Harmonica Sunbeam Blog

From Tokyo with love....

My trip to Japan was awesome. Even though it's quite an expensive place to live in or visit, I had a blast. The many cultural differences there was quite an eye-opener.It's so welcoming to walk into a clean and litter free subway station and board a quiet and reliable train. Talk about prompt and right on schedule. I also enjoyed the heated toilet seats alot but I wont get into that for long. The Japanese men for the most part prefer Caucasion partners but if you search hard enough you will find one or two who like chocolate and its usually worth the wait. I only wish it was more tourist friendly with more signs in English. If it wasnt for the pics on the menu at Mickey D's I would have been clueless. My jet lag is slowly going away and I should return to my regular self and sleep pattern by Wed mid-afternoon (I hope). I also received some bad news while out of town. A good friend was shot and killed in Irvington NJ on 3/6. His name was Maurice Crider and he used to dance at Stellas and Two Potatoe in NYC. His stage name was Sex Appeal. His senseless murder haunted me all the way home from Japan. He was a dear friend but in my opinion easily influenced and not as street savvy as he thought he was. May he rest in peace. His body is being flown back to Lynchburg VA where he was born. I will always remember him.Heading to the Cage in a few so I guess I better sign off now. Take care and be well.

Japan Here I Come

I am looking forward to my trip to Japan. From 3/2 till 3/8 I will be visiting Tokyo and a few other cities. Japan has always been on my list of places to visit and since I have had a few Asian bf's in the past so I'm not stranger to an exotic, hairless hunk. When I return to the states I will be utterly exhausted Im sure but the show at the Cage will go on as planned 3/9 and if you are in the audience you will be the first to hear my tales of the Orient. Have a productive and fun-filled week.

Stop the snow!

This winter has truly been a test of my patience. The last week of February and we are being bombarded with a massive snowstorm that is sure to disrupt this weekend's activities. I leave for Japan on Tuesday and need every dollar I'm set to make on Fri, Sat and Sunday. Im really looking forward to this trip since I have a fondness for Asian men and Japan has been on my travel list for quite some time now. Other than that all is well as I began to prepare my next move regarding school. I look forward to my graduation in May and what ever destiny has in store for me. Standby for details.

Mexico City and other news

My recent trip to Mexico City was awesome. What a friendly fucking place! It's so nice to see the young gay and lesbian couples holding hands in the mall and on the street w/o any drama or negativity displayed towards them. This was my second visit there and it surely won't be my last. When I did return I Sunday not only was it Valentine's day but it was also my 12 year anniversary of the T-dance. To think time has flown by so fast and the night was hardly recognized by management at all. No cake, balloons or anything else that would define such a significant celebration and feat that is not attained very often. The advertisement for the event was posted in the club for a few days and for whatever reason, it never made it to the website. If Sugga Pie had not mentioned it during the beginning of the show, most people would have been none the wiser. I surely was not gonna mention it since it was not important enough for management to bring up. I now fully realize that my talents, creativity and hard work are taken for granted as well as my presence in that establishment. This can only mean one thing: time to explore new horizons. R u with me? Continue to follow this blog and you will be dutifully informed of any upcoming changes to my work schedule. In the meantime, the Cage on Tuesdays and M Lounge on Saturdays are open for your entertainment pleasure and a chance to see me in a positive, nurturing environment.Take care and be well.

Damn snow!

I sit here perched and full of bitterness as I write to you this evening. My bags are packed for the Cage and also for my trip to Mexico City but unfortunately, the Mexico City excursion will not take place. This impending snowstorm has cancelled my travel plans and forced me to stay in NJ during this festive holiday weekend. I thought I would dash to Mexico and enjoy myself before coming back to the U.S. on Sunday to work at Escuelita for my just advertised 12 year anniversary party. Shit happens and Im well aware of that but I was sooo looking forward to getting out of town. Maybe a seat will open up Thursday or Friday and I will still be able to go. We shall see and I will surely keep you posted. Stay warm and have a great weekend.

Ugly Shade and a New Gig

Thanks to all of you who tuned in Wed nite to catch a glimpse of me on that Ugly Betty episode. Truth be told, I was barely seen and only those who really know me were able to distinguish my silhoutte in the very back of the bar of the second drag scene. During the first drag scene I was too close and not viewable at all. Oh well, shit happens.In other news, I now host on Saturday nites at M lounge in midtown Manhattan. It's a cozy,intimate spot to come by and grab a cocktail before hitting your big party plans for the nite. I mingle with the crowd and announce drink specials but there is no show. In addition, we do have go-go boys on hand for eye candy. M lounge is every Saturday from midnite till 4am and is located at 493 Ninth Ave btwn 37th and 38th St. Kinda close to Esco huh? Oh well, shit happens.

It happens tonite!!!

Remember that episode of Ugly Betty that I auditioned for and didnt get the part but they later asked me to be an xtra? Well , it airs tonite at ten pm on channel 7. I sincerely hope that if you are watching that you get to see a least a glimpse of my elbow, collarbone or something. Lawd knows all that time in a dress and heels was truly a task in itself. So take the time to record it or watch it tonite because it's a really good episode and since this is the last season of the show, I'm glad I was able to be a part of it.

We create our destiny

It's back-breaking cold outside tonite as I sit here packing and preparing for a gig in NYC. About a month ago I was approached by a gentleman who wanted to start a lounge nite on the weekends. We sat, brain-stormed and came up with some great possibilities. Tonite those thoughts and ideas will come to reality. Saturday nites at M Lounge begin tonite from midnite to 4am w/yours truly as the hostess. The space is small and residential so we are looking for a hip, mature crowd to swing thru and have a cocktail,network and cruise. I will be on the mic but there is no actual show but many of you will finally get a chance to sit and chat w/me over your favorite cocktail. We may even have some eye candy for you. If this works out it could mean a new gig for the Beam and with the way things are at "other places", it would surely be a breath of fresh air for me. The invites are already sent out so stayed tuned for a progress report as to what took place. If it looks like this will be a permanent situation, I will post the info on the site but until then shoot me an email if u are interested in knowing more. Take care and be well.

It's just not the same anymore

On Feb 14, 2010 I will be celebrating my 12 year anniversary at Esceulita. The time has flown by very quickly and in the process the party has changed dramatically. DJ Relentless is no longer working there and it has affected the show and behind the scenes greatly. I wish him much success in Toronto with his new bf and dj gigs. The crowd is questionable these days as well. Back in the day, the show was packed way before 9pm. Now I am forced to wait in the back hoping that enough people show up so I can at least start by ten pm. Please don't mention the recession because I am well aware of it and I might mention that other clubs are still flourishing despite people going out less and watching their recreational spending. In addition, the quality of strippers has been reduced to whatever management decides to book.To make matters worse , there has been no mention or flyer for this annual event and that really hurts. To think that I put so much time and effort into making the t-dance a worthwhile weekly event for everyone involved, only to be overlooked when it comes to my anniversary. I have decided this though, if they don't mention it, neither will I. It will just be a regular show and I will keep my feelings to myself until the right time permits. There is only so much a person can take before they go postal or go MIA. What do you think?

Decisions, Decisions

So my bday is over with and time to move on with my life. Im 41 and just a little confused. Not sure what direction I want to go in. Im having serious doubts about pursuing a nursing career because I dont want to finish school and enter into a very stressful occupation. After talking to several people, I may be looking into radiography and/or advanced massage as well. My passion for massage is very strong and I truly believe it will lead me to a slew of new horizons and opportunities. I am in contact with the Swedish Institute of NYC which would allow me to practice in NYC and also give me a sound massage education unlike the one I receieved in NJ. Time is running out for me to make my decisions but at this point Im leaning very close to massage and when Im done I can concentrate on a bachelors degree in a related health field. In addition, Im currently experiencing discomfort with one of my toes that I had surgery on and its making me rethink my remaining time as a drag performer. I know this may sound disheartening to some of you but I never intended to do this forever and now with the prospect of another surgery in the near future,it's time I really consider moving on to my Plan B. I will surely keep you posted. Take care and be well.

Bday news and more

On Sunday 1/10/10 I had my bday party at Escuelita. Although the crowd energy was slightly off, I still managed to have fun. My sister and her boyfriend came as well as a host of other friends and fans. I was very disappointed that one person in particular didn't show up and that was a young man from ATL who was supposed to be a co-host for the event. His airfare and lodging were paid for and all he had to do was show up for a free and exciting trip to NYC. Two days before he was supposed to leave, he sent an email saying that he couldn't make it. Of course I was devastated but the show must go on in and it did. I guess it bothers me because his reason for not showing up was something we could all identify with ($$$$) but to this day he has not even asked how the party was or anything when he normally hits me up consistently on myspace. Live and learn Harmonica. That free ticket could have been used for someone who was actually committed to showing up and performing to make my bday even more special. In other news, I auditioned for a tranny hooker role on the new series "Mercy" this past Monday. I have not heard back from this at this point and since tv works fast, it is safe to assume someone else got the part. It's all good though. There will be bigger and better roles out there for me. I would also like to express my feelings on a "new night" at Escuelita that is quite similar to my Tuesday nites in Hoboken and my Sunday nites at Escuelita. Karma is a b*tch and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. No further comments. Have a great week and I shall be chatting with u again before the weekend is out.

Happy Bday To Me!

Yesterday I turned 41 and already I feel different. I feel alive and vibrant to say the least. I feel blessed that the Lord has given me another opportunity to live and become a better person. I promise to make this year a rewarding and productive one. Special thanks to my family and my kids who are always there for me. Special thanks to my friends and fans who love me unconditionally. Look for new and exciting things from the Sunbeam in the near future because Change Is Good. Amen?

Capricorns Rule!!!!!!!!!!!!

So my bday week has begun and it's off to a great start. Last nite I had a party at the Cage and many wonderful people came out to show their love and support. Thanks to Omar, Fred Pierce , Mark James, the dick dancers and all the girls in ths show for making the nite successful. I would also like to thank the staff at the Cage for making it happen as well. Tonite I will be hosting and promoting my old job Christmas party which I started several years ago. I left Radio City in January of 2007 but still continued the party via behind the scenes. Tonite I shall return to the stage and host the event. I am really looking forward to a fun-filled and productive evening filled with positive energy and love. Of course, I will let u know how it all turns out. TTYL.

Back Home Safe and Sound

I had a wonderful NYE trip to LA folks. It felt so great to get out of town and experience the new year in great weather. I rested and rehearsed my bday selections during the day and partied at nite while I was there. I was also supposed to fast and prepare my new eating regiment but that got ruined on day one. Oh well, we fall down but we get up. I will still look lovely for my bday party at the Cage on 1/5 and Escuelita on 1/10. Hope you guys can make it!

Happy Holidays Everyone

School has officially ended and I am quite please with the outcome. I dedicated the past few days to rest and relaxation with just a smidget of xmas shopping thrown in for good measure. My Xmas was festive and fiesty thanks to my dear cousin Gina. Now that Xmas is over I can concentrate on my NYE's trip to LA and learning these new tunes for my bday bash at the Cage and Escuelita. Both should be fun and memorable so hopefully I will see u there. Save the dates 1/5/10 and 1/10/10.