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Manhattan Comedy School 25th Year

The Manhattan Comedy School (MCS) NYC’s leading school for stand-up comedy announced a very special show to celebrate its 25th Anniversary on Monday November 24th at Gotham Comedy Club 208 West 23rd Street, NYC at 7P. This one-night-only event will bring together a hilarious lineup of past & present students, a few of our hilarious instructors & some exciting surprise guests for an unforgettable evening of laughter & celebration. The show marks a major milestone for the school which has become the gold standard for comedy education in NYC & beyond. Andy Engel, MCS Founder & Owner stated, "Twenty-five years ago, I started the Manhattan Comedy School with the hope of creating a place where aspiring comics could learn, grow & thrive in a supportive, professional environment. I could never have imagined the incredible community that would come from it — hundreds of performers, countless laughs & so many careers launched. This celebration is for all of them." Founded in 2000 the Manhattan Comedy School is a premier institution dedicated to developing the next generation of comedic talent & communicators. Located in the heart of NYC MCS offers classes in stand-up, writing, improv & comedic performance. Its faculty includes seasoned industry professionals & its alumni have gone on to star on major stages, TV shows & comedy festivals. MCS also empowers professionals to use comedy to enhance their careers, presentations & personal confidence. The November 24th event promises high-energy performances, heartfelt moments & a rare glimpse at the comic voices shaping the next generation of stand-up. Tickets are $25 per person plus a two-item minimum. 
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Carly Ozard Chain of Love Special Event

Carly Ozard presents 2 fabulous events One Night Only on Sunday November 2nd at GRNHS Gallery + Studio in San Francisco, CA. Starting with Carly Ozard & Friends “Chain of Love” (A Broadway Album) Holiday Release Party & Concert under musical direction by Baker Peeples kicks off at 4P for a 70-minute show with a live band including Peeples on piano & violin, Daniel Fabricant on bass & Jerry Herrera on cajon. Bicoastal entertainer Carly Ozard a lifelong musical theater enthusiast is proud to be releasing her new CD “Chain of Love” (A Broadway Album) that celebrates the singer’s deep love for showtunes from classics, unknowns & fiascos. Featuring rarely-heard gems like "Chain of Love" from The Grass Harp a 1971 musical that ran just 7 performances based on Truman Capote’s novel the album showcases works by legendary composers including Kander & Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, Jerry Herman, Irving Berlin & Charles Strouse. A number of songs are reimagined with new arrangements by Ozard herself. Each track is paired with personal stories from her life in NYC & SF including encounters with Broadway stars & casting directors. The album produced by Leo Frappier also highlights vocal talents from the Bay Area’s Lamplighters Music Theater now in its 78rd year performing Gilbert & Sullivan titles in duets, trios & including a full ensemble number. It's a heartfelt tribute to musical theater & an invitation to become a link in the "Chain of Love.” Then the show will be followed by the movie screening of the cult-classic “Hedwig & The Angry Inch” at 8P including a singalong with Carly Ozard & friends with live music, trivia & prizes. 
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Bayard Rustin At The Crossroads Exhibit

Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library (SNMAL) in partnership with the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice are presenting the ‘Bayard Rustin at the Crossroads’ exhibit kicking off with an opening reception on November 14th at the Hester & Ross Galleries with the exhibit running until January 2nd. Robert Kesten, SNMAL President & CEO stated, “We need to remember those who fought for those inalienable rights decades ago as we harness the hope they had for the future. This exhibit will be a testament to that hope, while sharing the legacy of Bayard Rustin. Rustin left behind an example of courage, creativity & a pathway to the world we continue to hope for.” Rustin played a pivotal role in shaping the modern civil rights movement. He was instrumental in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom, one of the largest political rallies in U.S. history where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Inspired by his Quaker upbringing & work with pacifist organizations Rustin was deeply committed to nonviolent resistance even mentoring King & helping establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The exhibit delves into Rustin’s story & how he overcame adversity attacking multiple parts of his identity & the lessons we all should take from his experiences. Rustin was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in 2013 cementing his legacy as one of the most important & ignored figures in American history. In this exclusive podcast I talked to Walter Naegle, Bayard Rustin’s partner who accepted the award on his behalf. LISTEN  
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MBCC 28th Party For Prevention Event

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) 28th annual party for prevention “Halloween Bash for a Cause: Celebrating Community & Supporting Prevention” takes place Saturday October 25th at Club Café in Boston, MA from 6P to 11P with costumes optional. This year MBCC is honoring Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons for her trailblazing leadership & longtime community service during the VIP Party from 6P to 8P. Cheryl Osimo, MBCC's Executive Director stated, "It’s hard to believe the 28th Annual Lesbians & Friends LGBTQIA+ Dance is almost here. For nearly three decades, this event has brought people together in celebration, solidarity & a shared commitment to prevention during Breast Cancer Prevention Month. We are deeply honored to recognize Mayor Denise Simmons -- longtime Cambridge mayor & the first African American openly lesbian mayor in the United States -- for her unwavering commitment to community & support of MBCC. Her example reminds us what true leadership & compassion look like." The VIP Party also features a dance lesson by Liz Nania of OUT to Dance, early access to the night’s festivities & complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Funds raised from the event helps support MBCC’s education programs designed to provide our communities with vital health information on ways to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in the products they use & in the environments in which they live, learn & work. MBCC’s mission is to prevent breast cancer. The VIP Party from 6P to 8P including general admission is $40 pre-registration & $45 at the door with general admission 8P to 11P $20. Note that to enter Club Café you must be 21 or older. 
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Witchy Ways Casts A Halloween Spell

Just in time for Halloween writer/director Jane Clark unveils her latest feature film “Witchy Ways” a supernatural romance that blends humor, love & magic. Redefining the witch genre through a contemporary lens the film celebrates the belief that real magic lives in love & authenticity. Clark continues her brilliant tradition of emotionally bold resonant storytelling that bridges genre & identity. We talked to Jane back in 2015 about her previous work the cult favorite “Crazy Bitches” & the acclaimed “Elena Undone” have established her as a distinctive voice in independent cinema. Jane stated, “I wanted to create a supernatural romance where queer women aren’t just included but celebrated. This is a story about love, courage & believing in something greater than ourselves.” The film is about Eve (Diora Baird) a high-powered brand manager who retreats to her late mother’s cottage a place long rumored to be magical. There she meets Danni (Marem Hassler) an enchanting neighbor who comes from a long line of witches. What begins as a reluctant friendship deepens into a romantic connection that challenges Eve’s sense of logic & control. When Danni’s home & legacy are threatened by a vengeful neighbor Eve must decide whether to remain grounded in the world she knows or step fully into one of magic, love & possibility. The stellar ensemble cast also includes Candis Cayne (Dirty Sexy Money & The Magicians), Guinevere Turner (American Psycho), David Fumero (One Life to Live), Marc Price (Family Ties, Trick or Treat) & Paul Fox (Ford v Ferrari). “Witchy Ways” is distributed by Wolfe Video & currently streaming on Apple TV (US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium & Switzerland). As well as Fandango at Home (US) & Amazon Prime Video (US, UK, Australia).  WATCH TRAILER
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Women’s Week Celebrates 41 Years

Women’s Week is celebrating its 41st anniversary in Provincetown now through October 19th with fabulous must-attend events. There will be over 300 individual events during the 2025 line-up from the numerous venues, performers, producers, organizations, artists, authors, tour operators & individuals who will be hosting events all week on for Women’s Week. Some of the highlights include a Conversation with Janis Ian on October 17th at Town Hall 260 Commercial Street at 2P where you can spend the afternoon with the legendary singer-songwriter whose music has defined generations. This special program will feature an intimate live interview & an audience Q&A offering insight into Janis’s music, her activism & her remarkable life journey. Then on Saturday on October 19th comedian Kate Clinton will perform “Afternoon Delight” at Town Hall for a 3P show of unforgettable laughter, wit & unapologetic humor. There will also be Cris Williamson’s 50th Anniversary of The Changer & The Changed album concert & Suede will be part of the Town Hall Series. Comics, singers, musicians come to Ptown to delight & entertain attendees including Zoe Lewis, Suzanne Westenhoefer, Vickie Shaw, Melissa Crispo, BETTY, Jennie McNulty, Mimi Gonzalez & Judy Gold among others. Provincetown has hosted this festival in October in celebration of Women sponsored by the Women Innkeepers that turns this vibrant seaside haven at the tip of Cape Cod into a Women’s Festival that has over 150 different events for every taste & interest. Whether it’s getting to see the best performers & comics in our LGBTQ culture today, attending a great workshop, seeing a Women At Waters Edge Film or just walking down Commercial Street for fabulous shopping or restaurant cuisine there’s something for everyone in Provincetown during Women’s Week. 
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Elizabeth Taylor Passion Strives (AUDIO)

This week I talked with Tim Mendelson who was the longtime executive assistant to legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor & is currently a trustee & officer of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). Tim worked fulltime for Taylor from the early 1990s until her death in 2011 beginning as a freelance production assistant in 1984 but after assisting with Taylor's "White Diamonds" perfume tour in 1991 she hired him as her secretary. He eventually became her executive assistant & worked with her closely on her charitable endeavors including her fight against AIDS. Mendelson & Taylor developed a close & trusting relationship over their decades together. As a trustee of her estate & The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation he continues Taylor's humanitarian work. Taylor co-founded The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 & The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991. Tim personally witnessed Elizabeth’s passionate drive to help people affected by HIV/AIDS with an immediacy that she felt was crucial for this fight. Currently Tim remains dedicated to keeping Elizabeth’s voice & spirit pre-eminent in HIV/AIDS activism for the purpose of ensuring it is at the forefront of current actions concerning this global pandemic. Mendelson has appeared in documentaries related to Elizabeth Taylor including the fabulous film “Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” (2024) on MAX. With thousands of Gen Z & Gen Alpha fans newly discovering Elizabeth through Taylor Swift’s new album it’s a perfect time to highlight what this fierce ally brought to our LGBTQ community through her lifetime. I talked to Tim about what he would like to accomplish with Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy & his spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN 

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Manhattan Comedy School 25th Year

The Manhattan Comedy School (MCS) NYC’s leading school for stand-up comedy announced a very special show to celebrate its 25th Anniversary o...

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