Playtime – issue 1041

Boys

IT TAKES TWO
Organised by ACON, It Takes Two is a workshop for men currently in a relationship. During the workshop, which will run for six consecutive Wednesdays from September 29, participants will learn about communication, negotiation, spicing up their relationship, resolving conflict and keeping safe. Call 9206 2000, email groups@acon.org.au or visit www.acon.org.au/workshops to find out more.
BEARS BIRTHDAY
Bears on Sunday has become a Sydney institution in just 12 months, so join the Bears from 4pm on Sunday this long weekend at the Lord Roberts for their first birthday and to celebrate the furriest Sunday social in town. Free BBQ for HCB members, lucky door prizes and a huge birthday cake. Labour Day public holiday the next day!
IAN ON STAGE
Former rugby league star — and pioneer for openly gay sportspeople everywhere — Ian Roberts is the latest addition to the massive cast set to deliver Ben Hur: The Stadium Spectacular at ANZ Stadium in October. Roberts plays Pontius Pilate — an integral role in this unforgettable production, which will be held over two nights on October 22 and 23. info: www.benhur.com.au

Clubs

FOR MANDY
The next Extra Dirty party on Sunday, October 3 at Q Bar has taken on a deeper meaning with the recent sad news of Dirty organiser and respected DJ Mandy Rollins’ passing. The event will go ahead as a loving tribute to Mandy, with DJs Nacho Chapado (Spain), Feisty, Rob Gilbert and more. It should be an emotional celebration of the DJ’s life. info: www.mandystribe.com
LOOSEN UP
Sunday night queer underground party Loose Ends returns for a long weekend extravaganza on Sunday, October 3, featuring resident DJ Matt Vaughan plus guests Vinyl Richie and Craig Wilson. Loose Ends will then be held on the first Sunday of the month until December, when it returns to a weekly format for summer. $10 entry, 10pm-late, Phoenix Bar. First 50 through the door get a free Vinyl Richie mix CD.
TRANCE TIME
On Saturday, October 2, Trancelate productions proudly present Trancelation: The Essence of Trance, a night of melodic, progresive and pure trance with Sydney’s finest DJs. It’s happening at the Minibar, Level 1, Burdekin Hotel, 2 Oxford St. $25 on the door. info: www.trancetribe.com
WASHING UP
Daywash hits Chinese Laundry this Sunday, October 3, with a huge line-up of DJs across four dancefloors. Headliners Grant Smillie and Digital Damage will be supported by a swag of local and interstate DJs for the massive day party. Be sure to head to the official after-party at Live.

Community

CHILL OUT
In our modern world, it seems whatever our lifestyle we will at times experience stress and anxiety. On the ‘Living Without Stress’ meditation day course on Sunday, October 10, students will explore how Buddhist meditation, combined with a change in our perspective on life, can enable us to reduce and finally eliminate stress. info: www.meditateinsydney.org
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
COME ON OUT
Author Sonia Friedrich is seeking written contributions from gay and lesbian people about their memories of coming out, be they negative or positive. Ideally stories would be 300 — 1500 words, maximum length is 3000 words. For more information on the project or to submit a story, email soniafriedrich@virginbroadband.com.au
GAY HISTORY
Historian Warren Fahey is writing a social history of Kings Cross, Potts Point, Rushcutters Bay, Woolloomooloo and Elizabeth Bay and is looking for photographs and gay venue invitations, mini posters, door tickets, etc, plus any memories of early venues and gay and lesbian life. Contributions, including scanned images, can be sent to wfahey@bigpond.net.au or Warren can borrow photographs, scan and return them to you.

Free

STILL LIFE
On Friday, October 8, FBi Radio will stage Still Life, a massive fundraising art auction that will bring together some of Sydney’s greatest known and emerging artistic talent to help raise funds for the community-based radio station. As well as prominent Sydney artists, FBi will introduce a student art program at the auction, giving emerging artists the chance to have their work showcased and valued at the Art Gallery of NSW. info: www.fbiradio.com
STREET ART
Until the end of September, Sydneysiders are being treated to a cutting-edge collection of new work from an array of respected street artists, including Apeseven, Beastman and Ben Frost, at the HSBC Tower Lobby and 580 George St food court. Be quick — the exhibition’s in its final days and will finish on September 30. info: www.placesinbetween.com.au
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
The Taylor Square Spring Fair celebrates sunshine, community and great food for six Saturdays from October 2 – November 6. As well as the awesome coffee and farm fresh produce at the regular Farmers Market stalls, each Saturday you’ll discover some special events. The October 2 event is a free cooking class titled The Art of the Grill with Jane Strode. info: www.sydneysustainablemarkets.org
INKED IMAGES
Louie Joyce is an illustrator and graphic designer based in Kings Cross. His love for comics is something he tries to distill into single images — moments that exist within larger events, stories or lives. While these same characters may end up in Louie’s next comic book zine, here for a brief moment, they are given a chance to tell their own stories. Joyce’s exhibition Inking runs until October 15 at the Monstrosity Gallery in Woolloomooloo. info: www.monstrosity.com.au

Girls

ANIKIKO
Soulful and sensuous Sydney songstress Anikiko returns with a new album and a sexy new sound, launching her first album Fibonacci’s Seam at The Vanguard, Thursday, September 30 from 8.30pm with supports Alex Gibson and Yunyu ($15 pre-sale and $20 on the door + bf), alongside the release of her first music clip for Like No Other on the night. info: www.anikiko.com
FASHION PASSION
Fashion Palette is a two day conference/runway style event which will see the likes of Wayne Cooper, Samantha Wills, Nikita Sernack and a panel of ‘Fashion Future’ mentors share their visions, techniques and creative processes in a series of seminar presentations. Plus there’ll be inspiring runway shows from leading emerging designers from around Australia. It’s on at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on October 8 and 9.
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.
MIDSUMMER GIRLS
Melbourne’s Rezzalp will be in Sydney on Friday, October 1, performing at the Raval. The four sisters’ interpretation through song of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is a must-see. The girls take audiences on a journey through their captivating harmonies, instrumentals and beautifully crafted songs. info: www.rezzalp.com

Pubs & Bars

CASTROS
Every Saturday night at Castros Nightclub in Woollongong is GLBT night, hosted by Ms Deedee Lamar with special guests. It’s free before 11pm and $10 after, with shows at midnight and 1am. Join the Castros Facebook page for more info.
WITH GRACE
The Oxford Hotel’s resident performer for October is Sheba Williams. The Kiwi singer will stage her Love Is The Drug Grace Jones tribute show every Thursday in October. Pull up to the Bumper baby and enjoy the intimacy of The Oxford’s cabaret venue, The Supper Club. There is a new menu and snacks are available along with wine specials by the glass and the bottle.
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

Song

GALA RETURN
Sixty-five years to the day after its last performance, the Marrickville Symphony Orchestra (MvSO) will be born anew with a gala performance in the Marrickville Town Hall, at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 14. The MvSO cheered despondent Sydneysiders during the Depression and provided hope for citizens and welcome diversion for soldiers on R&R during World War II. info: www.mvso.org.au
MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Late Night Lounge is a monthly rock’n’roll, variety, cabaret experience that brings together both the famous and the infamous artists performing in the harbour city. For the next event on October 2, the line-up includes 2010 Helpmann Award winner iOTA and LA’s Queen of ‘Salsoul’ Cecilia Noel in a turbo-charged set of Latin music. Catch it at the Opera House’s Studio from 10pm. info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
GOODBYE GROOVE
UK dance music legends Andy Cato and Tom Findlay have announced that their forthcoming Parklife tour will be the last time Aussies can see the band live in action, as they bring their GA LIVE show to an end. Playing hits from throughout their career, the duo promise to deliver a big bang to mark the end of an era. Parklife hits Moore Park on Sunday, October 3. info: www.fuzzy.com.au

Stage

GREEK COMEDY
Six young people come together in a trendy inner west bar. They sing, dance and share a few laughs. But their world is about to be shaken, stirred and poured into a very tall order. Written by Bill Kokkaris, Baraki 2010 is black comedy set against the current climate of world economic upheaval. Presented by Take Away Theatre, it plays at the Downstairs Bar, Cyprus Community Club, Stanmore, until October 10.
BEHIND THE VEIL
Acclaimed comedians Preacher Moss, Mohammed Amer and Azhar Usman lift the veil to reveal the humorous truth of what it’s really like to be a Muslim in America. Having performed in more than 30 countries across five continents, Allah Made Me Funny returns to Riverside Theatres on Thursday, October 14 at 8pm for one night only. info: www.allahmademefunny.com
JOSH HELPS OUT
Queer comedian Josh Thomas will host this year’s Light the Night charity concert on Monday, October 11 at 7.30pm at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place. Josh will join a number of big name stars who are showing their support for the worthy cause including Wendy Matthews, Nancye Hayes, Michael Cormick and Tim Draxl. Tickets for the event are now on sale from www.cityrecitalhall.com
LOOK AT MOI
Australia’s favourite mother and daughter Kath and Kim will appear live at World’s Funniest Island — the duo’s first ever ticketed live gig in Australia — on Cockatoo Island, October 16 and 17, for the World’s Funniest Island festival. The foxy ladies will be joined by more than 200 Australian and international comedians for the weekend-long festival. info: www.worldsfunniestisland.com