Gay Pride Special: I, Ivana

Here I am, below, on the recording, at a seriously crowded party in 1989, impersonating Ivana Trump in drag and doing my own singing. I also had some ribald patter to deliver and wrote that myself.

As Sheila Gillerman, I performed several times at Rose's Turn, booked by the fabulous Sidney Meyer. I was a five-time award-winner at the now-defunct Crowbar in the East Village. They had a weekly drag competition hosted by the legendary Mona Foot.

I did my own singing, in character, and considered what I did performance art. I wrote my own patter and almost all of my songs. Everything I performed I considered social satire and a reflection of the times and my perceived direction of pop culture.

My friend, Ron Davis, dug into his archives and found me performing as Sheila as Ivana (audio).

Ron wrote: "a RARE Historic archival recording of Sheila Gillerman in a live performance of another one of her huge hits in the persona of Ivana Tramp. The official title of this number is "The World Is My Oyster But You Won't Get In My Clam (Megabucks)". Most folks just know this number affectionately as "Megabucks". Again this is obviously from a bootleg tape surreptitiously recorded. Sheila's work at the Actor's Studio clearly has paid off especially when, in her character as Ivana Tramp, she exudes such monumental contempt for the less privileged. A tour de force performance. You'll undoubtedly notice the studio audience enjoyment! A rare performance indeed!" 

http://members.toast.net/rldbeverly/sheilagillerman/megabucks-norm-150613.mp3

Can it be I'm the only male Ivana Trump impersonator? Vonder vhy. Happy LGBT Pride Month, y'all!

Dj Buddy Beaverhausen Looks at the Tonys 2014

I think the buzz I'm hearing around New York is right on the money: the 2014 Tony Awards, televised Sunday evening, June 8, was the best Tonys ceremony ever. And the gayest, what with Neil Patrick Harris, Allen Cumming and all that tap dancing ~ even gangsters tapping all over the place! Not to mention Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight and Fantasia (all stars of After Midnight) singing together in the opening number. Theater Queens were qvelling everywhere! It's probably no coincidence the Tony Awards are now televised during Gay Pride Month

Hugh Jackman was as handsome, charming and talented a host one could ever hope for. And the stage of Radio City Music Hall was awash in a tsunami of talent. Technical aspects (lighting, choreography, staging, etc.) were first-rate and virtually flawless. It was the best promotional event for Broadway shows ever!

Yes, Broadway is exciting, alive, full of energy and the sound of music! There is nothing like it. There's nothing like the prices either! I'd go more often except I do not get comps to shows on the Great White Way, so frequenting Broadway is simply not within my Beaverhausen budget.

The last Broadway show I saw was If/Then and that certainly cooled my enthusiasm. (Idina Menzel, however, was another performance highlight at this year's event. Thankfully, I say, If/Then garnered no Awards.)  I resented it even received nominations.

The 2014 Tonys certainly reminded us all that there is nothing like live entertainment, and that this is a remarkable Broadway season. That said, it's time for me to buy tickets to Hedwig, After Midnight and Lady Day! Will get back to you on those.

Inaya Day Made Some Noise to Usher In LGBT Pride Month

Inaya Day made some noise Saturday night (technically, Sunday morning) to a packed house at Icon, Astoria, Queens and blew us all away. It was the six-month anniversary of the club and a celebration of Queens LGBT Pride Day which was Sunday, June 1.

My friend, Kevin, made the trip from Bay Ridge to Astoria with me. We each had a flute of pineapple champagne in his place before going down for our car which was more than 20 minutes late. Traffic was a mess getting out of Brooklyn and we arrived later than expected but, thankfully, our diva went on later than expected, too.

Nick Lion instantly welcomed us and made us once more feel at home in his plush club. The joint was jumpin' to the dj and it was body-to-body.

I was able to go downstairs, to the club's "green room," to meet Inaya, her promoter and my friend Barbara Sobel, dance diva DeVonde Williams, who I will be interviewing shortly, and some of Inaya's inner circle.

Shortly after I was back upstairs and comfortably seated on a banquette, the diva emerged to take to the stage. And let me say, Day is like a force of nature. What an incredible, powerhouse voice. Amazing! And if you ever have the chance to hear her live, people, don't miss out.

Inaya sang "Movin' Up (Take My Problems to the Dance Floor)" and got us all movin'. Up, down, sideways and swirling around to that great Mike Cruz club smash from '97. It hasn't aged a day as a rousing dancefloor tune. She followed that her latest # 1 Billboard club hit with Dj Escape, "Make Some Noise," and fabulous noise it was. Dj Buddy B was making his own noise at the sheer joy of  experiencing that live.

After showtime, it was "go" time for Kevin and I. We simply hailed a cab outside and were back in Bay Ridge in record time. Thanks to Nick, Barbara, Inaya and all those sexy go-go gods and waiters for a terrific time. Another great Iconic night with a true icon of club music, Inaya Day!

Pier Dance Divas: Do You Believe in Cher after Deborah Cox?

This morning, it became clear what I'd be doing this year at New York City's LGBT Pride Day (the original). It was announced on Cher's official Facebook Page that the diva would be performing at the annual pier dance. O! M! G! Drop everything and order a ticket! That's what I told myself and, honeys, that's just what I did!

When Heritage of Pride announces its annual events (including the March, known by many as the Parade, now that it includes floats, marching bands and on-the-street merchandising), it includes information about the Pier Dance. So we know who the Djs are, we know the start and end times, we know the fabulous, climactic fireworks from a barge off the Hudson River will be back. But it's not until the event draws near that the live appearance by the diva -- always a gay icon -- is announced.  Whitney Houston appeared one year! Janet Jackson! Martha Wash! Madonna! You just never know until the last minute. This year, a double-diva delight: Cher, promoting her new album, and Deborah Cox!

So I'll be there, I'll be queer, they'll be fabulous. Originally, I just thought I'd go into the City from Bay Ridge and watch the Parade until I got bored (GayDD setting in). Now, I think I'll go in late for my date with the Divas! This is the 27th year of Dance on the Pier, again serving as the official closing to NYC Pride's official events. Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 in TriBeCa is the new home for this event; entrance at North Moore and West Streets. Do you Believe it?

Billboard Dance Chart's Poor Show for Pride

Sadly, so little to enthuse and inspire us this Gay Pride Month on the week's Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs chart.

Daft Punk with Pharell Williams drop to 4th place this week after holding on to the #1 spot with the disco-funky "Get Lucky."

Tony Moran and Deborah Cooper's "Heartbeat" temporarily hit a wall, stalled at #6. But Abigail's "Surrender" soars from 12th place to #9, which is very good news for lovers of quality, melodic dance music. This is the real deal!

And, finally, the fantastic Chaka Khan is back with a brand new hit on the Billboard Dance chart, sharply rising from last week's 28th place, up 7 spots to #21. Again, Ralphi Rosario's remix is tops.

Get out and dance on your Pride Day, wherever you are. Maybe you've already done so and, in that case, I hope you had a great time. Let me know what really brought you up to boogie on the floor, everyone! Don't be shy to comment on this blog!

And thank you Italy, Australia, Ukraine, Ghana, Ukraine, Philippines for your increased viewership over this past week. Happy LGBT Pride to all! Madison, if you're reading this, check my reply on your blog comment.

Peace, love and disco! Over and out.

LGBT Pride 2013: Busting Out All Over!

June is Pride month and it's busting out all over! Ninety-plus degree weather in NYC, coming out of a chilly, damp spring, and it's time to celebrate. President Obama issued a Proclamation today that began: "The story of America's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is the story of our fathers and sons, our mothers and daughters, and our friends and neighbors who continue the task of making our country a more perfect Union. It is a story about the struggle to realize the great American promise that all people can live with dignity and fairness under the law. Each June, we commemorate the courageous individuals who have fought to achieve this promise for LGBT Americans, and we rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

You can read the whole Presidential Proclamation by visiting this White House page: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/31/presidential-proclamation-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-pride-mon

Meanwhile, in Beaverhausen World, my blog has hit an all-time high regarding views for the month of May! 13,338 views, topping my previous monthly high of 12,529 for December. I love the international stats reflecting my audience; you guys (and gals) are fantastic! It's a disco world & we're all united. Dance on, dance for peace, for equality, for love and for a positive future!

For Pride, I highly recommend reading my ongoing Q & A with classic-disco producer Bob Esty, as he talks about Donna Summer, Cher, Giorgio & much more:

Part 1: http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/05/exclusive-q-with-bob-esty-part-1-once.html

Part 2: http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/05/exclusive-q-with-bob-esty-part-2-from.html

Also, from guest blogger The Engin33r, an essay on hip hop and LGBT people:

http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-engineer33r-my-first-guest-blogger.html

Of course, hep HBO brought us the Liberace gay tell-all in time for Vegas Pride which kicked things off on the Memorial Day weekend:

http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2013/05/life-with-liberace-behind-candelabra.html

Queens (NY) Gay Pride kicks off this Sunday, with the original Manhattan one set for the very end of the month.

Finally, my Pride memories:
http://djbuddybeaverhausen.blogspot.com/2012/06/gay-pride-ghosts-of-pride-past-present.html

And, post-finally, Hildegarde! (Are we sure she and Christine Jorgensen aren't the same person? Have you ever seen them together?) Enjoy this and Happy LGBT Pride to all:

Where My Divas At? Chart Check

Debby Holiday

The phenomenal Debby Holiday has a new song charging up the Billboard dance chart, "Key to Your Soul." Ms Holiday has had ten top-25 hits on that chart so far! Obviously a diva to be reckoned with, she followed her recent top-ten charter, "Never Give Up," made with producer Phil B, with this number produced by the always fabulous John LePage. Available on iTunes with multiple remixes. Just terrific! And currently # 26 with a bullet!

Toni Braxton is back on top (well, almost). She's at  numero dos this week with "I Heart You," buoyed largely by the Mark Picchiotti and Peter Rauhofer club mixes. Expect to hear it when you're dancing at Pride. And expect her to be numero uno by next week; I have it on good authority.

The "Menergy" energy is up to #8 just when you're thinking men men men at Pride Pride Pride, so many good mixes from which to choose, followed by Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe," sporting a great Almighty remix to guide you to the floor. Meanwhile Katherine McPhee takes "Touch Me," from tv's Smash, to #12 from last week's 17. You go, girls!

A diva I have loved for a very large part of my life, Ms Darlene Love, suddenly seems to have become ubiquitous, and that's a good thing. Recently performing at NBC-tv's farewell party for her personal friend, Sue Simmons (a serious icon on New York's tri-state news), I recently caught Darlene's show at Joe's Pub. Besides her annual Christmas performance at BB King's in New York this year, the ex-Phil Spector Crystal and featured performer, Broadway's Motormouth Mable from "Hairspray" and solo vocalist will be doing shows at the new 54 Below (cabaret under the old Studio 54). She also performed recently at the WhyHungry Awards ceremony in NYC. Don't miss this legend when you have the opportunity to see her live. You can find her songs on both iTunes and Amazon. Support our divas!

Until next week, that's Dj Buddy B's Diva Update. Special thanks this week (beyond the always faithful USA, the UK and Canada) to Brazil, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Mexico, Israel, United Arab Emigrates, Morocco and South Korea. Divas spread peace, they unify; dance is the answer; love around the globe to all. Happy Pride around our world; stay united!

I leave you with the outstanding video for "Free Your Soul," with its anti-bullying message and back-up drag queens. Awesome, Miss Debby, and perfect for Pride!

It's A Golden Era with David Morales, Roisin Murphy & President Obama

Roisin Murphy

David Morales is back, ready to get everyone on their feet to his nouveau disco sound with "Golden Era," a retro-tinged dance number with orchestral flourishes associated with classic dance-floor arrangements. None other than club-fave Roisin Murphy (pictured), the contralto Irish diva of dance and electronica fame, is the featured vocalist on this and she rises to the occasion beautifully. So, swirl, hands up in the air, Sunday tea dance style, on the day our President officially and historically pronounced June "Gay Pride Month!" And have a cocktail or two to really celebrate. Happy days are here again this summer; toast to a new Golden Era! Disco's back!

Below, both the Morales "Disco Mix" & the President's announcement, courtesy of YouTube. (Btw, Prezzie O is so cool, he even tosses in a Whitney quote, "bit by bit, step by step.")