OK, baby-dolls, I did it. I quit the dinner show gig. My decision was mulled in anguish and torment, but I had to come to terms with the fact that I’m not variety entertainment – never was, never have been.
When I first started at the club there was a little bit of underground, funky feel that made me think it might work out. The guy who ran it was nice and the people who worked there were cool. Okay, the turquoise chairs were a bit 1980’s Miami Vice, but it was kind of campy. That and the fact that Fremont Street is planning a retro/hip renovation were enough to give it a chance. Then things started to get over-the-top cheesy. The addition of neon and fake plants, were the least of the horrors! So, alas, precious ones, I found myself in a dreadfully uncomfortable situation. That’s when the words of a friend from Texas came in handy. "Dance with what brung ya," she said. What brought me were the underground, the original circuit, the gay circuit, and the art circuit. That’s where my heart is and probably always will be. So that’s where I’m going… and do we ever have a fabulous gig coming up!
This Friday night, February 2nd, we’re playing the grand opening of the Third Street Revolution Gallery in the Las Vegas Arts District. Not everything is cheesy in Las Vegas, y’know! The new gallery is owned by artist Ezekiel Lee Orona and is located on 3rd Street, right next to Snick’s Place a little neighborhood gay bar and Art Space, which I believe, is either another gallery or a studio. Either way, the area is sooooo suited for us – not to mention I’m positively giddy about Lee’s artistic endeavor. I’m sure many of you have already heard of him, but for those who haven’t, you’ve absolutely got to check out his work. Gifted in both painting and sculpture, his use of color and texture will blow you away! So if you’ve got Friday night free, come on down to Third Street Revolution Gallery, see some awesome art and catch a show. It opens at about 5pm and we’re going on between 7pm and 8pm. There’s no cover.
Although I’m not totally sure of the date, we’ll also be playing the E String Bar & Grill in Henderson in the very near future. They’re a live music venue for local and national talent. On Mondays they’re starting a comedy night, so that’s when we’ll be playing. I suspect that since our show is only 90 minutes, we’ll be sharing the bill with a stand-up comic – at least it’s not a magician, celebrity impersonator, cover act or the standard Las Vegas variety talent fare that makes my skin crawl!
So darling ones, things are very shiny and bright here in Billy-ville. I know some people might think I’m crazy to give up a steady dinner show gig on Fremont Street, but at least I’m crazy on my own terms!
Kisses for days!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Saturday, January 13, 2007
More Bitching, Moaning & A Wardrobe Miracle
Good Morning Dolls!
I positively cannot believe my life is being dictated by, of all things, football, but alas this is the case. We've decided to stick around in Las Vegas a bit longer, but are changing our dates at the club to Sunday and Monday nights. We had the option of Tuesday nights as well, but since we never had a decent draw on a Tuesday, we decided to nix that idea. Anyway, the reason this all comes down to football is because of the Sunday night shows. This town is absolutely wild about football... and so is Mikey Pump! Since this weekend is the Championship games, we won't be starting until January 28th... then it will be EVERY Sunday and Monday night, except Sunday, February 4th, which is the Superbowl.
I suppose I should be used to the sports/entertainment concept by now. I once played a gig at a bar in Boston when the Red Sox were in the World Series. I don't remember who they were playing, but I clearly remember that night. We were playing to a bunch of backs. With their eyes glued to the TV screen, there was plenty of cheering... but not for us! I think the place could have burned to the ground and nobody would have noticed until the television combusted. So based on that, we will not be playing Superbowl Sunday!
I want to thank the person who left the anonymous comment to stick it out, as any encouragement at this point truly helps. I've launched my career over and over again on so many circuits. It seems you start out on a circuit, build your name and fame, get all the good gigs, etc., and then you realize you're at a dead end. That's when you have to make the choice as to whether you'll stay and play on that circuit forever, being a big fish in a little bowl, or moving up. Now I've loved every circuit I've played on -- especially the gay circuit -- so I never want to move up, but Todd isn't one to rest on his laurels, so up we go. Then we start all over again! So cupcakes, here I am in Las Vegas, doing it again. I guess the best way to describe the progression of my career is... Groundhog Day!
My, my, but I have been getting rather whiny with these blogs lately. Forgive me daaaaarlings... things truly aren't that bad. For example, the weather in Las Vegas has taken a bizarre turn -- it is 29 degrees this morning. Now I'm not saying I love to freeze, but the fact that I still fit into my coat from last year is certainly cause to rejoice. At first I was terrified to even try it on. I even toyed with the idea of taking to my bed until the deep freeze subsided. Then, in a moment of great strength, I grabbed it from its hanger in the back of my closet and put it on. Lo and behold, not only did it fit... I could button it! You can only imagine my relief.
So dolls, such is the story of my life. Have a wonderful weekend and, as always...
Stay Fabulous!
I positively cannot believe my life is being dictated by, of all things, football, but alas this is the case. We've decided to stick around in Las Vegas a bit longer, but are changing our dates at the club to Sunday and Monday nights. We had the option of Tuesday nights as well, but since we never had a decent draw on a Tuesday, we decided to nix that idea. Anyway, the reason this all comes down to football is because of the Sunday night shows. This town is absolutely wild about football... and so is Mikey Pump! Since this weekend is the Championship games, we won't be starting until January 28th... then it will be EVERY Sunday and Monday night, except Sunday, February 4th, which is the Superbowl.
I suppose I should be used to the sports/entertainment concept by now. I once played a gig at a bar in Boston when the Red Sox were in the World Series. I don't remember who they were playing, but I clearly remember that night. We were playing to a bunch of backs. With their eyes glued to the TV screen, there was plenty of cheering... but not for us! I think the place could have burned to the ground and nobody would have noticed until the television combusted. So based on that, we will not be playing Superbowl Sunday!
I want to thank the person who left the anonymous comment to stick it out, as any encouragement at this point truly helps. I've launched my career over and over again on so many circuits. It seems you start out on a circuit, build your name and fame, get all the good gigs, etc., and then you realize you're at a dead end. That's when you have to make the choice as to whether you'll stay and play on that circuit forever, being a big fish in a little bowl, or moving up. Now I've loved every circuit I've played on -- especially the gay circuit -- so I never want to move up, but Todd isn't one to rest on his laurels, so up we go. Then we start all over again! So cupcakes, here I am in Las Vegas, doing it again. I guess the best way to describe the progression of my career is... Groundhog Day!
My, my, but I have been getting rather whiny with these blogs lately. Forgive me daaaaarlings... things truly aren't that bad. For example, the weather in Las Vegas has taken a bizarre turn -- it is 29 degrees this morning. Now I'm not saying I love to freeze, but the fact that I still fit into my coat from last year is certainly cause to rejoice. At first I was terrified to even try it on. I even toyed with the idea of taking to my bed until the deep freeze subsided. Then, in a moment of great strength, I grabbed it from its hanger in the back of my closet and put it on. Lo and behold, not only did it fit... I could button it! You can only imagine my relief.
So dolls, such is the story of my life. Have a wonderful weekend and, as always...
Stay Fabulous!
Thursday, January 4, 2007
Happy New Year... I'm Losing My Mind!
Hey Doll-Babies!
It seems like absolute ages since I've written, but the truth is, I'm losing my mind. Las Vegas is swimming with variety talent and frankly, I'm choking on it! Celebrity impersonators of every stripe, tired cover acts, cheesy production shows are assaulting artistic integrity everywhere you turn. And since this is what defines the Las Vegas performer, what the hell am I doing here? We're the square pegs, honey-pies, in this round hole of unoriginality... and it's getting to me!
Tonight there was a couple from California at the show. After our second song, Diet Doctor, the woman called out, "You write your own songs, don't you?" When I told her we did, she said, "We really appreciate that!"
Angels, I positively wanted to jump off the stage, fall to my knees and kiss her feet! You have no idea how artistically stifled I feel playing in this town. I guess you could say Las Vegas venues are the MacDonald's of gigs. There are a few good, original clubs here, but mostly its tacky rooms featuring pretentious variety talent... now there's an oxymoron!
I like the club I work at, but it's really a culture shock for me. Where are the hot, hard-body bartenders with glowing Ultra-Brite smiles and charming personality? Why do all the men come in with women instead of other men? And if not the gay circuit, what about the original circuit in Boston where my career began? Where are the black walls, overflowing urinals and exposed wires? Where are all the other songwriters and original musicians? How the hell did I get so far away from home?
Oh sweet-ones, but is it not clear? I am definitely losing my mind in this facacta town.
As for our show, it's been a tough launch. Not only are we faced with promoting the show, but the club as well. It has no draw of its own, so each night is a gamble as to whether we'll get a decent sized house. We're thinking of switching to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights since a lot of venues are dark on those nights (thereby reducing the competition), or bailing all-together. I am torn between working to make it here in a town I don't really like, or heading back to where the water is warm -- 23 states east of the Mississippi. It's a tough call, but I plan on making a decision over the weekend.
So anyway, babies, I would love to know your opinion. Of course, prior to coming to Las Vegas, many of you already gave me your opinions -- too cheesy, keep away! But oh woe! I didn't listen. So where does a musical comedy cabaret show that came up from the original rock circuit to the gay circuit and finally to the Las Vegas variety circuit go next? If you have any ideas or just want to comfort me in my time of trauma and self-pity, send email to: thepumps@hotmail.com
Stay Fabulous, my little sweetheats!
It seems like absolute ages since I've written, but the truth is, I'm losing my mind. Las Vegas is swimming with variety talent and frankly, I'm choking on it! Celebrity impersonators of every stripe, tired cover acts, cheesy production shows are assaulting artistic integrity everywhere you turn. And since this is what defines the Las Vegas performer, what the hell am I doing here? We're the square pegs, honey-pies, in this round hole of unoriginality... and it's getting to me!
Tonight there was a couple from California at the show. After our second song, Diet Doctor, the woman called out, "You write your own songs, don't you?" When I told her we did, she said, "We really appreciate that!"
Angels, I positively wanted to jump off the stage, fall to my knees and kiss her feet! You have no idea how artistically stifled I feel playing in this town. I guess you could say Las Vegas venues are the MacDonald's of gigs. There are a few good, original clubs here, but mostly its tacky rooms featuring pretentious variety talent... now there's an oxymoron!
I like the club I work at, but it's really a culture shock for me. Where are the hot, hard-body bartenders with glowing Ultra-Brite smiles and charming personality? Why do all the men come in with women instead of other men? And if not the gay circuit, what about the original circuit in Boston where my career began? Where are the black walls, overflowing urinals and exposed wires? Where are all the other songwriters and original musicians? How the hell did I get so far away from home?
Oh sweet-ones, but is it not clear? I am definitely losing my mind in this facacta town.
As for our show, it's been a tough launch. Not only are we faced with promoting the show, but the club as well. It has no draw of its own, so each night is a gamble as to whether we'll get a decent sized house. We're thinking of switching to Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights since a lot of venues are dark on those nights (thereby reducing the competition), or bailing all-together. I am torn between working to make it here in a town I don't really like, or heading back to where the water is warm -- 23 states east of the Mississippi. It's a tough call, but I plan on making a decision over the weekend.
So anyway, babies, I would love to know your opinion. Of course, prior to coming to Las Vegas, many of you already gave me your opinions -- too cheesy, keep away! But oh woe! I didn't listen. So where does a musical comedy cabaret show that came up from the original rock circuit to the gay circuit and finally to the Las Vegas variety circuit go next? If you have any ideas or just want to comfort me in my time of trauma and self-pity, send email to: thepumps@hotmail.com
Stay Fabulous, my little sweetheats!
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