Friday, June 25, 2010

Taylor Dayne sings the Gay Games Song

We LOVE it!

(copy and paste this link into your browser to hear it): http://www.games-cologne.de/en/gay-games/song)

Soul Diva Taylor Dayne will sing the official song for Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. The American singer will perform the song “Facing a Miracle” at the opening ceremony on July 31 in the RheinEnergieStadium. Taylor Dayne became well known in the 80s, when she had an international hit with “Tell it to my heart”.

Annette Wachter, manager of the Gay Games Cologne gGmbH, is looking forward to meeting the US star: “We are enthusiastic that an international artist like Taylor Dayne is supporting the sport- and cultural event.” The song was well received from the start. Contracts have been signed with the management of the singer. Taylor Dayne is well known in the USA for her charity engagements, recorded the song, a short time ago in California.

With “Tell it to my Heart”, Taylor Dayne reached number one in the chart shows in Germany in 1987. Also her hits “Prove your love” and “I´ll will always love you” were placed in the charts. In 2008, ten years after her last publishing, she released her new album “Satisfied”. Taylor Dayne is also successful as composer. She wrote the hit “Whatever you want” for Tina Turner.

Photo: (c) Marc Cartwright Photography. Download.

The hymn of the Gay Games originates from a composer team from Sweden and the Netherlands. The song writer Peter Hägeras, Bruce R.F. Smith, Dan Sundquist and Ralph van Manen won the composer competition of the Gay Games Cologne with the song “Facing a miracle”. The Dance song which has the makings of a hit encourages all to fulfill our own dreams. That the song will be performed by an international known artist, makes Peter Hägeras happy: “Being openly gay myself, it means a lot to me to get the possibility to write and produce the song for the Gay Games, by far the biggest event this year. Even more interesting is the possibility to work with Taylor Dayne. I am still fairly young so for me it´s a fantastic feeling to work with an idol of my youth, especially as she still is delivering top performances and scored top rankings at the billboards. For me, the word “Pride” gets a complete new and important meaning.”



Multinational Quartett writes “Facing a miracle”

No big sport event makes it without a theme song. So from the beginning of the planning for the Gay Games there was the desire for a song. Thus an international composer competition began. A team of classified jurors had to select which of the submitted songs would be the official song of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. They chose “Facing a miracle” and therefore the composer quartett from Sweden and the Netherlands.

Dan Sundquist, Ralph van Manen, Peter Hägeras and Bruce R.F. Smith were the lucky winners. But these names are also a win for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. Each one of them has a high profile music background. Each of these names assures the quality of the song. Dan Sundquist for example is one of the biggest Swedish song writers and music producers. He produced more than 60 albums over the past 3 decades. He won 7 Grammys and 12 Platinum Prices in Sweden. For the Eurovision Song Contest he contributed 2 national winner titles – for Sweden and Norway.

The Dutch - Ralph van Manen and the Dutch-by-choice Bruce R.F. Smith, born in England are spoilt by success. Both are authors of great songs. With the hit “Testify to love” by Ralph van Manen the group “Avalon” reached Platinum status in the USA. From Bruce R.F. Smiths pen originates the Dutch contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005. His song “Engel van mijn hart” sung by Gerard Joling, won the first place of the Dutch charts and was honored as best song with the Buma Golden Harp Award.

The youngest of the quartet of song writers is Peter Hägeras. But the 28 year old has worked already with numerous artists. Among them Kayo, a Swedish singer, who represented her country in 2002 at the Eurovision Song Contest, with her group Afro-dite. Different casting-show superstars also had a breakthrough due to his help, among them the winner of the Belgian X-Faktor Udo Mechels. The musical talent of Peter Hägeras was discovered very early. Already at the age of 19 he won a well respected Swedish music prize. His signature mark is catchy pop songs, which can be found on his personal album, published in 2007.



From the idea to the song

Clemens Brugger is Austrian and works in Innsbruck. Besides Universal Music Publishing and Popsongs Music Publishing his music publisher CBM is a 50 % co-publisher of the title “Facing a Miracle”. Clemens was given the task to search for the right artist for the title. “There was a list of favorites put together by the team of jurors of the Gay Games Song Contest” he says. “While talking to artists and managers, I got the idea to talk to Taylor Dayne.

Taylor Dayne received the demo of the title and information about the Gay Games. The decision was quickly made, as Clemens Brugger comments. The US singer offered to record the song “Facing a Miracle” at no charge. Even Brugger worked as leading producer without a fee. His company is financing the whole production. The sales returns of the CD are donated to the Gay Games Cologne.

Due to his contacts to US music producer Peter Wolf, Clemens Brugger managed to get his studio in Malibu/California to record the vocal part. Wolf’s studio is one of the leading studios in the music industry. The Austrian is responsible for world hits of Jefferson Starship (We Built this City) and the Commodores (Nightshift). Numerous artists like Patti Labelle, Oleta Adams, Santana, and The Scorpions rely on his know-how. Emil Hellman and Peter Hägeras are producers of the song “Facing a Miracle”. In addition to the radio version there is a Club remix and an orchestra version.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Andy was just kidding

Andy Roddick posted about meeting the Queen of England today on Twitter, but it was just a joke.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Check out what's going on in DC

For more info go to teamdc.org

Night OUT at the Nationals VI - June 22, 2010 - Will We Hit 3,000???
The Night OUT at the Nationals game is coming soon.....as of this morning over 2,600 tickets have been purchased in our section and we want to hit 3,000! Getting seats in the Night OUT section is easy....just go to www.teamdc.org and follow the prompts and print out your tickets at home.

Here's the line-up for the Night OUT:
The First Pitch will be thrown by the Rev. Candy Holmes and the Rev. Darlene Garner. They were one of the first couples to be legally married in the District of Columbia. What a great way to honor this historic achievement for our community!
Openly gay Ward One City Council Member Jim Graham will start the game with the iconic "Play Ball"!
Longtime community activist and former owner of Lambda Rising Bookstore, Deacon Maccubbin, will take the official line-up card to the umpires that night.
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will lead us in the singing of the National Anthem.
The DC Different Drummers will be playing on the main plaza as you enter the stadium that night
Remember, game time is 7:05 PM, but you want to be in the stadium no later than 6:30 to catch all the pre-game excitement. Then we take on the Royals who will learn that They Aren't in Kansas Anymore!!!!!!

The Night OUT at the Nationals game is proudly sponsored by Nellie's Bar (www.nellliessportsbar.com), the Washington Blade newspaper (www.washingtonblade.com), Miller Lite Beer (www.millerlite.com) and a new social networking site MisterMeetMister.com (www.MisterMeetMister.com).


Night OUT Warm-Up Party on Sunday, June 20
Get ready for the Night OUT with a Warm-Up Party on Sunday, June 20 from 6-8 PM at Nellie's Sports Bar (900 U Street, NW). We will feature a special Miller Lite Beer Bash, along with special offers from MisterMeetMister.com and great Nationals giveaways including premium tickets to games later in the year and autographed memorabilia.


Next Night OUT.....at the Mystics!
Join us for another great Night OUT on Friday, August 20 when the Mystics host the NY Liberty. Wanda Wright is coordinating tickets and groups. Contact her at alionessroars@yahoo.com.


Gay Games VIII in Cologne is July 31-August 7
The Gay Games kick off in Cologne next month, so if you are planning on attending, there is still time to purchase your Team Uniform Shirt and trading pins. Just go to www.teamdc.org and follow the prompts to the PayPal site to place your order. Deadline is June 25!!!! Also, remember to keep Thursday, July 15 open for our Send Off Party at Nellie's for the Gay Games. (Uniform Shirts and Pins can be picked up at the July 15 Party.)


Monthly Gamers Night on Thursday, June 17
Every third Thursday of the month is the monthly Gamers Night at Town (2009 8th Street, NW). Join us for the latest in video games, Flip Cup Competitions, Beer Pong, and the very popular $5 Bottomless Beer Cup. Doors open at 8 PM until....??? $5 cover gets unlimited play all night long.


A PRIDE-ful Thank You!
A special thanks to everyone who helped at the various Pride Festival events over the past weekend. Special thanks to the G-Nats Fan Club, DC Aquatics Club, the DC Frontrunners, the Capital Volleyball League, the DC Strokes Rowing Club, the Capital Area Rainbowlers Association, the Washington Furies Women's Rugby Team, the DC Flag Football League, and the Capital Tennis Association for helping to staff the Beer and Wine Gardens.


Breaking News from the IceBreakers!
They are back on the ice tonight (June 16) for an hour of recreational ice skating at 7:45 PM at the Ballston IcePlex in Arlington. Then they'll head off to somewhere close for a post-skating get-together. But, wait, there's more!
Sunday, June 27 - Virginia Winery Tour in Middleburg at the Swedenburg Winery. YOU MUST RSVP to Neil at pinmagic@msn.com for a discount ticket (which is an incredible deal).
Saturday, July 10 - The Third Annual B.Y.O.E Picnic (Bring Your Own Everything) at Great Falls National Park. This is a terrific way to spend a summer day!
Complete details about these events and much more at www.DCIceBreakers.org.


Monthly Green Lantern-Team DC Club Fundraiser - Saturday, July 10
Every second Saturday of each month is Team DC Club Night at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, NW). In July join members of the IBGO Mid-Year Bowling Committee as they sell shooters to benefit the tournament to be held here in November. Each month a different team takes over, so if you want them to support you, you gotta support them! Next Month: August 14, Team TBA!


And On Sale that night.....
The cookbook "Strike-ingly Delicious Dishes: Cooking With Time to Spare" is now on sale by the group organizing the 2010 International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) Mid-Year Tournament to be held in DC in November, 2010. This 100 page book is full of 93 quick & easy recipes from bowlers, who turn out to be great cooks. Everything from Breakfast to Desserts and not a gutter ball among them! Cost is only $10 in person at any local CARA league or for $12.50 online at www.igbomy2010.com. Supplies are limited!


Fourth Thursdays at Nellie's - June 25
Join two very different clubs at Nellie's Sports Bar (900 U Street, NW) on the Fourth Thursday of each month:
Ping Pong Madness begins at 7:30. Register for a spot with JJ "The Paddler" Johnson at jj@emersonglenn.com.
Homoto is the area's LGBT motorcycle club meets at 6 PM. Learn about upcoming rides and events.

Cowboy Dancing
Join our friends from the DC Cowboys and learn to dance like a...DC Cowboy! Two six week sessions are upcoming June 24 - July 29 or again from September 23 - October 28 and will be held at the Church of the Pilgrims, 2201 P Street, NW. All skill levels welcome. Learn more at www.dccowboys.org.

You can also join them for the monthly Brodeo at Town Danceboutique (2009 8th Street, NW) on Saturday, June 19 at 8 PM. Jonathan Bascope will be making his singing debut along with new dance routines from the Cowboys.


Summer Bowling Leagues Just Underway!
The Capital Area Rainbowlers Association (CARA) is once again sponsoring summer leagues. This is a great time for individuals to try out the sport, socialize with other bowlers, and are perfect for beginners! All leagues will consist of 3-person teams and run only 10 or 11 weeks. Email them to see if any space is still available or to sub.

Tuesdays at AMF Alexandria Lanes (6228A N. Kings Hwy. Alexandria) beginning June 8th at 7:30 PM.
Contact Clyde at clyde.conklin@gmail.com

Wednesdays at AMF Centreville Lanes (13814 Lee Highway, Centreville) beginning June 2nd at 7:30 PM.
Contact Scott at scottws2000@yahoo.com

Wednesdays at White Oak Duckpin Lanes (11207 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring) beginning June 2nd at 7:30 PM.
Contact Richard at richaron@usa.net

Thursdays at Bowl America Falls Church (140 S Maple Ave., Falls Church) beginning June 10th at 7:30 PM
Contact Les at les.johnson@gmail.com

Tuesday Night Volleyball Continues All Summer Long
One of DC's longest running sport clubs is the year-round Tuesday Night Social Volleyball League held at the Old Mackin Gym at 2200 California Street, NW. (Enter from California Street at the end of the parking lot.) Warm ups are from 7-7:30 and play is from 7:30 - 9:45. Teams are divided based on skill levels to maintain a fair level of play. $8 per person each night with a limit of 48 players each night. Want to know more? Contact Mike at dcvb@usa.com.


Sail Away!
Did you know DC has a great LGBT sailing club? Sailing season is now underway on the weekends and even during the week. The Rainbow Spinnakers would love for you to join them for an afternoon on the Potomac or the Chesapeake Bay. To learn more about them, go to www.rainbowspinnakers.com.

Monday, June 14, 2010

WIN AN ALL-ACCESS PASS for BINGHAM CUP

Hi Everyone,

We have an all-access pass to Bingham Cup to give away. Yes, this includes the parties where you can meet some hot rugby players who are vising from other parts of the United States and the World.

Let us know if you're interested in this pass and you're in the Minneapolis Area.

Contact alfonzo@competemag.com

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Last chance: Registration is still possible until June 21

Many Gay Games VIII sports and cultural events needed exact numbers for event planning. That is why official registration was closed on May 31. However there is still one more chance to participate in Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010.

You can now be placed on a waiting list to participate. Our sports and culture experts will check if a registration is still possible in your event. If so, we will provide late registration for you.

Please send an e-mail now to waitinglist@games-cologne.de with the following information:

- Last Name
- First name
- Date of birth
- Sport or cultural event
- If necessary performance class or division for the event

You will be informed as soon as possible if participation at the sports or culture event of your choice is still possible and how you should proceed. If a registration is possible in your case we will charge you an additional service fee of 10 Euros for the late registration.

So open your e-mail program and register now! It is not too late. Please share this message with teammates or anyone else that still wishes to register.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Want to win a boyrio swimsuit of your choice?

We're feeling giving today. The Tenth person to email alfonzo@competemag.com will win a a certificate for a boyrio swimsuit.