by Kirby Lindsay, posted 21 June 2013
On June 27th, from 8p – 11p, The Backdoor – Fremont’s elegant speakeasy – will host the ‘Pre-Pride All-Male Review Swimsuit & Underwear Show.’ The Backdoor’s General Manager Jayson Cottam (and genius bartender) has planned this show as dreamy and delicious entertainment for both women and men (gay or straight.) “I’ve heard from patrons,” Cottam reported, “’You people really know how to throw a party!” This time, he’s selected a sexy shindig to raise money for a cause he, and many, really believe in – Lifelong AIDS Alliance.
“We are trying to help a good cause,” Cottam explained. He’s worked with Lifelong, and appreciates the quality of the organization and its services. This evening will also give Fremont a chance to participate, in a small way, in the celebrations of Pride, without distracting from on the official events on Capitol Hill and in Downtown Seattle.
The ‘All-Male Review’ also brings something new to Backdoor audiences – male eye-candy. The Back Bar Beauties previously performed burlesque at the Backdoor, and recently, “we’ve done a couple of lingerie shows,” Cottam explained, “and they’ve gone very well. With the lingerie shows, we’ve had women ask, ‘when are you going to do a guy show?’”
Eye-Candy For A Cause
The venue offers a much more intimate setting for these shows, with no formal stage on which models strut their stuff while audiences sit back in the shadows. The Backdoor provides patrons with a much more interactive show, and Cottam promised models that will be up to the scrutiny. “I’ve seen every one with their shirts off,” he remarked, “and it’s motivated me to hit the gym, and work on my tan!”
He’s found six models, some professional and some not, that agreed to do the show – and take less in pay to leave more for Lifelong. “They understand what it is for,” Cottam explained.
“Peter has always been good about helping the community,” Cottam said of Backdoor owner Peter Glick. Glick recently hosted a huge BBQ fundraiser for the Fremont Arts Council, and is known for his generous support of other local events including Moisture Festival and the Seattle Art Car Blowout. Reaching out to support Lifelong comes as no big stretch for the restaurant, and its staff.
Cottam said that Under U4Men has also been, “very kind, very generous,” about donating the underwear and swimsuits to be shown, and promoting the entertainment. The Portland-based company, which has a store on Capitol Hill, doesn’t usually work with shows for audiences of less than 400, Cottam found, but they wanted to help the cause – and get in on the fun!
‘Definitely For Both’
Tickets for the evening, which includes appetizers, live music for listening and dancing (by Bucket of Honey,) plus a DJ, a drink, and the show, cost only $25. Fundraising will come from admission, as well as a portion of drink sales and a raffle.
With the reasonable ticket price, Cottam expects to bring more people in the door – to donate a bit more. He has reason to be optimistic, since he sees this particular entertainment appealing to a diverse audience.
An evening of beautifully buff bods, is it for women, or gay men? Cottam answered, “It definitely can be for both.” He expects more gay men (since Under U 4 Men caters to a male crowd,) although not without a strong female showing. “At the lingerie shows we’ve had more women,” Cottam acknowledged, “The women appreciate the art, and having a good time!”
“We’ve had our parties,” he said, “I think our events are getting better and better!” Throughout the year The Backdoor will close its doors to the general public for ticketed evening like this one, but this is still one of Cottam’s early efforts as a producer. “I’m kind of new at this,” he admitted.
He’s been at The Backdoor since it opened in May 2011, and seen how the venue works for live music, and other, myriad styles of parties, receptions, fundraisers, etc. “If people want to bring things to The Backdoor,” Cottam said of outside producers, “I welcome that.” Yet, they’ve had mixed success with outside producers. “Some things have worked out,” he observed, “and some things haven’t.”
For the ‘All-Male Review’, Cottam preferred producing it himself, in house. This means fewer costs, particularly with no outside producer to pay. “My goal is to raise money for Lifelong,” he said.
“Trust me, it’s going to be a good show,” Cottam stated. Tickets for the ‘Pre-Pride, All-Male Review: Swimsuit & Underwear Show’ can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets. Keep in mind, though, that while The Backdoor is elegant, it is not spacious – and Cottam has reason to believe this event will sell out. Get tickets today!
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©2013 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.