Pride Guide 2004 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

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Garden Party will evoke the Savannah of book fame

by Tim L. Marshall

Cleveland-The fifteenth anniversary of one of Cleveland's most popular LGBT events only happens once in a blue moon. Fortunately, a blue moon is set for Friday,

July 30-the date of the Garden Party, an annual benefit for the Cleveland LesbianGay Center.

The Garden Party is a yearly celebration where about 500 members of the local LGBT community celebrate their culture,

ANTHONY GLASSMAN

Chris Arthur and Nick Colantonio at Girth and Mirth's May 16 presummer party at Rockies in Cleveland.

Two cities have groups for big men and their admirers

by Billy Kammler

Columbus Girth and Mirth of Columbus formed in 2002 as a social outlet for big men and their admirers to get together in a social, non-judgmental, nurturing environment. The group believes that there are other ways to make friends and enjoy each other's company rather than in the traditional bar atmosphere that so many clubs seem to circulate around.

It joined the Cleveland chapter of Girth and Mirth, which formed in the late 1990s, and has recently restarted after a couple years of inactivity.

The group gets together a few times a month for a potluck social, to go out to eat, and for coffee every Friday night at Cup of Joe's in German Village. Occasionally the group goes to the movies, and does a few special events a year such as bear or chub runs, fairs, festivals, or gay day at Kings Island. It also holds a fundraiser at least once a year, something that gives back to the community.

The Cleveland group has monthly meetings, as well as movie night preceded by

dinner out, potlucks at members' homes and picnics at Edgewater Park.

In 2004, the Columbus group will be attending Mid-Continent Alliance 10th anniversary in Oklahoma City in July, the River Bears run in Cincinnati in September, Gay Days at Kings Island on October 1, and will have the annual Christmas Party on December 4.

They plan on participating in Gay Pride in Columbus on June 26 and also have dinners for members who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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There are about 50 members now, a great group of guys to hang around with and get to know. Find out what the group is up to by going to http://www.gmcolumbus.com or by calling the club hotline at 614-846-3840.

For information on Girth and Mirth of Cleveland, call the hotline at 216-556-0670 or visit www.girthandmirthcleveland.com for current info on what's happening and how to get there.

Billy Kammler is the president of Girth and Mirth Columbus.

bid on coveted auction items and dance the night away. This anniversary event, "Blue Moon Over the Garden of Good and Evil," promises even more fun than usual, with romance, a little mystery and some surprising twists thrown in for good measure.

Interim co-executive director Mary Zaller and her team of party planners are transforming the site of the event-Signature at 3900 Signature Drive in Solon, a lavish social community complete with gorgeous landscapes and beautiful architecture-into a virtual Garden of Good and Evil, reminiscent of the wild parties that made Savannah (and John Berendt's best seller) famous.

The night begins with a benefactor reception. Chanteuse Katherine Harvey will team up with pianist George Foley to provide a program of bewitching tunes in various shades of blue. Harvey and Foley have updated the lyrics of certain classics to address the perspectives of the LGBT community, making for a witty presentation by two of the community's musical luminaries. Rock group the David Loy Band and the living statues from Cleveland Public Theater, directed by artistic director Randy Rollison, round out the evening's entertainment.

New this year is a sit-down dinner planned by Signature executive chef Margie Axelrod and valet parking for all attendees. There will be a martini bar where guests can enjoy traditional favorites and special drinks including: the Lady Chablis, Blew Moon and the Rankin-tini, named after center board president Thom Rankin. Community members can send their ideas for specialty martini gp15@lgcsc.org, and the lucky winner will receive a free benefactor admission with the purchase of a guest ticket.

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Known for its one-of-a-kind silent and live auctions, the Garden Party will place prized properties, intriguing art, world-traversing trips, exciting entertainment experiences and other items in the hands of the highest bidders.

The special benefactor reception begins at 6:30 pm, which includes the Harvey and Foley performance, complimentary martinis and an auction preview for a ticket price of $100. Guest admission begins at 7:30 pm at $50 per person and includes dinner, the auctions, dancing and a cash bar.

Institute continues in the summer

The Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center is keeping active apart from the Garden Party as well. The Aubrey Wertheim Institute is not taking a summer vacation this year, instead offering a summer series full of cultural arts programs to help cure the summertime blues.

"We're repeating some programs that were a hit, and are introducing some new events as well," said Jack Hart, interim co-executive director. "This short summer series will be a nice way to keep our momentum going until the fall 2004 semester begins in September."

One of the spring semester's most popular Institute programs was the Art and Architec-

ture series. Led by John Doyle, the series will visit a new site, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron on Sunday, July 18 at 10 am. The former home of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling features guided tours of a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion seated on more than 70 acres of artful garden landscape. Lunch with the group at the site will be optional.

Returning this summer is Hearts in Stone, a tour of downtown Cleveland, on Sunday, August 8 at 1 pm. The focus of this tour will be the downtown area to explore the mosaic

Signature in Solon will be turned into a virtual Garden of Good and Evil.

of styles that make up the city's architecture. Participants should meet under the clock at the main entrance to Tower City.

Chick Flicks: Women's Movie Night will meet twice this summer. These popular events are a great place to meet others and watch some classic or recently released women's themed movies. Visit www.lgesc.org for movie titles and your chance to submit suggestions for future showings. Events will be held on Saturdays, July 10 and August 21 and will begin at 6:30 pm.

Guys Night Out, which made its debut last spring, is a monthly event for men who want to meet others and build community. Each installment offers free refreshments and one or two films. Participants also receive a coupon for 15% off dinner at Papa Nick's, 11534 Clifton Blvd, or 25% off food at Pizazzio's, 6902 Detroit Ave. Events will be held on Saturdays, June 26, July 17 and August 28 and will begin at 6:30 pm.

Summer is also the perfect time to join the long running 10% Books discussion group, held on the fourth Monday of every month (June 22, July 26 and August 23) from 810 pm.

Both Art and Architecture tours are free for center members and cost $10 for non-members. Chick Flicks, Guys Night Out and 10% Books are free events.

Freewill donations are encouraged to help cover food and supply costs.

Registration is required for all Aubrey Wertheim Institute programs.

Call 216-651-5428 or visit www.lgcsc.org for more details on the Garden Party or the Aubrey Wertheim Institute.

Tim L. Marshall is the director of communications for the Cleveland Lesbian-Gaÿ Cen-

ter.

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