Play time

Play time

CLUBS

GET SERVED
Sydney Star Observer columnist Maxi Shield and Verushka Darling have a new Sunday night show at the Midnight Shift. Are You Being Served? sees the pair taking the mickey out of the cult ’70s TV show of the same name every Sunday from 8pm as part of the Shift’s retro Sundays with DJs Rodney Dean and Justin Scott. info: www.themidnightshift.com
ASIAN FUN
At long last, a new event at Arq to recognise and celebrate a very large and vibrant community group — Fantasia on April 16 is largely aimed at the Asian community and their friends, lovers, and admirers. The event is a fundraiser for the Asian Marching Boys and Freinds and they’re bringing out their ‘big guns’ – sexy go-go dancers, in three big shows from 10pm! Doors 9pm, $10 entry.
AMATEUR STRIP
Down some Dutch courage and shake your bits on stage every Thursday night at the Supper Club for Vanessa Wagner’s amateur strip competition. There’s no need to book. Just turn up on the night wearing something you can whip off at a moment’s notice! The fun starts from 9pm and there are big prizes to be won.
LOONEY PARQ
Sunday nights will never be the same again! Get crazy at Sydney’s hottest Sunday night out, Looney Parq, 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.
FIERCE SWEAT
Friday nights from 10pm at the Stonewall Hotel, get ready to work up a fierce sweat. Decoda Secret is joined on stage by her sexy male dancers Wil Sabin and Daniel G for a ferociously hot show that’ll have you sizzling. info: www.stonewallhotel.com

PUBS+BARS

HOTROD
Sundays have never been better at the Colombian Hotel. Come along each Sunday from 5pm as Sandi and the crew keep you moving and shaking on the dancefloor till the early hours. Then in the lounge bar every week from 9pm Phil Hudson keeps it sweet, deep and funky. Free entry all evening. info: www.colombian.com.au
EL CIRCO
Held on Saturday nights at Slide, El’Circo is a unique dinner theatre event, designed by and produced exclusively for the venue. It is an experience that combines the distinctive eclecticism and skill of Sydney’s performance art with the matchless charm and flavour of Parisian cabaret — all presented while you enjoy great food and drink. info: www.slide.com.au
HAPPY FRIDAY
Fridays just got a whole lot more fun with Cargo Bar’s new weekly event, Good Fridays. Each week, a sexy line-up of resident DJs including Rogers Room, Murray Lake, Miss T and Ember keep the tunes going all night long. There’s also an exotic cocktail list and tasty bar snacks. info: www.cargobar.com.au

COMMUNITY

MCC SYDNEY
The Metropolitan Community Church Sydney prides itself on being an inclusive church: proud, courageous and loving. Weekly services are held every Sunday at 10am (traditional) and 6.30pm (Crave contemporary), although you’re welcome to drop by for a cup of coffee or a chat any time — just ring ahead on 9569 5122. The church is at 96 Crystal St, Petersham. info: www.mccsydney.org

BENT YOGA
Bent Yoga classes offer maintenance of a healthy body, mind and spirit, and are proud to be a part of the gay and lesbian community. At present, Bent Yoga is offering a range of services, from private classes to corporate packages. info: www.bentyoga.com
CAMPBELLTOWN QUEERS
Campbelltown’s GLBTI social group Hommies’ next get-together is at Sizzler, Woodbine on Campbelltown Rd, Saturday, April 17, 7pm. RSVP by April 12 on 0423 537 999 or email [email protected]
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

BOYS

GET SLICK
Slick gay men’s jelly wrestling, is still going at the Clarence Hotel — now on Fridays from 9pm. Blokes who strip down and brave the jelly have the chance to win a trip for two to Hamilton Island for their troubles. Entry is $5. info: Contestant entry forms are available to download from www.clarencehotel.com.au
CRAIG HILL
Gay Scottish comedian — and lover of a leather kilt — Craig Hill comes to the Sydney Comedy Festival from April 21-25. Catch the hilariously camp funnyman at The Fuse Box, Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd Marrickville. info: www.mrcraighill.com
TOWEL DROP
Men-only sauna Kingsteam hosts regular ‘towel-free’ nights every Thursday. The deal is sweetened if you’re a member of the Harbour City Bears — admission price for HCB members is $10, or $15 if you’re not a member. Towels drop from 7pm to 11pm. Get it off at Kingsteam Sauna, 38-42 Oxford St. info: www.kingsteam.com
CHUNKY MEN
By now you know what to expect: beefy blokes, furry studs, cute cubs and hot daddies. That’s right, Chunky returns to help you work yourself into a frenzy on May 1. There’ll be Bear movies, DVD giveaways, a special appearance by the Naked Barber, and a huge DJ line-up. Plus you’ll find dirty hot men, dirty dancing and dirty shows. Porno Chunky is on Saturday, May 1 from 9pm at the Clarence Hotel, corner Parramatta Rd and Crystal St, Petersham.
HIV HELP
Ahead of Time is a new booklet filled with practical advice about growing older with HIV. The booklet, available from your local ACON office and from Positive Life NSW, is specifically designed to help people with HIV make the best and most informed decisions about their health as they grow older. info: www.acon.org.au

GIRLS

VELVET
If you fancy tipping the velvet with a midweek 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 and more. Plus, it’s free entry.
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.
SHE’S GOT BALLS
In an attempt to feel freaking confident about being a powerhouse of hilarity, US comedian DeAnne Smith is calling her new Sydney Comedy Festival show Ballsy. Part jokes, part stories, all balls. Ukulele guaranteed, which can only be a good thing. See her at the Factory Theatre from May 5-8. info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au
SAPPHIC SYDNEY
Website Sapphic Sydney is a comprehensive online portal for lesbians living in or visiting Sydney. Girls, if you’re looking for like-minded women, visit www.sapphicsydney.com.au
FASTER PUSSYCAT
Fancy Piece hosts a weekly night for women and trans, with all queers welcome, at the Supper Club every Saturday. The Pussycat Club hosts sexy DJs, with free entry and shows at 11pm and midnight. info: www.theoxfordhotel.com.au

STAGE

CALLING TRACY TURNBLAD
Think you’ve got what it takes to star in the new Australian stage version of Hairspray: The Musical, opening later this year? Producers are holding an open casting call from 9am, April 24 at the Opera Centre, Surry Hills. Amongst other roles, they’re looking to cast the star of the show, Miss Tracy Turnblad herself! info: www.hairspraythemusical.com.au

ALONZO BODDEN
Winner of US comedy talent show Last Comic Standing, Alonzo Bodden makes a hotly anticipated debut in Australia this month as a Sydney Comedy Festival early-bird headlining at the Comedy Store until April 17, and at the festival’s gala opening ‘Cracker Night’ (Tuesday, 20 April). Bodden describes his humour as “cynically good-natured, in an angry, suburban Negro kind of way”. info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au

CLOCK IS TICKING
Philip Ridley’s The Fastest Clock in the Universe deals with themes of ageing, vanity, emerging sexuality, power, and love. Taking themes from fantasy and fairytales with a modern East London reality, the play captures the human lust for youth, and the dark perils of not letting go. Directed by Evin Donohoe and produced by Jacqueline Lucey, catch it at the Newtown Theatre before it finishes on April 17.

ROMEO AND ROMEO?
In the repressive atmosphere of a Catholic boys’ boarding school where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been banned, four students sneak out at night to secretly explore the play for their own enjoyment. At first it’s just for laughs, but as the young men discover the themes of secret and forbidden love, they gradually immerse themselves in the roles. Adapted by Joe Calarco, Shakespeare’s R+J opens at the Riverside Theatre Parramatta on April 22. info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

SONG

ANN VRIEND
Vancouver-born pop and blues folk chanteuse, Ann Vriend, plays a clutch of gigs around NSW this week.  A lyrically profound and heart-wrenchingly honest songwriter, with a unique vocal mastery and prowess on the piano, you can see Ann in action at the Woonona School of Arts, Wollongong on April 14, and the Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba the following night. info: www.annvriend.com

INTIMATE DUO
Mick Turner from The Dirty Three and Jeffrey Wegener of The Laughing Clowns play an intimate show at the Oxford Art Factory Gallery on Friday, April 16. Showcasing Turner’s solo work, the show will feature his trademark laconic guitar, complemented by Wegener’s subtle jazz-influenced drumming. The show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $10 + bf. info: www.oxfordartfactory.com

HOMOTONES
Sydney’s premier gay and lesbian concert band, The Sydney Homotones, have once again joined forces with their favourite furry vocalist, Justin J Bear, to bring you a ferry cruise like no other. Held on April 18, it’s a four-hour cruise with a 15-piece band, a hot and hairy vocalist, musical trivia, games, prizes, food and drinks. Tickets are $65 from www.qjump.com.au

COSMO CAFE
Double Bay institution The Cosmopolitan Café has reopened with a new look, including a piano bar with a free weekly entertainment program on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. On Friday, April 16, catch Elizabeth Geyer. The next day, enjoy the sounds of Joseph Calderrazo and Evelyn Duprai. On Sunday, be entertained by Gerard Masters. info: www.cosmopolitancafe.com.au

SKII AT SLIDE
Slide have invited powerhouse vocalist Skii back to perform for their dinner show audience on Wednesday, April 14. Skii will do selection of her most loved tracks from her Foolish Girl album and her first album Uncompromising plus a special set of new works, covers and extra bits and pieces. info: www.slide.com.au

ON SCREEN

SAVE THE DATE
Queer Screen is pleased to be returning to both the Bay and the Mountains in June. While the program for both seasons is yet to be announced, Queer Screen has announced the dates, so lock them in your diary now if you plan on checking out the films on offer: June 5 and 6 at the Dendy Byron Bay, and June 18-20 at the Edge Cinema, Katoomba as part of the Blue Mountains Pink Festival. info: www.queerscreen.com.au
SEX CHANGE DOCO
Aged 8 and Wanting a Sex Change is an honest and powerful documentary which follows children in the United States who believe they are the wrong gender. The children in the film have been diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder (GID). In the United States, children under 16 can be prescribed hormone blockers to prevent the onset of puberty and prepare treatment to become their new gender. See the doco on April 26 on pay TV’s Lifestyle YOU channel.

TRANS SHORTS
Underground transgender filmmaker Kim Miles has launched her new website and three volumes of her unique films which have been described by John Polson in a TropFest documentary as “unwatchable”. They have also been described as unlike anything else in Australian cinema and likened to David Lynch and Fellini. info: www.kimmilesfilms.com

RURAL FESTIVAL
Feel like going rural at the end of the month? The world’s biggest showcase of Australian film will be exhibited at the 2010 Dungog Film Festival, running over a four-day weekend from May 27-30. Now in its fourth year, the festival, which has attracted over 11,000 people since its inception, will feature a dynamic new program that celebrates film in a non-competitive environment. info: www.dungogfilmfestival.org

FREE

CLIMATE CHANGE PHOTOS
The Sydney Theatre Company this month presents a free exhibition of photography by Jon Lewis, titled Portraits from the Edge: Putting a Face to Climate Change. The exhibition, documenting the landscape and people of the sinking Pacific island chain of Kiribati, is at The Wharf Gallery from April 20 until May 19.

UNVAULTED
A treasure trove of intriguing items from around the world is on public display at Sydney Town Hall from tomorrow to help celebrate the official reopening of the iconic building. Unvaulted features fascinating items from the Sydney Town Hall Collection, including a lock of Napoleon’s hair, a chair from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and a lamp from one of the Japanese submarines which attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942. From 10am-4pm every day until April 26.

OXFORD PARTY
The dancefloor becomes the stage for the next fiery chapter of Revenant fun at the Oxford Art Factory on April 14. Come see Fashion Launches Rocket Launches taking their poignant show to ground-level for a commanding performance of Krautrock possibilities. Plus performances by Whipped Cream Chargers and The Preachers. Free entry.

ICE CREAM
Free Cone Day is an annual Ben and Jerry’s tradition celebrated around the world, and this year Australia is getting a chunk of the action. Loyal fans and ice cream lovers are invited to come to the Manly Scoop Shop, 25-27 South Steyne between 1-8pm on April 20 as it opens its doors to dish up flavours of your choice.

FUTURE FUN

DANCE FOR LIFE
DanceLife Unite is a competition providing talented dance students with the opportunity to perform in a professional area and receive recognition and constructive feedback from industry professionals. The event will be held on May 15 and 16, and again on May 22 and 23, at the Science Theatre, University of NSW. info: www.dancelifeunite.com.au

RICKIE LEE JONES
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones makes her long overdue return to Australian shores next month, performing tracks from her latest album Balm In Gilead as well as songs from her extensive back catalogue. It’s been over 30 years since Jones first burst on to the scene with Chuck E’s In Love. See her at the Sydney Opera House on May 28. info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

BJORN AGAIN
The amazing ABBA tribute band credited with reigniting the ABBA craze way back when, Björn Again, is coming to Sydney for a special three-concert performance. Celebrate the group’s 21 years with Björn Again playing all the hits including Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, Mamma Mia, Fernando and many more. They play the State Theatre on August 14 and 15. Tickets through Ticketmaster.

COASTOUT COFFS
CoastOut is the Coffs Coast premier GLBTI festival, and it launches later this year. Organisers are inviting people from around Australia and the world to an often unknown and bypassed paradise for an art, sport and cultural festival celebrating the diversity of our community. Activities during this two-night, three-day festival, running from October 29-31, include Australia’s first queer surfing tournament, a beach carnival, entertainment and much more. info: www.discovercoffscoast.com.au
GET LISTED
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