Florida Agenda

By DUNCAN ST THIBAULT

MSNBC Anchor Ties the Knot

MSNBC anchor and host Thomas Roberts wed his longtime partner, Patrick Abner, this weekend, in a small ceremony at Manhattan’s toney Gansevoort Hotel. Roberts is the first cable news anchor to marry a person of the same sex. In June 2011, he and Abner served as honorary Grand Marshals for Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Street Parade and Festival. “Good Morning, America” weather guy Sam Champion’s similar announcement last week of an engagement brought sharp reaction—including from some who support his nuptials but thought GMA made too big a deal of it on the air.

This Is What a “Modern Family” Looks Like

For the third year in a row, ABC’s smash sitcom “Modern Family” won a clean sweep in most of last month’s Emmy Awards categories.  Star Eric Stonestreet, who plays chunky Cameron on the hit series, was up against— so to speak—his TV hubby, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson (who plays uptight redhead Mitchell) for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

After Stonestreet (who is straight) proved a repeat-winner, co-star Ferguson stopped by the set of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to playfully bitch about the loss. Asked by host Kimmel if Stonestreet had been pulling for his screen-partner, Ferguson said with smarm, “Who knows if it’s true, but he said he wanted me to win.”

To bolster his chances of a win at next year’s Emmys, Ferguson, 36, unveiled a mock “attack ad,” in which he accuses Stonestreet of “steal[ing] gay American jobs,” and calls him a “liar” and an “ass-kisser.” Ah, family.

Etheridge Rocks for Maryland Marriage Equality

Still-rocking singer Melissa Etheridge has sent out a letter on behalf of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, calling for equal treatment under the law for every American. As some added incentive for supporting same-sex marriage, Etheridge is offering campaign donors a chance to meet her backstage during an upcoming show in Bethesda.

Last month, the singer (“Come to My Window”) told TV host Joy Behar, “I’m for gay marriage, because I’m for gay divorce.” She added: “I don’t think people realize what a system heterosexuals have for marriage. You can marry someone and then, oops.

By Grant James

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.

By Grant Games

Azealia Banks:

“1991” Rapper and lyricist Azealia Banks was actually born in 1991, from which year she takes the name of her new EP. You can tell just from listening to “1991,” which mixes elements of house, rap, and R&B—all with a 90s flare. The Harlem-born hoodrat (who is openly bisexual) is a classic “lady in the streets, freak on the mic.” Her raps are fast and loose, with 90s house music serving as a phenomenal backdrop for the songs. In addition to rapping, Banks also does her share of singing on the EP, which fits nicely, and serves to break the songs up a little. She does have some musical similarities to Lil’ Kim, Foxy Brown, and Eve, but she manages to keep the EP fun and fresh overall. Hopefully, “1991” will lead to a bigger success when her debut album, “Broke With Expensive Taste,” reportedly drops sometime this year. 9/10

Scissor Sisters: “Magic Hour”

It’s apparent that Scissor Sisters really want to keep disco alive (or bring it back to life—however you want to look at it), and for that, I applaud them. Who doesn’t enjoy a high-pitched male voice, sung over a funky 70s beat? Akin to a modern day Bee Gees, Scissor Sisters (formed in 2000) released their latest album, “Magic Hour,” on May 28. Singer Jake Shears pulls you into his nu-disco based universe, with the help of producer Alex Sidha, also known by his artist moniker, Boys Noize. On opening track, “Baby Come Home,” Shears weeps for his love to—wait for it—come home. While the lyrics of the songs are traditional, the delivery and sound are anything but. “Keep Your Shoes On” feels like being stuck in a K-hole—but in the best way possible. The band does manage to slow things down at the right times, with funk-ballads aplenty that fit Shears’s voice like a glove. Single “Shady Love” (which features Azealia Banks: see above) is a definite highlight of the album, and contributes to it a whole other layer. The Calvin Harris-produced track, “Only the Horses,” is the closest to a “radio-friendly” single that Sisters have ever done, and manages to keep the band’s sound and integrity intact. “Magic Hour” is Scissor Sisters most polished and cohesive (while still experimental) album to date. 8.3/10

Making a SCENE: Bieby Blues

It’s been a rough week for Justin Bieber. On May 27, the Canadian pop-star was accused of assaulting a photographer who was snapping pics of Bieber and girlfriend Selena Gomez as they exited a movie theater in Calabasas, California. The photographer claims that a scuffle took place, and he called 911, but Bieber and Gomez left the scene before police got there. The photographer was taken to a local hospital after complaining of chest pains, and he filed a police report. Days later, at his show in Paris on May 31, the singer accidentally ran into a wall of glass backstage, as reported by TMZ. He was between songs, and managed to suck it up, went back onstage, and performed the rest of his set. After the show, The Beebs passed out for about 15 seconds in his dressing room. Doctors confirmed he had suffered a concussion, but say he is in good shape now. Canadians never catch a break.

PriMadonna

Leaked video footage of Madonna’s tour dress rehearsal in Tel Aviv has surfaced on the Web, and people are not happy. The controversial pop star is seen during a rehearsal for “Express Yourself,” when the song seamlessly transitions into Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Madonna fans were in an uproar last year when Gaga released “Born This Way,” as they noted a striking resemblance to the prima diva’s “Express Yourself.” Madonna seems to still be feeling some pent-up aggression towards Mother Monster, and it looks like the PriMa-donna is going to be taking it to the stage.