On Tuesday, November 24, the 10-week Gay Survivor Portland competition at CC Slaughters came to an end, with contestant Zac McCoy taking home the $1,000 cash prize, many regrettable dietary experiences, and bragging rights as the first winner of a highly successful undertaking. When the dust settled, and the last of the challenges completed, what remained were the seeds of a blossoming new kind of nightclub entertainment. The reality of such an effort was the product of many helpful hands.

Acting as masterminds behind the weekly challenges, props and set creations were Slaughters’ Director of Entertainment David Pettit, bartender Chris Van Epps, TJ Ingles, General Manager Andrew Spaulding, and owners Bruce Rice and John Houston. The production consisted of over 30 unique challenges for the contestants—including overcoming unappetizing hurdles such as seafood smoothies, and only slightly easier obstacles like Jenga battles.

Houston was in charge of building the majority of the professional-looking sets and props once designs were finalized by the Slaughters production team.

“It took many hands and minds to create 30-plus challenges, twists and effects into the short 10-week run,” explained Pettit. “Ninety percent of the time, challenges were being altered, modified or changed right up until showtime. There is definitely no rest in show biz!”

Planning for each show was mapped out the Wednesday following the previous night’s event, and the team endured tireless nights in preparation for the authentic weekly installments. Sets were built in-house to offset costs—an all the more remarkable feat considering that CC Slaughters didn’t charge a door cover. Pettit explained that the main costs of the program stemmed from challenge gifts and prizes.

“It was a huge priority for us to make this event work based on a no-cover night,” he said. “CC’s prides itself on being a large venue club while still offering no cover charge 363 days a year.”

Gay Survivor Portland 2009 didn’t generate a fortune for the venue, but Pettit and the rest of the Survivor crew believed that the bar’s clientele earned the entertainment.

“The outcome and the overwhelming responses we got on the level of detail we put into the show, including the grand finale and exploding confetti, was very rewarding,” said Pettit. “Sometimes, you have to spend a few dollars to give to your customers, something a little more than cardboard and stick-pin events. Our customers earned this 10-week run of entertainment. It was an honor to give them a little Tuesday night fun!”

The question remains, though: Will CC Slaughters bring the show back in 2010?

“I’ll make the call—You can see Gay Survivor Portland Season 2 again next year! September 21-November 23, 2010,” Pettit divulged. “We’ve learned a lot, so watch out for an even better and more crazy new season.”

The City of Portland is seeking qualified volunteer applicants to fill three vacancies on the Human Rights Commission (HRC)—a recently re-established arm of the City’s Office of Human Relations.

The HRC is comprised of 15 volunteer members, whose focus is to represent a broad spectrum of Portland’s advocacy, leadership and community involvement efforts. The commission works to eliminate discrimination and bigotry, strengthen intergroup relationships and foster greater understanding, inclusion and justice for those who call Portland home.

Volunteer applicants must live, work, worship or be enrolled in school within the City of Portland. The deadline for current recruitment is 4 p.m. Monday, December 21.

For further information on the Human Rights Commission, visit www.portlandonline.com/humanrelations.

That’s What She Said—a lesbian musical parody and comedy duo from Los Angeles—are set to bring their hijinks to Q Center at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 12. While great news for patrons of the silly arts, this special appearance is made even more special due to TWSS’ Amy Turner and Kathryn Lounsbery donating all of the proceeds from the event to Portland’s Jeff Bader, who’s battling ALS (or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

Proceeds from the benefit show will go to Bader and his partner Bill Donnelly to provide in-home care as Bader moves forward in life with ALS. There is a suggested minimum donation of $20 at the door. There will be no reservations, but plenty of seating available.

The duo was recently named “Best Comedy Show to Make You Pee Your Pants” by Jane and Jane magazine. Their YouTube video sensation “U-Haul: The Music Video,” which debuted at San Francisco’s Frameline Festival, has earned the act nationwide exposure, affording them the opportunity to tour the country and Mexico.

Taking musical cues from jazz, rap, folk, disco, light opera, and power ballads, Turner and Lounsbery mesh the art of pop culture ruse (check out the video for “GayHerAid” on YouTube) with the compositional chops of a questioning Clara Schumann.

Get there early, as by all accounts this should be a full house.

Full-contact football is typically regarded as a man’s game—but not if the Portland Shockwave has anything to say about it.

Portland’s premier women’s full-contact football team will host two upcoming tryout/player camps for those interested in becoming part of the 2010 team. These newly formatted player camps will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. December 5 and 12 at Fern Hill Park (NE 42nd and Killingsworth Ave.).

The team began in 2001 with 17 players. Now it fields an average of 35 players, and the sport continues to grow.

In the past, tryouts for the Shockwave were conducted primarily of running drills. This year’s reformatting is designed to foster talent before a Shockwave hopeful makes the team. The football camp-style session will take place following the tryout portion.

“This not only gives the players a chance to dig right in and start learning and feeling their way around, but it gives our coaches a jump on maybe where people can fit into positions and skill sets,” explained Portland Shockwave co-owner Rebecca Brisson. “We received great feedback after our first tryout [November 21]. It also gives rookies a chance to really run around, play catch and have some fun getting to know the rest of the team.”

The Shockwave are part of the Independent Women’s Football League, which includes women’s full-contact football teams from across the country. Last year, the team posted a 4-4 record in the IWFL, and for the third consecutive season had the honor of participating in a scrimmage game with the Seattle Majestics prior to a pre-season NFL matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos at Seattle’s Qwest Field.

Brisson added that coaches are looking for more than brawn. “The number one thing we are looking for are women who love a challenge!” she exclaimed. “We can coach you up on the sport, but you have to have the desire to work and compete, have fun learning the sport, and making great friends.”

There is a one-time camp fee of $40, which grants entry into the two remaining camps. Camp/tryout formats will include an 800-meter dash, 40-yard dash, sit-ups, push-ups, ball-carrying drills, and more. Despite the tedious tryout regimen, experience is not required to make the team.

The Shockwave will hold a benefit during the Hot Flash Dance Party at Barracuda (9 NW Second Ave.) on December 19, 6-10 p.m. Admission is $8, and the Shockwave will have raffle prizes and games to raise funds for the team.