Sparkle & Circulate with Justin Sayre Justin Sayre

Julian Fleisher - the sophisticated vocalist, composer, bandleader, producer, actor and author - discusses his albums “Rather Big” and “Finally,” his book "The Drag Queens of New York: An Illustrated Field Guide"... and why he needs a boyfriend. Plus, he spills secrets about his musical collaborations with Kiki & Herb and Ana Gasteyer. And Justin sends us his best for the new year, if slightly belatedly.

Lady Rizo, the Grammy winning chanteuse, vocalist and songwriter, discusses her second album "Indigo" - recorded at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis - and her annual Nina Simone tribute. She comes to the IOS studio to talk about growing up in a theatrical hippy family in Oregon and how motherhood has affected her as a performer. Plus, Justin takes on the holiday season and muses about the passing of 2017.

Kenny Mellman - one of the minds behind Kiki & Herb and Our Hit Parade - shares tales of recording and touring with his band The Julie Ruin, opposite punk icon Kathleen Hanna. Their latest album is "Hit Reset." Kenny describes how he and Justin Vivian Bond met and developed characters for their famous duo, plus discusses his upcoming solo record and Taylor Swift project. Also, Justin shares personal stories of how Kenny's various projects influenced his own life and work.

Jake Shears - the lead singer and songwriter for the fabulous neo-glam rock band Scissor Sisters - discusses the origins of the group, how their signature sound developed, and the amazing backstory behind their surprise hit “Let’s Have a Kiki.” He also tells the I.O.S. about his friendship and collaboration with Elton John, his upcoming stage musical of the Tales of the City novels and his secret crush on a band member.

Dick Leitsch is a dedicated activist for the gay community who served as the president of the New York chapter of the Mattachine Society and headed the legendary "Sip In" at the historic bar Julius over 50 years ago. He was also the first gay journalist to report on the original Stonewall riots. At age 82, he is a regular at the monthly Mattachine Party at Julius and now he joins the IOS membership to tell tales about his adventures. Plus, our host Justin Sayre presents his annual reflections on Gay Pride.

Amber Martin joins Justin to discuss her debut album "A.M. Gold" - which features collaborations with transgender pioneer Kate Bornstein and Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters - her love of vintage K-Tel records, and Mattachine, the acclaimed New York queer party she hosts with John Cameron Mitchell. Plus, Justin introduces some new Gay Slang including the soon-to-be-legendary "Girl Wha?"