Most of the world was introduced to comedian Erin Foley back in 2000 when she appeared in the iconic Cameron Crowe film “Almost Famous.” My first introduction, however, came seven years later via a Queer Queens of Qomedy show in 2oo7 in which she shared the stage with Poppy Champlin and Jessica Kirson.

Since that time, I’ve become a huge fan of Foley’s intelligent brand of comedy, had the opportunity to film an interview with her and earned a healthy respect for her pool volleyball skills having witnessed her “take no prisoners,” ultra-competitive approach to guarding the net. Trust me, while you may want to be front and center at one of her shows, you do not want to be on the opposite side of a volleyball net when Foley’s in the pool.

(Most) kidding aside, Foley is an accomplished actress and comedian, having appeared on “Chelsea Lately,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” NBC’s “Go On” and debuting on “Conan” last fall.

A New York native now living in Los Angeles, Foley can be regularly seen at the Gotham Comedy Club, Caroline’s on Broadway, The Improv, The Laugh Factory and Stand Up New York. She’s currently touring to promote her new comedy CD “Lady with Pockets” available on iTunes and hosts a weekly podcast called “Sports Without Balls.” (Sadly, she’s a Yankees fan, though we find common ground in our mutual love of the New York football Giants.)

Fresh off an appearance at the Gay Games in Cleveland and in between her “Lady with Pockets” tour gigs, Foley found time to join our Fast 5 club.

1. What’s the last book you read?

A short story collection of Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

2. If you could host a dinner party and invite any five people — past or present — to attend who would be on that guest list?

Carol Burnett, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Derek Jeter, Martina Navratilova and Harriet Tubman.

3. Beach or mountains?

Beach

4. Which celebrity would render you totally star struck if you were to meet him/her?

If it was possible, Lucille Ball.

5. Do you have a hidden talent? Do tell!

I’m a really good dancer. Jazz hands and everything.

Be sure to check out Foley’s website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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BY CANDY PARKER

The first time I saw Poppy Champlin perform was about six years ago during a Queer Queens of Qomedy swing through the Washington, D.C., area. At this point, I couldn’t tell you one single joke from her set, but what I continue to vividly recall is that I left that show with the muscles in my face aching from smiling and laughing so much. Seriously. I’m not even kidding.

I also remember the ease with which Poppy took the stage for second, spontaneous mini-set, a move necessitated by one of the other “Queens'” flights being delayed. Champlin came back out to stall for time and kept the crowd cackling until fellow comic Jessica Kirson’s New York-based flight arrived. To this day, I can remember how impressed I was with Champlin’s composure — and her ability to essentially do a second show on demand without missing a beat.

Knowing what I do now — that Champlin is a veteran bi-coastal comic who trained at the renowned Chicago Second City Improv school, who’s appeared on Logo and Showtime and who has taken the stage countless times in Provincetown and on both the boys and girls cruise circuits — I suppose I shouldn’t have been so surprised by her “calm under fire” professionalism that evening at the Birchmere way back when.

Champlin continues to perform across the country and around the world, entertaining crowds and earning accolades for her no-two-are-alike comedy sets and her Queer Queens of Qomedy remain a hot ticket wherever they roam. With comics like Vickie Shaw, Carol Leifer, Julie Goldman, Michele Balan, Jessica Kirson, Karen Ripley, Mimi Gonzalez , Jennie McNulty, Fortune Feimster, Karen Williams, Dana Goldberg, Bridget McManus, Sandra Valls, Erin Foley, Dana Eagle, Roxanna Ward, Marga Gomez, Lisa Koch, Barb Neligan and Gina Yashere all having worn the Queen crown, Champlin’s Queer Queens of Qomedy is a lesbian laugh fest more than worth the ticket price.

Champlin is headed for P-town for the Memorial Day weekend, but we were able to grab her for a quick Fast 5 first.

1. If you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you want to be and what would you be doing there?

I would be in the Caribbean picking up shells on the beach, listening to the surf, going for a snorkel, burning my skin and soothing it with aloe later that night with a virgin pina colada.

2. What’s the last book you read?

The last book was “12 Years a Slave” and having just broken up with my girlfriend I can totally relate. I want to write my new book “3 Years a Hostage.”

3. Phone call or text?

Text, or email really. I’m good at the email.

4. What song can you not get enough of right now?

“Happy” by Pharrell, ’cause that makes me happy to say I’m happy and sing I’m happy. Pretty soon I am really happy.

5. Finish this sentence: “I think the key to being happy is…”

Loving yourself just the way you are.

Champlin will be performing at the Post Office Cabaret in Provincetown, Massachusetts, May 23-26. Be sure to visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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The post Top 10 social media posts from The Dinah first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Wednesday kicks off the 24th annual Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs, Calif., the largest queer female party and musical festival in the world. Known for its debauchery, infamous pool parties, world-class dance parties and musical talent, the Dinah Shore is the ultimate spring break for queer women, April 2-6.

The Dinah Shore isn’t just about scandalous parties. If you want to have a debauched weekend, if you want to network and promote your business, if you want to leave Palm Springs with new friendships, then it’s the place to be. To make the most of your trip, here’s a rundown on the week’s festivities.

Wednesday kicks off the complimentary Dinah Official Pre-party at the Hilton Hotel from 8pm to midnight. Thursday brings the Dinah Comedy Night at the Palm Springs Convention Center hosted by Suzanne Westenhoefer and featuring “Chelsea Lately’s” Fortune Feimster and “Last Comic Standing’s” Erin Foley and Gina Yashere. Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm. These opening events are a great opportunity to meet women that you can hangout with for the rest of the weekend.

The Dinah Opening Party kicks off the dancing Thursday night at 9pm at Zeldaz nightclub with the best DJs and a special performance by Palm Springs local, III G, performing her hit, “Wavy.”

On Wednesday and Thursday, all of the Dinah events don’t start until the evening, which is why you should take full advantage of the Palm Springs Dinah VIP program for Wednesday and Thursday Dinah guests. The city has provided a VIP card to Dinah guests offering discounts to Palm Springs sites and attractions. Enjoy the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the world’s largest rotating tramcar, The Indian Canyons, shopping and dining out.

Local restaurant Frida’s, co-owned by a gay and lesbian couple, hosts a kick off event with a DJ on Wednesday at 6pm. Their food is a fusion of Mexican, Spanish, French, Cuban, Caribbean and Central/South American dishes. Plus they serve the most delicious mixed drinks. All of the proceeds go to the local LGBT community center.

Friday, April 4, from 12pm to 6pm is AfterEllen’s Thank God It’s Dinah Friday Pool Party at the Hilton main pool area. They’ll be DJs, cocktails, dancing, a live Sirius XM radio broadcast with OUT Q’s most popular radio personalities and a live performance by disco diva Evelyn Champagne King.

Friday night at 8pm in the Hilton grand ballroom, you can watch the latest web series and short films with the casts and crew who created them, hosted by JD Disalvatore, award-winning producer of “A Marine Story” and “Elena Undone.” The Dinah’s second annual Dinah Film Festival is screening “Dyke Central,” “Girl Gets Girl,” “#Hashtag,” “Kiss Her I’m Famous,” “Nikki and Nora,” “Little Horribles” and “Secrets and Toys” followed by a question-and-answer session with the casts and crews.

Expect an electric performance from Iggy Azalea at The Dinah White Party, hosted by Curve, on Friday at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The celebrity-studded red carpet arrivals begin at 10pm.

“The L Word” fans won’t want to miss the largest lesbian pool party in the world on Saturday, April 5, from 10am to 6pm at the Hilton main pool. “The L Word” Pool Party, commemorating “The L Word’s” 10-year anniversary, boasts an outside beer garden, thousands of women, go-go dancers, incredible DJs, a performance by “The Real L Word’s” Hunter Valentine, exclusive “The L Word” giveaways plus a photo opportunity from 2:30pm to 5pm with Leisha Hailey, Kate Moennig and Laurel Holloman, aka Alice Pieszecki, Shane McCutcheon and Tina Kennard respectively.

If you want a more chill pool environment on Saturday and Sunday and you like old school music, then you’ll want to attend The Dinah Pool Party II at The Saguaro, from 10am to 4pm. If you’re big into dancing with wet, half-naked queer women in hot weather, then be sure to be at the Hilton’s main pool at 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday for the Battle of the DJs.

Twin heartthrobs Tegan and Sara are ready to make you swoon, dance and sing along on Saturday night. Their concert starts at 8:30pm. Doors open at 7:30pm at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Music sensation Eve is performing at The Black Party, the largest party of the weekend. Held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, doors open at 9 pm and the celebrity studded red carpet arrivals, with cameos from Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig, begin at 10 pm.

The celebrity poker tournament benefiting the Human Rights Campaign takes place during The Black Party at 10pm. You’ll need a ticket to The Black Party to get on the poker action. With a $50 dollar buy-in, you’ll be playing poker with a lot of your favorite queer women, from actress Nicole Pacent to filmmaker Rolla Selbak to “Real World Ex-plosion” star Ari Fitz. You’ll also be entered into a raffle to win a lot of amazing prizes, like a free weekend for two to The Dinah 2015, including 3 nights at one of the host hotels and two VIP tickets, a weekend for two to Shedonism, Las Vegas’ hottest women’s weekend, a gift basket from Curve and more.

Mary Lambert is singing “Same Love” at The Wet and Wild Pool Party on Sunday at the Hilton main pool at 5pm. From 10am to 6pm, you can get your dance, drink and swim on. They’ll be DJs, go-go dancers, plenty of beverages plus a special performance by Ifalade and Pink Dewberries at 1pm. Due to the popularity of “The L Word” reunion, there will be a second chance to see your favorite characters from 11:30am to 1pm at the Hilton pool.

The best way to end the weekend is at The Dinah Closing Party on Sunday night at Zeldaz nightclub. If you’ve been eying a special someone throughout the weekend, this is your last chance to make a move. It’s also your last chance to hang out with the women who you’ll leave Dinah Shore calling your friends. Get your dance on one last time, enjoy the people you’ve met this week and the incredible experiences you’ve shared. Additionally, you’ll enjoy a live performance by Thea Austin.

All photos courtesy of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend and Frida’s.

The post What to expect at The Dinah this weekend first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Comedian Erin Foley with a hilarious set on “The Arsenio Hall Show.” Foley gives us her take on the legalization of marijuana, “ladies with pockets” and more.

The post Erin Foley on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ first appeared on Lesbian.com.

From stand-up to the big screen, Erin Foley has been making us laugh for over a decade with her comedic, acting and writing skills. In October she’s bringing her Lower the Bar Tour to the Northwest with two shows in Seattle followed by two shows in Portland.

What made you get into comedy? Were you always funny?

I started out doing improv comedy in college which brought me to New York City. My shows were at 6:30 p.m. at New York Comedy Club, a small stand-up comedy club on the east side. After my show I would stay and watch stand up for hours. I had never seen or even heard of stand-up comedy before moving to New York City. I loved it instantly, quit improv and started writing jokes nonstop. Without sounding like a d-bag, yes I would say I’ve always been funny.

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The wildly hilarious Erin Foley shares her thoughts about outdated music players, Plan B, drunk people and dictionaries.

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Summer is still scorching much of the country, but Sweet is already looking ahead to September when the lesbian travel company will be bringing its unique brand of debauchery and do-goodery to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

“Hundreds of Sweeties will be taking over the Playacar Palace resort from September 21st – 28th,” explained Sweet Founder and CEO Shannon Wentworth. “We’ll be featuring an amazing group of comedic and musical performers, theme parties and, of course, our trendsetting  and very rewarding community service projects.”

For those looking for a relaxing late summer getaway, Sweet’s Playacar resort vacation may be the perfect combination of leisure and indulgence. Located on the spectacular Riviera Maya on the beach in the town of Playa del Carmen, the five-star Playacar Palace hotel is just steps away from Mexico’s legendary 5th Avenue shops. The resort features ocean-view rooms that overlook the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, a swim-up bar, Jacuzzi tubs in every room, 24-hour room service and a host of other amenities which are guaranteed to leave even the most finicky guest feeling pampered.

Beyond the daily Sweet-sponsored excursions, guests can tour the gateway to Mayan civilization, visiting the ruins at Tulum, Coba and the legendary Chichen Itza, or spend an afternoon frolicking with dolphins, windsurfing or getting sand in all sorts of unmentionable places while diving around on the beach volleyball court.

Sweet’s entertainment line-up for Playacar includes Jackie Monahan, a bi-coastal comedian and actress featured on Showtime’s “Pride Comedy Jam;” Rakefet Abergel, an accomplished actress and outspoken stand-up comedian; Cathy DeBuono, out and proud lesbian actress, LA Talk Radio host, therapist and empath; seasoned actress and comedian Erin Foley; singer/songwriters Hannah Thomas and Sarah Smith; television and film star Traci Dinwiddie, perhaps best known for her role as Peyton Lombard in “Elena Undone;” and comedians Jennie McNulty and Shann Carr, veteran Sweet performers and perennial traveler favorites.

“Sweet trips are such an incredible experience,” shared McNulty. “I know for some of the women it’s a chance for them to truly be themselves, perhaps for the only time all year. But that’s only part of what makes the atmosphere so special. We visit beautiful places, stay in gorgeous locations and experience all the debauchery that goes along with these types of trips, but with Sweet, there’s another level of consciousness that permeates the atmosphere, too. There’s the feeling that you’re part of something special – giving back, helping people.”

In addition to the endless sand, sun, shopping and sight-seeing available on the gorgeous Riviera Maya, Sweet will offer a variety of community service projects in which their guests are invited to participate. Projects may involve anything from spending an afternoon at an animal shelter bathing, walking and cuddling with the residents to organizing a library for local youth to raising funds for the local community via participation in a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament hosted by DeBuono.

“Playacar will be my third Sweet trip,” DeBuono offered, “And I’m looking forward to spending more than a few hours around the poker table getting to know some really wonderful women – and raising money for whatever good causes we can.”

DeBuono’s previous “shuffle up and deal” efforts raised thousands of dollars used to support women’s, children’s and animal support organizations in the communities fortunate enough to host the Sweet group.

Actress and animal rights enthusiast Natalie Garcia organizes Sweet’s four-legged focused projects. “For the September trip we’re planning to work with Coco’s cat rescue, take a daytrip to Cozumel where we’ll rent dune buggies, explore the island and visit the local animal shelter,” Garcia detailed. “I am so grateful to be able to travel with such inspiring women while saving animals and raising awareness about animal rights.”

Many agree that there is something special about the essence of the Sweet travelers, collectively known as Sweeties.

Recent first-time Sweetie Erin Lee described her vacation with Sweet in Puerto Vallarta as life-changing. “I experienced instant connections with an exceptional group of women,” said Lee who ventured out as a solo. “I felt it was a time where we could be our most true selves and left with new life-long friendships. And I loved the excursions and the entertainment. It was definitely more than a vacation.”

Another Sweet newbie and solo traveler, Heather Price, described her recent experience, “As a shy, somewhat introverted person, new people in a new environment can be a little intimidating, but that only lasted about an hour into my time with Sweet. There just aren’t words for the friendliness and kindness I was shown. I danced until my feet ached and laughed until tears were streaming down my face. “Solo” is a misnomer; you’re actualy traveling with friends you just hadn’t met yet.”

For more information on Sweet and fantastic last-minute Playacar resort deals, including low down payments and interest/fee-free payment plans, click here or call 877-793-3830. Be sure to ask about the $1,500/room resort credit!

She magazine is the longest running magazine for LGBT women in Florida.

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