Ian, Selene & Margaret at the Dark Room

Friday night, my friend Ed and I made our way to a little joint called The Dark Room in San Francisco to see Ian Harvie and Selene Luna. They were in town with Margaret Cho for the GayVN Awards.

I have to say it's the first time I've seen a show at a place that was BYOB. People brought in 6-packs (not the kind WE wanted to see!), tall cans of beer, etc. Anyhoo, it was a very enthusiastic crowd.

Before the show, I had to tinkle, so I went looking for the restroom. Keep in mind this is a very small place. I was directed past a certain curtain, and I see Selene heading for the can. So I'm standing there looking around, I turn to my right, and there are Margaret and Ian in the "green room," if you want to call it that.

Margaret quickly greeted me, introducing me to her guitarist friend Mike. "Blake's a big fan. He's been coming to see me for 25 years, since he was little!" I felt a bit like Diana Ross when she says, "I've been singing for 45 years, and I'm only 46!"

I chatted up Margaret and Ian about last Monday's Fingerbang show in LA. Taylor Dayne was among the audience who went to see them. Apparently, she really did Tell It To Their Hearts!

Then Selene entered the room and walked right past me. I said, "Hi Selene!" She turned and said, "Oh, hi! I didn't see you. I guess I should look up!!" They were all ready to rehearse a song, so I ducked out and went back to my seat.

The Dark Room really is just that. It was like someone's cozy living room, and being right in the front row, Ed and I were almost onstage with the gang! For a few moments, we were even part of the show!

Ian and Selene sang (in character) and each performed standup as well. It was the first time I'd seen either of them do a full show. Their extended sets allowed both of them to really settle comfortably into their performances, sliding on the routines like an old pair of shoes.

Then, as an added bonus, Margaret came onstage, doing about 30 minutes of songs and comedy with the audience in preparation for the next night's hosting gig. We got much more than the $10 show we paid for.

To top it off, I found out that "do-it-yourself" photos taken from above are very flattering!

Margaret Talks TV

Tonight Margaret Cho, Ian Harvie and Selene Luna take New Jersey by storm! They will hit the stage at Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, NJ.

Margaret did an interview with NorthJersey.com to promote the event. In it, she discussed her television endeavors. I was bummed to read that "The Cho Show" will not return to VH1, but Margaret hopes to take it elsewhere.

Here's the scoop on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva," which is slated to hit the air in June:

“It’s about this really thin blond young beautiful model who dies and is reincarnated in the body of an overweight woman,” says Cho, who plays the loyal assistant to the latter (Brooke Elliott), a plus-size attorney. “Oh, my God, it’s all about body image, how we view ourselves and how that affects our self-esteem. I’ve always had a lot of issues around weight. I’ve always talked about it. People can really understand and relate to it.”

Check out the whole interview here.

Margaret Cho FINGERBANGS LA!

Tomorrow night, January 27, it's Margaret's musical extravaganza Fingerbang! She likens it to Hee-Haw, but less country and less corny. Our gal has gotten "guitarded" (her word, not mine) and has been singing songs such as "Eat Me Out" (on the Beautiful tour) and a Repeal Prop 8 ditty.

She'll be joined by Jill Sobule (she was kissing girls in the '90s, long before Katy Perry) as well as "Sensuous Woman" costars Liam Sullivan, Ian Harvie, Kurt Hall and Selene Luna. Check Margaret's site for info. Of course I'll be there and I'll report back on the festivities. I can't wait!!

Margaret on The Doctors Today!

Hey, don't miss Margaret co-hosting the syndicated show The Doctors today. It's supposed to be their vagina episode. Sounds awesome to me!

If you're in LA, hit up The Ian Harvie Show tonight. Selene Luna and a "surprise guest" are appearing.

*Side Note: Go here and vote for Ian Harvie to be on LOGO's Big Gay Sketch Show. You can vote once every 24 hours!

Margaret Cho: Drop Dead Diva

Happy New Year everyone! OK, obviously I have been slacking, but it's hard to top getting props from Margaret Cho on her blog. (Yes, I had to mention it again.) Check out all these goodies:

First of all, Lifetime has picked up the show Drop Dead Diva starring our own lovely and talented comic goddess. A few months back, Margaret had to rearrange a few live performances to shoot the pilot. The show also stars Broadway actress Brooke Elliott and is about "a shallow model-in-training who dies in a sudden accident only to find her soul resurfacing in the body of a brilliant, thoughtful and plus-size attorney." No word on who plays what role.

The comedic drama will air on Lifetime this summer! It will be great to see La Cho in a scripted show that sounds as if it will be quirky and unique. What's next, a SAG Award? An Emmy or a Golden Globe? The sky's the limit for our fearless gal!



Speaking of which, check out Margaret and Selene Luna in the new Coilhouse magazine. It looks like Selene is on the front cover and Margaret is on the back. If I didn't know better, I'd swear they are wearing the same hair! The photos are badass, and the birds look kind of ominous. Where the hell is Tippi Hedren?

Divalicious Selene appears in My Bloody Valentine 3D, which opens this weekend. It's the remake of a 1981 horror classic. You can catch it in 3D or traditional 2D.

If you love satire, you must see this hilarious Madonna & Lourdes sendup starring the multi-talented Selene as Lourdes. If the still shot doesn't kill you, the video will! It's just wrong... but oh so right!

Margaret Marathon on LOGO Today!

Enjoying your Sunday? Good! Looking for something to watch? If you missed any of The Cho Show, LOGO is airing all 7 episodes today! Relive all the fun and all the shenanigans with Margaret, Mr. and Mrs. Cho, Selene Luna and the gang starting at 3:30pm Pacific.

Following The Cho Show marathon, at 7pm Pacific, you can catch the movie Bam Bam & Celeste. Margaret wrote, directed and stars in this film, along with Bruce Daniels, Alan Cumming, Kathy Najimi and Wilson Cruz. Margaret calls it a "fag and faghag version of Dumb & Dumber."

That's 5 1/2 hours of Margaret! They should do that more often!

Margaret Cho in Long Beach

From Margaret in Long Beach

Famous faces! Cameras swirling! No on Prop 8 signs aplenty! And this wasn't a political event! Saturday night, Margaret Cho tore it up at the Long Beach Terrace Theatre with "Beautiful," her latest show.

I made the pilgrimage for some ritual Cho worship with my friend Dan Holguin, a talented singer/songwriter. Before the show even started, we greeted the always gorgeous Selene Luna of The Cho Show in the lobby. (Later, she told us about her upcoming slasher flick, My Bloody Valentine.)

From Margaret in Long Beach

Liam Sullivan opened the show, performing as his characters Kelly and Susan. The best part was his freaky sex therapist skit, complete with John Denver references, which was presented on the video screen. ("Eeew! Uuugh!")

After an intermission, Margaret lit up the stage with a riff on Sarah Palin and the requisite Mommy impressions. She had the audience roaring with hilarious tales of her very NC-17 sexual escapades.

To add to the excitement, this performance was filmed to be Margaret's next concert DVD. No on Prop 8 signs & stickers were passed out, and at the end of the show, Margaret urged everyone to vote No.

In the green room after the show, Margaret graciously posed for pictures with many admirers while her film crew's cameras rolled. We chatted with Bruce Daniels (photo below), who opened for Margaret on her Revolution tour.

From Margaret in Long Beach

We also gabbed with Ian Harvie, host of the monthly Ian Harvie Show at Largo, and his sweet girlfriend Sarah.

From Margaret in Long Beach

It was a wonderful night filled with friends and laughter, which really is therapeutic. I can't wait to do it again!

MySpace Celebrity Selene Luna

Recently, on a few occasions, I've had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Selene Luna. I first became familiar with her as a performer in Margaret Cho's burlesque/variety show The Sensuous Woman. This year, she joined Margaret on VH1's The Cho Show.

Selene's a Hollywood mover and shaker, and she sure can shake it! As such, she's been named a MySpace Celebrity. Check out this vid where she talks about what she's up to, including the No on Prop 8 PSA she made with Margaret. (Just scroll down to watch that on my blog!)

Margaret Cho & HRC Fight Prop 8

Margaret Cho, BFF to gays everywhere, has filmed a great PSA urging people to vote NO on Proposition 8. Her "The Cho Show" sidekick Selene Luna is by her side, starring as her neighbor. Watch it now!


Margaret was sick as a dog when she shot this a couple of weeks ago, but wanted to show her support of the community that supports her. Once again, she is going above and beyond, giving so generously of her time and effort to ensure that all of us have equal rights in this important matter.

Also, the Human Rights Campaign is DOUBLING every donation made today (up to $120,000) to fight Prop 8. Go here and donate TODAY: hrc.org.

The Ian Harvie Show

Monday night I went out to Largo at the Coronet Theatre in West Hollywood to catch the Ian Harvie Show. This monthly happening is a variety show with stand-up comedy, musical performances and interview segments.

This intimate venue is great for working on new material, which is just what Ian did. Much of his stand-up comedy deals with his experiences being transgender. You couldn't make something like that up just for the sake of schtick!

Pleasant Gehman, aka Princess Farhana, made the transition from bellydancing goddess to storytelling comic. Her friendly persona and natural stage presence drew the audience in. Pleasant took us on a journey from shoplifting to her sexual fantasy involving Michael Phelps and his eight gold medals. And honestly, I don't think anyone has made bulimia funnier!

Ian then returned to interview the cast of The Cho Show. John Stapleton, John Blaine, Selene Luna and Charlie Altuna recounted tales of growing up, working in Hollywood, and joining Margaret Cho for zany antics on her VH1 show. These folks are all friends, which gave the chat an easy familiarity. They had no problem getting up in each other's business and sharing with the audience.

Finally, gay rapper Lisp took the stage, throwing rhymes about "shaving your juevos," after which he was joined by thugged-out honeys Selene and Pleasant.

Afterwards, I met Ian Harvie, who genuinely thanked me for coming out to the show. Ian is someone who loves what he does, and his sincerity and kindness are truly remarkable. The Live Nude Girls sign behind us was not for his show, but could certainly apply to The Sensuous Woman, in which Ian appeared with Margaret, Selene and friends.


I chatted up Pleasant, who was sweet as pie, just as her name suggests. (Heaven forbid she have an off day!) Of course the Olympic medal she's sporting in our picture relates to her Michael Phelps fantasy.

The effervescent Selene was awesome as always! (Note the Bill Clinton pendant.) She told us she was on the hunt for an indoor voice. You know Selene's near before you even see her, because her endearing voice really carries and is instantly recognizable.

All in all, it was a great night. This family of performers really fosters creativity in each other, and it was exciting to share the evening with them. Previous segments, including a chat with Margaret, can be seen on Ian Harvie's website, and Monday night's show should be uploaded soon!

Last Week of The Cho Show!

I can't believe The Cho Show is winding up already. There are only two new episodes left, and they both air this Thursday night!

I remember when I first heard about All-American Girl in 1994. I was so excited that Margaret would have her own sitcom! Before the internet and things like YouTube were so accessible, it was thrilling that my gal was going to have a weekly gig in homes across America via network TV. As it turned out, AAG was a sanitized, Disney-ized version of the irreverent comic performer. The Cho Show is much truer to who Margaret is. She's at her best with her fun-loving, no-holds-barred comedy. Here's an extended version of her stand-up from episode one:

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But just as the show is establishing itself and getting into a groove, the first season is ending. At just seven episodes, it was simply not enough! Hopefully VH1 will give Margaret, Selene and the Glam Squad another season. Check out this hilarious extended scene where the gang discusses how Mr. & Mrs. Cho believe that Selene Luna is born of Margaret:

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Sandra Bernhard Meets The Chos!

Last March, my friend Racheal and I caught Margaret Cho's Beautiful show at the gorgeous Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. Since I'm such a celebriphile, you can imagine my delight when I saw comedienne & vocalist Sandra Bernhard three rows in front of me. Then I noticed Mr. & Mrs. Cho on the other side of the center aisle. As great as the show is, I was a bit distracted. I watched Sandra to see what she laughed at. I watched the Chos for their reactions. And when Margaret riffed on her parents, I watched Sandra watching them!

Of course, the VH1 cameras were there to capture it all. The meeting of this fab foursome was just one scene that didn't make it into last week's episode, but you can check it out here:

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In hopes of having a hit single, or just another creative outlet, Margaret hit LA's Record Plant recording studio with producer Desmond Child. He produced "We All Sleep Alone," "Bang Bang," "Just Like Jesse James" and other songs for Cher. Of course, he's worked with many other artists, but never mind them!

Cher's vocal stylings are instantly recognizable and absolutely unforgettable. Clearly Margaret felt the same, as Desmond had to admonish her not to sing "as Cher." I find the recording industry fascinating, so it was interesting to see the work that goes into recording a song. Watch Margaret take a stab at it:

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Oh yeah, Margaret and Selene Luna made a mock sex tape too! You can watch the whole hilarious episode on VH1.com. (They should really be paying me for this!) And if that's not enough Margaret, check out Perez Hilton's iChat with her.

Cho Show & Chelsea Lately tonight!

Don't forget, Margaret's The Cho Show premieres tonight on VH1. 11pm/10pm central, which is 8pm for my West Coast friends with DirecTV. Right after that, switch over to E! for Chelsea Lately to catch Margaret and Selene Luna. I can just see it now: Chelsea will undoubtedly try to fix 3' 10" Selene up with her "little nugget" Chuy.

"Quit Cruising, Bitches!"

Last night, comic Margaret Cho and friends rocked it out at West Hollywood's Here Lounge. The party marked the premiere of VH1's new reality sitcom The Cho Show. Looking flawless, Margaret worked the arrival line, mingled with guests, and introduced the show. She commanded the crowd, "Quit cruising, bitches!" as the screening began. I cozied up with Margaret, the cast, and friends Bruce Daniels and Ian Harvie as we watched the shenanigans unfold.

With ABC's All-American Girl, La Cho had the first Asian-American family featured on TV. In 1995, I attended the taping of the last episode of that sitcom and met Margaret for the first time. Two years earlier, I had been captivated by her standup comedy on the Arsenio Hall Show. No one had made me laugh like her, and I knew I'd never be able to get enough!

Margaret returns to TV with the second Asian-American family on The Cho Show. "I'm number one and number two!" she announces triumphantly. The show features assistant Selene Luna and Cho's Glam Squad: John Stapleton, Charlie Altuna and John Blaine. But the greatest treat is the appearance of Margaret's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Cho have been staples of their daughter's routines, and her hilarious impressions of them can make even the strongest bladder incontinent!

This season captures such adventures as g-spot shots, tattoo sessions, and the proclamation of Margaret Cho Day in San Francisco. You'll see famous faces such as Joan Rivers, Wanda Sykes, MadTV's Bobby Lee, Gary Busey, Dave Navarro, Project Runway's Jeffrey Sebelia and more.

Comparisons to Bravo's fabulous D-Lister are inevitable. But onstage touting her own show, Margaret declared, "I want you to stop comparing me to Kathy Griffin and start comparing me to Nelson Mandela!" Tune in to VH1 this and every Thursday at 11pm (or 8pm if you have DirecTV in California like me) to see what all the buzz is about!