by millions of Christian Fans around the world, in 2008 he came out to the world. Now Ray faces a new life, a new career and new hope! His new CD, “True,” tells us his story, a story millions of LGBT people share with him. He took time to sit with Shane Phoenix, a music review writer and reporter for multiple music and entertainment magazines.

SP: After millions loved you, after hundreds of thousands sent you hate mail, where did you find the strength, courage and self-esteem to write new songs? And was this the inspiration for “True”?

RB: When I was married and singing Christian music, I was struggling, it was a tough time. In 2004, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my kids and my wife at the time, Carol. My family has always been keen to my emotional state, we are very close. My son looked at me and asked, “Dad, what going on with you, what’s wrong”? So, I have been struggling with what was in my heart: Knowing I was gay. I tried to not be gay; try to be what I wasn’t; I tried to pray that I wasn’t gay; I confessed in hope that I could not be gay; all these things that they tell you to do, I tried to do for 30 plus years. So when my son asked me that question, I decided to be honest, to be authentic. I could die and my own family wouldn’t even know who I was. I thought to myself, ‘if I cannot be honest and authentic with my own family, the ones who I love the most, then who could I be honest and authentic with?’ So I told them, “I’m Gay”. And that’s where I think “True” was born

SP:What was the feeling like the very moment you uttered those words out loud for the very first time?

RB: It was overwhelming, but surreal; there was no super joy, or excitement or pride in it. It was the truth and sometimes being that honest with those you love and who love you so very much can be hurtful. I am very thankful my family and I are so close.

SP:How did your family react?

RB: We knew things would change, we knew tough times were ahead, not only for my career but for us as a family. We also knew that the one thing that wouldn’t change was our love and commitment to our family. My wife Carol and I would end up separating and obtain a divorce, but now she is part of Soul Force, a nonprofit organization that helps families like ours and others from oppression of anti-homosexual religious peers (read more at www.soulforce.org). My kids and I remain very close, and now my grandchildren, as well.

SP:You were selling millions of albums each year, about 4.5 million copies. How badly was your career hurt by your coming out?

RB: At the time I came out publicly in 2008, I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. I was kind of wrong there. I received a lot of hate mail, lots of youtube videos were put up against me and me coming out. I was told that I was going to burn in hell – all sorts of negative things were said. At the same time, a lot of great things were being said from other people and friends.

SP:Was this when you started writing songs again?

RB: When my wife and I separated and we were all going through this very tough time, I decided to do what I always did.  I picked up my pen and paper, tuned the guitar and started to put down how I was feeling. That’s where all my songs come from, deep within me.

SP:We know you have sold millions as a Christian singer, now that “True” is out and nowhere near that number, how do you look at that?

RB: Well I did not do this album for money, it was about being authentic, about being true, not only to myself but to my fans. We have sold a bunch of records for “True,” but for me it’s not about the sales, it’s about the letters I am getting from so many who say, “Yea that’s exactly how I feel right now”, “Thank you Ray for saying what I needed to hear”, “Finally someone who knows how I feel”. That’s what “True” is about; it’s about those who listen to it and understand that living an authentic and “True” life may not always be easy, but is better than living a lie.

SP:Your partner Franco and you have been together almost 5 years, where did you meet and has he been a part of the album?

RB: Franco and I met through a friend at the MCCC Church Softball league. Yes, there is a song on the album called “You Came To Me”. It was written for him, he is like a big teddy bear. He cry’s every time I play it on stage.

SP:Franco, so what is it like being with a celebrity of Ray’s stature?

FS: Well I didn’t even know who Ray Boltz was. I met him as just a regular guy, not until later did I find out about his singing.  Ray is just Ray to me. He doesn’t act like a celebrity or anything like that, he is just Ray, so I know him and love him for who he is, just Ray – a very caring and loving nice man. Not for Ray the celebrity.

SP:Franco, what was it like the first time he sang “You Came to Me” on stage in front of you?

FS: I cried. It is such a beautiful song. Ray and I talked about it being on the CD, and it almost didn’t get to be on it, but I know what the song means and know what

it can mean to so many others.

SP:What artist do you like to listen to?

RB: I like Adam Lambert, Lady GAGA, Rufus Wainwright, but I haven’t listened too much lately.

SP:Since you live here in the Ft. Lauderdale, where is your favorite place to hang out at?

RB: (laughing) There are a lot of places, but I find I go to Scandals a lot. I like the Lady Fancy show they have, and the atmosphere there as well.

FS: The softball field (laughing) every Sunday – that’s my church.

SP:Wilton Manors has an influence on the new CD as well, doesn’t it?
RB: Yes there is a song called “American Queen” on the cd. It talks about a guy walking past Five Points and Georgie’s Alibi and talks about all the great things I love about Wilton Manors.

SP:How does it feel to be the most nominated and then win The Out Music Awards?

RB: I was overwhelmed at the response, not only to the Album, but at the outpouring of good wishes and the wonderful responses to it. I have been nominated for awards before, and have won 3 Dove awards, but The Out Music Award wins are like an acceptance into the community.  Like they are saying, not only do we love your music, but we appreciate your efforts, as well. I am so very thankful to all my fans and family.

SP:You are going to appear at The Stonewall Street Festival and Parade on June 19th, 2011. Will it be any different now that you are an Award winner?

RB: No it will be an authentic and “True” show just as before.

SP:If equal marriage was allowed, would you and Franco be married?

RB: I think that would be up to us. I think we should have that choice already. Not IF we should have that choice.

FS: I don’t think it’s anyone’s business. If Ray and I want to get married it should already be our choice and not something we should have to ask anyone’s permission to do!

SP:Anything you want to say to our readers here at the Florida Agenda?

RB: I would like to thank each one of them if I could. I love the fact that there is a publication out there that reaches so many and has some really great content.

SP:Thank you, Ray Boltz, for your time, compassion and music.

RB: It’s been a pleasure, Shane. Thanks so much for having me here.

You can reach Ray Boltz for comment or questions, or to listen to his Multi-Award Winning Album online at www.rayboltz.com.

Shane Phoenix is an independent music review writer and international talk show host of “South Off with Shane Phoenix” and contributes regularly to Billboard Magazine and several Music Blogs around the world.  He can be reached at Shane@prideshows.com

Taking their cue from gay boys who look for love in all the wrong places ? you know who you are ? these girls shoot their arrows past the Mr. Rights that treat lovers well. Instead, their songs take aim at the Mr. Wrongs that treat them oh so good.

Emii – “Mr. Romeo”

Emii would do well on Manhunt or Grindr. For her, romance is not about landing the guy; it’s about taking off, flying high, and enjoying the ride. She sings about it in her explosive new song, “Mr. Romeo”, a high powered dance romp that features one of the original partiers of hip hop, Snoop Dog.

“I am no Juliet,” she confirms. “I am strong hearted, fierce, and independent.”

About finding her own Romeo this Valentine’s Day, Emii says, “When the love is right, maybe it will last until death and beyond, but I’m not hanging on unless it’s right.”

She’s also not looking for the fairy-tale. She prefers her guys rough, tough and a little bit dangerous. “Let’s just say I have someone in mind when I sing, ‘Come here and bite me like an animal.’”

KELLI – “Gave Up on Love”

For a girl who presented herself as independent and in control on the hit Bravo reality show, “NYC Prep”, Kelli admits deep down she is full of contradictions and is extremely sensitive. “I can be guarded and maybe a little over-protective when it comes to relationships,” she says. “I believe maintaining strength requires a strong offense and an even stronger defense.” She sings about the protective walls she has built in her debut single, “Gave Up on Love”, a song she co-wrote that sheds light on the intensity of budding romances. “When you’re young, you feel you need to give all of your self and soul into a relationship,” says Kelli. “But most relationships are bound to end – and oftentimes badly. “It’s important that people embrace who they are before trying to get someone else to love you,” she continues. “It’s so silly to live for a guy or a girl who in the end, you’ll likely realize is not worth the time or tears.”

SARIAH – “All about Sex”

“I found my ‘All about Sex’ man on the dance floor,” laughs Sariah, the Queen of Hearts, whose sophomore single about nostrings attached romances releases in time for Valentines Day. “I loved that everything was crystal clear. We both knew what we were there for and there was no baggage.”

Inevitably, however, the guy began inquiring about Sariah’s life outside of their arrangement. “That’s when things got tricky. We began to think there might be something more to us so we made an effort to see each other outside of the bed. Our conventional relationship became confusing and worse, it lost the intrigue. Soon after that, I stopped returning his text messages.”

“Just goes to show ya, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” concludes Sariah. “A purely sexual relationship can be satisfying.” And it can inspire a great single, too. “All about Sex” is on dancefloors now.

By GT ANGELO

In the world of dance music, there are followers, and there are leaders. There are imitators, and there are innovators. There are DJs, and there is DJ Escape.

“I don’t just play records, I play with the crowd. I’m always teasing people with samples and cuts of classics, new tracks and FX,” Escape declares. “I’m all about keeping things fresh. I’m always doing mash-ups of old things and making them new, and I’m always on the lookout for the newest, hottest records. Even when I play the hits, I play them in a way I guarantee you haven’t experienced them before.” You can hear for yourself on Nov. 27 when DJ Escape makes his White Party debut, spinning the White Stars party at Club Mekka.

In his fifteen years in dance music, DJ Escape has racked up more accomplishments than most spinners aspire to in a lifetime: global residencies at some of the world’s largest nightclubs, original productions that got the attention of world-class disc jocks and remixes for legendary superstars such as Beyoncé, Donna Summer, Kristine W and Gwen Stefani, and he’s just getting started.

The down-to-earth disc jock still recalls his first exposure to clubland, a legendary night at the famed Palladium nightclub in New York City where the music of Junior Vasquez inspired Escape not just to be a part of the house music phenomenon, but to be a driving force behind it.

“Up until that point, I had been a hiphop DJ,” Escape recalls. “But Junior’s music just blew me away. It opened up an entirely new world to me. For the first time, I saw that music wasn’t just one element of a party, it was the party, and the people who understood that best were the gay crowds who appreciated sets filled with music you couldn’t hear anywhere else.”

Escape carried that inspiration into the studio, where he created the blistering original hard house production “Wer*Ship” that had DJs from coast to coast singing his praises as an up-andcoming force in the dance music movement. Suddenly the fresh-faced spinner was found in the same spotlight as timetested industry veterans and in the DJ booth at the helm of Liquid, Miami’s most popular gay club at the time.

“That gig was a dream come true,” Escape remembers. “The crowd, the venue, the sound—I was able to give the crowd exactly what they wanted each time I got in that DJ booth.

I didn’t plan my sets—everything just flowed through the night, and the boys in the crowd just couldn’t get enough of it.”

He was awarded his first residency at Miami’s Pump Nightclub. A year later he moved to Miami’s legendary Salvation.

It wasn’t long before word of Escape’s prowess in the booth traveled beyond the savvy ears of the South Beach set and back to New York where Escape was offered an A&R job at New York’s famed Groovilicious/Strictly Rhythm record label. “My time at the label exposed me to so much music,” Escape says. “I was signing the hottest new tracks during the day and then playing them at night in the clubs.”

In 2003, Escape’s attention shifted from signing new dance tracks to creating them. “For the last four years I’ve really focused on the studio,” he says. “It’s like my second home now.”

Teaming with soundboard dynamos Razor & Guido, Eddie Baez, Gomi, Dom Capello, Johnny Vicious & Tony Coluccio and his role model Junior Vasquez has elevated Escape’s career to the next level. “I bring what I do in the DJ booth into the studio,” Escape explains. “The same high-energy beat that you find on my dance floor is right there in my remixes and productions.”

From the studio it’s right back into the DJ booth at one of his resident spots in Brazil, Montreal or Miami, or to play his signature style at a mega-party in Paris, Ibiza, or Japan.

Wherever he is, if you’re on Escape’s dance floor, you’ll know it. There are dance floors, and then there is DJ Escape’s dance floor, and as anyone who’s spent a night moving to his high-energy sound can tell you, it’s not a place you’ll ever want to leave.