Latest news with #Saloon
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Saloon cuts funding for drag performers, putting some shows at risk
A lineup change is coming to The Saloon Bar, which is reducing funding for its long-running drag shows, forcing at least one of them to cancel. One of the longest-running gay bars in the Twin Cities, The Saloon is a staple in the drag community, hosting multiple shows a week ranging from competitions to variety shows. It's a proven platform for many performers and producers to break out into the drag scene and make money, with The Saloon typically paying performers for their talents. However, bar management is now paring back its investment in drag shows, only paying for performances of its Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday shows: Werk and Hot Pink. "We are at the point financially, especially with the economy downtown, where we just can't put out the kind of money that we were putting out for drag," Bobby Palmer, the Saloon's manager, said to Bring Me The News. "We still support all of our drag producers. We still support all of our shows and offer our space to everyone who wants to use it, but I need producers to come to the table now with a little more than just an idea." Previously funded shows are still welcome to perform at the Saloon and use its space, and they will not be charged for the platform. However, producers and cast will have to pay out of their pocket to put on their shows instead of being paid by the bar, and will rely on tips. The effects of this decision have already been seen with alternative drag show Ghoulfriends, which announced on May 8 that its final show would be on July 23. "Due to changes beyond our control, we are sorry to announce that July will be the final Ghoulfriends show," the story post read. "We thank you for the years of support, boos, and fun. You all made this an incredible experience for us, and we loved entertaining you all." Ghoulfriends was the first show to announce it would not be returning to the Saloon. However, the withdrawal of funds has left the future of multiple shows at risk, according to Slaymantha Fox, drag queen and producer of "Booked" and "Drag Show: The Musical." "Pretty simply, if we can't find the funding, the shows end. I can't speak for other producers, but personally, I can't afford to fund them myself, and honestly, most shows I don't make a profit other than tips," Fox said to Bring Me The News. "I created Booked because I was seeing a lot of performers coming up in the scene that weren't getting those bookings, and I just wanted to celebrate the underdogs to lift others up that otherwise wouldn't have a space." Booked has been a staple show at The Saloon since April 2022. According to Fox, Palmer had contacted them in late April to discuss the future of the bars' drag shows, and said they no longer had the funds to pay performers, with an exception for "Hot Pink," which has been the "headlining" show at The Saloon for years now, and its competition show "Werk." "You are going to start seeing a lot from me and possibly other producers asking for sponsorship... You might see GoFundMe's other forms to try and find the money to pay these performers because we don't want these shows to go away," Fox said live on Facebook on May 7. While the bar has said it is still supportive and welcomes drag performances in its space, the news of The Saloon's change spread within the community, causing many to voice their unhappiness at the situation. "I don't doubt there's a possibility of funds lacking. I just feel like this could've been done with a lot more communication,' frequent Saloon visitor, Juniper Foster said. "Seeing a drag space get relegated to one specific type of drag feels limiting and disappointing, especially in a city that has such a vibrant art scene." "I think it's easy to point the blame, and it's what humans do, right? We look for someone or something to direct our frustration, anger, and anxiety at. And until you have all the information, you'll only see it from one perspective," Fox said. "I encourage people to look deeper and do the math. Once I multiplied that across all the shows, it made more sense from a business standpoint. But I don't deny people's anger or frustration at the bar because it is upsetting." While Palmer told Bring Me The News that the bar is currently doing fine financially, the decision was made to ensure that it continues to stay afloat, saying that "the place is too important to too many people." Many have critiqued the decision, claiming that the bar profits heavily during Pride Month with its annual block party, which will take place from June 27-29. It features DJs, drag performers, and even a Ferris wheel. Tickets range from $44 for a day to $106 for a weekend pass. "I get what people think about it, but I need people to understand that Pride is very expensive to put on and it's very, very risky," Palmer said in response. "If we have bad weather, we are out of luck. I get what people think about it, but there is a large amount of anxiety and concern about it." Drag Queen Miz Diagnosis, formerly a host for Stand Up Saloon (SUS), a show cancelled months before this decision, said shows like SUS and Booked are "integral" to the local drag scene. "They were designed to push artists in a way that some shows don't. SUS always booked comedians to push themselves in front of a queer audience, and drag artists would get an opportunity to try stand up and/or comedic numbers for the first time," Diagnosis said to Bring Me The News. "Booked has monthly changing themes that allow its casts and guests to develop new numbers and work on passion projects/themes that may not be deemed 'marketable.' They were incubators for the art form of drag, and elevated it to new levels." The next Booked will be on May 23 at 8:30 p.m., and while the future remains uncertain, Fox said she has not given up yet. "I have a few leads on donors and sponsorship, but nothing confirmed or in writing yet. But I am hopeful," Fox said. "If we can stop pointing blame a bit and take a step back and come together as a community and find a positive constructive way forward we can solve this bump in the road. But people need to do the work, step up, and support each other." Upcoming shows at the Saloon can be found posted on their Instagram.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Children's activity trail launched at Stourhead House
A new children's activity trail has been launched inside Stourhead House. The National Trust property, which is a Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden, has introduced the trail to engage its youngest visitors. The trail includes a spotter trail flip book and seven activity stations across the showrooms. The spotter trail flip book is filled with clues of items to find throughout the house. Read more: Arkell's pub in Swindon granted permission for housing The activity stations include reading, scented boxes, sketching, planning a Grand Tour, and playing games. The stations are colour-coded in vivid blue to ensure they are not missed. Elizabeth Ogilvie, senior visitor experience officer, said: "Stourhead house is filled with 300 years of stories and secrets that are for everyone to discover and explore – including kids. "From playing historical party games in the Saloon to settling down with a good book in the Library, the new children's trail has been designed to inspire our littlest visitors to spend a moment absorbed in Stourhead's history through the medium of creativity and play." The trail is free to take part in, but normal admission fees apply. Stourhead is a Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden. When it first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as 'a living work of art'. Read more: Swindon Kaspa's Desserts improve food hygiene rating The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees. The history of Stourhead can be uncovered in the house with its unique Regency library, Chippendale furniture, and inspirational paintings. The Palladian house is set amid 'picnic perfect' lawns and extensive parkland (2,650 acres), where chalk downs, ancient woods and farmland are managed for wildlife.
The Guardian
02-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
King Charles meets Zelenskyy after president attends summit in London
The king has met Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Norfolk estate, Sandringham, shortly after Ukraine's president attended the prime minister's summit for European leaders. Three days after Charles sent a personal invitation to Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK as part of a charm offensive, the king was again deployed by No 10 on the international diplomatic front. Zelenskyy arrived at Sandringham House by helicopter from London shortly before 5.30pm and his meeting with Charles lasted just under an hour, including refreshments. Sources indicated the president was warmly received. There were reports that the UK government agreed to the meeting after a request from the Ukrainian president. A short statement from Buckingham Palace said: 'This evening, His Majesty The King received the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the Saloon at Sandringham House.' The two heads of state had first met in 2023 at Buckingham Palace. Last year, on the second anniversary of Russian's invasion, the king issued a strongly worded message of support for Ukraine, speaking of the 'indescribable aggression' faced by Ukrainians and hailing the 'determination and strength of the Ukrainian people'. Sunday's audience took place amid calls from some quarters for the promised Trump state visit to be postponed, if not cancelled. Scottish national party (SNP) leader and Scotland's first minister, John Swinney, said Zelenskyy was 'the courageous leader of the courageous Ukrainian people' and a 'completely unacceptable sequence of events' had taken place at the White House. He said: 'Until such time as we know the United States are going to be full scale partners with us and allied with us in protecting Ukrainian independence – which is fundamental to the protection of European liberal democracy – then I don't think we should be talking about a second state visit for President Trump.' His comments followed some reports suggesting Trump is considering halting US aid to Ukraine. Keir Starmer would not be drawn into a debate over revoking a second state visit. The prime minister told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: 'I'm not going to be diverted by the SNP or others trying to ramp up the rhetoric without really appreciating what is the single most important thing at stake in Europe.' Shadow home affairs minister Alicia Kearns told the Mail on Sunday: 'No state visit should proceed until the steadfastness of the US's commitment to her allies is assured. His Majesty should not have to carry the weight of Keir's diplomatic failings.' Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood said: 'It would be inappropriate to place the king in the position of hosting the president if US foreign policy shifts away from its longstanding support for Ukraine towards alignment with Russia's security objectives.' Ex-M16 head Richard Dearlove told the paper: 'They have got to let the dust settle.' It reported former Tory leader Michael Howard saying it would be 'extraordinarily difficult' for the king given Trump and his deputy JD Vance's 'disgraceful' behaviour' during Friday's Washington meeting with Zelenskyy. But he added: 'Sometimes we have to do things we don't like to try to gain things for our country. We've got to see if we can moderate the behaviour of this dreadful administration. [The second state visit] may be one of the ways we can exert a smidgeon of influence.' Meanwhile Labour peer George Foulkes advised that 'the diplomatic thing would be for the king to find himself busy for the next few months'.
.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
20-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
High West: The whiskey outlaw thriving in Utah's land of temperance
Nestled in the snow-capped mountains of Park City, Utah, High West Distillery is both a whiskey brand and a contradiction. It's a craft distillery in a state with some of the strictest alcohol laws in the country. It's a Western saloon in a town better known for après ski than cowboy boots. And despite only opening its doors in 2006, it has become something of an institution – a place where whiskey lovers, tourists and locals converge over a dram of something distinctly High West. Whiskey in the land of temperance Utah and whiskey have always had a complicated relationship. When Mormon pioneers arrived in the state in the mid-19th century, Brigham Young strongly discouraged alcohol consumption, although it was never outright banned. The state saw its fair share of underground drinking establishments, especially in mining towns like Park City, which catered to a rougher crowd than the teetotaling settlers preferred. By the time national Prohibition rolled around in 1920, Utah was already flirting with restrictive alcohol laws. Ironically, in 1933, Utah became the final and deciding vote that repealed Prohibition in the United States – one last rebellious swing before settling into decades of tight control over liquor sales. Even now, Utah's liquor laws remain uniquely restrictive. The state maintains a monopoly on liquor stores, and cocktails served in bars must be measured precisely. Up until a few years ago, bartenders were forced to mix drinks behind an opaque barrier known as the 'Zion Curtain' to prevent customers from witnessing the scandalous act of alcohol preparation. It is in this environment that High West emerged, not just surviving but thriving. The rise of High West Founded by former biochemist David Perkins and his wife Jane, High West began as an ambitious idea sparked during a trip to a Kentucky distillery. The couple relocated to Park City in 2004, drawn by the area's outlaw history and stunning landscape. In 2007, they fired up their first still in a modest 250-gallon operation, setting up shop in an old livery stable and garage in the heart of town. What made High West different was its approach to whiskey-making. Unlike purists who only bottle what they distill themselves, High West embraced blending, sourcing high-quality whiskey from other distilleries while developing its own house style. This strategy allowed them to release compelling and complex whiskeys early on, rather than waiting years for their own barrels to mature. The gamble paid off. Today, High West operates both its original Saloon in downtown Park City and a larger distillery in Wanship, Utah, about 25 minutes away. The Saloon remains a major draw, doubling as a gastro-distillery where visitors can sip whiskey flights alongside elk chilli and bison burgers. Located at the base of the Quittin' Time ski run, it is the only ski-in distillery in the world – perhaps the ultimate après ski spot. The art of blending Whiskey purists might scoff at the idea of blending, but High West has turned it into an art form. The distillery works with sourced whiskeys, marrying different ages, mash bills and styles to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Their core lineup reflects this philosophy, each bottle telling a different story. Take Double Rye – a fiery, spice-driven whiskey that balances young and old rye. The younger component (two years old) delivers a sharp, botanical punch, while the older rye (distilled by High West itself) rounds it out with barrel sweetness and depth. It's a rye built for cocktails but bold enough to sip straight. Then there's Rendezvous Rye, High West's first whiskey release and still one of its most respected. With a high-rye mash bill that harks back to pre-Prohibition styles, it's a blend of medium-aged rye and High West's own pot-stilled rye. It's full of baking spices, dried fruit and a touch of herbal complexity – smooth yet assertive, a proper tribute to classic American rye. And finally, Campfire, High West's most divisive and intriguing expression. The name says it all – it's a blend of bourbon, rye and peated Scotch whisky, bringing together sweetness, spice and smoke in a way that shouldn't work but somehow does. It's a whiskey for those who appreciate both a good Islay Scotch and a well-aged American whiskey, its smoky finish lingering like embers from a dying fire. An institution in Park City If High West were just about whiskey, it would still be impressive. But what makes it stand out is its sense of place. The brand has woven itself into the fabric of Park City, a town where skiers, film buffs (thanks to Sundance) and whiskey lovers all cross paths. The High West Saloon is a must-visit, offering not just whiskey but a lively atmosphere that feels both rustic and polished. Their restaurant and bar programme are taken as seriously as their distilling, making it one of the best places to eat and drink in town. Meanwhile, their distillery in Wanship provides a scenic escape, complete with tours, tastings and an emphasis on sustainability – High West has committed to donating $1m to conservation efforts in the American West over the next three years. In a state that once tried to outlaw booze altogether, High West has built a whiskey empire. They've done it not by fighting Utah's drinking culture but by embracing its contradictions – blending past and present, tradition and innovation, the ruggedness of the West with the refinement of a well-made spirit. The result? A whiskey brand that feels as at home in a saloon as it does on a ski slope, proving that sometimes, the best things come from unlikely places. The best High West whiskeys to try in the UK High West Bourbon A bourbon that stands out not for its gimmicks, but for its balance. High West Bourbon blends different mash bills to create a whiskey that is rich yet bright, with notes of honey nougat, cornbread and a hint of lemon zest. The nose offers light caramel and vanilla, while the finish lingers with pecan pie and caramel apples. It's smooth enough to sip but versatile in cocktails, making it a reliable staple in any whiskey collection. Features: Specs: Type: Blended straight bourbon whiskey Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley (sourced from MGP) 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% malted barley (High West) Other undisclosed whiskey components Age: Minimum 2 years ABV: 46% (92 proof) Double Rye Sharp, spicy, and full of personality, Double Rye is exactly what its name promises – a double dose of rye intensity. On the nose, there's an explosion of mint, pine and cinnamon, like stepping into an old-time apothecary. The palate is equally assertive, with clove, black pepper and a touch of honey rounding out the heat. The youthful rye delivers a fresh, almost botanical zing, while the older component tames it just enough. Perfect for a Manhattan, but if you like a bit of bite in your whiskey, sip it neat and brace yourself. Specs: Type: Blended straight rye whiskey Mash bill: Age: Minimum 2 years A more elegant and measured take on rye, Rendezvous is all about balance. The nose is rich with warm spices, dried fruit and a whisper of cocoa. The palate leans into classic rye territory – clove, orange peel and graham cracker, but with an underlying smoothness that makes it dangerously drinkable. There's a herbal, almost tea-like quality to it, which keeps things interesting. It's easy to see why this was High West's first big hit – it's rye whiskey at its most charismatic, with just enough edge to keep it from feeling too polished. Features: Specs: Type: Blended straight rye whiskey Mash bill: ABV: 46% (92 proof) Campfire Love it or hate it, Campfire is one of the most intriguing whiskeys on the market. The nose is an unexpected mix of caramel, sandalwood and the unmistakable wisp of peat smoke. The first sip is a rollercoaster – sweet bourbon richness, spicy rye kick and then a slow, creeping wave of smoky Scotch that lingers long after you swallow. The peat isn't overwhelming, but it's unmistakable, like the scent of a distant bonfire drifting through the air. It's not for everyone, but if you enjoy both American whiskey and smoky Scotch, it's a fascinating middle ground. Best enjoyed on a cold night, preferably around an actual campfire. Features: Specs: Type: Blended whiskey (bourbon, rye and scotch) Mash bill: Age: Varies ABV: 46% (92 proof) Buy High West Campfire
