Playtime

Playtime

CLUBS

MAY DAY MADNESS
Sweat returns to Phoenix on May 1 for a special session of semi-naked men and hard, thumping house inspired by the Miami Underground sound. The dark, sweaty dancefloor fun kicks off at 10pm and goes until the early hours of the morning.
DRAG RACE
Tora Hymen is back at the Midnight Shift videobar to host So You Think You Can Drag? Every Tuesday night, contestants will be judged by local celebrities with a weekly cash prize of $100 and a grand prize of $1000 plus a pampering package from Star Shots photographic studio. To enter, email your details to [email protected] or call Zara on 0433 248 684.
GET LOOSE
Loose Ends at Phoenix Bar on Oxford St happens every Sunday from 10pm, with resident DJ Matt Vaughan and regular special guests playing a swag of dirty electro, house, punk and disco tunes. Free entry. info: www.exchangehotel.biz
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
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.

PUBS AND BARS

CLUB KOOK
On Saturday May 1 at the Jets Club on Holbeach Ave, Tempe, Club Kooky presents Super Gay, a party for crazy queers everywhere. Dress like Ricky Martin, Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Chastity Bono, Paul Keating, or anyone you wish. Itch-e and Scratch-e will be DJing live, plus DJ Gemma and Seymour Butz. Tickets are avalable for $25 from the Barberia, Surry Hills.
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
BYE BYE BINGO
After more than 10 years of regular weekly Bingay and five years of BIG Bingay, fabulous hostess Mitzi Macintosh is off to live overseas. Having raised almost $1 million for ACON — not to mention giving pleasure to thousands of people along the way with her outrageous antics and repartee — May 7 will be her last BIG Bingay ever. From 7.30pm at the Paddo RSL, Paddington.
GAY’S WORK
Thursdays from 10.30pm, the Midnight Shift’s Video Bar presents All In A Gay’s Work. Camp, glamorous drag shows from Charisma Belle, Tora Hymen and Minnie Cooper, plus an $8 black hole of uranus cocktail special all night. Free entry.
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
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

COMMUNITY

FUNDRAISING SHOW
Be the first to see Calendar Girls in Sydney and show your support for the Leukemia Foundation, the only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the care and cure of patients living with blood cancers, when the cast stage a charity performance on Wednesday, April 28 at the Theatre Royal. Strictly limited tickets are available through Ticketek.
PFLAG MEETING
PFLAG’s (a support group for parents, family, friends of lesbian and gay children) next monthly family support meeting is on Wednesday, April 28, at Wesley Lodge Motel, cnr of Hawkesbury and Queens Rds, Westmead, at 7.30pm. It’s a relaxed environment — pour your heart out, or sit back and listen. Call the Helpline on 9294 1002 for more information or visit www.pflagaustralia.org.au
NIGHT MASS
The Acceptance Choir will lead the singing at the Saturday 6pm mass at St Joseph’s on May 1. St Joseph’s Newton is possibly the only Sydney Catholic parish with a publicly stated acceptance of gay and lesbian people. The church aims to provide a safe place for all people to pray regardless of age, race, creed, gender, cultural background or sexual orientation.
VOLUNTEER POSITION
C. Moore Hardy is looking for a research assistant (possibly student volunteer) to scan colour transparencies for a history of queer Sydney. Unfortunately, it’s not a paid position, but you’d be helping to document our community’s history and it’d look great on a resume. Please call 0418 861 673 if you’re interested.

BOYS

GET DIRTY
Dirty is held at the infamous underground bar, Phoenix, a club of unmatched pedigree in Sydney’s underground gay clubbing scene. The May 8 event, from 11pm-5am, sees the return of Rob Gilbert (Melbourne) alongside resident Mandy Rollins. Be prepared to get down low for a little bump and grind!
SEVEN-TO-NINE
If you are a gay man who’s been living with HIV for a while, Positive Life NSW invites you to the next meeting of 729 (Seven-to-Nine). The discussion group will meet Thursday, April 29, 7pm-9pm in Surry Hills. For more information, call Hédimo on 9361 6011.
HOT PORNO
Beefy blokes, cute cubs, hot daddies and furry studs are what you can expect at the next Harbour City Bears Chunky Party — Porno — at the Clarence Hotel on Saturday, May 1. Starting at 9pm, DJs on the bill include DJ Man, Brett Austin, Matt Effect, Mark Alsop and Troy Cox. Chunky: Porno is at the Clarence from 9pm on Saturday, May 1. Tickets from Q Jump are $10 HCB members and $20 non-members.

JOCKSTRAP FUN
June 4 is National Wear A Jockstrap To Work Day. Porn superstar François Sagat, who paid a visit to Australia last month, is among those expected to sport their most comfortable jock to work on the day — and he wants you to join in! Why not turn the day into a fundraiser at your office and donate the proceeds to a gay and lesbian charity? Check out the official Facebook page for more info.
SAUCY SALSA
Feel like dancing? Head to the Colombian Hotel on Mondays for same-sex salsa. Bring a partner or come by yourself and you’ll get paired up. Beginners dance at 8pm, intermediate at 7.15pm and at 9pm the venue takes on a club atmosphere where you can show off all your newly-acquired skills. It’s $15 per person or $25 for a couple. info: www.buenavistadance.com.au

GIRLS

NIP OF SHERRY
All are welcome to attend an online interview with Sherry Wolf at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, Tuesday, May 4 from 7-9pm. Sherry is a leading activist in the US marriage equality campaign and the author of the recently released book Sexuality and Socialism. moist in uniform
Girls, chuck on your hottest uniforms — from butch army gear to naughty nurse threads — and head to Moist’s uniform party on Friday, April 30. There’ll be music from DJs Shalyn Gray, Bella and Sandi Hotrod, plus Moist dancers and drag guests. $10 on the door at ARQ from 9pm.
CANCER DISCUSSION
Research indicates that lesbians are less likely to have children, more likely to smoke and more likely to engage in harmful alcohol consumption — all factors that bring a heightened risk of cancer. To be opened by Prof Kerryn Phelps, the Understanding Cancer Forum from 10am on May 1 at Petersham RSL provides information and discussion for lesbian cancer survivors and friends. info: www.acon.org.au
GIRLAXY
A new and unique monthly girls event is being held on the first Saturday of every month at The Oxford Hotel. On Saturday May 8 from 8pm, join Maria and the all-girl band The Frocks for The White Party. Joining them exclusively will be sexy duo Scarlett Belle performing their new single Closure. Music from DJ’s Sveta, Tori Mac & Heart Attack. Plus Girlaxy Lounge table service from the sexy Girlaxy bar staff.
info: www.girlaxy.com.au
TASTY PIKELET
With stunning reviews piling in nationwide, new second album Stem by Melbourne pysch-pop wonder Pikelet is shaping up to become one of the albums of the year. With recent supports for the likes of Frida Hyvonen and Kaki King, Pikelet is more and more a beloved live fixture around the country. She plays the Oxford Art Factory on April 29.

STAGE

PAJAMA GAME
The Strathfield Musical Society presents a new staging of that great old Broadway musical favourite The Pajama Game from May 21 to 29 at the Latvian Theatre in Strathfield. Created by the same team that gave us Damn Yankees, The Pajama Game bursts with fabulous dances, big chorus numbers, and memorable songs. info: www.strathfieldmusicalsociety.com.au
THE PACKER
It broke all box office records for the Old Fitzroy Theatre two years ago, and once again critically acclaimed one-man show The Packer returns to the theatre from April 30 to May 8. Told through the eyes of Shane, a factory packer still living with his gin-addled old lady but dreaming of hip-hop fame, the play is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through contemporary Auckland. info: www.rocksurfers.org
SAY THE WORD
Sixteen characters. One performer. It’s late one Saturday night, and a haphazard group of bright young things tumble out of a bar searching for a drink, a bed, or just a body to rub up against. Words They Make With Their Mouths returns to Sydney for an exclusive run at ATYP’s Studio One at the Wharf, Walsh Bay until May 1. info: www.bambinaborracha.com
ANTHONY SALAME
Young Aussie SBS sitcom veteran (Fat Pizza and Swift and Shift), Anthony Salame still feels he has something to prove in Sydney. An Adelaide boy from way back, Salame is threatening to smash it up comedy-wise in his adopted state when he takes to the stage at at the FuseBox for the Sydney Comedy Festival from May 4 – 9.

SONG

STOP THE CLOCK
Andy Clockwise has finally finished recording his new album The Socialite, a loving pastiche of rock’n’roll and pop music. It is a pop album, a folk album, an electronic album that inherently holds the individual’s voice and commentary on the world in which we live — but that’s what sums up Clockwise himself. Hear the new material when Clockwise performs at the Oxford Art Factory on May 6. Tickets through Moshtix.
ENSEMBLE OFFSPRING
Ensemble Offspring will again dazzle listeners with their combination of virtuosity and musical brilliance on May 3 at Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium. The ensemble presents selected works spanning the globe: from France, Gerard Grisey’s iconic Talea and from Australia, Not Broken Bruised Reed written especially for Ensemble Offspring by Bruce Crossman. Bookings: 8256 2222
MARIA VENUTI

On Saturday May 1, extraordinary cabaret performer Maria Venuti will delight Double Bay audiences in a Cosmopolitan Café show that celebrates her first love — singing in an intimate setting. With musical director Trevor Ashley, the incomparable Venuti brings you a night of the greatest jazz songs of all time. info: www.cosmopolitancafe.com.au

GIN AND DAN
Following the release of her debut album Holy Smoke in the USA, Gin Wigmore will return to Australia in May to tour nationally as special guest for the gorgeous ‘black Elvis’, Dan Sultan. Catch the pair live in action on May 21 at Manning Bar, Sydney Uni. Tickets through Moshtix.

ON SCREEN

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN
Gay dance artist Brian Carbee (pictured) moved to Australia from the US in 1997, and since then has had an illustrious career for companies including Chunky Move. Now, he turns his hand to screenwriting with Accidents Happen, the newly-released black comedy about a family’s history of misfortune starring Geena Davis. It’s in cinemas now. info: www.accidentshappenthemovie.com
BEHIND THE LENS
Openly gay photographer Annie Leibovitz has produced some of the most iconic images of the last 30 years and is the most influential female photographer working today. She has photographed the rich and famous, the profound and powerful, the exceptional and notorious. But what’s her story? Find out in Annie Leibovitz: Life Through A Lens, at 7.30pm on Sunday, May 2 on ABC2.
FINDING THEIR ROOTS
Who Do You Think You Are? sees celebrities uncover stories of heroism, tragedy, love and betrayal that lie at the heart of their family tree. In each episode, famous names such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Kudrow and Susan Sarandon travel around the world and go back in time to unearth fascinating stories about their ancestors. The series screens 9.30pm Wednesdays on Channel 9 from April 28.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Described as “the Citizen Kane of bad movies” and “the modern day Rocky Horror”, the late-night cult phenomenon The Room is coming to Sydney. Written, directed, produced by and starring Tommy Wiseau, The Room is unlike anything you have seen before. The story centres on a love triangle that takes melodrama to new, terribly-acted limits. Catch it at the Chauvel Cinema on May 1. info: www.chauvelcinema.net.au

FREE

ASAHI ART
From April 29 to May 8, Ambush Gallery in Waterloo will stage Asahi Silver + Black, a unique combination of art, photography, fashion and design culture. Asahi will exhibit a variety of obscure vintage Asahi objects and artefacts, alongside prints, sketches, installations, photography, fashion and live creative events. info: www.asahibeer.com.au
FINDERS KEEPERS
On May 7 and 8, Sydney’s favourite indie market, Finders Keepers, will debut for 2010 at CarriageWorks with work from contemporary independent artists and designers encompassing jewellery, fashion, paper and fabric, toys and homewares. The markets will feature free live music from Sydney’s independent music community and a café and bar open all day.
MONSTROSITY
Sydney’s newest artist-run space, Monstrosity Gallery, throws its doors open for the launch of its first exhibition on Friday, April 30 from 6-9pm. It’s going to be a monstrous event with works by Hugo Harlot, Amy Hill, Morgan Carpenter, Margaret Roberts and many other exciting artists working in very diverse media, all responding to the word ‘monstrosity’. The show runs until May 20 at 93 Bourke St Woolloomooloo.
STICKY FINGERS
The inner-west based rude boys of Sticky Fingers are delivering a refreshing vibe to the Australian music scene with their super mega-hectic psychedelic reggae flavours. Join them at the Oxford Art Factory gallery any Friday in May as they play a free residency joined by a rotating cast of The Future Prehistoric, Betty Airs, Massema and The Tsars. info: www.myspace.com/stickyfingers

FUTURE FUN

SWANS ON ICE
The world’s premier theatrical ice-skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, are back with a dynamic new interpretation of Swan Lake On Ice, playing at Star City from August 27 to September 5. With dazzling new costumes and exhilarating new choreography from leading ice director Tony Mercer, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story will take your breath away. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
FORBIDDEN KISS
Kiss of the Spider Woman is a fierce tale of humanity pushed to its limits. Two men share a prison cell in Latin America: Molina is a gay window-dresser, while Valentin is a no-nonsense straight Marxist. To escape the daily brutality, Molina recounts the movies of the ravishing screen beauty, Aurora. This groundbreaking musical plays at Darlinghurst Theatre from July 8 – August 8. info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com
DOUBLE THE BEATS
Two of the most talked about Afrobeat outfits in Australia, Melbourne’s powerhouse Public Opinion Afro Orchestra and Sydney’s own The Strides, will play an electrifying double bill at the Basement on May 28. Don’t miss the hottest Aussie Afrobeat acts on the stage together for the first time in what is sure to be a show like nothing the Basement has ever seen. info: www.thebasement.com.au
MURDER MYSTERY
Join in the fictional whodunit grand re-opening cocktail party at the Australian Museum on Saturday, May 22. There’ll be cocktails, canapés, prizes, red herrings and the odd skeleton or two! Guests dressed in sophisticated style and in character will become integral to the sordid story that unfolds. Is it a crime of passion, or a passionate crime? Will you solve this unique whodunit before someone else does? info: www.pointsofdifference.com

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