by RAF KATIGBAK

Ever since Manny Lehman moved to L.A., he's been eating better, exercising more and enjoying life. Having grown up poor in the Bronx, Lehman learned to live life to the fullest, and, as a DJ, he's learned from the best. Larry Levan, Shepp Pettibone and Junior Vasquez were all regular customers at New York's seminal dance music outlet, Vinylmania, where he worked throughout the '80s. From his start hawking wax, to his Billboard-storming remixes of dance divas Madonna and Janet Jackson, to his current position as one of the most in-demand circuit party DJs in the world, Lehman knows what it takes to have a good time. No stranger to Montreal - he's cited his 1999 Black and Blue Recovery Party set as a highlight of his career - Lehman returns to the city to lay his vocal, tribal and progressive grooves down at the BBCM's Twist party.

Mirror: You've been on the Queer as Folk tour for two years now - are you a big fan of gay TV?

Manny Lehman: Yeah! A couple of years ago, you couldn't imagine seeing a straight couple in bed on TV, then flipping a couple of channels and seeing two guys in bed. That's amazing to see.

M: What do you think of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy?

ML: Queer Eye's great, it's just kitschy fun. It kind of disarmed people. If you had prejudices or preconceived notions about gay people, Queer Eye knocked it down a couple notches. They do things to help straight relationships work better - you know, clean up the guy, make him hotter. It's a way for gay people to share their innate ability, because gay people are better at fashion, grooming, cooking, designing, and we're going to share it with you guys. It's a positive message.

M: If you could Queer Eye one DJ, who would it be and what would you do?

ML: Oh Lord, that's a difficult question! Oh my, this is dangerous… I'm gonna be diplomatic about it: I would Queer Eye [lesbian DJ] Lydia Prim. I'd do her hair, give her some highlights and put her in a skirt, just for the fuck of it, and make her stop smoking. Then take her to the gym with me and say, "C'mon girl, let's give you thunder thighs." And it would all be from love.

M: Speaking of going to the gym, I hear you're quite the kickboxer. Ever been knocked out?

ML: We do drills and spar but we don't spar hard. But, you know, if you don't block your head, your face'll get kicked. I've gotten where I couldn't walk because of a kick in my thigh - I'm leaving on the airplane the next night and I'm limping through the airport. It's very physically demanding stuff and, my usual Gemini self, I usually tend to overdo it, but that's okay.

M: Ever had to open up a can of whup-ass on someone?

ML: No, I've never had to use it, thank God. I hope I never do because I do know how to use it. Like, if somebody makes a stupid request, I'll be like (kung-fu sound) wha-pitsh! "Are you kidding me? Get out the booth!"

With DJ Gilles Jr. and the BBCM dancers at the Medley on Saturday, July 31, 10pm–8am, $40–$45 (www.ticketpro.ca)

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