LOVELIST | August...

After years of patiently waiting, I finally got to say Heeelllllllllooooo to the touring The Book of Mormon musical when it came home to this perfect, happy place-- Sal Tlay Ka Siti.  We left Eccles Theater with tears in our eyes and our sides hurting from uncontrollable laughter (I'm sure there was probably a little tinkle as well). Even better, it was extra special seeing it amongst the hometown crowd who was in on all the jokes.  Best Broadway show I've ever seen. I Believe!         

Calling to the runway, run-way, ruh-ruh-run-runway: Alexis Michelle, Farrah Moan, Trinity The Tuck Taylor, Kimora Blac, Shea Couleé, Nina Bonina Brown and season 9 winnah Sasha Velour.  It's a War on the Catwalk and my #dragbro Josh and I could not have been left more gagged.  Yaaaas Queens!

In the stylistic beautifully shot action-thriller Atomic Blonde, a sexy bad-ass undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.  So, Charlize Theron has always been my favorite, but this flick cements my girl-crush on her now more than ever.  And the perfect 80's throwback soundtrack only adds to my love of this movie. Easily one of my favorite of the year.

Destination: Hades Campground in the beautiful Ashley National Forest.  It was so nice getting back out to nature for the first time this year with some of my favorite people.  It's amazing all this exists in my all around me. Next Summer I'll take better advantage of that perk.    

'Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.' -RT

I pretty much cried through every episode of my Long Lost Family binge, where people search for long lost relatives.  Being adopted it really hit close to home. It's a beautiful moving series, just have plenty of Kleenex handy!

Skateboarder Rick McCrank explores Abandoned places with the people who love them long after the lights have gone out in this fascinating Viceland series.  

Last month I was Love Listing the new singles that Kesha was dropping in preparation of her new album Rainbow's release.  Once it finally came out this month, it only confirmed why I'm Team Kesha. You go Girl. Rock on!  Additional Favorite Tracks Include:  Rainbow, Hunt You Down, Boots and Let 'Em Talk.

 Hey Billy and Julie, why ya gotta be so Difficult?!   

Bring on Season 3! 

Tina Fey, how I love you girl and everything you ever do. So it should come to no surprise that your recent Weekend Update pop-in left me cheering; A blistering take down of the recent terrorist attack in Charlottesville, with a mouth full of dessert.  I raise my fork and say Amen- now pass that sheet cake!  

If you would have told me years ago that I would include Taylor Swift anywhere near my Love List, I would have called you crazy and probably slapped you across the face (for dramatic effect.)  But Taylor, look what you made me do!  Sorry, that was the old Anti-T. Swift Casey, he can't come to the phone right now, why, because he's dead.  There's just something I just love about this catchy song and companion music video. I'm looking forward to what else her upcoming Reputation has to offer.  

 ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤  

Watch it HERE.   

I love it when friends come to/through and visit Sal Tlay Ka Siti.  My buddy Kenji was in town for a wedding this month, and I got a couple days to play host and hang. It was fun showing off where I call home and spending quality time with an awesome guy.  So who do I get to lay out the welcome mat for next? 

Project Runway just started off it's 16th Season and MTV's The Challenge kicked off it's Dirty 30th, and I've been tuning in since the beginning for each go-'round.  I wonder if will ever quit these guilty reality pleasures, so far the outlook doesn't look very likely.

LOVELIST | July...

Since I didn't really do anything special for my birthday I decided to Treat My Self to some much long-overdue new ink. I went back to the awesome artist Adam at Cathedral, who is responsible for my beloved cattoos. This time under the needles, he gave me a fabulous tribute tatt in honor of my birth-mother.  And I'm already getting ideas for what's coming next. 

When four lifelong friends take a Girls Trip to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there's enough dancing, drinking, brawling, and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.  Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith are all fantastic, but the breakout star MVP is the hilarious Tiffany Haddish hands-down. And we'll never look at grapefruit the same way ever again!

Oh you know me, Always supporting my RuGirls when they come to town. This month it was Vegas Season 9 Queen Kimora Blac turn to get the love.  Even if the Meet-and-Greet photos didn't turn out (Grrrr!) Thankfully we smuggled out a shot together.  The night was totally [INSERT ADJECTIVE HERE]!

It's been a great year for some of my all time favorite indie-pop queens. Lorde, K. Flay and now joined by Lana, who put out another beautiful incredible album this month. Perfect for summer nights chilling on the front porch.  Favorite Tracks Include:  Love, Lust for Life, Tomorrow Never Came and Get Free.  

I've been wanting to check out this new local eatery for ages now. When my buddy Jeff took me out for a birthday dinner, of course I had to request Laziz Kitchen; the beautiful modern and airy cafe for Lebanese and Middle Eastern dining.  I've never had that cuisine before, but everything was so delicious. And the owners Moudi and Derek couldn't be more charming (and adorable together) and who I'm happy to support. I'll definitely be back!

"If you believe then just stand up on your feet and shout it loud: "Real!" Here at the Riot the battle hymn's begun. We're here for RSL!"  Just one of the perks of friendship with guys who have Season passes; when Greg and Philip headed out of town they generously offered up their tickets to Jeff and I. It was an honor to be your seat-fillers boys. We happily volunteer anytime needed!  Goals!

Guts, glitter, glory, are you ready to GLOW? Netflix took us back with their new original series, inspired by the short-lived, but beloved show from the 80s. I binged right through the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, After wards, discovered the best 80's playlist soundtrack on Spotify someone put together. Listen to all the retro hits and jams HERE.

I loved The 60's.   I loved The 70's.  I loved The 80's. And thanks to the interesting, entertaining and informative CNN Docu-series, now I got to love The Nineties all over again too.

Thanks to San Diego Comi-Con we got a slew of exciting new previews this month.  From Stranger Things 2, American Horror Story: Cult, Westworld and Broad City, great new season are on the horizon.  And I couldn't be any more excited for the crafty debut of At Home with Amy Sedaris!  Bring on Fall! 

This month I discovered pop-singer/song-writer Julia Michaels.  She just dropped her first LP, and it got a lot of love around here.  Favorite Tracks Include: Issues, Worst In Me, Pink and Make It Up To You.

Insecure is the critically acclaimed HBO series (100% on Rotten Tomatoes y'all!) that just started it's sophomore season.  I decided to check it out and was instantly hooked.  It follows the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern-day African-American woman.  I'll be sticking with this one for sure!

The Emancipation of Kesha!  I'm living for Learn to Let Go, Praying, Hymn and Woman.  I can't wait for the rest of her album to drop. Welcome back girl, it's been way too long.

CHiPs was a 80's television show that I was, quite frankly, obsessed with as a kid.  Of course, I had to check out the movie remake of my beloved childhood series; even though deep down I knew it wouldn't be great.  Still, my friend Nick and I made an event out of it.  Chinese take-away and CHIPS for the win.  Sometimes they really shouldn't mess with the classics, but a fun night is a fun night.

I've driven by the Campfire Lounge for years now and finally while hanging out with friends in Sugarhouse we walked over for a spontaneous pop-in.  I really liked it and can see it being a future hot spot when I'm chillin' in the Sugarhood.

LOVELIST | June...

When Greg's away, the Casey gets to-- watch soccer.  I scored a free ticket (fourth row, no less) when my pal Philip invited me to my first ever Real game this month because his hubby was out of town.  Despite the loss, we had a great time.  The eye candy (on and off the field) surely helped.  And the dazzling firework show topped off an awesome and amazing night.  Yay Sports!  

No 'Drama, but remember a few months ago when I named K. Flay my likely Artist of the Year... well, that may have been a bit premature. I didn't realized my favorite indie-kiwi pop star was soon releasing a new album of her own. Good Lord, from the first listen I was obsessed.  Favorite tracks include: Sober, Homemade Dynamite, Supercut and Green Light. (But honestly I really love every song, truth be told.) 

 Before we went to #7, Candace, Emily, Jeff and I went to one of the coolest places in the city for dinner.  The atmosphere, the food, the service at Bodega... it was all so incredible.  Located downtown, the unassuming hip basement speakeasy has done something I've never experienced before: giving me a freakin' Foodgasm!  Be sure to try and get Ky as your server too. She was the whip cream, sprinkles, nuts and cherry on what was the most amazing night out.  I can't recommend this place enough.  Commencing Rave now.

Two of my all time favorite Ru girls came to Salt Lake for Pride weekend.  The entire city said Hiiieeeeee to Alaska (that club was PACKED!) and we'd never sue the fierce and fantastic Miss Nina Bonina Banana Fofana Osama Bin Brown. Both killer queens gave stellar performances that left me gagged.

 It's no Wonder... Females are Strong as Hell!  #GirlPower! 

Sun-day is a Special Day, it's the day we show our Pride Day.  From the Parade, to chilling (er, sweltering rather) at the Fair, to the Big Freedia concert, to the Princess Kennedy Pride Party at the Green Pig to the delicious after pizza-party at the Pie Hole. This was possibly the most fun SLC Pride yet! 🌈

Every one's favorite Andys (well not counting Andy Dwyer, of course) came to Salt Lake's Eccles Theater this month for an intimate night of cocktails and story telling. The forever friends were so damn charming and entertaining.  I had a blast watching them drink and spill the tea with the fine folks of Utah.

RE5IST! 

Big Freedia and her three phenomenal(!) back up dancers (must be jelly cuz jam don't shake!) shut down Pride and ended the whole weekend on a high note, with a concert performance that gave me life!  It was such a blast!

'Now that Chris and his girlfriend have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate.  At first, he reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he could have never imagined.' -RT  Normally I have a No Horror Movies rule in my house, but I'd heard really good things about Get Out. I'm glad I made an exception. 

Another new music discovery thanks to Spotify recommendations. Favorite Tracks Include:  Hate That You Know Me, Don't Take the Money, All My Heroes and Let's Get Married.    

Clearly, some guilty pleasure habits will never be broken. Big Brother, Ink Master and Face/Off are three of mine and are all back for the Summer.  So crank the A/C and enjoy the tattoos, the special- effects and the fighting strangers locked in a house.  

Some of my absolute favorite artists finally released some new music month.  Just in time for that Songs of Summer 2017 playlist. Scissor Sisters, Marina and the Diamonds, St. Vincent, Monarchy and Adam Lambert have all been on heavy rotation around these parts!   

 Full disclosure time: I'm not the biggest Modest Mouse fan.  There I said it, but I'm never going to turn down an invite to hang out with my buds Greg and Philip (and their friend Nic).  So while it wasn't my favorite concert ever, the boys I was with, totally were.

I'm still not sure why it blew up like it did and became a 'Thing', but all the silly Babadook memes filling my feed this month left me Baba-shook!

LOVELIST | May...

Sometimes you just need a mini-trip to recharge, even if for just a couple days!  When two of your long distance friends from the other side of the globe happen to be in San Francisco over the same dates, well that is just a no-brainer. I had such a wonderful vaycay.  And a special Thank You shout out to Patrick for the hospitality and making the weekend possible.  Don't worry I'll be back.  SF is always my go-to getaway!

I finally got to check out the Beauties on Broadway Drag Brunch earlier this month.  It just so happened to be Coko's Birthday show, which made the whole thing that much Extra! Gia, Kaye, Coko and the other queens are the real deal. Complete entertaintment, served on a platter with a side of eggs!  Be sure to check them out if you're in town. Drag Brunch usually happens twice a month at Club 50 West.

This might be the best show on television this year. 

(100% on Rotten Tomatoes y'all!)

I just love it so much. 

Season 2 streaming on Netflix now. 

In all the times I've been to San Francisco, I have yet to check Visit Alcatraz off my list.  This trip I towed along with 'The Aussies' on a boat ride across The Bay to the former Prison Island.  It was creepy, fascinating but also beautiful.  (The gardens are stunning!)  Definitely something you need to see at least one time in your life.

Halloween came early as America's First Drag Super Monster came to Salt Lake City, and including all of the supporting performers- this was start-to-finish one of the best shows I think I've ever seen. The Dragula Season 1 winner could not have been nicer too. I hope she comes back soon!

Lillian, Jacqueline, Titus and the unbreakable Kimmy are back for Season 3 of the she-larious and wacky Netflix original series. The Lemonade spoof is a particular highlight indeed!  Drink it up!

I stumbled on this English electro-pop duo thanks to a Spotify suggestion. I love discovering new bands!  Favorite Tracks include:  I Wanna Be Your Lover, Show Me Love, Control and Kaleidoscope.

It's that time of year again for the world-wide... (okay USA, most of the world)... phenomenon Eurovision to take over your social media feeds.  This was my fourth time tuning in, made easier since Logo started airing the song contest last year.  Kiev, Ukraine played host as Portugal easily ran away with the most votes and the trophy. My favorite countries were Belgium(!!!), Sweden, Austria, Norway, The Netherlands and Greece.  And Portugal was pretty good too. (Even though he came off as a douche after he won.)

Two words: 

Gus Kenworthy.

So you've been hankering for a binge-worthy true life mystery since Making a Murderer- well Netflix might have your next documentary obsession with The Keepers.  The seven-part docuseries about the unsolved murder of a nun and the horrific secrets and pain that linger nearly five decades after her death.  Who killed Sister Kathy?

Perhaps one of the most moving and powerful Instagram accounts there is.  I've teared up on more than one occasion visiting it. 'The AIDS Memorial Instagram account harnesses the power of technology to remember, reflect, and honor the lives lost to and impacted by AIDS and to create a compelling, real time, interactive bridge to the present for inspiration and motivation to address the challenges confronting today’s effort to end HIV/AIDS once and for all. It is an incredibly powerful reminder of what was lost and the future we’re still working to build, as well as a dynamic virtual extension of the original ideals the physical memorial was founded upon. “I thought Instagram was a perfect way to document the lives of people who have died of AIDS. I just want more people to hear the stories and remember,” says Stuart, the person who started the page." SOURCE  

Visit it HERE.

I've yet to see the Summer Blockbuster on the big screen (...yet!) but the soundtrack has been pumping me up all month long.  Plenty of retro classics from the likes of David Bowie, The Jackson 5, Cheap Trick, Fleetwood Mac and plenty more.  Such a great collection of tunes on this Awesome Mix Vol. 2!

I also discovered up and coming Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid's new EP this month. I love her voice and she's definitely going places.  I clearly have a soft spot for Scandinavian pop stars!  (Hey Robyn, put out a new album won't ya!?) Favorite Tracks include:  Don't Kill My Vibe, Plot Twist and Fake Friends. 

I've been online friends with Skye for over a decade so I was so excited to finally meet in person, spending a couple days with him and Gerry in San Francisco.  In addition, getting to see and hang out with several of my local buddies, well that was just the cherry with sprinkles, whip cream and chopped nuts on top to a great weekend indeed!