BARtab August 2010 Edition

bartabsf.com ✶ August 2010 ✶ Vol.1

Get Out

4

ta

Town!

San Jos e Pr East Ba ide Santa C y ruz

#

Win a 2-night

Kimpton hotel stay !

Exit page 3

➠

ingredients ★ August 2010 ★

Depart Deco

Page 4 Oasis

Page 5 Over There

Page 6

You Know the Way

Page 8

Get a Room!

Summer Sale

Page 10 Cruz-y

Page 12 Far Out

Page 14 Russian In

Page

16

Burn Out

Page

17

Go Girls

Page

18

Hot Tix

Page

19

Register for free on BARtab and win two nights at any Kimpton Hotel.

Women’s Events

Page

20

On the Tab: August

Pages

22-28

BARchive: Drawn Out

Page

30

Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com ✶ Cover photo: Georg Lester. For model info, see “Far Out” page 14.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Winner will be randomly selected from BARtab registrants through August.

For info, visit

www.bartabsf.com

Editor: Jim Provenzano • Art Director: Kurt Thomas Production Manager: Tom Dvorak • General Manager: Michael Yamashita Advertising Sales: David McBrayer, Colleen Small, Scott Wazlowski Contributors: Matthew Bajko, Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Marques Daniels, Seth Hemmelgarn, Photography: Shar G., Rick Gerharter, Lydia Gonzales, Georg Lester, Scott McGillivray, Rich Stadtmiller, Steven Underhill BARtab is published by Benro Enterprises, Inc. Publisher: Thomas E. Horn Benro Enterprises, Inc. 395 Ninth Street • San Francisco CA 94103 • (415) 861-5019 Member of the National Gay Newspaper Guild National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

3

Matt Mikesell’s Bearracuda (left) and Go Bang have both left Deco Lounge.

DEPART DECOd Lounge seeks new digs •

by Matthew S. Bajko

eco Lounge, a gay bar just blocks from San Francisco City Hall, is looking to relocate after fire department officials notified its owners they could only safely allow 49 customers inside.

The problem was brought to the bar’s attention in July after fire officials received an anonymous complaint about the gay hangout at 510 Larkin Street. After a visit to the bar, the fire marshal deemed one of its emergency exits was not up to code.

The news led Deco Lounge management to cancel all of its popular parties held there, such as the twicemonthly Bearracuda and monthly Snapalicious events – and enlist a real estate agent to help it secure a larger space nearby.

“Deco is moving,” said bar manager Roger Klein.

“We are trying to find a new home, so we can get these parties back. We are actively looking for a space.”

Klein said the main problem was that the various events became too popular. And once Deco learned it would have to severely restrict access, it was no longer able to host the parties.

“Quite frankly, over time we exceeded our maximum capacity unintentionally. We broke the fire code,” said Klein. “All the parties started slow, so we never knew.”

Deco moved into its current two-level space five years ago, said Klein, who became the manager two months ago. It closed access to the second floor as it adheres to the limited capacity and searches to move.

“We don’t want to hurt anyone,” Klein said about the bar’s decision. “Rather, we want to air on the side of caution.”

Promoters of Deco’s parties have migrated to South of Market clubs to host their events. The Go Bang disco dance parties are now being held at Paradise Lounge on the corner of 11th and Folsom streets.

In announcing the new location, the party’s creator,

D

4

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Sergio Fedazs, wrote about Deco that, “We have had the great pleasure and good fortune to have grown and succeeded due to our valued relationship with them.”

Matt Mikesell, the creator of the Bearracuda parties, which over the last four years has drawn men to Deco, told fans of the event, “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that Bearracuda at Deco has ended.”

“What does this mean for the future of Bearracuda SF? Well, we are searching for a new home as I type this,” wrote Mikesell.

In an interview last month, Mikesell told BARtab that his parties had drawn up to 250 people. In a nod to the space limitations at Deco, he had already lined up hosting Bearracuda’s fourth anniversary party at the DNA Lounge (375 11th St.) on August 13 prior to having to permanently relocate. In September, he’ll be heading to the Cat Club at 1190 Folsom Street near 8th “We made the decision to leave; Deco didn’t kick us out. It was a very amicable departure. They have been very good to us the last four years,” said Mikesell, explaining that the parties are “a bear party, but guys of all shapes and sizes go there.”

With Bearracuda’s growing popularity, he said it probably would have had to relocate at some point.

“We probably needed a space bigger than their capacity is legally able to handle,” he said. “We don’t have a new home yet. We are shopping around for a new venue and trying out different locations,” said Mikesell.

“We want to see how we like them and how our guys like them.”

Until then, Mikesell said he is focused on planning inaugural Bearracuda events this November in Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand.

As he told his fans, “Rest assured, if we can find a space for Bearracuda in Sydney, we can find an ideal spot in our hometown as well.”✷

AtosSIbySf eOpho steven underhill

★

Summer splashes abounded at the July 11 Utopia Pool Party, held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport.

g

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

5

Rick Gerharter

One of the always hot gogo guys at Bench and Bar.

OVER THERE d

East Bay Expands Fun Options • by Seth Hemmelgarn

fter an absence of several years, Oakland Pride feel. It’s a big, wide-open space.” is set to return Sunday, September 5. The event Unfortunately, Oakland’s infamous for its crime rate, will take place at 19th and Franklin streets but Fixx didn’t seem concerned. from 12-6 p.m. for updates on events, go to www.oakFixx said she walks to work from her home nearby landpride.org. and she feels “totally” safe.

Anyone ready to celebrate doesn’t need to wait a month, however. East Bay cities like Oakland have THE HORSE, OF COURSE Also in Oakland is the White Horse Bar something to offer everyone, no matter what they’re into or where they’re from. One of the East Bay’s most (www.whitehorsebar.com). Chuck Davis, who owns well known bars is Bench and Bar, at 510 17th Street the White Horse, at 6551 Telegraph Avenue, said the bar gets a lot of out-of-town visitors. in Oakland (www.bench-and-bar.com).

“People like the place. It’s hisMiss Anita Fixx, whose real torical,” said Davis. “It’s the secname is Ian MacDuff, is the bar’s Straight, ond-oldest continually operating general manager and also hosts the gay bar in America, so I’m told.” gay, boys, Absolut Drag Madness show on Davis said the bar’s never been Mondays. girls, young, old, closed a day since it opened in “We have people that drive here black, white, 1933, when, “As far as I can tell, weekly from Sacramento and San there wasn’t a lot of publicity” Jose, and even further,” said Fixx.

Spanish, Asian; about being a gay bar, Davis said, That also applies to Club 21, which we’re definitely laughing. is at Bench and Bar’s previous lo“We have everybody,” he said. a melting pot. cation at 2111 Franklin Street.

“Gay and straight and lesbian and “Both bars are very diverse,” said -Anita Fixx transgender, and a lot of students Fixx. “Every night, there’s everyfrom Berkeley. There are a lot of thing; straight, gay, boys, girls, young, old, black, white, Spanish, Asian. We’re definitely college campuses in the Oakland area, and people who like to dance. It’s a very diverse crowd and lots of fun.” a melting pot.”

Davis said the area is “pretty safe, because we’re right The bar also features Latin Explosion on Fridays, and beginning August 13, that event will go after hours until on the Berkeley border.”

Debauchery, the monthly queer burlesque and strip 4 a.m.

Bench and Bar is broken up into different areas, in- show that raises funds for community organizations, cluding some space for anyone who feels like a VIP. will be at the White Horse on August 15.

On September 5, which is also Oakland Pride day, Fixx said Club 21 has “more of an urban warehouse

A

6

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

the bar will have a free party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. featuring DJ Whirl.

Whether you’re on a road trip, or seeking to satisfy some short-term wanderlust, Hayward might be worth the trip for the “world famous” Turf Club, at 22519 Main Street (www.wfturfclub.com).

According to the club’s website, it’s “known primarily as a country-western and leather-Levi bar,” but “one of its myriad charms lies in the diversity of its patrons. The Turf Club is frequented by students,

Steven Underhill

Friendly staff at The White Horse Inn

Miss Anita Fixx hosts Absolut Drag Madness at the Bench and Bar

business-types, locals and out-of-towners. Men and women feel equally comfortable here, and the crowd is always a pleasant cross-section of our community.”

The club’s features include a 4,400-squarefoot patio and a pond. Try fitting that in a Castro back yard.✷ For comprehensive listings and maps of all Northern California LGBT bars, go to www.bartabsf.com

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

7

YOU KNOW THE WAYd

Don Yount

San Jose Pride’s August Move • by Marques Daniels

Last year’s popular San Jose Pride

or the first time in the 35-year history of San Jose Pride, the event will move to August 21 and 22. With overwhelming support, this decision was made by the 13-member Gay Pride Celebration Committee San Jose Inc (GPCCSJ) Board, according to San Jose Pride Festival Director Gary Walker. Several factors went into this decision.

“In the last several years in festival events, sponsorship money has dried-up” said Walker, who has been the Festival Director for San Jose Pride since 1998.

Walker, along with Filco Events, used to produce the massive San Jose American festival during the 4th of July. “We have not done the America festival during the 4th of July in the last two years because of lack of sponsorship.”

Walker continued, “City services costs have risen.

The event producers are now responsible for all the costs.” The cost of producing San Jose Pride is near a quarter-of-a million dollars ($250,000.00) for the small two-day event that unites the LGBT community from all over the Bay Area in downtown San Jose’s Discovery Meadow in Guadalupe River Park.

“Over the last several years, the last several boards have always felt that when we have [San Jose Pride] in June, it is right after all the first big events of the season, such as Memorial Day weekend, and we’re always right before San Francisco Pride. Even though we have been invited for many years, we’ve never been able to participate in San Francisco Pride.” Traditionally, San Francisco Pride occurs the last Sunday of June.

Another major change this year is the removal of

F

8

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

the parade, which had occurred Sunday. Walker said, the parade “was the most expensive single item that we could cut and change this year to help us recoup from last year.”

There are four streams of revenue for San Jose Pride; sponsorships, concessions sales, gate sales and vendor income. Vendor income is the lowest of the four categories and gate sales are generated Sunday only by the $15 entrance fee. According to Walker, the entrance fee began roughly 10 years ago and started at $10 which was later gradually increased.“It has been $15.00 for a couple years. The board voted against raising the fee again this year but the future is unknown.”

“In the last couple years, we have seen a drop in sponsorship money, attendance and vendor participation and all of that is directly related to the economy,” Walker added.

The park opens at 11am each day. Saturday the park closes at 7pm. Sunday closing time is 8pm. Saturday is the Community Family Day that includes the 4th annual Woman’s Festival. Along with the Blair Hansen Band and Tamra Engle performing, Letters Make Words, and the Harmones are also slated. All musical content will be family friendly. In place of the parade, a special raffle will occur during the early hours of Saturday raffling off prizes donated by the numerous sponsors.

Walker said, “Saturday is a free day and the chance to buy advanced tickets for $10.00 for Sunday. For those who cannot afford the entrance fee, we encourage them to volunteer for a shift on Saturday. In

return for their service, they will gain a free entry to the event Sunday.” San Jose Pride depends on the service of over 300 volunteers. “We would love to have anyone volunteer.”

Walker remains hopeful yet cautious about the move to August. “We cannot predict what will happen with moving the events. Our turnout this year will decide whether San Jose Pride moves back to its June date next year.”

Over the two-day festival, attendance ranges between 10,000 to 15,000 people. The majority of the attendees partake in the Sunday activities which includes live entertainment by national acts. Last year, Kat DeLuna, Crystal Waters and Brandy graced the main stage at San Jose Pride. This year, a few other changes have been put in place besides the date of the event.

Acts currently booked to San Jose Pride this year include Tamra Engle of Oakland, the Blair Hansen Band of San Jose, The Cheeseballs from San Francisco, and San Jose natives Derek Jameson, Desi and Xavier Toscano. Jamison has developed a following in Southern California with his numerous performances at Xavier Toscano will popular clubs perform at San Jose Pride Here Lounge, The Abbey, and The Cat Club. Desi and Toscano are coming fresh from their performances at the hugely popular annual Gay Day at Great America in May. Though the focus this year will be local entertainers, Walker adds, “There are going to be a few surprises.” Raven, popular drag personality from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is slated to serve as MC alongside local drag queens Ms. Jean and Lucy Manhattan for the Sunday event. The main stage will also boast a couple national talents. Walker said, “We are in talks with individuals that are performing nationally or already have a name for themselves.”

Walked said with enthusiasm, “We decided to have San Jose Pride be homegrown this year. Logistically, the set-up of the park will be the same. We decided this year to focus on local, hence, Bay Area entertainment. In the last few years, there has been a huge outbreak of LGBT bands coming out the Bay Area that are getting national recognition.”✷

a

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

9

SUMMER SALE d Gay Nightspots Set to Change Hands •

by Matthew S. Bajko

he city’s gay nightlife is set to see some new Castro, has listed the 2,560 square foot dance club and faces as two dance clubs go up for sale this restaurant space with a selling price of $375,000. summer.

According to the property listing, the club’s revThe property with the biggest name cachet on the enues total $900,000. The mid-size nightclub has block is the EndUp. Back in January, the owners of three areas: a windowed bar on one side, a seating secthe club, located at 401 Sixth Street, listed the SoMa tion with dark walls and undulating leather benches party venue for $1.8 million. on the other side and an area with tables and chairs The sale is now in escrow, according to real estate near the DJ and stage. agent Lee Julien, who, despite being retired, still han“I think the Triple Crown will move along; it is dles the majority of gay bar sales in the city. If every- priced very well,” said Julien, adding that several pothing goes as planned, tential buyers have exthe transfer of the pressed interest in the liquor license should site. be completed by the Metzger took over fall. the space five years Julien declined to ago and first ran it as reveal who the new a supperclub. In 2009 owners would be, but he remodeled the inhe did say that the terior and put in a EndUp would connew sound system to tinue to court gay go after more of a nightlife denizens as it dance party scene. has since it opened in So far he is still 1973. waiting for the right “The buyers are gay. offer, and while he They have no intenhasn’t made selling it tion of changing the to another LGBT perconcept at all,” said son a priority, MetJulien, who handled zger said whoever the sale for the owners takes it over would be of the EndUp, which is foolish to ignore gay housed in an old hotel clientele. with an outdoor patio “They would be shaded by Interstate silly not to include 80.

LGBT people in some Ensuring the famed of their events or The festive Miss Triple Crown dance space would allow them to do their pageant, held earlier this year. stay in LGBT hands parties there. It is a was a key concern for natural fit, with it the owners. Sydney being so close to the Leung, one of the people who bought the EndUp in community center,” said Metzger, who hopes to find 2005, is also looking for a buyer. a buyer by August and have the sale closed by Labor “It has been a wonderful five years, and we are Day. “We are still looking for offers.” looking for the right owner to continue the tradition Another property available for purchase is The that is the Endup. If we can't find the right owner, I Eagle Tavern, located at 398 12th Street. The couple will continue to run the Endup,” said Leung. that has owned it the past 12 years, Joe Banks and Another dance space that courts the LGBT mar- John Gardiner, said they would like to see someone ket, Triple Crown at 1760 Market Street nearby the take over the large bar with outdoor patio space.

LGBT Community Center, is also up for sale. PropriThe two also own the Hole in the Wall bar down etor Larry Metzger, who also owns The Mix in the the street on Folsom. Like the EndUp owners, they Georg Lester

T

10

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

A crowded beer bust at the famous Eagle Tavern

want to find a suitable LGBT person to take over the Eagle, which is famed for its Sunday beer busts. So far they have not found the right buyer, and for now, they aren’t pushing any sale of the property.

“We are still trying to figure things out. We are trying to figure out what happens this summer and go from there,” said Gardiner, adding that since January they have had some interest in the place. “I don’t want it to become something else. They have to do something with it for our community.”

“There is a difference between bars and nightclubs

like the EndUp and Triple Crown,” said Julien. “Part of the problem is nightclubs are not just bars. It requires a different sort of operator.”

For anyone wanting to break into the gay nightlife scene, the properties may be the last established nightspots to be put up for sale any time soon, said Julien. Most of the gay bars in the Castro district have already changed hands in the last five years.

“All the operators I know are happy with their cash flow,” said Julien. “People call me all the time wanting to buy gay bars. I really don’t have any to sell right now.”✷

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

11

CRUZ-Yd Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk roller coaster and deep-fried Twinkies

anta Cruz isn’t small – it’s California that got big. The coastal nook to the south is like an alternate version of San Francisco that somehow managed to stay cozy while other towns grew into cities. Instead of skyscrapers, Great Highways, and hippies, they have campgrounds, a boardwalk, and even more hippies.

It’s also highly affordable (also known as “cheap”), so extended trips are tempting. Stunning sunsets, spunky UC students, and a smorgasbord of surfer-magnet beaches are just a short drive down Highway 1, or Highway 17, but watch out for traffic.

You could even go car-free by taking Caltrain to San Jose, then transferring to the Santa Cruz Metro 17 line.

It’s a bike-friendly town, so unless you’re toting a family or heading to one of the hilly state parks nearby, you won’t miss fossil fuels. Stop in at Santa Cruz Bike Tours to get the lay of the land, or Electric Sierra Cycles to pick out a sweet pair of wheels. And Family Cycling Center knows their audience: they boast a massive assortment of beach cruisers.

Make the beaches your first stop. And your second.

And third, fourth, and fifth. It’s easy to get hooked. You might start with Seabright, near the tourist-magnet Boardwalk, then stop for a drink at the Seabright Brewery.

From there, branch out to West Cliff Drive, a twomile beach stretch that’s perfect for walking, biking, dogs, and wheelchairs. You’ll wind up at Natural Bridges, a beach that doubles as a butterfly sanctuary.

Camping out? New Brighton Beach has tidy bathrooms and showers, but book well in advance. Pleasure Point is great for surfing, and you might catch a glimpse of a dolphin at New Brighton Beach or some nudity at Panther Beach.

There’s no more romantic sight than a Santa Cruz sunset, but you need to eat sometime. Prime date spots include Chocolate, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that specializes in, you guessed it, chocolate. Soif Wine Bar is friendly and well-stocked, and the dim

S

12

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Jim Provenzano

by Matt Baume

lighting of Cafe Limelight make it a perfect place to steal a kiss.

Head downtown for a folksy shopping trip. Antique fairs happen every second Sunday, and a Farmers’ Market pops up on Wednesdays. From March to September, shops all over town hold sidewalk sales on the last weekend of the month. And keep your eye out for special discounts every Tuesday, from $2 tacos at Acapulco Restaurant and Bar to a free mini-vibrator when you spend more than $25 at Pure Pleasure.

And for you literary types, hit the bookshops along Pacific Ave, from neighborhood fixture Logos Books and Records to the academic rigor of Literary Guillotine. Altantis Fantasy World and Comicopolis boast comics galore, and Bookshop Santa Cruz offers staff recommendations that are always spot-on — and one of the nicest public restrooms in town.

If you’re looking for nightlife, don’t bother asking for the nearest gay bar — there isn’t one. Instead, gays and straights mingle together in the same venues (how shocking). Ambitious drinkers will love 99 Bottles, where you’ll get a free T-shirt once you’ve ordered each of the bar’s 99 varieties of beer. Meet college kids on the dance floor at Blue Lagoon, and hunker down for some drunken Jenga or Scrabble at The Poet and the Patriot.

As you can see, it’s easy to assemble a jam-packed agenda for a Santa Cruz trip. And we didn’t even have time to mention the wacky midnight movies at the Delmar Theatre, serene picnicking at the botanical garden at University of California Santa Cruz, disc golf games at DeLavenga Park, and the kid-friendly tidepool touchtank at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History.

Or how about the annual Musical Saw Festival in nearby Felton? Okay, maybe that one has limited appeal. But the No Attitudes Beach Volleyball tournament and Polynesian Festival, also in August, are sure to be crowd pleasers.

In fact, for a town as “little” as Santa Cruz, there’s tons to see and do. It’s enough to make you feel like San Francisco’s the younger sibling after all.✷

FAR OUTd

Jim Provenzano

by Jim Provenzano

Jim Provenzano

•

Super dudes at the Superhero Street Fair; Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Lady Bear at Juanita More’s Pride Party at Mission Rock.

aycations don’t always require plane fare or a “It’s near Lake Merritt, a great, divey, gay-friendly,” long journey. They can be a mere bus, bike or said Calderwood. “It’s an unpretentious piano bar car ride away, as recent events show. It just takes where an eclectic mix of customers crowd around the a little bit of initiative to party off the familiar path. piano to guzzle beers and sing jazz standards and Those attending the highly successful June 27 show tunes.” fundraiser for Bay Positives organized by Juanita Calderwood also enjoyed a recent Billy Club reMore and held at Mission Rock enjoyed rustic views treat at Saratoga Springs, just north of Ukiah. “It’s of shipyards while enjoying sunshine, balcony views, very me,” he said. “Camping, swimming, hiking, good and a diverse crowd. Thousands of dollars were raised food, spending time with good people, and best of all, for the Bay Area youth services a talent show with all the works: group. lights, cameras, a stage manager, The second Superhero Street Fair, and some really amazing performheld July 10 on the eastern waterances.” front overlooking Islais Creek, made Calderwood’s next gig will be at for some unusual nightlife – some of SoCha Cafe on August 27. For upit refreshingly in daylight – with dates on his upcoming shows, visit: hundreds of fun folk dressed up in www.BrentCalderwood.com various creative comic costumes.

Ricky Maldonado, the popular Honorees at the awards ceremony barback at Chaps II in SoMa, also included the Sisters of Perpetual Ingogo dances at 440 in the Castro on dulgence, who added a welcome occasion, and is a member of Cheer queer flair, not that dancing straight Oxana Olsen, Ricky Maldonado SF. “One of my favorite places to and Brent Calderwood guys in tights isn’t a little bit gay. visit is Palm Springs,” he said.

Our three cover models, fab pho- Georg Lester “While there, I always make it a tog Georg Lester, and your trusty editor had a little point to hang out at the Tool Shed and The Barracks. adventure as well, when this month’s cover photo Another place I like to visit when I go back home (to shoot nearly became an arresting situation, thanks to Los Angeles) is the Eagle and The Faultline on Mela moody member of the SFPD. When we weren’t rose.” keeping an eye out for the paddy wagon, I asked our Oxana Olsen, the saucy statuesque drag queen who subjects about their favorite nearby “gaycations.” hosts Mall Madness at the Lower Haight’s UnderWhile Lester enjoys camping trips to Yosemite with ground SF on each month’s second Saturday, added a friends, writer and a singer-songwriter Brent Calder- note about one of her favorite Russian River bars. wood enjoys Stinson Beach and hiking in Muir “Rainbow Cattle Company has 32-ounce Long IsWoods. His preferred non-San Francisco bar is The land Iced Teas that come in a mason jar for $8. I get Alley on Grand Avenue in Oakland. mine without ice.”✷

G

14

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Having a ball at a recent Russian River Lazy Bear event.

LS Ludwig

RUSSIAN INd Courtesy Castro Bear events

here are basically three things to do at Russian River: explore the great outdoors, cruise for gays, and self-medicate, or do all three, in varying amounts.

Named for Russian trappers who established a colony in the 1800s, the Russian River’s prime destinations start in Guerneville, following the water through sleepy Monte Rio and Villa Grand, historical Duncans Mills, and finally meet the ocean in scenic Jenner.

Just like the Castro, it was in the 1970s that Russian River’s reAlex Mapa sort towns started attracting will be at the Triple R gays, and now a slew of resorts Aug. 20-22. and bars target LGBT guests.

Even the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence maintain a robust presence, hosting monthly bingo night fundraisers. August’s theme: “Have I got a Hose For You,” benefitting Monte Rio Fire Services. The always hilarious gay comic Alec Mapa performs at the Russian River Resort August 20-22.

The region’s biggest gay draw is Lazy Bear Weekend — or at least, it is most years, since Lazy Bear’s taking 2010 off. July’s Bear Market, produced by Matt Mikesell, provided a fun substitute. But never fear, CastroBear Presents is bringing River Splash to Guerneville August 27-29, with pool parties, DJed dancing, live shows, Sunday Furry Sunday and more

T

▼

a

Kick Back with Friends at the River • by Matt Baume

manly events at various venues. www.castrobear.com Another big August event is Sundance Russian River Party Weekend, August 13-15. With outdoor dance parties and T-dances held morning, noon and night, everywhere should be packed with a few hundred guys from the Bay Area and beyond. Single to full weekend passes range from $20-$100. Info’s at www.guspresents.com.

For more gay nightlife, head over to Rainbow Cattle Company for strong drinks, pinball, a sunny patio, and Long Island Iced Teas served in mason jars.

Nearby Stumptown Brewery is the Zeitgeist of the north, with a beer garden, wings and ribs, and a cookoff that sells out every year. Or for something jockier, drop in to McT’s Bullpen, a sports bar with a beer garden of its own.

Being so close to wine country means that you can organize your entire vacation around alcohol appreciation. Consider picking up tickets from Wine Road, an association for 150 wineries and 50 inns that offers discounts and tastings all over the Russian River area.

Your choice of wineries will be vast, but the Korbel Champagne Cellars are a sure crowd-pleaser with free tours, antique vaults, and drinks on the cheap.

In between sips, you’ll notice that you’re in one of the prettiest natural settings in the world. Rent a canoe, kayak or inner tube and float down the river; page 17

16

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

BURN OUTd •

by Jim Provenzano

urning Man Live: 13 years of Piss Clear, Black Rock City’s alternative newspaper, compresses the funniest, snarkiest, most comprehensive book version of the only printed matter worth saving that was created on the Playa almost daily during the annual Labor Day Week desert arts and freakfest (created on-site, emailed, printed in Vegas and air-dropped back).

Adrian Roberts, its editor/creator of the anthologized daily newspaper Piss Clear (who’s also the Bootie mash-up DJ deity, Smash-up Derby and Blue Period rock singer-composer), tells it like it is, and was, and should be, as do his many contributing writers and photographers.

From design do’s and don’ts (Utili-kilts? Yay! Feather boas? No!), to manifestos protesting the Borgification of a once-radical now popularized pagan funfest, Roberts and crew manage to inform, critique and document the simultaneous beauty and horror of the

B

event. Whether, as co l u m n i s t Malderor cites in his 2006’s “Things Change,” the “vegan dingbats,” “ecstacy-fueled raver dweebs” or “amphetaminecharged thrillseekers blowing stuff up” is either your worst nightmare or a perfect Playa date, it’s all in Piss Clear.

For 300-plus pages of vintage Playa fun, Burning Man Live, although published in 2008, is mandatory reading for former, present, or future Black Rock City residents. Even better, after enjoying it, you don’t have to hose it down.✷

g ▼

Russian In •

mantic getaway you could want, with ocean views and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Nearby River’s End, or stop by Lotus Kayak Rentals in Jenner to explore boasts tasty drinks and fresh local seafood. the estuary. State parks like Fort Ross and Goat Rock Further upriver in Guerneville, check out the hot offer historical tours, volunteers in period costumes, tubs and facials at the very modern Boon Hotel and and sandy beaches. Armstrong Redwoods Preserve Spa; or settle in for a hot stone massage at the more features tons of trails and picnic tables between thou- rustic Applewood Inn. Russian River Resort is in-desand-year old trees. mand amongst the gays, Over at Salt Point, mywith theme parties every cological excursions will weekend, copious cruisteach you which mushing, and karaoke in the rooms to pick and bar. Or rent a cabin at which to avoid. the Highlands resort, For the truly outwhich dates back to the doorsy, camping op1920s, although their tions abound. Bodega clothing-optional pool Dunes is comfy and is probably a more reclean, as is Schoolhouse cent innovation.

Canyon with its tidy Shop for antiques bathrooms and superand bric-a-brac near friendly family owners.

Duncans Mills. Folksy A robust security force Hunky bears at a recent Russian River event. merch abounds at Antiand RV amenities suit quarian, Thistledown, Casini Ranch to suburban families, while Hilton Park and Pig Alley. Satisfy your inner anglophile with fancy can accommodate large groups. Johnson’s Beach and teapots and leaves from Mr. Trombley’s Tea. Resort gets high marks for its comfort-food concesThere’s something for every taste up north, whether sion stand, canoes and kayaks, and September jazz you rough it in the woods, slide into a spa, or cruise a festival. pool party. There’s no better nearby place for reconnectOr perhaps you’d prefer a solid roof over your ing with old friends, or for making a few new ones.✷ head. Timber Cove Inn is just about the most roScott McGillivray

from page 16

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

17

Summer Sizzle on the Dance Floor • by Heather Cassell he girls are sizzling hot this summer, partying the balmy nights away from Santa Cruz and over the hill to San Jose and up the East Bay vein to Sacramento.

The ladies behind Movement Productions, BoiBlue Designs and Events, and FullCircle Event Productions plan to raise the Sapphic heat at San Jose Pride this month. with the city’s first all-girl Pride party: Fire and Ice. Miranda Dancisin, the head hostess of Afterglow and Fire and Ice, hopes that all-girl Pride party with its first class service, diverse music being spun by some of the Bay Area’s hottest dyke DJs and performances will put San Jose Pride on the map as a lesbian destination. For more information visit, www.movementinthebay.com.

Afterglow, San Jose’s monthly tea dance that filled valley queer girls’ need to get their girl on this past spring will follow the steaming night Sunday afternoon.

“San Jose is just a gay mecca right now for women’s nightlife and gay events,” said Dancisin, 26, a lesbian born and raised in the South Bay. “It’s nice to go to a place that’s for you. We really want to bring that San Francisco class to the South Bay and make a safe place for women.”

Word rapidly spread far and wide about Afterglow since its opening attracting women from as far away as Monterey and Oakland to dance the afternoon away and enjoy the $2 tacos cooked up by kain’bigan out on the patio, promoters and staff said.

“Our goal is to develop a space where everyone is welcome,” said Susie McCaffrey, co-promoter of Afterglow and owner of FullCircle Event Productions.

Girls will also be able to go wild in San Jose during Pride weekend at Octopussy, which recently re-opened at Motif in June after a brief hiatus with more than 500 queer women from Monterey to Oakland who danced the evening away. Like Afterglow, Octopussy offers a

T

18

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Wet Bar gals at Bench and Bar

Shar G.

GO GIRLSd

spread of Asian appetizers free to guests.

For the past two months, ladies in Sacramento have been heading to Club 21 for Club Sappho. The club attracts up to 150 queer women who dance the night away the second Saturday of the month in the Sierra foothills.

“Women have been responding well to the club,” said Darnell Stephenson, 49, who co-produces the club with the owner Terry Sidie and one of the first dyke bartenders to work at one of his clubs.

Club 21, the former area lesbian bar, is getting a facelift and welcoming queer women back after being abandoned for a while, said Sidie, who also owns other Sacramento queer night clubs Faces, Headhunters, and other queer bars and restaurants in the area.

“Women need a place and the women are doing economically so much better these days,” said Sidie, who opened Bojangle’s in 1976 one of the first Sacramento gay bars to welcome dykes, drag queens and other queers.

Sidie is serious about creating space for queer women. Within the past couple of months he has launched a Ladies’ Night with Rendezvous with Cool Beans the first Friday of the month and Club Sappho at Club 21 in the heart of Sacramento’s gayborhood.

“I want them to have everything the rest of us have,” said Sidie. “Sometimes women want to go to a club that’s all women.”

For the past four years, Sidie has hosted a queer brunch every Sunday at Headhunters from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. that attracts mostly queer women, he said. The gay men don’t come until near the last hour of the brunch. The brunch, which consists of the standard brunch fair, such as quiche, usually averages around $10 and free mimosas (limit is three) is followed by dancing to a host of guest DJs that start spinning the tunes at 5 until 9 p.m.✷

DJ Don Tix

HOT TIXd ince DJ Don Tix came into the club scene a few years ago, he’s held residencies at San Francisco clubs Club Dragon, BDP (BirthDayParty), as well as Steamworks in Berkeley. He has played at numerous Gus Presents and Industry events, and has traveled around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico for gigs.

San Francisco’s Club Universe and Mass were favorite haunts of his past. After befriending well known San Francisco DJ Phil B., his interest in mixing music grew. His high energy music and late night tribal sets have attracted a loyal following. Download some of his demo CDs, and keep posted about upcoming gigs, including Adonis, August 7 at Club NV (525 Howard St.) at www.djdontix.com ✷

S

GROOVES DJ DON TIX’S

TOP TEN T- DANCE MIX 1. Kylie – “All The Lovers” aWa & MMB Anthem Remix) 2. Kelly Rowland – “Commander” (Ralph i Rosorio Mix) 3. Alex Jordon – “Happiness” (Wide boys Club Mix) 4. Meck Feat. Dino – “Feels Like A Praye r” (Original Mix) 5. Kimberley Locke – “Strobelight” (Tony Moran & Warren Rigg Mix) 6. Scarlette Fever – “Cheatin’ Man” (7th Heaven Club Mix) 7. Robyn – “Dancing On My Own” (Buzz Junkies Mix) 8. Zelma Davis – “Free Love” (Barry Harris Club Mix) 9. 7th Heaven – “This Is Your Life” (7th Heaven Club Mix) 10.Taylor Bright – “Striped Socks” (Jamie J. Mixshow Edit)

★

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

19

•

by Heather Cassell

Lydia Gonzales

AUGUST WOMEN’S EVENTSd

A Delicious moment with the go-go dancers.

g Betty’s List Ladies’ Night @ Lime DJ Rockaway spins the latest club hits and dance classics from the 70s through the 90s while women dance, chow, and mingle in the Castro. Enjoy Lime’s signature American style tapas, especially during happy hour, 5 – 8pm with $5 cocktails and $1 - $3 appetizers. Weekly, each Thursday No cover. 6 – 10pm. 2247 Market Street. (415) 503-1375. www.bettyslist.com.

BoomSF! @ Orson DJ Stef spins the latest dance hits and flashes back to the 80s while ladies mingle and enjoy BoomSF drink menu with your favorite beers, Margaritas, Cosmos and BoomDrops for $5, oysters on the half shell for $1, and Orson’s special Prix Fixe dinner menu for BoomSF guests. Cohosted by Sweet and Curve Magazine guests enjoy a raffle for prizes such as tanks, sex toys, professional match making by Dr. Frankie ; weekly. No Cover. 711pm. 508 4th Street. RSVP for dinner.

(415) 777-1508. www.BoomSF.com.

Aug. 6 Ladies’ Night @ Club 21 Rock out to Rendezvous with Cool Beans, Sacramento’s hottest queer rock band, at Club 21. No cover. 7pm – 2am.

August 6. 1119 21st Street. (916) 4431537. sac.napkinnights.com/vd/club_21.

Aug. 7 Heartbreak @ Cat Club DJs. Rockabilly mash-up and booty bass in the back room with 80s electro, pop and Hip-Hop in the front room. $4 before 11pm and $5 after. 10pm - 2am.

20

1190 Folsom Street, San Francisco. www.myspace.com/heartbreak_sf.

Lollipop @ Mad House Bar & Lounge

Aug. 12 The Rainbow Room @ Mad House Bar & Lounge

DJs A.D. spin the latest dance hits for the seaside town’s LGBTQ community.

No Cover. 4pm – 2am. Weekly. 529 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz.

(831) 425-2900 or www.themad housebar.com.

DJ A.D. mash up of dance hits, Hip-Hop, and independent alternative get the LGBT crowd moving on the dance floor.

No Cover. Weekly, Thursdays.

4pm – 2am. 529 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz. (831) 425-2900. www.themadhousebar.com.

Aug. 8

Aug. 14

Fem Bar @ Supperclub

Cockblock @ The Rickshaw Stop

DJ Mike Biggz spins Top 40 dance hits with a sprinkling of 80s favorites keeping the femmes dancing in their stilettos under the flirty blue lighting. Trapeze artist Cameron McHenry performed above the crowd halfway through the evening before the DJ kicked up the music to more R&B and Rap. A healthy light box meal with fish tacos, Ceviche, hummus and more is available for $7.50. $8 before 6pm, $10 after 6pm. 5pm 10pm. August 8. 657 Harrison Street, San Francisco. www.myspace.com/fembar.

Wet Bar @ Bench & Bar DJs Olga T, Ms. Jackson, Salsa Maestra and La Coqui spin Hip-Hop, salsa, club anthems and more. $10. 5pm-10pm. 510 17th St. (510) 406-9216. www.wetbarbayarea.com.

Aug. 10 Grrlz @ Q Bar DJs Ms. Jackson & Andre spin dance hits through the decades that get the girls onto the dance floor. No Cover. Weekly.

9pm - 2am. 456 Castro Street, San Francisco. (415) 864-2877.www.qbarsf.com.

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

DJs Nuxx and dirtyKURTY get down spin an eclectic fusion of dance, electronic, Hip-Hop, rock, house and essential party favorites. $7. 10pm – 2am.

Also Aug. 28.155 Fell Street.

415-568-8811.www.cockblocksf.com.

Aug. 19 Bay Area Women’s Night @ Horatius DJ Gray spinning the hottest music until close while women enjoy cocktails and good food mixing and mingling. No Cover. 5:30 - 10pm. 350 Kansas Street, San Francisco. (415) 252-3500. www.bayareawomensnight.com.

Aug. 20 Flourish Party @ Paradise Lounge DJs Campbell and Andre spin the latest club favorites for the ladies. $7. 9pm2am. 1501 Folsom Street (11th), San Francisco. www.paradisesf.com

l

Aug. 5

Aug. 22

Delicious @ The Café

Afterglow @ Brix

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, DJ Chili D spices up Castro afternoons with Delicious. The DJ spins hot Latin hits, salsa, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Rap mixes that brings out the queer women of color into the heart of the gay mecca. Free tacos, tamales and Mexican food for guests, and two beers for the price of one. $8. 4pm10pm. Also Aug. 21. 2369 Market Street, San Francisco.

861-3846. creamsf@aol.com. www.creamsf.com.

DJs Olga T, Luna, Rapture, and surprise guest DJs spin Reggae, Hip Hop, Latin, Top

Lydia Gonzales

Aug. 21

Aug. 21

Aug. 27 Déjà Vu @ Lot 46

Women dine and wine at Orson’s Club Skirts.

Club Skirts @ Orson Attracting a mixture of young and older professional queer women, but mostly women over 40, a generous added touch are the waiters circling the bar with Orson’s signature hors d’oeuvres. The dinner menu is available until 10 p.m. Drinks, including some of the best cocktails in the city, continue to pour until last call. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. 508 4th Street, San Francisco. www.orsonsf.com

dance classixx and disco favorites. $3.

10:30pm - 2am. 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco. www.makeoutroom.com.

40, and club favorites. Get your happy hour drinks $3 wells and $2 beers from 5 -9 p.m. and Dance until 10pm. $10. 349 S. 1st Street, San Jose. (510) 4069216.www.movementinthebay.com.

Aug. 25 Stay Gold @ Make-Out Room DJs Pink Lightning and Rapid Fire rip up the night with Hip-Hop, new pop hits, 90s

Ladies looking to get their funk on in San Francisco should check out Déjà Vu. DJs Luna, Zita, and Pam the Funkstress bump the house with the latest Hip-Hop, funk, and rap hits in two rooms beneath the city’s streets. DJ Luna spins. Doors open at 9pm, but the party really gets started close to 11pm. Cover is $10 before 11pm, $12 after. 46 Geary St. www.boricuaproductions.net

Aug. 28 Mango @ El Rio DJ Olga T and others move with the groove with salsa, Latin, Hip-Hop, and world music of the original west coast tea dance now in its 13th year. Guests dance under the sun and enjoy free BBQ in El Rio’s backyard. $8 before 4pm, $10 after cover charge benefits the Dyke March in August. 3158 Mission Street, San Francisco. www.elriosf.com✷

DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL SEPTEMBER 18TH & 19TH • 8PM

Emmy-winning Chicago native, Kathy Griffin, a multi-faceted performer with a rapid fire wit, is originally best known for her four-year stint on the NBC sitcom "Suddenly Susan" as Vickie Groener, Brooke Shields' acerbic colleague and "Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List," debuted on Bravo to rave reviews.

Kathy has performed very successful stand-up specials for Bravo including the first in 2005 called "Kathy Griffin....Is Not Nicole Kidman" and the second in May of 2006 called "Strong Black Woman." Kathy's DVD stand-up special "Allegedly" is in stores.

Sign up for Bay Area Reporter’s weekly newsletter to win a pair of tickets to see KATHY GRIFFIN on Sept. 18 & 19 at Davies Music Hall, San Francisco!

email : mybayareareporter@gmail.com August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

21

e tab f eon th ~August~ ★

Marilu Henner @ The Rrazz Room Star of musicals and the TV show Taxi performs her new cabaret act. $40. 7pm. Also Aug. 7 & 8, 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.therrazzroom.com

Radar @ Trigger Bebe Sweetbriar hosts the weekly electropop night. 10pm2am. 2344 Market St. www.clubtrigger.com

Salsa Club @ Cafe Cocomo Same-sex dancing and lessons with a live band. 21+. 8:30pm12am. 650 Indiana St. www.QueerBallroom.com

Sat 7➠ Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon Fundraiser for the Burning Man Temple of Flux project, hot food, cheap shots, prizes, DJ Bearyoncé. $9. 3pm-7pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.temple2010.org www.lonestarsaloon.com

Frolic @ The Stud The B52s play the Uptown Theatre in Napa. See Mon. 9.

Thu 5➠

Monthly costume dance party for Furries and friends. Dress up and dance, you animal. $7 w/o $3 with costume. 9pm-2am.

399 9th St. at Harrison. www.neonbunny.com/frolic www.studsf.com

Le Perle Degli Squallor @ Hot Spot

Glam @ Medjool Betty’s List women’s night at the fab terraced restaurant and bar; with DJ Olga. 6pm-10pm. 2522 Mission St. www.bettyslist.com

Fri 6➠

Divey cruisy retro fun with cheap drinks; like a gay pulp fiction paperback come to life. DJ Bus Station John grooves ya. $5. 10pm-2am. 1414 Market St. at Van Ness Ave.

Sun 8➠ All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge

Bear Trap @ Club 21 East Bay bear night every first Friday, with $6 beer pitchers, DJ Out of Bounds, gogos, patio, plenty of parking. $10. 9pm2am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com Juanita Fajita

Ginger Snap hosts the wild and sexy night of newbies gettin’ nude. $100 cash prize! DJ Lambchop spins tunes. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Bijou @ Martuni’s Eclective cabaret shocase hosted by Trauma Flintstone presents Brendan Getzell, Megan Keely, Jeb Haven and Tweaka Turner. $5. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. 241-0205. www.dragatmartunis.com

Jock @ The Lookout Afternoon schmooze and booze, with door and donations benefiting gay sports teams. $2. 3pm-8pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. 431-0306. www.myspace.com/JockatLookout

Shake It Up @ Lone Star Saloon Chicken Strip @ The Cinch Juanita Fajita brings her frisky and unpredictable male strip contest to The Cinch every Friday night. Juanita’s Taco Truck starts at 8:30pm for your late night cravings. Strip contest starts at 10:30pm. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place ($25$75). The Cinch 1723 Polk St. at Clay.

Latin Explosion @ Bench and Bar, Oakland Renovated gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) shows off their hottests gogo studs. 9pm-2am.

510 17th St. (510) 444-2266. www.bench-and-bar.com

22

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Seismic Challenge AIDS Ride fundraiser hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, with a beer bust lottery prize drawing, hot food for sale. $9. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.tofighthiv.org

Mon 9➠ The B-52s @ Uptown Theatre, Napa The classic fun rock band performs at the cool theatre in wine country. $75-$85. 8pm. 1350 3rd St. Napa. (707) 259-0123. www.uptowntheatrenapa.com

Thu 12➠

Comedy Night @ El Rio Marga Gomez, Lisa Geduldig, Edwin Okong’o, Brian Malow, Janine Brito perform at the cool club. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. at Precita. (800) 838-3006. www.elriosf.com

Del Shores’ A Sordid Affair @ The Rrazz Room Comic writer presents his stand-up act, and special guests from his comedy TV show Sordid Lives. $35-$55. Thru Aug. 14, 9:30pm. Aug. 14, 4pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 4683399. www.therrazzroom.com

Shoshana Bean @ The Rrazz Room

Marga Gomez

Garrin Benfield @ Café DuNord

Broadway star of Wicked and Hairspray performs music from her new R&B album, Superhero. $35. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.therrazzroom.com

Local folk-rock singer opens for Chuck Regan. $10. 9pm. 2170 Market St. www.garrin.com www.cafednord.com

Tue 10➠

Garrin Benfield

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Denise Perrier @ The Rrazz Room Local vocalist performs classic songs sung by Bessie Smith and Dinah Washington. $30. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.therrazzroom.com

Retro tunes and retro cruisy crowd, each Thursday. DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Wed 11➠

Fri 13➠

Mary-Go-Round @ The Lookout

Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club

Cookie Dough, Suppositori Spelling and Pollo Del Mar host a weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

#

#

#

#

#

▼

l

page 24 #

#

#

3991-A 17TH STREET MARKET & CASTRO 415-864-9795

#

#

Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. All drinks being served up by the fabulous bartending duo of Tanya and Amy. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

#

# # #

#

#

#

#

#

#

SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER!

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

23

e tab f eon th from page 23 Cont.

★

Aida hostessing the fab contest and show. 7pm-10pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 392-4400. www.cityboxoffice.com

Sun 15➠ Big @ The Stud

Bearracuda @ DNA Lounge

Monthly dance party for big men and their friends (3rd Sundays). $5. 6pm-11am. 399 9th St. www.phattestevents.com www.studsf.com

Four-year anniversary of the popular men’s dance and cruise night that’s now a global phenomenon. DJs Boyshapedbox and Rotten Robbie, with Honeysoundsystem upstairs. $8-$10.

9pm-3am. 375 11th St. www.bearracuda.com www.dnalounge.com

Smash-Up Derby

Sat 14➠ Bootie @ DNA Lounge Adrian and Mysterious D work the hot mash-up night, tonight celebrating seven years! Special guest DJ Mark Vidler from the UK, plus Smash-Up Derby and Pepperspray’s Princess Kennedy play live. Upstairs DJs MC2 and Boyshapedbox; cupcakes, milkshakes, T-shirts. Yum. $6-$12. 9pm-late. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. http://bootiemashup.com/sf/

Help is on the Way XVI @ Herbst Theatre Carol Channing, Melissa Manchester, James Darren, La Toya London, Karen Mason, Paula West, Kimberley Locke, Carol Carol Channing Cook, Bruce Vilanch and many more celebrities in film, TV and Broadway perform at the stellar 16th annual gala for the Richmond-Ermet AIDS Foundation. $75-$175 and up. Preshow silent auction 5pm-7:30pm. Concert 7:30pm. (VIP preand post-show receptions start at $175.). 401 Van Ness Ave. 273-1620. www.reaf.org

Mon 16➠ Queer Ballroom @ Live Art Gallery Weekly beginners same-sex dance classes in salsa and other styles. Also swing classes on Wednesdays, Standard ballroom Thursdays, $10 each, $35 for series. 151 Potrero Ave. 3058242. www.QueerBallroom.com

Tue 17➠

Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland Oakland gay hiphop night finds a home at the popular Latino bar, in a new and completely renovated location. $8-$15.

21+. 510 17th St. (510) 444-2266. www.bench-and-bar.com

Frank D’ambrosio @ The Rrazz Room

Runway 22 @ Herbst Theatre 22nd annual Mr. and Miss GAPA Runway Pageant, with Tita

24

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Frank D’ambrosio

Handsome openly gay star of the SF production of Phantom of the Opera performs I’ll Be Seein’ Youz, a a lighthearted

music show with a World War II theme. $30-$40. Thru Aug. 22. 7pm.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.therrazzroom.com

Wed 18➠ Booty Call @ Q Bar Juanita More! and her More Boys entertain and debauche with hot gogo studs, too. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.juanitamore.com

Fri 20➠ Backpack @ Powerhouse Mark Paladini’s monthly fun fundraiser contest for best buns. $100 cash prize to the winner. $5. 9pm2am. 1346 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Drag King Contest @ DNA Lounge

DragStrip Productions, wants you to fall to your immoral, depraved, degradacious, and deviant knees and seek salvation at the 15th annual Pop singer takes a different turn as “Sinners and Salvation-Themed” Drag she performs music from her new CD, King Contest. Her Eminence, Jane Memphis Blues. $75.-$85. 1350 3rd Wiedlin, guitarist of The Go-Gos and St. Napa. (707) 259-0123. www.upordained minister, who also performs towntheatrenapa.com wedding, commitment and vow reafDrag King Contest at DNA Lounge firmation ceremonies, will officiate.

Sister Roma hosts. Shows by 2009 Thu 19 winner Delicio Del Toro, cabaret chanteuse extraordinaire The Divas Karaoke Indra, BurlyQ Beauties Diamond Daggers, the raucous rock band Pepperspray, and more. Dress code: drag, baby! Sexy, reContest @ Q Bar ligious, faux, butch, femme. Proceeds benefit PAWS. $20-$35.

Second annual singing contest for queens and others, with 9pm. 385 8th St. www.dnalounge.com hostess Bebe Sweetbriar, celebrity judges and performances.

Proceeds benefit Stop AIDS Project. Register to compete at 575-0750. tdyer@stopaids.org $5. 6:30pm-9:30pm. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Cyndi Lauper @ Uptown Theatre, Napa

l

▼

➠

page 26

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

25

e tab f eon th from page 25 Cont.

★

Testarossa @ Trigger

The Grownup Noise @ Kimo’s Cool Boston indie band with a nice folk-pop sound stops by on their national tour, with locals Bilsses B and Sacto’s Be Brave Bold Robot. 9pm. 1451 Polk St. www.thegrownupnoise.com

Weekly party with 80s videos and music; VJ Mark Andrus, with Don Lynch. 9pm-ish. 16th St. at Noe & Market. www.clubTrigger.com

Tue 24➠ The Castro’s Got Talent @ Midnight Sun

Sat 21➠ Cockfight @ Underground SF Culture Whores’ big slutty dance party in a little club, with Pansy the Drunken Panda, DJs Matt Hite and Earworm.

Monthly, third Saturdays. $7. 9pm-2am. 424 Haight St. www.cockfightsf.com

Fauxgirls @ Kimo’s Ninth anniversary of the classic drag show, with Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Davida Ashton, Pinky Bubbles, Tiger Lily, Maria Garza, Shelly Wilde and “boy toy” Bobby Ashton.

No cover. 10pm. 1351 Polk St. at Pine. 885-4535. www.fauxgirls.com

Pepperspray, Whoa Nellies @ El Rio Debaucherous daytime queer band mini-palooza, plus The Bobbleheads, members of the Mighty Slim Pickens and Fleigh perform at band member Peter Pepperspray Fogel’s 50th birthday party.

4pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. at Precita. www.peppersprayband.com www.elriosf.com

Rufus Wainwright @ Fox Theatre, Oakland The popular gay singer performs his unique music. $46. 8pm.

1807 Telegraph Ave. (510) 3022277. www.thefoxoakland.com Rufus Wainwright

Mon 23➠

Open mic night with host Dee Spencer. Weekly at 9pm. 4067 18th St. at Castro 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Katya Smirnoff Skyye @ The Rrazz Room Exiled Russian noble (actually a fab drag queen) performs saucy cabaret songs about her former lavish lifestyle. $25.

8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.therrazzroom.com

Wed 25➠ Mary-Go-Round @ The Lookout Cookie Dough, Suppositori Spelling and Pollo Del Mar host a weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Thu 26➠ Oleta Adams @ The Rrazz Room Acclaimed soul and R&B singer performs at the intimate nightclub. $49.50. 8pm. Also Aug 27. Aug. 28 at 7pm, 9:30pm.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 468-3399. www.therrazzroom.com

Shirts Off @ Hole in the Wall Get $1 off all drinks all night if you doff your top; at the funky bar with wild decor, moved from its original location, but still great for a gay time. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

Fri 27➠ Brent Calderwood, Drew Boles @ SoCha Café

Wet & Wild @ Club Eight

youTube sensations Jessica and Hunter perform at the wild night with dripping wet gogo guys, electro pop bumping, dragsters vamping and progressive mixes banging. Hostess Lady TaTas, DJ Techminds and Kipp Glass. $5. 9pm-3am. 1151 Folsom St. at 8th. www.eightsf.com

Sun 22➠ Honey Sundays @ Paradise Lounge Fab dance night for the SoMa folk, produced by the Honey Sound System’s eclective electro collective. 8pm-2am. 1501 Folsom St. at 11th. www.honeysoundsystem.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

Club Dragon @ Club Eight Weekly Asian gay dance club. 1151 Folsom St. at 7th. 4311151. www.clubdragonsf.com

Mama’s Family Breast Cancer Emergency Fund Gala @ City Forest Lodge Enjoy entertainment, complimentary cocktails, tasty edibles, a fab silent auction at this annual fundraiser for the Breast

▼

GLBT country-western dancing night celebrates its 12th year. $5. Free clothes check. 5pm-10:30pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. at Industrial. www.sundancesaloon.org

Drew Boles

Queer singer-songwriters perform acoustic and electronic guitar- and piano-based pop and folk music at the hip Mission venue, which serves coffee, beer, and wine. Free. 8:30pm-11pm.

3235 Mission St. at Valencia. www.drewboles.com www.brentcalderwood.com

page 28 26

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

August • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB

27

e tab f eon th from page 26 Cont.

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

★

Cancer Emergency Fund of San Francisco. $22 and up. 7pm11pm. 254 Laguna Honda Blvd. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/113713

Trannyshack Bjork Tribute @ DNA Lounge One of the most popular Trannyshack shows returns, with Heklina, Cousin Wonderlette, Trixxie Carr, Miss Rahni, Elijah Minnelli, Jupiter, Fruitbomb, Faux Pas, Raya Light, Ambrosia Salad, Exhibit Q, and more. Enter the Bjork Look-alike contest.

This will sell out. Get tix in advance and get there early! $12.

10pm-3am. 375 11th St. www.trannyshack.com

Sat 28➠ Big Top @ Club Eight Queens and clowns and freaks and hunks. That’s only the opening act at Joshua J. Cook’s monthly glamfest that’ll put a dent in your tent. Special drag house wars night, with House of Salad vs. House of Glitterati.

Upstairs make-out lounge Big Top with clothes check. DJs Jason Kendig and Jinks. 3 Bars, 2 Floors, 2 for 1 drinks 9pm-10pm. No cover before 10:30 in drag or club kid attire. $5-$15. 9pm-3am. 1151 Folsom St. www.eightsf.com

Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Leche @ Trigger Club Papi presents a sexy Castro T-dance, Latin style, with gogo boys and drag shows hosted by Sasha DJ Child, giant 24 oz. margaritas, buckets of Dos Equis, tequila shot specials.

4pm–10pm. 2344 Market St. 551-CLUB. www.clubtrigger.com

Mon 30 ➠ SF Giants Night Out @ AT&T Park 8th annual LGBT night at the baseball stadium, as the Giants play the Colorado Rockies; enjoy drink specials, a special edition T-shirt, welcome returning Gay Games athletes at a pregame party. Proceeds benefit Team San Francisco and the Federation of Gay Games. $20-$25. 5pm. www.sfgiants.com/specialevents

Tue 31➠ Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. Tonight, Candy Churilla, Dave Thomason and Katie Compa. One-drink minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th.

431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Ladies Night @ Q Bar Women’s night, with DJ Ms. Jackson, half-off drinks. 9pm2am. 456 Castro st. www.qbarsf.com

The Chemical Brothers @ Fox Theatre, Oakland Techno music maestros perform live. $42. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave. (510) 302-2277. www.thefoxoakland.com

Looking ahead:

g

Go Bang! @ Paradise Lounge

Go Bang!

Atomic dance floor disco action with guest DJs Cole Medina, Brent Crampton, Tres Lingerie, Steve Fabus and Sergio. $5. Free before 10pm. 9pm-3am. 1501 Folsom st. at 11th. www.soundcloud.com /go-bang

Hayes Valley Follies @ Marlena’s Weekly old-school drag show, hosted by Miss Galilea. 10pm.

No cover. 488 Hayes St. 864-6672. www.marlenasbarsf.com

Mango @ El Rio The wild fun “dance, eat, drink and enjoy” party for women.

Mango happens the 4th Saturday of every month from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 3158 Mission Street. www.elriosf.com

Sun 29➠ Afternoon Delight @ Deco Lounge

New weekly Sunday T-dance with DJ Pirate spinning 70s, 80s and new stuff. 21+. 4pm-8pm. 510 Larkin St. www.decosf.com

28

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

Mercedez Munroe

Fri Sept 3➠

Miss Gay Northern California @ Suite 181 Mercedez Munroe, Cassandra Cass, Holotta Tymes and a lot more drag queens, including RuPaul’s Drag Race star Shangela, perform at the contest for queen of NorCal. $10$25. 7pm-2am. 181 Eddy St.

Sun Sept 5➠ Oakland Pride LGBT Pride celebrations. Info: www.oaklandpride.org Send your September event info

by August 20 to: bartabsf@ebar.com

ARchivef eB o by jim provenzan ★

DRAWN OUTd he headline on the cover of the October 4, 1972 Bay Area Reporter proclaimed, MARCUS WINS! That victory was the crowning of the late Marcus Hernandez as the first gay Emperor in San Francisco. It was the beginning of the Imperial Court era, and the beginning of so many other celebratory events at the time.

Across the page from Marcus’ column, then titled “Southern Scandals,” all about the growing South of Market bar scene, is the above naughty ad for the long gone Castro district bar, The Bachelor’s Club.

There’s a certain sweet charm to these retro advertisements. That they used (probably without

T

30

BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2010

permission) a nude cartoon illustration by famed artist Etienne (Dom Orejudos) mirrors contemporary fictive ads in other gay publications, each portraying heavily Photoshopped photos of porn actors who won’t even be at the events. Sure, advertising is sometimes an illusion. But something about this innocuous ad’s clearly unreal nature seems, in a way, more truthful.

The “Groovy Bartenders” claim should be enough of a lure, but it’s the Spaghetti Feed that probably pleased a different target market.

By the way, the former location of the Bachelor’s Club now houses Regalito Rosticeria, an excellent Mexican restaurant.✷