· An absolutely scathing review of Patti LaBelle's appearance at Black Gay Pride: Before a cameo by Jennifer Hudson, Patti performed two songs, "barely a half an hour on stage" and "set a new low for doing the bare minimum. It was a near-insulting tossing of a musical bone, especially to a paying crowd. Perhaps she’s not much in the mood for concertizing after her gospel tour was canceled earlier this year."
· Voting 5-4, the Supreme Court rules workers cannot sue "under a federal job-bias law to claim they are underpaid because of gender or race discrimination that occurred years earlier."
· For the fourth year in a row, HIV cases in Cleveland have increased. "Officials are especially concerned about the number of AIDS diagnoses in black and Hispanic males under age 30 in the past three years."
· White House nominates Robert Zoellick, former U.S. Trade Representative, to head the World Bank.
· An op-ed in The Chicago Defender on the 2003 murder of 15-year-old Sakia Gunn in Newark. "[She] is only one of many young black women who have been assaulted because of their sexuality...These crimes against Gunn, the 11 year old girl with an innocent crush, the 22 year old church-goer and others are crimes against our entire community; we must always demand justice for the survivors."
Wow, this is some wrap up for the day, so many stories to comment on. Good to see that some mainstream black publication is addressing the issues of violence towards young black women who raped, beat down, and sadly murdered. And, that one "preacher" who raped a young woman to rid her of the "lesbian demon?" Just what "God" is he praying to or speaking for?
Patti La Belle? I would bet you a latte that she would have not copped out with this sort of lame "show" at the West Hollywood Pride or SF in this way, and maybe she should think about doing a Tina Turner, retire. And, I'm a fan, and met her a few years ago when we stayed at the same hotel, a beautiful, kind woman, but, its time to relax and not be up at 12:45 in the morning to do a gig. And, that writer of the article was funny, one of a few hotel guys there, and time slowed for him, I wonder if he felt invisible as many black gays do at white venues, LMAO!
The Supreme Court? I have not one shred of respect for this Neo Conservative tribunal for the rich, since the next 25 years will be dominated by the right wing, out of touch element of this country.
Posted by: Luther | 29 May 2007 at 22:02
Yea, some news to wrap the day. Its incredible how much violence is committed against black gay men and lesbians--black people in general, unfortunately often by our own hands. And its so unfortunate that some of it is done in teh name of religion.
Patti LaBelle needs to sit down. Two songs? $50? That's a low down dirty shame. Her black gay fans have always stood by her, she is taking us for granted.
Good point Luther. The circuit boys in West Hollywood and Chelsea would NEVER stand for this.
Posted by: joseph b.a. | 30 May 2007 at 00:12
I think the writer was just tired and pissed, plus was this billed as a concert or an appearance?
Posted by: mrcee | 30 May 2007 at 00:15
It was an appearance and you paid for the entire night not just for seeing Patti. Thus why I don't read the white gay periodicals.
Posted by: Derrick | 30 May 2007 at 10:12
As one who stood and waited in the throngs of folks for Ms. LaBelle Sunday night, i too was disappointed. While I didn't expect a full concert, I did expect more than a half hearted effort of two songs.
Had it not been for Jennifer Hudson, who's vocals by the way, blew Ms. LaBelle off the stage, the night would have been a complete disappointment. Jennifer saved the day.
Posted by: seanndc | 30 May 2007 at 10:12
I don't think race has much to do this. Two people above said they were at the club and shared the exact same sentiments. I haven't heard any good reviews of Patti's "appearance."
If Janet or Cher or Patti had appeared at a (white) gay club in NYC Gay Pride or San Francisco Gay Pride, as they often have, and the club had doubled its door price, and they only graced the stage for two incomplete numbers ... the kids still would have let them have it. Even more so.
Some of my brothers need to put to put things into perspective. I think Rod does a very good job of looking at events from different perspectives. A good performance is a good performance. I'd rather read a review of a Patti or Diana concert or appearance from a non-fan. The fans will put up with anything just to see their diva.
Posted by: rex | 30 May 2007 at 10:58
the price of Love would have been fifty or close to it even if Patti didn't appear. It is without adoubt one of the most expensive venues in DC.
Posted by: Derrick | 30 May 2007 at 14:43
Sometimes good performers have bad nights.
I was there. It was a lame appearance. I've seen Patti in concert and also at Pride weekends. Just like Rex, I've also seen Cher, Madonna, janet and others make club "appearances." Patti's weekend event was very lame. Period. Still love her, but, the promoters and Patti should have offered more.
Posted by: ca | 30 May 2007 at 15:01
OK lets set the record straight here. General admission to this event was only $35.
The price wasn't too much more than what it was last year for this same party. So hey. It was what it was.
Pati showed up. We got our drink and dance on. And life continues to go on.
Posted by: seanndc | 30 May 2007 at 16:23
Patti found out that the party that she was doing was not sponsored by DC Black Pride but she showed up anyway. She was deceived by the promoter thinking she was doing a Black Pride show.
Posted by: Ralph | 31 May 2007 at 07:26
Patti found out that the party that she was doing was not sponsored by DC Black Pride but she showed up anyway. She was deceived by the promoter thinking she was doing a Black Pride show.
Posted by: Ralph | 31 May 2007 at 07:27
Patti found out that the party that she was doing was not sponsored by DC Black Pride but she showed up anyway. She was deceived by the promoter thinking she was doing a Black Pride show.
Posted by: Ralph | 31 May 2007 at 07:28
Well, I have to agree - it's not really a race thing. A bad show is a bad show. And this was touted as a HUGE deal here in DC - it's been in the papers and everything, so she should have come a bit harder than that. And aside from that, I'm always leery of any shit at Love. They charge too much and the crowd is generally ghetto. Any place with freestanding metal detectors, guards that PAT YOU DOWN after you walk through them, and barking guards inside is too much for me, and it says something about their clientele. And then to charge all that money too? They can have it. That would be why I don't party at at straight spots, especially the black ones.
Posted by: Me | 31 May 2007 at 09:38