By Betty Blabb

Hello again to all, I just have to start off by saying that I received a stern talking to by “the Big M” herself, because of my frank, and some folks said, rude attitude in the last issue. Well, after a hand full of mood elevators and a cocktail, I had an attitude adjustment. Did everyone survive the bad weather? I fired up the grill and had a big cook-out, before everything spoiled. It was just great! So let’s get down to the business at hand, informing you of what’s happening in & around this wonderful world of Metraland. Get out your calendars and pens and mark down everything that’s of interest to you!

MICHIGAN
 Well, it’s that time of year again, when hundreds of people, gather to celebrate the summer, at Metra’s Magazines 29th Annual Picnic, Sunday July 13th at Salt River Park. Located at 62000 Gratiot between 28 & 29 Mile roads from 10am until 8 pm. Tickets are still the same low price of $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Come and enjoy the fresh air, the natural country setting, the music by Metropolitan Detroit area top DJ’s,
Shows by Nickki Stevens and the best entertainers in the business, hot dancers by Chico’s boys, food vendor or BYO food & booze! Also there is the 12th Annual Metra Olympic Games. For map or Mapquest and more information go to metramagazine.com and look at the Metra picnic section.
 24 HR VIDEO (Detroit, 313-869-2955), is the “Built to Fuck” world headquarters, lubricating the world with love. They have 1000’s of Gay videos for rent or purchase and .99¢ rentals on all titles before 4pm daily, also free memberships are available. They also have a huge assortment of inhalants, and stimulates. Check them out on Woodward just north of 6 Mile.
 The one and only, BACKSTREET (313-838-6699), will be having an “Independence Day Party, on Saturday, July 5th. Need I say more! On Wednesdays they have a NEW radio music format with dollar well & beer until midnight and NO cover before 11 pm.
 BLUE MOON VIDEO (313-340-1730), has over 10,000 porn flex available, with new releases being shelved daily. Plus they are stocked with so many toys and other merchandise I always love to buy, but way to many for me to mention. They are located on 8 mile just 2 blocks west of Livernois. 
 The guys at the BODY ZONE (313-366-9663), want you to start the summer out on the right foot this Saturday, June 21st with their “LEATHER NIGHT”, $5 lockers for members in chaps, or harnesses. And then on Saturday, June 28th it’s “COLLEGE NITE” $5 lockers for members 18 to 25. Coming up on Friday, July 11th it’s their infamous “BLACK-OUT” party. They also have free tanning Sundays– Thursdays with a purchase of a room or locker. The B-Zone is open 24 hours 7 days per week, so get over there and get a head start on your tan-line.
 The CLUB GOLD COAST (313-366-6135), has a slew of events planned for July, starting off with “INDEPEN DANCE” on Friday, July 4th with DJ Bruce Devery and Detroit’s hottest exotic male dancers! On Sunday, July 6th its “Glow in The Dark” FOAM party and you know what goes on at those things. Coming up on July 18-20th will be the Gold Coast’s 33rd Anniversary with a Chi Chi LaRue Revue. See ya there!
 GIGI'S (313-584-6525), has always been a favorite watering hole for me, since I have such a big hole to fill and the drinks are the stiffest around, it doesn’t take me long to get full! Every Monday and Friday they have no cover until 10:50 pm with Chico, Nickki, Destiny and all the Boyzz! Thursday nights you can catch Destiny Hunter and “The Jewelry Box Review” Showtime is 10:50 pm
If your going to the Metra Picnic on GIGI ’s bus ya better get your ticket soon , cuz they are going fast!
 If your tired of twinks, and want some real good man ass! Then head over to the HAYLOFT SALOON (313-581-8913), for their 4th of July weekend parties going on Thursday, July 3rd is their annual pre–party, then on Friday, July 4th it’s their barbeque & pot luck party. Bring a dish to pass, plus they will be having a hairy chest contest on the patio. Coming up on Saturday, July 12th MIGRA is back with their “WILD DRAG REVUE” something you dare not miss!
 In lieu for pride this year INUENDO (313-891-5798) decided to do a color party for each color in the gay flag. The first one will be July 5th, with their RED party. Remember get there B4 11 and there is NO COVER! Coming up June 25th is Mr. Inuendo.
 MENJOS (313-863-3934), has been getting you laid for over three decades, with the hottest dance parties in Detroit. They have reduced the cover to $5.00 for 18+or it’s free before 9 pm. They have hourly shot specials, 2 buck beer, and different drink specials, served to you by your favorite bartender. So, head on down to the best Thursday party in town, and get blasted.
 R&R SALOON (313-849-2751) is having a free barbeque on Friday, July 4th from 4pm -7 pm and a lights out party at 10 pm until 2 am. Wednesdays are Wet underwear contest with cash prize & free gas cards. Then on Sundays its $2 well, $2 keg, and $2 bloody Mary’s with free pool, stop in and have a few brewski’s.
 TNT HEALTH CLUB (313-341-5322) members know all the parties that will be going on at the club during the 4th of July weekend. If your not sure about the parties stop on by and ask, and while your there take a swim in their Olympic size pool.
 CHOSEN BOOKS (248-543-5758), has been serving the LGBT community with pride for twenty five years, and they have a new location in the ever expanding city of Ferndale, 1956 Hilton Road between 9 Mile and Woodward Heights Blvd. They are open 7 days 11am to 10 pm offering Pride Merchandise, Calendars, Body Jewelry, Mainstream and Adult DVD’s, Magazines, Books, and Greeting Cards. Stop in and check it out.
 COMO’S (Ferndale 248-548-5005) wants to know if you’re ready for summer. Well, they have so much going on that I just don’t have the space to mention everything. The best I can do is tell you to check out their ad in this issue, tear it out and tape it to your fridge. You’ll find me there on Tuesday’s for their Margarita night, my fave, because I’m such a Margarita maven, as you’ll find out.
… a bite of the Big Apple now in Ferndale PETE’S PLACE (248-544-4215), another new café in the Hilton Road & Woodward Heights area, with a New York kinda state of mind, I’ve been there a few times, wait staff are friendly, food is great, reasonable priced, loved it. It’s a non-smoking restaurant. So be sure to put this spot on your docket!
 Over at RUMORS NIGHTCLUB (616-454-8720), in Grand Rapids on Wednesdays its “Wicked Wednesdays” with hot male strippers. And if you miss them on Wednesday you can check them out again on Fridays. Also Sundays are show nights with the premier entertainers from all over the state performing.
 CLUB FLAMINGO (Pontiac, 248-253-0430) on Wednesdays has well drinks for a dollar all night long! Thursdays are “Ladies Night” featuring Hot & Sexy Women dancers, Fridays are Hot Male dancers. The dance floor is always open Wednesday thru Sunday, with house DJ Wayne Micheal. They also have Karaoke on Sundays with Neon Nights. So, there you have it, four nights of entertainment just for you. The patio is now open, so check them out.
 SIDETRAXX (Traverse City, 231-935-1666) the National Cherry Festival starts Saturday July 5th and ends on the 12th. There are soooooo many activities going on including a Midway, lots of food, fun and new faces. For all the details you want to check out www.sidetraxxtc.com and click on Cherry Festival. There is something for just about everyone.

WINDSOR, CANADA
OK, folks you wanted it, you got it! Ed and his crew at THE TAP (519-419-3926), have given you a new nightclub, with a new attitude, and two levels of fun. They are open Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 9 pm until 2 am. They now offer an upper level dance club for guys and gals, with no cover charge.
A few new DJ’s have been added to the line up, playing a mix of hits you like. And also a lower level private male strip club for MEN only and $5.00 gets you in.

ILLINOIS
 Now for Chicago, I have to admit I haven’t
been doing my homework, but I do have a few things to mention. Chicago’s Pride Fest 2008 will be Saturday, June 28 from 11 am to 9 pm at Halsted & Waveland presented by the Northalsted Area Merchants Association.
 This is the same group behind the wildly popular Chicago Market Days, this year its set for the weekend of August 9 & 10.
Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food & vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago’s finest performers in the gay community.
 SPIN (773-327-7711), will be hosting a Bear-y Special Shower contest with your emcee Frida Lay, featuring Go-Go Bears and other surprises. On Saturday, June 21st its Ear-rotic with our Hip/Hop house Dance Party with DJ Stoney (hung like a pony) and other guest DJ’s, VJ Riley York.
 2nd STORY (312-923-9536), has always been a favorite place to stop when I visit Chicago, the people are fun and the drinks are the tops so stop in sometimes and find a friend or just enjoy the festive bunch on hand.
 TOUCHE (773-465-7400) coming up on Friday, June 20 is Onyx Club Night followed on Saturday with Gear Night and on Sunday its Beer Bust & Movie Night.

 I ain’t got no more, to give ya, this issue, I promise to do better in the future so have a good one, and until next time…cheers to queers!
 We can be reached at BettyBlabb@aol.com, just email Betty’s email and we will plug your events or put in an ad and for sure we will plug your events. Say a pray for Betty, she is still down in the dumps, we are waiting for her to return and do this column, only the way Betty knows how too do.