stage
OUT PROUD RAYVONOWEN
SINGING
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR AMERICAN IDOL’S
by lisa lipsey Valentine’s Day 2016 is a daythat will likely
go down in history for American Idol Season 14 finalist Rayvon Owen. It was the day he publicly stepped out of the closet and introduced the world to the music video for his latest song “Can’t Fight It,” which ends with him kissing LGBTQ activist, writer and filmmaker, Shane Bitney Crone. Shortly thereafter, Crone acknowledged publicly
that he and Owen were a pair. Crone is best known for his 2013 film Bridegroom which won the Tribeca Film Festival Audience’s non-fiction award. Crone shared the story about the difficulties he faced in 2011, after his partner’s death and his family excluding him from the funeral and burial, as well as threatening his life. It is a heartbreaking film that changed the hearts and minds of many who were on the fence about marriage equality. Crone calls himself the “Accidental Activist” and it is so good to witness where his strength and resiliency has taken him… And Rayvon Owen has been right by his side. Since telling his coming out story, Owen has
been an outspoken advocate for marriage equality, anti-bullying and “separation of church and hate.” He has said, “If I can help encourage or inspire someone out there who is struggling with some of the same or similar issues as myself, then I think it’s worth talking about.” On November 7, he was live on Periscope, performing “Home” fromThe Wiz to benefit Pride Films And Plays, Chicago’s premiere LGBT Film and Theatre Company. He also released a stripped down version of “Can’t Fight It” with proceeds going to The Trevor Project. Recently,
he performed at The Sayver Club for the Love is Louder than Bullying benefit and he also performed at Faithfully Fabulous, a fundraiser benefitting Faith in America and their vital work to promote LGBTQ equality and end religion-based bigotry. At 25, Owen basically grew up watching American Idol and he admitted his first big concert experience was seeing the Season 6American Idol LIVE! Tour (with Jordin Sparks). During his time on the show, he consistently demonstrated his appreciation and positivity. He also had the chance to perform with the likes of Boy George, Ricky Martin and Jamie Foxx. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Owen has a strong
faith background and grew up as a self-described “Momma’s Boy” and has been performing in church choirs since he was six-years-old. He was accepted into a performing art high school and after that, his journey took him to Belmont University in Nashville. After graduation he “took the leap,” moving to Los Angeles and working as a voice coach before making it to the American Idol stage. Proving once again that no one becomes an overnight sensation, there is always hard work and dedication behind it all. Outside of his advocacy work, since stepping out
of his 38 city tour withAmerican Idol LIVE!, Owen received the 2015 L.A. Music “Rising Star” award and has been on a 60-city college tour, performing at Pride Festivals and Jazz Festivals from coast to coast. He was just recently invited to perform the National Anthem at an Arizona Cardinals game in October.
Some have questioned Owen about why he
wasn’t public about being gay before Idol. The answer was, his Mom, because he felt she should know first and he wasn’t ready. Telling a parent is easier said than done for many of us and in Owen’s case, his concerns included coming from a Southern, deeply Christian, African American home and community. But, he did it. Though it took a little time and effort to work things through, love won and Owen’s mother is still his number one fan. Aside from his melt-like-butter voice and charm,
in this climate, it feels good to ring in the New Year with someone who carries the torch for hope and pride. So, join the fun at Martinis Above Fourth. Owen’s contemporary, R&B, pop, jazz and Sinatra- hat-wearing-throwback-style, will be perfect for the Martinis Above Fourth signature Table + Stage dining experience. Dubbed a “Swingin’ night,” Owen will of course, headline the show and lucky for us, debut his new three-piece band. Martinis Above Fourth notes you can purchase
tickets for the 5:30 p.m. show, with festive hors d’ oeuvres and a champagne toast. Or, enjoy the 9 p.m. dinner event, during which you can savor a three- course dinner, languish in Owen’s performance and then top off the evening with a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight.
For more information, or to purchase tickets to Ring In The New YearWith Rayvon Owenat Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage, call 619.400.4500 or go
toma4sd.com.
DECEMBER 2016 | RAGE monthly 55
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