'Sex, Dreams, and Self Control' comes to Bongo After Hours Theatre

by Chris Candler
Staff Writer     

If you like the spoken-word works of David Sedaris and Sandra Bernhard’s in-your-face style, then get ready for a ground-breaking performance by Kevin Thornton this weekend at Bongo After Hours Theatre. 

Thornton combines acting, singing and hysterically embarrassing anecdotes in his one-man-show “Sex, Dreams, and Self Control” to tell his story of meeting his conservative family, God and sexuality head on.

“I was inspired by others [Bernhard & Sedaris] but my performance is unique in that it draws from personal experiences and is performed as one cohesive performance rather than sets of stories and jokes,” Thornton said.

His performances are personal accounts of his struggle with religion, sexuality, and life itself.  He highlights his struggle to ‘come out’ as parallel to the universal struggles that all people face.

 “I want people to take away from this performance that at some point in everyone’s life they face something that is bigger than themselves,” Thornton said.

Thornton grew up in the mid-west town of Evansville, Ind., and has a diverse background in performance arts. Thornton is known for his band Waves on Waves, which won a Nashville Scene Award in 2004.

He has also played major roles in several different productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Burn This, The Secret Garden and A Lie of the Mind.

Since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in theatre performance from Ball State University, Thornton has spent the last several years reinventing himself as an artist. 

Before writing “Sex, Dreams and Self Control,” Thornton spent some time traveling and performing and even did a stint on a cruise ship for a few months before returning and writing material for his latest show. Thornton said he wrote a lot of “Sex, Dreams, and Self Control” after taking a trip back to his hometown.

“I will always wonder what things would have been like if I had just accepted myself sooner” Thornton said. But for those who enjoy his shows, it’s better late than never.

Thornton meticulously weaves together his talent in theatre and music for a performance sure to captivate the GLBT community and its allies.

Thornton will be performing Jan. 22, 23 and 24 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Bongo After Hours Theatre is located at 2007 Belmont Boulevard, in Nashville, above Bongo Java. 

The show contains some explicit language and adult content. No guests under 18 permitted.

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