To New Beginnings

The year has come to an end and what a year it has been. I’ve met so many new friends and incredible people this past year. I also experienced many new things. Most of which can be read right here. Trips to Atlanta, a small town in Tennessee, Savannah, New York City, Westhampton, MA, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Boston and Providence have truly been fun.

I start my 6th year, January 1st, on the sandbar that is Provincetown. How strange to think that it has been that long. In that time, I started a business and sold it, renovated a house, continued my real estate career in perhaps the worst market since the great depression, explored my creative side through writing and created and hosted radio and television programs. I even raised an Italian Greyhound I never anticipated having. Everything combined seems so unreal, yet a little too real.

The intense summers followed by equally vacant winters take their toll on a single guy out here. I even thought about leaving a few times. New York City has been a big draw, in fact, most people I know who live here are from the big apple.

But now, no matter where I visit, I realize that Provincetown is my home. I’ve come of age here.
I know I’m home when every other face I see on the street or in the store, says “hi.” It is comforting and I feel as if I‘m Jessica Fletcher walking the streets of Cabot Cove. I giggle to myself when I hear the grocery store still referred to as the A+P after years of being the Grand Union and is now a Stop and Shop. Change is not an easy thing here but it happens constantly. 

I smile when I see Ellie singing in her fur coat in front of a fenced off, vacant town hall in the dead of winter and says “hi mike.” I know I’m home when the clerk at the candy store knows my order as I’m walking in the door, or the post office clerk has the stamps ready for me because the only time I visit the counter is for postage.

I anticipate the arrival of my friends from off-cape on Friday the weekends they come out. And I watch their sad faces when I hug them goodbye on Sunday, knowing what they feel and knowing I will most likely not have to feel that again. Leaving this magical place is not easy.

Free movie nights at The Cape End Inn, Town Meetings, High Tide in the east end during storms, Taco Tuesday, Joe Coffee, Comfort Food Sunday at Bayside Betsy’s, Sunday brunch at Fanizzi’s, Coffee House at The Mews, Tea Dance, Drag Shows, Choral Concerts, dinner parties, great restaurants… my goodness the list goes on and on…and only here.

This New Years Eve, after being away for the past two, I will visit Herring Cove Beach to watch the sunset and say goodbye to a truly incredible, exciting, sad and happy year. 2008 brought much personal growth and was the start of a new chapter in my life. I learned to let go of the past and extend gratitude to what has been. I now look forward to what is yet to be.

I hope you have a happy and healthy new year! Thanks for reading my blog this past year and sharing in my experience. This blog will be dedicated mostly to Provincetown news in 2009.

Feel free to send me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net and remember to play it safe!

High Tide, East End

Holly Folly, Holiday Parties and Linda Eder

This past weekend was Holly Folly in Provincetown and from what I hear, it was a success. I say from what I hear, because I wasn’t here.

There were many concerts, caroling and guesthouse tours. Retail businesses report to me that they did well.

The Art House is doing very well with Joe Mama pumping out sandwiches for dinner. It has become the hang out for many. Great atmosphere.

There is news that the young volunteer firefighter who flipped the ladder truck was OUI.

The Grand Union has closed and renovations for Stop and Shop have started.

The Lands End Inn in the West End opened its doors Friday for a townie party. Michael, the owner, served delicious food and beverages all night. It was packed with familiar faces and some peeps who I’ve never seen before. It was a good time.

On Saturday, I left town for a holiday party in Bolton at the very lovely home of my friends Jay and Jose. The atmosphere was festive, guests were friendly and good times were had by all. Plenty of folk from New York and Boston mixed it up in holiday flavor. There was a lot of tasty food…most of which was homemade.

On Sunday, Brian and I went to see Linda Eder at The Wilbur Theatre in Boston. She sang a mix of Christmas carols and songs off her new cd “The Other Side of Me.” The songs are fun and a bit country. She looked fantastic and sounded wonderful. The Wilbur was almost sold out. I must say, she is back!

That’s it for this week. I hope your holiday season is going nicely.

Please email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net and remember to play it safe.

Holidays Are Here

The holidays are officially upon us. Provincetown ushered in the season by the lighting of the monument Wednesday night. Bright white lights are hung down the sides of the Pilgrim Monument and make it appear is if it is a huge tree when viewed from afar.

I enjoyed a feast off cape for Thanksgiving with some friends who I had not seen in awhile. It was a treat.

I also viewed the movie “Milk” which is about the first openly gay elected official Harvey Milk. He was a city supervisor in San Francisco and assassinated in 1978.
This movie is a must see for everyone. Many don’t know who Harvey Milk was…and I must admit, knew briefly of him, but, now know more. I can’t speak enough about this movie. 

This past weekend was busy in town. Many visitors came down for the holiday.

Join the owner of The Lands End Inn this Friday in Provincetown for a holiday open house party. Let the parties begin!

Catch me next week and thanks for reading. Send me an email if you want mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Thanksgving Week

I just got home from Open Mic night at The Mews. I must say, this was one of the best Coffee House at The Mews that I’ve been too. Every act was amazing. I had dinner with friends Bernard and Scott from New York and John from Provincetown. The food was delicious, service splendid, company wonderful and the acts very talented.

If you find yourself in Ptown this winter on a Monday night, be sure to check out The Mews. Coffee House starts at 8PM and the featured performer comes on at 9PM. It is truly a treat…a more conservative and civilized version of Showgirls. There is requested donation of $3.00 to benefit WOMR radio.

This past weekend the winds blew fiercely and the weather was freezing. The town was pretty dead with little activity on Commercial Street. I was able to catch quite a few movies up cape to pass the time.

Earlier in the week my friends Billy and Tony came out from Boston. We went to Taco Tuesday at The Crown and Anchor… great venue for socializing, just don’t eat too much as it is a buffet. 

We also saw Anne Stott perform at The Grotto at Enzo’s. She was very entertaining and she drew a nice crowd for a Tuesday off season.

We ate breakfast at the Crowne Pointe Guesthouse where Billy stayed. Sweet potato pancakes were delicious and the coffee was perhaps the best I’ve had in town… except for JOE of course.

Last Monday night, John and I attended town meeting where a tax was approved to be levied upon second homeowners on their vacation rentals. I am in complete disagreement with this tax. I’ll make this fast, but I do need to vent.

Most second homeowners, when they rent, usually do so out of genuine need to pay part of their mortgage. They are gay and lesbians who want to achieve that dream of owning in Provincetown. When they rent, they need to pay cleaners, managers and realtors, so they really do not make a “killing” as some think. Taxing second homeowners sends the wrong message to our subculture about Provincetown.

Guesthouse owners feel the tax is fare since they’ve been paying it for years in the form of room tax. Their argument is that the consumer pays it, not the homeowner and it will bring more revenue to the town. I understand and appreciate the argument, however, when you stay at a guesthouse or hotel, there is a level of service that you expect which you do not get when you rent an apartment.

There were plenty of high fives and applause when this passed, narrowly, by 20 votes. Those who passed this tax, in my humble opinion, have a serious misperception as to how this may impact us. It is important for our local economy that renters keep coming armed with enough cash to spend on retail, art, entertainment and at restaurants. This tax, based on the argument that the consumer will pay, takes away that extra money that a vacationer may have to spend on a business in town. So, just to push back a bit, the person who will really pay for this tax is the business owner in Provincetown who gets cut out of the vacation spending budget.

When I witnessed a local storeowner jump up with joy when the tax passed and shriek a loud “yeah!” and throw a fist through the air, I wanted to approach her and ask if she thought this was good for her business. To reiterate my argument; asking the renter or second homeowner to pay more taxes can really impact that extra cash a vacationer may use to buy senseless bric-a-brac, especially during a recession. The tax may amount to an extra $100 to $200 per rental, at least. This can influence a vacationer to decide whether or not they really need to buy a doormat that says “Welcome friends and ocean waves.”

We’ll see where this goes as an appeal movement is in the process. I’ll keep you posted.

In other news out here, the driver of who flipped the fire truck a couple weeks back has been cited. Three criminal citations have been issued against him...speeding, failure to use care at an intersection, and operating a motor vehicle as to endanger. He is only 21 years old. I’m not happy about the accident but as long as no one was hurt I’d like to see him reprimanded in other ways.

That’s it for this week. Have a happy Thanksgiving and play it safe. Email me if you want mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Yo Necessito Mi Café Con Leche En La Manana

NOTE: To view the pictures that go with this entry, check out the version of this blog on PTownMa.info.

The season has really ended, the boys retreated back to their respective homes and I took off on vacation. Last week, Brian and I went to Puerto Rico for a fun filled retreat. I have never been to the sunny island or “la isla bonita” as most license plates read. I’ll recap for you the trip along with some pictures. But first let’s talk Provincetown.

While I was away, The Grand Union was sold to Stop and Shop. This is huge…what will we do without the GU? Most folks are happy about the purchase. The store will be closed December 5-7th for the change. Right now, there are great deals on pretty much everything as they attempt to clear house. The pharmacy will remain open. There is even talk of remodeling…my friend Rich wants the store to expand into a neighboring vacant retail space…and in true Reagan fashion he wants to yell “Mr. Manager, tear down this wall” to the undulating cheers of townies.

George’s Pizza…the only pizza joint left open for the off-season, was forced to close its doors after being seized for non payment of taxes. Shoot…looks like frozen pizza for the winter.

Finally, our $500,000 hook and ladder truck was flipped on Route 6 by a 21 year old volunteer firefighter. He was not on his way to an emergency and had his girlfriend in the truck with him. The truck rolled a few times. Wow!!!!! Thank God they are OK.

Now back to vacation. Brian called me about one month ago and wanted to go on a trip. I recommended the old stand by, Fort Lauderdale, would make a great vacation…but he wanted to go somewhere different. I gave him a few days to come up with an alternative and he called a few days later, very excited, saying our destination would be Puerto Rico. I laughed to myself at some subtle irony that lay in his choice of place and dates of travel…but I agreed and we made the plans.

We stayed at The Caribe Hilton in San Juan. This is a great hotel compound and our room had quite the view. Our first day there we relaxed on hammocks suspended between two palm trees on the beach. I crashed and literally fell asleep.

The next day we were up early and treated ourselves to room service breakfast on the balcony which overlooks a historic fort and the ocean (great coffee in Puerto Rico btw…and I grew addicted to café con leche). Then we went to the beach, jumped on this oddly huge trampoline that was floating in the ocean…. We had so much fun that we attracted tons of little girls who climbed on the trampoline and shrieked in delight…it was our cue to leave.

We flew to Vieques later that day for an overnight. We had a smooth flight and saw awesome views of Puerto Rico from the air. That night we swam in the Bioluminescent Bay with microorganisms that glowed in the dark...this was truly an amazing experience.

The next day we swam at Sun Bay Beach.. postcard beautiful… and we were the only ones there!

We flew back to San Juan and toured El Morro in Old San Juan. This structure is a fantastic fort built in the 1500’s that was once used by the Spanish to guard San Juan. It was here that I met a cute Puerto Rican man working in the gift shop/book store. We exchanged quite a few glances as he was just too darn cute…but I left.

We walked through Old San Juan and Brian took tons of pictures. We had café con leche at a plaza de Armas… and then, in Walgreens, while getting sun glasses, I ran into the cute Latino boy from the bookstore. I had to say hi…his name is Julio.

Brian and I had dinner at Café Berlin at the suggestion of my friend George. It was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. I tried speaking Spanish most of the trip and that got us great service and smiles everywhere we went… possibly because they were laughing at my attempt. But overall I think it was appreciated.

The next day we drove to Ponce in south Puerto Rico. It is a historic city. Brian went crazy with the photographs. Then we drove to the west coast to the Playa Crashboat and Aquidillo. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island and we saw our share this day.

That night we met up with Julio at a restaurant called Baru in old San Juan. The bar tender, Demaris, was really nice and she gave us free drinks, great food created lots of fun. We toured Old San Juan with our own personal guide. Blend and The Pink Umbrella seemed to be the hot spots.

The next day was deemed a do nothing day. After an hour long tennis match, Brian and I worked out at the gym and got massages at the hotel spa by a very attractive Puerto Rican man. Awesome massage… We relaxed in the hammocks again and then went to The Atlantic Beach House in the Condado for tea dance. It was pretty lame to be honest but we did meet two New Yorkers who were lots of fun. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them. That evening we went to Fort San Cristobal in Old San Juan for a historic light and shadow show…Julio got us in for free. Afterwards, we ate at Café Puerto Rico… the food was good but we were rushed so I can’t really comment favorably on the place at this point. On the way to Julio’s apartment we bumped into real estate guru Barbara Corcoran. I’m a big fan of her achievements and was really shocked at having run into her. 

Our last full day in Puerto Rico was spent at El Yunque Rain Forest. We walked the trails and swam under a waterfall. It was truly magical and awe inspiring.

Our last day there while we grieved the end of our fabulous trip, Brian, in a fit of thanksgiving, wrapped a towel on his head and sang “Ave Maria” from our balcony… it was mesmerizing and haunting…a nice way to say goodbye. 

We flew home Tuesday…back to reality. Mitt Romney, our former governor sat in front of us on the plane. That was strange. We were delayed for two hours on the runway before leaving…. We should have stayed and extended the vacation. I ultimately missed my connection to Cape Air in Boston, but Jet Blu put me up at the Hyatt until the next morning… one more night in a hotel and delaying my re-entry.

I’m definitely heading back to Puerto Rico. The place is a mix of extreme poverty and beauty. What a contrast. Everyone was friendly and I got to try and speak Spanish. In fact, most of the time, folks addressed me in Spanish and I didn’t do too badly responding. I’m going back. 

That’s it for this week. Play it safe and email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you have questions.

Autumn Scenes in Provincetown

Trick or treat indeed!

It is Sunday night and I’m wrapping up an incredibly fun weekend here in Provincetown.

Halloween fell on a Friday so the town was full of Boston and New York guys…I even ran into a few from Philly.

The town was unbelievably packed and Commercial Street held crowds as if it were summer. Friday night was a parade of costumes up and down Commercial Street…the paparazzi were out snapping photos.

Paramount, A-House, Vixen and even the BoatSlip were open with Halloween bashes. Provincetown was the place to be this weekend.

A group of us ate dinner Saturday night at Jimmie’s Hideaway…Barb (Babs), Marguerite, John, Mark, Bill, Rich and Paul… it was pretty good… then we went to see Poor Superman at The Art House…one of hopefully many off season performances that will be there. The house was full, acting superb and storyline pretty powerful. My friends Anne, Spencer and Scott were the main characters.

Earlier in the week, John and I viewed an Italian movie “Seven Beauties” at PAAM (Provincetown Art Association and Museum). Great movie from the 1970’s…The era is World War II and the setting is a concentration camp. It really sets perspective. Try and watch it if you can find this movie.

Tonight, I saw “Religulous” with John at The Art House Theatre. I must say it’s quite the thought provoking flick.

My short film Pump; Terror on the Bike Trail will be screened next week as part of Outer 2K8, The OUTer Gay and Lesbian Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival in Austin, Texas. You can have your very own private screening right here. Click on the links below to check out the festival and to watch the movie on Youtube. It’s very short.

Pump: Terror on the bike trail, Click here.

Outerfest, Click here.

Remember to come to Provincetown in the last few weeks of the fall. It is absolutely beautiful. Also, it’s not too early to start planning for New Years Eve! It is quite the bash here! I think I’ll stay put this year after being away from home for two New Years Eve’s in a row. Last year, I ventured to Atlanta and the year before to The Hamptons.

Next week is “Meet Your Mate’s Weekend.” All you single guys can come out for some fun and just maybe you’ll meet the man of your dreams…or men.

Ok.. that’s it this week. Play it safe and feel free to shoot me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net.

I’ll be on vacation for the next two weeks. Next Monday my webmaster, Paul, will post a link for you to watch video scenes I shot of Autumn in Provincetown. Check it out, you’ll wish you were here. See ya.

Fantasia Fair and Round Up

Don’t forget to vote on November 4th. This election is very important for so many reasons. Here’s a chilling fact; hate crimes in general have decreased across the nation while crimes against gays and lesbians have increased. Electing a Democrat to the presidency along with the Democratic Congress for at least two years is more promising for us than having a Republican in the white house. Ok I’ll get off the box. 

Here’s why places like Provincetown are still so important and valuable.

Fantasia Fair occurred this week. There is truly nowhere on Earth where hundreds of transgender folk come to town, have fun and address issues that face their subculture without being harassed. Provincetown openly welcomed them to town for their weeklong conference. All week, cross dressers, their friends and family walked Commercial Street, shopped and socialized. It was fun to “people watch” this week with no judgment, only acceptance in my heart (except for the occasional unfortunate outfit). All walks of life are welcome here and part of what makes this place so very special.

The Round Up was also here this week. Celebrating 21 years, “Serenity by The Sea” was a success. I met many interesting people at the event from all over the country. In particular, my new friends from Philadelphia are extra special. I met Chris and Tom early in the week and for me, there was an instant connection. Later, I was introduced to the rest of their group… Jack and Philip. We all cliqued and I was sad to see them leave. I think I may be going to Philly for a visit. 

Part of the Round Up included a variety show which was attended by close to 500 gays and lesbians. It was a lot of fun, especially my friend’s imitation of Phyllis Diller…dead on.

This Friday is Halloween and means the town will be absolutely packed. If you haven’t been to Provincetown for Halloween, than get your fanny here. It rivals Salem, Ma in intensity, only Provincetown is full of talented and creative straight and gay folk who want to have happy fun… Salem can get a bit rough. But here the costumes are outrageous. Every bar has a contest or you can just walk up and down Commercial Street. It is like a parade. I still have to buy some candy as I usually get about a hundred trick or treat'rs. Since it falls on a Friday, the town will be mobbed.

That’s it for this week. I’ll let you know how Halloween was. Friends are coming from Boston and want me to dress up. I’m not too sure about that.

Email me if you have a comment mike.dubour@verizon.net and remember to play it safe and VOTE!

From Women's Week to Nantucket and Back

Women’s Week was here! It was the 24th year women converged on our lovely hamlet to celebrate womanhood. The town was busy with ladies who came for fun, shows and workshops. I went away for two days.

Getting off our “island” for my weekend to Nantucket was quite fun. It is nice to see another Cape Cod resort town in the throws of a shoulder season. The weird part was that no stores offered an end of season discount like Provincetown. Some stores here are offering 70% off merchandise before closing for the winter.
John, Tony and I took the slow ferry Tuesday morning in part because we were in no hurry to be anywhere. What a tremendous feeling that was. We sat in the “first class” section of the slow ferry to Nantucket. Now don’t get too excited, first class on this ferry means padded chairs, free coffee and a Danish pastry. How can one resist for the $7.00 surcharge?

My last trip to the rock was in August and I travelled on the fast ferry surrounded by corporate weekenders seeking a retreat from their lives. This time, we were surrounded by an elderly travel group. The soft classical music was quickly drowned out by men and women yelling to hear themselves. No harm was done though but the pastry disappeared rather quickly.

I know you’re reading this because you want to know about Ptown, so I’ll explain the Nantucket get away quickly. It was nice to walk down the street and not know anyone. The cobblestone streets are beautiful and downtown Nantucket is quite nice, as if a gay man designed it. I’m not complaining about Provincetown and I love running into friends here, that’s one of its charms, but it was a nice break. We stayed at a lovely B+B called The Anchor Inn. It was located in town. We walked everywhere and I didn’t rent a bike this time. We dined at Lo La 41 at the referral of a friend who has a home on Nantucket. I asked him for a chic and stylish eatery for the upwardly mobile who come to play. Of course I knew I‘d find some sisters there…. and we did… we sat right next to a lovely gay couple visiting the island from Denver, Colorado. We even spied a few others tipping their martinis and laughing. The dinner was delicious, atmosphere pleasant and service excellent. I highly recommend the place.

John and I toured the island on Wednesday. We saw a historic old house, windmill and lighthouse that was just moved due to erosion. We were informed that Macy’s Department Store and Folgers Coffee got their starts on the island.

We headed back to mainland on the ferry. Once we landed, we had dinner at a hip restaurant on Main Street in Hyannis called Colombo.

Back in Provincetown, I embraced Women’s Week by attending “The Really Big Show” at the UU Meeting House with Marguerite and Barbara. This two hour extravaganza was attended by at least 300 women. I think I was one of three guys there. It started with the lesbian drum corp…pretty wild percussionists…yes, I got totally into it. The hostess Mimi Gonzalez introduced the acts…there were opera singers, drag kings (very interesting) Broadway singers, a pianist, comedians and my favorite; The Mount Holyoke College Glee Club sang do- wop. . I bought four of their cds after the show. Next year, I plan to attend more of the shows for Women’s Week…what a fun part of our subculture.

Tonight, I attended a classical piano recital at the UU Meeting House. My friend John Stott performed numerous classical pieces from Chopin, Beethoven and Listz…from memory. It was amazing and his hands literally danced over the ivory.

This week Fantasia Fair starts. It is a particularly fun week with the cross dressers here in town. Most of them have their wives with them. I’m serious. I love seeing their outfits.

Well, that’s it for this week. Nothing Earth shattering happening out here. Keep reading and have a fun week. Remember to play it safe. mike.dubour@verizon.net

An Amazing Gay Wedding, and More

I’m writing this after attending an amazing gay wedding. I feel high with the good time that this event was. My friends Phillip and Scott were married at The Provincetown Inn. Phillip is Jewish and Scott a Christian… the wedding was an amazing mix of both religions…more Christian, however. 

The weather was absolutely beautiful as they exchanged vows with Provincetown Harbor and skyline as a backdrop. I thought that maybe someday I will be married. Then I laughed…not sure I believe in that institution at this point in my life. Gay marriage is now legal in MA, CT and CA. It will be a matter of time before gay marriage is just not an issue. With the economy in shambles, a depressing war taxing our nerve and AIDS making a comeback…the fact that two people want to exchange vows and commit to each other legally, is not so important. At least it shouldn’t be.

Anyhow, the wedding was quite traditional and the setting was marvelous. The Tiffany Room at the inn was the perfect place for the reception. There was the Christian blessing, they were married under their own chuppa, we all yelled mazel tov after the grooms smashed the glass, the meal blessing, the first dance, the hora dance, we carried one groom on a chair while dancing (the other groom didn’t want to be carried), the cutting of the cake… it was by all means the way life is supposed to be. A huge mix of about 200 friends and relatives were there. Phillip and Scott are truly blessed. Good luck guys.

Now about Provincetown. The large Navy barracks boat that was here for the past five years, was towed away last week. It is gone. The empty space was sadly noticeable until I realized that it really was an eyesore. Cabral Wharf looks great now.

It's Women’s Week and there are many shows happening. Lots of talent in town and the weather is unbelievable and the streets are crowded. My dear friends Barb, Marguerite, Laurie, Elaine, Rich, Mark and Bill dined at Fanizzi’s Saturday night. We had a great time and Tanya provided excellent service. We were at dinner for three hours!

Well I’m off to Nantucket for my weekend with my friends Tony and John. I know you want to see more pictures and I’ll provide some of the trip next week.

Thanks for your emails and for reading. Have a good week and play it safe. Send me an email… I love them mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Pumpkins and Scarecrows

Pumpkins and scarecrows are popping up all over Commercial Street. Fall is here. It’s the time to shop as most retail stores have discounted their goods considerably.


This past weekend was Leather Mates in Provincetown. There were lots of leather and chains on Commercial Street. Friday night was the slave auction at The Crown and Anchor. I lasted ten minutes and had to leave. It just wasn’t my scene. In fact, most of the events of weekend were of no interest to me. That particular subculture has never been a draw for me. I had tried it back in the spring and it didn’t stick.
This week, I’d like to provide a link to my friend Monica’s blog. She rode across country solo on her motorcycle from Manhattan to California. I think this is pretty awesome and courageous. Click here to read about it.

We dined at The Mews this past week. The usually impeccable service was thrown off a bit by one of our meals being a little less than perfect... read about it in this week’s "Table for Three."


I’ll write more next week. Columbus Day Weekend is coming, Women’s Week and I’m going to Nantucket for a couple days for a fall weekend. Email me if you’d like to add anything mike.dubour@verizon.net ... Play it safe and have a good week.

Open Embrace for Autumn

Fall has officially started and I’ve been asked to stop bitching about the season ending. I will and openly embrace the chilly weather and foliage trips. There is fun during these months as the warmth slowly leaves us, clouds and darkness move in and the days get shorter. There is that pleasant smell of wood burning in the air.
The crowds have finally left Commercial Street and the off-season has begun.

We’ve had some miserable weather while The Tennessee Williams Festival was in town. But, I frankly didn’t care and never made it to any of the events. I did have good intentions and was going to attend at least one. I’m just burned out from the summer and need to recharge. The doggie tea dance took place at The Boatlsip and Pia wanted to go, but the cold rainy weather, combined with my desire to stay indoors, kept me away.

Yes, I’ve been a recluse this past week… so sue me. LOL.

I did go to a fundraiser for WildCare at Front Street with Rich. It was a multi course meal. Everything was absolutely delicious. Shrimp tempura, lobster tail, filet mignon, etc…

Saturday, I dined at Victor’s with friends Scott and John who introduced me to two new friends. It was a fun time with great food.

Sunday, Mark, Rich and I ate a simple meal at George’s Pizza. I’m just getting in winter mode and slowing down a bit. 

Rich officially started his company RKM Property Management which brings back memories of me moving here with an ex. He’s going to do very well with the business.

That’s it. Basically, it was just a week to socialize.

Leather Mates weekend is coming up starting Friday. I hear there is a slave auction…hmmmmm. Besides barbeques and other fun, who knows what trouble we can all get into.

A little bit of town gossip: Pat Fecher was promoted to Associate Executive Director of The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. Good luck to her…she will be amazing in the position. Her former position of Public Affairs Director is open…thinking of making a move here???

Not much else to report this week.

Drop me a line at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you want. Thanks for reading and play it safe.

It's Official, The Secret is Out

As I was driving from the east end to the west end on an appointment last week, it occurred to me… in late September, this trip, down Bradford Street, should only take 5 minutes… not the 15 it would eventually take. September has always been our little gem of a month. Warm weather, warm water and small crowds… It truly still seems like August out here.

Not much happening this week. I went to perhaps my last tea dance two Sunday’s ago. Tea will happen on Friday and Saturday only through early October… which means pretty much… its over.

Now I’m not one to bitch….but….the gossip for this blog is my irritation at what seems to be a huge waste of tax payer money in Provincetown.

For those of you who are familiar with the town, Route Six, at the intersection of Shank Painter Road, will be narrowed to a two lane highway heading west. Why? Who knows, I think someone feels it’s a public safety hazard. The true hazard is using taxpayer money in a recession to fund a silly project. The existing system works. In five + years that I have lived here, there have been no issues that need attention. Maybe some construction group needs a contract and they know the right peeps.

Ok, that’s enough. This will all take place next to the new dog park, which my friend Barbara, or Babs, as we call her, is helping to build. The high fence has been put up and the park is coming together. It will be a great place for our puppies to play. Speaking of that, this coming weekend is dog tea at The Boatslip…. It includes a fashion show for your canine companion…

If you stand at The Boatslip and look directly across the street. The house that used to sit there has been demolished. The entire rear section has been ripped off…. The interior of the remaining structure gutted and the house moved on the sidewalk. Its pretty cool in all honesty.

All this and The Historic Commission actually approved it. Everyone else has a hard time getting dormers and flower boxes…. Wow…. can you say “ole boy?” My prediction is that the house will be demolished due to it being unsafe. As I write this I’ve heard two very large banging noises and vibrations coming from that area.

Other stuff… Connie’s Bakery, located near my house, has reverted to shoulder season hours. This means Thursday through Sunday only for the yummies.

I want to send out a hello this week to two new friends Jose and Jay. They are wonderful guys, and cute, who visited from Boston and we had a lot of fun.

John, mark and I dined at Bistro 404 the other night at the recommendation of friends Jose and Jay. Click here to read John’s write up on this week’s Table for Three.

That’s it for now. Have a great week and play it safe. Email me if you want to provide input, mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Has Summer Really Ended?

Ok. So its after Labor Day and usually Commercial Street empties of the crowds and madness. This year seems different. As I was enjoying a slice of Spiritus pizza with a co-worker, mid week, we watched shirtless boys and throngs of tourists walk up and down the street, in and out of the shops. Could it be that our secret month has been exposed to all? This morning, as I was walking to JOE to get my Americano, I spotted two queens walking to The Boatslip with towels. It was 84 degrees and sunny!

This past weekend felt like mid August, never mind mid September. Friday night, The Porch Bar was packed full of people. Both indoor bars and the deck were absolutely filled.

Saturday night, Rich, John ad I went to see Jimmy James at The Post Office Cabaret. I must say that the show was great. I really wasn’t motivated to see him, but John wanted to. I am grateful because the show was fantastic. He did three encores… a rarity in ptown and something I don’t think I’ve ever seen. His show, btw was sold out.

Two other shows were sold out; At the Vixen, Sextrology was a hit and my fave…Dina Martina, played at the Crown. Our little hamlet by the bay is becoming a fall destination.

Saturday, I worked the ticket gate and volunteered my time at the WOMR Boogie By the Bay Music Fest. Local bands played while peeps danced in Wellfleet at Mayo Beach. It was a lot of fun.

Here’s a lil bit of gossip to chew on. The Art House Theatre which hosted such luminaries as Varla Jean and Miss Richfield, will stay open year round. Frappo, the delicious high-end buffet restaurant, will close for the winter. In its place, Joe Mama Bagels will operate. Joe Mama’s is located at the end of the Aquarium Mall across from the Gelato place. They have awesome breakfast sandwiches and pressed sandwiches. Right now they only serve breakfast and lunch but may possibly expand hours of operation due to the Art House being open at night.

The Art House will host a variety of events this winter. They will mostly show movies. Currently, a play is being rehearsed that will start right after Women’s Week in mid October and run for three weeks. This is great for us townies looking for something to keep us busy.

Well, keep tuned. The shoulder season is upon us. Womens’ Week is coming up. We’ll be seeing Paula Poundstone, Kate Clinton and Jennifer Coolidge in town. Rumors are starting to circulate that K.D. Lang will be here.

Halloween is always a blast. It rivals Salem, MA in fun and crowds. We take the edge when it comes to costume creativity though.

Single men’s weekend is also approaching with speed dating, workshops and a weekend full of activities.

Thanksgiving is always a busy weekend here, then Holly Folly and the last bang of the year, New Years Eve!

Email me if you have any questions… mike.dubour@verizon.net. Thanks for reading and play it safe.

Of Dusk and Summer

A quick blog entry this week. The summer has gone but the streets are still full of shirtless boys and tourists. I guess the secret that September is our best month has leaked out.

How did we do overall in regards to tourism? Retail reported to me that June was a strong month, July soft and August robust. Restaurants and entertainers tell me that the summer was strong. Art sales were weak according to the gallery owners I spoke with.

Well, fall is a couple weeks away. With it comes the cooler weather.

I went to the last Showgirls of the season this past week. It was sad as I was at the very first one just three short months ago. Olive Another (the crazy drag queen who barks for the show and has drinks tossed at her) won showgirl of the year 2008. John, Rich, Bernard, Scott and I dined at The Central House prior to the show. It was actually really good. A far cry from the blundering experience Rich and I had back in May. It was perhaps one of the best meals I had in town. See what John thought and read this week’s "Table for Three."

I spent two days in Boston last week and didn’t really do anything this past weekend.

Pump 2 is in the process of being made. If you don’t know what I mean, click here and watch "Pump 1. This is a short film about a monster drag queen that I wrote and produced two years ago. I’ve been encouraged by many peeps in town to make a sequel. I’ve decided to do it.

Email me any comments at mike.dubour@verizon.net. Play it safe.

Summer Comes to an End

The last week of summer was a mad rush of activity, especially Labor Day Weekend. It was as if everyone, all at once realized, that life was coming to an end and every event had to be attended. This isn’t a bad thing, but listening to tourists, seasonal workers and friends lament their exodus from Provincetown made me once again thankful to be living here (even though at times the sand does close in on ya).

Ironically enough, the streets are still full of boys and tourists. It seems as though no one told them the season has ended. The telltale is at The Art House, Crown and Anchor and Post Office Cabaret where the show advertisements have been removed and nothing but black space remains.

So my week was action packed (get your mind out of the gutter). It was the culmination of an incredibly busy summer.

It started out Monday night with John, Brian and I going to see “Shut Up Sweet Charlotte” at The Art House Theatre. Varla Jean was one of the stars and this was a brilliantly funny remake of the old Betty Davis flick. What a fun way to start the last week of the season.

Tuesday, I was up early and heading to Hyannis to catch the boat to Nantucket for my weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday. Friends Mark and Duncan had rented a house on Starbuck Road (like the café, without the “s” on the end… that’s how its known) and offered me a room for my “Saturday” night. 

The fast ferry ride from Hyannis was quite the experience. I climbed on board expecting something similar to the ride from Boston to Ptown. Instead of squeaky queens excited for a weekend in Ptown, it was filled with white, corporate vacationers. I could feel the stress in the air. Polo shirts tucked into pleated shorts and loafers with no socks. Those “high end” straights sure liked to drink and there was a huge line at the snack bar as I went to get my morning coffee.

I sat next to two guys who I perceived as possible sisters. Those of you that know me probably already guessed. My gaydar is as accurate as John McCain’s pick for a scandal free running mate and the two guys were as straight as they come. One even carried a gun. So I sat silently while little children screeched and lined up to pet the only dog on the boat ... brought on by a soccer mom who insisted on sitting next to me. Are dogs even allowed on the ferry? I read the Boston Globe and blended in as best I could. But I did feel the stares. I’m not sure how a tight pink pull over and daisy dukes were inappropriate wear for the Nantucket ferry ride. I jest. I was dressed a little more conservatively. The uneasiness of the ride was pleasantly interrupted by two text messages from Miss Coco Peru. I sent her an email complimenting her Ptown performance and she actually responded. It was fun.

I landed on the rock (as it is called) and met Mark and Duncan who had come to the pier to greet me. How fun. In my tanned state and pencil thin beard, they mentioned that I looked middle eastern coming off the boat. That could explain the looks and whispers.

We rented bikes, hit the beach and had a blast riding all over the island. What a different world. Everything on Nantucket that we saw was nearly perfect and pristine. Most families had nannies taking care of the kids. At times I felt like it was 1920. The second day we hit another beach, “Surfside.” We found the boys, quite by accident, and it was fun. The six of us, all gathered in one spot. I did get some tips from a Facebook buddy as to where to go for entertainment and gay friendly atmosphere.

Tuesday night, we made dinner at home, all had facials and watched Hillary Clinton speak at the convention. What a truly relaxing time, away from the crazy gayness of Provincetown.

My last day there, I happened to meet a really nice guy named Clay. Apparently, there is a gay Nantucket, its just subdued and not “in your face.” As I was parting Wednesday night, I ran into Bruce, a successful real estate investor who I used to work for in Boston. We discussed how Nantucket is becoming gayer. Hmmm. Lets keep an eye on this. It seems to still be hush, hush.

Anyhow, back to my little island and Labor Day Weekend. It was very busy in the real estate end of things. There were a lot of showings…maybe a sign that things are turning around. Who knows.

Friday night, the entire staff of Atlantic Bay Sotheby’s went to dinner at Frappo and to see Varla Jean. We advertised in her show this year. It was my third time seeing her show for the season, and still fun.

Saturday night was the Art Auction for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. A lot of money was raised for the group. Due to town hall being condemned, the location of the auction, was the fish barn at the end of Cabral Pier. Here’s some news…the large barracks barge that has been tied up there for five years will be removed from the pier shortly.

There was a huge white party in the west end of town at Delft Haven this past weekend. My duties kept me at the auction but friends say it was fun.

Mark, Anthony, John, Rich and I dined at Front Street Sunday night. The meal was good. Read this week’s "Table for Three" for more details. Then it was off to see Jackie Beat. It was her last show and the one that I had not seen. She was crass as heck yet lots of fun. Hedda Lettuce meets Varla Jean with a sprinkling of Pearlene.

After the show it was “Vault at Large at The Paramount.” I donned my leather drag once again and went out for fun. The music was good, men were cute and a fun night was had. A few moments at Spiritus afterwards was a nice way to end the night.

Monday night I went to Showgirls with John, Mark and Rich. We got in line too late and had to sit towards the rear which blocked some of our view. But the show was fun nonetheless. Next week is the last Showgirls of the season. It seems as if I just wrote about the first one.

Next week, I’ll talk about some news in town. “Swim for Life” is happening next Saturday. This is yet another great fundraiser for our local help organizations. The events, shows and parties will slowly stop now that summer has gone.

What an amazing summer this has been and there is definitely some sadness at seeing it go.

Thanks for reading and please send me an email if there is anything you’d like me to discuss or if you have feedback on any entry. mike.dubour@verizon.net

Carnival. Crazy. Crazed.

If the summer season here in Ptown was a sinking ship, then the stern would be high in the air. And that faint moment before she starts to slide under the water, that short delay, is Carnival week. Drag bingo, drag brunch, opening ceremonies, parties and of course, the parade, have made this past week one energetic ball of social frenzy. Pandemonium defined last week as the town was invaded by cowboys and scantly clad Indians.

The week started with my Rodeo at The Raised Ranch on Sunday. Thanks to everyone again, for making it a special and successful event. That evening the kickoff party for Carnival was at The Boatslip. It was OK. Lea Delaria hosted, the sound system was screwed up and I left early. However, I did meet many nice cowboys. I felt as if I were back in Phoenix.

Tuesday night was “Classical Varla” at the UU Church. It was a sold out crowd and we had a front row seat for the entire program. Varla donated all the proceeds of the show to The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. It was a wonderful evening. After the show, I stopped by Ross’s Grill for a special VIP cocktail reception. It was nice to meet the singers.

Wednesday, Luis came for a long weekend. We had a quiet night in preparation for the days ahead.

Thursday was full of parade fun. I watched the parade from a party on a balcony overlooking Commercial Street in the west end. The afternoon started with a party at Forbidden Fruit. A store owned by Todd and Eric. A wild time by everyone was had there.

After the parade Luis and I went to Tea dance. It was packed but a lot of fun. The dance floor was impenetrable.

Friday night Miss Coco Peru changed my life. I jest of course, but, this was by far, the best show I’ve ever seen in Provincetown. I’m a huge Dina Martina and Varla fan, but this was even better than them. I may even have to put her past Linda Eder performing at town hall six years ago. I laughed the whole time… from when she opened the show with, “Have you ever woke up in the morning….looked around… and said….. oh fuck? To her singing The Little Mermaid song and inserting her trademark line from the movie “Trick” “It burns.” Anyhow, I have new favorite and can’t say enough. Check her out. She sold out the UU church.

Saturday night, Luis and I had yummy lasagna at Kaitlin Colombo’s house. Her dad prepared lasagna and chocolate dipped strawberries. How good is that?

Sunday was an annual ice cream social, a client appreciation party for work. It was a fun event with tons of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Afterwards, my friend Brian and I hit The Porch bar and I made a new friend from Milwaukee.

I’m heading to Nantucket this week for two days. What a juxtapositional experience that will be.

Play it safe, see ya next week.

The Summer is Slowly Slipping Away

The summer is slowly slipping away. Less than two weeks left of fun and crowds. I am completely exhausted for one, after having experienced a summer of grabbing the majority of what Ptown has to offer from a single gay man’s point of view. I’ll need the fall to recover from shows, events, restaurants, parties, men and more!

I eased back into the work week with the grace of a gazelle falling off a cliff.
Taking an unplugged vacation for one week proved to be relaxing but stressful upon re-entry.

This week I got back in the routine of work, gym and home. Of course, I left room for fun. Besides last minute planning for my first fundraiser, Rodeo at The Raised Ranch, a benefit for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, a few of us took in a show over this past weekend.

Let me tell you about the fundraiser first. It was a success and close to 40 people attended this two hour event to raise money for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod which took place at my house. The weather was perfect.

The food was purchased and prepared by my friend Brian Bator, who I had not seen since our new year’s trip to Atlanta! He came down from Boston for the good cause. Summer rolls, crab cakes, cucumber nibbles, vegetarian sausage and homemade salsa were consumed by the attendees and delicious!

Matt, from the erotic fashion show a few months back, stood by and let himself be lassoed for $1.00 per try. He wore nothing but a skimpy bathing suit, cowboy hat and seductive smile. If you roped him, ya got a prize from a grab bag. This raised extra cash. Adult film star Spencer Quest was on hand to work the crowd with handshakes and smiles.

Around 4PM, the entertainment started. As peeps visited the open wine and beer bar, filled up on beverages of choice, they settled in chairs and on the rock wall. I emceed the event which went as smooth as butter!

Michael Burke, the Associate Director of The AIDS Support Group gave a brief speech.

Bruce, an individual living with HIV and AIDS gave a testimonial to the experience of living with the disease…. It put a face to the event and helped us raise more money by passing a cowboy hat.

Afterwards, Buddy Starr, sang two songs for us, one country and one from my favorite musical Mame. Of course the words were changed in both songs to reflect a rodeo and the gay life. His act was very enjoyable mixed with a bit of comedy and some tap dancing!

Then Kaitlin Colombo, star of E-Entertainment and “Last Comic Standing” took the stage with her brand of humor. The laughter started immediately and she kept the momentum going with one joke after another. “A relentless onslaught of comedy” that’s my quote. She seemed so innocent at first in her playful red dress and cowboy boots….but we all had to hold onto our cowboy hats as we were knee deep in smiles before we knew it.

Ending the afternoon, local singer and songwriter, Anne Stott, performed four songs for us with her acoustic guitar. Her melodic voice and strumming were a perfect compliment to the somber meaning behind the event. She ended with Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz”… a sing a long that most knew. She sold her cd’s and donated the proceeds to The AIDS Support Group.

I thanked everyone for coming after Anne performed and the event ended. It was a huge success for the AIDS Support Group as we raised a lot of cash. I think there may be one next year. If you want to donate this year, you still can, just send me an email and I’ll tell you where to send the check.

Saturday night, Luis, John, Brian and I went to see Lainie Kazan at the Vixen Nightclub. She performed for an hour and half. Her singing was completely awesome. The performance was a mix of stories, comedy and singing. She had broken her hip a few weeks back and performed from a wheelchair. After John and Brian had Lainie sign their newly purchased cd’s, we went home where Luis prepared an eggplant lasagna from scratch….absolutely delish.

Sunday night, after cleaning up from the fundraiser, Brian, Rich and I went to the opening party for Carnival at the Boatslip. Lea Delaria emceed the event. There was an automated horse, lots of entertainment and plenty to look at. I left at 11:30…. had to work the next day, but the event went until 1AM.

So Carnival has started with its theme of Wild Wild West.…. Next week I’ll write about Classical Varla, the parade and numerous parties that will happen.

In the meantime, if you’d like to send in a photo, comment or anything else pertaining to Ptown… Email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net.


Have a fun week, thanks for reading and play it safe!

Getting Away From It All

Last week I had to get away from it all. This being my first summer being single in Provincetown has taken its toll. I escaped to the quiet seclusion of Western Mass. Westhampton, to be exact and a week long vacation on Pine Island Lake. Kayaking, swimming and row boating filled the days and dining in Northampton eateries and movies filled the nights. I was on Golden Pond and catching up with family and childhood friends and renewing a friendship with my friend Tony.

I’ll write about Provincetown next week as it will be Carnival week. Wild west is the theme and this town will be no doubt filled with cowboys and Indians. Remember the Rodeo at the Raised Ranch fundraiser is this weekend. You are invited … read and download the invite at my site. Next week I’ll be back and tell you how it went. If you want to come just send me an email. Anne Stott will provide the music, Kaitlin Colombo and Buddy Star will perform comedy, porn star Spencer Quest will make an appearance, there will be tarot card reader and a hot lil cowboy named Matt will be available for lassoing (scroll back a few blogs to see him modeling erotic clothes in the June 9th blog entry) It promises to be a fun time for a good cause.

I capped off my vacation by spending a day in Wellfleet at The Wildlife Sanctuary. How absolutely beautiful! Trails that wind along the ocean, through woods, along a pond and more. The scenery is spectacular and worth the $5.00 donation.

On Sunday, Luiz and I went to the Flea Market in Wellfleet. What a huge event. Not really my cup of tea but if you like deals and used items for purchase, this may be your thing.

Have a good week. Email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you would like to post anything or have any input.

Bye Family Week, Hello Vacation

NOTE: Remember, I'm hosting my first-ever fund raiser on August 17th in Provincetown. It is to benefit The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod, for which I am a Board Member. $50 per head. $90 per couple. You are invited … read and download the invite at my site.

Okay, now to this week's blog entry, "Bye Family Week, Hello Vacation" ...

Family Week has ended! While I was shopping at Bravo with Rich for playful new shirts, we observed two daddies and their Asian daughter. It was the first Sunday of Family Week. They were all smiles, stroller nice and neatly organized, diapers neatly piled, ready for deployment, and blanket smartly folded on the stroller roof. I just had to say “hello” as one of the daddies was very attractive and the daughter was like a doll.

Well, flash ahead to Saturday morning. I saw the same couple while waiting in line (out to the street mind you) for my morning coffee at Joe. Needless to say, I tried to avoid eye contact as they lumbered by, the cute daddy far ahead with the stroller…diapers spilling out with wipes in tow, the blanket hanging over the edge and dragging on the street, a scowl on his face. The other daddy trudged behind, pulling the little girl, tripping on the brick sidewalk and looking as if he’d rather be at a fabulous morning brunch affair.

This seemed to be the theme as Family Week wore on and the combination of hot weather and unruly children created an orchestra of chaos.

There were, to be fair, plenty of calmer families who took advantage of the workshops, play groups and networking events. I am an avid supporter of Family Week for the diversity of our community.

I went to The Provincetown Inn for a swim on my day off, between chores, and ran into my friends Pam and Judy. These legendary ladies have been coming to Provincetown since the 1950’s and have so much knowledge about the town and its evolution. Between the jumping, splashing and yelling of the children we had a pleasant conversation about Judy Garland, Wayland Flowers, Paul Lynde and other luminaries who they partied with in the day, here in Provincetown. Apparently, before Tea Dance was born, the after beach spot was The Moors Restaurant for an event called Sing A Long. Also, Paul Lynde and Wayland Flowers could be found at The Crown and Anchor bar. How fun.

Luiz is back for a visit before I head off to my summer vacation in Western Massachusetts. I’m off to a lake house in Westhampton, just outside of Northampton, for seclusion and regeneration. I’ll also be catching up with childhood friends and family.

Thursday night Luiz, David, Brian, Rich, Michael and a Dutch guy whose name I forgot, dined at Frappo. We ate outside, listened to Miss Richfield bark for her show and people watched. What a fun place. Afterwards we went to see Hedda Lettuce, the last of the queens to see. If you come to town be sure to check her out if you like adult themed humor. Her style is in line with “ole” school queens…she picks on the audience, sings her own songs and all mixed together with a twist of vile, stinging, adult comedy. Check her out, but be prepared for crassness…this is after all her signature but you shouldn’t be scared away.

Friday was spent at The Porch Bar. While conversing with friends a glamorous drag queen tapped my shoulder and said “hello Michael in a raspy sexy voice.” I was lost for words as I didn’t know her name. But she knew me! After disclosing that she was a real estate client we had a good laugh. I thought to myself while sipping my beverage…”only in Provincetown can I be in a circle of conversation that includes close friends, a New York City Producer, Stand Up Comedian, drag queen and my straight nephew.” What a chuckle.

Check in next week. In the meantime check out Kaitlin Colombo’s new blog appearing on Edge.com (click here)

I’m off to vacation. Email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you would like to post anything or have any input.

It's Family Week

I am hosting a fund raiser. My first ever!. August 17th in Provincetown. It is to benefit The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod of which I am a Board Member. $50 per head. $90 per couple. You are invited … read and download the invite at my site. There is an RSVP required. If you can’t make it, please send in a donation. Its amazing how many gay men in their early 20’s are now being diagnosed with HIV and even more alarming…men in their late 30’s and 40’s. We need to increase awareness and education, so please, at least send a donation. If you can’t make it to the event, send in what you can. Ok, that’s my plug ... but very important. It is still an issue…borderline revived crisis.

Provincetown, Provincetown, Provincetown. This is the land of one week affairs, men from all over the world and long distance relationships. It’s also family week and sure as there is sand on the beach, strollers have invaded Commercial Street. The diversity of our community is welcoming though and I for one, like the sound of kids crying and parents’ punishing ... as long as I’m not involved and its not in close proximity. The Splash Event didn’t seem to be a big smash, however, the verdict is still out. It was its first year and we’ll see how it grows. There seemed to be more attractive men in town last week then anything else.

It was by far an interesting week. After a fun Sunday evening with John in Hyannis for Linda Eder and Steve Tyrell, and a full workday on Monday, I headed to East Boston to visit Luiz. I haven’t left the Cape since late March so it was a bit weird leaving the island ... but necessary for the sanity. Monday night Luiz prepared a birthday dinner for his friend Vanderlei. Tuesday was a spent working from Luiz’s East Boston loft. We went to see Dark Knight after he got out of work and then to the North End of Boston for dinner. Here’s the culture shock. Holding hands with a man in Boston still gets stares and finger pointing. It’s a strong reminder to me that once I leave Provincetown it’s an entirely different world. Wednesday we checked out the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. I used to work in The Fenway and grew a bit nostalgic for the past, but that passed quickly. Thursday I took the 9AM ferry back to Ptown. I had to run to the train from his loft in the morning in order to catch the ferry. Someone I once knew wrote a song about that and I thought how odd it is that people come in and out of our lives. What a weird reminder. But taking the Blue Line (subway) during rush hour was a little too strong a reminder of my corporate days in Boston and frequent trips to New York last year. I was on the train with my bright blue suitcase, flip flops and Ptown attire surrounded by glum faced commuters in corporate drag. Once I boarded the boat and we lost sight of land I shook off the stuffy energy and was relieved to know that home was just a bay away. I think I’ve become a gay Jimmy Buffett ... there’s a gig for me.

I contracted a summer cold while in Boston and was miserable for a few days while working. No energy for Tea Dance or too much else. I did however, run into many people from my past. Friends from long ago who were here for their week long vacations. Seeing most of them before I went to Boston, they were happy to be here….ecstatic. Then I saw them a week later at the Porch Bar, Friday night with long faces. Drunk and sad at the fact that it was their last chance to grab some fun before heading back to the drudgery of everyday life. Sorry guys, but I’m sure glad I’m out of it.

Enough idle chatter ... here’s what’s going on in town.

Sewer issues in the west end, north of Bradford Street on and around Snows Lane are having residents seeing red. Initial plans for the sewer expansion have become complicated due to the need for special pumps at a not so special cost to homeowners.

There have been graffiti artists on the run. He or she has been tagging buildings and cars throughout Ptown for the past few months. Police have arrested four people in the defacement and expect more to come.

A number of people have been fined for being nude on the beach. Taking the suit off will leave you with a $75 fine if caught. Be careful! The old “look around and make sure there is no ranger” doesn’t work anymore. Rangers look from a distance with binoculars and get you on the way out! You may want to use more than sun block to cover those delicate areas.

Well, that’s it for this week. Thanks for reading and if you’d like me to post anything or if you have a comment, please email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net

We changed our "Table for Three" night to Sunday. This week, Rich, Mike, John and I ate at my favorite, Fanizzi's in the east end (click here). I loved my meal, but unfortunately this wasn't unanimous.

From Bears, to Boston and Beyond

I’m sitting on the fast ferry right now heading to Boston for my weekend. The boat has had a malfunction and blew a coil, thus we are cruising at not so fast speed. At least it gives me time to catch up with you.

Well, the Bears have left Provincetown. After a week of big hairy bellies and backs, Commercial Street has returned to gay boys and girls bopping about. Restaurants and retail report to me that bears buy and last week was no exception. Strong reported revenues for both sections of our little economy.

For me it was just another summer week. The real estate market has done well and continues to stay busy even though the national trend is scary. Read my real estate blog for more on that. My routine of coffee at Joe in the morning and gym in the evening after work is chugging along.

Luiz came to visit me from Boston. He arrived Thursday evening on the ferry just as John and I finished dinner at The Caribbean Café. See his write up on this week’s "Table for Three".

Thursday night was spent walking Commercial Street and relaxing in the delicious weather we’ve been having. Did someone say “gelato” seems to be the theme of these summer evenings. Ok…check out these spots for the best cream in town. If gelato or sorbet is your thing, the Aquarium Mall’s gelato store is the place to be. Most of it is homemade. For ice cream you can’t beat a sundae at Lewis Brothers on the corner of Commercial and Standish. This is where the dancing and spinning cop directs traffic. Lewis Brothers has homemade ice cream and addictive hot fudge that is made fresh every other day. The Jamaican ladies that serve up the sweetness seem ornery at first…however, jab back at them and you’ll get a smile. Twisted Sister located just next to the Portuguese Bakery serves up ice cream until 2AM!!! Homemade by our lesbian sisters daily. Two more parlors catch my taste buds with their product …. Ben and Jerry’s is the old standby located in the center of town near town hall. Also, Spiritus doesn’t only serve up pizza to hungry drunk partygoers. Check out the back counter. Frankie may be there serving up a variety of name brand ice creams (Hagen Daz, Emack and Bolio etc).

A new place that Mark, Rich, Chad and I dined at was the new restaurant where the Euro Café used to be. They serve it all. Thai, pizza and sushi. It’s not an official Table for Three yet, but is a bit of gossip. The restaurant will open where the old theatre used to be. It will be a large sushi restaurant. Super high ceilings, potentially live music and dancing. Wow! Year round too! Now we can go out to dinner and dancing in February…lets see how long it lasts..Hopefully awhile. We’ll hit it on table for three and let you know how it was.

Friday, Luiz and I went back to the Provincetown Inn and relaxed by the pool for the day. We swam in the warm west end waters…Ok…. I carried him to the water and threw him in….gently…of course.

Friday night we all skipped the normal Porch Bar routine. In all honesty, its too crowded for me these days. If you’re looking for a bedmate or to socialize it will do the job. We may skip this week too as it is unanimous with the crew. Saturday was fun. Luiz cooked an authentic Brazilian meal. How talented. It was very good. We chased our dinners with a peach pie from Connie’s Bakery. All good.

Sunday, I bid a farewell to Luiz and waved as he steamed away on the ferry. Sunday night John and I took a trip to Hyannis to check out Linda Eder and Steve Tyrell at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. We ate tapas at Embargo on Main Street Hyannis. The food was awesome. The show was good. Steve Tyrell, who I had never heard of, was quite entertaining. A one hour set. Linda, on the other hand, although I love her dearly, only performed six songs. Her voice was fierce and on key. Very powerful… but only six songs….? She left her “clash of subculture” audience of gay boys and white Republicans wanting more. But Linda will not do the fake off stage encore and when she left the stage, house lights went up much to our disappointment. I last saw her in New York at Feinstein’s late last summer. Dinner and a show, intimate venue. It was wonderful.

Its lesbian week this week. A good week to skedaddle. “Splash” as it is called. I wonder how it will go over. Rosie O’Donnell docked her massive cruise ship in the bay on Friday and cruisers came to shore to spend money here. Yay.

Ok, I’ll wrap up this week. I’m just outside of Boston and Luiz will be meeting me on the pier.

I have to “shout out” to some readers this week. Thanks for reading btw.

T from Boston wants to compliment me on my weight loss. He’s been following the blog and wants to acknowledge the loss just from the pics. Lol. Thanks. Its amazing what a diet of water and a tic tac will do. A sugar free tic tac of course.

N from Fort Lauderdale found me after ten years. Thanks for emailing me. Come visit.

JS from the South End of Boston and his crew have been faithfully reading the blog weekly at work and anticipating their vacation here. Thanks.

If you’re reading and want to drop me line, please do so. Its nice to receive an email so just click mike.dubour@verizon.net

Next week is family week. Wear closed toed and closed heeled shoes if walking Commercial Street or a stroller will nip you. Have great week and play it safe.

The Week With No Theme

The week with no theme. That’s what last week was. Usually, the week following the Fourth of July is Bear Week. This year, however, it had no theme. We are however, right in the middle of Bear Week. It’s a Bear Jamboree and an abbreviated blog entry.

The week started great on Sunday evening. A bonfire on Race Point Beach with some friends. I met Luiz at the fire. A really nice guy from Boston.

On Monday, Duncan, Luiz, Chris, Mark and I went to Showgirls. It was probably the best yet this summer.

The week itself was pretty uneventful. John, Mark, Luiz and I ate at Cafe Heaven for "Table for Three." It was pretty good. Click to read the review.

Tuesday, Duncan, Luiz and I walked Commercial Street at night. We ate Gelato at the Aquarium Mall and caught a snippet of the old movie “Babarella” which was projected on the wall out by the water where the picnic tables are.

Friday, Luiz and I sat by the pool at The Crown and Anchor and watched as the Bears slowly bounded in.

Sunday of this week, Mark and I went to see “The Atomic Bombshells” at The Vixen. Good show . Burlesque theatre with Pearlene as theHostess. She picked on Mark the entire time.

That’s really it for this week….a short entry.

Next week Luiz comes back for a visit from Boston.

Circuit Boys Come…and Go

The climax of the summer has come and gone! The Fourth of July week was filled with beautiful men and boys, all of whom were very friendly.

The drivers were on crack! One car flew past me Monday night as I was driving up Bradford Street by Farland. This car must have been going about 60mph and swerving! He almost hit us head on. Then there was the redneck gay boy speeding down Route 6 in his bright red pick up with New York plates.…probably going 100! And finally, a lady that pulled out of Telegraph Hill without stopping! I came within inches of hitting her...with my car. Luckily, I wasn’t speeding.

Wednesday, I went to an intimate fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee and met Howard Dean. What a nice guy, pretty attractive in person and has the brightest blue piercing eyes. I asked him some questions about Hillary and Obama and was pretty much pleased with his answers. In my opinion it’s still going to be a tough election.

That night we checked out my friend and comic Kaitlin Colombo’s new comedy show called “Make me Laugh Bitch!” It’s a Showgirls type program at The Crown and Anchor. Aspiring comics get one and a half minutes to perform and the winner gets $75. I went to support her and found myself doing a comedy routine. This was completely unplanned. I had never done stand up before and was terrified….however, I came in second place! It was a close second and the money was almost split between me and the winner. The house couldn’t divide the prize money so I came in second…what an experience!

On the Fourth of July, I drove my car in the parade down Commercial Street. We dolled it up with flags and banners. We represented WOMR radio. There were five of us all together and we came in third place for best float. Can you imagine?! We were handed a trophy as we passed the judges stand in front of town hall.

In the evening we went to a BBQ at my friend Tom’s house with the usual cast of characters. Bernard and Scott were in from New York with three of their friends. I met more guys from New York and D.C at the party. The fireworks were great for our seaside hamlet. We viewed them from the rooftop deck of Tom’s condo mate. Afterwards, we walked Commercial Street and the town was abuzz. I ended my night at The Porch Bar.

I picked up my friend Duncan at the ferry Saturday and the line of boys waiting to get on the boat stretched down past the whale watch boats. Their sad expressions made me thankful that I didn’t have to leave!

Rumors are that Miss Coco Peru is coming to Ptown in August and performing at the UU. You know her, the drag queen from the movie “Trick” and “Girls will be Girls.”

I also want to check out Hedda Lettuce. She’s back in town at the UU. There’s a new queen on the scene…. Jackie Beat.…getting great reviews. I’ll check her out and tell you about it.

"Table for Three" visited Enzo Thursday night. Mark, Rich, John, Troy, Eric and myself had a decent meal there while the boys traipsed by. How many monuments? Check out John’s review.

Sunday was pretty wild. We hit Tea Dance at The Boatslip…mixed and mingled a bit and then it was shirts off and dancing right in the middle of some lingering hot gym boys…who were indeed pretty friendly on the dance floor. Friends from Long Island and Boston joined my crew and Mary Alice dished out some intense music. Afterwards, we camped out at Race Point Beach for a bonfire. The only thing missing was a harmonica and guitar, but the crescent moon over the Atlantic made up for it. 

I’ll catch you next week. Email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you have anything you’d like to add.

Pia Interviews: Geno and Chris

The last week of June ended with great weather, fun company and the invasion of pretty circuit boys to Provincetown. Boats are in the bay and the weather is beautiful. This week I let Pia interview Geno and Chris. Next week I’ll write about the 4th of July week, a fundraiser with Howard Dean and fun in ptown!) Email me your input at mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Pia: Now that your vacation has come to an end, would you like to recap your stay with me…as I watch you pack?

Geno and Chris: Sure. Just don’t climb in the suitcase and pee on our clothes like you did to Jessica.

Pia: I’ll sit right here on the bed and take notes. So take me through your weeklong experience in Provincetown.

Geno and Chris: Will do. We arrived Monday and Mike took us to Showgirls. This was addressed in last week’s blog. The show was unlike anything we saw before.

Tuesday we walked Commercial Street with Mike, your daddy, during the day. What a town. My family used to own a house right on Commercial Street…years ago. I’m familiar with ptown and have lots of fond memories here. The streets were full and all businesses open. The mansion across from The Boatslip looks great. I haven’t seen it since it has been renovated.

Pia: So what did you do Tuesday night?

Geno and Chris: Mike took us to see “Whizzin” a spoof of “The Wizard of Oz.” I met Mike’s friends John from Provincetown, Frank from Boston and Scott and Bernard from New York. We had great seats and the play was absolutely hilarious. Anyone reading this should check it out. It only runs on Tuesday nights all summer.

Wednesday was low key. We went to Race Point Beach with your daddy’s friend Bill and had a BBQ afterwards. Then we watched a movie. It was a nice evening at home.

Pia: It was. I spent most of my time on your lap Geno…remember?

Geno: Yep. Anyhow, Thursday was another beach day. The weather was gorgeous. We participated in "Table for Three" with John and ate at Tips for Tops’n. This was great tasting Portuguese food in honor of the Portuguese Festival which was in town.

Friday was a socializing night. We walked Commercial Street, went to The Porch Bar at the Gifford House. It was packed.

Saturday night a group of us dined at The Lobster Pot. My sister and her husband were in town. It was good. Then we saw Varla Jean. What a fun show. Afterwards, we went to the Paramount and Wave bar.Not much energy there so we went to The Macho Bar at the A-House. Not your daddy’s scene so we went dancing at The A-House. Great energy and music! We all gathered at Spiritus afterwards and met some of your daddy’s friends. As 1:00am approached, the drunks were stumbling to get pizza. A few fell off the sidewalk… a wonderful show to end the night.

Sunday was a lazy day by the pool at The Provincetown Inn. Volleyball in the pool, walks along the breakwater and lounging while catching up on town gossip was fun. The Blessing of the Fleet was as traditional as ever, the drum corps that performed Saturday night was amazing! The singers and bands were a lot of fun. The parade which took place on Saturday was festive yet short. After we left the pool, we hit tea dance.

Pia: Tea Dance? How were the circuit boys?

Geno and Chris: Contrary to 4th weeks of the past, the boys were really friendly and full of smiles. Their bodies were decent but not the rigid, stone cut bods of years past. It seems as though this segment of the gay community is keeping it real. Nonetheless the guys were hot.

Sunday night was a toss up between Jimmy James at The Post Office and Dina Martina. We needed a good comedy show to distract us from the sad feeling of leaving, so despite Jimmy’s talent, we snapped a photo with “her” and headed to Dina Martina. Your daddy felt it was a good way to top off a wonderful week. Both Chris and your daddy were pulled up on stage. We walked away with some great stuff…. Jelly bean Haggis, Sigmund Freud lollipop, Three’s Company trading cards, apple flavored tape worm and lip balm in a toilet.

So the shows, the food and the weather made it a perfect vacation.

Well that’s it. The Fourth of July boys are here! The town is packed with shirtless guys.. and we’re leaving.

Pia: Thanks for the interview.

Geno and Chris: Thanks for peeing on the bed.

My Birthday

My birthday week came and went without much fanfare. Or maybe the older I get the fanfare just doesn’t matter. I got free ice cream, free dinners and a gift certificate to a spa in Northampton. I’ll be spending my summer vacation in a lake house away from the chaos of Ptown, and Brad surprised me with a day at the local posh spa.

It’s late as I write this and I just crawled in the door from another Showgirls. My friend Geno (who knew me when I dated women…way back) is here with his partner Chris. They just arrived today and of course, for a true Provincetown welcome, as I did with Jess, we went to see Showgirls. We had dinner at Spiritus, a couple of slices, complimented by Frankie’s smile. We walked to the pier where Geno pointed out a place where young Portuguese boys used to dive off the dock for money...years ago.

This past weekend I saw the final of the big three…Dina Martina! Her show was “off the charts” this year and more bizarre than ever. I sensed a lot of pain in the program… so did the group I was with. In any event, check out her show at The Crown and Anchor. She has taken it to a new level. I was lucky enough to get a gift out of her gift bag. She handed me a yodeling pickle. It is quite cool. I’m holding the pickle in the pic of Dina and I. The other two, Varla and Miss Richfield are definitely worth checking out as well. However, in my opinion if one must be chosen…its Varla.

Anyhow, Provincetown has now blossomed. Next week the circuit boys hit the streets. Drugs, dancing and sex will define the town. Head for the hills, or Bayberry Avenue and Nelson Avenue. This is the one week where pumping bass is heard non-stop all along Commercial Street, from The Mews to The Red Inn.

The Provincetown Film Festival came and went this past week. I was working and unfortunately did not get to see any movies. However, Madonna made her directorial debut and I heard it the film was good. Another one to look for is “Phoebe in Wonderland.” Besides all that, personally, I think the festival has grown too big for our little hamlet. It is plagued by financial issues and rumors are that it won’t be around next year. I think if it returns to a small time film festival that screens independent gay and lesbian films, than success will return. We had folks who were coordinating the festival running around with walkie-talkies, yelling, shouting and looking mighty important. Please.

Last week my friend Darren had his birthday party at Enzo’s. His superhero party was lots of fun. Here are some pics for it.

I just got a radio slot at WOMR. Every second Tuesday at 8PM for one hour, I get to be live on air. Check it out if you get a chance. WOMR streams. I felt the need to do something live again, in broadcasting, but a small commitment is all I can handle right now and this fits the bill perfectly.

I haven’t been able to join "Table for Three" in two weeks, but will be dining out with John, Geno and Chris this Thursday at Edwige at Night. It’s been awhile since I’ve been there for dinner. The last time was with a very special person. The food was good and I guess John had a similar experience.

That’s it for this week. Play it safe, plan a trip here and have fun in life. Please send an email to mike.dubour@verizon.net for blog entry or feedback.

I Love June in Provincetown

I love June in Provincetown. The weather has been unreal! We’ve been hit with 80 degree days…perfect for the beach. The massive summer crowds have yet to descend, and retail business is good!

Jessica and Quinn have left after a fun filled ten day visit. Pia and I have the bed back to ourselves, but I strangely miss waking up to a large boxer rolling on his back and trying to lick my face with his slimy tongue. Quinn loves the icky lickies.

Jessica and I took Pia and Quinn back to the beach for more fun. Early mornings at Herring Cove are relaxing and a great way to start your day.

We went to Tea Dance at the Boatslip and decided it wasn’t worth it. I think it’s a little too early in the season. So we left and met up with Guy and Louise, owners of The Black Pearl Inn, for free movie night at The Cape End Inn.

Jessica and I were in the mood for some new comedy and checked out Adam Sandler’s new movie, “Don’t Mess with the Zohan." Funny!

Brad took me out to a great restaurant, ABBA in Orleans, for my birthday. The food was absolutely delicious and service impeccable. It was a combination of Israeli/Thai cuisine. Check it out...worth the drive from Ptown.

I ran a tag sale and unloaded a lot of stuff over the weekend. It’s an effort to wrap up a chapter of my life that was put on hold for a couple years. With no distractions of heart or head, its time to unload, clean house and move forward. Anyhow, what I didn’t sell will be donated to the thrift shop at The Methodist Church.

My roommate, Kristine and I held our first “Cozy Ladies Luncheon” at Patio. Mark, Jessica, Kristine and I sat outside, watched the crowd and shared in gossip.

I went to my friend Darren’s birthday party at Enzo’s Saturday night. This “themed” b-day bash has become a staple for the past seven years in Ptown. A “superhero party.” It was a lot of fun and I’ll provide pics next week.

I also got behind the mic again at WOMR. I haven’t announced for a live program in close to two years. It was nice getting back in the DJ seat, playing some tunes and reading the news.

On Sunday, I went to see The Ride by Eric Lane at The Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre with friends John and Jay. It was performed at The Harbor Stage by the water, a quaint little theatre. It is a wonderfully written play and the actors were flawless. At one point during the play the script called for one of the actresses to say, “That’s annoying”… she did and at that instant someone’s cell phone rang in the audience. She looked out and repeated her line…”That’s really annoying” and the other actors improvised and said “truly annoying” and the play went on without error.

It’s amazing how Wellfleet has truly evolved into a little Cape Broadway of sorts. Most of the actors are from New York…or heading there. That combined with performances in Truro and Provincetown provides any theatre enthusiast with plenty of productions to see (and not just drag shows). It will be a great summer and fall for the arts.

Next week my long time friend Geno and his partner Chris come for a visit for 7 days.

Check out this week’s "Table for Three" as John visits Sal’s in the west end.

I celebrate my birthday this week and look ahead to a fun summer and truly enjoying this absolutely beautiful community.

Have a fun week and please email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net for kudos, ideas or feedback of any kind.

Pia Interviews Jessica

Jessica and her boxer Quinn are visiting Provincetown for a ten day stretch from their nine hour drive from Pennsylvania and so far she has hit the town running. While Jess was taking Pia out for a poopy, Pia had the chance to get her thoughts about the past week.

Pia: Hi and welcome to Provincetown. Thanks for taking the time to take me outside.

Jessica: Thank you for vomiting on my side of the bed.

Pia: Sorry about that, I got into something I shouldn’t have. Anyhow, tell me about your trip so far. What have you done?

Jessica: God what haven’t I done? Let’s start when I arrived Monday. We went to Showgirls where I watched in amazement at the most bizarre show I’ve EVER seen. My mouth was agape for this crazy Dina Martina character. Tuesday we took Quinn to the beach for the first time. He kept trying to drink the ocean.

Pia: I like my cousin Quinn except when he tries to sit on my daddy’s lap when I’m there. I snap at him.

Jessica: I know and if you ever try to bite him again I will drop kick you across the room.

Pia: Oh my. Anyhow, what else did you do?

Jessica: We got ice cream at Lewis Brothers…. Wednesday we started the day off with Yoga.

Pia: I’ve always liked the idea of spending an hour stretching.

Jessica: Then you would have loved this place. It was right down the road from home. Your daddy and I had the place to ourselves with the instructor. Then we went to Mystik Moon and got our fortunes told by Moses. He was dead on for both of us.

Pia: Is there more food in my future?

Jessica: This is about me, not you. Anyhow we rented two movies and spent the day at home. Thursday we ate dinner at Karoo Café as part of Night at the Chef’s Table a fundraiser for the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. It is one of the top TWO places I’ve ever eaten at. Friday, I went to Yoga again. Then your daddy, Uncle Mark and I ate at Fortune Cookie in the Aquarium Mall. We went to Ben and Jerry’s and got more ice cream.

Pia: It seems as though you eat a lot of ice cream.

Jessica: Only when your dad forces it down my throat…wink, wink, nudge, nudge…there seems to be an ice cream store on every corner in this town. Saturday I went jogging in the National Seashore, Province Lands. It was beautiful. Then your daddy and some friends over for a BBQ. We went to see Varla Jean, an Erotic film festival and an erotic fashion show. 

Pia: How was Varla Jean?

Jessica: I have a serious crush on a drag queen. I’m concerned for my gender attractivity.

Pia: And how does that make you feel?

Jessica: Frightened!

Pia: How were the erotic events?

Jessica: Hot. Girls and guys modeled some sexy outfits. The guys modeled condoms, fully erect, at the end of the show. It was mixed straight, lesbian and gay. Wow.

Pia: How would you sum up Provincetown?

Jessica: I’m gayed out but enjoying myself thoroughly. Now can you please take your poopy so we can go back inside?

Lazy Days of June

Another week has come and gone. The lazy weeks of June, as they are called are moving along. Memorial Day was the big start and now it quiets down for the next three weeks before the rush of July and August.

Farmer’s Market has returned for the season. This delightful open air market is located on Ryder Street (next to town hall) The market is open each Saturday from now until Oct. 26 from 11 AM until 4ish. Cape Cod grocers offer a variety of produce and other locally made products. If you get there early enough, you may be able to see local chef’s shopping for dinner specials.

Thursday night, our dinner club consisting of John, Scott, Marcin and I, ate at the new Victors in the west end. The experience was lovely. Click at the end of this week’s blog to read John’s review, "Table for Three." Victors (victorsptown.com) is working on a website and I’ll provide the link once complete.

This week, I went to the 10th Annual Spring Playwrights’ Festival in Provincetown at the Provincetown Theatre. My friend George Sauer wrote a play, Small Window, that was accepted in the festival. It was produced as part of Six Plays in 60+ Minutes. Over 160 plays were submitted and 40 final plays read blindly by the judging panel. Only six plays were approved for performance.

John, Rich, Mark, Marky, Fred, Guy, Louis and I dined at Way Downtown Saturday night before the plays. Reviews of the meals were mixed but I enjoyed mine. Service was good.

All six plays were a delight and the event was overall enjoyable. Local actors did a great job bringing the characters to life in each play. Other plays performed: Propositions by Jerry Thompson, Show Me Yours by Meryl Cohn , Canyon’s Edge by Barbara Lindsay, Birthday Wishes by John Kern and The Date by Joan Lipkin.

The AIDS Support Group hosted a tag sale at its 96 Bradford location on Saturday. They sold the leftover inventory from Cottage the retail store that closed last year.

The bizarre yet wonderful Dina Martina made her review this past weekend. I’ll be seeing her show soon, but not yet. She is at The Crown and Anchor and I wonder how the change in venue works for her.

Other than that not much has happened this week besides the normal…. work, gym home routine.

The town was pretty slow this weekend. Not many folks around. I did happen to connect with two friends from Boston who I had not seen in quite a while. I hope to see more of them this summer.

I’ll be attending another fundraiser for The AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod this coming Thursday. Chef’s Table is an event where restaurants cape wide open their doors and donate the cost of dinners to the organization. John, Michael and I will break our routine of working our way east and jump to the Karoo Kafe for Chef’s table. Come back and see how it went. I’ve never been. John and I will also be catching a play at Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre. Have a good week and feel free to send me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net

My Dear Sweet Baby Lesbian Sisters

Memorial Day has come to an end! The baby lesbians who invaded our lovely hamlet by the bay have now left and are nursing hangovers and tending to their fighting wounds. Commercial Street is being cleaned of paper cups, beer bottles and vomit. Seriously.

I just got home from yet another “Showgirls” and writing this blog for you. In regards to commerce, the business owners I talked to said the weekend went well for them.

The weekend was fun filled and wild with screaming lesbians and something new that I never saw. As throngs of women came to town Thursday afternoon, so did quite a few young gay boys. It was a very interesting mix and the two visiting groups seemed to cohabitate quite nicely. In fact, some of these young boys actually came with their lesbian sisters.

So with the excitement of the Memorial Day Weekend where do I begin? Lets start with Miss Richfield. We saw her Saturday night. This year her show is completely different than the usual. She has incorporated her gift of improvisation into her performance making it fresh and off the cuff. There is some repeat material, as she seems to always inject in the show, but most of it is new. Check her out. It is worth the ticket price.

My friends Laurie and Elaine were in a dreadful car accident heading here Thursday night. They were rear ended on Route 6 by a truck that must have been going close to 100 mph. Thank goodness they are OK. The car is completely totaled.

There was a nice ceremony today in front of town hall. Veterans spoke about those who passed before us. A band played patriotic songs.

Other happenings this weekend include the fact that I decided to delve into the scary subculture world of leather. I’m pretty vanilla and proud of it. However, “nothing ventured nothing gained, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone,” is my motto for life. So my friend Rich, who is another equal gay conservative decided to try it with me. We went to MG Leather where my friend John hooked us up with some basic leather apparel. Mark guided us along as well so credit must be given.

I sported calf high black lace up leather boots, dark blue jeans, thick black belt, a strap that state troopers wear across their chest (I’m not sure what it is called) and a Tom of Finland t-shirt with a boot print on it. Needless to say I did get plenty of attention at The Paramount Vault at Large (music was freaking awesome! And I think I ended up on the box) then later at Purgatory (not my scene...I left early and went home). Throughout the night I ran into some clients and friends whose mouths dropped to the floor when they saw me. Overall it was pretty exciting. However, I am more of a poster vanilla leather guy than the hard core type.

Food wise… my friend John will be writing the restaurant critiques starting this week. We’re calling it "Table for Three." We hit up the Red Inn. On other nights Rich, Mark and I ate at The Post Office Café ... 5 monuments ...The Burger Queen, which is a burger shack ... 5 monuments. Café Heaven for breakfast ... 5 monuments. Bubulas for lunch ... 5 monuments.

Anyhow… summer has definitely started. The streets returned to a calm this evening shortly before Showgirls. Have a safe week and I’ll catch you later. Please take time this week to pause and remember your loved ones who have passed on before you. If you want to send me and email or wish that I post your response to my blog … email mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Wow, What A Week

Its Monday at midnight and after working all day (my first appointment was at 8AM! That’s just crazy!), driving down cape to a three hour board meeting for the AIDS Support Group after work, back up to Ptown to walk Pia, then to dinner and the first Showgirls of the season…I’m pooped, but want to write the blog. I hope you don’t mind no pictures.

First of all Showgirls was awesome. Mostly lip synching drag but, Ryan Landry was as smacked as ever. Aphrodite ruled the house with a vicious rendition of a house, disco, gossip tune. The queens were going crazy! But…Steamy Brown won the crown with a rap song, “Cappuccino.” If you don’t know, Steamy Brown is a local cutie smeared in chocolate (naked) topped with marshmallow fluff. Miss Richfield did a little bit from her show as well. Ryan Landry held 10 seconds of silence for “Dixie.” The whole room fell quiet in respect for our fallen friend. Great night, drinks were thrown, all went home with smiles.

News update. Jimmie’s Hideaway was vandalized this past week. Someone opened the grease traps, clogged the sinks and toilets and left the water running. Weird.

But what a week. Provincetown was invaded by single lesbians looking for that right match for Single Women Weekend and attendees to the Cabaret Fest. I wasn’t able to make it to any Cabaret Fest event nor was I able to attend any workshops for single women.

Season is now here. We’ve been flooded by young gay boys in their early 20’s. Pass the vapors….wow…I guess the shortage of visas made American gay boys flock here. Today the Eastern Europeans arrived for the summer. DAMN! They are so cute but mostly straight. Oh…this year Ptown was voted the number one gay travel destination by Out Magazine.

Here’s a restaurant review quickly before I head to bed…

I’ve eaten at Big Daddy’s Burritos yum. 5 monuments easily…

Bernard, Scott and I ate at The Mews Wednesday night. Flawless service by Loic. The apps and main course was absolutely delicious. 5 monuments.

John, Michael and I ate at Ross Grill Thursday and I went back with Rich and Mark on Friday. Flawlessly delicious. Salmon one night, Tuna the next..5 monuments again.

Rob, Mike, Mark Rich and I went to Lorraine’s Saturday night. I hadn’t been there in almost 5 years. We had a waiter who was four days old on the job so I forgive him for learning the ropes. The food was really good. I ordered scallops on rice and must say, they were the most succulent and tasty ones I’ve had so far. Besides the waiter learning his job, I must say it was a good dining experience. 5 monuments.

Scott, John, Barbara, Marguerite, Laura and Scott and baby had Sunday brunch at Fanizzi’s. Awesome buffet…best in town. Nice water view … literally on the water
5 monuments.

John, Mike and I have formed a Thursday dining out threesome (mind out of gutter). It’ll be just the three of us unless there is an out of town guest visitng. John has volunteered to write the critique. Part of our plan is to start at The Red Inn in the west end of town and work out way east.

Anyhow, short entry this week. Weather is warming up, the town is crowded with absolutely beautiful men. I’ve been here 5 years and this season there is electricity in the air…I’ll figure out what it is soon enough. And with that good night….the summer has begun!