I can finally feel my toes again...kinda.

Good morning, Poppers!




From what I can see, it looks like it might be a gorgeous day, but I haven't even left the bed so I could be completely wrong.


I may have said this before, but I want to reiterate that I have nothing but respect for all the "ladies" out there who paint, powder and pad themselves up, tape and tuck their twig and danglies, slither into 4-way stretch or tape themselves into barely there sequins and satin, then strap on death-defying, on the brink of collapse, sky-high stilettos...all for OUR entertainment.


I had the pleasure of performing with some very talented individuals this weekend and gurls...I applaud you. Saturday night's benefit for Holly Luyah was a treat and I truly enjoyed being involved. I had my first major malfunction on Saturday...my hair fell off and an accessory exploded, but being the consummate entertainer in training, I Sallied forth. I'm just so proud of our gurl Holly and thank her for asking me to be a part of her show. Beat those bitches down in Dallas, honey!



If you were at the show on Saturday and have any photos you'd like to share, please forward them to HallePino@yahoo.com. I usually have friends with cameras at shows, but they were indisposed of on Saturday. Alana, Veronica, Jazmyn and Britney, it was fun, entertaining and interesting sharing the "stage" and "dressing area" with you and it was a pleasant surprise to see Stella Couture teetering around in some strappies! Thanks to Cosmos for hosting.



I'm happy to report that my gurl Aurora Diamonds took the crown at the Miss Hoosier 250 Pageant Sunday night at Talbott Street. You'll get to see Aurora waving flags at the Hoosier 250 this Sunday, but only if you make it to the race. I went for the first time last year and had an absolute ball. The race is actually being held on Mass Ave and the street between College and Park will be closed off for the event. Put on your sunscreen (or bring your bumblechute) and get ready to tailgate. This is truly the greatest spectacle in racing. And...Metro provides a free cookout after the race! Registration begins at 12:00 and the flag drops at 1:00.





Speaking of Metro, just a reminder that they are now having drag shows on Sunday night. Alana Steele, Holly Luyah, Adessah Reed and I made up the cast this past Sunday. There was a receptive audience there Sunday night and we appreciate you coming out. The regular bevy of beautiful babes will be Alana, Holly and Erica King with special guests joining the tantalizing, talented trio. Show time is at 9:00 Sunday nights.






There are some things I REALLLY want to get off my chest, but I'll not be the antigonist. Some of you know that this wasn't the best of weekends for me and I appreciate your support and well-wishes. One thing I will say, however is that there is an appropriate time and place for everything...yes, even a time for making a complete and utter ass of yourself.



Kisses to Toddles and thanks to Tony for this:





Love yourselves and each other, babies.


Halle

Wild Wild Weekend...

Good morning, Poppers!!

I hope you're enjoying the sunshine on this gorgeous Saturday!

I don't have much time, but I wanted to make sure you're remembering a couple of things happening in Indy this weekend.

First of all, tonight at Cosmos, "Paving the Road to Dallas," a benefit for Holly Luyah. I'm soo excited that Indiana has Holly representing us at Miss Gay USofA! The show starts at 10:00 and features Alana Steele, Britney Taylor, Jazmyn Taylor, yours truly and Holly Luyah. Please come out and support our Holly as she raises money to complete in Dallas.

If you're looking for pageant action this weekend, please be sure to head over to Talbott Street Sunday at 7:00 p.m. for Miss Hoosier 250. I'm not sure who the other contestants are, but I know that my girl, the multi-faceted Aurora Diamonds is competing this year.

Please support Talbott Street and your favorite contestant.

Last but certainly not least, drag is back at Metro!! This Sunday, Metro on Mass Ave is bringing in Alana Steele, Holly Luyah, Erica King and yours truly to kick off a new Sunday night show. From what I'm told, Alana, Holly and Erica will be on cast and they will welcome in a guest performer on Sundays. I'm too too excited to be included in this new venture and hope it will be successful for Metro and the performers.

Alright, babies...dresses to hem and wigs to bang. Gotta go. Be good to yourselves. Hope to see you soon!

*kiss kiss*

Halle

Has it really begun already?

Good morning, Poppers!!

I know I've been out of touch for several weeks, but I've truly just been worn out.

The busy season has set in and a touch of crazy intensity is in the air. Let's play a little bit of catch up, shall we?

Carl's benefit, as you know went off without a hitch. His surgery took place on 4/21 and went well. His brother was sent home by the following Friday and Carl was discharged on Sunday. Although Carl was readmitted yesterday because of some side effects of the meds he's on, they're releasing him again today...personally, I think he developed a taste for sounding while he was in the hospital and wanted to be re-cathed. He claims that's not the case. I guess I'll believe him. Love you, Carl.

On the stiletto heels of Carl's benefit, the Bag Ladies went right into The 2nd annual Country/Gospel Brunch. What a hoot and a holler! I attended last year, but actually performed in this year's show. I had an absolute ball and even though final numbers aren't in yet, I believe we raised $3000+? I'll update that once it's confirmed.





On the same day as the Gospel Brunch, we turned right back out to Talbott Street to support our own Aurora Diamond as she participated in and stomped it out to win TNT (Talbott's Night of Talent or Talent Night at Talbott...I've heard it called several things). Good job, gal! She'll now be a special guest on I believe Sunday May 17. Good job, baby!

Please remember that this Thursday, April 30, 2009 is Indy’s 15th Annual Dining Out for Life! Area restaurants will participate in the largest restaurant event in the Indianapolis area, benefiting the Damien Center and hundreds of people living with HIV & AIDS throughout our region. Making a difference is as easy as going out to eat! Participating Restaurants will donate 25-50% of your food bill on April 30th to pay for local services in the Fight Against AIDS.

Their generosity coupled with your generous donation will make a very real difference in the lives of thousands of men, women, and children throughout the region living with HIV and AIDS. This year's Premier participating restaurants are: Blu Martini, Cafe Patachou, Adobo Grill, Palomino, Forty Five Degrees, Petite Chou, and Arni's Restaurant! These fine restaurants are contributing 50% of sales this year!

Forty Five Degrees is also hosting the official After Party starting at 10:00 p.m. Come out and celebrate as the reports of funds raised roll in. Forty Five Degrees will continue to donate 25% of all sales to Dining Out for Life. For a list of all participating restaurants, please visit
www.diningoutforlife.com/indianapolis/participating

Also this Thursday, please make plans to attend Miss Shining Star Continental 2009 at Talbott Street. Shawn Batton of Shining Star Productions was generous enough to donate tickets to the pageant for use as giveaway items for "Drink Your Juice, Shelby," and we thank him for his support. Shawn promises this 5 Year Anniversary Celebration will be a tremendous event and the competition will be fierce. Doors open at 8:00 and the pageant starts at 9:00. Admission is $10. For more information, please visit http://www.missshiningstar.com/


Moving on, this Friday and Saturday May 1 and 2, are Grand Finals for Metro Idol 2009. All the way from Louisville, KY The Mistress of Mayhem, Hurricane Summers will be Mistress of Ceremonies for the weekend. Although things have yet to be confirmed, I'm told that Miss Gay Indianapolis, Erica King, Fairrah Flame and Cherilynn Douchey will be performing on Friday night and Summer Clearance and yours truly will be performing on Saturday. Once confirmed, I'll post it either here or on Facebook, if not on both. p.s. If you've not added me as a friend on Facebook yet, please do. Just search for Halle Pino.

Last but not least, May 9 at 10:00 p.m., Cosmos is hosting "Paving the Road to Dallas," a benefit for one of my favorite people in the world, Miss Gay Indiana USofA, Holly Luyah!! Can I get a "AMEN?!?" Performers include (in alphabetical order): Bianca Defy, Halle Pino (haaaaay!), Alana Steele, Britney Taylor, Jazmyn Taylor and Holly Luyah herself. We'll be raising funds to send Holly and her team to Dallas to compete in the Miss Gay USofA nationals pageant, so please come out and support.

Alright, kids...that's a tortilla wrap for this week. Please keep me in your prayers...I'm old and got a ton o'shit coming up. Also, keep your fingers crossed for my sponsorship for the Circle City INPride 2009 Parade...I just resubmitted my request to a local restaurant. If things go well, you might just see Halle in her Crawfish Mobile in the parade.

Keep it spicy, Poppers!

*kiss kiss*

Halle

Long may she reign...

Hola, Poppers!

I'm happy as a chola in sharpie lip-liner and eyebrows to announce that my girl Holly Luyah is your new Miss Gay Indiana USofA!!

If you've read this blog, you know I just adore that gal and I'm proud as Mary of her accomplishments. I just love love love her and can't wait to perform with her again. Holly, You. Go. Gurl!!

Thank you, everyone!

Greetings, Poppers! As I'm sure you can tell by the pictures, "Drink Your Juice, Shelby" was a tremendous night. I'm very proud of everyone who was a part of this benefit and even though I've thanked all of them already, I want to do it publicly:

Because of all of you, $1610 was raised for Carl DeLong and his family. Carl and his family were truly moved by the amount of support and love shown to them and I appreciate your partcipation in this event more than I can say.

Vivian - thank you for donating the bar for the night! Guido, JB, Nate, Sebastian, Bennett and Tim were amazing to work with. I hope I didn't run them ragged. You rock, baby!

Adessah, Asia, Caddi, Caress, Erica, Ginger, Naomi, Regina, Sue and Summer - You girls brought your "A" game and worked, bucked and turned it out!! I hope I never fail to tell you how much I respect and appreciate what you gals do. It was a privilege and a pleasure to share the stage with you tonight. Thanks for being on speed dial.

HR, Nick, Shere and Adam - you kids make Halle's life so easy. I couldn't do it without you. HR - BRAVO!! I think you have a faboo career in drag-handling in your pocket. Shere - thanks for sticking it out in that booth for almost 3 hours. Nick - can't wait to see the photos.

Queen Blossom - gal, I adore you. You continue to turn up and turn it out and I have such admiration for you. Thanks for the gorgeous centerpiece and for running the prize table.

Adam, Dean & Tim at Downtown Olly's, Greg, Sam & Shawn of Shining Star Productions - thank you so much for your donations to the prize table. People were pleased with what they won and I appreciate your generosity.

Donnie - thanks for running the spot, babe. I hope you weren't neglected up there.

Bill, Jeremy & Sam - thank you for your running and accountant work tonight as well as your tips and hints, wig-banging and make-up.

I hope I included everyone. If someone was left off, please know it was purely unintentional. The support you all provided and your selflessness encourage me to do more in the community. I am blessed to know all of you.

*kiss kiss*

Halle

p.s. Just a quick shout-out to a new, self-proclaimed "Popper-Girl": HAY, DARCI!! Hope to see you soon!!

Pictures from Drink Your Juice, Shelby

Below is a slide show from the benefit on Sunday night. If you want to view the Flickr page follow this link.

Morning, Poppers!!



Halle's a wee-bit hungover this morning. The Indy Pride Bag Ladies were on the prowl into the early morning and here are the pictures to prove it.



We were advertising the upcoming Gospel Brunch at Talbott Street on April 19. Tickets are available now, so you'd better get yours soon. We sold out last year!





Please don't forget, "Drink Your Juice, Shelby," a benefit for Carl DeLong, tonight at Talbott Street. Doors open at 6:00, show starts at 7:00.



*kiss kiss*



Halle

Save the date!!

Greetings, poppers!



Your gal Halle is still alive and still as busy as ever! After spending two weeks in Schaumburg, IL (that's nw of Chicago for the geographically challenged) for work, I'm back at my new home in Greenwood.



April is quickly filling up and I wanted to take a moment to tell you about a few things coming up. First up is 4/5/09. You've heard me talk of my original drag mama, Carma Blake. Well, Carma's OTHER side, Carl DeLong is having a kidney transplant on 4/14/09. Carl is HIV+ and this will be the first kidney transplant performed on a HIV+ patient. This is trailblazing in the state and will help with future cases. Please come out and support the cause and enjoy performances by Asia Labouche, Alana Steele, Erica King, Ginger Ale, Cadillac Barbie, Naomi Divine, Summer Clearance, Adessah Reed, Sue Diamonds, Regina Bitch and yours truly.



There is a $5 cover, doors open at 6:00 and the show starts at 7:00. All cover charges and performer tips will go to Carl and his family. I'd love to see you there and would consider it a personal favor if you'd come.


The next lil thing I wanna tell my babies about is The Indy Pride Bag Ladies Gospel Brunch. If you made it to last year's, you'll remember it was a good ol' fashioned toe-tappin', foot-stompin', hand-clappin', fan-wavin', nose-blowing, come-to-Jesus! Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition! It's held at Talbott Street, catered by Hoaglin's Fine Catering and hosted by Sequoia Pentecost.


Kiddies, if you've ever been to a revival and felt the spirit, you need to make it to this event. Come out and praise and worship with your gay & lesbian brethren and sistren. Just remember, when it comes to hair..."the higher the hair, the closer to God, praise Jesus." Bring yourselves on down to a family friendly atmosphere with bacon and lashes for days.

That's all I got for now, babies. I hope to see you soon.

Halle's tired, but gurl keeps on keepin on and trusts that you all do the same. Much love, Poppers!


*kiss kiss*


Halle


p.s. Hugs and jewels to my gurl, Alana. Love you, baby!!

Good morning, Poppers! FitnessNerd, Summer Clearance Sequoia Pentecost and your gurl Halle have invaded Chicago!! Welcome to Obama Country!! This is what I woke up to as I pulled back the gossamer drapes of our suite:

Probably pretty much what you woke up to, huh? Oh, well. I didn't expect it to be a perfect weekend, but it's already started off as a fun one!!

Just to back up for a minute, I just want to tell you about L O L held at Talbott Street this past Thursday. O M G, kids, what a riot! The Rubi Girls were phenom and Tara Jole (aka Mini-Britney) was just divine! If you have the opportunity to see either of these acts, take it!! Here are a few of my favorite shots from the evening:

After L O L, I skipped on over to Metro Idol to judge and ran into Dannon's Darlins, Cherilynn Douchey and Farah Flame:

One more thing I wanna tell you kids about is actually happening in Indiana. This weekend, you'll experience a little bit of Halle's home state as Mardi Gras makes its way to Muncie...presenting...Muncie Gras!! You'll get a little bit of the Big Easy today and one of the performers is one of my favorite gals, Holly Luyah! Make yourway up to Muncie Gras...if you see Holly, tell her I axed he she durrin'!

Alright, kids...time for the gal to shower and get to shoppin! But just two more shots to share. Ran into some Indy folk out and about here in the Windy City. Bye for now, babies!!

Blasts from the past...

Good afternoon, Poppers!



I hope everyone survived the weekend and you're enjoying a good week so far. As I've probably mentioned, your gurl is on vacation! I haven't done anything too terribly exciting, but I've enjoyed the shit out of a whole lotta nothing!



Friday and Saturday nights, I just laid around battling Montezuma's revenge. I'm not sure what I did to that fucker, but he was pissed off at me! It was soo not cute, but I emerged 3 lbs lighter so I'm not all that mad.



Sunday afternoon I met several friends at Talbott Street for the President's Day Brunch. I really wasn't sure what to expect as I'd not seen much in the way of advertising, but it turned out to be a pleasant afternoon.



The food provided by Hoaglin's Fine Catering was divine and the drinks were lovely. Too lovely. I had a few. Throw in performances by Asia LaBouche, Alana Steel, Vicky St. James and special guests Stacia Renee Onassis and Ashley Cruz and it made for a perfectly drunk afternoon. After we closed Talbott for the afternoon, a rather large group of Pride, Pride Board Members and Bag Ladies headed over to Metro where we continued to imbibe and just enjoy each other's company until I had to leave for a dinner date.

I did meet up with everyone else back at Talbott Street around 10:15 where we continued to drink and tip the gals. I gotta give major snaps to all the performers. Asia, Vicky, Alana, Stacia and Ashley had worked all weekend and some of them even worked (performed) at the fundraiser for Planned Parenthood this past Thursday. Ladies, thanks so much for keeping it going. I know y'all was tired, but you still put on several great shows. Love and hugs to all of you.

Kids, don't forget this Thursday, the Laugh Out Loud fundraiser at Talbott Street. Tickets are still available from Pride Board Members. They're $15 pre-sell and $20 at the door. Should be a great evening!

Please continue to keep Naomi Divine in your thoughts. Gurl's having a rough go at it right now. I'm praying for you, baby.

Well, my drink is watering down, so it's time for me to close this out. Spring's coming, babies...time to get bathing suit ready!

Keep it spicy!

*kiss kiss*

Halle

"I need you...by me...beside me, to guide me. To hold me...to scold me cuz when I'm bad I'm so so baaaaad." True story, Poppers!

Buenos dios, babies! It's Sunday, February 15 and your girl Halle is on VACATION!!! I know, I know what you're thinking. Sweatshop employees don't typically get vacations. But, my boss, Kathie Lee is the exception. I simply reminded her that little Cody Pino has yet to meet the press and she was oh, too happy to give me a full week off! She's so sweet like that!

So before I tell you about what's coming up, let me tell you about what's already happened. Just two events to mention: A) two of my favorite lesbians, Heidi and Ruth became engaged in what I'm told was a truly moving, emotional event at Zoni's closet. I had a moving, emotional event of my own, but that was just food poisoning. I haven't gotten all the details, but from what I understand at midnight on Friday, Ruth popped the question in front of friends and family and drag queens and trannies and some of the local rifraff on East Washington Street. I tell you what. I've known Heidi for about 7 years and while I've had a peripheral acquaintance with Ruth for about 4 years, I've really had the opportunity to grow closer to her this past year. I adore both of these gals and wish them nothing but the best in whatever's to happen next. Smooches, girls!! Let me know if you need someone to perform at your nuptials. Or a seamstress. Or catering staff. I know 'em all.

B) I'm not one to tell tales, but Erica King is now 45! Gurl, I'm right behind you. From what I've been told Ms. King, your current reigning Miss Gay Indianapolis was celebrating her birthday all dolled up and flashing those (new and divine) pearly whites! You get it gurl! Happy Belated Birthday. I wish you many many more.

That brings us to today: if you haven't heard yet, there is a President's Day Brunch being held at and sponsored by Talbott Street. Catered by Hoaglin's Fine Catering, the brunch will be from noon to 4:00 p.m. Reservations were suggested, but this late in the game, you can prolly just show up and be fine. Admission is $20 and screwdrivers and bloody Marys will be available for $2.50 (I'm going to assume well, but who knows...there might be a vodka special). Regardless, cheap drinks. I believe, but can't confirm that the Ladies of Legends will be performing and that some of the Bag Ladies will be in attendance? I've been out of the loop for a minute so I've just been showing up and going with whatever happens. So again, brunch, boobies, booze...noon to 4:00 Talbott Street.

I need to go down and run my laundry through the ringer right quick but before I do, I need to send out love, positive energy and big kisses to my gurl Naomi Divine. She was admitted to St. Vincent's on Friday because of some sugar, stones, stress and shut-down. Seriously kids, possible diabetes, kidney stones, hypertenstion and partial renal failure. Keep her in your thoughts. Naomi, like I told you yesterday, you need to cut this silliness out and get back on your stilletos...backless or not, gurl those gowns are NOT flattering. Let me know if you need my glue gun. Love you, honey.

That'll do it for now, babies. Later this week, look for reviews of L.O.L. (that's Laugh out Loud) a fundraiser being held this Thursday featuring the Rubi Girls and Terra Jole, aka Mini Britney. Just don't call her a midget. I think that's in her contract or something. Kinda like you can't call me a wetback. Which makes sense because I'm not really Mexican, but she really is a midget so I guess it's not like that at all. Never mind. Tickets are still available. You can contact me for information and I'll get back to you.

Last but not least, Summer Clearance, Sequoia Pentecost, FitnessNerd and Halle Pino are going to Chicago!! We leave next Friday, the 20th and will be back on the 22nd. I'm sure there will be pictures and stories to share.

Have a great day, babes!

*kiss kiss*

Halle

Didja miss me?!?

Hola, Poppers!!

It's your gal Halle!

Yes, I'm still alive and high-kicking (with my good leg, anyway). This mini-post is just to serve as a teaser and to let you know to be watching this space. I'll once again be filling you in on all things Bag Lady and drag in Indy.

Special thanks to FitnessNerd and Summer Clearance for helping Halle return to the air.

See you soon, babies!

Keep it spicy!

Halle