Play time
BOYS
BEAR ART
Bear Essentials 14 features a Bear Artspace, and is seeking submissions for inclusion in the exhibition. If you’re a Bear artist and interested in contributing works for display, email [email protected]. Artspace will be on display at the Clarence Hotel during Bear Essentials, beginning with a cocktail party-style launch on Monday, March 1.
BOBBY THE FIRST
Melbourne electro-pop prince Bobby the First debuts his chart-ready sounds to Sydney crowds this weekend. Catch him on the main stage at Mardi Gras Fair Day from 6pm Sunday Feb 21, then performing live from 10pm that night at Loose Ends at Phoenix Bar. info: www.myspace.com/bobbyatmyspace
BLOW WAVES
The Blow Waves are back in Sydney for two hot and sweaty free shows at the Supper Club on Oxford St for Mardi Gras. Immersed in dirty synths, melodic harmonies, guitar-driven riffs and penetrating hooks, the band has a reputation for outrageous stage performances. They play, with support from DJ Lovertits, at the Supper Club on Feb 22 and March 1.
info: www.poloandsupper.com.au
X-RATED
The Sydney Convicts will host another of their hugely successful Rugger Bugger shows, RB10 – X-Rated, at the Midnight Shift on Saturday, February 20. Expect to see lots of flesh from the boys, considering the X-rated theme. The fleshy fun starts at 8pm at the Shift’s Saddle Bar. All door takings go to the team’s campaign to get to the Bingham Cup in June this year.
WANNA WRESTLE?
Get your mind out of the gutter — wrestling is not just for fantasies and role play! You can learn the rudiments in a few short weeks with the Harbour City Wrestling Club. As a Mardi Gras special offer, you can take part in an introductory session from 6pm on March 1 at Boxing Works, 23 Pelican St, Darlinghurst. Cost is $10 to participate or $5 to watch.
info: Call 9283 6421 or wwwhcwc.com.au
CLUBS
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday nights will never be the same again! Get your name marked off the roll and party with your fellow classmates at Sydney’s hottest Sunday night out, Sunday School, at Arq. Includes Looney Parq, the new drag spectacular starring Mitzi Macintosh, Antony Ginandjar, Ashley Evans and Kitty Glitter, plus spectacular shows in the Arena between 1am and 2am. Doors open 9pm, entry $5.
YA LEIL
DJ Gemma is back with the popular queer Arab party Ya Leil. Music from the Arab world, presented and re-mixed by DJ Gemma and set amongst sumptuous visual and performance art by local queer Arab artists. It’s on Saturday February 20, from 7pm–3am at Jets Sports Club, Holbeach Ave, Tempe. Tickets $30/40. Visit www.yaleil.com.au
A.D. DISCO
Time to pay attention, because Attention Deficit Disco is coming to Slide on Feb 26. The event will showcase some of the best A.D.D. talent to date — Paul Hatz, Doug James and Sumobrown, and the kick-ass vocals of Kristen Pearson. Pre-sale tickets ($15) available from www.attentiondeficitdisco.com.au
STRICTLY ’90S
It’s the decade that bought us such musical luminaries as Ricky Martin and Alanis Morissette… how good were the ’90s? If you want to hear more cheesy ’90s dance-pop than you can poke a stick at, head to Strictly ’90s at Arq on February 19. Downstairs in the Vortex from 9pm, you’ll hear ’90s hits and watch great ’90s-themed drag shows.
SEX TALK
On Fridays, the Stonewall Hotel gets deliciously cheeky when Verushka Darling hosts Let’s Talk about Sex. Also featuring a Wicked tribute show starring Minnie Cooper, Tora Hymen and Antony, it’s a fun-filled way to let off a bit of steam at the end of a working week. $5 cover charge after 9pm, but VIP cardholders get in free. Stonewall Hotel, 175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
info: www.stonewallhotel.com
COMMUNITY
GENDER CENTRE
The Gender Centre provides services and support for the transgender community. Staff at the centre offer accommodation, counselling, case management and training for those in need, The Gender Centre is at 75 Morgan St, Petersham.
info: 9569 2366
BINGAY AT THE BEACH
Lifesavers With Pride have teamed up with Mitzi McIntosh plus singing sensation Naomi Palmer to present a special beach-themed edition of BIG Bingay on February 19 from 7.30pm at the Paddington RSL. Ten speedo-clad representatives from Lifesavers With Pride will be on duty to ensure that guests enjoy their night at the beach by giving out free Golden Gaytime ice creams and rolls of Lifesavers. All proceeds go to ACON.
ACCEPTANCE SYDNEY
Come and join 20,000 of your closest friends at Fair Day this Sunday. While you’re at it, drop by the Acceptance information stall. Acceptance provides a safe, spiritual and social environment for GLBT Catholics, their family and friends. They also need helpers to man the stall on the day. If you can help out for an hour or so, contact Sean at [email protected]
INDIGENOUS PARADERS
Join in the fun of the Mardi Gras parade with members of NSW’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Participants will be given a T-shirt and sausage sandwich and other refreshments beforehand. To participate, register online at www.acon.org.au/aboriginal.
GAY MEDITATION
The Sydney Gay Meditation Group is a social gathering of gay and gay-friendly people interested in spiritual development. The group is not specific to any religion or meditation technique, and novices are welcome. They meet 7pm Tuesdays at Club Swans in Kings Cross. Silent meditation is followed by discussions and herbal tea at the free meetings.
info: www.sydneygaymeditationgroup.com
DO YOUR BIT
Did you know that metals from whitegoods such as washing machines, fridges and dishwashers can be recycled for use in train tracks, cars and even planes? What’s more, the City Of Sydney offers a free weekly whitegoods collection service to its residents. If you’ve recently upgraded an appliance, don’t throw your old one on the scrap heap — recycle it.
info: www.zerowaste.org.au
DIARY
ABBA MANIA
After a sell-out tour of the USA and a successful run in London’s West End, ABBA Mania returns to Australia this year, including a stop-off at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on June 12. The show brings to life all the classic ABBA songs you can think of — and best of all, unlike Mamma Mia, you won’t have to endure Pierce Brosnan’s tuneless bleating.
info: Visit www.abbamanialive.com.au
MEOW MEOW
Laugh in the face of ongoing economic cat-astrophe as our favourite feline, Meow Meow, returns to stalk The Studio stage again with her provocative brand of postmodern performance. The indomitable Meow Meow returns to the Sydney Opera House for a strictly limited season of her new show Meow to the World: Crisis is Born. Again from March 2 to 14.
info: Visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com
THE CANDY MAN CAN
The all-dancing, all-singing celebration of the life and music of Sammy Davis Jr is returning to NSW in March. Candy Man features an eight-piece big band, musical theatre performers and a youth choir, set in Las Vegas nightclubs, concert halls, musicals and films and with a twist of vaudeville. It plays at IPAC Theatre, Wollongong from March 3-6.
info: Visit www.candymanshow.com.au
CODGERS
Audiences and critics alike acclaimed Don Reid’s entertaining and beautiful play Codgers, the 2006 winner of the prestigious Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award. Now the deftly comic play is back, featuring some of Australia’s leading senior actors, including Ronald Falk, Ron Haddrick and Edwin Hodgeman. It runs from April 20 to May 1 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale.
info: Visit www.seymourcentre.com.au
FREE
CHINESE FEST
The Chinese New Year Festival, running until February 28, is a display of visual and performing arts including art exhibitions, theatrical performances, art workshops and a spectacular twilight parade with more than 2700 performers, including around 300 from Chongqing City in western China. Many of the festival’s events are free, including the launch celebration and the twilight parade.
info: Visit www.sydneychinesenewyear.com.au
JODEE KNOWLES
Fresh from her sell-out show in Culver City, Los Angeles, Perth artist Jodee Knowles will showcase her latest works in Sydney. Knowles is one of the hottest emerging artists in Australia today, and her recent show in America saw Pink buy half the exhibition to feature in a video clip. Check out her dark-but-beautiful works for yourself from February 25 – March 18 at Friends of Leon Gallery, 82 Marlborough St, Surry Hills.
info: Visit www.friendsofleon.com
HISTORY WALK
Thought that Oxford St was the centre of the GLBT universe? Think again. Discover the rich queer history of the inner west with other young GLBT people and find out more about our community’s evolution during a free history walk from 10.30am on Feb 21. The walk will begin in Newtown and finish at Fair Day. It’s open to GLBT people aged 26 and under.
info: Bookings on 9206 2077 or [email protected]
ODE TO BOY
Spending the ’80s in a British seaside town, Richard Hedger is no stranger to colourful characters and fashion disasters — all played out to a soundtrack of new romantic gems. Inspired by this influential time, Richard gets up close and personal with Ode To Boy, a series of ’80s-inspired portraits that demonstrate his love of glam rock. At TAP Gallery, Feb 20-March 6.
info: Visit www.tapgallery.org.au
GIRLS
TASTY COCKTAILS
The Margaritas are a talented trio of sassy and sexy senoritas with a reputation for reworking — or ‘bitch-slapping’ — classic songs and old-time faves. Their no-holds-barred performances combine cabaret, burlesque and incredible vocals. The group debut their show On The Rocks on February 25 at the Seymour Centre. The show runs until March 6, so get in quick to hear their parodic tributes to songs from decades gone
info: Visit www.seymourcentre.com
GIRL MOST LIKELY
Girl Most Likely are a Sydney indie pop/rock outfit with bittersweet lyrics that catch a wry observation of life. Their songs have been used on TV promos for The L Word, All Saints and Home and Away. The grrl-pop (plus one boy!) quintet play at OutSkirts, February 20 at the Roxbury Hotel, 182 St Johns Rd, Glebe. They’ll be joined on stage by Kristy Apps, Emma Wall and Kate Duffy. 7.30pm, $10 entry.
SHORT & GIRLY
Short play The Black Dog is playing at NIDA’s Parade Playhouse on February 20 at 3pm as part of the Short + Sweet Festival. Written by Brooke Doherty and directed by Wayne Underwood, the play stars openly gay actress Anna Guy, and deals with issues of depression — a topic known to many gay audiences. info: Visit www.shortandsweet.org
VELVET
If you fancy tipping the velvet with a mid-week tipple, check out Velvet Wednesdays at The Bank Hotel, 324 King St, Newtown. From 7pm till late, the girls night has a great line-up of DJs, including Sandi Hotrod, Renae Stanton, Kate Monroe, GI Jode & more. Plus, it’s free entry.
QUEER CENTRAL
Catch DJs Sveta, Miss Gee, Shalyn Gray, Beatrix and Avra Cybele at the Sly Fox every Wednesday night from 9pm. Surprise shows every week by Mitzi Macintosh and Penny Clifford. info: 9557 1016
HOTROD SUNDAYS
Every Sunday at the Colombian Hotel, girls can get their motors running with Hotrod. The line-up includes alternating guest DJs from 5pm and Sandi Hotrod spinning tunes from 9pm to 1am in the main bar. 117 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
ON SCREEN
CONVICTS SCREENING
The Sydney Convicts Film Fundraiser is a centrepiece screening for the 2010 Mardi Gras Film Festival. At 7.30pm, Feb 18 at the Palace Academy in Paddington, catch queer French romantic comedy Hollywood Je’Taime while doing your part for a good cause. Tickets are $20, with $5 from every ticket donated to the Sydney Convicts to help with their travel to the Bingham Cup.
info: www.mardigrasfilmfestival.com.au
FANG-TASTIC
Have Taylor Lautner’s washboard abs turned you into a devout vampire freak? You’re not alone. Satisfy your quench for blood, stakes and garlic supernatural fantasy-horror-romance series The Vampire Diaries, which screens on digital channel GO! every Monday at 8.30pm.
COMPLICATED COMEDY
The Moonlight Cinema offers up a real treat for Meryl Streep buffs this week. While recent Streep comedy It’s Complicated was middling, it’s worth sitting through just to hear the actor utter the immortal line “I prefer a lot of semen”. It’s screening on Feb 19 and 20.
info: Visit www.moonlight.com.au
HILLS ARE ALIVE
Have you ever truly forgotten that glorious moment when Captain Von Trapp and Maria finally kiss? Re-live it and more when Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music returns to the State Theatre on March 4, 5 and 6. Lovers of The Sound of Music (and what’s not to love?) join in an unforgettable interactive experience and tribute to the film. info: www.singalonga.net
PUBS AND BARS
CALLING DRAG QUEENS
Make Me a Drag Queen auditions will be held on the Feb 19 from 9pm at the Taxi Club. There are only 12 spots available, so be early. Make Me A Drag Queen offers 10 weeks of entertainment with 12 contestants vying for the title. Judged on their skills in make-up, miming, performances and choreography, the winner will take home a huge prize pack.
info: www.thetaxi.com.au
BUSH DANCE
Marrickville Town Hall plays host to the Southern Cross Bush Dance on Friday, February 19, from 8pm to midnight. There’s a licensed bar on premises, or you can BYO. The night is organised by the Southern Cross Outdoors Group, and features a live performance by the band Skewiff. It’s $20/$25 entry.
info: [email protected]
CLARENCE KARAOKE
The weekly My Inner Diva karaoke competition launches at the Clarence Hotel on Wednesday, February 17.
Find your inner Aretha, Tina or Donna and let your shimmy shake, your rattles roll, and your greatest love of all shine with a weekly dose of karaoke fun. It’s free to enter, there are thousands of tracks to choose from and fun prizes up for grabs.
info: Visit www.clarencehotel.com.au
CHIC SUNDAYS
Celebrate Sundays in style with Chic Sundays at the Beresford Hotel from 3pm. Hosted by Decoda Secret with special guests each week, with DJs Murray Hood, Kitty Glitter, Jimmy Dee and many more. Happy hour is from 5pm-7pm, with $5 pints and spirits.
info: www.theberesford.com.au
CAMP CAMPERDOWN
How’s this for a sweet deal: RSVP to confirm your attendance at Camp Camperdown, on every Thursday night from 8pm at the Camperdown Hotel, and you’ll receive a complimentary cocktail on arrival. Once you’re through the door, you’ll be able to enjoy iconic gay DJs and drag and Absolut cocktail specials. RSVP to [email protected]
SONG
LIZA ON AN E
Trevor Ashley’s hilarious Liza Minnelli tribute show, Liza on an E, last played while the diva herself was in the country. Now, Ashley’s back for a return season. Catch Trevor ‘almost’ live with a six-piece band at the Civic Hotel from February 24-26. He’s promising more songs, more laughs and more illegal substances.
info: www.trevorashley.com.au
DIMA RESCHEDULED
European hottie Dima Bilan has been asked to represent Russia once again at the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest qualifying round, in Moscow on March 7. Unfortunately, that’s the same day as the hearthrob’s planned Sydney concert, so dates have been shifted. Bilan’s concert will now take place on March 12 at the UNSW Science Theatre, Kensington (the venue remains unchanged). All tickets remain valid for the new date.
DONNA LEE
Donna Lee has since built an impressive musical career, appearing in productions like Fiddler on the Roof, Jesus Christ Superstar and Oklahoma!. The recipient of two Mo awards for her cabaret performances and a Green Room award for her performance as Ado Annie in Oklahoma!. Catch her as part of the Showqueen season at Kit & Kaboodle, 35 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross on Feb 21. Tickets through Moshtix.
THE BEEZ
The Beez are a four piece act from Germany playing a fast and furious mix of Eastern European and Western pop hits in an alternative folk style. Their performance trademark is to rearrange popular songs by the likes of Queen, Nirvana and Madonna. The band are playing around NSW in the coming month — Feb 25 in Katoomba, Feb 26 in Woonona and March 28 in Wongawilli.
info: www.myspace.com/thebeezband
STAGE
HATS OFF
Hats Off! returns for its 12th year with a retrospective concert featuring a star-studded line-up of Australian musical theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret performers, all donating their time and talent to help raise much-needed funds for ACON and BGF. Performers include Judi Connelli, David Campbell, Sigrid Thornton, Toni Lamond, iOTA, Miguel Ayesa, Wicked cast members and many more. At the Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre on Monday, February 22 at 7.30pm.
info: Visit www.seymourcentre.com
DONALD FRIEND
To celebrate Mardi Gras, a special one-man performance will explore the fascinating life of Sydney artist Donald Friend at historic Elizabeth Bay House, where he lived in 1942, on February 24 and 25 at 6.30pm. Actor Terence Clarke tells the story of the bohemian artist and noted diarist, from his childhood through to his last diary entries in 1989.
info: Call 8239 2211 or visit www.hht.net.au
MATHINNA
Choreographed by Stephen Page, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s multi award-winning show Mathinna is inspired by a young girl’s journey between two cultures. Mathinna traces the history of a young Aboriginal girl removed from her traditional life, adopted into Western colonial society to be ultimately returned to the fragments of her original heritage. It’s showing at the Riverside Theatre on February 19 and 20.
info: Visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au
BENT
Focus Theatre and B Sharp this month present Martin Sherman’s iconic 1979 play Bent. This brutally honest, powerful and delicately funny drama moves from the decadence of 1930s Berlin to the inhumane excesses of the Nazi concentration camps, exploring how love can overcome the most ruthless circumstances. It’s playing from Feb 18-March 14 at the Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre in Surry Hills.
info: Visit www.belvoir.com.au
