..., ., .. i l A -3.-,i-—~r‘ -w ,-mg;-_a.. ::IP 3.. ..,.. us... r.....7-— /--w 14.— OUT IN THE MOUNTAINS — NOVEMBER 1997 I reviews ngws and by Jean Marc REVIEWED BY DONNA FREEMAN I really am a mas- ochist, you know, be- cause I truly love a good mystery novel. And I keep trying to find a fabulously well—written one amongst the racks belonging to lesbian fiction. .One good th about this latest piece dc résistancrz is. tha ’ enough of anything that is good. Sorry, I c : self. Seriously, the book was entertaining en: me awake and provide diversion from the s \ found myself under. Beyond that, I am still and remain in search of the perfect lesbian rn‘ “fig ‘Murders did have many goo I e choice of partner for Sar ” aged, nearly incompetent, but really kinds 1 ner of a Detective Kate Delafield from ano , mystery series. But in this mystery, Det. Ne‘ cally invisible, barely more than a cardboard shooting range. Why is is that lesbian myé believe the strength of their lesbian detectiv on the incompetence of their straight In What are they trying to prove? Det. Lindstrom, affectionately cal Queen”, is not much better. At least her ch ' dimensional instead of one. What little we tells me she is a controlling, judgmental, in whose idea of a personal life is the occasi relieve pressure. Not particularly someone to know. If the author had expanded this dude more personality for her characters, differently. Meg Darcy at least gives us a glimpse QA irr- CEMETERY MU december “MON DAY GLITTER, World AIDS Day, “Philadel- phia:” the first major motion picture to deal with AIDS. 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Rhombus Gallery, College & Church Sts. in Burlington, 2nd floor. FMI call Steven Kopstein at 802-434-5653 or email: GLlTTERvt@aol. aTUESDAY "Your Estate: How to Plan It,” pre- sented by Fletcher Allen Health Care Development Office, 10 am - 12 pm - (7-9 pm on the 3rd), Sheraton Burlington Conference Center Amphitheatre. Register by calling 802-858-2887, $15/person, 825/ couple. WEDNESDAY “I Am What I Am” training for those working with g/I/b/t/q youth, 9 am - 4 pm, Hanover NH. FMI Planned Par- enthood 1-800-488-9638 “Drag Kings and Subjects," written, directed, and performed by NewYork- based Diane Torr and co., 8 pm, Goddard College, Haybarn Theater, $5.00 Danny Hoch community workshop, including issues of diversity and rac— 2 ism, 6 - 7 pm, American Legion Hall, Vergennes. $5. To register call 802- 877-6737 “TH U RSDAY Danny Hoch community workshop, including issues of diversity and rac— BY MICHAEL C. ALBERO magine... it is a freezing winter night in the heart of downtown Burlington. ’ Christmas has just concluded and everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a prom- ising new year. The holiday season is still in vibrant bloom and thriving in many places throughout the city, including Club Metronome, where tonight's featured act, ”Chin Ho!,” is performing to the plea- sure of a sold out audience. Perhaps it is the rhythms-of the music or maybe itis the thick, smoky atmosphere," however, there is an uncontrollable feel- ing of excitement in the air. Sensing this intoxicating mix- ture, one band member abruptly breaks from the stage to become a part of the unruly crowd. He does not join them though, rather he floats on top of them, ”crowd surfing,” en- joying the madness which he has helped to create. As the ' many hands explore every part of his body, he continues to drift in the direction of the sound board, when suddenly the awareness arises that he must return to the stage in or- der to finish the song in progress. Glancingdownward he tries to direct the throng of arms that now support him, but his attention is diverted by two familiar, awestruck faces. Immediately, despite the dim lighting and thrilling tinglings pervading his body, he warmly greets these people. ”Hi mom! Hi dad!" It was then that Andrew Smith, an openly ”out” lead vocalist and co—founder of the band "Chin Hol,” achieved the success for which he had been striving, and a ”budding” career began his sexual orientation. Although success did not arrive until recently, Andrew's rise to the top of the local mu- sic scene began during his youth. ”(When) my sister's fi- ancee gave me the first ‘Clash’ album, it started a fever that I couldn't control. My parents were big music fans and they gave me the Beatles’ ’White’ album....” Further inspiration was gained from the sounds of ”Velvet Underground,” whom Andrew sites as a major influ- ence during the formation of ”Chin Ho!”. The band began as the result of a relationship with David Morency, a guitarist and music major who first met An- drew while studying at Johnson State College. The two were roommates until Smith transferred to the Uni- versity of New Haven, and eventually they discovered each other again; living on the same street in Burlington. During their period apart, David ”had amassed numer- ous different tracks, which I wrote the words to and that is how we made the first ‘Chin Ho!’ tape,” said Smith. Yet despite producing the tape, Andrew felt he was lacking in talent. ”I was also scared to death of people. The first whole year I had to get drunk to get on stage. ‘Chin Ho!’ sucked. Now I need that ner- vous energy. But then I was a drunk guy in a dress. I did it to antagonize the rednecks. There I was in a lemon-chiffon gown and singing Madonna to provoke people. It was the best way to get remembered, to get in their face.” Today it is no longer nec- essary for Andrew to focus all of his energy toward ”getting in their (society's) face,” as the band is well known through- out New England; a result of Smith's ”outspokenness” and his firm belief that ”every ra- dio station assumes their aver- age listener is dumb.” Most recently in a major music pub- lication, he stressed his dis- pleasure with Burlington’s al- ternative rock radio station, "The Buzz,” concerning the lack of air—play for local bands. Also according to Smith, this CHIN HO!, p16 ism, 7 pm, Plainfield Town Hall, Plainfield. $5. To register call 802- 229-9408. VT PWA Coalition Public Policy Steer- ing Committee meeting, 6:30 pm, VT CARES office, 73 Main St. Room 23, 2nd floor Montpelier. People with H|V/ AIDS and service providers are strongly encouraged to participate. FMI, please call the Coalition at 1-800- 698-8792 UMass Amherst, Amy Hoffman will discuss new book "Hospital Time — A Memoir of Taking Care of Friends with AIDS,’' 12:30 pm in Campus Cen- ter 803. FMI 413-545-4824. 9 FRIDAY Silent auction by Addison County Women In Crisis of 50 autographed books to raise funds for programs, 4 - 6 pm, Fire & lce restaurant in Middlebury. Live music, cash bar and refreshments. Karen Brooks Clayworks public recep- tion, 5-7 pm at Phoenix Rising one flight up at 104 Main St., Montpelier. Kate & Anna McGarrigle perform at the Flynn Theatre, Burlington. $23.50, $18.50. FMl call 802-863-5966. 5-6: “New Directions Conferencef Next Steps for MSM Prevention,” Bos- ton MA, FMI Carey (802) 254-8263 SATU RDAY Lakes 8 Mountains 12th Annual Christmas Party & Yankee Swap, 6 PM, FMI: 603-726-366? Plant Jam, a benefit dance for com- munity gardeners, 7 — 10 pm, Edmund’s Middle School Cafeteria, Burlington. Sliding fee $6-$12. FMI 863-6248. Manhattan Pizza presents the Steph Pappas Experience, 10 pm, no cover. Danny Hoch: Jails, Hospitals & Hip Hops at the Flynn Theatre in Burlington, 8 pm. $18, $14. FMI call 802-863-5966.