JustCircuit.com Issue Highlights

BACK TO SCHOOL with the Label Whore: fashion, trends & the UBERLIFE; by JustCircuit Fashion Editor Kris Hobson

EDITOR — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:58:09 GMT

LABEL WHORE: fashion, trends & the Uberlife from the August/September 2010 issue of JustCircuit.MAG by Kris Hobson, JustCircuit Fashion Editor

Fall is upon us and its time to do some "BACK TO SCHOOL” shopping. Doesn't matter if you've not been in school since the 90s. It's time to SHOP! While you're out there supporting the global economy, helping improve international trade relations, adding jobs to the market and helping the world be a better place in general, here are a few observations to remember.

At Milan fashion week, Men's Fall/Winter 2011 is all about exploring the DNA of a MAN. Some designers went the traditional route and others were looking toward the future with some OUT THERE SOMEWHERE looks. Not sure where we'll see them, but you are likely NOT to forget when you do.

1) JOHN GALLIANO – is a visionary. The collection is full of amazing human forms and silhouettes, fits and patterns that are tailored to fit a male form in just the right places. His quirky edge keeps him in the headlines and this seasons collection shows what an artist he really is.

2) VERSACE- It is bold, edgy and sleek. I especially loved the sweaters with leather-studded details. Versace seems to be returning to the outrageous opulence that put Gianni and his last name on the fashion map. Look for their signature silk shirts reinvented for the new decade, and combine them with a pair of suede trousers. You then have not only arrived, but you've make one hell of an entrance when you do.

3) PAUL SMITH - “Thank you Mr. Smith!” We've always loved your bright, geometric patterned garments, but this season you've outdone yourself. This collection has all the highbrow aristocracy you expect from a mature UK brand, with a fresh, interesting and almost cheeky twist.

4) BURBERRY PRORSUM – Christopher Bailley showed a lot of hot and luxurious military coats and boots and revisited that oh so macho butch conservative swagger that only Burberry can pull off. Wool trousers, red wingtips and alligator belts, each in outrageous colors were all over the place in this collection. Two words: "outrageously conservative." It may be an oxymoron, but it works and damn it works well.

5) DOLCE & GABBANA- SO hot, sexy and tough. This Sicilian inspired collection turned up the heat and had more than one person sweating. Sheer shirts, low-rise jeans, laser cut velvet and how low can you go V-necks made this collection the talk of Milan. Can you speak Italian? Doesn't matter if you're wearing Fall 2011 D&G. All you'll be hearing is CIAO BELLO everywhere you go.

Always remember when buying clothes: it's not about the BRAND, it's not how much it COSTS and it's not how trendy or where you bought it. What's important is how well it fits and how it makes you feel when you wear it. Make sure to check yourself out in a full-length mirror and if you are not sure, don't.

Sofonda Peters: "WHO KNEW????"

EDITOR — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:16:52 GMT

The Circuit's Grande Dame asks "WHO KNEW???"

WHO KNEW? Sofonda Peters Takes Pride 2010

Who knew? Who knew Pride events could be so fun?

Sofonda was well rested after spending the first two weeks of June in lovely Monte Carlo and was ready to "par tay" by the time New York Pride rolled into our schedules later in the month. As our big private jet landed in New York, we were already completely twisted and literally out of control from the in-flight "servicing " we got from our hunky Spanish flight attendants wearing skimpy Speedos and passing around their rather full baskets to everyone throughout the cabin. I almost hated to see us land and part ways with this crew, but the Barcelona babes had to get ready for their box-dancing gig the very next night for my dear Peter Rauhofer's WORK party at Roseland Ballroom. My Peter knows just where to find the hottest dancers for all of his events and Sofonda is where he turns for suggestions. WORK was indeed a big success with a G-normously huge crowd of beautiful people, fantastic music...and NO Offer Nissim this year (Don't get me started on her...) What an absolutely splendid way to begin our Saturday night and prepare us all for the next big event, Sunday night's DESTINATION party at Pacha! Of course, the Pier Dance was packed as always, but keep in mind that it's not the SIZE of the event that makes it "BIG." You see, what makes the parties "BIG" are the BIG shot Circuit and Hollywood celebrities that are in the crowd, and Sofonda found them at DESTINATION for sure. From Ultra Nate to Kimberly Locke to Jerome Farley to Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub. It was a who’s-who of Circuit BIGNESS. Our uber-VIP area was also the place to be seen. Sure, it was hot outside that weekend but it was even hotter inside in the VIP area. The texts were non-stop from FOS (Friends of Sofonda), wanting us to squeeze them in on the guest list. From Bill and Hillary Clinton to Grace Jones and Beyonce, the fabulous were everywhere and our group stayed happily twisted like a VIP box full of pretzels. We continued bumping and jumping all morning long and well into the afternoon, long after other parties had ended.

WHO KNEW? Who knew what adventures we would experience at our next destination? Provincetown was on our calendar next, and it took every transportation type imaginable to ship in all of Sofonda's suitcases and supplies. In retrospect, Sofonda should have borrowed a C-130 cargo and made supply drops from 20,000 feet. But sweetie, this is the July 4th Circuit weekend in P-Town and one can't have too many outfits, too many cocktails, too many hookups or too many people in her entourage. Plus, I had plans to charm my darling, hunky, party producer Rick Murray while staying at his Crown and Anchor Hotel. In fact, Rick won his own "independence" a few years back and then brought about the amazing "Independence Week" nightclub events, along with tons of major Circuit talent, always lasting the entire week with parties every single night during the July 4th holiday. As we were strolling down Commercial Street, I noticed that it was lesbians and drag queens and bears! Oh my! I realize that the economy must be pretty tough right now for everyone, but THAT wasn't Ryan Landry dressed as Cher on the scooter that just passed...that was Cher dressed as Ryan Landry on a scooter. Is it actually possible that Stare-At-Us Pizza has an even THINNER crust than ever before? When one is twisted, (as we always are), does the Pilgrim Monument resemble a huge penis? I stopped asking the silly questions and hurried into my Presidential Suite in the Crown and Anchor with my darling Rick so that we could catch up over a bottle of Dom and some of his delicious Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. Holding court in P-Town is the best, especially when the queens know YOU are the real queen. The fireworks continued down on Blueberry and at After Hours Ed's home as after hours crowds kept the night grinding well into the afternoon with the party people doing what they do best...making it fun and exciting to be a real part of the real Circuit!

WHO KNEW? Who knew WHERE we would park our GrindrX apps next? No frets, my little love lumps. Sofonda always has it all worked out. Only days after leaving P-Town, many wonderful events in San Diego were scheduled to begin. It took a quick trip to Paris for a new July wardrobe for my posse and me to be reenergized for the incredible Bill Hardt San Diego Pride events we would soon experience, which always includes the annual Zoo Party in Balboa Park. One thing is for certain...San Diego Pride weekend attracts some beautiful, fun-loving people! The crowd SIMPLY LOVED the music, the dancing, the venues and they came out big time for Bill.

Nothing can keep these darling Circuit boys from having fun. Not even that that mean old Circuit outsider and trouble-making San Diego photographer, who just can't seem to get enough spotlight with his negative rants, hateful statements and bitter diatribes, mostly against people he doesn't even truly know. This witch has stirred more shit in her cauldron than most, simply to appear authoritative and make her crazy "Sunset Boulevard" style return to the spotlight that she has always craved. Let's just say karma is a bitch, darling, but so is Sofonda. The Circuit doesn't deserve to be subjected to his rotten politics or his sloppy journalism. It's bad enough that people can't afford many of the high-priced parties during this bad economic time. This Grand-Ma-Ma's green venom and black negativism work to discourage others in our community from wanting to even participate in the Circuit. You know, all wicked witches need to watch out for rain as well as dropping houses.

The man behind the curtain for the success of San Diego Pride each and every year is Mr. Bill Hardt, a true gentleman and truly a hot daddy to boot. Wet doesn't even begin to describe my state when I'm around him. His charm makes Mama giddy...or was that something else that caused that sensation?

WHO KNEW? Who knew that so much fun could be had in just over two short weeks? SOFONDA knew, that's who! You see, my bumper dumplings, the Circuit is like a big puzzle. You have to find a way to connect all the pieces together before you begin to see the entire picture. Stick with your Sofonda and her fab crew. Trust the people dedicated to making the parties better for generations to come. It's not difficult to see who the true Circuit people are. The party Circuit will always be our "destination."

Until next time, stay the sex kittens that you all are and send me a GrindrX message when I'm in range~

Hot and lovin' it,

XOXO,

Sofonda Peters

The New Dorothy: Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub might just surprise you

EDITOR — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:37:29 GMT

The Real Housewives of New Jersey's bad girl
Danielle Staub speaks to JustCircuit
by JustCircuit's John Kater

Anyone who watches the popular Bravo show "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" might tell you that the Wicked Witch of the series is in fact Danielle Staub, who stirs the cauldron with each episode. Don't start dropping houses on Danielle just yet. Those who have met the actress-turned-singer-turned-GLBT activist might tell you otherwise. She recently charmed attendees of DESTINATION, a New York Pride weekend nightclub event at Pacha and in July appeared at the Ice Palace on Fire Island as she debuted her new dance track remixed by DJ/Producer Tony Moran and Giuseppe D. Her new hot dance track "Real Close" was written by friend, singer and songwriter Lori Michaels, whose own shows are considered "the stuff of lesbian legend" according to Curve Magazine (July/August 2008). Danielle and Lori recently appeared on Bravo for the television debut of Real Close, and immediately the rumors began that the duo was actually a couple, generating the kind of publicity you could never even pay to get if you wanted it. Other events keep Danielle in the news, whether it is her telling book The Naked Truth (released May 25), conflicts with her ex-husband or the infamous sex tape that has made its way around the world. Staub continues to march forward towards continued fame and success with new opportunities opening up to her with each passing week. She keeps a watchful eye on her children at all times, making them her #1 priority as any mother would do. In speaking with Danielle, one would surely wonder why anyone on the show would say "Karma is a bitch, but so is Danielle...." If this is true, "the bitch" deserves an Emmy as Best Actress. Time will reveal a full future for this modern-day Dorothy who so many refer to as the wickedest of any of the Housewives witches out there. When you meet her, you will see that the tables always turn.

JC: The Real Housewives of New Jersey has become quite the hit on Bravo, and you, Danielle, are perhaps the most well known personality on the show. People love to gang up against you and call you a bitch. Does this get tiring to you when you hear this at your appearances?

D: I don’t hear “that” at my appearances. Surprisingly, I only hear “that” when I watch the show with the rest of the world. And even more surprisingly, it’s usually just my cast mates’ opinions of me based upon their extreme, less than valid knowledge - of me and my life.

JC: In your recent appearance at the Ice Palace on Fire Island, you arrived to a drag queen talking trash about you on stage, and you put her in her place immediately. When the evening was over, people were saying how sweet you are. Does this surprise you? Do you hear this a lot?

D: I recognize that we all have “jobs” to do in this business and imitation and skits performed in my honor are all the highest form of flattery. You have to have thick skin in this business and not take things too personally, so I don’t think she was trashing- but, rather complimenting me. I know people are disappointed at times because when they meet me, they expect to see the “DANIELLE” they know from TV- so, I am not surprised that moments into meeting me, they see and finally meet the REAL me. Actions speak louder than words. And, I like to let that happen.

JC: Tell us about your new music release, written by lovely and talented songwriter Lori Michaels and remixed by DJ/Producer Tony Moran and Giuseppe D. Is this the start of something beautiful? No, we're not speaking of your dating Lori...we're speaking about the song!

D: The music is the beginning and end of everything for me. It’s the one place I could feel completely connected (and disconnected) all at the same time. Up until this point, my daughters were the only place where I could lose myself and be totally happy & at peace. Now, music gives me that seem feeling…just for me.

JC: The gay community is wild about you. They love the attitude, the scandal and even the recent gossip about you and Lori. Does knowing this make it easier for you to perform at the big GLBT resorts such as Rick Murray's Crown & Anchor in Provincetown or the Ice Palace on Fire Island?

D: I’ve always known my acceptance in the community. Having it validated at these GLBT hot spots (and others) is just another step at feeling at ease with myself and the places where I’ve called home. Yes, it does help, but it confirms for me what I’ve already known.

JC: What was the most ridiculous rumor you've heard circulated about yourself in the past year? Do you shield your kids from these rumors or do they simply ignore what they hear?

D: The most ridiculous rumor about myself that I heard is SO violent that I can’t even repeat. Yes, it does affect me and anything that does that affects my children as well. I shield my kids from as much as I possibly can, but sometimes things leak and it’s then that we will discuss it. No one knows me like my children do, so it’s never out of defense – it’s just to make sure that they feel at ease and are safe.

JC: Rumor has it that you've been approached by a network about featuring you in your own series. Whether this is true or not, would you consider spinning off your character in Real Housewives to do your own show?

D: Spin away, yes! Of course! (laughs)

DJ James Anthony with Danielle Staub
DESTINATION, Pacha NYC, Pride Weekend

JC: Your daughter is now a supermodel. Her mother is a super celebrity. There's a lot going on in your life these days. How will this affect the television show? Will you continue with all the irons in the fire or will you reach a point where you will need to make a choice as to the direction your future will take?

D: Thank you, first of all. Such a bold compliment, greatly appreciated. As for the show, I will continue – but for reasons that may not surprise you- I want a “spin off” of my own show – surfacing around and based upon all the work I am really doing- with me and my daughters’ lives and careers and all the drama (and excitement) that goes along with it all.

JC: If you had to be one character from the movie The Wizard of Oz, who would it be?

D: Dorothy.

To learn more about The Real Housewives of New Jersey, visit www.bravotv.com. Download Danielle's new track "Real Close" on iTunes. For more information on Lori Michaels, visit www.lorimichaelsmusic.com.

Pick up a copy of the latest JustCircuit.MAG issue for this and other stories. You can view and/or download the entire magazine at www.JustCircuitMAG.com or purchase your subscription to have the magaizine delivered right to your door six times a year. We do it RIGHT at JustCircuit and we do it all for YOU~~

The JustCircuit Reservists: CapN Kirk keeps them dancing in Orlando

EDITOR — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 04:36:58 GMT

The JustCircuit Reservists: Sarge and Major speak with DJ Cap'n Kirk of Orlando, FL

Happy Pride Season and Gay Day Weekend, Circuit Family! Sarge and Major would like to report on one of their favorite events of the year, the Tidal Wave party during Gay Day Weekend. If you like wide-open water parks, super fun music and a big group of extremely happy men, then this is the party for you. We went right to the heart of the party and spoke to DJ Cap'n Kirk of Orlando, Florida for his take on “Bear” parties and more.

DJ Cap’n Kirk, aka Kirk Hartlage, has spun Tidal Wave since the party’s inception four years ago. He’s lived in Orlando, Fla. for over 15 years and has spun at nearly every gay bar, club and event in Central Florida, including the Parliament House, Revolution, Pulse, Southern Nights, Full Moon Saloon, Bear Bust and Central Florida’s Come Out With Pride. He also spins special events at Hamburger Mary’s where he’s also a waiter and floor supervisor. Kirk began DJ’ing while obtaining his journalism degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis. His articles have appeared in both local and national publications, including Watermark, The Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Weekly, Instinct, Unzipped and A Bear’s Life.

DJ Cap'N Kirk

Sarge: You've probably heard that writing about music is like dancing about architecture - but for those who've not had the chance to hear you spin a party how would you describe your musical style?

Cap’n Kirk: In a word, fun. Or maybe another word: eclectic. How about gregarious? I’ve played everything from mainstream club vocals, to retro flashbacks, to tribal fuck beats. And a night with me will likely be a bit of all of that. My style really depends on the gig I’m playing, the crowd that’s there, if they’re dancing (or even supposed to be), whether the sun is up or down, and as weird as it sounds, what phase the moon is in. I’ve worked in the hospitality industry in one form or another for most of my life, and people’s personalities are at their extreme when the moon is full. The full moon makes people more aggressive and assertive; I love to play music that taps into that…though those opportunities are rare.

Major: Do you have any signatures that you'd say folks from the floor would say "That's Captain Kirk"?

Cap’n Kirk: Well, for starters, I pretty much always spin in my boxer briefs. One time I was spinning a happy hour after a particularly long and tiring day. A few feet from me was a go-go boy dancing in his skivvies while I was feeling weighed down with a cell phone, a wallet, spare change and who-knows-what-else in my cargo shorts. I figured, what the hell – when I spin at home I’m in my drawers. I dropped trou, never felt freer, and have never looked back.
As for my sound, some gigs I play the music is secondary to whatever else is going on. Maybe because I’m a first-born, or because I’m a Sagittarius, but at those gigs in particular I like to play the occasional track that makes people stop and really notice the music. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve played dance remixes of the “Wonder Woman” theme or even music from “The Partridge Family.” That first year we did Tidal Wave the weather was so awful it made complete sense to me to spin a mix of “Rock You Like A Hurricane!” But no matter the gig I always do my homework and think about what music will work best. Then I can decide what music to pack up, what to leave at home, and hopefully I can stay organized while I’m spinning.

Sarge: We've come to know you from bear events such as the annual Tidal Wave Party at Gay Disney. What other events would you consider the highlights?

Cap’n Kirk: I’ve played for Pride here, and I recently played the after-party for the Orlando AIDS Walk. I’m always honored to volunteer my talents to community events like that. That Pride event a few years back was Broadway themed, so I dug deep and found two hours worth of non-cheesy dance remixes from a number of musicals and shows.

Major: What are some of the artists and songs that first inspired you to want to spin for a crowd?

Cap’n Kirk: I first discovered dance music listening to a weekend radio dance show when I was a college freshman in 1984 Milwaukee. I remember being so enthralled by one particular song, so it became the first 12” I ever bought. It was – no lie – a kickass mix of a Hall and Oates track! I soon discovered similar radio shows coming out of Chicago at a time when House was being born…as was my addiction to dance music.

Sarge: What have you heard lately that you're looking forward to playing for a crowd?

Cap’n Kirk: Gay Day turns 20 this year, so you’ll likely hear me play some of the biggest anthems from the past few decades paired with compatible new tracks. For example: one of my favorite Gay Days moments was hearing the Hex Hector mix of Toni Braxton’s “Spanish Guitar” for the first time at a Colosseum party at Hard Rock Live. (It was made even more special when I saw Toni perform at that same venue several years later and she used that very remix in her tour.) Toni’s got a great new album out with some incredible remixes that I’m really looking forward to playing.

Major: Are you more comfortable in the booth or do you like to be out on the floor also?

Cap’n Kirk: When I’m spinning the dance floor might as well be in the booth, cause I’m likely dancing my ass off. If the music I’m playing doesn’t make me wanna dance, how can I expect anyone else to wanna dance either? Frankly, I have a hard time embracing any DJ who doesn’t actively get into the music he or she is spinning.

Sarge: Who are the DJs you enjoy listening to these days?

Cap’n Kirk: I’ve worked with Tracy Young behind the scenes for several years, and I’ve long loved her style. That Colosseum party I mentioned before featured Abel spinning, and he – whether with or without Ralphi Rosario – is someone whose music I really get in to. I may be a midwestern white guy with German/Russian/Prussian roots, but hearing those Cha-Cha beats makes my blood beat all Latin.

Major: How about a bit about your personal life? Tell us about your home life?

Cap’n Kirk: Chaotic, and not unlike a living jigsaw puzzle. I work at our local Hamburger Mary’s, teach group fitness at the YMCA (you know the music I bring totally rocks) and I am a freelance journalist. I’ve long seen DJ’ing as an amazing hobby that I’ve been incredibly fortunate to get some great gigs with and I’ve seen that hobby develop as a career. I have to thank David and Danny, the Tidal Wave organizers, for really helping make that dream a reality. Oh, and probably because I’m so friggin’ busy, I’m single. But I’m looking to change that. Seriously. Change that. My friends keep telling me I’m a catch and I’m starting to think they just may be right!

Sarge: What types of music do you like to listen to when you're not spinning, say in the car, at work, at the gym or just hanging out at home?

Cap’n Kirk: I’m usually listening to whatever new dance music I’ve gotten so I can decide if it’s something I want to add to my repertoire. When it’s not that, lately I’ve been listening to anything and everything “Glee.”

Major: What upcoming events will you be spinning if readers would like to hear you live?

Cap’n Kirk: During the Gay Day weekend, I’ll also be spinning at Eufuria during Saturday and Sunday’s Disco brunch at Hamburger Mary’s. In September I’m slated to spin the Saturday afternoon pool party at the host hotel for the inaugural Bear Bash. My goal is to start branching out to some of the other great bear weekends across the country.

Sarge: How have the 'Bear' events at Gay Disney evolved over time?

Cap’n Kirk: Well, this year, more than any year before, the ursine community has a full “schedule” of bear-focused events throughout the entire weekend. The bears have long met at 1PM on Gay Day at the Country Bear Jamboree in the Magic Kingdom. Until Tidal Wave started, that was close to being it. The weekend typically has events designed for men or for women…a few years ago there seemed to be a push to design events for GLBT families with children, but those have seemed to fall by the wayside. In their place now is a focus on the bears.

Thanks Kirk and thank you to our readers! If you're at Tidal Wave or Eufuria, look for the military men on the dance floor and come up and say hi to us!

For more information on Tidal Wave go to tidalwaveparty.com. We wish you all a safe and wonderful Pride season and summer! Until next time, Sarge and Major, OUT!

Christina Aguilera: BIONIC; New release coming June 8

EDITOR — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:28:03 GMT

Christina Aguilera's BIONIC coming June 8

With thirty-million albums sold worldwide and the prestigious honor of being the only artist under the age of thirty included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest singers of all time, five time Grammy Award winner Christina Aguilera has already achieved an unprecedented level of success.

Aguilera’s been hard at work in the studio for the past year and is pleased to announce the release of her highly anticipated forth studio album BIONIC (RCA Records) on June 8. The first single from BIONIC is the fiercely energetic anthem “Not Myself Tonight”, produced by Polow Da Don and features remixes by Jody Den Broeder, Chus & Ceballos and Mark Roberts. BIONIC features songs co-written by Aguilera along with her much buzzed about collaborations including Sia, Tricky Steward, Polow Da Don, Le Tigre, Hill & Switch and Ladytron among others.

Aguilera notes, “Working on this album with so many talented artists and producers that I admire was really an amazing experience. The artists I chose to work with added so many unique sonic layers to BIONIC. My intention was to step into their world and what they do combined with my own vision and sound. The results were magic.” The album also features a ballad produced and written by Linda Perry titled “Lift Me Up”. The title BIONIC reflects Aguilera’s ability to take her range to new levels and use her voice in various ways never heard before.

Aguilera describes the album as a unique mix of many genres and styles of music. “I was able to explore and create a fresh, sexy feel using both electronic and organic elements with subject matter ranging from playful to introspective. I am so excited for my fans to hear the new sound. It is something I don't think anyone will expect."

In addition to completing the album which was all recorded from her home studio after the birth of her first son, Christina also completed production on her first film “Burlesque.” The film, which co-stars Cher, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell will be released by ScreenGems this fall.

Macy Gray speaks to JustCircuit; "The Sellout" to be released June 22

EDITOR — Fri, 28 May 2010 05:14:00 GMT

JustCircuit speaks with Macy Gray

At the start of 2009 and ten years into her career, Macy Gray found herself a free agent and on the verge of The Sellout. Sure, she sold 15 million albums, scored two Grammy Awards, two MTV awards and with “I Try,” had one of the most successful singles of all time, but after 2007’s Big, she found herself alone, with no one to answer to but herself. Big was the slickest album of her career and she considered going even further away from the true, gritty, whiskey-voice Macy, following instead of leading. In other words, selling out. “I thought after Big flopped maybe I should do what everyone else was doing,” she says. “Go out and hire the hottest producers, the best writers, get real skinny. But none of those people called me back.”

For Gray, it was an ego-bruising wallop that left her bewildered and irritated at relationships that turned out to be more fair weather than everlasting. “I was terrified, I didn’t know what to do,” she says. “You have all these people telling you how dope you are and then they just go away.”

Chastened, Gray went back to her comfort zone, toiling in the studio with a select group of friends and musicians. A studio owner in Tarzana gave her a dirtcheap deal on space and for months she went in and pushed herself to come up with new material. As the new songs took shape, that feeling of rejection gave way to a steely resolve to reestablish herself as one of music’s dominant singers. “When I was on my own, I was making songs that I liked,” she says. “It was my own money, I didn’t have to go play it for someone. I wasn’t someone’s employee.”

The resulting effort – aptly titled The Sellout (Concord Records) – is a return to form for Gray, perhaps her finest album to date, but one that propels her sound forward rather than looking longingly at the past. Sure, there are classic-Macy pop-soul stylings in tracks like “Lately,” but she branches out on tracks like the epic stadium rock-stomper “Kissed It” (featuring a blistering guitar solo from longtime friend Slash) or the Prince-like slow funk jam “Stalker” that wouldn’t be out of place on Sign O’ The Times.

According to Gray, many of the songs started out with a four-on-the-floor dance beat, but then, “everyone started doing it and I needed to stay true to who I am.” That shows up on the album’s first single, the breezy “Beauty In The World” which started out as a David Guetta style house track but switched after Gray turned it into more of a rollicking peace and love sing-a-long. “You get bombarded with opinion and expectations and what other people want and you forget what you do well,” she says. “That song is what I do well.”

Gray also clearly ups her game in the lyrics department, filling out the portrait of herself as an artist. Many of her songs have her trademark wit (check out the horny banter between her and guest Bobby Brown on the steamy “Real Love”) but others are more agonizing, whether it’s the deeply confessional “On And On” or the making amends of “Still Hurts.” “I was depressed,” she admits. “I had been through two or three relationships in that time so my love life wasn’t going well. Last year was a real bummed out time.”

But leave it to her three teenage children to put things in perspective. “Beauty” was inspired by her daughter who one day Macy overheard laughing hysterically in the next room. “I was having a really bad day and I heard my daughter just cracking up in the next room,” she recalls. She has this really great laugh and I didn’t even know what she was laughing at. I thought ‘at least she’s happy.’ And I felt at least I hadn’t failed there, because my daughter’s happy.”

Despite the rejection, the uncertainty and the heartache, The Sellout is a total triumph and success. It’s a testament to Gray’s resolve and songwriting chops that the material feels so honest and authentic but yet effortless, moving seamlessly from one track to the next. There’s nothing forced, nothing that feels out of place. Fittingly, the album ends with the anthemic track, “The Comeback,” a bookend declaration of things accomplished and the hope for better things to come: “Hey big world it’s me again/I’m coming way back to be big again. I just poured my heart out,” she says. “I didn’t set out to have a theme, but when I put them all together it was a picture of my life in that time. I’m dying for
people to like it.”

It’s the comeback. And The Sellout. And it proves that Gray has no intention of fading away. The official Release Date: Macy Gray The Sellout (Concord) June 22, 2010

JustCircuit’s Joseph Mills also spoke with Macy Gray recently:

JC: Macy - Your song beauty in this world comes at such a time of crisis... Nashville flooding, Greece riots, foreclosures - What made you want to write this song?

MACY: Because I wanted to inject some positivity in the planet.

JC: Who does your hair?

MACY: John Blaine. He wants you to know he’s gay and single and ready to mingle!

JC: What do you think that makes you the most universally appealing?

MACY: My Doggy style!

JC: Have you ever performed at a Circuit Party?

MACY: No I haven’t . . . but I would love to!

JC: What do you love about GLBT community?

MACY: I love the GLBT community because they are fighting a good fight. They get so much shit for who they are but they have emerged very inspiring and a powerful force in the universe.

JC: Did you pick the producers for your remixes? Particularly Cutmore/Ruff Loaders?

MACY: Yes, I did.

JC: Do you have a favorite remix?

MACY: I really like both remixes a lot.

JC: I have read that you like to go Gay clubs... Any favorite dance clubs in particular?

MACY: Most of my favorite ones are in Europe but I like the Abbey in West Hollywood.

JC: Who are your favorite DJs on the scene today?

MACY: Red One, David Guetta, and Nemesis Jaxson

Joseph Mills is Senior Music Editor for JustCircuit based out of Atlanta, GA and Chicago, IL. For more information on Macy Gray, visit her website at macygray.com.

The Label Whore takes on the summer fashions; Summer Fashions and Relaxation

EDITOR — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:21:44 GMT

The Label Whore: Summer Fashions and Relaxation

Summertime and the living is easy... Summer is the season to slow down, take it easy, sit back and relax. Over the years, summer has developed a style of it’s own; lighter, softer, casual, easier and more versatile. Take some of your favorite old summer clothes and update them by simply adding a new sweater, tank, jacket or pair of shorts.

A picture is worth a thousand words (or a cool million dollars if you’re one of Tiger Wood’s mistresses.) Take a look at the “boys of summer” below. They personify some of the hottest summer looks and how they should be worn.

Nobody can wear a white suit like P. Diddy. It is an amazing look and white looks great on almost everyone. Just be careful when you try this look for yourself. If it is not right, people will be giving you drink orders all night or handing you their valet tickets. When you wear a white or light suit, make sure to keep it simple. Your shirt needs to be light as well, with no dark or super bright colors. Make sure the suit fits well since any wrinkles, pulling or creases are a lot more obvious on light fabrics.

The warm weather also brings to mind relaxing days by the pool or on the beach. Whether you spend your time sipping cocktails, surfing, playing football or just cruising the scene you need to be comfortable, stylish and feeling good in what you’ve got on, no matter how large or small it may be.

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey still reigns as the poster boy for board shorts, but Mario Lopez and Hugh Jackman seem to be doing just fine on their own. Notice how well these guys’ board shorts accentuate the positive. They fit around the waist so they don’t get that muffin top, but are snug enough to stay up, even getting in and out of the water. The legs are long but tapered so they become narrow toward the bottom. This prevents “chicken leg” syndrome caused by thinner legs emerging from board shorts that are too long, and too big at the bottom.

Mario Lopez Hugh Jackman

Box Cut swimsuits are a great compromise between board shorts and Speedos and perfect for those guys who want to show a little more skin without committing to the full on banana hammocks. A couple of things to remember about box cuts that you can use to your advantage: for guys who are average height or a little shorter, box cuts lengthen your legs, make you look taller and are a great choice. Marc Jacobs and Daniel Craig look fantastic wearing box cut suits, as both are smaller guys who benefit from the way this cut makes them appear taller.

Marc Jacobs

Cargo shorts, and casual shirts are relaxed comfort, yet they don’t have to be sloppy. This combination looks masculine and good on everyone. David Beckham looks pretty damn good in just about anything and he is especially scrumptious in this casual combo. Just remember a couple of things and you’re ready to go: make sure your shorts aren’t too long and too similar to board shorts, which taper as they go down. It’s easy to layer this look with a button-down over a tank top so that when the sun goes down and the temperature drops you can throw on the top shirt to stay warm and yet still look smashing.

Zac Effron David Beckham

Remember boys, summertime is for being outside, enjoying oneself, taking vacations and having fun. Find a warm weather look that works for you, makes you feel good and fits into your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to put on something new or mash up some of your old clothes with some new pieces. Just make sure you try it on, take a good look in a full-length mirror and get opinions from friends. You’ll see just how HOT your summer can be.

Enjoy it!

Ke$ha takes the stage and moves up the charts

EDITOR — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:28:29 GMT

Ke$ha takes the stage and moves up the charts

If there’s one thing Ke$ha knows how to do, it’s tell stories. Here’s a pretty good one: Two years ago, the aspiring pop singer and songwriter decided she wanted Prince to produce her first album. So, she found out his address and drove to his Beverly Hills home, where she paid the gardener five dollars to let her squeeze herself under his front gate. Then she hiked up the driveway (which was lined in purple velvet), let herself in through an unlocked side door, and rode the mirrored elevator up to the third floor where the Purple One himself was jamming with his band. “It was kind of awkward,” she recalls, “but who cares, right? So I sat on one of the purple thrones in the room until he noticed me, which he finally did. He was like, ‘How the hell did you get in here?’” she says with a laugh. “His security kicked me out, but not before I left him my demo CD wrapped in a giant purple bow.”

Ke$ha never did hear from Prince, but the incident speaks volumes about this 22-year-old newcomer’s firecracker personality and determination. “I’ve always known I wanted to be a performer,” she says. “There’s video of me at age five, naked and covered in body paint, saying, ‘I’m going to be a rock star and there’s no way anyone is going to stop me!’ It’s my calling. If I don’t go for it, I’m going to feel like a tool when I’m 50.”

Luckily, Ke$ha won’t have to find out what regret feels like. She is currently at work writing and recording her debut album with executive producer Dr. Luke, who has scored No. 1 smashes for Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, and Flo Rida. After falling for her playful half-sung/half-rapped vocal delivery on a rough demo, Luke brought Ke$ha to RCA Records, which signed her in February 2009. The album — which will also feature Ke$ha’s collaborations with veteran hitmaker Max Martin (Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears) and in-demand songwriter/producer Benny Blanco (Katy Perry, 3OH!3, Spank Rock) — is shaping up to be an edgy collection of hard-hitting electro-pop songs, made all the more irresistible by their high-octane punk energy and Ke$ha’s irreverent lyrics and attitude. “I want my music to be fun, unapologetic, rowdy, quirky, humorous, and interesting,” she says, “but with substance behind it. I’m an emotional person underneath all my fronting. I want people to listen to it and feel like they can relate.”

Not surprisingly, the songs showcase Ke$ha’s flair for storytelling, though her choice of subject matter isn’t exactly conventional. There’s a song about the time Ke$ha threw up in a closet during a party at Paris Hilton’s pad (“Party at a Rich Dude’s House”), and one she says is about the time “some dumb bitch fronted like she was my friend but then secretly tried to bring me down” (“Backstabber”), and another about finding out her boyfriend was cheating on her with a famous pop starlet who shall remain nameless (“Kiss & Tell”). Oh, and the one she wrote about beginning to see the universe as a cyclical chain of connected events after meeting a guy in a club (“Chain Reaction,” which has been featured on MTV’s The Hills).

Ke$ha credits her love for story-songs to spending her formative years hanging out with veteran songwriters in Nashville. Her mom Pebe, a former punk-rock singer, is a songwriter whose career took off in Music City in the late ’70s when a song she co-wrote, called “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You,” became a hit for Joe Sun in 1978 and a country chart-topper for Dolly Parton in 1980. But by the time Ke$ha was born in 1987 (during a party in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Pebe was going through a bad patch, struggling to support Ke$ha and her older brother through her music. “We were on welfare and food stamps,” Ke$ha says. “One of my first memories is my mom telling me, ‘If you want something, just take it.’”

In 1991, Pebe moved the family back to Nashville, where she had landed a new publishing deal. Ke$ha saw the inside of a lot of recording studios. “I thought everyone grew up in a recording studio,” she says. She attended a music school in the Tennessee countryside (“where some of the kids didn’t have any shoes,” she recalls), took songwriting classes, and fell in love with country music greats Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Patsy Cline. “I’d listen to these beautiful songs and they all told stories,” she says. “Bob Dylan’s Nashville Skyline is one of my all-time favorite records.” From time to time, Pebe let Ke$ha sing on tracks she was working on. “My mom always told me, ‘You have a good voice, practice singing,’ so I’d sing everything all the time,” Ke$ha says.

When Ke$ha was 17, she quit high school, “which was crazy because I was enrolled in an International Baccalaureate program and was going to go to Columbia University and study psychology,” she says, “but I wanted to move back to L.A. and pursue my music.” That’s when she met Dr. Luke. “I had been looking for a female artist with an incredible, distinctive voice who had her own style,” Luke says. “Ke$ha didn’t sound like anybody else.” Dr. Luke was also working with red-hot hip-hop artist Flo Rida on a track for his second album. One night, Ke$ha was hanging out with them and the rapper told her he wanted a female voice on a track and asked if she wanted to lay down a vocal. Naturally, she obliged. In February, that track, “Right Round,” soared to No. 1, selling more than 636,000 downloads its first week out, and shattering the all-time one-week digital single sales record. (Ke$ha also contributes her sassy vocal stylings to “Touch Me,” another track from Flo Rida’s upcoming 2009 album R.O.O.T.S.)

“When I first heard my voice on ‘Right Round’ on the radio, I started screaming and crying,” Ke$ha says. “I may seem kind of crazy, but behind it all I have my shit together. I’m working really hard to make this happen and it’s nice to see that hard work pay off. I mean, three years ago I was stealing canned vegetables from the dollar store to survive. Now I’m on a No. 1 song, working on my album, and have a little change in my pocket. To be able to take my mom out to dinner is the best feeling in the world.”

Ke$ha is set to perform at White Party Palm Springs main event on Saturday, April 10. Visit JeffreySanker.com for more information or stay tuned to JustCircuit.com for continuous coverage of White Party events all weekend long.

The Circuit's Grande Dame & De-LIC-ous Diva takes your questions

EDITOR — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:31:02 GMT

Sofonda Peters answers your questions in the April/May issue of JustCircuit.MAG

Q. Inquiring minds want to know. Just how does yours truly do it? All the international tea dances and pool parties; the Pride festivals; the hot Circuit parties…and then be able to travel the world in search of new adventures?

Having a private jet, a supportive entourage and a hung cockpit crew helps, but to tell you the truth, Mama does her homework. Early! You see, and take it from Sofonda; events aren’t always as big what they appear in the mirror, just as a package isn’t always as big as its online description. You need to fill that calendar with as many parties and trips as you can squeeze onto that platinum American Express card and LIVE!

Q. Does Sofonda have any favorite parties?

You bet I do! Mama’s favorite Circuit event is where the future of the Circuit is heading – to the sea, baby! Sofonda love, love, LOVES her Atlantis cruises – particularly the January cruise out of South Florida. The parties, the friends, the DJs and the lasers – lasers are Sofonda’s single favorite component of a Circuit Party. I heart me some Kyle Garner and his laser talents big time! The man is a genius with the lasers and the boys at Atlantis are smart cookies to make sure he is on-board. When Kyle has worked an event my God I’ve heard the angels sing. Sofonda also loves the Gay Day weekend and Halloweens in New Orleans, but – who doesn’t?

Q. Are you really a woman, or are you Shane and Victor like some seem to think?

Shane? Victor? Please, darling, 5’10” of red-hair, green-eyed lusciousness? Neither Shane nor Victor could ever, EVER pass for me, in person or in writing. I swear on my Circuit life. Besides, those two are so busy, busy, busy with all that is their JustCircuit.com website, magazine and event production that don’t have nearly time for the fun, jet set life Sofonda lives. Hmmm. They only wish they could be me…

Q. Would you do a lesbian video with Lady Gaga and Beyonce?

Babycakes, I will do anything with Gaga and Beyonce. A-n-y-t-h-i-n-g.

Q. Will you ever show your face?

No, but I’ll show you something else…Actually, honey, I DO show my face. You bump into me all the time and just don’t know it. I have been to most every Pride and Circuit event in the world. Next time you are on the dance floor look over to your right. See the red head swimming in a sea of friends on the dance floor? That’s me.

Until next time my little Circuit dumplings~

XO,

JustCircuit.MAG announces its hot new Swimwear Issue for April/May; Now available EVERYWHERE!

EDITOR — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:40:21 GMT

JustCircuit.MAG's Swimwear Issue for April/May is now available everywhere!

The busy Circuit season has started and here come the big parties! JustCircuit will be bringing you Circuit goodness continuously as we highlight the best events from all over the world with our photos, video and live webcasts from events everywhere. In many cases, prices have dropped for host hotels and main events during the familiar party weekends. Don’t wait to make your travel plans as those airline flights rarely get discounted close to departure, as you may already know.

It’s time to plan your summer parties, which means it’s time to consider new swimwear! In this issue you will find some of the hottest new designs from many of the biggest designers around. From scandalous to conservative, there is a suit made just for you.

The 5^th Annual JustCircuit Awards™ and Circuit Hall of Fame™ recognized our reader’s choices in a variety of categories for 2010. Congratulations to all the winners recently announced as well as those nominated this year. Check out the complete list of winners in this issue. JustCircuit’s Joseph Mills speaks with DJ Corey Craig, who was chosen “Best Up-and-Coming DJ” in this year’s Awards.

Mickey Weems is back with in this issue with a focus on photography. Kris Hobson’s Label Whore has tips on summer fashion. Pride is upon us and you’ll want to refer to JustCircuit’s Pride Guide, which features events from around the world. The summer calendar of events showcases some of the hottest events around.

REJECT the party drama this year. Reject those who publicize it. Most of it is created to confuse you and win your attendance at their events and take what’s in your wallet. Nothing kills the parties quicker than drama and confusion. Just say no to the drama, look beyond the rhetoric and don’t think twice to ask, “Where does my money go” when you give generously to your fundraising weekend of choice. You have a right to know the truth. Split communities and exclusivity do not spell success at any not-for-profit event using the best parts of the Circuit to raise much needed funding. The evidence is overwhelming that those events that subscribe to exclusivity and false dramas are missing real opportunities for an even more successful fundraising event. If it’s truly about the community, then make it truly about the community!

Want to suggest a location near you to receive JustCircuit.mag every two months? Email us at media@justcircuit.com.

The February/March JustCircuit.MAG is HERE!

EDITOR — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:37:04 GMT

The February/March 2010 "LOVE" issue has arrived!

“Love is in the air…everywhere you look around!” Welcome to the third annual JustCircuit.MAG “LOVE” issue, which reminds you of JustCircuit’s long-time mantra: “Live, love, laugh…and be STUNNING!” We love what we do and it continues to show in this, the Circuit’s first dedicated magazine to give you more Circuit goodness in a bi-monthly publication.

We started 2010 off with the loving sounds and the love for community with a new tradition in South Florida. Phoenix Rising featured an incredible day of music from Susan Morabito, Eddie Baez, Wendy Hunt and Michael Tank in beautiful downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL. The event dedicated a portion of each ticket sold to two South Florida health organizations which support breast cancer and HIV/AIDS outreach, and which have been hit hard by the economy. Many others around the Circuit experienced the start of the brand new year the very same way. Giving to those less fortunate is a true act love. The recent horror in Haiti has seen a loving response from millions of concerned people around the world as they open their hearts and bank accounts to assist. Keep this spirit moving forward throughout 2010 by giving extra support to the health and support charities that benefit so many people we know. Be proud of your support and encourage others to join you. Have fun doing it!

There are two big fundraisers this spring in the State of Texas. In this issue, Mickey Weems brings you “The Texas Two-Step” and focuses his sites on Dallas Purple Party and Jungle Party Weekend in Houston, Texas, which are back this year bigger and better than ever. JustCircuit has proudly and consistently sponsored these two event weekends for years. This year we will also be co-producing events during Jungle Houston, including an amazing after hours party at Beyonce’s House of Dereon Media Center.

Manhunt developer Mark Tolman is the “Ultimate Hook Up Tech” and brings us his thoughts about what he sees to be a continuing development of social networking. John Longo, who brings us the amazing music from his rapidly growing CircuitCadence.com discusses “anthems” and gives us his “Top Ten List” from the year. Music Editor Joseph Mills reviews Centaurs latest “Big Muscle” release by DJ Bill Bennett. International Desk Editor John Kater interviews the famous and fashionable drag persona (and DJ) Nina Flowers in Denver, following the successful season on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on LOGO which saw Nina come in a very close second place. Sofonda Peters’ latest installment screams, “We’re HERE. Now ENTERTAIN US!” Jake Brennan speaks with DJ/Producer William Umana. Label whore Kris Hobson puts the spring in your step with his highlights of the 2010 Spring Collection. Check out the new JustCircuit.MAG Pride calendar, which compliments our February to August calendar of events, which will help you to pick and choose your 2010 parties.

This issue and all back issues can be found on JustCircuit’s application for the iPhone/iPod Touch, which can be found on iTunes or on JustCircuitMAG.com which is always free and available without gimmicks. We do it all for you every two months in our big 96-page issue full of pictures, information, entertainment and more. Thank you for loving JustCircuit.MAG and making us your #1 source for everything Circuit!

SOFONDA PETERS: "Here We Are. NOW ENTERTAIN US!"

EDITOR — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:39:35 GMT

The Circuit's Grande Dame Sofonda Peters: "Here We Are. Now ENTERTAIN US!"

So Sofonda is pooped after the New Year’s holiday weekend. How about you? She partied like the rock star that she is and lived to tell you about it! But you would expect nothing less, would you?

Sofonda had all kinds of friends in for the holiday and all kinds of fun with them. She loved that her favorite “hairy whore” from NYC was in and he did not disappoint. Between his three-way with some little French boys and the other hook-ups, your Sofonda counted some eight trickity tricks in just a week. Mad skills that this one has! My therapist warned me about people like him. Smart, sexy, and hairy.

While lunching with Lady GaGa recently on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and as we were shooing off the TMZ paparazzi with my trusty taser, we got word that some shady promoter rumors were circulating that Gaga, in Miami for two soldout concerts, would be making an appearance at “her favorite DJ” Tracy Young’s annual Genesis New Years Day party in Miami. GA GA? HA! HA! HA! HA! Sofonda joined in the laughter and knew it was certainly not about to happen. Hopefully the party boys in attendance knew this too. No one likes to be misled - right? Even those “haters of the party” you read on the discussion boards would have to agree to that.

The boys packed the lower dance floor but surprisingly the second level of Mansion was...empty. The moment the party was over Tracy Young hopped a plane back to her home in Los Angeles without looking back. She must have accidently taken the gift bags she promised the boys with her back to Los Angeles.

But there is a silver lining in this snow cloud. Just a few miles north, in balmy Fort Lauderdale was the Phoenix Rising Party. The club used for this new tradition looked a-m-a-z-i-n-g. The JustCircuit crew worked their tushes off to bring together a great event and their efforts really showed. I wish that club looked like that all the time. Michael Tank (who makes Sofonda all gooey), Wendy Hunt, and Eddie Baez were spinning throughout the day. But the Queen of the Morning Party was Susan Morabito who held court on the main dance floor for a whopping 7-1/2 hour set. The boys were lovin’ her sound! Word on the streets is she may be back in 2011. Let’s cross our knees and hope!

Many of you surely caught the Lady Gaga concert on New Year’s Eve in Miami. What a show! What a delight! Her second concert was two nights later and afterwards Sofonda joined GaGa at Score Nightclub on Lincoln Road. She “just couldn’t leave Miami without saying goodbye to her boys”. What a nice cherry on the
cupcake of the weekend.

Sofonda won’t be in Miami in early March. It’s been SO cold there lately…and what could possibly top the Muscle Beach party memories made during White Party Week in November. Me thinks the party will just have to start a couple weeks EARLY! Well I don’t know about you but Sofonda is just all giddy about New Orleans Mardi Gras! Oz Nightclub is the epicenter of Mardi Gras for the boys. She is polishing up her equipment and ordering all the supplies she will need. One can’t have enough of all the important things in life. Then from New Orleans Mardi Gras, it’ll be off to Sydney, Australia for even more fun! Can’t wait, can you? See you in the Crescent City - where Circuit party boys wet dreams come true. Really.

Stay warm and wet!

Muahh~

Sofonda Peters

The Texas 2-Step: Doing It Right in the Lone Star State by JustCircuit's Mickey Weems

EDITOR — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:14:37 GMT

The Texas 2-Step: Doing it right in the Lone Star State by Mickey Weems

In the midst of the Great Recession, we are experiencing the Great Texas Circuit Revival.

How do they do it? Well, take a look at two of the biggest dance festivals for Gay men and their allies: Dallas Purple Party and Houston Jungle (followed the next day by Bunnies on the Bayou, a separate and complementary event). Some things Purple and Jungle have in common:

They are all about raising money for the less fortunate
There is fierce local support and solidarity
Strong emphasis on hospitality
Prices are kept reasonable
They are really, really proud of their cities

JustCircuit presents two features from Dallas and Houston spokespeople Blake Baker and Bryan Hlavinka, (respectively and alphabetically), with Houston’s final word by Billy Underwood, in which we ask the big question: what makes a Circuit event successful? The frankness of their answers may surprise you!

Dallas With a Big D: Dallas Purple Party’s Blake Baker

JustCircuit spoke with Blake Baker, Chair of the Purple Foundation in Dallas, to talk about the ingredients for a successful Circuit weekend. But prepare yourself: Blake believes in tough love.

Mickey: Describe Dallas to somebody who has never been there.

Blake: Though I am originally from South Louisiana, I have lived here most of my life and I have seen it go through so many changes. While it is still relatively conservative and religious (there is a church on almost every major corner) there is a thriving and growing Gay community here with a centralized pedestrian friendly “gayborhood.”

One of the most common things I hear from people about either Dallas in general or someone that has come to Purple Party from out of town is that everyone was so friendly and hospitable. Dallas used to be most well known for its attitude, or more commonly referred to as “Dallitude.” But that has changed. People are actually... nice!

Mickey: What’s it like, throwing a Circuit party in Dallas with a big D?

Blake: It’s not exactly been the easiest thing to accomplish. We are in a predominantly conservative part of the country, even though we have one of the largest Gay communities in the nation. We have some of the weirdest dance permit laws, not to mention ridiculous and strict liquor laws.

Some of the biggest challenges have been within our community. Circuit parties in general still have a negative connotation in this part of the country and getting people that are unfamiliar with the concept to put away their preconceived ideas and support us is quite a feat. Clubs like Mickey’s, Club One, Purgatory, Lizard Lounge and The Brick have always been really supportive of us, and for that we are thankful.

We have been lucky enough the past few years to have our main event at the beautiful House of Blues. This place is incredible and absolutely perfect for a dance party!

Mickey: Let’s talk Divas at Circuit events.

Blake: When it comes to vocal performers, it can either be the icing on the cake or the nail in the coffin. When you factor in the challenge of booking a performer, then actually having to deal with all the logistics once they get here, it can be a huge source of stress and frustration. At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves, will this performer actually attract the crowd to cover the cost? Sometimes the answer is yes, but a lot of the times it is no.

We try to book performers when we think they could really enhance the overall experience. But really we are in the business of creating dance parties, not concerts. At Circuit parties, the real stars of the show are the DJs, music and hundreds of hot men and women on the dance floor. Our divas need to remember that the entire event, not just their performance, is important.

There are some big-name performers I would love to book for Purple, so you never know who we will get for a future Purple Party event!

Mickey: Describe the WOW! factor in lights and sound production.

Blake: The lighting and sound quality is such a vital component of a party. If the sound is awful or the lighting is lame, you aren’t going to have a good experience, no matter who is DJ’ing or performing. Circuit parties affect all of your senses, and especially sight and sound. If the party producer goes half-assed on either one, the whole experience suffers. I have been to parties where the music was amazing, but the lighting operator clearly had no concept of the music and so it seemed like it was on autopilot all night, which led to a really boring party. Over the years we have taken cues from other big Circuit events like One Mighty Weekend and Black Party, which both have incredible lighting productions.

Mickey: What do you think of competing events during a Circuit weekend?

Blake: Regardless of personal differences or drama, people need to realize that competing events are meant to do harm, not good. Every dollar spent at a competing party is money that doesn’t go towards the charity. It’s as simple as that. Planning and producing these charity dance events to actually be successful is way harder than most people realize, and it doesn’t make it any easier when someone is working overtime to defeat you. The more people support competing events, the more common they will become and the likelihood the charity event you have loved for years will disappear altogether. Working together is so much easier than working against each other.

Mickey: What motivates you and the Purple people to throw the event?

Blake: I sometimes ask myself: Why do we do this? Why do we put ourselves through all this trouble to create these parties? And I am quickly reminded that we do it because people need us to. The money that is made from Purple Foundation events goes directly to AIDS Services of Dallas (ASD). Every single penny.

ASD is an incredible organization that provides housing, medical care and job assistance for those living with HIV/AIDS. When I first started volunteering for Purple Foundation, I knew that it was a charity and the money went to an AIDS organization, but I really never thought that much more about it until the day came for me to take a tour of the ASD facilities. It all became very real to me how much this disease affected not only the people with the disease, but their families too. ASD provides housing and meals for the entire family and helps them manage the challenges that come with having HIV/AIDS. Each year when we are able to present a check to them, it gives us an overwhelming feeling that truly can’t be equaled.

I think it would be quite presumptuous of me to state that what the Purple Foundation does is like solving world hunger or finding a cure for cancer. But to the few dozen people that are able to get the medical care that they need to survive or a roof over their heads, it is probably almost as important.

Mickey: Tell us about the Purple people and supporters. Who loves you, baby?

Blake: Purple Foundation includes Rich Hill, Peter Brown, Aaron Carrasco, Kris Hobson, a few dedicated volunteers and myself. We all have careers and the work we do for Purple Party is done in our spare time. I bet my boyfriend had no idea what he was getting himself into when we started dating, but he has been very supportive and helps more than I can ever thank him for. Purple Party could also not happen without people like Dr. Chris Mann, Paul Kraft, Dave Reedy, Creighton Curley and Jim Jenkins. Also, Victor and Shane from JustCircuit have helped us tremendously throughout the years. They have always been there for great advice and support.

We have been very fortunate to work with some very nice and easy going DJs. DJ Bryan Konrad from Austin saved our butt a few times, most notably for filling in for Tony Moran last year when his flight was delayed. He will be headlining our after hours party for Purple 10. DJs like Joe Gauthreaux, Roland Belmares, Jamie J. Sanchez, Alyson Calagna, Phil B. and David Knapp are some of the most enjoyable people you could ever ask to work with. They more than just work with us, they are part of our Purple family and we owe a lot of the success of Purple to them.

And I can’t leave out my amazing mother. She works the door at most of our events and now has quite a fan club.

Last Word: Purple 2010

Blake: We have some really exciting things planned for our 10th anniversary. We are definitely going all out! Our 10th anniversary weekend kicks off on Friday night with DJ/Producer Chris Cox at the legendary Lizard Lounge. This event last year was such a huge success; we are so excited to make it even bigger and better for Purple 10. Saturday night’s double-header starts off with DJ Joe Gauthreaux at the incredible House of Blues. We have lots of surprises in store for this event! The evening leads into the early morning hours with DJ Bryan Konrad and DJ Power Infiniti working fierce afterhours beats till the sun comes up. The Sunday closing party featuring circuit darling DJ Alyson Calagna and DJ Michael Tank will top off an exciting anniversary weekend. There will be other exciting news coming in the few weeks, including some new venues, entertainment announcements and other fun events going on Purple Party weekend. It will definitely be a weekend to remember!

Houston, We Have a Party: Jungle Party Houston’s Bryan Hlavinka

The Great Texas Circuit Revival does a definite two-step in Houston, with two concurring parties over Easter weekend: Jungle Party and Bunnies of the Bayou. How do they do it? Bryan Hlavinka (pronounced “Lavinka”) gives you the inside scoop.

Mickey: Tell us about yourself, Jungle’s charity and your radio show.

Bryan: I am Texan, born and raised, and I love my hometown Houston. It is in the last few years that I have found my passion and life’s purpose, to give back to the community in which I live. My passion with helping the community and fundraising began with Jungle 11 (we are now on Jungle 18). I was blown away by the spectacle of it all. From that moment, I wanted to be a part of Jungle. I joined Bayou City Boys Club (BCBC), the nonprofit organization that produces Jungle. After the event was over, we prepared to give away the proceeds to local charities. This is the moment that changed my life. To see that the money was going to several very deserving community organizations sparked a fire in me that still burns brightly even today. I could see the gratitude in the eyes of those receiving checks that day.

It was working with BCBC that I came across a local organization called the Center for AIDS (CFA). Like many HIV organizations, it was born out of necessity in a time when people where dying and there was very little hope or information. I was astonished by how unique the organization was and how much they did with very little resources. Since joining their board, I am very proud to say that I was elected the chairman of the board for 2010. I am even more excited to say that the Center for AIDS was selected as a beneficiary for this year’s Jungle.

I can also thank BCBC and Jungle for introducing me to my other passion, which is the radio show I co-host. While I was promoting Jungle on the air, I discovered my inner radio personality. That was over two years ago. I now look forward to the show each week, where we cover topics related to the diverse GLBT community here in Houston.

The show has been around for almost twenty years and is called “Queer Voices”. The show is broadcasted from the heart of Montrose every Monday night from 9-11pm on 90.1FM KPFT. It is streamed live at www.kpft.org or available on iTunes by podcast.

Mickey: Tell us about Houston, the Mayor and the New Texas.

Bryan: In my opinion, Houston has always had a liberal, bohemian feel inside the Loop. “The Loop” is the great divide between the inner collections of eclectic neighborhoods and the vast expanse of suburbs surrounding the inner city. “The Loop” is more than a circular freeway around central Houston. It is also a mindset to the creative class within its confines. The best of Houston culture (restaurants, museums, theaters and homes) can be found here.

Houston has been getting both national and international press lately from its historic election of mayor Annise Parker. You see, Annise is the first openly GLBT mayor elected to a city of more than a million people. Yes, this just happened in Houston! I believe that this press will shine a limelight on the city I know and love. More people will know the splendor of Houston.

Texas has become a magnet for people around the country according to the latest census estimates. Texas, you will find, is mostly urban. Three of the top ten largest cities in the country are in Texas including Texas’ largest, Houston.

Hoping to capitalize on the press Houston has received, the Convention/Tourism group has begun to market Houston to GLBTs around the country. Check out the website www.mygayhouston.com.

Mickey: What would you consider the secret of success for Jungle?

Bryan: Jungle is one of the original remaining Circuit events that have stayed true to the original mission of fighting a disease that has taken so much from us. I believe the continued success of Jungle comes from the local community. Each year, the community steps up to completely underwrite the party. This is usually several weeks before the party. This allows all tickets sales and silent auction proceeds to directly go into the community to fight HIV/AIDS. I also believe that the success of Jungle comes from the tireless work of the members of BCBC. Work on Jungle begins many months before Easter and is carried in almost military-like fashion.

Finally, I think Circuit goers are discovering the exceptional value that Jungle weekend provides. Jungle has featured most of the top name DJs and this year will be no different.

Mickey: How is it that Texas is becoming a major player in the world of the Circuit?

Bryan: I think Texas is becoming a player because of the rise of Texas as a destination locale. Each large city in Texas is completely unique and varied from the others. The bigger cities, including Houston and Dallas, have all the amenities Circuiteers prefer. Also, Texas, with its location in the center of the country, is very cheap in which to travel. Many airlines are based in Texas, including American, Continental and Southwest.

Mickey: Tell us about Jungle and Bunnies on the Bayou.

Bryan: Jungle Party and Bunnies on the Bayou are two very different events produced by two different organizations. There are often confused by Houstonians. Jungle Party takes places the Saturday before Easter, and Bunnies on the Bayou takes place on Easter Sunday in beautiful downtown Houston next to Buffalo Bayou. Bunnies on the Bayou is quite the party. It brings the hot men of Houston out to party, while Jungle tends to pull in men from all around the country.

Mickey: Describe this year's events.

Bryan: I have two names: Tony and Roland.

The two major events are Friday and Saturday night. DJ/Producer Tony Moran will be spinning Friday night at Houston’s legendary nightclub Rich’s. The Friday night party returns to Rich’s after several years of being held elsewhere. DJ/Producer Roland Belmares headlines the main event at Warehouse Live, located in Houston’s warehouse district, east of downtown. The energy continues at an after hours event with DJ Lydia Prim spinning. People will want to get to town early as the fun begins Thursday night with a kickoff party at Meteor.

Mickey: Is what you do spiritual?

Bryan: I think the Circuit began as a very spiritual, almost tribal, gathering in a time when our friends were dying all around us. It was healing and provided a place to escape. Over the years, the Circuit has morphed, but some of the original parties maintain their original purpose of giving back. I believe Jungle is one such party.

Last Word: Jungle 18 (Billy Underwood, BCBC President)

Billy: Houston is, in a word, dynamic. I like to think of "H-town" as a Cowboy sipping Chardonnay, or Banker by day, Biker by night. The downtown lifestyle, club and entertainment scene is incredible in this town.

Bunnies on the Bayou and Jungle Party are separate organizations and events with non-profit foundations that raise money for AIDS and HIV related charities. The great thing about Bunnies and Jungle is that we complement each other. This combination will draw the guest from the Circuit Party to the Garden Party to make for a full action packed party weekend in Houston. You cannot beat that for a party on the 3rd Coast!

Our theme for Jungle 18 is “The Lion King” and we hope this brings all kinds of ideas for our attendees. Costumes make for a fun event and add to the magical fantasy that the dance floor can bring. The weekend starts on Thursday at Meteor, a local club with a great up-and-coming DJ Joe Ross. Friday Jungle returns to Rich’s, a wonderful friend of Jungle and BCBC for many years, with Ron Duffee, Michael Tank and Tony Moran. This should be a great warm up for Saturday night. Saturday’s main event at Warehouse Live is a great venue with Roland Belmares. The venue will be made into a real jungle with lions, tigers and probably some bears as well, oh my!! Different this year, we will have VIP areas available for Friday and Saturday night. You will be able to upgrade your tickets (and who doesn't like an upgrade?) at the door of both events. After hours will be with Lydia Prim, and she will beat you down with some fierce music to see the sunrise. All in all, Jungle Party Weekend will be a great time for a wonderful cause.

JustCircuit is a proud partner to and sponsor of Dallas Purple Party Weekend and Jungle Party Weekend in Houston. Check back often for updates on both of these 2010 events.

Reflections and Predictions from the ULTIMATE Hook-Up Tech; Thoughts from former Manhunt developer Mark Tolman

EDITOR — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:44:28 GMT

Reflections and Predictions from the ULTIMATE Hook-Up Tech by Mark Tolman, former Manhunt developer

When I was young I saw a movie called “Logan’s Run”. After the black-clad police officer completed his day of chasing and killing citizens of the domed city whose only crime was being over 30 years old (yikes!), he retired to his swanky apartment for some rest and recreation. He picked up a box and turned a few dials (pretty advanced for 70’s tech.) A few seconds later, an attractive and obviously gay man appeared in an alcove. He wasn’t to the officer’s liking so he fiddled with the dials some more until he found someone he liked. This scene impacted me on many levels. Coincidently the device he used was called “the circuit”.

Over the thirty some odd years since that movie had been made, we’ve come closer and closer to fulfilling its (and my) dream of dial-up sex partners on demand. With every new technology someone has found a way to use it so people can meet and hookup for casual sex. From personal ads in print news papers to today’s smart phones, the goal is always the same - to provide people with the means to connect.

A lot of people began their love affair with technology with the phone lines. Dial a 1-900 number, listen to some messages, and make a date. Simple enough, but I never got into them. I’m too visual a person for phone based hook ups, and sadly many gay men look like Tarzan but sound like Jane. Luckily fate conspired to put me in a position to change all that. It was the start of the millennium and I was working for an Internet start up looking to take advantage of the increasingly popular World Wide Web. I was the geek charged with the task of making Manhunt work. It was a labor of love, and several of the best years of my career.

In addition to the positive aspect of providing people with an easy way to meet like minded sex partners, sites like Manhunt had a negative impact of the social lives of gay men. When Manhunt would start marketing in a new city, the club scene in that city would get decimated. People would rather stay at home staring at a computer screen than pay for over priced drinks and bottles of water and having to deal with potential rejection face to face.

I’m happy to say that is starting to change with the advent of smart phones. Smart phones are basically mini hand held computers. They range from phones with built-in web browsers to full blown systems like the iPhone, Droid, and Nexus One. Each generation has been better than the last, and they are becoming more ubiquitous every day. Not to mention more intuitive and easier to use.

I spent New Years Eve in Provincetown, MA this year. Everywhere we went, people would whip out their cell phones and with their faces a glow from the light from their screens, they would update their Facebook status, tweet about the music, and text message their friends wondering where they were and when they would arrive and what party favors they were bringing. I’ve heard that some DJs have complained about this phenomenon, and who could blame them. They spend all that time and energy putting together just the right songs in just the right order and people are on the dance floor just standing there twiddling their thumbs.

The next night, at the Porch Bar, I noticed several people paying special attention to their phones. They would often show each other their screens. I was curious and asked them what was so interesting. They were in the middle of a crowded bar and checking out men on the Grindr iPhone app.

Grindr is an application that runs on either your iPhone or iPod Touch. It has a simple interface that provides you with photos of men located near you. It uses your phone’s GPS functionality to identify which of its users are closest to you. You can send messages, additional photos, and even chat in real time. One word of warning – Grindr, like most iPhone apps, is “family friendly”. If you upload a photo with any nudity or sexual content, even the smallest amount of pubic hair or shadow of a butt crack, your account will be booted. So, keep the photos clean!

While the iPhone is limited to AT&T’s network, Droid and Nexus One are not, and are gaining popularity quickly. I was not able to find any gay hookup apps for them, yet, but I’m confident someone somewhere is working on one. I wouldn’t mind the opportunity to get involved with that myself. Goodness knows I love the cutting edge of technology.

Even if you’re not into hooking up, technology can still play a role in your love life. You’d be surprised how much you can learn about a person just by becoming his/her Facebook or DList friend or follower on Twitter. I recently met a man who was a friend of a friend on Facebook. In no time at all I learned his favorite place for Sunday brunch, his dog had recently passed, he was into the theater, and a few of his political views. It made the next time we met a lot easier since I had all these topics about which to talk to him. I also learned we had several friends in common. Talk about a small world.

I’m often surprised by the number of my non-geek friends that update their status and/or tweet on a regular basis. It is a testament to the changing views on technology and the ease of use of the social networking sites. Of course the downside of this is the TMI factor. I really don’t need to know what you saw in the tissue when you last blew your nose. I realize having the flu sucks, and you desperately need to share your pain, but no one needs a blow by blow account. You really should keep some things to yourself.

Over New Years weekend, for some reason text message updates to Facebook were not getting through from Verizon. One of my friends, who shall remain nameless, spent hours trying to update her status. It was almost like withdrawal. She kept trying over and over, sending one text after another and then checking her Facebook wall for the posting. Eventually she just decided to update it via her web browser. I would have expected this behavior from someone like myself, a techno-junkie, but not her. So, if you’re one of the ten to fifteen people left in the United States that hasn’t signed up for some form of social networking because you thought it was just for geeks, it is time to rethink that idea. You might meet the love of your life or tonight’s trick du jour.

Mark Tolman is a top web developer and tech innovator based in Boston, MA. He spends his summers in Provincetown and can be found at events throughout the Circuit. Read more from Mark at www.PTownBlogs.com.

The Fashionable, Famous and Fierce: NINA FLOWERS

EDITOR — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:35:34 GMT

The Fashionable, Famous and Fierce: NINA FLOWERS by John Kater, JustCircuit International

If ever Denver, Colorado had a golden nugget, it is certainly the Puerto Rican native who has taken the drag world by storm and has inspired millions as a recent finalist on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” the hit television show featuring drag contestants from all walks of life. Although Nina Flowers (aka Jorge Flores) came in second place, Nina won the hearts of viewers, who considered her the true winner, due to her compassion for the art, unique presentation and gracious attitude towards the other contestants. She’s FIERCE!

Nina Flowers has been well known in Denver nightlife as the popular resident DJ and performer at Track Nightclub and Charlie’s. Tracks’ once a month “Drama Drag” features celebrity drag performances from artists everywhere and was a creation of Nina’s. She’s booked through 2010 at Chris Harris’ EPIC events in Boston and is also the resident DJ at Club Ritz in New York City.

Promoter Chris Harris reflects on the early days, when Nina grew up with his business partner Rafael in San Juan. “When Rafael (Gay Mafia) asked me to book his friend Nina from Puerto Rico, I was like who??? And to my amazement, Nina won me over as a performer and a DJ. Now that she has done the Logo show, the whole world gets to see what a talented and sweet person Nina truly is.”

Nina came from Puerto Rico to Denver “out of love.” She met partner Antonio Purcell in San Juan and carried on a long-distance relationship, but decided it best to move to Denver to be closer to Antonio.

JustCircuit met with Nina Flowers following her return from a vacation in her home country of Puerto Rico and only hours after the tragic earthquake in next-door Haiti shook the area and caused the world to converge with support and assistance. She was extremely pleased to be back at home and close to husband Antonio. Nina adds, “He’s the reason why I moved to Denver. When we first met, we established a long-distance relationship for awhile and I decided to come over and be closer to him.” It was a more desirable situation than one that had featured a long-distance relationship between the cities of San Juan and Denver.

JC: The earthquake yesterday in Haiti is in a very close location in the Caribbean to your hometown and family in Puerto Rico. Does this make you nervous? What were your first thoughts when you heard of the Haitian earthquake?

NF: Absolutely. I only heard about the earthquake today. I just came back from Puerto Rico and only today I found out. It will have a great impact on everyone in the Caribbean. It’s devastating. In the future, I would LOVE to be part of an event that would be able to help those people who need help.

JC: Should you have won the RuPaul Drag Race contest?

NF: (Laughs) In my mind, I believe I won. I feel they chose BeBe because she was probably more what they were looking for. I feel I won because I was there 100% from the beginning to the end. I never felt defeated and was always very “strong”. Travelling across the nation this year, people have been approaching me. They tell me I was their favorite. I feel I won. It’s all good! It’s been great!

JC: How did exposure to a national audience change your career?

NF: Actually, right after the show, people started contacting me to do a lot of performances all across the states. I’ve been to Vancouver twice. The show put me on a different level and definitely opened a lot of doors for me. I have been fortunate enough to work with Power Infiniti in Atlanta for Gay Days and I had the opportunity to approach him and tell him how much I admired him. I said OMG I want to be like you! Power is the bomb.

JC: Would you consider your own reality TV show?

NF: I was approached by a producer in LAX who wanted to do a reality show, but that never happened. If given the opportunity, I think that would be awesome! I would love to. I think people should know more about what we do and how to get involved.

JC: Do you consider yourself a DJ or a performer?

NF: I consider myself both. I started DJ’ing when I was 16 when I got my first gig in Puerto Rico. I went to school for makeup and got involved in drag. DJ’ing and music have been my passion. I want my DJ career to happen just like what happened with Nina Flowers. Especially in the Circuit scene.

JC: Nina, now tell us about your life in Denver. Tracks? Charlie’s? How do you manage so many DJ and artist residencies?

NF: So far the three I have maintained have been pretty similar residencies. They let me know what kind of crowd they’ll have and want to make sure I don’t go to crazy or dark with the music. In that way, it’s easy for me because it’s basically my style. Vocals. I make sure my playlist is exactly what’s current and updated. Raphael and Chris Harris don’t want me to go too far…too dark with the drums. The big crowd wants vocals. Denver is a smaller city unlike LAX or ORD or NYC where the music can go to different levels. In Puerto Rico, we LOVE Tribal House. When I started, I was hard with my Tribal House and drums. I was told that “This is not San Juan…this is Denver” and with that small talk, I updated my game. If that’s what they want, that’s what I give them. I LOVE the vocals…as long as I have really hard remixes. I’ll always go for the vocals.

JC: Tell us about your Drama Drag nights at Tracks Nightclub.

NF: We’re still doing it! This past year, I was bringing one cast member in a month…I brought all the girls here…EVEN REBECCA….we were bringing in RuPaul in January…but after negotiations, she cancelled at the very last minute. So with the sponsorship of the Abolut vodka, we’re bringing in all the members of the show…a Drag Race Reunion. The new season starts on February 1. We’d like to bring in new performers including Power Infiniti, Anthony Lamont and others. Fierce!

JC: Can you define “FIERCE” in your mind?

NF: I think of attitude and also bold…doing things no one else does…unique. To me, fierce comes with how you feel it and how you project yourself. It’s not what you wear but HOW you wear it. It’s not what you do but HOW you do it.

JC: How do you see your role in the new Circuit, with its “new” venues such as cruise ships, big beaches, pier dances, etc?

NF: I hope that it happens for me. I really haven’t been that much in touch with the Circuit scene in the past couple years. I’ve been a club performer. The biggest event I did during the year was with Tommy D in Vancouver with Tony Moran. I’ve not been in touch but I’m hoping to be really, really involved with the Circuit.

JC: “LOCA” is a hot track and climbing in the charts. Is this your own project or were you approached by DJ Ranny to do the vocals?

NF: Ranny and I were friends for a couple of years. We always talked about it. Right after RuPaul’s Drag Race, we said, “We have to do this…we’ve got to make it happen.” So we did! We recorded the vocals and he contacted the remixers. I’m in SHOCK with the response we got. I think because of the popularity with RuPaul’s Drag Race, and how people indentify to my persona, it’s a hit.

JC: What is your favorite mix of “LOCA” currently?

NF: I LOVE Ranny’s remix, but I also love Joe Gauthreaux and Gustavo Scorpio mixes. Joe’s mix is very Circuit! William Umana’s mix is really great also. William sent me a MySpace friend request. You don’t get requests from famous people often! He sent a request with a comment saying he wanted to remix my work before you get famous! That was the start of our friendship. We eventually made 4 tracks made together that he hasn’t released yet due to all the noise that LOCA is doing and we’re about ready to release that project - probably by February.

JC: Have you performed the mix as a show from the DJ booth?

NF: (Ponders) Haven’t done it yet! That’s a GREAT IDEA! I‘ll buy it…I’ll buy it!

JC: You’ve said, “Drag is back in style.” Do you take some of the credit for this? What others have helped it come back into style?

NF: No. I wouldn’t take the credit. I believe a lot of credit goes to the show. I believe there are different styles in this art. It took drag from the underground scene to the next level.

JC: Where would you like to be this time next year?

NF: Oh, I would ABSOLUTELY want to be a big DJ!

JC: Will drag always be part of your life?

NF: I think in a way it will be. People have approached me and said I’ve inspired them. I would love to keep on doing that. As long as my work inspires others, I think I will have the strength to do it and even move forward with other new projects.

Visit Nina Flowers website at www.ninaflowers.com for upcoming show dates and DJ engagements. Look for the Drag Race Reunion coming soon.

Sofonda Peters::KISS AND MAKE UP

EDITOR — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:29:47 GMT

KISS AND MAKE UP

Happy Holidays, my little Circuit babes! It’s been an exiting year and yours truly has just gotten back from an Orlando snake hunt with her boyfriend, Rabbi Steve. 2010 will be a year for love in our community, and to prove it, take a look at what Sofonda saw in New York during the recent Work party: a kiss and make-up! Peter kissed while Offer applied her make-up. Those two are all kissy-kissy now. Was it all a publicity stunt? Methinks this will be my last mention of the drama queen who has more drama in her life than an entire iTunes series collection of One Life to Live.

Speaking of drama, it has reached code Red in Miami at Winter Party headquarters. Ana Paula, of Brazil, was chosen, announced and advertised by Winter Party Festival to do the main event on the beach, over other DJs who Sofonda had hoped to hear announced. Tony? Manny? Alyson? Paulo? Wayne? Warren? Wendy? Lydia? No...Ana. You know Ana, right? You’ve heard her music? You’ve seen her before? Don’t get Sofonda wrong. Ana is an absolute doll and would be perfect for a beat grinding good time…at any late-night nightclub.

Now Sofonda thought that Ana’s selection for one of the biggest events in the Circuit was just minor drama, but now comes word that the Task Force may have advertised the DJ without a contract. That would make a pretty big Task Force mistake if reports are true. Surely they didn’t shoot across the Rauhofer bow by falsely advertising one of his exclusive artists and selling tickets to said event. That would resemble the same charges coming from a certain group of Gay Day haters just months ago against a certain promoter of the weekend. Now what would be Winter Party’s excuse if this were true? Where are those Disney haters NOW? What happened to those drama-free days when the people in charge were the able leaders such as the Charles Robbins and Matt Foremans who were able to produce some fascinating events shortly after the Task Force took over Winter Party Festival? How low does the Task Force have to go to realize that drama and exclusion are NOT the lessons that they are supposed to be preaching? I see a nice trip to the South of France during that drama filled week in Miami this March. I’ll need to save my energies for the Gay Day weekend, anyway….

Speaking of Gay Day weekend in Orlando, Sofonda hears some pretty exciting announcements are in the works (and you know how much I like “the works”!) Promoters are talking to one another in attempts to reenergize events that didn’t work out this past summer. Let’s just see if the weekend can recover from that snake issue that continues to squeeze the fun out of the parties.

The new Jungle Party weekend in Houston, TX will be bigger and better in 2010. The event, to be held April 1-4, will feature events co-produced by JustCircuit.com. Sofonda is fond of Houston is a big way, and everything is bigger in Texas. What better way to grow the weekend than to bring in the big guns? Tony Moran, Michael Tank, Ron Duffee, Roland Belmares, Lydia Prim, all culminating with Bunnies on the Bayou? All those Circuit eggs are in one basket this Easter weekend during Jungle, and Sofonda will be front and center and holding court with the Bayou City Boys Club for this BIG Texas weekend.

Sofonda will see you in Fort Lauderdale all day New Years Day for Phoenix Rising, with girlfriends Susan Morabito, Wendy Hunt and the hotter than lava Eddie Baez and Michael Tank. Thank goodness for new parties! Thank goodness for new parties in balmy South Florida that also benefit breast cancer and HIV/AIDS organizations. Thank goodness for beginning a bright, new year the Circuit way! Look for me hanging out with my dear friend Pussie Willows at our VIP table. Stop in and let me introduce ourselves: “I’m Sofonda…Pussie~~”

Until next year, my Circuit darlings~

Alan T's 12 WHATEVA'S of Christmas

EDITOR — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:53:47 GMT

Alan T's 12 WHATEVA'S of Christmas
(come on and sing along with us!)

On the first day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
a Club and a Megaphone.

On the second day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the third day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the fourth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the seventh day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Seven Disco Balls,
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Eight Muscle Men,
Seven Disco Balls,
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the ninth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me…
Nine Featuring Drag Queens,
Eight Muscle Men,
Seven Disco Balls,
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the tenth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me
Ten Latino Dancers,
Nine Featuring Drag Queens,
Eight Muscle Men,
Seven Disco Balls,
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my Alan T gave to me…
Eleven Pipers Piping,
Ten Latino Dancers,
Nine Featuring Drag Queens,
Eight Muscle Men,
Seven Disco Balls,
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,
and a Club and a Megaphone.

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my AlanT gave to me
Twelve on the Guest List,
Eleven Pipers Piping,
Ten Latino Dancers,
Nine Featuring Drag Queens,
Eight Muscle Men,
Seven Disco Balls,
Six Leather Daddies,
Five Ring Circuit,
Four Bouncers Bouncing,
Three Twinkling Twinks,
Two Delicious Divas,

and a Club and a Megaphone!

Whitney! The Return of an Icon

EDITOR — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:52:01 GMT

Whitney Houston: The Return of an Icon
Article provided by FlyLife, Inc.
Photography by Patrick Demarchelier

In the twenty-five years since she recorded her history-making debut album, Whitney Houston has become a superstar, a legend and an icon. One of the best-selling female artists of all time, she has sold over 140 million albums worldwide. She has been cited as an influence by the likes of Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, and Leona Lewis, and last year, Rolling Stone listed Houston as one of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time."

But when her longtime mentor Clive Davis, currently Chief Creative Officer of Sony Music Entertainment Worldwide, first approached her about recording her first album since 2002's Just Whitney, Houston didn't think that she wanted to get back in the game. JustCircuit readers around the world do, in fact, want Whitney back, having voted to induct her into the Circuit Hall of Fame in the first JustCircuit Awards in 2006 and often suggesting her as the #1 desired featured performer at Circuit events everywhere.

"When Clive called me and said, 'Are you ready?’ I said, 'Ready for what?,'" she recalls. "I didn’t particularly care for the way the industry was going or the music I was hearing. What I saw in the videos by most of the female artists—it was like, I’m just not doing that. I was raised in this business, I was raised in gospel singing and I wasn’t about to change what people loved about me.

"My career and my life moved very fast," she continues. "At that time I was just hitting my 40s, and I basically just wanted to be a mother and a homebody.”

Fortunately, though, Davis was persistent—and the result, almost three years later, is the remarkable new album I Look to You. The disc matches Houston with some of the hottest writers and producers in pop and R&B (including R. Kelly, David Foster, Akon, Stargate, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz) for a set of songs full of her signature vocal power and passion. The album is built on a strong message of survival and perseverance, and reflects the hard-earned lessons of the high-profile personal challenges Houston has encountered in recent years.

A key song for the project was “Nothin’ But Love,” a propulsive dance groove co-produced by Fernando Garibay (Britney Spears, Lady GaGa). "If there was anything I wanted to say after some of the things I had gone through," Houston says, "it was that I had nothing but love, regardless of the situation. Maybe that's just the way I was raised, or maybe I had just gotten to the point of, it’s all behind me now and I’m moving forward."

Davis, the album's Co-Producer, brought R. Kelly's composition "I Look to You" to Houston, and her reaction was instant—though she hadn't been given all the information. "I heard the song, and I loved that it was so short and sweet," she says. "And then I got to Chicago, and Robert told me there was still another verse to write and a bridge! So he stood there with me in the studio and wrote the second verse right off the top of his head. He closed his eyes; we kinda leaned on each other. As he was singing, I was praying, and the words just came out."

The song (one of two Kelly contributed; he also delivered the defiantly funky "Salute") would go on to give the album its title, and she credits Davis with understanding what the lyrics would mean to her. "When Clive heard 'I Look to You,' because he knows my background in gospel, he knew that song would put it all in check for me," she says.

The relationship between Houston and Davis goes all the way back to 1983, when he signed the young artist to Arista Records. He oversaw the development and marketing of her thirteen-million-selling debut, Whitney Houston. After all these years, he remains so close to the singer that she refers to him as "my father in the industry."

"Clive and I are partners," says Houston. "He still loves music, still loves lyrics and melodies. He’s one of the few people who still has that gift of knowing what song fits with what voice. Clive is able to go beyond the personality and see what’s inside a person, what really motivates them."

“To be reunited with Whitney is so fulfilling,” adds Davis. “The album provides the most exciting challenge I’ve ever had and whatever happens, I know it’s very special. Its music and her voice will once again impact millions all over the world for many years to come.”

Even with a few strong songs in motion, though, Houston still wasn't sure that she had found the direction she was looking for. Surprisingly, it's the most light-hearted moment on I Look to You—the disco-flavored roller-skating jam "Million Dollar Bill"—which she considers the turning point.

"I worked with Alicia Keys on that one," she says, "and it was probably the most fun, but it also felt like I was working with someone who understood me, who could relate to me, singer to singer. At that point, I knew that it was coming together, that this was the album that I wanted, and that it was going to get done after two-and-a-half years in the making."

Akon, another 21^st-century hitmaker joined forces with Houston for "Like I Never Left." She notes that the singer was a favorite among the friends of her daughter, Bobbi Kristina; "they all had his songs as their ring tones," she says. Houston praises the "island feel" of Akon's work, and adds that when she heard "Like I Never Left," she thought, "that sounds like it could be an album title for me."

Perhaps the most memorable recording session came on the powerhouse ballad "I Didn't Know My Own Strength," written by Diane Warren. The song reunited Houston with producer David Foster, who worked with her on the incomparable soundtrack to the 1992 film The Bodyguard, one of the biggest-selling albums in history. Foster's home was damaged in the Malibu fires of 2007, and when Houston came in to record her vocal, he was working out of a small apartment.

"Basically, I recorded in an office, next to the bathroom, with some sheets up near the microphone," she says. "It was totally different from doing 'I Will Always Love You' in a beautiful studio, or 'I Learned From the Best' in David's beautiful home. But when I listened to my vocal, it was real, it was passionate—which is most unusual when you're singing next to a bathroom!

"I wasn’t thinking only in terms of myself," she continues. "I was thinking about other people and other struggles. I thought about becoming a single mother, I thought about my mother, my cousin Dionne, my sisters-in-law. I thought about people with sicknesses, people who triumph in the face of adversity. The simplicity and strength that came out in my singing made me know how strong that song could be for a lot of people."

One of the most welcome elements of I Look to You is hearing Houston reconnecting with the dance floor and delivering uptempo songs with finesse and joy. Even the album's lone cover—Leon Russell's immortal "A Song For You," which has been recorded by greats from Ray Charles to the Carpenters to Donny Hathaway—begins at its traditional, stately pace but then breaks out into a celebratory, irresistible club beat.

Houston says that she enjoyed bringing that side of her singing out again, but that her heart will always be with the slower, more emotional numbers. "I love the uptempo songs, but I’m a balladeer," she says. "I can take a ballad and it gets in my heart, and I can understand where it’s coming from."

Most of all, Whitney Houston believes that she is a link in a chain of vocal tradition, and that I Look to You is one more extension of the sounds she was raised with. "I hope that the gospel tradition in my voice—which is just my soul—that it comes out, and that it is heard and felt by those who come after me."

The latest JustCircuit.MAG is WHITE HOT in celebration of White Party Week's 25th Anniversary; New issue features Whitney Houston and DJ Seth Cooper

EDITOR — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 16:45:24 GMT

JustCircuit continues to prove our long-time commitment as the industry leader in building and preserving the Circuit events and fundraisers we have grown to love with our unique goals and standards. Whether it be news and information, music, live webcasts from events, innovative technologies (such as our JustCircuit application for the
i-Phone / i-Pod Touch) or even our most recent event production, we work all year long and year after year to make the parties fun, memorable and the reason for supporting them meaningful. Last February’s highly successful Five Ring Circuit event, co-produced with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force during Winter Party Festival, combined with an extensive media sponsorship and sponsorship consistently spanning the past eleven years, brought new ideas to a long-time favorite Circuit weekend and became a favorite event among many Winter Party Festival attendees. JustCircuit went above and beyond the call of a typical media sponsor to raise the bar higher and set a real example for other sponsors, many who now follow our lead. 2010 will see new JustCircuit-produced and events, including the Phoenix Rising events, and co-produced events during Jungle Party in Houston on Easter weekend, as well as a return of Five Ring Circuit to name a few. White Party Week in Miami this Thanksgiving is a wonderful example of what happens with twenty-five years of continued excellence in event planning and production. We celebrate the silver anniversary of the Crown Jewel of the Circuit. JustCircuit is dedicated to bringing excellence into every market, regardless of size. Bringing the Circuit community and its people together is our gift and we will continue bringing the magic of party to you in every way we conceive. We urge you to do your part in supporting the sanctioned events for fundraisers and charities everywhere and each time you purchase a ticket.

Whitney Houston is perhaps the Circuit’s most admired female entertainer and idol. JustCircuit Magazine has Whitney’s thoughts for you in this issue, following her recent interview on the Oprah Winfrey show. DJ Seth Cooper, voted by JustCircuit readers in the last JustCircuit Awards as “Best Up and Coming DJ” and fresh from his success at Splash Days in Austin, TX and the Centaur Splash Days Tour, discusses his style of spinning and passion for DJ’ing with JustCircuit’s Music Editor Joey Mills. Label Whore Kris Hobson visits with political activist and photographers Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, whose art has made a very political difference in marriage equality in California. Mickey Weems plays the judge and the jury in “Who’s Cool; Who’s Hot! JustCircuit’s Man on Man Competition”. David Wright gives us a twenty-four year old’s perspective on the international favorite Circuit Festival week of Circuit events in Barcelona, Spain. Superstar singer Amuka Kelly stops by JustCircuit to deliver some inspiration and Sofonda Peters is as candid as always in her latest feature “That was nice. Now GET OUT. NOW!”

Pictures from events around the Circuit are plentiful in this issue including pictures from Ascension Party on the beach in Fire Island Pines and Alegria Fort Lauderdale, Splash Days in Austin, Texas and Southern Decadence in New Orleans during the Labor Day weekend. Look for JustCircuit photographers in New Orleans for Halloween and at events everywhere during White Party Week. Don’t be shy to say hello and ask for your picture to be taken! We give away thousands of pictures each year to attendees just like you as a token of our appreciation for your supporting JustCircuit and the Circuit events we have covered these past eleven glorious years. Most of all, we hope you will Live, Love, Laugh…and be STUNNING this Fall! Thanks for making us your choice for everything, and we mean EVERYTHING Circuit!

Look for your copy of JustCircuit.MAG at a location near you beginning October 1. Visit www.JustCircuitMag.com for subscription information.

The Great Escape: Attitude, Delivered; Bitch, Served! by Michael Richards

EDITOR — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:04:43 GMT

The Great Escape: Attitude, Delivered; Bitch, Served! A JustCircuit.mag exclusive interview with DJ Escape by Michael Richards and featured in the August/September 2009 issue of JustCircuit.mag

New York is a place of great talent and of course a great many people. Talent is easy to recognize in some although few develop this talent to a level that will set them apart from others. DJ Escape, who is known to some by his given name Jeff, is an example of pure talent, which has transcended the years, the evolution in music and the generations of party people filtering through the nightclubs. Escape recently had the time to speak with JustCircuit about what he truly desires from his career. His career is his passion and developing it is what he sees for the future. When asked if he ever considered another career away from the music industry, he revealed he had never even thought about another career. “Perhaps real estate?” he quipped, while still mentally pondering the surprising question that helps us to understand the real Escape. He had wanted to be a DJ as a hobby back at age thirteen, when he started “messing with things.” He is dedicated to his profession and puts every waking minute of his time and his thought into the music he loves and its production. Dance music, that is. It’s his passion.

Jeff met DJ Skribble in the early ‘90’s while working as a DJ and promoter at the Underground in Bayside Queens. The two clicked when they met at a “teen’s night” which later became other, bigger themes. Skribble recognized Jeff’s interest in Hip Hop and Reggae. From the early days with DJ Skribble to playing his work for today’s dance floors around the world, Escape has become entirely focused upon the dance music scene that is primarily composed of the gay male community. “After spending time in clubs such as the Tunnel and the legendary Palladium, I realized I had entered into a spectacle of sensory overload for the music lover in me. I was in awe of the venue, the sound, the lights, the shows and all the people gathered to enjoy the same things I enjoyed. The only difference was that I wanted to be the Maestro who commanded this audience.” His experiences at The Tunnel had already changed Skribble.

In fact, before that Thanksgiving eve in 1986 when Skribble finally got the hesitant and also under aged Jeff into the Palladium, Jeff was still playing local parties and events and was in also still in high school. His music was Hip Hop and Reggae that was fun and light back then. From there, he played a club in Queens, which changed names frequently, but was “Avante” when he was there. While at Avante, Skribble began introducing him to the influential industry people and helped mold him into today’s DJ Escape. During the early Palladium days Escape would watch the talents of Junior Vasquez, who would musically manipulate the crowd. Never much of a dancer, it was common to see Escape near Junior watching his every move. “My enjoyment in what I now do was developed from learning. I would watch Junior take sounds from other songs and loop them in as overlay into tracks that would not be played until hours later. Still, these tracks would help develop the overall theme of the night and might just be that track that everyone was waiting to hear. I developed this driving desire to want to create theses sounds in addition.”

“It was about a year later that Escape met Michael McDavid and Eddie Baez, who had just started the Saturday night Sound Factory event. I learned so much from hanging out watching at these events.” Escape was eventually offered his first big gig outside New York in Miami at Club Liquid during Halloween 1998. “I came in that room with everything I had learned to do this straight night. Promoters of the Gay night were there and approached me to try out on Sunday that next month. The Gay night sold me!” Eventually, Escape was playing all the big clubs and began experiencing the Circuit parties that would be next. On New Years Day at Salvation, promoters for the Bad Boys Club Montreal (BBCM, presenter of today’s Black and Blue Festival) recognized his talent and brought Escape to 2000’s Hot and Dry event. “It was one of the best gigs of my life!” states Escape. The Miami gig had opened many doors by this time and Escape was well on his way in the profession he loves.

Shortly after his launch into the world of the Circuit, his hit “Worship Me” became an overnight classic. Even the famed Power Infiniti performed to it. He continued to work in the studios of Eddie Baez and Razor & Guido when they weren’t using the studio themselves, creating his own tracks and the sound you are familiar with today. “I like a certain sound or groove still today. It’s recognizable today,” states Escape. “I love to collaborate with great people and make songs come to life. 95% of the time I only need the vocals to make it ‘big room’ in my sound.” In fact, Escape claims that his approach to a record is in two ways: the house-y, piano sound (similar to the recent Kelly Rowland track “When Love Takes Over”) or the hard, tribal, peak-hour, hands-in-the-air mix. “It involves both. I’m really into the remixing side of music, but I want to develop my production side even more.”

One of Escape’s rules is that he keeps his music under lock and key. “I won’t share until it’s allowed or until I’m ready. If I’m not moved, I’m not doing it. You’re only as good as your last record. I consider myself to be a perfectionist and will only work with others who are perfectionists.”

After all the years watching from the booth, it is now Escape who is manipulating the music to the awe of others. He has learned to provide a set that is not necessarily planned ahead. “Everything’s on the fly,” says Escape. “I take people on a journey. It won’t be one sound all night. We go lots of places! I also make it a point to end on a down, happy, fun, sing along note. I feed off the energy of my crowd and that drives my set.”

Is the day of the DJ residency in our nightclubs over? Escape thinks probably so. “They just aren’t as prominent, with the state of the clubs today. I think the days of the big room weekends are in the past. Everything leads to something else, however! My early introduction to Michael McDavid and working at Strictly Rhythm Records, I have my eyes on becoming an executive at a record label. Regardless of where I spin, where I go and what I do, I will always know that it is the Gay crowd that gets it. They get what I’m doing and what I’m all about. Whether it’s the West Coast sounds that are more anthem-y and vocally or the Miami sound that has a nice mix of house-y, prime time slots, the Gay crowds there recognize and command the dance music and its sought after familiarity from other genres. Some people THINK they get it. I remember at one event the producer of the night ran up into the DJ booth and expressed his worry that the music was inappropriate for the night. I told him ‘Listen, if everyone is not singing along with this next song, you don’t have to pay me tonight.’ Of course, everyone was. It takes a certain knowledge to know what’s going on present different classics and different mash-ups. I am an entertainer. I want to put on a show. I’m not so serious of a guy and believe it or not a fun and happy guy! I want you to walk out of my night and remember the night through my music.”

Escape recently had the opportunity to remix Beyonce’s whole album. He reveals there are still many unreleased remixes that he hopes will eventually be released to the public. Other projects currently in the works are, you guessed it, under “lock and key” currently. Anyone who might doubt the talents of the Great Escape won’t be a doubter when these projects are revealed. With his sights set still higher in the music industry and with the ambition to accomplish more, it is clear Escape can spin his magic on any artist. Some say he serves attitude. In fact, he delivers bitch!

JustCircuit.com Issue Highlights

BACK TO SCHOOL with the Label Whore: fashion, trends & the UBERLIFE; by JustCircuit Fashion Editor Kris Hobson

LABEL WHORE: fashion, trends & the Uberlife from the August/September 2010 issue of JustCircuit.MAG by Kris Hobson, JustCircuit Fashion Editor

Sofonda Peters: "WHO KNEW????"

The Circuit's Grande Dame asks "WHO KNEW???"

The New Dorothy: Real Housewives of New Jersey star Danielle Staub might just surprise you

The JustCircuit Reservists: CapN Kirk keeps them dancing in Orlando

Christina Aguilera: BIONIC; New release coming June 8

Christina Aguilera's BIONIC coming June 8

Macy Gray speaks to JustCircuit; "The Sellout" to be released June 22

JustCircuit speaks with Macy Gray

The Label Whore takes on the summer fashions; Summer Fashions and Relaxation

The Label Whore: Summer Fashions and Relaxation

Ke$ha takes the stage and moves up the charts

Ke$ha takes the stage and moves up the charts

The Circuit's Grande Dame & De-LIC-ous Diva takes your questions

Sofonda Peters answers your questions in the April/May issue of JustCircuit.MAG

JustCircuit.MAG announces its hot new Swimwear Issue for April/May; Now available EVERYWHERE!

JustCircuit.MAG's Swimwear Issue for April/May is now available everywhere!

The February/March JustCircuit.MAG is HERE!

The February/March 2010 "LOVE" issue has arrived!

SOFONDA PETERS: "Here We Are. NOW ENTERTAIN US!"

The Circuit's Grande Dame Sofonda Peters: "Here We Are. Now ENTERTAIN US!"

The Texas 2-Step: Doing It Right in the Lone Star State by JustCircuit's Mickey Weems

The Texas 2-Step: Doing it right in the Lone Star State by Mickey Weems

Last Word: Jungle 18 (Billy Underwood, BCBC President)

Reflections and Predictions from the ULTIMATE Hook-Up Tech; Thoughts from former Manhunt developer Mark Tolman

Reflections and Predictions from the ULTIMATE Hook-Up Tech by Mark Tolman, former Manhunt developer

The Fashionable, Famous and Fierce: NINA FLOWERS

The Fashionable, Famous and Fierce: NINA FLOWERS by John Kater, JustCircuit International

Sofonda Peters::KISS AND MAKE UP

KISS AND MAKE UP

Alan T's 12 WHATEVA'S of Christmas

Alan T's 12 WHATEVA'S of Christmas (come on and sing along with us!)

Whitney! The Return of an Icon

Whitney Houston: The Return of an Icon Article provided by FlyLife, Inc. Photography by Patrick Demarchelier

The latest JustCircuit.MAG is WHITE HOT in celebration of White Party Week's 25th Anniversary; New issue features Whitney Houston and DJ Seth Cooper

The Great Escape: Attitude, Delivered; Bitch, Served! by Michael Richards

The Great Escape: Attitude, Delivered; Bitch, Served! A JustCircuit.mag exclusive interview with DJ Escape by Michael Richards and featured in the August/September 2009 issue of JustCircuit.mag

Alan T's 12 WHATEVA'S of Christmas
(come on and sing along with us!)

Whitney Houston: The Return of an Icon
Article provided by FlyLife, Inc.
Photography by Patrick Demarchelier