Matt Alber's L.A. - Plus New Video

Presented by Las Vegas
Name: Matt Alber
Age: 34

Profession: singer/songwriter

City: Los Angeles

Relationship Status: Single

Sexuality: Gay

What are some of the things you love most about your city/town?

The people who live and work here are among the most creative and passionate I've ever met. Of course there is the LA that everyone see's on "Extra"- but underneath the glitz you see this city for what it is - a town full of artisans.

"End of the World" Video Premiere 

What are some of your least favorite things about it?

It's tough to find a good meal after 10pm in this town, which is a bummer for night owls. And we could use some city streets without potholes.

What gym do you like most? Why?

It's called Oil Can Harry's and it's a country and western bar in the valley. They have two-stepping and line dancing 3 nights a week --  best cardio in town (and the cowboys are friendly.) 

What are some great restaurants for a night out with gay friends there?

My favorite place to go with a group used to be El Coyote on Beverly-- they had a gay night on Thursdays. But they donated a lot of money to the "Yes On 8" campaign, which was shocking and hard to believe for most of us.  Now I get my enchiladas at Casita del Campo across from Paramount.  The owner is a feisty lady who has served everyone from Dolly Parton to the pope. 

What are some great restaurants for a romantic gay date? What about these restaurants appeals to you?

My favorite joint in town is The Kitchen. It's excellent affordable comfort food on the east side and it shares a wall with a great Turkish themed gay bar called Akbar.  It's all about the pan-seared chicken and tomato soup. Ok, now I’m hungry.

What are your favorite gay bars and/or dance clubs? What do you like about them?

The Eagle is my old standby. Everyone is welcome, and they have wet underwear contests on Thursdays, which can be tragically entertaining when with friends.  I just discovered York On York in Highland Park, though. A little piece of Manhattan tucked away in the least likely neighborhood. 

What are your favorite gay parties or events,if any? What is the crowd or scene like at those places?

Lisa and Angela throw a mean dinner party in Venice.  Better save room for dessert and bone up on your obscure television personalities-- they are Charades guru's. (I reccomend the organic hemp beer.)  

Where is the best public place for a gay person to make out?

The typical spot is at the observatory overlooking the city's impossible long streets and glittering buzz.  But the BEST place is sitting on top of the D of the Hollywood sign.  It's exilerating.

What is the gay community like in your city? Do you consider yourself to be part of any particular "scene"?

There is any kind of scene you want. I guess Im part of the movie-buff scene.  When you're sitting in   The Vista theater by yourself on a Tuesday night and losing yourself in Jake Gyllenhaal's eyes, there's nothing wrong in the world.

Are you involved with any LGBT community organizations there? Which ones? What do you like about those groups?

I just joined up with the LA Gay and Lesbian Center actually. They wanted to start a chorus for senior citizens and fate handed me the position of artistic director.  We call ourselves The Forever Young Chorus. We're a passionate bunch who sing everything from Prince to Death Cab.  Look for us on the mainstage at LA Gay Pride this year.

Does your town have a LGBT pride celebration? Do you usually attend? What are the highlights for you? What do you like least about it?

LA's Pride has been hit and miss for me. In San Franciso it's free to join in the festivities, but here they charge a hefty $15 just for the chance to see the stage and buy your corndog.  However, performing with my seniors is gonna change Pride forever for me. You can't imagine the heart these folks have. 

Do you have a particular fashion style? Where do you shop for clothes?

Yikes. I'm boring. Soft American Apparel poly-blend T's and whatever jeans I have the belt in.  My brother, however can't help but be cool.  Plus he's about ready to take LA's indie band scene by storm with his band Wreck & Slender. Check em out.

Where do you go for other forms of entertainment -- live theater, concerts, movies, art exhibits? Are there any local gay performance groups, bands, or artists that you're a fan of?

The Celebration Theater in West Hollywood is a true community theater. Their monthly Salon's are really worth checking out.

If you had gay friends visiting from out of town for the first time, what are some "musts" that you'd recommend they see or do?

Coffe in Sunset Junction at Intelligentsia (and later, lunch at Alegria -- best tacos in town.) Play the Ms. Pacman/Galaga machine at The Rooster Fish in Venice, make out with one of the handsome bearded boys of Abbot Kinney, wake up to the sound of the ocean and squeaky bicycles. Fly in/out of Burbank Airport instead of LAX. 

What city (or cities) in America would you most like to visit next, and why? Are there any specific spots there (theaters, nightclubs, historic sites, etc.) that you'd really like to see?

I'd really like I go back to Utah and hike in the Mount Zion National Park again.  Maybe stop by the temple in Salt Lake and make out with a local on the front steps.  I'd also like to check out New Orleans- I was way too Christian the first time.

For more info on Matt Alber, visit his Web site.

(Images courtesy of Getty, Paul Noblin)