And then there was Jay Brannan. I'd seen "Shortbus" (a movie that has deep resonance and a very real continuity with my real life), but I'd no idea that Brannan sang smart, lovely gay-themed folk songs in a butter-smooth angel tenor. I was BLOWN AWAY by the overall quality of his voice, and the precision of his guitar playing. He really is remarkable.  

I was NOT expecting, however, to encounter Brannan's cult - er, loyal fan base -  who was out in force to support their hero. While I knew Brannan as an actor, I was clearly ignorant of something, as Bottom of the Hill was transformed into a little church where throngs of sharply dressed (and oddly tall) gay men watched the singer in rapt attention and sang along in whispered falsettos. Most of these guys knew every word, ever guitar lick, every inflection. It felt like a candlelight vigil where everyone was a bit too hip to hold candles.