Vital Blog
Community Scribe and Rep. PR Manager, Brad L. Graham Dies
BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER
ST. LOUIS - Brad L. Graham, community writer, blogger, occasional-actor and PR Manager for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis died Jan. 4 at his residence. His death is believed to be from natural causes. He was 41.
One of the first to embrace "new media", Graham is credited with coining the term "blogosphere." News of his death spread quickly over the Internet.
Non Profit of the Month: FOOD OUTREACH
We all need proper nutrition to thrive. For persons undergoing treatment for a life-threatening illness, nourishing food can mean the difference between a rapid decline in health or the opportunity to best optimize their medical treatments. Add to that, limited financial resources and the access to nutritious food can be out of reach – often an insurmountable situation.
DATE PLACE: Bobo Noodle House
BY: MARK WEBBER
Think about the best date you’ve ever been on.
What was it that stood out to you the most? Maybe it was the romantic setting, the delicious food at a restaurant, or perhaps it was that your date was so adorable it didn’t matter where you were.
A Crowning Glory; Veteran Female Illusionist, Erica Foxx Wins Miss Gay Missouri
BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER
Who says that dreams don't come true! After 20-years of falling short, St. Louis' Michael McKinley, better known as the perky, Erica Foxx, has fulfilled his dream of becoming Miss Gay Missouri America (MGM).
Planes, Trains and the GLBT Traveler
BY: REBECCA PERLOW
Ron Skinner of Patrick Travel is optimistic about the summer traveling season. More than optimistic, actually.
“The phone hasn't stopped ringing,” Skinner said. “And I really don't want it to stop ringing!”
Patrick Travel, founded in 1989, serves an eclectic clientèle including several members of
“For the most part even with the economy, travel slowed down in the beginning, especially in the first quarter of this year. But last year, we already had so many things booked into 2009, it seemed like it was going to be the biggest year we had in more than six years.”
Pridefest: More Than A Parade
BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER
As the rainbow flags and bunting go up along Grand at Tower Grove Park, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied community prepares for its biggest weekend of the year—St. Louis Pridefest, June 27-28.
The annual event, which is produced by Pride St. Louis, celebrates 30-years in the Gateway City and the buzz surrounding the destination event is palpable.
Sandra Bernhard Struts at Pridefest
BY COREY STULCE
On the big screen she’s been covered in melted gold, served trash to Muppet grouches and had nice dreams with Cheech and Chong.
Don’t recall her film roles in "Hudson Hawk" "Sesame Street Presents Follow that Bird" and a C&C dope-fest?
Well that’s because Sandy Bernhard is much better known as a lady of the night, under a spotlight, beaming back nuggets of fashion, politics and the culture of pop with a hilarious, shocking genius flair.
SAGE Visionary Awards June 13 @ the KERR Building
BY: LUCAS HUDSON
In celebration of its first anniversary, SAGE is honoring leaders in the LGBT community both young and old for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Some highlights include awards to PROMO executive director AJ Bockelman, long time PFLAG president Dean Rosen, playwright/director Joan Lipkin, Representative Jeanette Mott Oxford and activist Scott Emmanuel as well as posthumous awards to Lisa Wagaman, Totty Dunham, Bill Cordes, Joyce Trebilcot
THEATRE PREVIEW: "Becoming Emily" @ Black Cat Theatre June 18-20. Written by Artistic Director Joan Lipkin
"The blast only lasted a few microseconds, but it separated two lifetimes. I had to learn to walk, speak, use my vision, and many other basic functions. Everything I had known was, pardon the pun, blown away." – Emily Lyons
BY: JOAN LIPKIN
It has been said in show business that timing is everything. Unfortunately, in the wake of Dr. George Tiller’s recent murder, That Uppity Theatre Company’s original production of "Becoming Emily" playing June 18-20 at the Black Cat Theatre in Maplewood, is more relevant than ever. "Becoming Emily" tells the story of Emily Lyons, a nurse whose life was forever changed when the "New Woman, All Women" healthcare clinic where she worked in Alabama was bombed.
Heidi Stober Sings at Opera Theatre St. Louis
BY: LUCAS HUDSON
Soprano Heidi Stober is rapidly gaining recognition for her beautiful voice, exquisite musicianship and exciting presence on the operatic stage. She has received high praise for performances with New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, The Santa Fe Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera. Recognition and awards for Ms. Stober include first place winner of the Houston Grand Opera Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers, the Stephen Shrestinian Award for Excellence for her performance in Boston Lyric Opera’s Die Fledermaus, and the Kolosvar Award for her performance in Agrippina with New York City Opera. She is also a 2008 Sullivan Foundation grant winner.
Heidi brings her talents to Opera Theatre of St. Louis, playing Aminta in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Il re pastore (The Shepherd King). Opening night is Sunday June 7at 7 p.m., and Heidi performs five more times through Friday, June 26. Heidi took some time to talk to the Vital Voice about her career, her role, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, piloting the friendly skies, beer snobbery and relaxing with Lady Gaga.
