My Top 5 Obsessions This Week

Hello all of my semi constant readers. This is the pride edition. And what better way to celebrate than with my top five . In San Francisco there is no better place to celebrate.

1) Frameline 41 (San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival) started out with a bang this year with our very own beloved Armistead Maupin's film The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin by director Jennifer Kroot and co-director Bill Weber. Shown in our city's famed Castro Theater, we got to see how our Armistead's boyhood and hometown informed his storytelling . Many interviews in the film and  wonderful anecdotes from friends Amy Tan, Sir Ian McKellen, Laura Linney and Jonathan Groff and his wonderful sister Jane Maupin Yates whom I adore made this everything I had hoped it would be. Everyone gathered after at Terra Gallery for the opening night gala for delicious food, drinks and a night of stars and dancing on one of the warmest nights we have had here in San Francisco.

2)  The Fabulous Allan Carr documentary is another highlight of Frameline. The flashy flamboyant Carr was the producer behind Grease, La Cage aux Folles and the most spectacular flop Can't Stop the Music featuring The Village People and Bruce Jenner and director Nancy Walker. This was everything a drug disco fueled doc should be including interviews with Marlo Thomas, Bruce Vilanch and Lorna Luft. And when you see his Egyptian basement disco you will know the true meaning of the 70's. And the famous caftans he wore!!!

3) Alaska is a Drag featuring Nia Peeples, Margaret Cho and Martin L. Washington Jr. set in Alaska and the world of drag and boxing. (Who knew?) we follow as our Leo has emerges into his true self in a beautiful landscape.

4) Madonna Tribute - Heklina has done again for the third year in a row! So much local talent performed their way through Madonna's massive catalog of music at the San Francisco Treasure  Oasis SF. It is one of the best things about June and a hot ticket every year. Express Yourself, Cherish and Ray of Light were standouts.

5) Erasure is back to true form with a new release just in the nick of  time. World Be Gone is a great collection of future classics like Love You to The Sky, Be Careful What You Wish For and Just a Little Love are gems but every song are well crafted pop songs in the timeless tradition of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke. I cannot wait for this tour.