LATE NIGHT...MOLLY AND KETCH

My music taste is all over the place, cards on the table...I actually enjoy some bluegrass and folk from time to time. These two Grammy winners Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor did a rare set together with Molly's band Golden Highway recorded live at the Analog. Great songs and some very cutting-edge issues and some slings at politicians. I especially love Downhome Dispensary at the 17:58 mark and Louder Than Guns at the 29:01 mark. A duo with great energy, liveliness and great messages.

IN THREE WORDS

In this feature, I'll sure a weekly guest with you all, and you tell me in only three words what comes to mind.

In Three Words...

Mata Hari 

ANITA HOLIDAY

One of the best things about being back in Harrisburg is seeing the resurgence of the drag community that was almost on the verge of being extinct. Now the city is being overrun with drag again, and one of the queens on the scene is Anita Holiday. I had the pleasure to meet her at the city's gay pride this year, and what a hoot! And a queen making a difference. Anita Holidays home city is York, PA , but this queen performs all over Central PA and can be seen in many of Harrisburg's weekly drag shows. It's been a big year for her too, being crowned Miss Gay Central PA , and the York Pride Ambassador. In addition to doing shows and helping to raise funds for charities too many to name, she is also a very strong activists for social issues and has even gone to bat to make sure the Covid vaccine stays accessible to those who want it. Her drag style is what I love, the grass roots feel of drag from the 80's and 90's...she is not concerned with the fishy and editorial, just good old fashion drag style which is all but to missing from drag these days in my opinion. Which has blossomed into her own house, the Haus of Holiday...featuring many fledging drag queens and Central PA first ever drag king, Beau Dacious, who is a compete hoot! But to me, Anita Holiday is important to drag as she is helping to keep the small town Drag Queen alive and well. So remember, to once in a while get out and support your local queens.

MOUNT GAY

How funny then that a gin guzzling gay boy, finds himself at a place called Mount Gay drinking rums! Please don't tell the good folk at Hendricks. I felt as though I was cheating!

I will admit going into this trip, gin would take a backseat. If you get to Barbados and get the chance, I highly recommend this tour. It was very much like Auntie Mame and Vera Charles, when the bar tend asked if I could be persuaded to stay and enjoy a drink, to which I replied, "Well, maybe just a... tiny tripple."

Three hours later and we were still there! The place is historic, and the good folk of the distillery take you through the fully operational rum making headquarters. Steeped in over 300 years of heritage and expertise, the experience are tales to be told forever in this rum lover's paradise. I was very impressed. The place got its name from the Mount Gilboa plantation that was managed by Sir John Gay Alleyne, a prominent Barbadian politician. After his passing the place was renamed in his honor Mount Gay, which has gone on to the oldest produced rum across the world where it started in 1703. First off, we were even offered to be picked up at out hotel, which with Warbucks and myself was probably a good thing. Once arrived, your met by the most stunning bar and library area, where you meet the rummal tour guide, and an absolute tasty rum punch. The tour then starts at the water spring that goes into the rum, all the way through the creation and storing process. The guide also told us of the amazing social and environmental work the company does on the island. After a very in-depth tour of the plantation, factory and museum, and a great film, the tour ends up in the gorgeous bar area, where your able to take part in classes, tasting flights, or full-on ordering of drinks. Wanting to immerse ourselves, we took part in all three, of course! It was interesting to see the different colors of the rum as it ages. We also went through the tasting notes of two of their rums. A little shopping and more drinking and it was a lovely, if not blurry afternoon.

Contrary to belief, this is NOT the gin my my basement!!!!

Tina, our guide!

Hands down, one of the best moments of the trip. Tina asked if we wanted jobs there, but we said no thanks. We were worried me might drink the profits.