Dear Supporter,
The event series that sets the social calendar for the LGBT Community is back with a host of new and different events as well as some old favorites!
Over the years, community members like you have made new friends, had a great time and met future partners at these gatherings. Everyone who attends a TaDa! event is guaranteed a great time.

Be the life of the party and RSVP for the amazing events today. Events sell out quickly!
Click here for tickets and details!

Leki got started in the music scene at a very young age, in fact, she was responsible for laying down several tracks for Technotronic  at the age of twelve. That’s right. Twelve! When she turned sixteen she went on to sign her very first record deal.

While she attended college she was picked up by ‘The Music Factory’ (a tv station affiliated with MTV) to host a Hip Hop and R&B show  called ‘Cool Sweat’.  She then later was picked up for  ’Juice’ (a Saturday night urban music show), and hosted at hit radio MNM as well as many others. While being on such shows as these she was able to interview some major musicians such as Britney Spears, Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé and many more.

Leki released her debut album titled ‘Breakin Out’ in 2004. This album contained some huge hits such as “Breakin Out”, “Latin Lover”, and “Crazy” which earned her two TMF Music Awards for ‘best new artist’ and ‘best urban artist’.

In 2006 she launched her 2nd album – Warrior Girl. This album had a blend of musical genres and featured artists like Coolio and her big sister Ya Kid K. “Spread My Wings” was the main single off this CD and was an instant radio hit!

Leki has played at a variety of venues throughout the years from TMF Awards to playing at major festivals opening up for Amy Winehouse, Craig David, and Lauryn Hill.

‘Multiplicity’ was her 3rd album that was released in 2008. The title of the new album was to show (yet again) different blends of genres such as Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, and Pop. Her first single from the album was “Over the Rainbow” which was the official title track in Belgium for the famous series we know so well called ‘Prison Break’. The song reached the Belgian Single Top 10 and remained in the top 50 for 15 weeks straight. Some of her tracks from this album had guest appearences like Madonna and David Bowie.  

Her latest album, thus far, was released in 2009 titled ‘Leki & the Sweet Mints’. It is titled that because she had asked the Sweet Mints (Enicé and Kimberley) to join her as her dancers and backing vocalists. Her first single from the album was “Love Me Another Day”.

Besides being musically talented, she also has taken on other major projects such as humanitarian projects in Africa where she is the godmother of a young farmers development activity in Uganda. She had started a nonprofit organization, Via Nanda, which mission is to help raise funds for the hospital in the area so that it could be operational towards the end of 2011.

Leki has taken many journeys in life and has never been afraid to take on any project big or small. She is the kind of person who demonstrates strength, courage, and a positive light that many people should strive to find in themselves.

Adele Emeli Sandé, born March 10th 1988, is a British Soul and R&B recording artist and songwriter. Music has always been a part of her life as far back as a child at age 11. It wasn’t until she featured on rapper Chipmunk’s third single titled “Diamond Rings”, which made it to number 6 on the UK Singles Charts, that she became known to the public. She then later appeared on yet another single “Never Be Your Woman” with Wiley which was number 8 on the UK Singles Charts. As Adele’s success grew she thought it would be best to change her name to her middle name (Emeli). “I changed it as soon as Adele came out. I just thought, ‘You’ve kind of taken the [name] now’, so I went with my middle name,” is what Emeli said.

Finally in 2010 she signed a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing and then later publicized that Virgin Records had given her a record deal. In the middle of her working on her debut album, she worked with people such as Tinie Tempah (“Let Go”) and “Devlin (“Dreamer”). Shortly after that she had released her very first solo single titled “Heaven” in August 2011. The song was an immediate hit all around the globe. Her 2nd single from her album was “Daddy”and then her next singles that followed were “Read All About It” and “Next To Me” which became hits in the UK and Ireland.

December 2011 she was named as the Brit Awards Critics’ Choice for 2012. Critics said that her songs had a very rich melodic and classically powerful feel to them. Sandé had stated that she gets her influence from artists such as Lauryn Hill, Nina Simone, and Joni Mitchell.

In the beginning of 2012 it was stated that she was up for yet another Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act. Sandé has also been working on some new material for the original lineup of Sugababes and on January 24th of 2012, Sandé performed a one off gig for Q Magazine at XOXO, London. What’s more is she has recorded a version of David Guetta’s “Titanium” and then they together performed the song at the NRJ Music Awards in France.

Her album ‘Our Version of Events’ was finally released in February 2012 and shortly after its release it peaked to number 1 and number 2 in the UK and in Ireland as well as charting in over 10 European countries including Australia.

Sandé once stated -“The key to good songwriting is usually honesty and raw emotion.” I couldn’t agree more with her statement. The music she writes is real and has a profound meaning. It is so easy to get drawn into her style and into the emotion she lets out when she starts singing. If you don’t know who Emeli Sandé is, then I suggest you get familiar with her work and who she is damn it.

Latest album ‘Our Version Of Events’ out now: http://bit.ly/OurVersionOfEvents

Like her Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/emelisande
and follow her on twitter here twitter.com/#!/emelisande

Thirty five miles north of Pittsburgh, in the heart of Butler city, sits the old community alliance church. Built in 1899 yet vacant until 2010, this once thriving church served as a focal point for local activities, worship and the avocation of community awareness. Many of churches such as this one have been renovated for similar secular entertainment, yet this building stands alone. As the saying goes “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” this 18th century building continues to contribute back to society but channeled by the most unlikely of social groups. In the course of two years, Butler residents and entrepreneurs Joshua Crawford and Michael Vlassick, opened M&J’s Lounge and Hair Studio 124 a unique full service salon and haven for the LGBT. Not solely for the sake of running an everyday business but to also to make a bigger impact on the neighborhood around them. Their endeavors transformed a building that Butler nearly forgot into a new center and voice for the gay and lesbian community.

Joshua Crawford, stylist, entrepreneur and social activist is a complex character devoted to self improvement as well as the betterment of his surroundings. He’s been a licensed real estate agent since 2010 with a multitude of interests and degrees in nutrition, phlebotomy as well as cosmetology. Josh is also an avid member of his local Presbyterian church where he has made donations and attends regular services.

“I’ve always wanted to expand my education in different fields…It’s not the years in your life that matter, but the life in your years”

Josh is an active member of PFLAG, an organization devoted to fighting for equality and civil rights. They are currently working with the local city to promote awareness for ENDA-The Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Under this bill the LGBT would be protected against discrimination in the workplace. An act that should be implemented country wide but unfortunately is only recognized in 15 states.

“A Human Rights Commission speaks for all of us. It protects us and helps us to be the reason that Butler’s economy recovers. I think it is time to think of the future Butler as place where everyone is welcome, everyone is valued and protected, everyone has a safe place to live out their own ideas of happiness.”

Together with friend and silent partner Michael Vlassick, renovations began to transform this empty church into a recognizable business. They built three tanning rooms, replaced windows for adequate lighting, fully furnished and stocked in a mind blowing two week period.

Q. Butler is commonly thought of as a financially depressed town..If you had to do it over..would you have still opened a business there or perhaps in a larger city?

“At one time I thought about maybe opening a lounge in the city but with all my affairs here it would be difficult to be in two places all the time. Besides it’s better to have the help and support of your friends, family and community close by.”

Hair Studio 124 had its grand opening in June 2010. A full service salon with an array of beauty services including: cuts, color, perms, treatments and styling, to fit their clients every need. I have to admit; of any salon I have ever been in Hair Studio 124 has by far the most unique atmosphere. Tranquil blue marble workspaces, cathedral ceilings and gothic style windows adorned with original stained glass creates an unusual yet serene setting for a for an unforgettable experience. Complete with a selection of professional hair care and tanning products from trusted brands like: Paul Mitchell, Matrix, Sexy Hair and TiGi. Hair Studio 124 also offers nail services, waxing and indoor tanning with three superior solar storms beds.

Q. With the economy still not as strong as America would like…were you hesitant to go from employed to self employed?

“Working for someone else…money was never an issue…you could always count on it coming in. But the business is doing well; if you don’t expand your services and do all that you can…you’ll never make it. There only has been two days that I haven’t brought in at the very least a dollar.”

Since its opening Hair Studio 124 reached out to promote the business and fuse a positive bond with the city of Butler. Josh promoted through Butler High School Prom and gave away three free tanning packages. They’ve made charitable donations to local schools including the Slippery Rock Rockets marching band. Joshua Crawford’s interest in creating a constructive impact exceeds beyond just gay related charities. M&J lounge and the Hair Studio have been involved with the Butler County Local Food Bank, a program that provides over 180,000 meals to individuals in desperate need every year.

The M&J Lounge is the current and most popular hot spot for the LGBT community in Butler. An intimate nightclub offering; free pool, 160 sq foot dance floor, a baby grand piano, drags shows, fund raisers and so much more. Open Thursday through Saturday M&J’s has been a hub for local entertainers like Vita Blowem,  Ivanna Douche, Virginia Royale, and Sinthia Forenza.  Resident MC, Dj Kline is energizing and personal, taking requests and spinning favorites of all kinds with a blend of today’s hits, top 40’s, oldies and party favorites. Mitchell Hortert and Shelly Erkins , M&J’s event coordinators,  have thrown an eclectic arrange of events from 80’s, 90’s night, Saturday Night Disco Fever, The Pittsburgh Pride After Party, In House Pool League, CD release parties, The Pajama EGGstravaganza and The M&J’s Cinco de Mayo Festival..Just to name a few. Be sure to show your support by coming to see them march in Pittsburgh’s 2012 Pride in the Streets Festival.

Q. What adversity, if any, have you faced with the neighborhood for opening a gay establishment?

“We’re open to all members and we get a very mixed crowd…we don’t tolerate hate behavior of any kind…for the most part everyone has been pretty accepting and supportive…we’ve only had to band two people since opening for misconduct.”

M&J lounge is Butler’s version of Cheers, a place uniting all patrons in a safe, non judgmental environment. They maintain a zero tolerance policy against slandering, drug abuse and violence. Prayers and support have gone out from both the staff and lounge members with a variety of fundraising events. M&J’s has donated to the Project Hope of Zelienople, a foundation that aids families of hospitalized children. Their mission is to provide supplies, support and hope to families during their time of crisis. Through donations and volunteer work they can ease the burden on parents to better focus on the needs of their hospitalized children.

Q. In what ways has M&J’s directly impacted its members and the community around you?

“I think M&J’s has created a place where the local gay and straight members feel comfortable mingling with each other..safe and with no judgment. ..It’s also become a place where they can merge in common interests and functions”

Most recently M&J’s lounge hosted its third cancer benefit show. Lisa Lang of Tarentum, PA was diagnosed in April 2011 with Neuroendocrine Cancer. A rare and serious form of cancerous tumors found throughout the body, commonly in the lungs and gastrointestinal tracts. Friends, lounge members and family came out to show their support and raise money for her surgery and medical expenses. Despite best efforts, Lisa Lang lost her battle with cancer on February 10^th 2012, at the tragic age of 44. Their third benefit honored Lisa’s life and memory and helped raise money for her family’s funeral expenses. M&J’s lounge would like to express their deepest condolences and their prayers for strength and comfort to Lisa’s family during their time of sorrow.

I think it’s important for any town or city, especially less progressive ones, for people to have a place to socialize be themselves and ultimately be reminded that they’re not alone. We tend to forget that many smaller towns don’t have that kind of setting and we take that for granted every day. The efforts at 124 Mercer St. may be small on the map in comparison to a larger city but their impact on Butler’s community hasn’t been anything less than significant. They have given a voice for a minority in a community that is still very homophobic. They have lent a hand in helping to fight discrimination, poverty, and disease.  And reached out to bond the city of Butler under one unity…as any good church should.

http://www.facebook.com/MandJsLounge

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-Studio-124/190100161018496

http://www.pittsburghpride.org/

www.pflag.org

http://www.sparkinghope.org/

Apr. 28: Forrest City, AR (EACC Fine Arts Center)
Apr. 29: Paducah, KY (Carson Center)
May 17: Worcester, MA (The Hanover Theater)
May 18: New Bedford, MA (Zeiterion Theatre)
May 19: Atlantic City, NJ (Resorts Casino Atlantic City)
May 31: Peekskill, NY (Paramount Center For The Arts)
Jun. 1: Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)
Jun. 2: Richmond, VA (Stone Soul Music Festival @ Browns Island)
Jun. 3: Easton, MD (Avalon Theater)
Jun. 9: Pittsburgh, PA (PNC Park @ North Shore)
Jun. 12: San Mateo, CA (San Mateo County Fairgrounds)
Jun. 28: Lincolnville, ME (Cellardoor Winery)
Jul. 6: West Wendover, NV (Peppermill Hotel & Casino)
Aug. 10: Ventura, CA (Ventura County Fair)

For more info on tickets and pricing, check out their website here.

We, as an audience, experience friendship, coming out, first love, and of course heart-break. This story being told in current time with the realness of coming out gay in a world which revolves around YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Why should we raise this money and not give back.. I am dedicated to giving proceeds made from this film to organizations that help educate. Not only will you help create art but you will know that the dollar you parted with helped make this film and will be recycled into charity.