This summer is hot but not as hot as the Jazz that is being released. I have heard the hottest jazz, one of them being John Stevens "Red" that you can read about in DJ Plez' Groove line and another jazz that is proving to be a giant in the music field is Michael Bublé. His big band sounds and bigger than life voice takes the classics and puts a new twist to them. Michael's new CD, "It's Time" firmly establishes his credentials as a
world class artist.

On the DVD front, it's a Dirty Shame, the latest from John Waters. Tracey Ullman, Johnny Knoxville and Selma Blair star in this outrageous NC-17 rated comedy about an epic battle between "Neuters" versus "Sex Addicts." Intriguing, right? Wait until you see it. John Water still has it. He is still pushing the envelope even with this NC-17 rating.

Another offering on DVD is The Divine Bette Midler. In stores now, Shout Factory has captured Miss M's career that has spanned over 5 decades. This 90 minute DVD included exclusive interviews with Bette and long time collaborators and friends such as Barry Manilow, Danny DeVito, Glenn Close, Bruce Villanch and more. Highlights include Manilow's discussion of his musical start as Bette's piano player in the New York Bath House shows, their Carnegie Hall performance which attracted the attention of famed Atlantic Records head Ahmet Ertegun (also interviewed on the DVD) Bette's heartfelt Emmy winning performance of "One For My Baby" on Johnny Carson's last show and much more. This is a must have for any Bette Midler fan, as if any homo doesn't like Bette!

Vivian Green is back with her self-titled sophomore album, Vivian. It's more fun and youthful than her first, and the remixes will surely be making their way into the gay club scene this summer in a big way. Like her debut album, Vivian maintains that it is a sublime consistency while complementing the singer's bold candor and vivid depictions of emotional truths. This CD shows Vivian's ability to merge modern hip-hop and R&B elements into music that rings comfortable and new at the same time.

While we are on the subject of CD's, these are fresh releases by Centaur Music, first is the Official CD of Gay Days! For two consecutive years, Centaur has produced the official CD for the internationally acclaimed week of celebration in Orlando, known as Gay Days. Party Groove: Gay Days Volume 2 is once again mixed by DJ Randy Bettis, half of the remix team of BetBoyz.
Gay Days CD is full of high spirited songs from great artists such as Tom Jones, Ultra Nate, Kevin Aviance, RuPaul and Simply Red.

The second Centaur Music CD is Pride 2005, mixed by Julian Marsh. Fun, Familiar and Fabulous, this upbeat and energetic CD is guaranteed to make you dance and fill your heart with pride. Nicki French, Kylie Minogue and Barbara Tucker are just a few folks that are getting their groove on with this Party Groove: Pride 05 CD. You can go to www.centaurmusic.com and listen to samples of every track on these albums.

Last but not least, the "Final casting for the upcoming documentary Be Real was held in Chicago last Monday and Tuesday. Filmmakers Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf (AKA the TVgals) continued a nationwide search for GLBT Americans from all walks of life who have inspired extraordinary change in their communities. Over 30 outstanding hometown candidates were seen here as part of the final selection process, with filming set to begin soon. Be Real is sponsored by Stolichnaya® genuine Russian vodka."

A Big thanks to the TV Gals, Stoli and the Karpel Group for making this all happen, it's about time!