Happy Holidays? I hope so.

Hi Everyone. I am hoping this blog finds you in good spirits and enjoying the season. It has been so snowy and cold in Illinois this year. It seems there is little question that it will be a white Christmas this year. It hasn't even turned black and slushy on the roadsides. I don't know why. Usually that mars all the loveliness. Not so this year. OMG, it is a Christmas Miracle! La Milagros!!!

I have a lot to share, so I will just get to it...

First of all, I am now the Co-organizer of an on-line group called Queer Music Fans http://www.meetup.com/Chicago-Queer-Music/?__force_urlname=1#initialized
It is a large group of lesbians, gays, and trans people who are all about music. Not only is it a great way to network, but it is a great way to commune with like-minded peps. I am really enjoying learning about other bands, musician, and fans of queer music.

This dovetails nicely into my newest project, ABSOLUTE Fringe- a monthly LGBT music festival.


The show began simply as a contact by the Elbo Room after I posted a press kit on Reverb Nation and sent out queries for shows. Brian Bender, the GM of The Elbo Room is a VERY COOL straight ally who has booked many LGBT acts at the club over time. He was interested in booking Boys' Entrance. I went to meet with Brian and check out the club- which is VERY COOL, and has two stages, a small upstairs stage for acoustic acts, and a larger stage downstairs for bands. I went to the meeting with an agenda. I wanted to know if The Elbo Room would like to do a gay night, one where I would program the whole night? Brian was into the idea. He would make the club available Sunday-Thursday, the night of my choice. I could charge whatever I wanted. He would start by handing over the club for 3 months.

I spoke with Scott Free, and Mitch Marlow. Both gave me invaluable advice. Scott told me he thought it would be a great event for the community. "There has never been anything like it- 6 queer acts in one night." Mitch counseled me on the business aspects of the deal. I worked it all out with Brian. He couldn't have been more supportive or helpful.

The response from the community has been amazing. LGBT musicians from as far away as Florida are signing up to perform! The local music community has been so supportive.
For me, this is an opportunity to give back. I am opening the first show on January 30th, 2011 with one of my most fundamental musical influences performing. Kristin Lems is the prototypical Feminist, singer/songwriter. I first met Kristin in 1974, I think. She used to perform in coffee houses and restaurants around Champaign/Urbana. I don't know how many times I heard her perform "Mammary Glands"! But there is great depth in her repertoire. "Awards include the "Woman of Illinois Repute" of the Illinois Women's Agenda, the President's Award of Illinois NOW, the Humanist Heroine Award of the American Humanist Association, the Freethought Heroine Award of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, and the Founder's Award of the Women in the Arts Foundation, for founding the National Women's Music Festival. Kristin is also a former Fulbright Scholar." She is the REAL DEAL, and I am so honored that she has agreed to be the first performer on an ABSOLUTE Fringe stage.

Also gracing the ABSOLUTE Fringe Acoustic Lounge stage is my friend Brett Alan Basil in an acoustic presentation of his PINK SHEEP music. Brett is a super talented singer/songwriter, who is also a member of Boys' Entrance. This is the first time Mr. Sheep has presented his Pink Sheep material on stage- and we are very lucky to have him.

Finally, Shoes For Mabel well bring there complex "jazz, angst, and folk," hybrid to the Acoustic Lounge stage. Carrie Lydon and company are fine musicians and I am certain their fans will enjoy hearing them in this setting.

Meanwhile downstairs on the Subterranean Electric Stage, we will proudly welcome Mr. Scott Free and the Scott Free Trio. Scott is the recent recipient of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Award- and having him on our stage as the first of many electric performers is in itself a treasure. Thank you Scott for getting us off to a good start.

The second group on the Subterranean Electric Stage are the inimitable, Joans. The Joans bring together New Wave, camp, and theatre in a heady, perfumed cloud. ABSOLUTE Fringe is all about the show, and the Joans bring it honey!

Last up is my own band, Boys' Entrance. This will be our first show incorporating both original rhythm guitarist for B.E.- Mike Ferro and Brett Alan Basil. We may even have more musicians in the act by then. Who knows. Every Boys' Entrance show is different.

I have the February show booked, and am only one act shy of completing the March line-up as well. I will be announcing those shows in the coming weeks. Join up with the Queer Music Fans group, support Queer Music, and come out for all the wonderful music at ABSOLUTE Fringe!

1# of Fillet Mignon and a baked potato

1 pound of Fillet Mignon and a baked potato.

Sounds like the makings of a good meal. The fillet was prepared just the way he likes it, (if he had ever had it before), bloody rare. It was wrapped in bacon, and had that delicious striping that adds to the flavor. The baked potato was an Idaho baker. It was of a moderate size, and slathered with butter. It was tender, buttery, and soaked up the blood from the prime meat as was the intent.

Both, the Fillet Mignon (with its bacon wrap) and the fluffy, white potato, were cut into small, bite-sized slices, and mixed together with care. After all, this was his last, and perhaps best meal of his life.

Would there be dessert? Yes, if he could manage it. A bit of Butter Pecan ice cream would be offered, and likely lapped from the bowl with gusto. On any other night, it would be unthinkable, but not tonight. This is, after all, his last night on Earth.

We wanted this to be a special meal for a special friend, our dog, Scooby. We found out this morning that he has cancer. His prostate is greatly enlarged. It is interfering with his urination, and more. His sleep is interrupted hourly as he struggles to make it out the door to relieve himself again, and again. He is chiper, even played with his ball today in the sunshine on his lawn.

Today, we agreed to release Scooby tomorrow, before his existence becomes a kind of torture- before we wonder if we were selfish. Today we chose to be good stewards of our friend, and care more for him than ourselves.

I learned this lesson many years ago, while I lived with Kharma, my brown tabby who reached the ripe age of 19. She truly had a lovely, and loving life, but her death was a prolonged and painful one. She died of a tumor in her brain. In the week before I finally relented to my own painful lesson, she suffered without need. I just didn't understand why she pressed her head against the walls and floor boards, writhing. I did learn from my stupidity, and know now that it is my responsibility to be vigilant to the condition of my loved ones.

My heart is heavy. I am tearing up. I don't know how I will do this again. I know I must though. This is the compact we have with these spirit-guides, these creatures who love us. We must be vigilant and love them enough to release them when it is time. The word "compact" started the tears again. That contract is tacit. They cling to our sides and comfort us when all others fall away- all humans desert us. They are faithful. I MUST be as well.

Scooby, you are loved, and will be missed with my whole being. I hope to see you on the other side, my friend.

Love, your buddy, Tim

an ABSOLUTE Fringe reality

I am very excited to announce I am starting a monthly LGBT music event, to be held at The Elbo Room (2871 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60657)on the LAST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH, starting Sunday, January 30th, 2011.I will be held from 8 to Midnight and will feature 3 queer bands on the lower level stage, and 3 acoustic acts on the first floor stage.

We will feature bands from the Chicago area, but also some surprise acts from other major cities, (and small towns- maybe even Hooterville!).

Thus far, the response has been great. ABSOLUTE Fringe has been embraced by our community, and I must say the enthusiasm of Brian Bender, the General Manager and Talent Buyer for The Elbo Room has been nothing short of surprising. In my years of playing in straight clubs, I have always had to convince the club. Brian came to us. Brian has said that he believes he has booked L acts, G acts, B acts and even T acts at the Elbo Room. But with ABSOLUTE Fringe, he is going to get 6 LGBT acts in one fabulous night!

Stay tuned for more surprises. Chicago's biggest night of queer entertainment may have more surprises up its poofy sleeves. And keep the last Sunday of the month open in all of 2011.

Cheers!
Tim Cain

Boys' Entrance music news

It looks good... Boys' Entrance will be hosting a monthly queer music night at a very cool Chicago venue beginning in January. We are working out the details, met with the manager of the club today in fact. He is very queer friendly, and has booked queer acts in the club in the past. I will be looking to book two additional bands each month, as well as an acoustic act. If you are interested in performing at a professional club in Chicago in 2011, contact me here.

Awesome ain't it?!

Luv On Ya,

Tim

Outmusic Submissions

Like many of you, I have received an e mail asking me to pay my dues to Outmusic and then submit my cd for consideration for an OMA award. This just seems unseemly to me, the idea that you have to pay to play for an award. And while it is appealing to think that you could have your work receive an award, isn't that lessened by the knowledge that your work is not judged against all queer music released in a year, but instead judged against all paid-up members of an organization?

I just feel that while Outmusic is trying to increase their revenue, and that is necessary, they should not be doing so by diminishing the prestige of their awards.

New Picture- Less Scary!

These are the times and these are the photos. Yes, there was a time when gothic and dark described Boys' Entrance, and it is likely that that may happen again. Ok, really, I had to deliver on a promise to wear the Goth/Metal costume my hubby bought me at the Alley. I even wore the tranny-plat boots. Where better than a Chicago Battle of the Bands at Metal Shaker. I can tell you,I think I actually scared those suburban wannbe bands and the gal-pal groupies. There was much grasping of elbows and low whispers as I emerged from the carer green room. (I am always a fan of the dramatic reveal.)

Boys' Entrance will lay low for the next month or so. I am looking for the best opportunities to play out again. The Cake Chicago show was a let down because of bad sound and a lazy sound man. "We don't usually do sound checks. It will be cool." Well, it wasn't. Never in my 30+ year career have I not had a sound check. Any fool knows they are important. It was cool playing out with Mike again though. So that is what I am going to take away from that experience.

In other news...
Our friend, Brett Basil aka Pink Sheep is recouping after a surgery on his hand. The prognosis is good and he expects to be recording his new cd in 7 weeks. I have been asked to be Executive Producer, so I will be lending an ear to the proceedings.

Ta For Now,
T

Moses

Metallurgy

Platinum Lover

Cake Chicago Show- Sat. Sept. 4th

Very cool to be playing our first Cake Chicago show on Sept. 4th. Ripley Caine started this several years back, and this is the first time Boys' Entrance has been operating as a live unit and could play. Cake Chicago is an intimate and welcoming, friendly event at the Red Line Tap. I have only been to one, but I had such a nice time at the bar (in the Chicago Roger's Park neighborhood), that I instantly wanted to play there. Come early, have some cheap beers, play some pool, dig the tunes by us and other queer artists.

When I booked this gig, the plan was for this to be a "big" version of Boys' Entrance- 3 guitars, drums, bass, keys, and of course me singing. What is the saying, "Man makes plans and God laughs?" She always was a bitch. Instead, this is going to be a presentation by the two surviving members of the original Boys' Entrance trio: Mike Ferro guitar god, and me running the synths and playing rhythm guitar. Mike was the original rhythm guitarist in the band, and Cie Fletcher was the lead guitarist. As you may know, Fletcher died of AIDS, and the band continued on with various configurations of musicians. Mike was there right up through the recording of "The Queer Punk Folder". I broke my pelvis that same year and essentially stepped away from Boys' Entrance as a band.

Mike and I lost track, but I contacted him about a year and a half ago when I had a solo show booked at Homolatte', the Scott Free monthly series. Mike and I started working on the material and I can tell you, there was something instantly present that had been missing. More importantly, Mike and I were never close- but we began building a bond on top of a history. Now when I am with him, I relish a warm feeling of shared experience and familiarity. The show went really well, and Mike handled almost all the instrumentation.

After the Homolatte' show, we again went our separate ways. Last October, after returning from the March for Equality in DC, I got a call from Mike. He had been driving around one day and had a mix cd in the car. "Moses", a song from our cd, "In Through The Out Door" popped up. He told me that it sounded so good, he wondered if I would like to put the band back together? Now 10 months later, we are finally doing just that.

Will there be more Boys' Entrance gigs? I don't know. I am going to concentrate on this one. I am going to stay in THIS moment. And I am going to enjoy every song we play together.

Tim Cain/8/17/10

The end of Boys' Entrance?

Not sure at this point, but the show on Sept. 4th may be the final Boys' Entrance show. The show will be another duo show, just me and original Boy, Mike Ferro on guitar. It has been a year since the last show I played with Mike.It will be good to play with him again.

Brett has departed to work full-time on his Pink Sheep project, and we wish him the best. He is a fantastic musician.

So come out to hear these Boys' Entrance songs one more time on Saturday,Sept. 4th, at Red Line Tap in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago.We will go on at 11pm. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Thank You For Your Support,
Tim and the Boys

The 13th Step;Live.HD Quality efxs and audio

Mike Garsons take on McCartney's Yesterday

Mike Garson - Yesterday

Mike Garson | MySpace Music Videos

"David Bowie is Dead"- the song.

David Bowie is Dead c 2010 Tim Cain

David Jones lies in repose
On his chaise in his New York flat
A neural-jack clipped to his brain
The first such permanent connection
Of a comatose rock star and the Internet
On Bowienet again today
No Re’pondez, s’il vous plait
There’s nothing more to say, but
David Bowie is dead

His holographic self accompanies his wife
Down carpets red, and flashing lights
Collect his image pale and white
The transmissions are exhausting
So he requires a lot of rest
On Bowienet again today
No Re’pondez, s’il vous plait
There’s nothing more to say, but
David Bowie is dead

There’s been a lot of buzz
That the Spiders might regroup
If the programming is successful
Dave and Ronno’s holograms
Backed by Trevor, Woody and Mike
On Bowienet I read today
“Virtual Reality Tour” has been announced
The tour need never end, though
David Bowie is dead

Need I paint a vulgar picture?
One compilation disc too many
“An extra track and a tacky badge”
Though a tour seems a bit far fetched
Stranger things have happened
On Bowienet again today
The announcement finally made
“The Spiders Rise Again” though
David Bowie is Dead

Dark Days Past

Well Dear Readers, I feel my dark days have past. I had a few weeks of difficulty, but the help of my friend Brett, my partner Santos, and my mom's prayers have carried me through. The point dear reader, is not that these stormy periods will not come, it is also true that the storms will pass. If nothing else, I have learned that over and over in my life. This last episode simply reiterated the lesson once again.

Thanks you all for being a part of my life. It is a priviledge to share it with you.
Tim Cain

Strange day

Yesterday was a strange day. It began with a foreboding and grief that David Bowie was dead. I have been grieving his disappearance from the music scene for some time. But over the past couple of weeks, I have literally felt as though a friend had died. I even have a song about it percolating around my brain. Not sure what this is all about. But I turned on the tv a couple of times to see if it was true. So I played old videos instead.

David Bowie 'O Superman'.

David Bowie- Andy Warhol (Live at Lorelei 6-22-96)

Armageddon Time

I'M STRAIGHT``Mark's Translation Mix

I'M STRAIGHT

My techno color tribute to you,Tim!!! BABS

Past review and press

FROM:BEBO:
Tim Cain & Boys' Entrance Chicago, IL Alternative / New Wave / Glam Join Fanlist Give 'Em Hope - Tim Cain & Boys' Entrance Band Bio: The new 2 cd set, DEMOcrat Vol. 1, Songs From Tunnelvision, by award-winning, singer/songwriter, Tim Cain and Boys' Entrance are now available at iTunes.Boys' Entrance perform an eclectic brew of G... Read More » Band Bio: The new 2 cd set, DEMOcrat Vol. 1, Songs From Tunnelvision, by award-winning, singer/songwriter, Tim Cain and Boys' Entrance are now available at iTunes.Boys' Entrance perform an eclectic brew of Glam/electro-rock. Heavily influenced by Eno, Bowie, T-Rex, Beatles, Siousxie, Stones, Zeppelin. Read Less » Label: Boys' Entrance on Q Ear music
Members: Tim Cain: singer/songwriter; vocals; keyboards; guitar; bass> In Boys' Entrance: Mike Ferro: lead guitar; Brett Basil: bass, keys,
guitar


Biography
Chicago bandleader Tim Cain began playing with a four-piece backing ensemble in 1991 as an avenue to explore gay themes. An ad for queer musicians resulted in two respondents, including rhythm guitarist Mike Ferro. (Ferro and lover were also medal winners for bodybuilding in the 1994 Gay Games.) Cain was also reunited with an old high-school chum, Cie Fletcher, who took on lead guitar and co-production duties. Boys' Entrance debuted at Chicago's Gay Pride rally in June of 1994, playing to an audience of about 1,500 people. Two EPs and an album soon followed, though the band was plagued with interpersonal conflicts that led to Fletcher's firing. ~ Will Grega, All Music Guide
FROM:MR.D's Bloggorhea
Boy’s Entrance Plays Metal Shakers Milwaukee/Pulaski area In Chicago June 4


My friend Mark plays in a band as a backup singer and accompanist as Andy Warhol for the band Boy’s Entrance (pronounced Bowie’s Entrance). This Friday June 4 at Metal Shakers Milwaukee and Pulaski area in Chicago. Pass along the info!

They are on iTunes also … Boy’s Entrance!


Tags: Arts and Entertainment, Backing vocalist, Chicago, Illinois, Metro Areas, Music, Musical ensemble, United States

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 at 8:24 Comments »
BRETT ALAN BASIL said: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
(On June , 2010 at 1:14 pm)
I had the pleasure of being there,my first gig as B.E.S’ guitarist with Mark!!!

The circles tighten

I find it so interesting that the circles of my life are tightening and intersecting with ever more frequency. A series of interesting coincidences have occurred lately. Musicians whom I have known years ago are suddenly and appearing around me.

Mitch Marlow and Larry Beers both played for Jinx Titanic last week at the Jackhammer, and they both played with me 26 years ago in Talltrees. A few weeks back, Rafe Bradford also an alum of Talltrees was put in touch with me on Facebook. He is now playing with Dylan Rice. Can it be a coincidence that these three straight musicians all ended up play for bands headed by queers- when I was their first queer front man so long ago? Funny how those themes are replayed over and over. I would like to think the first time was so memorable that they have wanted to relive it ever since. LOL!

Blondie - Hanging On The Telephone

Harry Hay

HARRY HAY c Tim Cain
Father, Mother, two in one, both a daughter and a son
Been in Labor for 80 years, birthing thought to free the queers
Man of shadows, name in lights, never ending, fights your fights
Honey don’t you know his name, sing this song and spread his fame
HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY,
HARRY HAY!
Androgyne or homophile, he’s so gay he makes me smile,
Homosexual turning queer, confidence replacing fear
An example to us all, of life devoted to the call
Equal rights- what we demand, sing his song across the land
HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY,
HARRY HAY!
(Bridge)-
#1- who are we gay people?,
#2- where do we come from in history and in anthropology, and where have we been?
#3- What are we for?
Ask the questions, won’t you dear? Where have we been? Why are we hear?
What’s our purpose? Why are we born? Time for us to blow our horn.
Burn your closets to the ground, trumpet’s liberation sound.
You transgrendered and les-bi-gay, sing the song of Harry Hay!
HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY, HARRY HAY,
HARRY HAY!

Spider and the fly

Rocknroll

Andy Warhol's Fashion "Debbie Harry and Friends" 2 of 5 Stephen Sprouse

Jinx Titanic, Scott Free Trio, Cynthia Plastercaster

I had a wonderful time last night. Erin lost her gay bar cherry. She had a great time. Cynthia Plastercaster was there! I have her as a friend on MySpace. Mitch Marlow, who plays guitar for Jinx/ Super 8 said, "Cynthia, have you met Tim Cain?" "Tim who?" she replied, having a hard time hearing over the music. "Tim Cain", I said. "Oh, I know your name. I think I have heard of you." "We have traded e mail at MySpace I said. My band is Boys' Entrance." She smiled politely and said it was good to meet me. Holy fucking shit, I shook the hand of the woman who has cast more rock gawd cock for posterity in plaster than any other (are there any others?).

I said to Mitch, "So Mitch, has Cyhthia done a casting of you?" I was hoping for a physical manifestation of the object od my conjecture since the early 80's when Mitch played guitar in my band Talltrees. "No, I haven't been invited. And that is probably a good thing." "Well, consider yourself invited", I leered. Good sport as always. Mitch just smiled. I asked Mitch, "Hey, why this gig tonight? John (Jinx) lives in Ireland right now. So why is he here on a Wednesday night doing a show?" Mitch replied, "He's here for a dental appointment. Have you seen the teeth in Ireland? They don't have any good dentists there." Jinx Titanic, multi-tasker extraordinaire!

Scott Free Trio was great last night. Jinx was hot! It was a punk-rock, simulated sex, steaming load of fun. He ran through all the old Super 8 stuff. (Why , oh why did he ever change the name of that band? The name Jinx Titanic had the predictable effect on his career. Shit, if there can be a band called the Revolting Cocks, then why not Super 8 Cum Shot?

Jinx handed out a camera and a video camera for members of the audience to shoot the show. At the beginning of the show, some guys in the audience did just that, but they lost their interest and eventually set down the camera. So I picked it up and shot the whole show. I think I got some good stuff. Jinx, I hope the footage is useful. My gift to you, buddy.

So it was a fun night. Plus the Blackhawks won! It was a good night in Chicago. Sorry you missed it.
T

The before and after @Metal Shaker

Windy City Time's

Pop Making Sense
by David Byrne with Tony Peregrin
2010-06-02





Jinx Titanic.



One of Chicago's beloved queer outfits, Boys' Entrance, is going to be in The Battle of the Bands on Friday, June 4, at Metal Shaker, 3394 N. Milwaukee. Fronted by Tim Cain, Boys' Entrance re-released the single "Flash," which is inspired by Princess Diana. The group's latest, DEMOcrat Vol. 1: Songs from Tunnelvision, includes "Mr. Sissy" and also has the sex addict referencing "The 13th Step."
The forthcoming DEMOcrat Vol. 2: Cover Up will feature remakes of the material from Boys' Entrance's idols, like T-Rex, David Bowie, Bronski Beat and Depeche Mode. The new track "Give 'Em Hope" will debut this month of JD Doyle's Pride Month edition of his Queer Music Heritage Internet radio broadcast. DEMOcrat Vol. 1: Songs from Tunnelvision is out now.

Give 'Em Hope- lyrics

Give ‘Em Hope ©2010 Tim Cain

Harvey Bernard Milk, a Jew, came to Earth with things to do

Grew up in the borough, Queens, his family were of modest means

Knew it at an early age, hid it under growing rage

Busted out at 40 years, to San Francisco- land of queers



Walking backward, not his style; Hippies turned him homophile

Insurance man turned activist- Pygmalion with a fairie twist

Got a soap box, found his voice, stood for something, made a choice

Activist to politician, seems the man had found his mission

Chorus:

“You gotta give ‘em hope”, It’s gonna be alright

They gotta join the fight, “You gotta give ‘em hope”



Ran for office many times, learning where they’d placed the mines

Made a name across the state, finally won in ‘78

The first Out Gay Man to ever win, hist’ry forced to let him in

Assassination was his fate, Harvey Milk was 48



Harvey what are we to do? Beat Prop 6 but 8 got through

Our movement needs another leader, Obama’s just another breeder!

So hear me fellow degenerates, don’t live a life of pale regrets

Grab a soap box, don’t you mope- Just like Harvey, GIVE ‘EM HOPE!

Original Boy- Tim Cain

My band, Boys' Entrance goes all the way back to 1991. I went to San Francisco and met up with my old pal, Jon Ginoli, who had just recorded his first demos as Pansy Division. I sat on his bed and couldn't believe my ears. This was WAY OUT QUEER MUSIC FOR QUEERS! It was sex positive. It was bold. It was funny. I was probably the first queer musician Jon ever knew, (we worked together on and off for years at record stores) he first heard my music while he was a DJ and later Program Director at WPGU Radio at the University of Illinois. My songs as Talltrees were in rotation for 4 years on WPGU- and while I was always Out, my songs came from a more universal standpoint, and hid behind genderless pronouns. This new music from Jon was different. It reveled in same-sex pronouns, and straight-up sex talk. He blew the doors off polite closets everywhere.

I heard his songs before almost any one. I sat on his bed and laughed my ass off. He laughed too. I even contributed a line to his song, "The Cocksucker Club". He sang, "Do it on your parents King size bed". I said, "No, no, no. That has to be 'Do it on your parent's QUEEN size bed.'" It took a minute, then he got the joke. We both laughed with glee. Later, when he re-recorded the song, he recorded it with the altered line, thank you very much.

I returned home from San Francisco with a fire to be more forward and unapologetic. One day I was driving down Belmont Ave. in Chicago and passed a school. Carved above the door were the words, "Boys Entrance". "That sounds like a band I should be in.", I thought. That is where the name came from.

Next I had to find a way to compose and record on my own. I found an Ensoniq VFX workstation, on which I would write 4 cds. The Ensoniq allowed me to layer performances and build a sonic landscape from the ground up. I could not have created Boys' Entrance without it.
I am on my third VFX, and love working with it still.

In 2005, I received a "Special Recognition Award" from the Outmusic Awards. It celebrated my 30 years as an Out Musician. I attended the award ceremony alone. None of my family came. I shared the evening with J.D. Doyle, and was buttressed by my friend Timmy Samuel who was on hand to photograph the event. Scott Free and Jinx Titanic were both there. I received my award the same night Randy Jones of the Village People won his. Randy had been an acquaintance for years, since his partner Will Grega put him on the phone with me. I had released "The Queer Punk Folder." In the song, I sing, "We hate The Village People and the disco scene, Donna Summer and pissy queens." It was a satire about there homocore scene, and Randy got it. Hell, he loved it.

While Boys' Entrance has always been a solo project under a band name, it was supported by a cast of musicians throughout the years. The first two were Cie Fletcher- an old friend who I collaborated with musically back in Champaign, Illinois. He had moved to Chicago and we lost touch until he responded to an ad I placed in Gab Magazine. Also responding to that ad was Mike Ferro. Mike would become the rhythm guitarist in Boys' Entrance, and Fletcher was the lead player. That was an important and formative time in the band's history. It set a course. But it was short lived. Interpersonal conflicts erupted, and eventually, I fired Fletcher. Within 6 months, he died as a result of AIDS and drug abuse. I had no idea he was afflicted by either- such was his need for privacy.

Mike hung in there, and we searched for new players. We went through a couple of line-ups. Eventually, we recorded "The Queer Punk Folder", as a three piece, joined by Timmy Samuel on drums. Unfortunately, I had a major accident- resulting in an extended stay in a hospital, and then a long convalescence. I think we played one show as the three piece. Eventually, I just let the band go into hibernation. I didn't play a show with Mike for another 8 years.

In between, I released a single or two. I did a couple of shows with a new ensemble. I started to play out as a solo performer at Homolatte' shows. I took my act to New York and played at an Outmusic Open Mic, then brought Outmusic back to Chicago where it continues today.

A year ago on April Fool's Day, I played a Homolatte' show with Mike Ferro backing me. It was a great experience. It was great to be with my old friend again. Then the following October, he called me and propose we put Boys' Entrance back together again. We started rehearsing when disaster struck again. I fell off a ladder and broke both arms. This set back our plans till the new year. In the mean time, I met Brett Alan Basil, and found a simpatico fellow traveler. We shared a vast body of musical references. I asked him to join Boys' Entrance too. Now I am recording with both musicians, and building Boys' Entrance back up. It has been a rocky start, but really, when has it ever been easy for Boys' Entrance. I just hope we can build on what came before, adding to our recorded legacy, and avoid breaking any more bones!

Tim Cain 2010

Old Boy- Mike Ferro

Mike is one of the original Boys' Entrance trio, which included me and Cie Fletcher (lead guitarist extraordinaire). Mike was our rhythm guitarist. For many of those early shows we were a three guitar band, backed by my synthesizer treatments. Boys' Entrance was very unorthodox.

Mike is a body builder, and graced our stage with slabs of muscle, both musically and physically. That is Mike and his partner Stuart on the cover of "In Through The Out Door". And that is Mike, "solo" on the back cover. I love his dimples! I think he plays only on one song on "Out Door", "Acting And Appearing Nightly". He is the guitar and Fletcher moved over to funky bass.

We also recorded a three song EP call, "Underdubbed- Boys' Entrance Live". The ep has never made it to CD but you can hear our cover of "Never Let Me Down" the Depeche Mode song at our ReverbNation site. Mike and I are on rhythm guitar, and Fletcher is doing his e bow thing. It is awesome.

After Fletcher passed away, Mike became the main guitarist of Boys' Entrance. That is him soloing away on "The Queer Punk Folder". I shelved Boys' Entrance for several years, and playing a couple of shows with a line up that Mike was not a part of.

Last year, Mike joined me for a Scott Free/Homolatte' show in Chicago. And Mike is the real reason there is a new version of Boys' Entrance. He called me up last October and said he had been listening to "Moses"- an old favorite from "In Through The Out Door", and wanted to put the band back together. I had just come home from the March, and thought I would put my energies into a different kind of activism. Now Mike has rejoined Boys' Entrance. You can hear his solo on "Give 'Em Hope". He didn't play the Metal Shaker show with us unfortunately, but he may be joining us for a show in September. Let's hope so.

It is good to have you back Mike!

New Boy- Mark Motyka (aka Andy Warhol)

What can I say about my friend and fellow Boy, Mark Motyka? I first met Mark as a fellow cast member in the feature film, "The Patriarchs". The film is a modern day retelling of Plato's Symposium. Sadly, or perhaps mercifully, the film never saw the light of day. But Mark and I found in each other a kindred spirit- call it anarchy. We are both "cultural bomb throwers". We are both provocateurs. We both have a taste for the avante garde (or are avante garde ourselves).

We traveled to Washington DC last year and Marched in the March for Equality (along with my partner, Santos- yes he is a saint for putting up with the two of us!) We had a fabulous time searching for and FINDING Lady Gaga. He put us up in the Willard Hotel- and you know anyone who is anyone stays at the Willard, LOL! (Sorry that is an inside joke.)

There is a certain similarity between Mr. Mark and Brett (Pink Sheep) Basil. I noticed it immediately, and once having introduced them, regretted it instantly. They are like twins that have their own secret language. Their manic associations feed off each other, and a kind of nuclear reaction occurs. It is very entertaining to be in their presence- like a Looney Tunes cartoon. "I want to be the Tasmanian Devil." "No I want to be the Tasmanian Devil." "You were the Tasmanian Devil last time." Get the picture?

On stage, it is a different dynamic entirely as we found out at our show on June 4th at Metal Shaker in the Chicago Battle of the Bands. The manic energy was replaced by a calm professionalism. The three of us instantly slipped into our own slots. I sang red-faced and controlled the synths. Brett mastered the guitars. And Mark, sang backup dressed as Andy Warhol. It worked brilliantly. Mark was the perfect foil for my performance, and Brett was the anchor that grounded it all.

Originally, this was going to be a full, 6 piece presentation of Boys' Entrance, but for a variety of reasons, three of the Boys' could not join us. So it came down to the three of us, and we did very well. We came in 2nd place, and that ain't bad for a band that has not played in 8 years. Watch for more shows in the near future. We look forward to rocking for you again soon.

Luv on Ya'.
Tim Cain and Boys' Entrance

New Boy- Brett Alan Basil! (Babs for short.)

This is an exciting and unpredictable time in the life of my band, Boys' Entrance. I have allied myself with Brett Alan Basil, a fabulously talented musician and fan of Boys' Entrance, whom I met a mere7 months ago. He contacted me via our MySpace page (www.myspace.com/boysentrance) and we hit it off so well that I coined us the Brothers From Another Mother. We may even be working on a new act to be called B.F.A.M.- a sort of Midwestern answer to Erasure. But more on that later.

We have been recording new songs this Spring, on which we collaborated. So far we have recorded, "Give 'Em Hope"- our tribute/mini-biography of Harvey Milk- which was commissioned for JD Doyle's Queer Music Heritage show. The song received "top billing" on his June program which debuted on May 22nd, Harvey's 80th birthday. We were honored to be affiliated with JD's show, and Harvey himself. The address for the show is here: http://www.queermusicheritage.us/jun2010.html

The song features lyrics written by me and music by Brett. This is the first time I have collaborated musically in the context of Boys' Entrance. Brett had one instruction and that was to write music that would be in keeping with my earlier tribute from "The Queer Punk Folder", "Harry Hay". I wanted a pop-punk song, and Brett delivered it in spades! He nailed my style- and I didn't even know I had a style. Brett, all those hours of listening to Boys' Entrance really paid off. You are amazing.

To puchace the new single from Tim Cain and Boys'Entrance follow this link to C.D.BABY,where all Boys' Entrance c.d.'s are avalible!!!!http://cdbaby.com/cd/BoysEntrance4

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