Fashion runs wild at 'Unpredictable'

On July 17, scads of scantily-clad young gentlemen will prance across the stage of Play Dance Bar in support of Unpredictable, an annual fundraiser for the Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLBTCC).

This year's edition, titled "Wildly Unpredictable" is part of the Unpredictable franchise. It's raised almost $90,000 for the organization in the past five years.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction including items such as a set of Bridgestone tires, artwork and vacation packages.

"We've already raised silent auction items in excess of $10,000," Fluck says. "We hope to raise a net for the total event of $25,000 and have already exceeded previous sponsorship fundraising. We have an exciting show planned and expect a sellout crowd."

Models will strut the runway for nearly two hours of fashion from local designers and boutiques. Three rounds of underwear will be modeled before the winner is announced.

Designers for the annual fashion show will include Verandeno Designs and Tye Walker Couture.

For Sheika Taylor of Verandeno Designs, a fashion show is the perfect format to draw the different strands of the city's GLBT community together.

"Fashion inspires a lot in our lives, from self-expression to self-identification," she says. "It is a great vehicle for unity in our community and has been a wonderful and ongoing method for fundraising for the GLBT Chamber of Commerce."

Though the models are competing for the top prize, Taylor is simply grateful for an opportunity to demonstrate her talents without worrying about scoring the big win.

"I continue to participate because I feel welcomed, appreciated, accepted and it is just a lot of fun," she says.

Tye Walker also embraces the feeling of community fostered by the annual event, which serves as the NGLBTCC's lone fundraiser of the year.

"To me, the Unpredictable Fashion Show has always been very much community oriented," he says. "It not only raises money for the GLBT Chamber, but it also brings Nashville’s GLBT community together where we can appreciate each other's talents and spend an entire evening together with fashion and cocktails!"

Walker is excited to play his part in proving the wealth of artistic talent within Nashville's GLBT community.

"I think all the designers are completely different with completely different styles and completely different points of view," he says. "I’m looking forward to see the variety on the runway this year."

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

Bridgestone, GS & F, Level Wing, The Richards Group

WILDLY UNPREDICTABLE AUCTION ITEMS include:

* F. Scott's Wine Tasting for 10, value of $1000

* Full Size NFL Authentic Game Ball autographed by 4 members of Black Eyed Peas, value estimated at $300

* Mini St. Louis Rams helmet autographed by Jack Youngblood, value estimated at $70

* Devin Hester authentic autographed Chicago Bears jersey, value estimated at $300

* Set of 4 Bridgestone or Firestone passenger/light truck/SUV tires, value estimated at $1400 depending on tires selected based on vehicle fitment

* Margaret Ellis cufflinks

* Levy's Personal shopping experience for 10. Includes wine/cheese/$100 gift certificate and 20% off of all purchases and a gift bag.

* Couples Estate Planning Package from Papa & Roberts, value of $1000

* Lamps from Lumen Lamps, value of $235

WILDLY UNPREDICTABLE MENU (Catering provided by Bacon & Caviar)

* Mini skewers - fruit w/ vanilla-lime yogurt; assorted cheeses; marinated tortellini

* Butterbean hummus - served warm w/ homemade tortilla chips

* Finger sandwiches (on whole grain flatbread) - roast beef, smoked gouda, creole mustard; smoked turkey, guacamole, chipotle mayo, pepper jack; BTL - bacon, tomato, pesto

* Mini wraps - lemon-almond chicken salad

* Mini cupcakes - vanilla-orange; chocolate-strawberry

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less