March 1999 MAXReport

Saturday, March 6, 8:00pm to Midnight
Shanti Casino Night

Head for the Rincon Center, 101 Spear Street, for Shanti's Third Annual Casino Night. MAX Outreach is a co-sponsor of this fun-filled event to help promote Shanti's Volunteer Services Program. The theme this year is tropical. The Rincon Center is a huge multi-story indoor space with a floor to ceiling water fountain and plenty of room to dance to music served up by hot Brazilian DJ, Clay. The $20 donation includes food, entertainment, dancing, a chance at raffle prizes, and 25 units of play money to start your trip round the roulette, craps, and blackjack tables. There will be a cash bar. For $250 you can buy your own table and 5 entry tickets or for $500 a table and 10 tickets. This is a great way to throw a party for your friends. Or, consider getting your company to sponsor a table. Both the Bank of America and Wells Fargo Bank are major corporate sponsors. Get Involved! Cruise the floor in an official capacity. The Outreach Committee is looking for MAXers to help sell units of "play" money during the event. Call Jeff Nigh to volunteer for a shift.  752.7340. To reserve spaces and for more information on the event call Doren Martin of Shanti @  674.4764.

Sunday, March 7
Relax . . . It's Just Sex!

We thank you for your patience; the MAX movie club is back. We have found a new director and have our eyes on the intriguing Castro theater presentation of Relax... It's Just Sex! Starring Mitchell Anderson, Lori Petty, Jennifer Tilly and more. The 1998 movie meshes gay, lesbian, straight and bisexual plotlines, while deftly interweaving outrageous comedy and tear-provoking intense drama. We will be going to the 1:30 PM matinee on Sunday March 7th and probably catch a meal afterwards. Contact your MAXParty Movie-Buff Ray Locke @  364.6492.

Thursday, March 11
A Pool Party -- in March?!

Behind the eight ball again? Well, grab your pool stick and head out to Chalkers on March 11, with MAX Sports. This elegant billiard parlor is in downtown San Francisco, Spear Street at Mission in the Rincon Center. The price is just $7.00 per person per hour. No-host food and drinks are available. There is a casual dress code. Call Tim Larson at   584.9408 to RSVP or for more information.

Friday, March 12
MAXSouth at a Hot New Location!

Join us as MAXSouth gets spicy at a new Silicon Valley location a hot South-of-the-Border experience is available every second Friday at MAXSouth. Our new MAXSouth location -- Pedro's Restaurant & Cantina in Santa Clara -- was chosen to accommodate our growing TGIF crowds (200-plus men), plus offering great Mexican appetizers and cocktails.To meet super men and for super margaritas, please join us. The event will last from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM; admission is free to MAX members, $5 to non-members. Directions: From the Bayshore Freeway (101 North or South), take the Bowers Avenue / Great America Parkway exit. Go north on Great America Parkway (towards the bay). Turn right on the first street on your right: Hichborn Drive. At the end of Hichborn, turn right onto Freedom Circle. Pedro's is located about a quarter-mile down on your right at 3935 Freedom Circle.The MAXSouth Planning Committee meets every third Wednesday of the month; if you'd like to help plan our upcoming events, please call Stuart McFaul @  941.6282.

Saturday, March 13
MAX Supports Bacw Lava Awards

Bay Area Career Women (BACW) will hold its 7th Annual LAVA Awards Dinner Dance honoring Lesbians of Achievement, Vision and Action on Saturday March 13 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The theme for this year's event is "LAVA Erupts with Laughter" featuring emcees and comediennes Suzy Berger and Karen Williams. Awards will be presented to the three honorees, Nanette K. Gartrell, M.D., Sandra R. Hernandez, M.D., and Nicole Schapiro.BACW, Bay Area Career Women, has sometimes been described as the lesbian equivalent of MAX. The Outreach Committee is working to forge closer ties with BACW. LAVA benefits BACW's "A Fund of Our Own," administered by The Horizons Foundation, which makes annual grants to support lesbian-related projects in education, health and human services and the arts. MAX Outreach is looking into starting a similar fund for gay men's related projects. This promises to be a fun-filled and entertaining evening. If you would like to join other MAXers in reaching out to the other half of our community, contact MAX table captain and MAX Outreach Director, Jim Acker at  595.1987. Tickets are $125 a person. Anyone interested in volunteering, either the night of the event or the night before, can buy tickets at half price.The schedule for the evening will be: 6pm No-Host Cocktails and Silent Auction 7pm Dinner 8pm Awards Ceremony and Comedy 9&;ndash;12 Dancing to Second Wind

Sunday, March 14
Relax . . . It's Just Bridge!

Bridge is back! MAXParty is hosting a Bridge game the second Sunday of every month at Oberon restaurant, 1450 Lombard. On March 14 at 1:30 PM we will be setting up the tables and dealing out the cards. Teams will form in accordance to your level. In addition to bridge we are also including a variety of other games, this month it is Trivial Pursuit. Full bar is available. It is imperative that you call Jim Boey @  387.0378 so that he can arrange the teams. And may the luck be with you.

Wednesday, March 17
St. Patrick's Day Bar Hop

Get your green on boys! This St Patrick's Day we are tearing up the whole city. MAXparty invites you to join us to tour a few bars in The City on our own overly decorated motorized cable car. Come celebrate with us as we begin from The Castro head to Pacific Heights, down South of Market, over to Martuni's and then back to The Castro. St Patty's day is the 17th, lads! The price is $25 for members, $30 for guests. Reservations are essential, call Gary Hawthorne @  641.5906 to get on board.

Wednesday, March 24
Taste At Oberon

You will be serenaded by gypsy violins at Oberon (1450 Lombard Street near Van Ness Avenue), named after the king of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream. We'll meet for cocktails at 7:00 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM. A choice of soup or salad will be followed by a choice of rack of lamb, grilled salmon, roasted half-chicken with shrimp, or short ribs of beef and either a chocolate-nut tart or a Rozata custard for dessert. The price of $30 (members)/$35 (guest) includes tax and tips. Wine and other beverages are extra. Make reservations @ MAXOnline or call Bill Funke @  431. 2928.

Friday, March 26th
David Benoit and The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

You will be treated to the smooth and romantic jazz piano of the inimitable David Benoit and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. He will perform hits from his many albums and will conduct the San Francisco premier of his new classical composition Kobe. Sound clips and other information can be found at www.benoit.com. Tickets are $35 for members, and $40 for guests. The 8:00 PM concert at Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall will be preceded by an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant. Reservations can be made at www.maxonline.org or by phone to  587.4899.

Friday, March 26
MAXEast TGIF a BIG HIT

If you're a size queen then you'd be impressed with the turnout of our first TGIF in the East Bay. Despite a rainy night we hosted about 220 men at Scott's Restaurant in Walnut Creek. What's really impressive is that we had over 150 guests. Those who attended had the opportunity to mix and mingle under the twinkling lights of a Victorian greenhouse. Many thanks to Gil Rose and the entire MAXEast Committee for all their work. We have an ongoing commitment to continue our 4th Friday event at Scott's and look to you to spread the word. Mark your calendar for March 26th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Saturday, March 27
A Taste in Every Port

MAXForum will gather at the home of Paul and Hollis at 710 Steiner Street at 7:00PM to hear Michael Bauer, restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, discuss the City's best restaurants in a question and answer format. Afterwards, you will be introduced to the joys of drinking port. The port tasting will be conducted by one of the leading port distributors in the Bay Area. The cost will be $15 (members), $20 (non-members). Call Mike Barsul @  331.1850 to reserve your spot, and mail your check to the MAX address with "Port Tasting" on the memo line.

Saturday, March 27th
DON'T %@#$! WITH ME FELLAS!

Joan Crawford Film and Sleepover Fest Joan, what are you going to do for your birthday? I'm opening up my closet doors, putting on my best dress, slipping into my favorite heels and going to the MAX party in my honor. It's a pot-luck pajama party. We're staying up till late to watch 3 of my favorite flicks. You'll see me at my best in Mildred Pierce, and at my most pathetic in Baby Jane. Damn that Bette stole all the good lines. But I got even with Mommie Dearest, nobody will forget the wire hanger scene. Ha, I still got it baby! This party is a sleepover for those who want, with breakfast in the morning. A true diva-a-thon. There is even a prize for the best drag. The evening begins at 7:00 PM on Saturday March 27th and ends at noon on the 28th. Call MAXparty boy Brian Christensen @  337.7719 to reserve your pillow.

Thursday, April 1st
Fiorello, 42nd St. Moon

The ever-popular 42nd St. Moon will open its 7th season at the New Conservatory Theater (25 Van Ness Avenue) with this musical about New York City's beloved mayor, Fiorello LaGuardia that won the Pulitzer Prize, New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and six Tony Awards including Best Musical in 1959. Memorable songs from this show include "The Very Next Man" and "I Love a Cop." General admission tickets are $19 (members)/$22 (guests). For information and reservations for the performance and an optional dinner at Schilling's before the concert call Bill Denton @  626.5899.

Wednesday, April 7th
Taste At Fontina

Treat yourself to a savory dining experience at Fontina (1730 Shattuck Avenue between Virginia and Francisco) in Berkeley. It's a 10 minute walk from the Berkeley BART station and street parking is available nearby. We'll meet for cocktails at 6:45 PM and dinner at 7:15 PM. A selection of antipasti will be followed by a choice of soup or salad, a choice of entrees: veal parmigiana with angel hair pasta, pollo dijon - fettucine with chicken, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, leeks, and basil in a cream dijon sauce, fettucine salmon with mushrooms in a creamy basil sauce, or a vegetable lasagna and a choice of dessert. The inclusive price is only $29 (members)/$34 (guests). Wine and other beverages are extra. Make reservations @ www.maxonline.org or call John @  587.4899.

Saturday, April 17th
Guided Tour Of The Mansion And Gardens Of Filoli

Step back in time and visit this turn-of-the-century mansion near Crystal Springs Reservoir in Woodside. We'll leave by carpool to arrive at 10:15 AM. MAX member Doug Hayward will give us a guided tour of the elegant mansion designed by Willis Polk and the 16 acres of cultivated gardens that should be at their peak. The approximately two-hour tour may be followed by an optional luncheon nearby. Tickets are $12 for members and $17 for guests. Reservations and information are available @ MAXONLINE or by contacting Dennis Baker @  821.9363.

Sunday, April 25th
Misbehavin' -- The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus With Nell Carter

The fabulous star of Broadway and television, Nell Carter will perform with the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus at the Masonic Auditorium at 2:00 PM. An optional brunch before the show has also been scheduled. Additional information about the show and the SF Gay Men's Chorus can be found at www.sfgmc.org. Tickets are $31 (members) and $34 (guests). Reservations and information can be obtained by calling Hal Seip @  775.7571. This event is guaranteed to be a sell-out so be sure to make your reservations early.

April 24-25 Hearst Castle, San Simeon

Climb aboard a private motorcoach that will take you and a group of MAX men on a weekend of pure indulgence. Saturday brunch and drinks will be served on the trip down. Swimming, shopping and sightseeing awaits our arrival at the Cavalier Oceanfront Hotel in San Simeon. We will spend the evening as guests of William Randolph Hearst at his Cuesta Encantada. An evening tour of the castle will provide us with a glimpse of the fabled parties attended by Marion Davies and other Hollywood legends. The following morning we will experience this magnificent castle with a special daytime tour. Moustache Pete's will be our locale for a sumptuous Sunday Champagne brunch. We will relive the splendor of the weekend at Hearst Castle with a Randolph Hearst/Marion Davies look-alike contest as we toast to a weekend that no one will soon forget. The cost for this taste of vanished elegance is $150.00 (members) $175 (non-members). Call Mike Smith at  552.0236 to reserve your space.

Fifth Friday TGIF: Friday, April 30 Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation TGIF

On April 30th it's time to break out your best S&M wardrobe (AKA, stand & model, swill & mill) as you party on at the biggest, the best TGIF ever. The people at the Richmond / Ermet AIDS Foundation are at it again putting together enough eat-drink-and-be-merry makings to satisfy the most discriminating taste. Elegant venue? Gump's, of course. Live entertainment and surprises to boot! Auction items? Would it be a R/EAF event without them? And nibbly bits from some of the best eateries around and free drinks, too! Tickets are $20.00 this time but where else can you get this much fun for only ten bucks an hour? Circle the date and bring a friend -- it's all for a good cause.In case you're new around here, MAX has been a proud sponsor of R/EAF and their Help is on the Way concerts for several years now, raising much needed funds for local AIDS service organizations. This year continues the new composers theme with Help is on the Way V: A Salute to Sondheim on August 2nd at the Palace of Fine Arts. Executive Producers (and MAXers) Joe Seiler and Ken Henderson are lining up the talent and have already snagged Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey), Joely Fisher (late of Ellen), local "hot mama" Meg Mackay, L.A. Phantom Davis Gaines and the one, the only, the irreplaceable Carole Cook. Any questions? Want to help? Call R/EAF @  931.2515.

MAX Spring Bazaar

As you begin your Spring cleaning, please keep MAX in mind. You may not want that Southwestern motif painting anymore, but someone else will no doubt be willing to pay BIG BUCKS for it. The MAX Spring Bazaar (otherwise known as a Garage Sale) is tentatively set for May 15 and we will be collecting items for the bazaar beginning in March. Gary Grabow will be coordinating various drop-off dates during the next few months (once you decide you want to get rid of that dining room set, you want it out of there now). If you have items for us, please call Gary @  621.8558.

Calling All Control Queens!

Be a MAX Ambassador!OK, you've been to TGIF... maybe you've even joined MAX. Now what? Why not get a real look at what MAX is all about by becoming a MAX Ambassador? This new group is designed to give you hands-on experience helping run a MAX event. What do I have to do? As an Ambassador, you'll help with an event of your choice. It could be anything: take charge of a TASTE event for A&E; reserve a bowling alley for Sports; contact potential speakers for MAX Forum. You could be the contact person for the event, and handle questions and reservations, arrange car pools or even play Dr. Love and set up the sleeping arrangements! All it takes is a commitment to handle one MAX event a year (or more, if you want!)Here's how it works: Just decide which MAX committee interests you most (A&E; Outreach; Forum; Party; Sports; Travel; or TGIF). If an event comes along that needs HELP, you may be called to help. You'll be given logistical support from other committee members and report your progress to the Committee head. Any questions? Steve Kleine, Vice-Chair of Programming, has more information for you, including full descriptions of all committees and the role of the Ambassador. Call him at  337.7975 and indicate your preference!

Max Softball Spring Training

You've heard all about the fabulous MAX softball team and now you'll get a chance to meet them. The team will be on hand at the TGIF on Friday March 19th to strut their stuff. You'll have no trouble recognizing them; they'll be decked out in their adorable uniforms. Under new head coach, Joe Olivier, they have a new look and a new name. Last year know simply as the MAX team, this year they are the Cosmos. And let me tell ya' they are out of this world. Make it a point to attend this event because not only will you get to meet the team, but there will be a raffle and game schedules for the season will be available.