Playtime

BOYS

GMUNDER
Homoerotic publishing house Bruno Gmuender has a lot of hot titles on offer for 2010, including Domenico Cennamo’s photographic essay Before The Game, focused on the male locker room, and Mustang’s Cruising Ground, filled with muscles, tough men and lots of testosterone. There’s plenty more to suit every fetish and taste. info: www.brunogmuender.com
SAME-SEX 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
Bears ON SUNDAY
From 4pm-9pm each Sunday at the Lord Roberts Hotel, the Harbour City Bears present Bears On Sunday. It’s a relaxed vibe with furry fun and chilled music, plus a weekly HCB prize draw. Free bar snacks and free entry.
info: www.hcbears.com
SHAKE YER JELLY
Slick gay men’s jelly wrestling, is still going at the Clarence Hotel — now on Fridays from 9pm. Blokes 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
POOL AT SADDLE BAR
Cue up at Saddle Bar’s pool competition every Thursday night from 9pm. Have a relaxed, friendly game (or two) of pool in a chilled pub environment. Big prizes to be won — $100 first prize, $50 for the runner-up. Saddle Bar at the Midnight Shift, 85 Oxford St.

CLUBS

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.
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, 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.
SEX TALK
On Fridays, 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 the working week. $5 cover charge after 9pm, but VIP cardholders get in free. Stonewall Hotel, 175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
info: www.stonewallhotel.com
CAMP ATTACK
Looking for the campest tunes in town? Then head to Arq on Friday, March 12 to hear DJs Kitty Glitter and Dan Murphy spinning camp classics and ultra-gay hits of today. On the Vortex level, $10 entry from 9pm.
FINE COLoMBIAN
The Colombian Hotel still boasts Sydney’s finest local and international DJ line-up all night long. On Fridays, the entertainment alternates between DJs Chip, Gavyn Vincze and David Smith. Saturdays it’s either Jack McCord or Beth Yen behind the decks. On Sundays, you can catch Sandi Hotrod, Jimmy Dee or Scott Tanner. It all happens at 17 Oxford St, Darlinghurst.
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. Plus, the first 20 people through the door each week in summer get a free mix CD from DJ Matt. Free entry.
info: www.exchangehotel.biz

COMMUNITY

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 discount group class in Surry Hills for only $12 (cash only) per session. Other options are available, from private classes to corporate packages.
info: www.bentyoga.com
SAVING GRACE
Indie-pop band Saving Grace will headline a show to raise money for the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) on March 11 at The Vanguard. AIME is a charity that links uni students in a mentor relationship with Indigenous high school students. The event kicks off at 7.30pm. $15 entry.
info: www.thevanguard.com.au March 2010
RAINBOW CAMPING
Gay family group Rainbow Babies & Kids hold their bi-annual camping weekend at Kiama from March 12-14, an easy two-hour drive from Sydney. The group stays with East’s Van Park on Ocean St, Kiama. There’ll be a variety of activities for both kids and parents on offer over the weekend. You’ll need to book in advance, and be sure to tell the reception staff you are with Rainbow Babies.
info: (02) 4232 2124, www.eastvanparks.com.au
DRUG SURVEY
Independent researcher Urbis are running an online survey about the use of club drugs in NSW and the ACT. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and when finished, you can go into the draw to win a $500 shopping voucher. All responses are anonymous and confidential. To do the survey or for more information, go to www.clubdrugssurvery.com.au
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

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

DIARY

LAURIE AND LOU
It was announced last week that alternative superstars Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed will curate the two-week Vivid LIVE festival at Sydney Opera House from May 28 to June 11, as part of Vivid Sydney. The musical couple have travelled very different artistic roads but each is undoubtedly an icon, so it’ll be interesting to see what they bring to Vivid LIVE.
info: sydneyoperahouse.com/vividlive
FITNESS EXPO
The Australian Fitness & Health Expo is the industry’s largest expo for the fitness and health industry in Australia. The pinnacle event for the fitness industry, the expo attracts more than 15,000 buyers and connects attendees with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers in the health and fitness industry. It’s running from April 30 to May 2 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.
info: www.fitnessexpo.com.au
CANDY MAN
Candy Man, the dynamic all-dancing, all-singing celebration of the life and music of Sammy Davis Jr is back by popular demand in May — handily, just in time for Mother’s Day. With songs including Mr Bojangles, Singin’ in the Rain and of course the title track, Candy Man will play four performances at the Lyric Theatre, Star City from May 7.
info: www.candymanshow.com.au
COMEDY FEST
Running from April 19 to May 9, the Sydney Comedy Festival 2010 promises Australian favourites, top international acts and the best fresh comedy talent. For queer picks, it’s hard to go past Lord of the Mince himself Julian Clary, but there is a swag of other funny men and women on offer.
info: www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au

FREE

DRAWING BEAUTY
Let The Beauty We Love Be What We Do is an adventurous exploration of drawing and textiles that transcends the traditional borders of art processes, techniques and materials. In her first solo exhibition, emerging artist Nicole Barakat’s collection of works reflects on transformation and the beauty of imperfection. The exhibition runs from until March 14 at the Chrissie Cotter Gallery in Camperdown.
info: www.nicolebarakat.com.au
MORE MATT
Until March 13, Smith & Hall Gallery presents Matt Dive Gold, an exhibition dedicated to openly gay Australian diver and chief-of-parade at the 2009 Mardi Gras Matt Mitcham. Art meets sport in an unconventional exhibition curated by Jonathan Turner, featuring 14 acclaimed artists from seven countries. Smith & Hall Gallery, 53-59 Great Buckingham St, Redfern.
info: www.smithandhall.com.au
COCKATOO ISLAND
An exhibition of 55 paintings and drawings by Sydney artist Bill Nix depicting the life and times of Cockatoo Island workers in the 1960s and 1970s is showing on the island until March 28. Nix began his working life on Cockatoo Island as an errand boy in 1963. The free exhibition runs from 10am-4pm daily, with access via ferry from Circular Quay.
BLACK ROOM
Laid out as a series of spaces dedicated to each of the five senses, The Smirnoff Black Room will take guests on a creative voyage of sight, touch, sound, smell and taste, thanks to art installations by a range of talented people. From March 13 to 19 at the blank_space Gallery in Surry Hills, from 11am-6pm daily.
FREE LENNY
After some sweet soul music? Head to the The Woollahra Hotel on March 14 for the soulful dance floor action of Lenny Sings. Raised in London’s East End. Lenny was immersed in the British soul scene from a young age. Since coming to Australia, he’s built a reputation as one of Sydney’s premier male vocalists. He performs from 6.30-9.30pm, and admission is free. info: www.woollahrahotel.com.au

GIRLS

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.
GERALDINE TURNER
A true veteran of Australian show business, Geraldine Turner’s career spans stage, television, film and music. She’s starred in countless musicals, operas and plays including A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Chicago, The Vagina Monologues and more. Don’t miss Australia’s leading lady of musical theatre when she performs at Showqueen, Kit & Kaboodle, 35 Kings Cross on Sunday, March 14 from 8.30pm. Tickets through Moshtix.
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
CALENDAR GIRLS
If your idea of a top night at the theatre is watching mature-aged female actors in the nuddy, you’re in luck: the Australian stage version of hit UK chick flick Calendar Girls opens at the Theatre Royal on April 29. Those disrobing for their craft include Rhonda Burchmore, Cornelia Frances and Rachel Berger. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.
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.
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 a number of sexy DJs, with free entry and shows at 11pm and midnight. info: www.theoxfordhotel.com.au

SNATCH & GRAB
Snatch & Grab is Sydney’s coolest indie girl night, held every Thursday at Phoenix, 34 Oxford St. The night recently hosted a special event from hot international electro band Dragonette, and there are more special events on the horizon. Join the Snatch & Grab Facebook group to keep up to date. And don’t forget to RSVP before each event for discounted entry.

SCREEN

SINGLE MAN
Have you seen A Single Man yet? Don’t be dissuaded by the fact that it’s the directorial debut of fashionisto Tom Ford — it’s a masterfully-crafted, faithful adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel. Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and supporting cast members give flawless performances in the tale of a gay man coming to terms with the death of his long-term partner. It’s on selected release now.
BLOODY FUNNY
Finally, a vampire film that doesn’t take itself terribly seriously (we’re looking at you, Twilight). The Vampire’s Assistant tells the frightening tale of a boy who unknowingly breaks a 200-year old truce between two warring factions of vampires and finds himself pulled into a fantastic life of misunderstood sideshow freaks and grotesque creatures of the night. It stars Salma Hayek and John C. Reilly and is in general release from tomorrow.
GOODBYE MOONLIGHT
The Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park is in its final days, but there are still a few great films to see before the season finishes on March 14. Check out the Mob classic The Godfather on Thursday, March 11, or watch Peter Jackson’s divisive interpretation of Alice Sebold’s heartrending novel The Lovely Bones the following evening. info: Visit www.moonlight.com.au
SENIORS CINEMA
Young at Heart, Sydney’s Seniors Film Festival, celebrates its fifth big year in 2010 with four days of exciting cinema and tickets from just $5 for seniors at Sydney’s Dendy Opera Quays from March 25-28. The festival features film premieres, restored classics, Q&As with visiting artists and free filmmaking workshops — and, this year, a day of films solely dedicated to Charlie Chaplin.
info: www.youngatheart.net.au
QUEER TV
Join Pandora Box and the girls as they present some very Aussie, very queer short films and documentaries on Foxtel Aurora on Sundays from 8pm, Tuesdays from 5.30pm and Thursdays 9.30pm with QueerTV. Pandora Box and Matt Taylor deliver all that’s oh so homo in Sydney and around the nation. Aired through Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe, QueerTV is also beamed through a multitude of rainbow avenues on the inernet.

PUBS

GOOD FRIDAYS
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 a variety of tasty bar snack treats on the menu. 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
CARNIVARGYLE
Samba your way on down to The Argyle for one of 2010’s biggest parties, CarnivArgyle, bringing a little bit of Rio to Sydney’s famous cobblestone courtyard on March 13. Doors open at 6pm where you will be greeted by the rhythms of Brazilian drummers and dancing ladies. DJs will keep the hot rhythms going so you’ll be able to try out some samba moves. It’s $10 entry.
info: www.theargylerock.com
CLARENCE KARAOKE
The weekly My Inner Diva karaoke competition runs at the Clarence Hotel every Wednesday. 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. Free to enter, thousands of tracks to choose from and fun prize. Visit www.clarencehotel.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]
BIG FAT GAY
Thursday nights from 9pm at the Taxi Club in Darlinghurst, My Big Fat Gay Night is a fun mix of drag shows, DJs and sexy male strippers, all hosted by TV’s Pandora Box.
info: www.thetaxi.com.au