Pen and Ink

He's one of us.

The current issue of Out has a one-pager on Broadway star Gavin Creel. Apparently he's gay. I've seen him on stage and wasn't sure about but it shouldn't surprise me. Broadway actor. Hmm...go figure.

I first came to know of Creel when he starred as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie a few years.  Yeah, he was pretty and all that, but what really struck me about him was his voice.  Just stunning, with a wonderful clarity.

I then found him on a studio album for an old, old musical called Fine and Dandy. He's on a couple of other cabaret-type albums that I have and also has his own solo album called Goodtimenation.

He's currently starring in the revival of Hair, playing the part of Claude.

But more than just a pretty face and a gorgeous voice, he's also doing good works.  He's a co-founder of Broadway Impact, a grassroots coalition of the theatre community and its fans, mobilizing in support of marriage equality.

Faces of pride (part 2).

Here are some more pictures from Miami Beach Pride over the weekend, these with some captions.

Parade Marshall Patti Labelle

Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower. She gets my respect for helping drive the creation of this event.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorensen.

I don't know who this is, but I just loved her lips.

As I was standing in the street photographing, this woman's car went by in the parade. She called me over and declared, "You are so gorgeous!"  Gotta lover her.

The parade featured a whole bunch of "Legacy Couples."  This is Mark and Dennis, who really are wonderful guys. 

This woman was on a float. I thought she was stunningly beautiful.

Don't ask.

Faces of pride (part one).

Miami Beach had its first gay pride event in many, many years yesterday. There was a tremendous turn-out and the city -- especially its mayor, Matti Bower -- should be congratulated for its efforts.  The weather was stunning, the parade colorful, and the crowds peaceful, as one would expect.

I took advantage of the situation to try out the zoom lens I just purchased for my new camera. I'm really happy with the results.  Enjoy these faces of pride, Miami Beach style.

 

 

Right before our eyes.

For some time now, I've been fascinated with the Wynwood area of Miami. 

According to Wikipedia, Wynwood is home to one of the largest Puerto Rican enclaves in Miami. It is also referred to as "Little San Juan," and commonly known as "El Barrio" as many Puerto Ricans began immigrating to this neighborhood from the island and northeastern cities in the 1950s.

The part of the neighborhood that particularly interests me is known as the Wynwood Arts District.  This is an area of old warehouses, car repair places and even a cement factory.  But it's changing rapidly, right before our eyes. With the advent of the Art Basel Miami Beach annual art orgy, Miami is becoming known as an art and design destination.  Wynwood is now teaming with galleries and artist studios.

But it hasn't become pristine, as my friend Rob and I found out as we took a photographic stroll through the neighborhood.  It has its grit and grime, padlocks and homeless sleeping on the sidewalk.

But artistic touches are making their way into the urban landscape. It's all changing right before our eyes.

 

Do, re, mi.

Those Belgians have all the fun!