BY TOMMY ZANE GAYDAR EDITOR Is the buzz true — does Philly have a new “gay” radio station? Their name and slogan sound gay enough: “My 106.1 — Feel the energy!” Sounds like an ad for a Miami circuit party, if they could just cut the energy with GBH. A recent peek at an 11 a.m. weekday playlist includes ultra-’90s gay club hit “Show Me Love” by Robin S., equally queer ’90s diva Cathy Dennis with “Touch Me (All Night Long),” No Doubt’s “Hella Good,” and the unofficial overplayed song of 2006, “Unwritten” by uber gay Natasha Bedingfield.
However, as is often the case with gay culture, all of these songs easily cross over to teenagers’ favorites as well. Some would even argue that Bon Jovi, Prince and the Revolution and Stevie Wonder, although not “queer music,” are certainly adored by the gay community.
So, what makes My 106.1 even slightly queer? Whoopi Goldberg in the morning, for one. She’s a huge gay icon and queer-friendly draw. Finally, someone gay friendly to tune in to instead of the years of thinly veiled homophobic and (at the very least) hetero-centric morning chat. And the air personalities aren’t screaming about “Ladies! No cover ’til 11!” every three minutes or doling out straight dedications for some lovelorn pre-teen. It’s not exactly gay inclusive as much as pronoun non-specific, which I really respond to. The days of out-and-out homophobic radio seem to be nearly gone, unless another Imus-type shock jock gets a “good idea.” WXPN does offer Robert Drake‘s long-running Q-zine and Q102 airs Pride Radio, a complete online section on queer goings-on and a Sunday night aircast, which certainly partially serve our beleaguered communities. I still pine for an actual dedicated gay radio station, with a five-day forecast by The Weather Girls!
THE FRATELLIS: Flathead
SUMMER IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER!
Tons of cool events going on this week. Silk City has reopened at 5th and Spring Garden, under the supervision of Mark Bee, owner of North 3rd Restaurant at 3rd and Poplar. I checked it out with Ramon the other night and found the re-decorations just right. Prices aren’t too high, and the Spring Garden mojito got me going. DJ Steven Bloodbath was spinning the tunes. Decor is a bit hipsterish, with velvet paintings and great lighting and a very friendly, attractive staff. I wish Mark Bee and the whole staff all the best.
Yes, I did hang out with my ex Ramon last night. No we are not back together . . . more like FWBs. For now.
DJ K-Tell & the Dumpsta’ Players present “Xcellent 80’s,” Wed., 6/20. It’s a totally rad revue from Wang Chung to the Stray Cats, with a showdown between Madonna and Joan Jett! More info @ www.dumpstaplayers.org or on MySpace. DJ Robert Drake‘s Sex Dwarf celebrates Marc Almond and Soft Cell at Fluid, Fri., 6/22. Are you a future American Idol? Tired of waiting in long karaoke lines at Woody’s or Locust Bar? Get discovered at Sara Sherr’s Karaoke That Doesn’t Suck, Sun. at the El Bar (1356 N. Front St., Front and Master) from 7-12 and Mon., Upstairs at The Khyber (56 S. 2nd), 9-1.
PAOLO NUTINI: New Shoes
THREESOME OF THE WEEK:
Birthday boy and Kids Corner king DJ Robert “44 years young” Drake, the filthy and outrageous drag star Divine Ms. Jimmi and attention whore Paris “boo-hoo I want my Mommy” Hilton.
