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LA Plays Itself
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May 2013
On the Tab
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ingredients H May 2013H
Pilsner Pride
F Page 4 f Besties
F Page 6 f LA Plays Itself
F Page 8 f On The Tab
F Pages 10-30 f BARchive: Mocambo
F Page 31 f Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com
V On the cover: Steve Dalton, voted Best Bartender in the Bay Area Reporter’s Best of the Gays 2013 poll, at the Pilsner Inn. Photo: Georg Lester
H H H H H H H H H H H H H Editor: Jim Provenzano, Art Director: Kurt Thomas
Designer: T. Scott King General Manager: Michael Yamashita Advertising Sales: Simma Baghbanbashi, Colleen Small, Scott Wazlowski Contributors: Ray Aguilera, Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Coy Ellison, Michael Flanagan, Dr. Jack Fritscher, T. Scott King, Michael McAllister, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Ronn Vigh Photography: Biron, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Lydia Gonzales, Rick Gerharter, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Monty Suwannukul, 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 Media Association National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863
David Waggoner (center, red shirt) and Wolfgang Von Stauffenberg (black shirt) enjoy the poolfriendly ambiance at The Pilsner Inn.
PILSNER PRIDE by Jim Provenzano
Georg Lester
L
ocated at the apex of the Castro, Mission and Hayes Valley districts, the Pilsner Inn has been called a Castro gay bar. But from its inception, The Pilsner, known for its variety of beers, has been considered by many patrons as an easy-going neighborhood tavern. The Pilsner Inn won three votes in our parent publication, the Bay Area Reporter’s Best of the Gays poll; Best Bar with a Pool Table, Best Bar With a Patio, and Best Bartender. That bartender, Steve Dalton, is a relatively new face at the historic tavern. Two years ago, Dalton was unemployed for a while, and before that had worked at The Nob Hill Theatre, which he called “the most interesting job I’ve ever had in my life,” he said with a bashful chuckle. “Every day, after work, my friends would ask,
Bartender Steve Dalton. Georg Lester
4 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
‘What happened today?’ And while Dalton remained discreet about the actual goings-on at the local strip club, he hinted at a few naughty happenings. Less naughty is the G-rated ambiance at The Pilsner. There won’t be any jock strap nights, but there are plenty of actual jocks who visit, and most choose to drink beer. “I can make a mixed drink, but we’re really not known for that,” said Dalton, gesturing to the amusing array of beer taps, where thirsty patrons can choose from such suds as Moose Drool, Blue Moon, Fat Tire, Shock Top and even Green Death. As one can tell from his accent, Dalton is from the South. His familiarity with Alabama bars stems from performing in a string of bands (with names like Bush Pilots and Redeyefive) since age 16. “A lot of my friends were bartenders or managers; just playing music on the road,” said Dalton. But after Sony dropped his last band, he said, “I just wanted to do something different, and I was seeing a guy out here.” Although the romance got him to San Francisco, they eventually broke up, but Dalton said that moving west, “turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.” Being gay was not an important part of his move, however. “Alabama may not be the best place to be openly gay,” he said. “But I never really had a problem with it, and if other people did, they never told me.” Dalton said he prefers the generally more relaxed attitudes, including the environment at The Pilsner. “Most people that come here live in the neighborhood,” said Dalton. “We do get lot of tourists. People going to Chow [the restaurant next door] like to check us out, have a beer while they wait for a table.” The expansive patio is a big draw. “People come for the pool table a lot,” said Dalton. “But the patio; I’ve seen people walk straight through to the bar. It’s definitely a plus for us.”
Pitching Penguins The question about the large selection of decorative penguin toys and figurines brought this writer back to my Sports Complex days, and another entertaining interview with owner Pat Conlon. The only surviving original co-owner of the Inn, Conlon has a lot of stories about the grand old days since the Pilsner “went gay” in 1980. While working for the U.S. Department of Defense, the Iowa-born Conlon had also worked in France, then settled in San Francisco after being transferred here. Despite a conservative Des Moines upbringing, and a youthful desire to become a parrish priest,
Conlon knew about gay men, and at age 20, was taken out by some military pals. “They took me to a bar, where there were no women. There, you see how naïve I was.” Shunning flirtations at the time, Conlon took a while to gradually come out. Already patrons of the then-straight Pilsner, Conlon and his then-business partner discussed buying the Inn, which was originally a seamen’s bar (no jokes!) “We went there and played pool, and there were a lot of old people,” said Conlon. “The original owner was 70. He decided to sell the building. At that time, there was a rooming house upstairs.” While Conlon’s partner bluntly told the selling owner, “’We’re gonna make it a gay bar,’” when it started getting patrons, Conlon endured a semicloseted series of diversionary mishaps when his mother visited. With its current rainbow flag proudly posted outside, there’s no mistaking what the Pilsner is. But it still attracts a diverse patronage, and maintains a solid reputation. “We don’t have music outside, so we don’t disturb the neighbors,” said Conlon. “That makes it much more cooperative.” “And, we don’t have a happy hour,” he added. “It encourages people to get drunk. Our specials are as long as the bar’s open. Younger people need to be more careful. What’s fun about wondering ‘What happened to me last night?’” Perhaps because of Conlon’s focus on a balanced atmosphere, The Pilsner has become a regular and enduring bar. The staff have been friends, and as the gay softball league expanded from the 1970s into the ‘80s, the Inn sponsored The Penguins and other teams. Through the years, Conlon suffered the loss of several business partners, including Patrick Bonfi-
The Pilsner Penguins in the early 1980s. Pilsner owner Pat Conlon, back row, third on the left.
glio, who died in 1987, and Bill Martin, who was for a time the bar’s accountant. Both died of AIDS. A later co-manager, the popular Angelo Maggio, who also played softball and was an avid bowler, died in 2008 of brain cancer. The team name goes back to the staff’s softball roots. “I started playing softball in the 1970s in the mixed leagues,” said Conlon. “In 1980, they decided to start a new gay league. One team needed a pitcher, so I joined. In 1981 we cosponsored, then decided to have our own team. Since I was the team captain, I said the name should start with the letter P, to go with the Pilsner. We had one player who had white hair and waddled like a penguin, and we voted and that’s how we named it.” The bar’s second team, The Huffin Puffins (started in the 1990s) is named for the older-looking bird, and its senior players. Additionally, Conlon’s bar sponsors women’s tag football, women’s soccer, and five softball teams. “We used to sponsor bowling teams, two tennis teams, and the rowing team,” he added. “We’re a gay sports bar, but we definitely have a lot of straight patrons. Anyone can come in and not feel out of place.” ✸
BESTIES
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ometimes, your parents are right. And in the service industry, “the customer is always right.” Here’s a recap of the preferred nightlife selections from the April 2013 Best of the Gays readers poll, published in Bay Area Reporter (our parent publication). Best Bar Food, Best Sports Bar Hi Tops, 2247 Market St., San Francisco, (415) 551-2500. www.hitopssf.com Best Mixed Drink, Best Gay/Gay-Friendly Bar Blackbird, 2124 Market St., San Francisco, (415) 503-0630. www.blackbirdbar.com Best Place to Meet Men 440 Castro St., San Francisco, (415) 621-8732. www.the440.com Best Place to Meet Women Lexington Club, 3464 19th St., San Francisco, (415) 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com Best Place to Meet Transgender People Diva’s, 1081 Post St., San Francisco, (415) 474-3482. www.divassf.com Best Dance Floor Badlands, 4121 18th St., San Francisco, (415) 626-9320. www.sfbadlands.com 6 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Orphan Andy’s; best morning, noon or night. Jim Provenzano
Best Bar with a Patio, Best Bar with a Pool Table, and Best Bartender: Steve Dalton Pilsner Inn, 225 Church St., San Francisco, (415) 621-7058. www.pilsnerinn.com Best Theme Night: Tuesday’s Speakeasy Truck, 1900 Folsom St., San Francisco, (415) 252-0306.www.trucksf.com Best East Bay Bar The White Horse Inn, 6551 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, (510) 652-3820. Best Cheap Bar The Edge, 4149 18th St., San Francisco, (415) 863-4027. www.edgesf.com Best Breakfast, Best Late-Night Restaurant Orphan Andy’s Restaurant, 3991 17th St., San Francisco, (415) 864-9795. Best Brunch, Best Outdoor Patio Cafe Flore, 2298 Market St., San Francisco, (415) 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com Best Sex Club Blow Buddies, 933 Harrison St., San Francisco, (415) 777-4323. www.blowbuddies.com Best Cruising Spot Folsom Gulch, 947 Folsom St., San Francisco, (415) 495-6402. www.adultmegastores.com ✸
L.A. PLAYS ITSELF
Burly crowd-favorite Dan Lovell heats up the room at Faultline.
story and photos by Matt Baume
B
efore you plan a visit to Los Angeles, according to promoter Cody Bayne, you must ask yourself: “Are you an East Side or a West Side kind of gay?” The East Side (Silverlake and Los Feliz) is gritty, experimental, and unpretentious, sort of the SoMa of SoCal. The West Side, on the other hand, is as if the Castro and the Marina had a baby; glittery, preening, and intent on impressing.
club.com], or at Hamburger Mary’s, where you can also enjoy brunch, burgers and other tasty middle-brow cuisine. Just watch out for the bachelorette parties [8288 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 654-3800 www.hamburgermarys.com/weho]. For an unusual cruise option, you can browse the racks at the city’s inexplicably plentiful all-night underwear emporiums. Fortunately, WeHo’s brunch scene is far more casual. Chow down at Saint Felix [8945 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 275-4428. www.saintfelix.net] or Kitchen 24 [8575 Santa Monica Blvd. (424) 7770959. www.kitchen24.info]. Ladies, head over to The Standard for Booby Trap, where 70s disco and 80s dance meets 90s kitschy-cool [8300 Sunset Blvd. www.clubboobytrap.com]. And the gals at Truck Stop on Friday night blend pop, hip-hop, booty pop, and glam rock [www.truckstopgirlz.com] Locals can be found at neighborhood institutions like Gold Coast [8228 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 656-4879. www.goldcoastweho.com] or Fubar [7994 Santa Minca Blvd. (323) 654-0396. www.fubarla.com]. A gritty neighborhood dive, Fubar’s home to raunchy fun like Saturday Night Slut, Latin-themed Rebelde on Fridays, and an insane Thursday night party for horny homos known as Big Fat Dick. For something more otherworldly, don’t miss Evita at Blok in Hollywood. Costumes and ostentatious outfits are recommended, and expect to see some RuPaul’s Drag Race girls (1650 Schrader Blvd. (323) 785-0011. www.bloknightclub.com ).
East Side Story
Over on the East Side, anyone who’s anyone The epicenter of LA’s gay tourism, you must attends A Club Called Rhonda at Club Los Glocarefully pick your West Hollywood destination to bos. “They’ve perfected the polysexual thing,” says avoid the homogenous tourist traps. But there’s still weird sexy fun to be had if you know where to look. Your first stop should be Musical Mondays at Eleven Bar & Nightclub [8811 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 855-0800. www.elevenla.com], where musical clips from stage and screen play on the monitors. Regular patrons leap into semi-spontaneous dancealongs when their favorite clips come on, and you haven’t lived until you’ve seen a flashmob perform “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked. For a more traditional hang-out, clubs like Rasputin strip away the pretention of the West Side [Saturdays, 665 N. Robertson. (213) 621-4051]. Every night is Latin And for drag shows, check out the showstoppers night at Club Cobra in at Rage on Dreamgirls Tuesdays night [8911 Santa North Hollywood. Monica Blvd. (310) 652-7055. www.theragenight-
Westward, Ho
8 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Fans dress to the nines for Trannyshack LA at the Echoplex.
nightlife photographer Gabe Ayala, whose company Rolling Blackouts documents the debauchery. [3040 West Sunset Blvd. www.rhondasays.net] And keep an eye out for Cody Bayne parties, such as redhead appreciation night Ginger at the Eagle LA, the cruise-tastic leather bar. [4219 Santa Monica Blvd. (323) 669-9472. www.eaglela.com] Trannyshack LA regularly invades Echoplex, one of many stops where San Francisco drag empresario Heklina takes her show on the road [1154 Glendale Blvd. (213) 413-8200. www.theecho.com]. Silverlake bars like MJ’s [2810 Hyperion Ave. (323) 660-1503 www.mjsbar.com], Faultline [4216 Melrose Ave. (323) 660-0889. www.faultlinebar.com], and Akbar are a guaranteed good time any night of the week [4356 West Sunset Blvd. (323) 665-6810. www.akbarsilverlake.com]. Ayala throws a dapper new party at Faultline called John that he describes as “prohibition gay brothel, or like the Haunted Mansion.” The Faultine’s third Thursday Furr Trade attracts the hairy set, and lures them in with beary gogo guys. And for something even spicier, look up the Boulet Brothers. “We try to push naughtiness and fetish and dress up,” says co-founder Jamie Boulet. Their newest party: Black Unicorn, which evokes a dark, decadent twist on Burning Man. “Less fur on the boots,” says Boulet, “and more black diamonds.” [www.facebook.com/bouletbrothers]
Fubar’s eclectic crew courtesy Fubar
Silverlake’s also home to some amazing shopping, with a charming farmer’s market and nifty boutiques around Sunset Junction. Stop by LA Glaneur for some jaw-dropping 80s vintage couture [4557 Santa Monica Blvd. (260) 602-1830]. Outside of the east-west rivalry, Downtown LA is coming back to life with evening art walks, anythinggoes parties like Mustache Mondays [at La Cita, 336 South Hill St. www.mustachemondays.tumblr.com] and can’t-miss parties like Summertramp. And out in the valley, you can slide into some leather and visit The Bullet [10522 Burbank Blvd. (818) 762-8890. www.bulletbarla.com], or go country line-dancing at Oil Can Harry’s [11502 Ventura Blvd. (818) 760-9749. www.oilcanharrysla.com]. Formerly known for his mega-drag-bash Dragstrip 66, legendary DJ Paul V. just launched a North Hollywood party called Mash Up that promises to reinvent the soundtrack of your life. And finally, a word of warning about LA Pride: It’s not what you’re used to. It’s $20 just to get in, and it’s super-crowded and pretty predictable. Skip the official event and look for alterna-pride parties in Silverlake, or head down to Long Beach Pride instead for a more friendly, authentic experience. And of course, the best way to find good events in LA is to ask a local. Fire up Grindr and make contact. You’ve never seen so many waxed torsos in your life. ✸
eON THE ~TAB f ~May H
Amor for Vida, Thu 2
Wed 1 Booty Call @ Q Bar
Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.juanitamore.com www.QbarSF.com
Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Dot 429 @ Clift Hotel
The LGBT professional network hosts a cocktail event with guest Betony Vernon, author of The Boudoir bible. Proceeds benefit GLAAD. $35-$45. 6pm-9pm. 495 Geary St. www.Dot429.com
Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio
Way Back @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of vintage music videos, and retro drink prices. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Thu 2 Amor for Vida @ Children's Creativity Museum
Cinco de Mayo-themed fundraising party for the nonprofit that supports needy kids in Oaxaca, with food, music, tequilas for adults, kids pace for kids, a silent auction and more. $25. 6pm-8:30pm. 221 4th St. http://tar104.wix.com/vida-event-site
Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha
The new weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com
Women’s burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. $5-$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Cowboy Junkies @ Yoshi’s
Rookie Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
See fresh talent strip it off, with the audience judging; sign-up by 8pm, show at 9pm; winner gets $200! $20 (for audience). 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com
Secret Lovers @ Lexington Club
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
DJs Katie Duck, PonyBoy and Durt play slow jams for makin’ out at the saucy women’s bar. 9pm-12:30am. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 8632052. www.lexingtonclub.com 10 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Alt-rock band performs. $32-$40. 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Latin Night @ The Café
Amazingly hot gogo guys, cheap drinks and DJed dance music. $5. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences
Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
The popular country western LGBT dance night. $5. 6:30pm-10:30pm with lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Also Sundays 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Retro disco tunes and eclectic crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
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Blatino Oasis, Fri 3
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Fri 3 Blatino Oasis @ Palm Springs
Annual series of gay parties for African American men and their admirers; with strippers, gogo guys adult performers and celebs. Thru May 5. Various hotels. www.BlatinoOasis.com
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The fascinating museum’s weekly nightlife event; Music, cash bar, DJed music and entertainment. $10-$12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 11
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Hard @ Qbar
DJ Haute Toddy spins electro beats; cute gogo guys shake it. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Joe @ The Lookout
Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
J.R. Matthews @ Nob Hill Theatre
Muscled porn stud performs a live strip show. $25. Also May 4. 8pm (solo) and 10pm (live sex show with muscle daddy Casey Williams). Enjoy plenty of other strippers before, after and on other nights. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Roller Disco @ Women’s Building
SF Indiefest’s roller disco party, with skates and tunes provided by Black Rock Roller Disco. $10. 21+. Now monthly; first Fridays. 8pm. 3543 18th St. at Valencia. www.sfindie.com
Sat 4 Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Booker T. Jones @ Yoshi’s
Legendary soul/R&B musicians performs $28-$35. 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Charlie Horse @ SF Eagle J.R. Matthews, Fri 3
Built to Last @ Public Works
Reason to Party’s benefit for Dolores Street Community Services’ first LGBT shelter includes aerial dance performances, open bars, DJs Justin Milla and Sebastian Concha, photo-booth, silent auction; VIP lounge include music and singing performances. Cocktail and/or construction attire suggested. $50-$100. 8pm2am. 161 Erie St. www.dscs.eventbrite.com
Anna Conda hosts the return of the raucous hilarious (monthly) drag show that starts at 11pm-ish. (Also now open daily 11am-2am). 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Evolution @ Beatbox
Dance night with DJs Escape, Guy Ruben, plus
Friday Nights @ De Young Museum
Season 9 of the popular weekly early evening museum parties continues, with live music and performance, exhibit-themed workshops and food and drinks. 5pm-8:30pm. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/fridays
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
Open during renovations, the popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com 12 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Moni Stat at Charlie Horse, Sat 4
Thomas J. Rodriguez and BeBe. $10-$15. 10pm-4am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Go Bang @ The Stud
Steve Fabus and Sergio Fedasz’ monthly eclectic dance night, with a focus on retro grooves and fab remixes. Guest DJs this month include Pavoen and Pone. Free-$7. 9pm-3am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.gobangsf.com
Hard French @ El Rio
The outdoor fun dance, dish and drink party returns, with DJs Carnita and Brown Amy, guest Wam Bam Ashley. $7. 2pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.ElRioSF.com
Homo Erectus @ Qbar
Rachelle Ferrell @ Yoshi’s Oakland
R&B and pop singer performs. $28-$32. 8pm & 10pm. also May 5. 510 Embarcadero. www.yoshis.com
Sun 5 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar is back, with the most popular Sunday daytime event in town. 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Linda Kosit at Cabaret Showcase Showdown, Sun 6
Cabaret Showcase Showdown @ Martuni’s
The singing competition continues, this month with the Best Female Crooner edition, featuring guest judge Linda Kosit, with guest performer Sabrina Chap. Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Mrs. Trauma Flintstone cohost. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. 241-0205.
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Rauncy, slutty, dancing, drinking party with wild gogo guys and more fun from the Cockfight herd. DJs DCNSTRCT and Mykill. $5. 9pm-2am. 465 Castro St. www.clubhomoerectus.com www.QbarSF.com
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 13
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Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The popular Castro bar shows fun musicals each week. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
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
Sacred Cocktails @ Twin Peaks
Weekly gathering for Christian and other faithful LGBTs, sponsored by Oasis, the GLBT Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of California. Upstairs, 7:308:30pm. Castro St. at Market. www.saintaiden.org
Tue 7 Block Party @ Midnight Sun Sutton Foster, Wed 8
The Rolling Stones @ Oracle Arena, Oakland
Historic rock band performs their “50 and Counting” tour. $100-$600. 8pm. Also May 8, at HP Pavilion, San Jose. www.ticketmaster.com
Circuit de Mayo @ Ruby Skye
Fresh and Club Papi present a special edition of the popular downtown dance party T-Dance. $15-$25. 6pm-12am. 21+. 420 Mason St. www.FreshSF.com
Salsa Sundays @ El Rio
Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.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
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less, with complimentary libations, at the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Smarty Pants Trivia @ Stray Bar
Kitty Tapata hosts the game show fun with popcorn and prizes at the dog-friendly gay/straight bar in Bernal Heights. Tuesdays, 8pm. 309 Cortland. www.straybarsf.com
The popular country western LGBT dance night celebrates a decade and a half of fun foot-stomping two-stepping and line-dancing. Free admission. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org
Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room
Booty Call @ Q Bar
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
Mon 6 Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Specials on drinks made with “Cock and Bull” ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pmclosing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com 14 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Wed 8 Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www. juanitamore.com www.QbarSF.com
Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
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Leathermen at Rainbow Skate, Wed 8
Retro-classic drag show (2nd and 4th Wednesday) at the classic Tenderloin bar, featuring Collette Ashton, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Davida Ashton and Joie de Vivre. No cover. 10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com
Leathermen @ Rainbow Skate, Redwood City
Roll out for a special edition of gay skate night, with local and visiting leather and kink men sharing fun on wheels, arcade games, nachos and slurpies galore (no alcohol). $9. 8pm-10:30pm. 1303 Main St. Redwood City. www.facebook.com/events/117172881812780/
Sutton Foster @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko
Two-time Tony Award-winning singer Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes) opens the newly renovated cabaret nightclub. $75-$95 (includes $30 food/beverage credit). 8pm. Thu/Fri 8pm Sat/ Sun 7p,m, & Sat 10:30pm. Thru May 12. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinssf.com www.ticketweb.com
Trivia Night @ Harvey’s
Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Latin Night @ The Café
Amazingly hot gogo guys, cheap drinks and DJed dance music. $5. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www. cafesf.com
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Paula Cole @ Yoshi’s
Grammy Award-winning vocalist performs. $28-$32. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
Fri 10 Fedorable @ El Rio
Thu 9
Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Chrysta Bell @ Bimbo's
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
The dreamy singer performs, with equally dreamy multimedia visual created by filmmaker David Lynch. Emily Jane White opens. $18-$20. 21+ 8pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365. www.bimbos365club.com
Fabulous at 40 @ Bellevue Club, Oakland The Pacific Center’s anniversary gala includes a speech by Cleve Jones, and performances by the Oakland East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus; honors to local LGBT volunteers. $150. 6:30pm no-host cocktails. 7:30pm dinner and program. 525 Bellevue Ave . at Lake Merritt. www.pacificcenter.org
Open during renovations, the popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Some Thing @ The Stud
Borrowed Some Thing Blue, Juanita More’s wedding show to Danimal Oh, with a bevy of drag talents, and DJ Stanley Frank Sensation. $ Proceeds benefit NCLR. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
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Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
May 2013 • bartabsf.com • BARHTAB 15
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 15
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Cinderella, Fri 10. Erik Tomasson
San Francisco Ballet @ War Memorial Opera House
Giuliano Bekor, Piotr Perski @ Gera Tousignant Gallery
Opening reception for two exhibits; Perski’s panoramic Bay Area and Barcelona landscapes, and Bekor’s stunning golden male nude photos series, Odyssey. 5pm-9pm. Exhibits thru June 10 & 19. RSVP in advance required. 433 and 437 Pacific Ave. 986-1647. www.gtfineart.com
Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute Concert @ Victoria Theatre
Peaches Christ welcomes Patricia Quinn, the original Magenta, at a two-night live concert tribute and Q&A with the actress, and song performances by Jason Brock, Trixxie Carr, L Ron Hubby, Dulce De Leche, Manuel Caneri, Cousin Wonderlette, Peter Fogel and others (not a screening of the film). $30-$35. 8pm. Also May 11 at 3pm & 8pm. 2961 16th St. www.peacheschrist.com
Sat 11 Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Being Baz @ Fifth Floor Restaurant, Hotel Palomar
Enjoy a farmer’s market tour, cocktail hour and lavish five-course dinner in this experiential gourmand event. Hunky celebrity chef David Bazirgan shows you where he shops for produce at the Ferry Building (10am12pm); bar manager Brian Means shares unique cocktail recipes and drinks (6:30pm); then, enjoy dinner and wine pairings at the swanky hotel restaurant. $49. 344-3346. 12 4th St. www.hotelpalomar.com
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Spicy @ Club OMG
DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com
Patricia Quinn at the Rocky Horror Picture Show Tribute, May 10
18 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Being Baz, Sat 11
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Giuliano Bekor’s Odyssey, Fri 10
The U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella is followed by an LGBT after-party in the mezzanine. $45 and up. Pre-show artist interview 7pm. Curtain 8pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 865-2000. www.sfballet.org/niteout
Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop
f eON THE TAB ~
Lesbo-rific queer homo dance night each 2nd & 4th Saturday. $5-$10. 21+. 10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com
~from page 18
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Sadistic Saturdays @ SF Eagle
Michael Brandon and Terry Penn cohost the leather and kink night, with demos, gogo guys, boot blacks and naughty fun. 2nd & 4th Saturdays. 10pm-1am. (Also now open daily 11am-2am). 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Sun 12 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar is back, with the most popular Sunday day time event in town. 3pm-6pm (Also now open daily 11am-2am). 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Jock @ Lookout
Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com Adam Lambert at the GLAAD Awards, Sat 11
Frolic @ The Stud
Monthly costume dance party (2nd Sat) for Furries and friends, with DJs Neonbunny and guests. Dance, you animals! $4 (with costume) $8 (without). 8pm2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison www.frolicparty.com
GLAAD SF Awards @ Hilton San Francisco Union Square
The Bay Area edition of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation honors pop singer Adam Lambert, Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, and the San Francisco Giants; enjoy drinks and dinner, plus appearances by Chippendales hunks James Davis and Jaymes Vaughan. $350 and up. 5:30pm-12am. 333 O’Farrell St. www.glaad.org/mediaawards
Love Will Fix It @ Hot Spot
DJ Bus Station John’s intimate monthly (2nd Saturdays) retro disco night with an R&B focus, re-decorates the cozy dive bar into a cool dance hangout; popular with a gaily diverse crowd. $5. 9pm-2am. 1414 Market St. at Polk.
Mommie Dearest Comedy @ 1772
Hella Gay Comedy’s Mother’s Day comedy special, with host Pearl Louise and nine funny stand-up performers. $10. 8pm. 1772 Market (formerly Rebel). www.charlieballard.com
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
Mon 13 Karaoke @ The Lookout
Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Mommy Dearest @ Castro Theatre
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the screening of the Faye Dunaway biopic about Joan Crawford, a camp classic. Matthew Martin hosts; Mark Huestis presents actress Rutanya Alda (Carol Ann in the film), plus a drag lookalike contest. $15. 7:30pm. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com
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Pearl Louise at Mommie Dearest Comedy, Sun 12
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
Tue 14 Block Party @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com
Mitzi Gaynor, Wed 15
Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less, with complimentary libations, at the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Soma Country @ Beatbox
Sundance Saloon’s monthly SoMa two-stepping dance night now takes place every Tuesday. $8. 8pm12am. Lessons 8pm. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www. sundancesaloon.org www.beatboxsf.com
Wed 15 Booty Call @ Q Bar
Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.juanitamore.com www.QbarSF.com
Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Mitzi Gaynor @ Feinsteins at the Nikko
The celebrated entertainer performs an intimate concert at the renovated cabaret. $65-$95 (includes $30 food/drink credit). 8pm. Also May 16 & 17, 8pm. May 18, 7pm.Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. (866) 6631063. www.feinsteinssf.com www.ticketweb.com
Way Back @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of vintage music videos, and retro drink prices. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Thu 16 Fauxgirls @ Infusion Lounge
The classy drag revue (3rd Thursdays) now in its 12th year features Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Maria Garza, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Daffney Deluxe and Ruby LeBrowne, with special guest Anya; dinner seating at 7pm. Show at 8pm. No cover. 124 Ellis St. 421-8700. www.fauxgirls.com
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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
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 21
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Ross Mathews, Thu 16
Ross Mathews @ Regency Ballroom
The extra-gay comic from Jay Leno’s Tonight Show performs Man Up! Tales of My Self Delusional Self-Confidence. $32-$35. 8pm. 1300 Van Ness Ave. 673-5716. www.theregencyballroom.com
Sandra Bernhard @ Bimbo’s Alexis Miranda at Cirque de ‘Arc, Thu 16
The sardonic songstress performs music and comedy in her inimitable style. $45. 9pm. Also May 17. 1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365. www.bimbos365club.com
Cirque de l’Arc @ the Arc
Gala fundraiser for the the nonprofit that works with people with developmental disabilities; hosted bar, nibbly food, a circus-themed drag show (Donna Sachet, Alexis Miranda, Galilea and more), The Arc Superstars, members of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, honorary chair Supe. Bevan Dufty, DJ Page Hodel, silent and live auctions, and a hosted bar. $75, $100 and up. 7pm-9pm. 1500 Howard St. 255-7200. www.thearcsf.org
Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre
Have a wank, with stripper/porn dude Christopher Daniels. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Goapele @ Yoshi’s
Traditional, smokey singer (like Nina Simone, Sade) performs. $30-$40. Thu-Sat 8pm & 10pm. Sun 7pm & 9pm; thru May 19. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Sandra Bernhard, Thu 16
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Goapele, Thu 16
22 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Retro disco tunes and retro cruisy crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
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Christopher Daniels @ Nob Hill Theatre Blond porn dude strips it all off. $25. 8pm & 10pm. Also May 18. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Darling Nikki @ Slate
DJs Durt, Dr. Sleep and Justin Credible play 80s, top 40, and popular indy tunes; gogo queers, drink specials and a photo booth (3rd Fridays). $5. 8pm-2am. 2925 16th St. ww.slate-sf.com
Dragon 2.0 @ Raven Janelle Monae, Thu 16
Revamped monthly gay Asian dance party at the renovated club (formerly Club 8); tequila gogos and two floors of fun. Third Fridays. $5. 9pm-3am. 1151 Folsom St. at 7th. www.ravenbarsf.com
Janelle Monae @ Davies Symphony Hall
The UK singer performs a concert of music as part of the SF Symphony’s Spring Gala. After-party, dinner and VIP packages available. $100-$1000. 8pm. 201 Van Ness Ave. 864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org/janelle
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
VIP @ Club 21, Oakland
New night, with hip-hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guests. No cover before 11pm and just $5 afterward. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Fri 17 Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club
Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com
Christopher Daniels, Fri 17
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 23
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Brews 4 Bikes @ Soma Streat Food Park Beer-licious fundraiser benefits SF Urban Riders and the McLaren Bike Park Project. Enjoy a mobile bar featuring 12 specialty beers. $30. 11am-5pm. 428 11th St. www.sfurbanriders.org
Chaos @ Beatbox
DJs Tristan Jaxx and Jalil Z spin dance tunes for a fun gay crowd. $5-$20. 10pm-4am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com
Gameboi @ Mist Ultra Lounge
Asian pop, disco and dance music night with drink specials, gogo hotties and DJed tunes (3rd Sat). $25. 9:30pm2am. 316 11th St. www.facebook.com/gameboisf
NCLR Party @ City View, Metreon
Kate Clinton at the NCLR Party, Sat 18
Galaxy Radio @ SF Underground
Disco, house, space funk and other grooves are spun by DJs Smac, Lel Ephant, Emils, Holly Bun and other guests (3rd Fridays). 9pm-2am. 424 Haight St.
Hardbox @ Powerhouse
The National Center for Lesbian Rights’ 36th anniversary gala fundraiser, with hosts Kate Clinton and Kate Kendell; cocktails, wine, beer, food, DJ Olga, billiards, air hockey in the lounge. $90 and up. 8pm-12am. 4th St. at Mission. www.nclrights.org
Sun 19 Brunch @ Hi Tops
Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular new sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Gehno Aviance and Robin Simmons spin beats at the cruisy bar (3rd Fridays); gogo guys, free clothes check and capoiera demos. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Daytime Realness @ El Rio
Joe @ The Lookout
Debauchery @ White Horse Tavern, Oakland
Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
Pulse @ Bench & Bar, Oakland
The East Bay monthly gogo guy dance night, presented by Elliot Live Events, moves to Oakland’s popular bar; 3rd Fridays. $10-$15. 9pm-3am. 510 17th St., Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com
Sue Casa, DJ Carnita and Stanley Frank host and DJ, with guests, drag and fun. $6-$8. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com
Third Sunday dance and cruise fun. No cover. 6551 Telegraph Ave. (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com
Jock @ Lookout
Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
Sat 18 Beatpig @ Powerhouse
Juanita More spins saucy grooves and dudes cruise at the eclectic music, drag and kink night; each 3rd Saturday. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. 552-8689. www.beatpigsf.com www.powerhouse-sf.com
Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com 24 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
DJ Jalil at Chaos, Sat 18
Mon 20 Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
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.
Block Party @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less, with complimentary libations, at the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Soma Country @ Beatbox
Sundance Saloon’s monthly SoMa two-stepping dance night now takes place every Tuesday. $8. 8pm12am. Lessons 8pm. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.sundancesaloon.org www.beatboxsf.com
Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Wed 22 Bjork @ Craneway Pavilion, Richmond
The Icelandic art/pop music composer-singer performs a special intimate in-the-round concert of music from her CD Biophilia. $75-$150. Also May 25 & 28. 8:30pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. www.ticketmaster.com
Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Old-school drag show (2nd and 4th Wednesday) at the classic Tenderloin bar, featuring Collette Ashton, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Davida Ashton and Joie de Vivre!. No cover. 10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com Page 26
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Tue 21
Bjork, Wed 22
Latin Night @ The Café
f eON THE TAB ~
Amazingly hot gogo guys, cheap drinks and DJed dance music. $5. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
~from page 25
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The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough’s weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Shirts Off @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
$1 off any drink if ya doff yer shirt. 8pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com
Show/Off @ Red Devil Lounge
Drag, comedy, burlesque, music variety show, with a bevy of drag queens, DJ Sergio Fedasz spinning tunes, and live music by Darling Gunsel and Corpus Hideous. $10. 10pm show. 1695 Polk St. www.reddevillounge.com
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Fri 24
Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio
Women’s burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5-$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 2823325. www.elriosf.com
Trivia Night @ Harvey’s
Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com
Thu 23
Fag Fridays @ DNA Lounge
The monthly homo dance party features DJs Quentin Harris and David Harness. $10-$20. 10pm-3am. 375 11th St. www.dnalounge.com
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
Open during renovations, the popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Joe @ The Lookout
Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com Page 28
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Comedy Bodega @ Esta Noche
Weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com
Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
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The Presets, Fri 24
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DJ Quentin Harris at Fag Fridays, Fri 24
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 26
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Sat 25 Bearracuda @ Beatbox
Celebrate the beartastic party that’s spawned an international ursine club scene, this month, it’s a glow (in the dark) party. $6-$10. 9pm-3am. 314 11th St. www.bearracuda.com
Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge
Weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time’s assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th st. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com
La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland
Live bands, DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland’s premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Sadistic Saturdays @ SF Eagle Alex Newell at Great America’s Pride Night, Fri 24
Pink Friday @ The Mad Dog in the Fog
Yo, bro; the Haight straight bar goes gay, now each 4th Friday. Gogo guys, pink drinks, no cover, Jell-O shots, and gay fun; DJ Getty spins tunes. 9pm-2am. 530 Haight St. 626-7279. www.facebook.com/MadDogPinkFriday
The Presets, Dragonette @ Fox Theater
Australian electropop duo with a queer edge perform live. $32.50. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.thepresets.com www.thefoxoakland.com
Pride Night @ Great America, Santa Clara
The annual GLBT party at the East Bay amusement park is MCed by Pollo Del Mar, with DJed music and a featured live song set by Alex Newell (The Glee Project and Glee’s “Unique”), plus Wendy Williams, Phoenix Normand and Kevin Mikal. Cookie Dough brings The Monster Show drag fun, and DJs The Perry Twins, MC2, Shawn Perry and Kidd Sysko spin dance tunes. $40-$55. 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara. (408) 988-1776. www.CAGreatAmerica.com/PrideNight
Michael Brandon and Terry Penn cohost the leather and kink night, with demos, gogo guys, a boot black and naughty fun. 2nd & 4th Saturdays. 10pm-1am. (Also now open daily 11am-2am). 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Sun 26 Comedy Explosion @ 1772
Casey Ley headlines a night of gay and wannabe-gay comedy with host Paul Doyle and half a dozen other talents. $10. 8pm. 1772 Market (formerly Rebel). www.charlieballard.com
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
Trannyshack @ DNA Lounge
Heklina and her entourage of drag talents (Cookie Dough, Becky Motorlodge, Grace Towers, and more) do a Madonna tribute show; Guy Ruben DJs. $15. 11pm. (club 9:30-3am). 375 11th St. www.dnalounge.com
Mon 27
Spicy @ Club OMG
Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com
Specials on drinks made with “Cock and Bull” ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pmclosing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Steam @ Powerhouse
Karaoke @ The Lookout
Sexy wet towel-snapping night at the cruisy bar. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com 28 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
Casey Ley at Comedy Explosion, Sun 26
Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week, with Broadway touring performers stopping by to sing, too. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Tue 28 Block Party @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.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
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less, with complimentary libations, and the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Wed 29 Booty Call @ Q Bar
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Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.juanitamore.com www.QbarSF.com
f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 29
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Comedy Bodega @ Esta Noche
Weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com
Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge
Retro tunes and fun crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse Darren Criss, Wed 29
Darren Criss @ The Fillmore
The cutey-pie singer/actor and San Francisco native performs music from his upcoming solo album with his band, plus Glee and Starkid (A Very Potter Musical) fan faves. $25. 8pm. 1805 Geary St. 346-6000. www.DarrenCriss.com www.thefillmore.com
Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko
Vocal sister act performs classic pop and Broadway hits. $70-$95 (includes $30 food/drink credit). 8pm. (Sat 7pm & 10:30pm; Sun 7pm).Thru June 2. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinssf.com www.ticketweb.com
Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio
Women’s burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5-$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Trivia Night @ Harvey’s
Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com
Way Back @ Midnight Sun
Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
VIP @ Club 21, Oakland
Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 2689425. www.club21oakland.com
Fri 31 Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club
Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
Open during renovations, the popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Hard @ Qbar
DJ Haute Toddy spins electro beats; cute gogo guys shake it. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Weekly screenings of vintage music videos, and retro drink prices. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Joe @ The Lookout
Thu 30
Spicy @ Club OMG
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com 30 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • May 2013
Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com To submit your June events, send by May 17 to BARtabSF@ebar.com
eBARchivef H
MOCAMBO
Singers and a cellist at the Mocambo in the 1970s
by Jim Stewart
O
ne night, shortly before Luc moved to New York, we decided to do something other than dine at an interesting little eatery and hang out at a gay bar. “Here,” Luc said. He waved the Chronicle’s Pink Section in my face. “There’s a dive on Polk doing cabaret. It’s called Mocambo.” “Why do you think it’s a dive?” I said. “It’s in the Tenderloin.” “What’s the address on Polk,” I said. “It’s at 1166 Polk,” Luc said. “I think that’s near Sutter.” “If it’s near Sutter on Polk,” I said, “it’s in the Tendernob.” We laughed. “What the hell is the Tendernob,” Luc said. It’s where the Tenderloin flirts with Nob Hill,” I said. “Let’s go!” Luc said. San Francisco’s Tenderloin is roughly bounded by Market, Mason, Geary, and Van Ness. It has a rap sheet dating back to the Gold Rush. By the Roaring 1920s, it had become infamous for its nightlife, jazz clubs, and vice dens. Cheap rents and rooms by the hour increased its reputation and popularity. Named for fugitive slave villages in colonial Brazil, there were once any number of Mocambo clubs. The most famous was in West Hollywood on Sunset Strip. Judy Garland and Marlene Dietrich were once entertained there by such as Peggy Lee and Liberace. Same name but far different was the Mocambo on San Francisco’s Polk Street in 1977. This Mocambo was a hole in the wall needing paint, with wobbly chairs and a dozen tiny tables just big enough to hold drinks. Despite no cover, no minimum, the place was nearly empty when we arrived shortly before midnight on a Thursday. Our table was right next to the slightly raised stage. We
Jim Stewart
ordered, ready to nurse our drinks through the first show. It was live music, some drag, no lip-synch. And the performers? As in Cabaret, “every one of them a virgin!” The first act had finished when there was a flurry of activity behind us by the door. The manager was at our table. “Gentlemen,” he said, “a special guest and his party have just arrived.” I turned to look back at the door. Four figures loomed just outside the aureole of light from the stage. “If you gentlemen would be willing to move to the table right over there,” he nodded to another small table, further back from the stage but still in a good location, “your drinks will be on the house for the evening.” Drinks on the house for the night? I looked at Luc. He was already following the waiter. I glanced back. Four suits were seated at our tiny table. My eyes adjusted to the darkness. Stage light illuminated the faces of the “special guests.” I nudged Luc. “See anyone who looks familiar?” I said. He turned. “The mayor!” Luc said. “In the flesh.” We had just given up our table at a hole-in-the-wall gay cabaret to Mayor George Moscone and three of his bodyguard-pals. It was an open secret the mayor and his pals often prowled the seedy side of the City, looking for diversions of the night. In 1977 San Francisco was filled with secret nocturnal diversions, but by November 1978 Mayor Moscone would be dead, assassinated during broad daylight in his own office at City Hall. By 1979 the Mocambo we’d witnessed was closed. Today, listed at 1160 Polk, the building’s major tenant is the Vertigo Bar. ✸ May 2013 • bartabsf.com • BARHTAB 31