February 2011 "Valentine's" Edition of BARTAB

bartabsf.com

February 2011

Events Listings galore! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

True Romance!

Cupidity!

Valentine Events

“We Met in a Bar”

App-E 2CU

Phone Hook-ups Gone Wild!

ingredients ★ February 2011★

Appy 2CU Page 4 Cupidity: Valentine's Events Page 6 BFFs Photos by Steven Underhill

Page 8

Raising the bar Page 10 Cafe Cool Page 12 Over the Edge Page 14 On the Tab Pages 16-28 BARchive: My Funny Valentine Page 30

Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com

✶ On the Cover: Dancing at Tease • Photo: Lynda Gonzales

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Editor: Jim Provenzano • Art Director: Kurt Thomas Designer: Scott King • General Manager: Michael Yamashita Advertising Sales: David McBrayer, Colleen Small, Scott Wazlowski Contributors: Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Dr. Jack Fritscher, Michael McAllister, Ronn Vigh Photography: Rick Gerharter, Lydia Gonzales, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Jim Provenzano, 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: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 3

APP E 2 CUd C

Phone-happy patrons at Club Dragon’s recent Grindr party, held at Club Eight.

Phoners hook-up in and out of the clubs • by Matt Baume

hristian can’t tell you his boyfriend’s name, since he’s in the Navy. But he can tell you how they met: on Grindr.

It was a case of right place, right time. “He was here for two days,” Christian recalls. That chance conversation via iPhones turned into a long distance relationship.

“We were communicating a lot,” says Christian.

“He was deployed, and we were still communicating through Grindr and email.”

These days, there’s a whole new world of flirting and pickups out there.

When it comes to using your phone to geo-locate nearby gays, Grindr’s the most popular choice, but there’s also Manhunt, Growler, GayDar, Purpll, Recon, Scruff, Jack’d, BoyAhoy, and a host of other contenders.

The early days of this new decade may be remembered for the digitization of gaydar. What was once a gay man’s ineffable (and often-unreliable) sixth sense is now broadcast, literally, from a machine in your pocket.

But that’s not to say that technology has eliminated the challenges of cruising. Buggy apps, limited features, and fragmented online communities have replaced the bad breath, sketchy tea-rooms, and police raids of the past.

For example, the Gaydar app (based on the popular website of the same name) claims nine million users, but its registration glitches are like an over-eager bouncer that may stop you from even getting in.

Qrushr offers free magazine articles alongside profiles, which is a nice perk. But its crashy reputation 4 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

Matt Baume

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may be a deal-breaker.

And BoyAhoy connects with Facebook, which could be awesome or terrifying depending on how confident you are in your ability to manage privacy settings.

Of course, Grindr is the indisputable champion, if for no other reason than the sheer volume of active daily users.

Even in the armed forces, “it’s really widespread,” says Christian. It’s the modern-day equivalent of shore leave, without ever having to leave the ship.

But Grindr’s mainstream reputation has opened opportunities for smaller apps that serve niche communities.

There’s Scruff, which advertises itself as being primarily for bears but also caters to leathermen, punks, and even the occasional stubbled hipster.

One cute feature, borrowed from OkCupid, is a matchmaker that allows you to flag users you’d like to meet. If that user also flags you, the app automatically facilitates an introduction.

Recon narrows its focus to fetishes, with an offering of latex, leather, and leashes that you might call “bottomless,” except that there are plenty of those, too. As fetishes go, Recon users tend towards the familiar, so if you’re looking for something more extraordinary, you’ll just have to wait until someone invents a companion app for sites like Boytaur or Studs in Stone.

But as cheesy as it sounds, social apps are more than just a cruising tool; they’re also about friendship and community.

“It’s not just hookups,” said Grindr user Dave Le.

Walter Mitchell White

distractions ad infinitum.

“That’s definitely a part of it, One recent evening at Twin but it’s also just to kill time Peaks, we tried switching when you’ve got five or fifteen minutes.” from Grindr to Jack’d to BoyAhoy to Scruff, and it Christian agreed. “Everywas kind of like coming one’s looking for something to the Castro and then different, and it’s just sprinting from one bar to another way to meet somethe next all evening long. body beyond your normal The best strategy, most group of friends.” users agree, is to pick just They were speaking at one or two apps and juggle Club Dragon, a regular party only a few conversations at at Club 8 that’s sponsored by Patrons at Club Dragon’s a time. Increasingly, those Grindr. “I see a lot of people Grinder party sport initial interactions are taking using Grindr in the club,” temporary tattoos. the place of first dates. said organizer Ian Huang.

“You put your best foot forward on your first “They open the app to see who is around.” In fact, date,” said Le. “Meeting the person is now like the that’s how Ian met his current boyfriend.

Of course, there’s always a danger of relying too second or third date, when you see another aspect heavily on technology. If you’re staring at a screen, of them.”

Online relationships might once have been you might miss the hottie trying to wink at you thought of as “fake” socializing for shut-ins, but now across the bar.

And the more apps you install, the more divided they’re the new norm. For his part, Christian sees no your attention becomes. Once you start down shame in telling everyone how they met.

“Hey,” he says, “it’s better than a bathhouse.” ✸ the digital path, it’s easy to keep splitting your

w

x

February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 5

CUPIDITYd I Valentine’s events • by Jim Provenzano

f candy hearts, chocolates and bouquets of flowers aren’t your style, consider some unusual February events focusing on romance for singles, couples and, well, whatever combination shoots that arrow through your heart.

Sat. 5

DJs John LePage and Brian Maier spin tunes at the beartastic dance night with an upstairs Cuddle Party, with clean pillows and cushions for intimacy and fun (not sex, mm-kay?) $6-$8.

10pm-3am. 1151 Folsom St. at 8th. www.bearracuda.com

Matt models as a beary hot Cupid for the fifth annual Cupid’s Back benefit for the GLBT Historical Society.

See February 11.

Get Down @ Maya Free monthly party for women, queers and pals each first Saturdays, with DJs Olga T and Astro. Taco menu, cheap beer buckets, private room reservations. 9pm-2am. 303 2nd St at Harrison. www.mayasf.com

Tue. 8

Maria Volonte @ The Rrazz Room Get your romantic blood going as the Argentine singersongwriter performs the works of great Latin American composers. $28.50. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Wed. 9

Julio) and PG&E. Wear pink or red! $30-$35. 8pm-12am. www.glbthistory.org www.clubtrigger.com

Sat. 12

Lil Heartbreaker’s Ball @ Li Po Lounge It’s a Valentine’s Day disco blowout at an underground Chinatown locale, with DJs Le Ephant, Katie Belway, Dr. Sleep and Sergio Fedasz playing grooves for the happily single or the soon-to-be coupled. 916 Grant Ave. Free before 10pm. $5 after. 8pm-2am. 21+. 982-0072. www.GoBangSF.com

Dynamic Dating Profiles @ SF Public Library

Sun. 13

Blogger and single mom Carol Renee leads a workshop in writing compelling and confident oneline dating profiles. 6:157:45pm. Lower level. 100 Larkin St. at Grove. www.sfpl.org

Heart @ Million Fishes

Love on Wheels @ Public Works San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s annual fun games show (a la The Dating Game) with cyclist puns and prizes for gay, lesbian and straight contestants. Enjoy discounts on swag when you become a SFBC member. $5-$10. 21+. 7pm. Free valet bike parking. 161 Erie St. www. sfbike.org/?love Maria Volonte

Fri. 11

Cubcake @ The Lone Star DJ Medic spins tunes for the bear set each second Friday. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Cupid’s Back @ Trigger Fifth annual singles fundraiser for the GLBT Historical Society. Host Mark Rhoades welcomes up to 300 cute single guys; open bar (sponsors Ketel One and Don

6 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

Nick Aitken

Bearracuda @ Club Eight

Nothing impresses a potential lover more than showing you have heart. Enjoy donating to the Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Center at a benefit evening with food, drinks, prizes, raffles, art and music. $15-$50 and up. Prizes include a $200 tattoo coupon, so you can etch your lover’s name somewhere nice. 6pm-9pm. 2509 Bryant St. www.lyon-martin.org

Word Up Wine Tasting @ Fort Mason Center Local winemakers from San Francisco bring their delicious wines for a benefit tasting night. Proceeds benefit Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. $50.

2pm-5pm. Marina at Bay St. 626-7500. www.friendssfpl.org

Wed. 16

Fetish Nights @ Chaps II Didn’t find the love of your life by February 14? Join the crowd. Spank out your unrequited lust at one of several weekly kink nights at the intimate leather bar. Draft beer as low as $2. 9pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. at 8th. 255-2427. www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com

BFFSd • Photos by Steven Underhill

A A A A A A A A For some, love stinks! But friendships last longer. Pals at The Lookout (above), Q Bar (left) Toad Hall (below) enjoy their nights out.

A A A A A A A A

8 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

True romance tales! They met over drinks! • by Matt Baume

C

1

Jeff Drake and Carl Phyfer at Twin Peaks

arl Phyfer had spent a grand total of two hours in San Franciscao before he met the man who would become his husband.

“My plane landed at 8pm,” he remembers. “I didn’t know anybody here, I didn’t have a job ... I just had a feeling that I should move here.”

He added, “I had read Tales of the City.”

Carl rode a cab to the Castro, and was surprised to find a much smaller, sleepier neighborhood than the French Quarter he’d left behind in New Orleans.

Undaunted, he sat down at the bar in Twin Peaks and struck up a conversation with Jeff Drake.

This summer, Carl and Jeff celebrated their tenth anniversary.

“I was just dumbstruck by everything, and then I met this cute, sweet, intelligent, modest man,” Carl said. “It just seemed right.”

Not long after that, Carl happened to bump into Armistead Maupin, and was able to thank him for inspiring the cross-country move.

Carl and Jeff are just one of the countless heartwarming successes to emerge from Castro bars.

Despite a reputation for cheesy pickup lines and one-night stands, gay bars also have a rich history of bringing men together in lifelong bonds.

For Carl and Jeff, there’s strength to be found in their complementary personalities.

“He has an outlook on life and an indomitable spirit that I haven’t always had,” said Jeff. “He makes me happy every day.”

“He’s kind of calmed me down and I’ve brought 10 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

2

him up,” said Carl. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”

After their initial meeting, they had a first official date at Luna, followed by many years of return dates to Twin Peaks and, lately, to Blackbird. But their favorite date nights are staying in and knitting together.

Of course, none of this domestic life was part of the plan. “I was going to be Mister Independent,” Carl said. “But I never regretted it at all.”

Love came unexpectedly to John Bellemore, too.

He was at Honey Soundsystem’s Sunday night dance party last year when Carl Peters caught his eye. John went over and gave him a friendly finger-poke, and the two hit it off.

“It was totally, I would say, a pickup situation,” John recalled. “I don’t think either one of us had any thought that it would go on. We didn’t exchange numbers.”

But fortunately, John mentioned in passing that he owned Q Bar in the Castro. Carl stopped by a few days later, and they soon felt the same spark. After dating for more than a year, Carl and John moved in together last month.

John credits the venues of their initial meetings with establishing a strong rapport.

“I think getting a beer at happy hour is a good way to start a first date,” said John. “All you’re committed to is a drink, as opposed to a movie or restaurant where you have to get all the way to dessert before you’re getting out. Plus alcohol’s always beneficial for reducing nervousness.”

Matt Baume

RAISING THE BARd

1

John Bellemore and Carl Peters at Q Bar

Matt Baume

2

Georg Lester

Matt Donohue and Ian Huang at Badlands

Q Bar is apparently ground zero for bar couples: John’s business partner recently held a commitment ceremony with his partner, whom he met at the Midnight Sun. Sometimes, landing that LTR takes some guts.

Last January, Matt Donohue was at Badlands when he saw a familiar face: a boy he’d lusted after on Grindr but had never mustered up the nerve to chat with.

“I’m like, ‘this is my chance. I gotta do it,’” Matt recalled. “He was leaving, so I ran and got him at coat check. And now? We live together.”

“It took a few months,” smiled Ian Huang, recalling a few initial bumps in the road -- not the least of which was Ian’s then-boyfriend. But as that relationship concluded, a new one was ready to form.

“We just get along so well,” said Matt. “There’s no conflict. I respect him so much, and he respects me.”

“There’s a cultural difference, since I’m his first Asian boyfriend,” said Ian, adding in mock indignation, “He doesn’t like to eat chicken feet!”

“I love the differences,” Matt said. “Those are the things that make it special.”

That openness to the unexpected is a common theme across all happy relationships, and it’s a sentiment echoed by Carl and Jeff.

“It never happens when you’re looking for it,” Carl said. He paused, and added, “You just have to fly three thousand miles and wander around looking for a drink.” ✸ February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 11

CAF É COOL d N Java Joints are Jivin’ • by Heather Cassell

ot in the mood for crowded bars and clubs, but still want to be out late? San Francisco offers a host of cafes that are open into the wee hours of the morning and offer everything from sweet concoctions and confections to art, entertainment and even a little bit of hookah.

Cafes have long been the scene of intermixing socioeconomic classes brewing intellectual pursuits, exchanging information, and discussing anything and everything from art, business, and politics along with building community and forming relationships.

Café culture hasn’t been lost on queer society. From central London’s “molly houses,” which allegedly became the nesting place for gay men in the 18th century, to last century’s cafes that created unofficial community centers for queer youth, to hot cruising hangouts for gay men and lesbians, coffeehouses are hipper than ever while maintaining centuries of underground bohemian mystique.

A beautiful cappuccino at Dolores Park Café

established itself as a place for intimate concerts by local musicians Friday evenings: a signature of the café, which is also known for its rotating gallery of local artists.

“We want everyone who comes in to be entertained, inspired to have a good time,” said Herbert, who believes art is just as nourishing as food. “Art is such an important part of our lives, especially in the city.

We want a little infusion of goodness.”

She recently expanded both cafés’ beer and wine selection.

Herbert never expected the success that the café has become. The former waitress became the sole owner of Dolores Park Café in 2001.

In 2006, she opened Duboce Park Café, which has become a gathering place for the city’s literati and spoken word artists.

“I enjoy music, entertaining people, and providing a good gathering space around art and music,” said Herbert.

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Ryan Galiotto

KEEPING WITH TRADITION It should be no surprise that three of San Francisco’s late night cafes claim the Castro as home. Café Flore has been the neighborhood’s staple for nearly four decades. The quirky bohemian coffeehouse is a historical landmark drawing politicians, artists, and businessmen for nearly 40 years. Well-known for its glass patio perched at Market, 16th, and Noe streets, patrons have a perfect view for cruising as well being viewable by passerbyers as they dine and sip from a variety of beverages.

The popular café was Ryan Galiotto, co-owner joined by Dolores Park of Wicked Grounds, and barista Sinclair Swan, Café in the late 1990s when NAUGHTY COFFEE during a silly moment.

Castro/Mission resident One unique café has risen Rachel Herbert was craving up in the heart of the leather a resource to support her art community. At Wicked with a neighborhood café closer to home that could Grounds, it’s not unusual to sit next to a leatheralso be a gathering place for artistic expression. clad individual bound up by their partner enjoying Herbert, a documentary filmmaker and ceramics a cup of coffee. Combining café and San Francisco artist, pulled together private funding with her then- tradition, the kinky coffeehouse entered the café business partner and opened the doors to Dolores nightlife scene more than a year ago to provide an Park Café in 1997. Within a year, with the help of alternative gathering place for the kink community. songwriter friend Deborah Pardes, Dolores Park Café Page 14

CAFE NIGHT SPOTS Bazaar Café

5927 California St. • 831-5620 • www.bazaarcafe.com

Cafe Claude

7 Claude Lane • 392-3505 • www.cafeclaude.com

Café Flore

2298 Market St. • 621-8579 • www.cafeflore.com

Dolores Park Café

501 Dolores St. • 621-2936 • www.doloresparkcafe.com

Duboce Park Café

2 Sanchez St. • 621-1108 • www.doloresparkcafe.com

Melt!

700 Columbus Ave. • 392-9290 • www.melt-cafe.com

Momi Toby’s Revolution Cafe & Art Bar 528 Laguna St. • 626-1508

Nile Cafe & Hookah

Lounge

544 Jones St. • 409-1000 • www.nilesf.com

Steps of Rome Caffe

348 Columbus Ave. • 397-0435 • www.stepsofrome.com

Sugar Café

679 Sutter St. • 441-5678 • www.sugarcafesf.com

The Marsh Cafe and Gallery

1070 Valencia St. • 826-5750 • www.themarsh.org/cafe.htmll

The Revolution Café

3248 22nd St. • 642-0474 •www.myspace.com/revcafe2006

Velo Rouge Café

798 Arguello Blvd.8 752-7799 •www.velorougecafe.com

Wicked Grounds

289 8th St.8503-0405 • www.wickedgrounds.com

February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 13

oN EDGEd • photos by Jim Provenzano

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From Page 12

Ryan Galiotto, who co-owns Wicked Grounds with his wife Rose White, said, “We wanted to provide a space for the kink and leather communities, and to have our own club house.”

Inspired by London’s Coffee, Cake and Kink, the couple that tied the knot during the Folsom Street Fair two years ago spent their first year of married life dreaming up their version of a café with a twist: a place that would allow a certain level of play among other services.

The late night café, housed at the old Hole in the Wall bar location, was an instant hit, said Galiotto, 14 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

T

he Edge on 18th Street in the Castro was packed to the rafters with patrons who celebrated the bar’s 20-year run before it closed Sunday, January 16. But only days afterward, re-negotiations led to new owners (who also run Guerneville’s Rainbow Cattle Company) promising some renovations, and a re-opening expected in early February. Hooray!

pointing out the success of “munch nights,” and themed evening gatherings, such as Transgender Screw Up. “These groups have a place to go without worrying about what people at the next table are going to say.

They don’t have to curb conversations,” said Galiotto, who also welcomes non-kink customers.

“People don’t have to be kinky to walk in the door,” said Galiotto. But some knowledge of the community helps people that don’t know “much about this side of life to explore it in a comfortable safe place.”

Plus, the coffee’s not bad, either. ✸

eON THE TA~B f ~February ★

Candice Bergman @ Castro Theatre The actress, and Murphy Brown creator Diane English, get a tribute for the Emmy-winning comedy show, and Bergman’s career. $25. 8pm. 429 Castro St. www.sfsketchfest.com

Literary Speed Dating @ SF Public Library Five-minute mini dates for LGBTs, focusing on a favorite book (bring it) as an ice-breaker. Limited capacity. RSVP ddrummond@sfpl.org Straight version Feb. 1. 5:45-7:45pm.

100 Larkin St. at Grove. www.sfpl.org

Thu 3 ➠ Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Weekly parties with different themes at the new museum of life sciences. Enjoy the exhibits while drinking and schmoozing. $12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org/nightlife

Redlight @ Risque Lounge DJ Hawthorne, Gypsy Love and guests bring a new retro classy lounge for music, fashion, art and cocktails. 45 Maiden Lane.

6pm-10pm. www.ghettodisco.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Michael Carbonaro, Fri. 4

B

Tue 1➠

Retro tunes and a diverse crowd, each Thursday at the classic dive bar. DJ Bus Station John plays disco records. $4. 10pm2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 4➠ Billygoat @ The Independent

Open mic night with host Dee Spencer. Weekly at 9pm.

4067 18th St. at Castro 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Uniquely innovative musical duo who play ambient soundtracks to their own magically beautiful animated films perform live, opening for Little Dragon. $20Billygoat $30. 9pm. Also Feb. 5. 628 Divisadero St. www.billygoatplanet.com www.theindependentsf.com

Gay Speed Dating @ The Press Club

Chicken Strip @ The Cinch

David Hawkins hosts, and Morgan headlines at the night of big laughs at the tiny bar. Free. 10pm. 93 9th St.

The Castro’s Got Talent @ Midnight Sun

Four-minute short chats with other single bachelors, plus a glass of wine. $25. 6:30pm. 20 Yerba Buena Lane. www.DateDistrict.com

JD Samson @ Amoeba Music Cocreator of the bands Le Tigre and Men brings her DJ talents to the popular music store. 5pm. 1855 Haight St. www.amoeba.com

Wed 2 ➠ A-List Martini Nights @ Bar TBA Ongoing popular weekly social and networking event for gay men and their friends. Sign up to get invites to a different bar each week. 9pm-12am. www.sfalist.com

Booty Call @ Q Bar Juanita More! and her More Boys get groovy in the intimate Castro bar. $3-$5. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.juanitamore.com www.bootycallwednesdays.com

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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.

Club Dragon @ Club Eight Weekly Asian gay dance club with frequent themed nights.

1151 Folsom St. at 7th. 431-1151. www.clubdragonsf.com

Dope @ The Lookout Monthly music and pop culture party, with DJs Papa Tony and Crashfaster. 9pm-2am. 1600 Market St. at Noe. www.lookoutsf.com

Ghetto Disco @ The Endup DJs Hawthorne and guests spin dance grooves til dawn. $15-$20. Free before 12am. 11pm-6am. 401 6th St. at Harrison. 646-0999. www.theendup.com

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Blue Room Comedy @ Club 93

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f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 16

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Hard @ Q Bar Electro pop dance night at the intimate Castro bar-club, with DJ Haute Toddy. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Michael Carbonaro @ The Rrazz Room Gay actor (Another Gay Movie) performs his darkly funny magic act. $25. 10:15pm. Also Feb 5.

2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095.

Jake Austin, www.therrazzroom.com Sat. 5

Sat 5➠ Bangkok @ The Stud DJs Shawn P and Lamb Chop spin tunes; Stoli gogo guys tempt you at the monthly dance night (1st Saturdays).

Free before 11pm. $8. 21+. 10pm-2am.

399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Cloris Leachman @ Castro Theatre Peaches Christ hosts a tribute to veteran TV and film actress (Young Frankenstein, Mary Tyler-Moore, Phyllis, Raising Hope), a screening of the Mel Brooks comedy High Anxiety, and a fun Q&A with the actress. $25. 8:30pm11pm. 429 Castro St. www.sfsketchfest.com

Cockfight @ Underground SF Culture Whores’ big slutty dance party in a little club, with Pansy the Drunken Panda and saucy gogo guys. Now 1st and 3rd Saturdays. $7. 9pm-2am. 424 Haight St. www.cockfightsf.com

Erasure-esque @ Red Devil Lounge Erasure cover band performs; Also, 80s tribute band Fast Times and Sing Blue Silver (Duran Duran cover band). $8$10. 8pm. 1695 Polk St. 447-4730. www.reddevillounge.com

Frolic @ The Stud 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

Get Down @ Maya Free monthly party for women, queers and pals. 1st Saturdays, with DJs Olga T and Astro. Taco menu, cheap beer buckets, private room reservations. 9pm-2am. 303 2nd St at Harrison. www.mayasf.com

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Le Perle Degli Squallor @ Hot Spot DJ Bus Station John’s intimate monthly (1st Saturdays) retro disco night re-decorates the cozy dive bar into a cool dance hangout and upstairs cruise space; popular with bear cubs and friendly hipsters. 2 for 1 drinks 9pm-11pm. Open til 2am. $5.

1414 Market St. at Van Ness.

Parker Nolan @ Martuni’s Classy crooner is joined by the Tom Shaw Trio for The Odds are Good but the Goods are Odd, a comedic musical story-song show about dating. 6:30pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.tomshawtrio.com

Porn Star @ The Watergarden Falcon’s tattooed twink Jake Austin does a live show at the spacious bath house. Music by DJ Christian Owen; monthly event (first Saturdays). 18+.

9pm. 1010 The Alameda, San Jose.

(408) 275-1215. www.TheWatergarden.com

Savior Soul @ The Powerhouse Anna Conda and Sister Mary Ralph cohost a fundraiser for Community Housing Partnership. Donations.

4pm-8pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Suzie Wong’s Chinese New Year Party @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Enjoy food and drinks at this annual festive occasion at the beloved dive bar. Donated proceeds benefit API Wellness Center. 4pm-7pm. 133 Turk St. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

True Stories, David Byrne @ Castro Theatre Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the innovative quirky music film by Talking Heads’ David Byrne (onstage interview with Paul Myers). $25. 5pm. 429 Castro St. www.sfsketchfest.com Parker Nolan, Sat. 5 Underworld @ Space 550 Gus Presents brings DJ Grind to the popular underwear dance party. $20.

10pm-6am. 550 Barneveld Ave. at Industrial. www.guspresents.com

Sun 6 ➠ Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The most popular daytime gay bar event in Northern California, with benefits for local LGBT and AIDS charities and organizations. $10 (for beer bust). 3pm-6pm. 12th St. at Harrison. www.sfeagle.com

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon Benefit for various local charities each week. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsaloon.com

Cabaret Showcase Showdown @ Martuni’s

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

Best Male Crooner is the chosen genre for Round 2 of the second annual talent show, with hosts Katya Ludmilla Smirnoff-Skyy and Joe Wicht. Guest performer Mark Johnson (2010 Best Male Crooner). 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.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

Suppositori Spelling’s weekly wild drag show at the cute gay bar. 10pm-ish-2am.

1900 15th St. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

Glama Zone @ The Café Pollo del Mar hosts a weekly drag show 8:30pm-2am. 2369 Market St., 8345840. www.thecafesf.com

Popcorn, Blood and Glitter @ Glama-Rama Salon

Popcorn, Opening reception for a group exhibit Blood and , Sun. 6 Glitter of art celebrating the mad world of Peaches Christ and Midnight Mass, with works by Christopher Hattfield, Jim Winters, Tennessee Loveless, Jim Jeske, Adam Ansell, Cheyanne Payne, Danyol, Louis Hansell, Nathan Rapport, Flynn De Marco; special All About Evil photo gallery featuring the work of Jose Guzman Colon and Steven B. Wheeler. 6pm-10pm. 304 Valencia St. 861-4526. Reg hours, Tue-sun 10am-7pm. www. peacheschrist.com www.glamarama.com

Super Bowl XLV: Men in Tights @ Cellspace Watch the Super Bowl with beer, mimosas or Bloody Marys and perhaps a bit of homemade chili. Laugh at/with the IndieFest SportSweater commentators as the explain how this football game works.

Part of IndieFest. Free/donations. 21+.

2:30pm. 2050 bryant St. at 18th. www.sfindie.com

Mon 7➠ Do or Die @ The Mix Weekly fun night with talent contests, raffles, and drag shows. 6pm-10pm. 4086 18th St. www.mixsf.com

Erich Bergen @ The Rrazz Room Stage and TV actor (Jersey Boys, Gossip Girl) performs his irreverent cabaret music act. $20-$40. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Monday Night Smackdown @ Bloodhound Football and food trucks blend each week in a beer and

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Cocktailgate @ Truck

~from page 19

★

cocktail night at the stylishly rustic mixed/gay-friendly bar.

1145 Folsom St at 7th. www.bloodhoundsf.com

Q Comedy @ Martuni’s

Casey Ley, Mon. 7

Casey Ley, Tony Koester, Cassandra Gorges, Michael Capozzola and more performers join drag comic Cookie Dough in the monthly laugh night. First Mondays. $5-$16. 8pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.Qcomedy.com

Tue 8 ➠ Dinner With the Divas @ Bisou Intimate and delicious dinner fundraiser for the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Scholarship Fund, with a special menu by Chef Nick, and drinks by Barefoot Wines & Bubbly. $70. 6pm9pm. 2367 Market St. www.dinnerwiththedivas.eventbrite.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s

Love on Wheels @ Public Works San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s annual fun games show (a la The Dating Game) with cyclist puns and prizes for gay, lesbian and straight contestants. Enjoy discounts on swag when you become a SFBC member. $5-$10. 21+. 7pm. Free valet bike parking. 161 Erie St. www.sfbike.org/?love

Messy Wednesdays @ Lime New weekly night with sexy DJ Tristan Jaxx and caliente gogo dudes, Mexican food served up hot, plus Tequila, Tecates, Margarita specials. 6pm-10pm. 2247 Market St. www.lime-sf.com

Men’s Club @ SoMa Bars Got your dogtags? No? Get ‘em! Enjoy drink specials and other fun stuff at themed nights at Chaps, The Eagle, The Powerhouse, Truck and Hole in the Wall. 21+. www.lonestarsaloon.com

Paula West @ The Rrazz Room Popular local singer performs with The George Mesterhazy quartet on various nights for eight weeks thru Mar. 13. $35$45. Mostly at 8pm. Check online schedule. 2-drink minimum.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Thu 10 ➠ BiBar @ 1015 New monthly club night for bisexuals and their pals, or curious queers. PK DJ and DJ Smoove spin tunes. $5-$10. 10pm-3am.

1015 Folsom St. www.bibar.com

Ladies Night @ Q Bar Women’s night, with DJ Ms. Jackson, half-off drinks. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Maria Volonte @ The Rrazz Room Argentine singer-songwriter performs the works of great Latin American composers. $28.50. 2-drink minimum.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Meow Mix @ the Stud Weekly drag and variety show. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Wed 9 ➠ Dynamic Dating Profiles @ SF Public Library Blogger and single mom Carol Renee leads a workshop in writing compelling and confident oneline dating profiles. 6:157:45pm. Lower level. 100 Larkin St. at Grove. www.sfpl.org

Dream Queens Review @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Drag show each 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the classic Tenderloin bar, hosted by Collette LeGrande-Ashton. No cover.

10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com

Fetish Nights @ Chaps II

20 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

Love On Wheels, Wed. 9

Pop music club night with scantily-clad gogo studs. $10. 18+. 9:30pm-3am. 715 Harrison St. at 3rd. www.thecribsf.com

Glam @ Lime Betty’s List’s weekly women’s night regularly fills the Castro bar and restaurant. 6pm-10pm. 2247 Market St. www.bettyslist.com www.lime-sf.com

Fri 11➠ Cubcake @ The Lone Star DJ Medic spins tunes for the bear set each second Friday.

9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Cupid’s Back @ Trigger Fifth annual singles fundraiser for the GLBT Historical Society.

Host Mark Rhoades welcomes up to 300 cute single guys; open bar (sponsors Ketel One and Don Julio) and PG&E. Wear pink or red! $30-$35. 8pm-12am. www.glbthistory.org www.clubtrigger.com

Ghetto Disco @ The Endup DJs Hawthorne and guests spin dance grooves til dawn. $15-$20. Free before 12am. 11pm-6am. 401 6th St. at Harrison. 646-0999. www.theendup.com

S

Different kinks get their own nights once a month at the intimate leather bar. Draft beer as low as $2. 9pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. at 8th. 255-2427. www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com

The Crib @ City Nights

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f eON THE TAB ~

f eON THE TAB ~

Hot Glass, Cold Beer @ Public Glass

~from page 20

Watch glassblowers make art, including drinking mugs, while you enjoy beer and music, with special guests Danish & Swedish artists Bjorn Friborg and Fredrik Nielsen. $25. 6pm-10pm. 1750 Armstrong Ave. Free parking.

671-4916. www.PublicGlass.org

★

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Renovated gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) shows off their hottests gogo studs. Happy hour 4pm8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Wild weekly drag show hosted by Glamamore. 10pm-2am.

399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Tainted Love, Private Idaho, This Charming Band @ Bimbo’s

Lil Heartbreaker’s Ball @ Li Po Cocktail Lounge It’s a Valentine’s Day disco blowout at an underground Chinatown locale, with DJs Le Ephant, Katie Belway, Dr. Sleep and Sergio Fedasz playing grooves for the happily single or the soon-to-be coupled. 916 Grant Ave. Free before 10pm. $5 after. 8pm-2am. 21+. 982-0072. www.GoBangSF.com

Cover-tribute bands play music of Soft Cell, B-52s and The Smiths. $23. 21+. 9pm. Also Feb 12.

1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365.

Lil Heartbreaker’s Ball www.bimbos365club.com

Teatro Zinzanni @ Pier 29 Theatre-tent-dinner extravaganza with comic Frank Ferrante, twin acrobats Ming and Rui, Vertical Tango rope dance, plus magic, comedy, a fivecourse dinner, and a lot of fun. $117$145. Saturday 11:30am “Breve” show $63--$78. Wed-Sat 6pm (Sun 5pm). Pier 29 at Embarcadero Ave. 438-2668. www.teatrozinzanni.com

Truck Wash @ Truck Live shower show with hot guys getting wet. 10pm-ish-2am. 1900 15th St. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

Sat 12 ➠

Valen-tiny Idea Night @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Portland’s synthpop Lover, singer Dorian Wood, SF DJ Primo Poitino, Jess Curtis’ dance group Gravity, Michelle Tea’s Radar crew all perform at another edition of the popular art parties at the downtown museum.

8:30pm-11:30pm. Free but please RSVP. 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

Sun 13➠ Bijou @ Martuni’s Bill & Joe Wicht cohost a Love Boat night, with singers Dennis Sanchez, Shakey Gibson and Minica Turner, plus tom Shaw and Joe accompanying. $5. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Chucky vs. Christ @ Victoria Theatre

Honey Soundsystem @ Holy Cow

Peaches Christ welcomes horror puppet creator Don Mancini, actress Jennifer Tilly and a live tribute show at a special screening of Seed of Chucky. $17-$20. 8pm. 2961 16th St. at Mission. www.peacheschrist.com

The coolest Sunday music mix crew has moved yet again, but not too far, and to the original home of The Stud. Look for the suspended cow. 10pm-2am. 1535 Folsom St. at 11th. www.honeysoundsystem.com

Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop Lesbo-rific queer homo dance night each 2nd & 4th Saturday. $5-$7. 21+.

10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Hot Box @ Bench and Bar, Oakland New weekly women’s night produced

by Movement Productions, with DJs Shakey Gibson at Astro, Olga T, Rapture and Val G. Martuni’s, Sun. 13 specialty drinks, cafe seating, special events each week, with frequent live acts, including prizes, giveaways, and holiday-themed special events. Text 368638 for discounts on admission. $8-$15. 9pm to 3am. www.hotboxinthebay.com

22 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

Maria Muldaur @ The Rrazz Room Pop singer (“Midnight on the Oasis”) performs classic and new songs. $35. 8pm.

2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

La Pachanga @ Blue Macaw Salsa bands play, with dancing and lessons (lessons 5pm, band 6pm) weekly at the mixed/gay-friendly nightclub. $10. 21+.

2565 Mission St. at 22nd. www.thebluemacawsf.com

Score @ The Stud Queer Dating Game Show and variety show. 6pm-1am.

399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Scott Capuro

If Ricky Gervais’ comic stylings at the Golden Globe Awards tickled your fancy, you’ll adore the acidicly hilarious gay comic stylings of Capurro. $16. 21+.

8pm. 2170 Market St. 861-5016. www.cafedunord.com www.scottcapurro.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 Sundance Saloon presents country-western dancing for the LGBT community and its friends two night a week, every Sunday and Thursday. The club is always packed with friendly urban cowboys and cowgirls two-stepping and line dancing the night away. $5. 21+. Sundays 5pm-10:30pm, lessons 5:30–7:15pm. Thursdays 6:30–10:30pm, lessons 7pm-8pm. 550 Barneveld Ave., near Bayshore and Industrial. www.sundancesaloon.org

Tue 15➠ Blue Room Comedy @ Club 93 David Hawkins hosts the night of big laughs at the tiny bar.

Free. 10pm. 93 9th St.

Ladies Night @ Q Bar Women’s night, with DJ Ms. Jackson, half-off drinks. 9pm-2am.

456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Meow Mix @ the Stud Weekly drag and variety show. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Wed 16 ➠ Mexican Radio @ Lone Star Saloon Twice monthly (2nd and last Wed) fun night with gogo guys, cheap drink specials ($2 Bud, Bud Light and Rolling Rock draft), DJ Carsonova, and beartastic ambiance. 7pm11pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsaloon.com

Whatcha Doin’ Wednesdays @ Castro Bars

Word Up Wine Tasting @ Fort Mason Center

Monthly promotional events (each 3rd Wed.) at Castro bars, and live performances in Jane Warner Plaza. 7pm-11pm. www.lookoutsf.com

Steven Underhill

Local winemakers from San Francisco bring their delicious wines for a benefit tasting night.

Booty call, Proceeds benefit Friends each Wednesday of the San Francisco at Q Bar. Public Library. $50. 2pm5pm. Marina at Bay St. 626-7500. www.friendssfpl.org

Mon 14➠ Victor/Victoria @ Castro Theatre

The Crib @ City Nights Pop music club night with scantily-clad gogo studs. $10. 18+. 9:30pm-3am.

715 Harrison St. at 3rd. www.thecribsf.com

Glam @ Lime Betty’s List’s weekly women’s night has moved to the Castro bar and restaurant. 6pm-10pm. 2247 Market St. www.bettyslist.com www.lime-sf.com

S

Actress Lesley Ann Warren and Miss Coco Peru appear at a festive screening of the Julie Andrews film about a singer who becomes a hit drag sensation. $25-$60. VIP reception 6pm. Show 8pm. 429 Castro St. 863-0611. www.ticketfly.com www.castrotheatre.com

Thu 17➠

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Scott Capurro @ Café DuNord

February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 23

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 23

★

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Weekly parties with different themes at the new museum of life sciences. Enjoy the exhibits while drinking and schmoozing; Life: A Cosmic Story, narrated by Jodie Foster in the Planetarium. $12. (Reg, admission $20-$30). 21+. 6pm10pm. Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org/nightlife

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Retro tunes and retro cruisy crowd, each Thursday in the risky part of town. DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 18 ➠ Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club 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

Boy Bar @ The Cafe Full Frontal Fridays at the renovated popular club. Matt DJs, twinky boiz gogo dance. $10-$15.. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. at Castro. www.cafesf.com

Club Dragon @ Club Eight Weekly Asian gay dance club with frequent themed nights.

1151 Folsom St. at 7th. 431-1151. www.clubdragonsf.com

Lady Bunny @ The Rrazz Room New York drag queen with enormous hair (she did cofound Wigstock, after all) and a bawdy wit brings her new nightclub act to town. $25. 10:30pm. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis.

(800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Renovated gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) shows off their hottest gogo studs. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Pledge @ The Lookout Monthly “Fraternal Fridays”-themed party raises funds for different charities. This month, the LGBT Center. DJs Christopher B and Grind. $5. 9pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Noe/ Market. 431-0306. www.lookoutsf.com

24 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

Radar @ Trigger

Cockfight @ SF Underground

Enjoy dancing at the trendy Castro nightclub til 2am. 2344 Market St. www.clubtrigger.com

Culture Whores’ big slutty dance party in a little club, with Pansy the Drunken Panda and saucy gogo guys. Now 1st and 3rd Saturdays. $7. 9pm-2am. 424 Haight St. www.cockfightsf.com

Same-sex dancing and lessons with a live band. 21+.

8:30pm-12am. 650 Indiana St. www.QueerBallroom.com

Fauxgirls @ Kimo’s Classic drag show with Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Davida Ashton, Tiger Lily, Maria Garza and more; each 3rd Saturday. No cover.

10pm. 1351 Polk St. 885-4535. www.fauxgirls.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Wild weekly drag show with Glamamore and other local dragutantes. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Gang of Four @ The Fillmore

Trannyshack Stevie Nicks Tribute @ DNA Lounge

Sat 19 ➠ Big @ The Stud Monthly dance party for big men and their friends 3rd Sundays). $5. 6pm-11am. 399 9th St. www.phattestevents.com www.studsf.com

Gang of Four, Sat. 19

Punk-rock band (“I Love a Man in a Uniform”) performs. Hollerado opens. $33-$45. 9pm. 1805 Geary St. www.thefillmore.com

Hot Box @ Bench and Bar, Oakland New weekly women’s night produced by Movement Productions, with DJs Astro, Olga T, Rapture and Val G. specialty drinks, cafe seating, special events each week, with frequent live acts, including prizes, giveaways, and holiday-themed special events. Text 368638 for discounts on admission. $8-$15. 9pm to 3am. www.hotboxinthebay.com

S

Stand back, stand back, as Heklina hosts a tribute to the Fleetwood Mac and solo singer, with Ambrosia Salad, Anna Conda, Suppositori Spelling, Putanesca, Cousin Wonderlette, Lil’Miss Hot Mess, Cockatelia, Cookie Dough, Miss Nix, and more. $12-$15. 9:30pm-3am. 11pm show. 375 11th St. www. dnalounge.com

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Salsa Club @ Cafe Cocomo

February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 25

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 25

★

Industry @ Mighty Ralhi Rosario and DJ Abel spin, also resident DJs Luke Johnstone, Rico Ocampo and Don Tix. $20-$40. 10pm-6am.

21+. 119 Utah St. www.industrysf.com

Sun 20 ➠

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room 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

Swing-out Sundays @ Rock-it Room Slim Jenkins and other bands play weekly for your same- and opposite-sex swing dancing pleasure. $5 includes a lesson.

8pm-11pm. 406 Clement St. www.SwingChampionships.com

Afternoon Delight @ Deco Lounge

Mon 21➠

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

Monday Night Smackdown @ Bloodhound

All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge

Football and food trucks blend each week in a beer and cocktail night at the stylishly rustic mixed/gay-friendly bar.

1145 Folsom St at 7th. www.bloodhoundsf.com

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 Fresh, Sun. 20

Tue 22 ➠ Butch Queen @ Delirium

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon

Joshua J. and Robert Jeffery’s new weekly night for homos and friends. No cover.

10pm-2am. 3139 16th St. at Guererro. www.joshuajpresents.com Steven Underhill

The most popular daytime gay bar event in Northern California, with benefits for local LGBT and AIDS charities and organizations. $10 (for beer bust). 3pm-6pm. 12th St. at Harrison. www.sfeagle.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s

Benefit for various local charities each week. 4pm-8pm.

1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsaloon.com

Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Cocktailgate @ Truck

Noisepop @ Various Venues

Suppositori Spelling’s weekly wild drag show at the cute gay bar. 10pm-ish-2am. 1900 15th St. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

19th annual music, art and film festival, with shows by Yo La Tengo, Best Coast, Wavves, The Stone Foxes, Kid Koala and more. thru Feb. 29. Full festival badges $125-$160.

Single events free-$25. www.2011.noisepop.com

Fresh @ Ruby Skye Presidents Day weekend edition of the popular monthly T-dance features DJ Phil B. Proceeds benefit the Richmond Ermet AIDS Foundation. $20-$25. 6pm-12am. 420 Mason St. at Geary. www.freshsf.com

Sanctuary @ 1015 James Torres and Ted Eiel spin at the shirtless muscley circuity dance party. $20-$30. 10pm-6am. 1015 Folsom St. www.guspresents.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 Sundance Saloon presents country-western dancing for the LGBT community and its friends two night a week, every Sunday and Thursday. The club is always packed with friendly urban cowboys and cowgirls two-stepping and line dancing the night away. $5. 21+. Sundays 5pm-10:30pm, lessons 5:30–7:15pm. Thursdays 6:30–10:30pm, lessons 7pm-8pm.

550 Barneveld Ave., near Bayshore and Industrial. www.sundancesaloon.org

26 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • February 2011

Tank @ Trigger

Stone Foxes at Noisepop, Tue. 22

Muscle guy happy hour with DJs Hawthorne and James Torres. 7pm10pm. 2344 Market St. 551-CLUB. www.clubTrigger.com

Wed 23 ➠

A-List Martini Nights @ Bar TBA Ongoing popular weekly social and networking event for gay men and their friends. Sign up to get invites to a different bar each week. 9pm-12am. www.sfalist.com

Dream Queens Review @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Drag show each 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the classic Tenderloin bar, hosted by Collette LeGrande-Ashton. No cover.

10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com

Fetish Nights @ Chaps II Different kinks get their own nights once a month at the intimate leather bar. Draft beer as low as $2. 9pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. at 8th. 255-2427. www.chapsbarsanfrancisco.com

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 24➠ Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi Musical comedy revue, now in its 35th year, with an everchanging lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$80. Wed, Thu 8pm. Fri, Sat 6:30, 9:30pm. Sun 2pm, 5pm. (Beer/wine served; cash only). 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Juicy @ The White Horse, Oakland Hip Hop, R&B and soul. 9pm. (karaoke, drag king shows other nights, too). 6551 Telegraph Ave. (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Way Behind the Music @ Make-Out Room Local musicians and performers read and act out unintentionally hilarious excerpts from rock music celebrity memoirs by Marilyn Manson, Gene Simmons, Tori Amos, Justin Bieber and others. $10-$15. 7:30pm. 21+. Part of Noisepop 2011. 3225 22nd St. www.2011.noisepop.com

Fri 25➠ Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Renovated gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) shows off their hottest gogo studs. Happy hour 4pm8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Monster Drawing Rally @ Verdi Club Festive annual event where dozens of local artists make drawing on the fly as a fundraiser for Southern Exposure art gallery. Drknks served, too. $10 and up. 6pm-11pm.

2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero & 18th. www.soex.org

Shag Fridays @ Cafe Flore Loungey fun in the center of gayville. $4 martinis; no cover.

10pm-2am. 2298 Market St. at Noe. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Shirts Off @ Truck Take off your shirt and get $1.50 for draft beer. 8pm-10pm.

1900 Folsom St. at 15th. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Wild weekly drag show hosted by Glamamore. 10pm-2am.

399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Snap-a-Licious @ Deco Lounge

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Ginger Snap’s fun drag show features Holotta Tymes, Mahlae Balenciaga, Synergy, Kylie Minono and more. 10pm-2am.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

February 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 27

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 27

★

Sat 26➠ 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

Hot Box @ Bench and Bar, Oakland New weekly women’s night produced by Movement Productions, with DJs Astro, Olga T, Rapture and Val G. specialty drinks, cafe seating, special events each week, with frequent live acts, including prizes, giveaways, and holiday-themed special events. Text 368638 for discounts on admission. $8-$15. 9pm to 3am. www.hotboxinthebay.com

Go Bang @ Deco Lounge Groove-alacious disco dancefloor action returns to its first home, with DJs Steve Fabus, Tres Lingerie and Sergio, plus guest DJs Eugene Tambourine and Hard French’s Brown Amy and Carnita. $5. 9pm-3am-ish. 510 Larkin St. www.gobangsf.com www.decosf.com

Jonathan Poretz @ The Rrazz Room Jazz and swin classics are performed by the Vegas-influenced singer. $25. 10:20pm. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

1

Academy of Friends Gala, Sun. 27

2

Sony Holland @ The Rrazz Room Classy jazz singer premieres music from her new CD Sanssouci. $25. 3pm. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Mon 28➠ Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Upcoming Events in March

Sun 27➠

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Academy of Friends Gala @ SF Design Center

Tue March 1➠

31st annual gala fundraiser for local AIDS/HIV nonprofits.

Enjoy watching the Academy Awards show while sipping fine wines, champagne, and enjoying a sumptuous variety of nibbly treats. Raffles galore and silent auction of art, vacation packages and more. $250 and up. 5pm-11pm. 101 Henry Adams Street near 8th & Townsend. www.academyoffriends.org

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.lookoutsf.com

Leche @ Trigger

Butch Queen @ Delirium Joshua J. and Robert Jeffery’s new weekly night for homos and friends. No cover. 10pm-2am. 3139 16th St. at Guererro. www.joshuajpresents.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Wed March 2 ➠ Men’s Club @ SoMa Bars

New Sunday Latin T-dance, with Margaritas, tequila shots, gogo studs and drag show by Sasha. 4pm-10pm.

2344 Market St. 675-9763. www.clubpapi.com

Enjoy drink specials and other fun stuff at themed nights at Chaps, The Eagle, The Powerhouse, Truck and Hole in the Wall.

21+. www.lonestarsaloon.com

Salsa Sunday @ El Rio

Thu March 3 ➠

Dance lessons and hot music at the neighbhorhood bar where everyone (over 21) is welcome. Free BBQ 3pm. Show 4pm. $8.

3158 Mission St. at Cesar Chavez. www.elriosf.com

Shana Morrison @ The Rrazz Room Vocalist with a wide range of styles performs music from her new CD, Joyride. $20-$25. 7pm. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

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Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge 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 Submit your event PR, sweetie, to BARtabSF@ebar.com Monthly deadline is the second Friday of each month.

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eBARchivef ★

MY FUNNY VALENTINEd W Romancing the Bars • by Dr. Jack Fritscher hen Gavin Newsom opened the romantic rotunda of City Hall for gay marriage on Valentine’s Weekend 2004, he became King of Hearts. Lovers from around the globe flew to San Francisco to wed on Newsom’s sweeping staircase. If 1967 was the Summer of Love, 2004 was the Winter of Love. San Francisco has always been very modish, and gay romance was suddenly very ala mode. Gladly queued up on the rainy sidewalks to get a license, thousands of Sapphos and Casanovas and Brokeback cowboys had new reason to leave their hearts in San Francisco—and host quickie receptions at their bars of choice.

How many weddings/divorces begin in the social network of gay bars? Even barflies lip-synching Connie Francis’ ironic “Stupid Cupid” kind of figure what’s more romantic than two brides or two grooms on a cake?

And what better month than February, traditionally the month of sex and love from the Victorians back to the ancient Romans’ fertility festival, Lupercalia, when young men drew names from a chalice to pick a swinging partner for the rites of spring. Gone are those days before Twitter when secret admirers mailed whitelace red-paper hearts on the feast of St. Valentine, the gay brother of the even gayer St. Sebastian. Shakespeare wrote, yeah, 154 Valentine sonnets, but the best gay romance has always been cruising bars where strangers become mysterious lovers.

In 1953, my friend, the international writer, masochist, and bar cruiser Sam Steward (“Phil Andros”), lionized in Justin Spring’s Secret Historian, spent 42 days at that “Christian bordello,” the Embarcadero YMCA. Sam had sex 63 times with 38 new tricks he picked up at low-down cruise bars including Chilli’s on the Embarcadero, “The 356” on Taylor, the Cliff House, Keeno’s, the Old Crow hustler dive (962 Market Street, 1935-1985), and the leathery Paper Doll and Black Cat where Jose Sarria leaned into the curve of a baby grand piano singing torch songs like “My Funny Valentine.”

In 1954, emerging cruise culture seduced another pal, British poet Thom Gunn, to emigrate to San Francisco to romanticize the hedonism of leather

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Poet Thom Gunn

bars in his books My Sad Captains (1961), The Man With Night Sweats (1992), and Boss Cupid (2001) in which “Cupid,” the Roman God of Love, winged with bow and arrows aimed at St. Valentine, becomes a leatherclad hustler cruising bars in his Doc Martens.

Gunn adored Folsom boltholes, particularly the No Name managed by American poet Ron Johnson, and David Delay’s Ambush where, in 1979, Gunn was famously photographed with my lover Robert Mapplethorpe as the two artists pub-crawled with our Drummer Salon, including Chuck Arnett, who in 1964 painted the iconic Tool Box mural romanticizing bikers, and then designed artwork for the Barracks’ Red Star Saloon, the Ambush, and Drummer magazine, whose Robert Opel reported on the first Leather Wedding in a gay bar in Drummer 7, July 1976.

Eons before Facebook, gay bars existed as the best social network of global watering holes for GLBT romantics. Fly to any city. Hit a gay bar. Get shot in the heart with Cupid’s bow and eros. ✸ © 2011 Jack Fritscher, founding San Francisco editor of Drummer and author of the GLBT history book Gay San Francisco at www.JackFritscher.com

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