Can you believe we’re 5 months into the year already. It’s May. The azaleas are in bloom, the tulips are up, it’s light until 8 or so and it’s time to get out and enjoy not only the weather, but also the party scene. As usual, I’ve been racking up the miles on the Vista Cruiser making sure that I can bring you the low down on all your favorite spots. But first, a few special announcements.

In case you didn’t realize it, this month is Mother’s Day. Yep… it’s here again. And if you’re at a loss for what to do, I have a few suggestions.

What mother doesn’t like jewelry, especially when she doesn’t have to buy it for herself? Both Blue Goldsmiths in Biltmore Village and Jeweler’s Workbench in Waynesville either already have, or can create that perfect piece of gold, silver, or diamond-filled-whatever that will make any Mom forgive a whole year’s worth or aggravation.

Jewelry a little out of your budget? How about flowers? Steve Jaffe over a Merrimon Florist (that’s on Merrimon Avenue, Summer) will create the perfect arrangement for your special Mother and make sure it arrives fresh, lovely, and on time, even if your Mom is out of town.

If flowers won’t work either, there’s always food. Take Mom out to one of the many restaurants I feature in my column monthly. Bonefish Grill will be open as usual (but make your reservations early as they do fill up). The Pub at Charlotte Street Pub will be open regular hours. Again, make your reservations early. Or better yet, forget about the reservations and getting all dressed up. Stop by Picnics Restaurant and get something to go… and don’t forget about one of their wonderful desserts too. But you’ll have to do that on Saturday as Picnics is closed on Sundays.

Nothing sound good so far, I know, give her one of my favorites… a day of beauty. Stop in and see Terra at Beauty Parade, or Shane at Infusion… both located on Haywood Road in West Asheville and pick up a gift certificate for a special day of pampering. If you’re still at a loss after all this, drop me an email at misssinclair@gmail.com and I’ll give your situation some special thought.

Another date to remember in May is May 10th, Equality NC will be throwing a fundraiser at beautiful Club Eleven (upstairs at Scandals). From 6 to 8 pm, hosts Dan Ray, Equality NC board member Jerri Goldberg, Eva Hartman, and my boss, OIA’s publisher, Ira Schultz will give you an evening to remember. Good food, great cocktails, kicking entertainment by the one and only Pamala Stanley. All to benefit Equality NC. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets in advance, log on their website at www.equalityNC.org and follow the links. If you’re coming in from out of town and want to make a weekend of it, Cedar Crest Inn and Springhill Suites are both offering special event rates for the weekend.

Now, down to the business at hand. Let’s Party… and I’ve got it all for you… but first, we must keep our strength up and that means food. Are you hungry???

Picnics Restaurant and Bake Shop. Home cooking and baking just like Grandma's, served to everyone with our sincere commitment to fast and friendly service. Available as Casual Dine-In cafeteria-style service or as Meals to Go in the wink of an eye! Picnics is located one mile North of I-240 on Route 25, Merrimon Ave in North Asheville. Tuesday through Saturday. 11:30AM to 8PM Stop by and tell owner Ron that you heard about him from me.

Charlotte Street Grill and Pub on Charlotte Street continues to be one of my consistent favorites. Owners Junell and Rose create an intimate dining atmosphere, and Chef Ravi Rector’s masterpieces always live up to my expectations. And if you’re hungry late, a lighter menu is available downstairs in the Pub, not to mention some of the best libations this side of Charlotte Street. Serving Lunch, Dinner, and Late Night Fare (hours are seasonal so call ahead to make sure they’re open), or for just a “pint”… make it to Charlotte Street Grill and Pub… Way to go girls!

Now, a standard on Tunnel Road, just a few blocks away from the Asheville Mall is Bonefish Grill. I just can’t say enough about Bonefish Grill. Dave and his staff create the perfect combination for a wonderful dinner experience. Start your dinner with one of Bonefish Grill’s signature Martinis, or a glass of wine from their over the top selection. Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer is a must and anything else at all off the menu before their Bananas Foster Dessert is my recommendation.

General Manager, Dave Herrington tells Ms. Sinclair of some of their new drink specials. “We are now offering $1.50 Draft Bud Lights, a $5.00 feature Red and White Wine and a $5 featured Martini Monday thru Friday, in addition to our $5.95 martinis on Sunday” says Dave.  “No more $3 house.” You can always call the restaurant at 828-298-6530 or email David at bg9403@bonefishgrill.com for more daily information or for (highly recommended) reservations.

I know, I know… I always start in Hickory, but this month, something different. There are two very special events this month in the Upstate of South Carolina so let’s first head down the mountain to Greenville.

This Saturday Night, May 3rd marks the end of AID Upstate’s Dining with Friends annual fundraiser and as always this means it’s time for The Red Party. Each year hosts from around the Upstate work together to raise support and awareness for AID Upstate — the nonprofit AIDS service organization exclusively serving HIV+ individuals in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties by hosting Dining with Friends events.

THE RED PARTY is the finale to Dining with Friends. Everyone who participates in a Dining with Friends dinner along with the general public is invited to the finale. This event is a big celebration of the success of our fundraising season. Desserts are served along with beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Our favorite local DJ provides music and entertainment. Dining with Friends guests will receive a token at their dinner party to get into The Red Party for free; everyone else is asked to make a minimum $50 donation.

These events provide AID Upstate with significant financial resources. They use the community support raised during Dining with Friends to provide supportive services to people and families living with HIV/AIDS in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties. Once Again, the Handlebar located on Stone Avenue will host The Red Party. For more information about this special event, log on to www.aidupstate.org and follow the links.

Also in Greenville, on May 8th The Sugar Shack, along with OIA, and The Peace Center of Greenville will be throwing a 1920’s styled Martini Party in anticipation of the opening of The Drowsy Chaperone at The Peace Center May 13th thru the 18th. This wildly funny musical has developed a huge gay following during its run both on Broadway and National Tour. Join the two Stephanie’s, Stephanie Howard, owner of the Sugar Shack, and me, Stephanie Sinclair for a night of fun, prizes and previews of this outrageous production. Come dressed in your best 20’s outfits and enter our costume contest. You can win tickets to the show, CDs, and much Peace Center Swag. See the display ad on our back page for more details of the event.

Speaking  of the Sugar Shack in Greenville, a few of their other May highlights are,  on May 3rd and the 24th, It’s their over the top Dance and Karaoke Party with the one and only, Donna B. On May 10, Julie Schurr returns to the Sugar Shack for another live concert. As always, every Friday Night, catch the best Drag Kings and Queens in the Upstate as Randy O’Reilly hosts The Sugar Daddies. Thursdays at the Sugar Shack it’s Live DJ spinning your dancing and listening favorites with No Cover and Great Drink Specials. Sundays, the Sugar Shack presents the Upstate’s only Beer Pong Tournament… $2 Beers and again, no cover. You can always log on to their website at www.sugarshackclub.com for the latest news and happenings at Greenville’s Premier Night Spot, the Sugar Shack.

OK, now… let’s head north and peek in on that not-so-sleepy town off of I-40, Hickory.

Our first stop in Hickory… Club Cabaret, open Thursday thru Sunday, from 9:30, is a must on your party stop. Some of the nightly features at Club Cabaret are Thursday Night …College night with DJ Zin spinning the best of the 80’s high-energy dance music. Friday night at Club Cabaret is show night, bringing you some of the biggest names in local female impersonation such as Shana Nicole, Kristin Collins and Victoria Victors. Saturday Night at Club Cabaret is dance night. Come on out and shake what you got to the live DJ spinning all your dance favorites… and you’ll never know who might take to the stage to perform at midnight. Sunday Night at Club Cabaret is your night to shine, whether it’s talent night, or karaoke, or open mic. Come out and show what you’ve got. It’s always a good time at Club Cabaret. I know when I’m in Hickory; Club Cabaret is on my list of stops.

Club and Pageant owner, Jeff Reeves tells Miss Sinclair that there are some incredible plans in the works for Club Cabaret in the near future. Will they be new pageants, Theme nights, Over the top special events and guests… log on to their website at www.clubcabaret.net or just read about it in my weekly report in Come Out and Play.

Now, down the street, The Chameleon is making waves. Owner David and Manager James tells Miss Sinclair that some of Chameleon’s new weekly events. Tuesday Night it’s Free Pool Night …with free pool and $1.25 drafts. Members admitted free until 10. Wednesdays it’s 123 Karaoke with Tate. $1 Drafts, $2 well shots and $3 well drinks. Thursday The Chameleon brings you DJ Arod’s Dance Party. Arod will be mixing your favorites all night long. Friday is Dance night at Club Chameleon. Come hear all your favorite songs spun by our house DJ Spike.. And remember, there’s no cover before 10pm. Saturday Night is Show Night at Club Chameleon starring the wonderful talents of Chamel Toe K.C. Collins, Tj Hooker, Mike Hunt (not the Republican) Macy McCall, Adrian St. Claire, And Violet. Plus special guests from time to time. Show time is 11:30 and 1 am.

Ask your favorite bartender about our $4.75 well drinks and $4.25 well shots. Sundays at The Chameleon Tate is back with Working Man’s Karaoke and Chameleon Idol. Tired of going to those clubs that offer karaoke only to find it doesn't start till 11pm or you have to sit and watch a drag show first. Well here's your chance to come out, sing and still get up in time for work in the morning with Working man's Sunday. Karaoke starts at 8pm with KJ Tate ending the weekend in style, her style that is. Chameleon Idol Starts at 11:30. Check out a few of our Chameleon only drink specials, sing your favorite songs and cheer on your favorite Idol.

Also new at The Chameleon, starting May 7th they will be holding their1st Drag Queen Idol hosted by the one and only Chamel Toe starting at 10 pm. Contestants are asked to arrive At 8 pm. registration ends at 9pm

Finally, returning to The Chameleon, the Ultimate Bitch, Mr. Charlie Brown on May 30th.
As always, for up to the minute details on these or any other club specials, read my weekly column in OIA’s Come Out and Play.

OK, let’s pile back into the Vista Cruiser for the trip back up the mountain to Asheville. Parking on Broadway, our first stop is Smokey’s After Dark.

The gang at Smokey’s After Dark consistently provides a safe, comfortable venue in the heart of Downtown Asheville. Beer and Balls Monday with Trent is still going strong at Smokey’s After Dark. Robby, continues the tradition of Tuesday 80’s night. 80’s music, 80’s prices (well on that night’s special anyway), and even 80’s clothes, so break out the polyester. Hump Day Bingo and Bourbon on Wednesdays… Fun and Prizes. You might even see me rolling the cage a night or two. Thursday at Smokey’s - Trent is back. Friday kicks the weekend off at Smokey’s, and Saturday it’s Hot men, Hot music, and Hot times Smokey’s style… finally Sunday at Smokey’s is $3 Tequila Sunrises… and you know what the song says… Tequila makes your clothes fall off. And don’t forget, at Smokey’s, there’s never a cover charge.

Now, just two doors down from Smokey’s is Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues. If unique is what you seek, than you’ve arrived at the right spot. From the moment you walk through the historic front door, you’re magically transported to the Nola’s French Quarter right in the heart of Asheville. Before you settle in for some great live entertainment, you’ve got to check out the Martini List. It’s one of the most extensive I’ve seen in Asheville, the Blue Skyy is my personal favorite. Once you’ve got your adult beverage of choice, grab a table and get ready to be wowed by the line up of entertainment at Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues.

Not so new on Tressa’s weekly line up but growing weekly is Industry Night… yes Tressa’s is open on Monday Night with their consistent great service, libations and fun. You’re your industry ID for a waived cover and let the good times roll. Tuesdays continue strong with Chuck Lichtenberg and his special formats of emulating the great jazz styles of the masters, and Wednesdays Ladies Night is always a hit. SRO weekends are the norm at Tressa’s with top name entertainment such as Funky 4 corners, Peggy Ratsuz, or Ruby Mayfield. Don’t forget that on Friday and Saturday, the smoke-free Luxury Lounge upstairs is open for a breath of fresh air.

Let’s move over to French Broad and check out what’s happening at Club Hairspray.. First though, their weekday lineup.

Monday nights….Girl’s Night Out w/Lynn and DJ Heat playing the top hits. Free pool and $1.00 PBR and $3.00 Lemon Drops. So come out and start your weekend right!!!!

Tuesday nights….A varied line up. Pay attention. On the 6th and the 20th, Strip Tease Lessons with DJ Janie Rocks, On the 13th and the 27th,Open Mic with Jazz and DJ Janie Rocks. Tuesday’s drink specials are $2 Miller Lites and $3 Kamikazes.

Wednesday nights....Water Water Everywhere. From Wet T-Shirt and Boxer Contests to Wet Wrestling. The lovely Lynn and DJ Heat serve up $2 Yuenglings and $3 Buttery Nipples… and lots of wet people.

Thursday nights…. College Night with Sound Extreme Karaoke. Show your college ID at the door for specials with you in mind.  $2 Michelob Ultra and $4.00 Red Headed Sluts.

Friday nights….Drag Kings or Live Music to tickle your fancy! Yes, Every other Friday we give you a lil variety w/ Kings from all over the South or live music from your local favorites like Jazz or Nikki Talley! $2.00 Bud Lights and $4.00 Wells (These include- house Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, and house Whiskey!!!) 

Saturday nights….Show night and Karaoke Night with Sound Extreme. Drink specials all night long are $2 Yuenglings and $4 Jager Bombs.

Some special dates for you May calendar at Club Hairspray are:

Friday May 2nd, the one and only Kat Williams, live in concert. Friday, May 9th, Hot and Ready, Drag King Troup at 11pm. Saturday May 10th, Pimps and Hoes Costume Theme Party. Friday, May 16th Jazz Salm in concert at 10:30. Friday, May 23rd, Sugar Daddies at 11 pm. Friday, May 30th, Bentley Andrews at 10:30. Saturday, May 31st, Red Benefit Party. Club Hairspray continues to help out Suzin Bean & Megan. Once is just not enough.

Now, moving on the the tri-plex of fun, O. Henry’s, Straps, and LaRue’s - it’s a jam packed month.

May events for O. Henry's and Straps, with the new month, owner Pete Moyle tells me that there is a new “Membership Has Its Privileges Privilege”. You have to stop in to find out what it is… (very sneaky Pete). Now hear this… O. Henry's is posting a new 'chocolate' martini menu, four delicious martinis to choose from, all the same price!!  These are sure to fancy your fancy!!  O. Henry's continues to offer up free billiards on both Wednesday and Sunday, the tables are open the entire day and evening, not just the slow hours of the day !!  Wednesday evenings from 6pm til 8pm is the ever increasingly popular Cribbage night with $2.00 Bud and Bud lights! If you don’t’ know how to play, don’t let that stop you, THEY’LL TEACHING HOW, And Sunday continues with $3.00 Bloody Marys and some $2.00 beers!  So both free billiard days come with even more of an enhancement to Come Out And Play! (Get it? My weekly column, how clever). 
Every day at O. Henry's there are drink specials posted and featured drinks offered!  The oldest gay bar in the entire state of North Carolina continues to be open each and every day of the year from 2pm till 3am. 

Every Saturday night the Asheville Angels (a Natalie Smalls production) offer up female impersonation at its very best!  And I should know - I am now a member of the house cast. Showtime is Midnight!  

Speaking of Natalie Smalls, the Diva herself announces her May line-up.

Saturday, May 3rd, Tia Chanella, reigning Miss O. Henry’s. The Real Housewife of Buncombe County, Stephanie Sinclair (that’s me!!!). And the Look and Feel of Real, Miss Adara McDaniels. 

On Saturday, May 10th. The lovely Amanda Blake, all the way from Greenville SC. The Mouth of the South, Miss Tiffany Stone, and the Testosteronally overcharged, Mr. Butch.
Saturday, May 17th, the reigning Miss Shamrock, Cierra Nicole, the Grand Diva herself, Natalie Smalls. The Legend of the South and Miss Western North Carolina Leather 2008, Gilda.

On May 24th, the incredible Versage direct from Nashville. The Ebony Goddess, Miss Lisa Fontaine, and the singing drag queen Miss Phoebe Fabu.

 Rounding out the month on the 31st former Miss O. Henry’s and The Discount Drag Queen herself, Miss Summer Clearence. The Red-headed Vixen, Miss Roxxann Morgan, and everyone’s favorite (thank her!) Miss Cookie Larue.

Extra special events in May are both the WNC Leathermen's 'Stud Finder' party on Friday May 10th (this will be as well attended and exciting as their 'Bolts and Nuts' party). Come on out and find the biggest stud. And on Friday May 16th Organic Entertainment presents ‘Meet The Meat’ a night of Male Strippers.  I myself along with Drew Haynesworth host four very talented out of town male exotic dancers to O. Henry's for a night of breath taking excitement !! Showtime is Midnight!   

Straps, the ever increasingly popular Asheville Leather bar, offers up $2.00 16 ounce draft beer on both Fridays and Saturday nights of each week, and is the home of the newly formed WNC Leathermens Club, which meets each and every first Saturday night of each month.  Jamie (their handsome, dimple carrying, hot bartender) opens at 8pm and is now offering a full selection of beers and mixed drinks in his small but very masculine atmosphere. Hottie Jamie tells Miss Sinclair that now that the Jolie Rouge has closed, he welcome’s their alternative crowd to join in. Also new at Straps, is “Fancy Your Fetish” Fridays. Come out representing your favorite Fetish and enjoy Jamie’s featured Friday Drink, the Golden Shower. Saturday’s at Straps, it’s Levi or Leather (Jamie too).

At the back of the building, LaRue’s maintains it iconic status as The Loungyest Lounge Around.   

News News News… I am a harbinger of news (that means I know stuff, Summer). Kat Williams coming to The Back Door in early May. At press time, Cookie was still holding out for Kat to drop her price but I’m sure they’ll come to a meeting of the pocketbooks. Check Cookie’s myspace page for details. At www.myspace.com/laruesbackdoor.

Really Big News, Friday May 23rd and again, Friday, May 30th , (we all know that once is not enough for Cookie). Cookie LaRue and Frankie Sitz return to The Back Door with their soon to be Off, Off, Off, Off, Off Broadway… Between Iraq and a Hard Place. Tickets on sale at the bar now.

Lastly, on Thursday, May 29th, LaRue’s Backdoor is proud to announce an opening night reception for the local photographer Zak Rains as he debuts his one man show of photographs entitled Cookie As Art  (can she get any bigger?).

The O. Henry's triplex (O. Henry's, Straps, and LaRue’s) has all three bars open on the weekends offering up a diversity of atmospheres and motifs to choose from... and they ask you to 'Come Out And Play' (oh, I did it again!!!) with them!!

Now remember, I am always getting more information and details throughout the month and I share them with you weekly in my column in Come Out and Play with OIA. Make sure you’re subscribed to this new and exciting service to the GLBTQ community of the Carolinas. You’ll never be in the dark, after dark, again.

Drive carefully, play safely, and drink responsibly. I want you back next month.

Kisses,
Stephanie Sinclair