Feliz Navidad 2011

Merry Christmas! All that's left is 7 days til NYE, then another year will have come and gone. Before even beginning my own Christmas shoppin this year, I participated in a Toy Drive at Tracks benefiting Colorado Aids Project. The holiday event was hosted by Nuclia Waste and company. Each of the dozen cast members took the stage to perform Holiday Classics, that were drizzled with adult themes. My fellow "Sexy Elves," Brandon & Chris, and I, greeted attendees and collected their gift donation as they entered. The guests were entertained and had a great time as they were very generous with toys and tips. Lots of funds were raised for CAP! It's great to see many have big hearts. Now days it's shocking when folks aren't nasty. The holidays certainly bring out the best in people, yet worst in others.

Along with collecting the toys, my fellow sexy elves and I, danced side stage as Nuclia's cast and 2 of Tracks' own Drama Drag cast members, took turns hitting the stage while prizes were raffled off in between. We were in a jolly mood as we erupted with laughter as the night went on. Thanks to Bob K with Thin Ice Productions for capturing the night. Find the rest of the pix at: http://thiniceproductions.smugmug.com/Events/GBLT-Community-Events/2011-Island-of-Misfit-Toys/20585503_Tr7vhP#1631298980_prWJhv5. Before night's end we had to bag all the collected toys to be taken for distribution at CAP. We filled roughly 10 bags with gifts. I am glad to have taken place in making other families Christmas' just a little bit brighter. My Christmas was wonderful. Family is everything. Last weekend I spent some famiy time at my father's house along with my sisters, their husbands, and their children. The newly engaged couple's thoughts for the wedding ceremony were in heavy discussion.

This Christmas my family gathered at El Casa de B. Rocha Jr. We spent time together and exchanged gifts yesterday evening. Gil couldn't wait to get into his stocking. He just kept sniffin' and sniffin'. Today is being spent with Gil's long dog friends, Lily and Lucas along with their new sister Maggie. Maggie, the Great Dane is a new addition to the two doxies I sit. This year their parents decided to head to Breckenridge. We have been very cozy watchin cable show marathons and eating tamales, I've practically polished off a dozen since I got here. I'll have to work it out beastmode at 24hr fitness tomorrow. A long, but exciting week will be the final week of this year for me. NYE on Saturday requires all dancers to be available, request from the boss. Also participating in a Drama Drag performance this Friday. This requires rehearsal scheduled to begin tomorrow. Hey, ending 2011 big means 2012 will be brought in even bigger!

Mr. February 2012

The Denver Dance calendar is finally complete and I can now add calendar model to my list of accomplishments. A handful are wrapped under my tree and one was personally delivered earlier today. SOOOO good to see my girl Jamie and catch up briefly with her at Studio Sabor. I am so proud of the calendar and all the students featured. After meeting Marguerite Endsley and Mel Haynes at the beginning of the year while filming ASiEL's "Eastside," video I decided to challenge myself and take pole class at Marguerite's Denver Dance Studio. I have been taking classes for 2 months now. Last month Marguerite informed all her students that she wanted to put together a calendar and invited us all to a photo shoot. The shoot was tons of fun, but also a lot of work. I was so exhausted and sore after. I mean mastering moves on the pole is challenging, but throw in a camera you have to look into and you have to make sure your facial expressions are on point. NO stinky faces allowed. Pole positions are meant to be graceful and sexy! With four changes of clothing, lots of muscle, a great teacher and a talented photographer I ended up with over 40 images to choose from. This was gonna be a harder than I thought. How do I choose just one?


After reviewing all the images Marguerite told us to choose four images and pick the best one for the calendar. Two of the images are shown above. The calendar selection... well you will have to pick up a calendar to view that. I will post the photo when appropriate. February 2012, that is. If you are interested in purchasing a calendar please email me at rochainc3@gmail.com. I am looking forward to Pole class tomorrow and any future projects Denver Dance will be producing. Shout out to Marguerite for sharing her master skills with me and my fellow students. Thanks to Mel Haynes for shooting the amazing calendar. Mel Haynes is the genius who shot ASiEL's video and will be working on video numero dos soon. Check it out below. Thanks also to Marguerite for sharing info on a pole video that I participated in a couple weeks ago with Tease Studio. I'll be sharing more info as it becomes available. Think music video back up dancer, only replace singer with instructor and add 8 poles for the students to work on their fitness. I'm eager to see the final video. I anxiously await the new year and all the new things in store for me. In ASiEL's words, "We cum in peace."

Post Vegas Grind!

Yes, yes, yes. We definitely enjoyed our trip to Vegas to celebrate Mauricio's 21st and Baltazar and Stephanie's engagement. We wasted no time in toasting to the occasions as soon as we boarded our flight. From this point on, it was a drink, eat, gamble and party fest. We landed after slightly over an hour to some feedback of "Damn you look fly," and found our limo. Thanks Vegas airport employee for the instant compliments. Once inside our limo, we popped open our ice cold bottle of champagne. We had arrived in VEGAS and people certainly knew it.

Once we checked in at Planet Hollywood we immediately began counting down til it was time to head out on our first night. Our VIP table at Pure Nightclub was calling our names. We settled into our rooms and decided to browse the connecting Miracle Mile Shops, not before getting some ice cold beers. Tabo had quite a time shopping in Aldo with a drink in hand. Only in Vegas! Note to Aldo employees: Please excuse the slight spillage of Tecate, I am sure you have seen much worse. On our way back to our rooms, we decided to hit up the famous "Spinners" as La Steph calls them. She enjoys gambling much more than me or my bros, and gambling enjoys her even more. Truth be told, Steph won some good coin while in Vegas! "Mira mi big money!"

After browsing a bit and hitting up some slots, it was time to get ready to go out. Our first night in Vegas had finally arrived. The only thing missing while we got spiffed up for our night out was an Ipod adapter in our rooms. Planet Hollywood is nice, but can offer some options for listening to your portable music device. We had to settle for our clock/radio for some jams. Of course heading out in Vegas wouldn't be the same without a drink in hand. As we made our way through the lobby, we stopped off at the Heart Bar for a shot, then proceeded to catch a cab.

"Caesar's Palace please," Jr instructed the cab driver. Once we arrived we made our way through the white statues and water fountains that filled the lobby. We walked through the PCD casino to arrive at Club Pure. The doorman looked up our reservation on his Ipad and with a tug of the velvet rope, we were goin in. We followed the doublewide man to our VIP table that was located to the side of the main dance floor. Our hostess brought over our bottle of Patron and any mixers we could possibly think of. Patron and pineapple juice please. Although Patron and tonic is not too bad either. The music was a mix of hip-hop, dance and top 40.

As the club got crowded Mauricio sat at his comfy VIP table, drink in hand, as the club goers gathered behind him. My brothers and I enjoyed our own dancefloor in the VIP area. Shoutout to the DJ for spinning some old Biggie cuts and obliging our requests. We each were in the zone and Jr busted the worm and Tabo got his groove on Vegas Style. After 4 hours, drinking our bottle, paying 18.00 for Fiji water, a handful of Coronas, and one hell of a dirty martini we decided we were in the mood for some food. Drunk munchies! We hailed a cab to McDonald's and were reminded of 16th St Mall as we placed our order, dim lighting and shady characters included. Note to self: 3 McDoubles = 6 beef patties which makes me tummy upset. :(

Days 2 and 3 in Vegas were no different than the first. After sleeping past 1 pm we woke up showered and started each day with a meal and a drink. We browsed many stores, shopped alot, gambled and drank. Our second night in Vegas we had reservations at Beso located in the Aria. Eva Longoria's resturant is delicious. Mauricio was treated with Churros for his birthday dessert. We made our way to Deuce lounge and Krave nightclub on Friday night. Visiting Krave nightclub and scoping out the GOGO's there made me very appreciative to work in Denver. I was shocked to find out they make less for working more. Shoutout to Cinnamon and Curtis the bro/sis GOGO combo. That night ended for us at 4 a.m. On our final Saturday night we stayed in-house and lounged at Koi located in Planet Hollywood.

Our trip to Vegas was everything we hoped it would be and there are still over 100 pix I took on my camera alone and some videos that will be shared soon. Look for videos appearing on our YouTube channel. ROCHAINC3. Back in Denver = Back on our Grind. Continuing our determinaton for the many great things to come. Since returning from Vegas a month ago, I have been working on a few new projects related to pole dancing, another video and a calendar. Stay tuned for details. I am extemely proud to say that my little brother got a double dose of great news this week! One of his stories was just published in a local Denver Magazine. You all go pick up Pieces of Denver. Feverish Delerium by Mauricio O. Rocha on page 8! Not only does he have a story featured in a mag, Mauricio informed his family this week that he has been offered an internship position for The Westword. He has accepted. We will be celebrating tonight. I can recall many convos we have had since he was in high school about writing for well known Denver publications. At the mere age of 21, Mauricio is well on his way to becoming the novelist I know he will be. One story at a time, he shares all that goes on in his brain. I could not be any prouder, well at least until his first novel is published. From my bros and me to you all, "The best is yet to come."

Azota Baldosa!

After a fun filled weekend in Vegas couple weeks ago, I couldn't wait to get home to watch the American Music Awards and see the one and only J.LO perform and upload the over 100 photos I took. Pix will be shared soon. This performance blows any others away. In my opinion it had everything the video for "Papi" lacked. The mix of the three songs was genius, the dancers reminded me of Cirque Du Soleil, and the couture changes were gorgeous. She had alot to prove at this year's ceremony since the slip incident back in 2009. She certainly let the world know she is single and ready to mingle, as she shed clothing and danced her ass off. Always an inspiration to be the best dancer I can be! Si el es lo maximo, azota baldosa!! Baila para tu PAPI! #LOVE IT.

The celebration continues...

Tuesday nights dinner celebration for Mauricio's 21st birthday could not have been any better. All but a handful of guests invited joined us at Ale House in Denver, located just across the street, better known as I-25, from my house. I arrived early to set up decor and around 7:15 p.m. guests began to arrive. Mauricio joined us close to 8 and was greeted with shouts of joy and a round of applause as he entered our private room we had reserved. Balloons and a custom menu with a birthday message, along with playing cards and dice, topped the tables put together in a U shape in the middle of the room. The view of the city was ever present outside the wall of windows. Our group of 30 included parents, siblings, cousins and friends. Shout out to Meredith and Marc, managers at Ale House for deliverying everything they said they would for our special day. Thank you to Keith and Katie who took care of us and all our guests. While all ate dinner, Mauricio delivered some heart felt words that left some with tears in their eyes. Dessert treats were delicious from The Shoppe, Mauricio's favorite pastry place. Shout out to Emma the HBIC, head baker in charge, who whipped up 12 peanut butter chocolate and 12 tres leches cupcakes for us. PLEASE NOTE: the slideshow begins at the end of the night and ends at the beginning. Photobucket was having some issues.

After the months planning, fine tuning and constant thinking, I am proud that it all came together effortlessly. Not only did all gather for Mauricio's birthday, they were surprised when Jr asked his girlfriend those four words every lady wants to hear: "Will you marry me?" All were left speechless when he got up after Mauricio's speech and said a few words to the lovely Stephanie. Nobody had a clue that was going to happen except me and my brothers. We had purchased the ring a few months ago and I have had it hidden at home and have kept this secret from all, mothers included. This definately brought out the water works in all even Steph's dad. Shout out to Laura and Lindy at the Shane Co. for assisting my bro with this lifechanging purchase. So after all this, the only thing left for us to do is board that plan to VEGAS! We take off today at 2:55 p.m. Mentally I am already there. Let the adventures of Sin City begin. Not only are we celebrating a 21st bday, we will be toasting to the newly engaged couple, Baltazar and Stephanie. Vegas, we're comin!

The Day Has Come: 11.15.11

"Happy 21st birthday Mauricio!!" will be echoed numerous times in just a handful of hours. As the clock strikes midnight my little bro, the baby of the Rocha trio, will be 21 years old. This day has been imagined many ways and times since I was old enough to know what it really meant to turn "21". Being almost eight years older than Maudi and only 1.5 younger than our older brother, Jr. I can recall the short wait it was when Jr. was 23 and I was awaiting my 21st. The wait we all have had for Mauricio's big 21 will soon be over or already is if you're barely reading this TABO, and it's past midnight... FELIZ 21!! I LOVE YOU!


It all goes down 11.15.11, the celebration of a new era. After all tedious details of choosing a guest list, sending invites, making reservations, choosing dessert treats, and finding decor/recuerdos, family and friends will come together and celebrate in Mauricio's honor. I am thrilled for the gathering and excited to see it all come together. The late night thoughts and occasional dreams about 11.15.11 will be a highly anticipated dream come true.


After our celebration tomorrow night, we will be off to celebrate in Las Vegas! Not only will we maybe.... probably.... ok most definitely stop by a local club after dinner with those who choose to join us, the adventures of Sin City are screaming for us to arrive. Three days til Vegas, just some hours til his birthday. I am so proud of who you are, what you teach me, the laughs you bring everyone in your presence, all you have done and still have to accomplish. Happy 21st Birthday brother, the day has come.

Halloween 2011

Halloween has come and gone. This year is winding down. Last Friday night my bros and La Steph (brothers gf) hung out with plans to go to a concert, which surprisingly was SOLD OUT. Our plan B was to head to Spill for happy hour before everyone and their mother made it down in costume for Halloween Weekend. As we sat in Spill and had some drinks we discussed our plans for our upcoming Vegas trip. 13 days to go!! Saturday I went to pole class in the afternoon and spent the rest of the day shopping for accessories for the massive Halloween party Tracks was having. I was told to be a werewolf and knight, but when I arrived to the club, I was not scheduled to be a werewolf. :( I am glad I had a handful of knight accessories from years past that I had yet to wear. I was also glad there were two airbrush artists on hand to paint me up as a knight. Shout out to Brent from Body Graffix who hooked up all the dancers and many club goers. That damn paint took me a good two days to get off, but it was worth it. I got tons of compliments on it.


Sunday after D.M.A.O. at the Halloween bash at Tracks, I rested and invited the family over to carve pumpkins, bake cookies and watch some of our favorite Halloween flicks. Of course they dressed in costume. I was very impressed with my sister's pumpkin carving skills. After debating on which design she wanted, she chose a witch. As you can see in the picture, she did a pretty good job. She also took over decorating the cookies we made with orange, green, and black frosting. Such a little diva.


As we carved pumpkins we also watched Beetlejuice and Candyman. We would have loved to watch Hocus Pocus, but redbox was out of the flick. Guess who has that movie on their Christmas list? My brother decided to be Andy Warhol and my sister, Esperanza dressed as a dark fairy. I decided to wear some orange and black stripped socks for my costume. My mother informed me my sister just loved painting her face. I can already imagine the daily make-up routine she will soon get into as she continues to grow up so fast. Speaking of growing up, my little bro will be 21 in just 11 days. The countdown has begun.

Fashion Frenzy!

The fittings for the Fashion Denver Fall Fashion Market were held last Wednesday and 9 news / Metro Mix were there to catch all the action. Peep this video which aired on Saturday on the 10 p.m. newscast on Channel 9. I was informed by Brandi on Sunday that I was on tv. Sundays event went very well and I can't wait to see the shots that were taken. I did a total of three shoots, one for each outfit I modeled. Shout out to Tom for capturing all the models and all the fab clothing.
Check out the Fashion Denver Facebook page for some vids of yesterday's festivities. Also visit www.fashiondenver.com for the latest and greatest from Brandi Shigley. Stay tuned for the shoot pix. Walk, walk, fashion baby!!

Goin til U tell me to stop!

On this cold Tuesday night, I sit on my laptop gazing at the skyline of LoDo aka my backyard, while sipping my hot apple cider and Jameson, mind racing with all things that are approaching. It is hard for me to believe 2011 is already in its last quarter. That being said, I know these last months will be life changing. There are a number of things that have been happening, in the works and that my brothers and I have been planning. First, I have been actively dancing at Tracks since Climax Sundays at Vinyl ended on October 2nd. The response to ENCORE @ Vinyl was not as big as I anticipated. A handful of people I know didn't even know the Sunday night party continued on after Labor Day. I am thankful and glad to have completed my second Summer season there. I can now focus on one club and step up my game. Photos from the Tracks White Party and Tracks Homecoming are below. Last Saturday was like WOAH! I decided I needed a new challenge and started taking dance classes at Denver Dance last week which include Hip-Hop, Sexyesque and Pole. Yes, that's right pole class. The 10 pounds in ten weeks challenge was not completed, but I am proud to say I have since gained a total of 12 pounds. YESSIR! My first pole class was last Thursday and I must say the hardest part for me is getting over my fear of falling. I am not afraid of heights, but something about walking around the pole while holding on with both hands and throwing all your weight to one side and hooking your feet around it has me scared. I did however successfully climb the 12 ft pole during class. It is harder than I thought and really tests ones strength. I return to class #2 this Thursday.




Second, I am thrilled to be participating in another Fashion Denver event this Sunday 10/23/11. Revolution Fall Fashion Market will go down at Grant-Humphries Mansion located at 770 Pennsylvania from 11 - 6. Last show I was in was in May just before Memorial Day. I have missed the head of Fashion Denver, Brandi Shigley and all the peeps who put the show together. Local designers, make-up artists, and hair stylist and of course my beautiful fellow models. I am scheduled for a fitting manana evening to find out what looks I'll be rocking this weekend. I have also missed being in front of the camera. Shout out to Art Heffron who shot the pics below. I look forward to the new shoots that will occur Sunday and getting my hair did. I'll have to pass on the weekly fade this week. Sorry Cruz. More info on the market @ http://fashiondenver.com/fall-fashion-market-revolution/




Also going down manana after my fitting I am scheduled to scope out a local creative co-op boutique on Santa Fe with the bros to discuss details with the owner about carrying our Rocha Inc line of tees and hoodies. We are currently in the process of reviewing new art images for new apparel and are shooting for a relaunch date before the end of the year. Tomorrow we will get the deets of the shop and view the showroom and start planning quantity of products, styles, and display ideas. Though my brothers and I have taken a break this year from the Rocha Inc line, we are boiling with new ideas/thoughts that we can no longer contain. We look forward to sharing our vision with all of you. Will Conceited Bastards have all we are looking for?

Last, and in my opinion the most important event this year, is the on-going planning and fine tuning of Mauricio's 21st birthday celebration. It is in exactly four weeks! After properties being sold unexpectedly, fine print, contracts, deposit talk and ridic over charges from a couple of restaurants I am pleased we have confirmation on a location. We will be having a birthday dinner/party in honor of this life changing event. I have waited and imagined the day the "baby boy" of our family would be of legal age. The day is only a month away. Mauricio has decided to share this special evening with family and close friends before heading off to tear up Las Vegas!! My little bro only turns 21 once and we have lots planned for the Vegas trip. I will document the adventures of Sin City with pleasure. So much going on, so much to do. The clock is ticking. Speaking for my bros, we eagerly await what is still in store for us. The best is yet to come!!

Get Right!

When I found this video on Youtube early Sunday morning, I almost died. I was left speechless while watching the phenomenon that is Jennifer Lopez. I have been a fan since 1999 and am so grateful that I got the opportunity to meet this lovely woman in 2005 in NYC for the Rebirth album in-store signing. That was the first of my many travels to see her any chance I could. I have attended a JLO fashion show, eaten at her restaurant and seen her in concert twice. Once as part of a spanish concert in support of Como Ama Una Mujer and the other while she was on her first tour in 2007. All of my JLO adventures will be shared with you soon. In my opinion, this is one of the best performances of "Get Right" that she has given. Just like fine wine, this woman gets better with age. I attempted to attend the IHeart Radio Festival in Vegas last weekend, but was left hanging when tickets sold out in less than 10 minutes. I would love to fly to Connecticut in October to see her at the Mohegan Sun Arena, but I don't think that will happen. Until her next tour, I am perfectly content with watching her videos of numerous performances on Youtube. Shout out to facebook.com/JenniferLopezGreece for uploading and sharing. On behalf of all the JLOVE?RS, we thank you and to all those who claim she can't sing, the proof is right here in this video. Let yourself go and get right with me...

Oh My GIL!

With Oktoberfest in full swing and the Long Dog Derby this weekend I would like to introduce the Rocha family dachshund Gil. Gil aka Flyboy, Champ, Glib and Blip is the current champion of the Frankfurters from the Long Dog Derby 2010. Gil first competed in 2009 and although he was the leader of the pack, he stopped short of the finish line and did not claim the title. He competed again last year and victory was his. He will compete to defend his title Sunday September 25th 2011, racing against tons of other Denver dachshunds.

Gil, a smooth hair, deep mahogany red dachshund will soon be three years old and currently weighs 13.4 lbs. Not only is he one of the fastest long dogs in the 303, he has a handful of talents. He can shake, high five, roll over and play dead. Please note when playing dead, his tail wags rapidly. For every trick he performs, he is rewarded with a treat. His favorites are Beggin' Strips and Pupperonis. Gil loves trips to his grama's house and loves visits from his uncles. He is fearful of trees, stop signs, elevators and metal tipped steak tongs.

If you are a dachshund lover I encourage you and your long dog to attend this weekend's festivities. For more info check out http://www.oktoberfest.com/ Gil's friends Lily and Lucas will also be competing in the Senior Sausage category. Gil hopes to be one of Joey's friends on 9news also. The whole family will be front and center to cheer on our Gil "Flyboy" Rocha or as I like to call him My little Gil.

Double Dose!

Three months into the Summer dancing season, I am still keeping very busy doing what I love. Bailando, bailando y mas bailando. Not only have I been dancing at Vinyl, I have participated in a GO GO Competition sponsored by the ladies of GOGO Galaxy and I auditioned for a position at another local club. The competition was held on 8/18/11 at The Church. I made it to the second and final round and although I did not win, I am happy I participated. The winner is pictured above. There were more women dancers than men, so I expected a female to take the prize of $250. Shout out to James Bailey who captured the night thru his camera lens. Earlier this month I auditioned for the second time at Tracks Nightclub. I first auditioned in February. Knowing that Climaxx Sundays at Vinyl are coming to end, I eagerly made my way to audition. Three weeks later I am proud to say I begin tonight! I am pleased that after what felt like a "war" between managers at both clubs, all is worked out. A mutual decision was reached for me to dance at both clubs for a few weeks. There is enough A.RO for all. Tonight I'll make my Tracks debut and tomorrow I'll rock it at Vinyl for the End of Summer Party. Denver are you ready for a DOUBLE DOSE?

More Than Love

Love?

What is LOVE? Everyone has their own idea/belief of what love is or what love should be. I will speak for myself and say after three long term relationships, I am still looking for love. Though I may have found it briefly, I want the happily ever after. I have loved and been loved. I have also been in love. I have loved the other more than myself, and vice versa. Most recently, I find myself really thinking about and wondering if "The One" is out there waiting for me. I have pondered if I have already found them and when they will resurface. A quote my mother always told me I keep in mind is, "If you love someone let them go, if they return they were meant to be yours." Does this apply to letting someone go more than once? One thing I have learned from my relationships is that they definitely are challenging and require lots of work. Work that should be equal parts from both people. Nothing comes easy, especially a long lasting relationship. I will admit I have had commitment issues after my last LTR which ended in 2009. Nonetheless, I believe in love. I believe in the fairy tale of true love, I never said I was perfect. Love to me should be about bringing each other up, not bringing each other down. Compromising just enough, but not too much that you forget about yourself. I look to La Lopez aka JLO and her recent decision to divorce and gather some strength from her words:

"I remain an eternal optimist about love."

Check out the link a preview of the first post split interview in Vanity Fair.

VF Daily VF Daily: vanityfair.com

OMI with Rappers DDm and ASiEL

Tonight my boy ASiEL will be giving an on air interview with OUTing the Music Industry. Click the link below for info, and be sure to read the story on ASiEL real good. Apparently OMI couldn't reword my feature enough to pass it along as their own. Give credit where credit is due, nonetheless I'll be tuning in to support ASiEL.

OMI with Rappers DDm and ASiEL 07/26 by SirRahPro Presents Blog Talk Radio

What's ur Fetish?

Come check out this new club/night where any fetish is allowed. What's yours? Don't hold back, don't be scared. What is your indulgence? What is your vice? Do you like it naughty or do you like it nice? Shout to to ASiEL who will be throwing down and I will be doing what I love to do. Dancing my @** off! 22nd and Champa doors open at 9. Holla!

ASiEL is Here!

After a successful video release party earlier this month, and a performance set of 4 songs at Pridefest, ASiEL (pronounced ah-see-el) is here and is making sure you know it. The question to the listeners is: Are you ready for him? Are you ready for the self dubbed, "King of Hip Pop," to let you into his true, raw, lyrical world of Gay Rap? While at Pridefest this year, I chatted briefly with ASiEL backstage in between our sets and got a few details of what's on his agenda. Leaving me intrigued for more, I decided to brew up this feature and get the 411. After meeting up with him for some Q & A and a delicious meal, I must say ASiEL is a man with a plan and lots up his sleeve. A true inspiration. Let me introduce ASiEL.

ASiEL, which is Hebrew for created by god, is someone who strives to be the greatest entertainer in every sense of the word. From writing his own lyrics, designing his own costumes, and choreographing his own moves, ASiEL is an artist fueled by the countless doors shut in his face some years ago in the "not so pretty" land of Hollywood. The idea of ASiEL was created 8 years ago, the same time he began penning his many life experiences, which he now proudly shares with the world. ASiEL slowly began to emerge on the music scene after moving to Hollywood and being homeless for a year all while dreaming of the day he would make it. While in California for 12 months, ASiEL made it to the final rounds of numerous auditions including Step It Up and Dance, and dancing behind Janet Jackson for her infamous Superbowl performance. Though he came close and his talent recognized, everyone had to criticize. I was shocked to hear that time and time again ASiEL was asked to "tone down the gayness." Excuse me, seriously? That is like asking someone of color to not be that color. After hearing no countless times, ASiEL decided to move back to Denver and make it all on his own. He took those turned down opportunities and lessons learned from a great vocal coach and transformed them into motivation and dedication, stopping at nothing to fulfill his ultimate vision.

Once back in the Mile High city, ASiEL had a small lived role in the rap group, R.A.P. After the group mutually split, ASiEL began making connections with producers via online networking sites and started recoding demos from the endless lyrics, poems, and journal entries he penned since his teenage years. ASiEL then began sharing his music online as part of new promotional techniques. All demos recorded by ASiEL are currently available for download at www. hotnewhiphop.com/kingofhippop. ASiEL strives to be a real gay rapper, not toning down, covering up, or abiding by industry standards. He records under the genre of Hip Pop music, which is defined as a hip hop artist who incorporates pop elements into their act. The heavy hard hitting beats, racy lyrics with some pop choreography or a high fashion costume. ASiEL takes note that a handful of gay rappers out now may be successful, but they are not being true to themselves and most importantly to their fans. ASiEL wants his music to speak for itself. Don't judge, just listen, feel the beat and enter a new place that no one has dared to take you. Until now.

With his first music video single, "Eastside," the first song he ever wrote, ASiEL clearly lets you know who he is and where he is from. "Denver Colorado is where I be at." The video which is featured on gaymusicrevolution.com, may be too gay for some but it is exactly what ASiEL wanted. Filmed over the course of 9 weeks and directed by Denver Lighting Company, the video debuted at Tracks Nightclub on June 12th. ASiEL is already in pre-production meetings for the second video. "The next video will make 'Eastside' look like Sesame Street," he says with a grin from ear to ear. The video for "Bad Boy" will be shot on location and feature a bit more eye candy than the first. On this track, which he will perform live for the first time in July, ASiEL gives a shout out to none other than the Queen Lil' Kim. He explains this by stating, "She was the first artist to make shock music. No matter who is rapping now, or claims to be on top, Lil' Kim started it all." ASiEl lets me know that the late great Tupac is his all time favorite rap artist. "I don't think he would've liked my music though," he laughs. ASiEL realizes his music can attract negative feedback, but he doesn't take anything personal. As an upcoming artist, ASiEL will not take the praise or criticism too seriously. He tells me he will always be a perfectionist when it comes to his craft.

ASiEL continues to post new demos online while continuing his plan. Post Pridefest, he is excited to release a collaboration track he recently recorded with E-Rok, an interview with Out Front Colorado, and a performance at Damn Gurl! queer dance party going down on July 8th. If you missed the Pridefest performance, check out the videos at facebook.com/kingofhippop. ASiEL is hoping for a possible third video single, a gay club tour, and an upcoming album. The album will include all new and original music that he is currently writing along with his three man band. The full ASiEL album is in discussion for release within the next year. The album may contain as little as 9 tracks, but he assures me no skipping will be needed. "If all tracks are well written high quality tracks, why do you need anymore?" he asks. I have to agree. I would rather purchase a complete album with fewer tracks that I can play start to finish, instead of an album with 15+ tracks that needs skipping every other song.

ASiEL's last words to me are, "The best sex, is NO sex." I look at him puzzled, questioning his words as I think differently. He proceeds to tell me that although his lyrics are explicit, graphic and real, he wants his fans to know "NO" sex is best. "If you are having sex, please be responsible and safe at all times." He speaks freely about the topic because this is a subject all can relate to and for him all he raps about are things he's experienced first hand, knows someone who has, or been very close to being in that situation. "Why can straight rappers speak about women explicitly and it is accepted, but men speaking about men causes outrage?" This is ASiEL, this is what he has to say and he will continue to work his hardest to give us something we do not have. A King of Hip Pop, who pushes all boundaries and sees no limits. I wish ASiEL the best in his future and highly anticipate the next video single. If you are not ready for this, you better learn how to deal because ASiEL is here!

View the "Eastside" video here ---> http://youtu.be/0dVm_m1X6iM

Denver Pride 2011

Saturday June 18th and Sunday June 19th all in Denver flocked to Civic Center Park to celebrate Pridefest 2011. The annual event is held all weekend in downtown Denver with attendees ranging between 275,000 - 400,000. Pride Denver is one of the top ten celebrations in the country, attracting people from our neighboring states. Last year I participated in the Pride parade always held on Sunday. I was atop the Club Vinyl float as it made its way from Cheeseman Park to Civic Center park. This year all that was on my agenda was to: DANCE, DANCE, DANCE. Saturday afternoon I left my home and caught the 16th Street Shuttle from Union Station to Civic Center. I made my way across the closed, yet packed streets of Broadway and Colfax. I headed to the Main Stage dressing area to meet up with the lovely ladies of GO GO Galaxy. Upon my arrival I was pleased to find various dance teams that GGG had selected to dance. Teams consisted of Love, S & M, Galaxy, Pride, Gay, Barbie and Drag. I chatted with the other dancers and changed into my cowboy attire.

Go Go Galaxy was rotating sets between the main stage and the dj stage which was rotating dj's throughout the day. I anxiously awaited my set to start to get on the stage and rock the crowd at the DJ stage. It had been 12 years since I had danced at Pridefest. Last time I was a teenager dancing with a dance group performing to Janet Jackson. Oh to be back, a full grown man. Was I ready? Of course! More ready than ever before! Once on the stage, shared with 4 other dancers I begin to move and groove and acknowledge those who were snapping pictures or recording video on their cells. One chick even handed me her dog to dance with and pose with. Cute little doggie. After this set, I headed back to the Main stage to await my "Boylesque" routine.

The Go Go Galaxy Showcase on the mainstage was designed for all teams to showcase their skills. The set included: fire spinners, female burlesque, belly dancing, dub step and of course "boylesque." The boy routine was shared with two other male dancers teasing the crowd and shedding our clothing down to our undies. I must say I was nervous before stepping on the stage, but after I was on... IT WAS ON! Feeling the sun shine on me, the endless crowd of people cheering, hearing the music blasting, and seeing the fellas to my left and right gettin down, this was an experience that was out of this world. I am extremely glad and thankful to Lauren and Becca for allowing me to dance with them.

Sunday was my return to Club Vinyl after the opening Memorial Day weekend. I headed to the club around 7 pm and checked in. The club had all 4 floors open and each floor had a different sound. After checking the schedule I noted I had about 2 hours until I was on duty. I met up with my cousin and some of her co-workers and hung out and mingled with some old friends which insisted for me to start sooner as they were eager to see me. Hearing things like this and receiving positive compliments/feedback make me work harder and push myself further to be the best I can be. I live for dance. At about 9:00 p.m. I headed to the dancer's changing room and prepared for my first set. I was happy to find a handful of male and female dancers rotating every half hour. Things were looking to be more organized than they were on 5/29. Gracias!

In between sets I hung out with the other dancers and also chatted with the doorstaff and barstaff. Various dj's rotated on all levels of the club and the crowd just continued to grow and grow even with the pouring rain and hail that fell all night long. After a long night of dancing, seeing a face I haven't seen in awhile, and the clock striking 2 a.m. I waited for the rain to let up in the changing room and snapped photos with my fellow dancers. I finally decided the rain was not stopping and headed out. PRIDE 2011 was an adventure, although my feet are barely beginning to feel back to norm. :) The pain the last two days comes with the job, the territory, the endless movement to the rythm. I am here to Live, Laugh, and Dance.