Thinking About Culture, Pridefest, Livingston And The Blue Door

 

By C.S Gilbert

 

Just a two syllable word but it encompasses so very much of our world . . . and by our I refer to our shared culture, the amalgam of mores, folkways, values, ethics, practices, entertainments, ceremonies . . . the lot of what we believe and do.

According to Merriam Webster, “the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time. : A particular society that has its own beliefs, ways of life, art, etc. : A way of thinking.” Also “the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively, as 20th century popular culture.”

The title of this column was chosen mostly for rhyme and imagery; there may have been adult beverages involved. For the past year, it has focused mostly on the culture of the arts and entertainment, and that’s fine. I’m honored to turn my critic’s eye on all that’s out there and, often in turn, spotlight an exhibit or performance I think is well worth seeing/hearing/experiencing. I hope you, the reading audience, thinks it’s worth receiving.

When I sent out an alert on the approach of Pridefest in June, it was a nod to a very definite sub-culture, one that is prominent enough in Key West that the GLBT community has its own chamber of commerce, the almost 40-year old Business Guild, and gay/GLBT tourism is its own, separate category with the TDC.

June is the month most often selected as Pride Month and the time of Pride events because of the June 28, 1968, Stonewall Riot. Some soften that early-morning raid and the subsequent protest against severe discrimination and police corruption by calling it a rebellion; from a vantage point of almost a half-century of progress toward equality. I see it as a revolution, a wonderful revolution, almost as wonderful as the American Revolution in 1776.

Key West Pridefest, scheduled for June 11 through June 15 this year, traditionally features lots of parties, name entertainment, a street fair on Saturday and a parade on Sunday. All I can confirm at press time is the parade, which steps off at 5 p.m. and travels the entire length of Duval Street (well, to South Street, unless the route has changed recently). I’ll be riding in it as Equality Florida’s Voice of Equality this year. Should be fun. As for other events, stay tuned.

Back to our standard arts and entertainment: Congratulations to local trop rock superstar Howie Livingston; his “I’m Livin’ on an Island” (one of my favorites, probably the very favorite after “The Vandenberg,” but then I’m personally attached to her, thanks to Joe Weatherby, Sheri Lohr and JoEllen Sullinger) — anyway! — “I’m Livin’ on an Island” has been picked up as the theme song for the new Destination Communications series, “Buying the Beach,” part of the network’s Destination America programming. The song will reportedly be used to promote the show all over the world.

From trop rock to classical: South Florida Symphony is making sure classical music fans don’t go hungry this summer. Their Blue Door Summer Chamber Series II, The Grand Tour Celebrating Pride Month takes the stage at the Tennessee Williams Cabaret immediately after the parade, Sunday, June 15, with a reception at 7 p.m. and the concert at 7:30. On the program: Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet No. 2 and Barber’s String Quartet. Tickets are only $25 general admission and $35 reserved. Phone: 305-295-7676 or go to Keystix.com. Additional info: SouthFloridaSymphony.org

That’s it for this week! Gotta fly!

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