Playtime – issue 1035
Boys
ANNIVERSARY FEAST
It’s the Harbour City Bears 15th Anniversary Dinner on August 19 from 7pm. Join the Bears as they kickstart Sydney’s first-ever Bear Pride weekend at the historic Russian Coachman restaurant on Bourke St. The night features three courses of fabulous food and wine, great company, lucky door prizes and few furry surprises. Bear favourite DJ Mark Alsop will be playing some of the favourite tracks from the last 15 years. Tickets, starting at $69, are on sale now from www.bearpride.com.au
CHARITY PRIDE
Harbour City Bears, their venues, DJs, performers and sponsors will all donate their time and money at the Furry Friday Charity Night, to benefit the fantastic work of the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation’s Luncheon Club. Entry to the event, held from 9.30pm, August 20 at the Oxford Hotel, is by gold coin donation. With DJ Rob (main bar) and DJ Man (Underground) behind the decks, it promises to be a fun way to raise money for a good cause.
DISCO BALLS
The biggest party on the Bear Pride calendar, Crystal Ball, hits the Oxford Art Factory on Saturday, August 21. Enjoy tunes from grrrreat furry DJs like George Roussos and Kam Shafaati while you celebrate 15 years of Harbour City Bears in style. The party starts at 10pm, with tickets (starting at $45) now available from www.daisytickets.com
GET STEAMY
After all the antics of the Crystal Ball, climb the stairs to Kingsteam, next to the Oxford Art Factory, for antics of a different kind from 4am on Sunday, August 22. Non-member entry price is $20, with a $10 discount for Harbour City Bears members, including complimentary breakfast. A refundable key deposit of $5 is also required. Tickets at the door only.
BEAR BBQ
Sunday is usually a day of rest, but not during Bear Pride. Join the Bears upstairs at the Lord Roberts Hotel in East Sydney from 4pm on Sunday, August 22 to say goodbye to friends old and new. The chilled get-together begins at 4pm when the $10 jugs of beer start to flow. Plus there’ll be a free BBQ on the sundeck, and for those wanting something a little more substantial, the Lord Roberts Restaurant will be open.
GOLDEN WOOFS
The Golden Woofs is an international Bear short film competition with a $500 prize, run by Bear Men of Adelaide. Finalists are screened at a gala screening during Bearstock, Adelaide in November. Entry is open to any short film less than 12 minutes that is made by, features and/or is about Bears. Entries on DVD must be received by October 25.
info: www.goldenwoofs.bmofa.org.au
NAKED BARBER
Looking for a close shave? The Naked Barber is a men’s mobile grooming service that specialises in body shaving/clippering, haircuts, cutthroat shaving and hair colouring. info: www.thenakedbarber.com.au
CRUISE PARTIES
August is party month at Headquarters Cruise Club on 273 Crown St. Naked, piss, sport-themed, fist — there’s a party to suit every sexual taste and fetish. For the full schedule of events, visit www.headquarters.com.au
GAY NUDISTS
Gay Sydney Nudists is a social organisation for gay or bisexual male nudists. It hosts parties at members’ homes, dinners at restaurants, harbour cruises and any other legal activities the committee decides upon. info: To join the group call 4972 5357 or email gay_sydney_nudists-owner@yahoogroups.com
SEVEN 2 NINE
Have you been living with HIV for a while? Would you like to meet others in a similar situation? Seven-to-Nine is a monthly support group for men living with HIV. They meet to discuss their experiences, exchange information and develop friendships. info: Call Hedimo on 9361 6011 for a confidential chat or email hedimos@positivelife.org.au
BEAR IN THERE
Bears of Sydney, mark August 19-22 in your diaries: it’s Bear Pride. Events to be held over the four-day festival include the Harbour City Bears 15th anniversary dinner, a Bear film festival, sauna recovery and farewell BBQ. For event details and ticket prices, visit www.bearpride.com.au
HIV HELP
Ahead of Time is a 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
FURRY FRIDAYS
Fridays have always been furry for Harbour City Bears members. In practice this is represented by a few drinks at members prices at the Oxford Hotel’s Main Bar, accompanied by sweet sounds from DJ Rob from 9pm. Once the deck has closed at 10pm, it’s time for the Underground to open. The more playful head down to listen to DJ George Roussos (woof) among the hypnotic flashing walls and vibrating dancefloor. info: www.hcbears.com
Clubs
ROCK AND POP
Head to the Midnight Shift on Fridays for the new night, Pop Rocks. Kicking off at 10pm, it’s free entry and you can enjoy rocking pop music from DJs Dan Murphy and Greg Boladian.
KIM GETS PRETTY
Hip queer DJ Kim Ann Foxman of gender-diverse NY disco outfit Hercules and Love Affair is coming to Sydney. Foxman will DJ at Pretty, Club 77 on Saturday, August 20 alongside local queer faves like Sveta, Mark Murphy and Lovertits.
FIERCE POP
Saturday nights from 10pm at the Stonewall Hotel, get ready to work up a sweat with Fierce Pop. 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
SEX IT UP
Unisex is the world we live in, and soon it will the world we dance in, when Unisex comes to the Midnight Shift on August 28. Unisex is unashamedly vocal house, with three distinct DJs, 3 x 3-hour sets, go-go boys and girls and a soon-to-be-announced special guest performance by one of Sydney’s leading drag performers.
SERVE IT UP
Sydney Star Observer columnist Maxi Shield and Verushka Darling have a 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
HOLY HILARITY
The cast that brought you Country Ladies and All in a Gay’s Work present their new production Getting Nun! on Thursdays at the Midnight Shift. Starring Sister Tora Hymen, Sister Charisma Belle and Mother Superior Minnie Cooper. Showtimes 10.30pm and 11.30pm.
GOT MILK?
This October long weekend, Europe’s most hedonistic gay and lesbian white party comes to Sydney for the very first time. On October 3, In The Dark present LaLeche! (Spanish for milk) at the Metro Theatre. The cream of Sydney will go white for the night at this official Sleaze Ball after-party. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek. info: www.inthedark.com.au
GLAMAZONia
Arq has started a brand new Sunday night show — Amazonia, with Decoda Secret as a fierce Amazonian goddess. She’s joined on stage by her four delectable dancing boys, Wil, Daniel, Phillipe and Heath. Doors open 9pm, shows at 11.30pm and 12.30am.
GAGA RARA
Going Gaga is the latest tribute show at Arq to that inescapable force of nature, Lady Gaga. The Thursday night show stars Minnie Cooper, Charisma Belle, Decoda Secret and Tora Hymen as a troupe of bottle-blonde Gaga clones, with all the hits — and outlandish outfits — you’ve come to love. From 9pm, free entry.
Community
COMMUNITY THEATRE
Milk Crate Theatre is Australia’s only theatre company dedicated to working with people who have experienced homelessness and disadvantage. From August 26 Milk Crate is putting on its first large-scale public show, Intersection. Featuring 40 participants who have experienced homelessness or disadvantage, it’ll be held outdoors at three locations around Taylor Square. info: www.milkcratetheatre.com
GAY CHRISTIANS
Gay men with religious beliefs are invited to participate in an online study aimed at better understanding their mental health needs. For information about the survey, visit www.nexus.uws.edu.au/display/Psyc/Home and click the study link beginning with ‘Gay and Christian’.
MARRIED MEETING
The Gay and Married Men’s Association (GAMMA) holds its next meeting on Wednesday, August 18 from 8pm at the ACON Building in Surry Hills. This month’s topic is children’s experiences of their fathers coming out. For more details, email Scott at gammansw@yahoo.com.au or call 1800 804 617.
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. Bent Yoga offers a range of services, from private classes to corporate packages. info: www.bentyoga.com
RAINBOW BABIES
Do you live in Macarthur, Wollondilly or the Southern Highlands? Or somewhere nearby? The area’s Rainbow Babies group holds get-togethers for gay parents and their children, and would love people to join them. Contact Leatrice by email (toddle73@yahoo.com.au) or on 0403 8703 41 for more information.
NEWTOWN KIDS
Rainbow Babies’ Babies and Toddlers group meets every week at parks in the inner west around Newtown every Thursday at 10.30am. In the event of wet weather, they meet upstairs at Martini Café, in the south end of King St. For more details, call Nadine on 0425 278 229 or email nadinegsharpe@yahoo.com.au
JOSH’s MISSION
Busking for Change is a charity event started by Josh Pyke which aims to help raise urgently needed funds to address the literacy crisis in remote Indigenous communities. This year Josh is back with a stellar line-up featuring Holly Throsby, Boy and Bear and a DJ set, to raise more greatly needed funds for the ILP. Busking for Change will be held on August 27 at the Annandale Hotel.
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
PASH ON
The Pleasure and Sexual Health (PASH) Report is available to read online at www.nchecr.unsw.edu.au. You can still take part in the study — it’s a straightforward 20-minute online survey found at www.pash-study.net
POTTS POOFS
Potts Point Poofs is a new social group for — you guessed it — poofs in Potts Point. To find out about upcoming events, join the fledgling group’s Facebook page, or email pottspointpoofs@gmail.com
COLLECTING HISTORY
Memorabilia of people’s lives are being gathered as part of a City of Sydney project to help preserve current history for future generations. The Past in Print initiative aims to tell a story about the residents, businesses, community groups and landmarks of the eight villages across the Local Government Area. You can donate your ephemera in a collection box at any city library. For more information, email archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
CALLING SONGWRITERS
Gay singer-songwriter Bruce Thompson is putting the feelers out for the formation of a Sydney Gay and Lesbian Songwriters Group. “It would be great if gay and lesbian Sydney songwriters and music lovers wanting to come along to our ‘jam sessions’ could meet up once a month at a supportive cafe or other venue,” said the guitarist and lyricist. Anyone interested can contact Bruce on brucerogerthompson@hotmail.com or 0404 80 60 22.
TRANS HELP
The Gender Centre has started a new transgender FTM (female-to-male) support group. It’s called FTM connect, and the next monthly meeting is on Friday, August 13. It’s a peer-support group; a place to share your own experiences and listen to those of others in a similar situation. info: www.gendercentre.org.au
MIND YOUR BUSINESS
Nominations are now open for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Association’s Business Awards 2010. You can nominate yourself, your favourite business or your favourite business person. The nominations close on August 16, but for details of the award categories and to submit your nominations go to www.sglba.com.au
JUST RELAX
The Sydney Gay Meditation group has launched a weekly intermediate session, held each Monday from 7.30pm. It’s a social gathering of GLBT and GLBT-friendly people interested in spiritual development. During the 45 minutes of silence in each class, participants are welcome to practise any meditation technique they wish. The group meets at Meditation Space, Level 1, 99 Crown St, East Sydney. info: www.sydneygaymeditationgroup.com
MCC CLASSES
MCC Good Shepherd, at 37 East St, Granville, is offering two new classes, both starting this weekend. There will be a digital and still photography workshop on Saturday, August 7 from 1-4pm, helmed by international photographer Shane Anderson. $5, bookings on 0466 278 644. The same day, a 10-week tai chi class will start at MCC. It’s $15 per class or $120 all up. Contact Evelyn Sanders 4758 7844 or evelynts@hotmail.com for more info.
DON’T BE CRUEL
Sydney’s 2010 Cruelty-Free Festival is a great day out for socially and environmentally-minded types, with entertainment, great food, information and a chance to get involved in all sorts of projects. The free event will be at Belmore Park, Hay St, on Sunday, November 7, 10am-7pm.
IOTA RETURNS
Sydney Festival has announced that Smoke & Mirrors will return to the Famous Spiegeltent for the 2011 festival. Tickets are sure to sell fast when they go on sale in November. Co-created by Craig Ilott and iOTA, Smoke & Mirrors is a wickedly outrageous show featuring an eclectic troupe of Australian talent and drawing from the worlds of cabaret, circus, vaudeville and sideshow. info: www.sydneyfestival.org.au
LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS
Human Nature are set to return to Australian stages this summer with a show directly inspired by the sounds, sights and their own experience of Las Vegas forming their 2010 Direct from Las Vegas! Australian Symphony Tour. Following in the footsteps of musical legends like Elvis and Cher, Human Nature have immersed themselves in one of the biggest entertainment capitals of the world. They’ll show off their new skills at the State Theatre on December 17 and 18. Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster.
DIRTY MARTINI
Take a splash of classical chamber music, an ounce of Brazilian marching band, a dash of cabaret and lounge, mix in some neo-swing sound, shake and pour … and voila! Pink Martini. The eclectic ensemble have a voracious cult following, so their rabid fan base will be pleased to know the band will perform at Sydney’s State Theatre on October 1. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
GET LISTED
To be considered for Play Time listings email nick.bond@starobserver.com.au
Free
TASTE OF KATY
The marketing push for popette Katy Perry’s upcoming sophomore album, Teenage Dream, is kicking into overdrive. To celebrate the album’s release, Baskin Robbins have named August 27 ‘Katy Perry Day’. What does this mean for you? Well, free ice cream to be exact. Go to any Baskin Robbins store in Sydney, drop Katy Perry’s name, and you’ll receive a free cotton candy flavoured ice cream.
LOVE AND LIFE
Australian painter Victor Rubin’s works are contorted mixtures of life, love, art, philosophy, myth and mysticism. They surge with mounds and masses of images fragmented by sheer angles and displaced perspectives. The exhibition Victor Rubin: Rose Bay Reflections and Other Images will be on display at Eva Breuer Art Dealer, 83 Moncur St, Woollahra, from August 21. That day, there are launch drinks with the artist from 3-5pm.
JAM SESSION
On Friday, August 20, Sydney Theatre Company welcomes Sydney five-piece Deep Sea Arcade as part of The Wharf Sessions, the regular series of free post-show gigs at The Wharf. Deep Sea Arcade’s reverberated pop recalls the Beatles at their psychedelic peak. Entry to the gig is free and available to all. No booking necessary. Drinks and snacks will be available at the bar.
WHARF PARTY
Urban art space aMBUSH Gallery is bringing four of Australia’s most defining and individual street artists together at Cockle Bay Wharf, for the much anticipated second installment of Project 5, a charitable public live art and music event. From Friday, August 20 6-9pm, and running across the weekend between noon-3pm, the three-day outdoor event is a unique chance to see these cutting-edge creatives hard at play. info: www.cocklebaywharf.com.au
JEWELS ON SHOW
Studio 20/17 in Waterloo will host an exhibition from jewellery designer Vanessa Samuels as part of the Sydney Design 2010 program. This Place: Changing Landscape shows until August 29, showcasing abstract and sculptural wearable works including rings, neckpieces and pendants. Vanessa’s use of contrasting materials such as organic materials, bone and precious metals have been chosen to tell a story of a place and time. info: Unit 6b, 2 Danks St, Waterloo.
ECO MATTERS
In the Balance: Art for a Changing World features works by Australian and international contemporary artists that respond to ecological concerns. The exhibition reflects the diversity of environmental debates around the world today, and features works that address a spectrum of issues, including sustainability and recycling. The free exhibition opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art on August 19. info: www.mca.com.au
Girls
LESBIAN WORKSHOP
The Penrith Womens Health Centre will host a Relationships and Coming Out Issues Workshop on October 19, from 6.30-8.30pm. It’s an opportunity for lesbian and bisexual women to discuss issues surrounding their relationships and sexuality in a supportive environment. Places are limited, so bookings are essential: call 4721 8749.
LUSCIOUS LADIES
Billed as a night for lavish ladies, Luscious comes to the Raval, on the top floor of the Macquarie Hotel, on August 21. Hot female DJs GI Jode, Kate Monroe and Suzie Q will provide the music, and there’ll be $8 cocktails from 9-11pm. $10 entry.
BURLESQUE BABES
The Piano Room in Kings Cross is currently showcasing Sydney’s best and sexiest burlesque dancers in a month-long competition on Thursdays from 7pm. The competition starts at 8pm, and each week the burlesque performers will be vying for your attention. info: www.pianoroom.com.au
CREATIVE NETWORKS
Creative Womyn Down Under (CWDU) develops and supports opportunities for women to participate in creative experiences. Their vision, ‘Connecting Womyn and Creative Expression’, is about developing networks and friendships amongst creative women in Australia. info: www.creativewomyn.net
PINK SPORTS
Pink Sofa Cup is a weekend each year during November for lesbians to socialise. Held in a different state each year, the Pink Sofa Cup already has regular attendees who’ve experienced the friendly individual and state rivalry. You don’t have to belong to any club. For information on this year’s event, visit www.pinksofacup.com.au
SUBMERGE ON SHOW
It’s been a hard slog so far for the Melbourne-based makers of Australia’s first lesbian feature film, Submerge, but the work is starting to pay off. The film is now in post-production and will soon be seeking a distributor, but for now you can watch the trailer at www.submergethemovie.com/trailer.html
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 in the main bar. 117 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
SEEKING SOPRANOS
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir is recruiting high-voiced women to take on soprano roles. Email choir@sglc.org or visit the Choir’s website, www.sglc.org
SAPPHIC SYDNEY
Website Sapphic Sydney is a comprehensive online portal for lesbians living in or visiting our harbour city. Girls, if you’re looking for like-minded women, visit www.sapphicsydney.com.au
GET AWAY
Turtle Cove Beach Resort in Cairns is hosting a girls-only break from October 7-11. Women can look forward to four days of fun in the sun with like-minded ladies. The holiday package includes a welcome cocktail party, all-girl Great Barrier Reef cruise, and much more. info: www.turtlecove.com
SURFER GIRLS
Calling all surfie chicks! Coast Out, coming to Coffs Harbour from October 29-31, is Australia’s first gay and lesbian surfing competition. It’s also an arts and cultural festival, and whether you’re a novice surfer or a keen wave rider, there are events and competitions to suit every skill level. Join the CoastOut Facebook group for more info.
WOMAN’S TOUCH
Slow Burn traces the history of women artists in Australia and the development of an extraordinary private collection over 15 years. It’s an amazing opportunity to view works by female artists such as Clarice Beckett, Grace Cossington Smith, Margaret Olley, Tracey Moffatt and Bronwyn Oliver that are rarely seen by the public. It’s on show at the National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery at The Rocks until September 19.
CARERS NEEDED
Have you thought about becoming a foster carer? There are around 16,000 kids in NSW who can’t live with their birth family. That’s why the Benevolent Society is seeking a range of foster carers across Sydney who can help to transform these children’s future. Remember, all kinds of kids need all kinds of carers. To find out more, call 9504 6694 or visit www.fosterachild.org.au
GAY GRANTS
Lesbians Incorporated (LINC) provides financial backing to lesbians and lesbian-friendly organisations through its community grants scheme. Lesbians and lesbian-friendly organisations may apply for grants up to $500 at any time. About every 18 months, LINC will fund one large grant of up to $10,000. LINC is a not-for-profit community organisation managed entirely by volunteers. info: www.lincgrants.org.au
On Screen
IT’S MADNESS
The sexy, stylised, provocative drama Mad Men has made a welcome return to SBS One, as season two makes its Australian free-to-air premiere. Mad Men delves into the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of ’60s advertising agency Sterling Cooper — a place where power struggles, hard drinking and clandestine sexual exploits define the workplace and close the deals. It screens every Sunday at 9.30pm.
LION’S RAW
Four Lions is an hilarious, so-wrong-it’s-right romp about four bumbling jihad extremist terrorists in London and their hapless attempts to launch a large-scale attack during the London marathon. Directed by Chris Morris, the film features a brilliant comic cast with a story that brilliantly skewers religious extremism. It’s screening in limited release from August 19.
GIRD YOUR LOINS
Spartacus: Blood and Sand, the bold new series about the life-and-death struggle of the Roman gladiators, premieres in August on Nine’s digital channel, Go, with a movie-length episode. It’s got swordfights, oiled-up gladiators — and the skimpiest loincloths this side of the Colosseum. For information about screening times, visit www.gochannel.com.au
INDIE GEMS
Indie Gems: A Festival of Fresh Aussie Films is screening at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta until August 19. The program is filled with a mixture of inspiring and entertaining Australian films, plus there’s a free filmmaker’s workshop. Films on offer over the two-week program include The Jammed, Men’s Group and Playing for Charlie. info: www.riversidetheatres.com.au
UNDERGROUND TREATS
The Sydney Underground Festival is gearing up to launch its new program for 2010. With over 100 films screening from September 9-11, the 2010 festival is set to be the biggest yet. Participating films are being chosen from more than 800 entries from filmmakers worldwide, including the UK, USA, France, India, Iran, Cuba and South Africa. Keep an eye out for the program, which is launching soon, at www.suff.com.au
ANGELINA’S ANGRY
Angelina Jolie kicks butt again in Salt, a thriller set for general release on August 19. Before becoming a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honour, and country. She will prove loyal to these when a defector accuses her of being a Russian sleeper spy and she’s forced to go on the run, using all her skills and years of experience to elude capture. info: www.WhoIsSalt.com.au
PREENING PINEAPPLE
UK reality star Louie Spence has been described as the gayest man ever to appear on television — quite a feat for a country responsible for Alan Carr and Mr Humphries. He’s the artistic director of Pineapple Dance Studios, and while the fly-on-the-wall reality show of the same name is ostensibly a look at the students who frequent the studios, Louie’s the real star of the show. It screens Mondays at 8.30pm on Fox8.
Pubs + Bars
DEEP DISKO
Deep Disko continues at the Colombian this Sunday with Phil Hudson, Matt Cahill, Dave 54, Soul Junkies, Danny De Sousa + Mark Matthews live on sax from 10pm. Expect to hear the sexiest beats on Oxford St. The Lounge Bar will serve premium cocktails from 6pm-9pm for $10 to get the night off with a bang.
WINE TASTINGS
The Australia/New Zealand Organic Wine Show will be featured at the Organic Expo and Green Show, Hall 1, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, on August 19. Amongst other activities, there will be a special tasting featuring the best wines of both countries with chief judge Max Allan from 12.30-1.15pm. info: www.organicexpo.com.au
WHAT A DRAG
The Drag Net is a weekly showcase of drag talent at the Clarence Hotel in Petersham. The royal opening on August 26 will raise funds for an ACON project which is under final discussion and will be announced very soon. $5 on the door.
BINGO GOES GAY
Head to the Sly Fox Hotel in Enmore every Tuesday night for Bingay, a fun-filled fundraiser for ACON. Hosted by Tora Hymen and Naomi Palmer, the weekly event is always popular, so book ahead on 9206 2110.
WINE TASTINGS
The Australia/New Zealand Organic Wine Show will be featured at the Organic Expo and Green Show, Hall 1, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, on August 19. Amongst other activities, there will be a special tasting featuring the best wines of both countries with chief judge Max Allan from 12.30-1.15pm. info: www.organicexpo.com.au
POOL PARTY
The Midnight Shift holds a weekly pool competition, Queless (love that pun). Hosted by Laidee Babooshka, the games kick off at 9pm each Monday. It’s $5 entry, but there are hundreds of dollars worth of cash and prizes to be won every week. info: www.themidnightshift.com
TIGHT TUESDAY
Grab your mama and a glass of pinot, take a seat by the open fire and feel the Tuscan vibe: every Tuesday during winter at Hugo’s Bar Pizza in Kings Cross, they’re offering a special Italian meal deal. Enjoy hearty soup, a choice of pizza or pasta and a glass of Italian wine for only $30.
SINGERS NEEDED
The Key Largo Bar in Rushcutters Bay opens its door every Fridays for 12 weeks to an exciting new Songwriter Competition, hosted by internationally renowned singer-songwriter Dennis Aubrey. It’s free, and the atmosphere is cool and relaxed. And aspiring singers — there are great cash prizes to be won. Bookings/enquiries: burgessventurespr@bigpond.com
DIAL OOO
Every Wednesday from 9.30pm, the Midnight Shift presents the fun-filled Triple Oh! show. Starring Summer Salt, Millie Poppins and Ripley Waters, this hilariously fabulous show is playing for a limited time only. Free entry.
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
HONKY TONK
Honky Tonk Thursday is the latest addition to Surry Hills nightlife, with Decoda Secret hosting and producing shows with local talent from the Oxford St strip each week. Plus, there’s a rotating roster of hot DJs. It all happens each Thursday night at the Black Boater, 6 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills.
BEAT THE BUZZER
Win $20 in two minutes with Sandy B’s Beat The Buzzer, coming to the Taxi Club every Thursday. It’s a chance to show off your best (or worst) drag, dance, movement, soapbox or DJ talents — anything you want, really — and win $20 cash. Every Thursday night at 9.30pm, show up, enrol, and get to it. Everyone gets two chances to win and is limited to two minutes. Lots of laughs, fun and stupidity.
SUNDAY SESSIONS
The all-new Beresford Sundays offer $5 wine, pints and basic spirits between 5–7pm and performances from some of Sydney’s top local acts including Murray Hood, Kitty Glitter, Jimmy Dee and James Tobin. Already a celebrated Sunday institution amongst locals, the Beresford is the perfect place to catch up and chill out with friends for the last few free hours of the weekend. 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills.
Song
GET HAPPY
Under the dynamic musical direction of Dynes Austin, Australia’s premier gospel choir, Café of the Gate of Salvation, have a dazzling repertoire that includes traditional African American Spirituals, contemporary gospel and some original songs, penned by choir members. They’ll be performing their uplifting selections at Notes in Newtown on August 28. info: www.noteslive.net.au
FALLEN WOMAN
One of the world’s most-loved operas, Verdi’s La Traviata, meaning ‘the fallen woman’, tells the story of the courtesan Violetta, who attempts to escape the shackles of luxury with her young lover, Alfredo. A new production of La Traviata, directed by Rachel McDonald, is playing at Riverside Theatres, September 3 – 6, for three performances only. info: www.riversidetheatres.com.au
MIDNIGHT PARTY
Playing tracks from their acclaimed second album, The Crystal Axis, Midnight Juggernauts will also be supported by Canyons and Kirin J Callinan for their Sydney show at the Forum on August 20 — coincidentally, the same day their new single Lifeblood Flow hits iTunes. Look out for brand new Midnight Juggernauts’ merch available at the show, along with a limited edition cassette by Kirin J Callinan. info: www.moshtix.com.au
LUCKY NUMBERS
Following a huge album launch in hometown Perth, 6s & 7s will launch their acclaimed debut album Choose The Sentinel Blooze in Sydney at Melt Bar in Kings Cross on August 26. The lo-fi, frequently gigging pop band are familiar faces to audiences in their hometown, but this is a chance for Sydneysiders to get on the 6s & 7s bandwagon. info: www.loveismyvelocity.com
Stage
QUACK IS WACK
Griffin Theatre’s next play Quack is a mash-up of A Country Practice, Deadwood and Shaun of the Dead — a romantic historical western drama noir exploitation comedy. With zombies. Blisteringly funny and provocative in equal measure, Quack is by leading Australian playwright Ian Wilding and it will be the first show in the SBW Stables Theatre following its extensive renovations. Catch it from August 27. info: www.griffintheatre.com.au
GAY OLD TIME
The University of Sydney has a rich history of revues — comedic productions made up of sketches, songs, short films and snappy one-liners. This year the university is excited to welcome the first ever queer revue, a revue produced by queer and queer-friendly students. Titled The Gay After Tomorrow, it’s running at 8pm from August 25-28 downstairs at the Seymour Centre. Tickets start at $16.
UNUSUAL MUSICAL
Real estate: it’s all Sydneysiders ever seem to talk about, so it seems appropriate there’s now a show about it. In the musical Open For Inspection, two rival real estate agencies are ruthlessly battling it out during a property slump. They soon go to any lengths to literally make a killing. With wonderfully catchy songs by Lucy Egger, the show opens at the Darlinghurst Theatre on August 25. info: www.darlinghursttheatre.com
WICKED SIGNING
This Wednesday, August 18, the evening performance of Wicked will be interpreted by Auslan specialists for access by people who are deaf sign language users. The musical spectacular has been enjoyed by more than a million Australians so far, so the producers have decided that a performance specially targeted for deaf audience members was long overdue. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
