Playtime

Playtime

BOYS

BOYS DO SALSA
Feel like dancing? Head to the Colombian Hotel on Mondays for same-sex salsa. Bring a partner or come by yourself and get paired up. Beginners at 8pm, intermediate at 7.15pm and at 9pm the venue takes on a club atmosphere where you can show off your newly-acquired skills. $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
SEX TESTING
Positive Life NSW is focus-testing its new ads, booklets and videos based around pos-pos sex messages. They need your thoughts and feedback — you will be renumerated for your time. To register your interest for a focus group, call Kathy on 9361 6011 or email [email protected].
GAY SPERM
Gay men are now legally able to donate sperm. Changes to NSW legislation have enabled gay men to become registered sperm donors for the first time. Fertility East is one of the first clinics in Australia to actively call for gay donors. The clinic’s Dr Joel Bernstein said the move may help overcome the worldwide shortage of donors. For more info, visit www.fertilityeast.com.au or phone 9389 1177.
POOL AT SADDLE BAR
Cue up at Saddle Bar’s pool competition every Thursday night from 9pm. Have a relaxed, friendly game 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.
SHAKE YER JELLY
Slick gay men’s jelly wrestling, is still going at the Clarence Hotel — now on Fridays from 9pm. Entry is $5.
info: Contestant entry forms are available to download from www.clarencehotel.com.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

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.
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.
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
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.

COMMUNITY

Pollys dance
Don’t forget Pollys will be dancing up a storm at Marrickville Town Hall this Saturday, March 27, from 7pm.
info: For bookings phone David on 9557 6739 or email [email protected].

FUNDRAISER
On March 28, the Annandale Hotel hosts a fabulous fundraiser for a pre-school in Jenin. Artists include independent singer Diana Anaid and Australian Idol winner Wes Carr. Hosted by comedian Steve Philp, the concert kicks off at 4pm. info: www.annandale.com
RAINBOW BABIES
Do you live in Macarthur, Wollondilly or the Southern Highlands or nearby? The area’s Rainbow Babies group will hold their first get-together soon for gay parents and their children, and would love for people to join them. Contact Leatrice by email ([email protected]) or on 0403 8703 41 for more information.
VICTIMS OF ABUSE
Mike Lew, a leading world expert in the field of adult male recovery from childhood abuse, will host workshops across Australia in April. The Victims No Longer recovery workshops are designed for men who are recovering from trauma during childhood or adolescence. The sessions are open to non-offending male survivors of all forms of abuse and neglect and offer recovery in a safe environment. info: www.asca.org.au/mikelew
FRINGE NOW OPEN
Applications are open for artists who want to take part in the new Sydney Fringe this September in the inner west. Artists should visit www.thesydneyfringe.com.au to submit their project. Disciplines range from theatre to digital arts. Submissions close April 1, so get in quick!
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

DIARY LISA MITCHELL
Having spent the past few months in Europe promoting her debut album Wonder, Aussie songstress Lisa Mitchell returns to our shores in May for her first large-scale national theatre tour. Mitchell’s new single Oh! Hark! is an infectious mix of indie-pop and girl-group doo-wop. Hear it live when she performs at the Enmore Theatre on May 14.
info: www.ticketek.com.au
NUTCRACKER
Following their sell-out 2009 performances of Swan Lake, the Imperial Russian Ballet Company returns to Sydney to perform the ageless tale of bravery and dreams that is The Nutcracker at the State Theatre from October 15-17. The genius of Tchaikovsky created one of the most recognisable and enduring music scores ever written, so come experience it for yourself. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
HOMOTONES
Sydney’s premier gay and lesbian concert band, The Homotones, have joined forces with Justin J Bear to bring you a Ferry Cruise like no other on April 18. The four-hour cruise will feature a 15-piece band, musical trivia, games, prizes, finger food and free drinks. Come along dressed as your favourite sea-farer and be in the running for a great prize. Tickets are $65 from  www.qjump.com.au
SOLO STROKE
Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas’ debut solo album Phrazes for the Young is an explosive power-pop record, home to the brilliant single 11th Dimension. Casablancas plays songs from the album for the first time in Australia this May. Catch him at the Metro Theatre on May 9. info: www.metrotheatre.com.au

FREE

CARRIAGE ART
CarriageARTworks is a free annual event celebrating artwork and art culture from Sydney’s city fringe, running from March 25-April 24. Over the month, the exhibition will unfold into a multi-faceted public showcase of creativity. A program of artist talks, tours and themed forums will spark conversation around making art, making a living from art, and art from the consumers’ point of view. info: www.carriageworks.com.au
ULTIMO FESTIVAL
Quarry Green, Ultimo provides the perfect backdrop for the fun and festivities of the 29th annual Ultimo Pyrmont Uptown Festival from 11am-4:30pm on March 27. The festival will host two stages, featuring a fantastic mix of live bands, emerging local artists, dance and multicultural entertainment. Be tempted by delicious cuisine from the International food stalls, be intrigued by the skills of artists in the design and craft stalls, and find yourself enjoying the community celebration. It’s free to enter.
FLIGHTPATH FEST
Focusing on local music and the local community, the Flightpath Festival takes over the Sydney College of the Arts, Callan Park, Rozelle on March 28 from midday to 6pm. With two stages, one focusing on local youth acts and the main stage showcasing an eclectic range of styles from jazz to gypsy and psychedelic indie pop, plus a selection of sustainable-focused market and food stalls, including homemade lemonade, gelato, Latin American delights and a chocolate fountain. Come along and enjoy the day!
UNVAULTED
A treasure trove of intriguing items from around the world are now on public display in 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. You can see it all from 10am-4pm every day until April 26.

GIRLS

FOOTY FUNDS
The Flying Bats Women’s Football Club is holding a special Eurotrash fundraising night in collaboration with Betty’s Turn at the Clarence Hotel, Petersham, on March 26 from 9pm. The dress-up fundraiser will help the Flying Bats send a team to play football at the Gay Games in Cologne. With Eurotrash music, drink specials and a midnight performance from Deb Jackson.
FIONA O’LOUGHLIN
In 2009 Fiona O’Loughlin fell from grace. With her popularity never higher, somehow she managed to well and truly tumble off the wagon and onto the pages of the national media. She turned on her favourite child and she took up therapy. In amongst the entire media furor she’s written a new show and toured the nation leaving thousands breathless. Check her out at the Parade Theatre, NIDA, on April 30. Tickets through Ticketek.
INTIMACY HELP
ACON is running a group for women keen on exploring intimacy issues, starting in April. The 12-week course will provide a place where women can explore how intimacy affects their sense of self, their relationships and their community. If you feel unsatisfied with yourself, your personal relationships or your attitude towards intimacy, this may help. info: www.acon.org.au
GET SOME ZEST
The Wentworth Falls School of Arts gets some added zest on March 27 with Zest Appeal 3, a lesbian dance in the Blue Mountains. There’ll be great dance music from across the decades and a chillout space for talking and eating. BYO supper and drinks (tea/coffee available). $10 entry, from 7.30pm.
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.

SCREEN

OLD FILMS
Sydney’s Seniors Film Festival, Young at Heart, celebrates its fifth big year this week 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
OPEN THE BOX
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 internet.
FUNNY MAN
Comedian Robin Williams’ critically-acclaimed sold-out comedy tour, Weapons of Self Destruction, comes to DVD on March 26.  Taped over two nights in Washington, Weapons of Self Destruction premiered on US Televsion’s HBO in December and became the network’s most successful stand-up comedy special of the year.  Over the course of the tour, Williams performed 90 shows in 65 cities in front of 300,000 fans across the country, as well as in London and Canada.
TASTE OF GERMANY
The Audi Festival of German Films brings together 30 new features, an entire section solely devoted to culinary comedies and a ‘mixed platter’ of gala launches, special guests, discussion panels and the ever-popular Golden Gnome Audience Award. The festival runs from April 21 – May 2 at the Chauvel Cinema and the Palace, Norton St.
info: www.goethe.de/australia
RED FACES
With preparations for the new series of Hey Hey It’s Saturdayin full swing, a nationwide search is now on to find unique acts from across the country to perform on the iconic Red Faces segment. Sydney auditions take place on March 27 at the Mosman Returned Servicemen’s Club. Email [email protected] to register. Remember: it’s how Cate Blanchett got her start.


PUBS AND BARS

HOT MESS
Those Hot Mess! bitches are headed to Phoenix on March 27 to open a whole new can of crazyass shit. A collective of London’s premier alternaqueer drag, club and partay hosts, Hot Mess! define what’s hot about the London underground scene. And Seymour Butz, Lovertits and Avra Cybele will bring a little sumthin of their own on the night.
COMEDY BAR
The Fringe Bar on Oxford St holds a comedy triple bill on Monday March 29. Enjoy the comedy stylings of Gary Bradbury, Garry Who and Domenik O’Kieren — three comedians with a wealth of TV and stage experience between them.
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 5pm-7pm, with $5 pints and spirits.
info: www.theberesford.com.au
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
COSMO CAFE
Sydney institution The Cosmopolitan Café has reopened with a new look. The reinvigorated Double Bay café now has a piano bar for wining, dining and taking in some beautiful music — like the smooth jazzy sounds of Monica Trapaga and Encore on March 27. info: www.cosmopo-litancafe.com.au


SONG

JASON DERULO
Jason Derulo, whose current single In My Head debuted at #1 on the charts, will perform live in Sydney for a special one-off show during his upcoming promo tour. The Watcha Say hitmaker plays at the Pumphouse, Darling Harbour, on March 27. Expect to hear his first two hits plus a taste of the songs on his debut, self-titled album.
info: www.jasonderulo.com
PETER URQUHART
Violinist, pianist and composer Peter Uquhart’s music expresses the ups and downs of life as a sensitive and talented young gay man. . Urquhart will perform his world premiere concert of the Fellowship Quartets, Water to Air for Solo Piano and a series of uplifting Celtic/Australian Folk music in St John’s Anglican Church, Darlinghurst at 8pm on March 26. Entry is by donation.
GARRY SCALE
Legendary cabaret performer Garry Scale has worked extensively in theatre, film and television and has performed in a number of large scale productions including Fiddler on the Roof, Buddy The Musical, The Boy From Oz and Phantom of the Opera. Join Garry, Genevieve Lemon and Wicked’s Liz Stiles for a special Showqueen performance at Kit & Kaboodle, Kings Cross on March 28. Tickets through Moshtix.
RED RATTLER
Max Sharam, Luke Escombe and Martyn Badoui are performing at the Red Rattler On Saturday March 27 as a one-off trio, presenting ‘A Musical Storyline’, a journey through each artists’ diverse repertoire. Among the songs performed on the night will be a duet between Sharam and Badoui of Sharam’s song Shame He’s Gay. info: www.redrattler.org
CARRY NATION
Brisbane chanteuse Carry Nation is set to release her debut album Like a River Does on April 3. Recorded in Brisbane City’s iconic Old Museum, Like a River Does teams Warren’s delicate vocals and guitar strumming with brass, strings and percussion. The result is a dreamy, honest and eloquent album. To celebrate the release, Carry Nation will launch her stunning record on Wednesday April 7 at Raval in Sydney, supported by McKisko. info: www.myspace.com/carrynationmusic

STAGE

TOY SYMPHONY
In Toy Symphony, playwright Roland Henning tries to convince his sceptical therapist Nina that he doesn’t have writer’s block. But with Nina’s help Roland reluctantly recalls his primary school days and that extraordinary day which shattered his boyhood and plunged him headlong into the dizzy circus of art and life. See Toy Symphony at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, from April 7.
NIDA COURSES
NIDA’s Autumn Holiday courses offer a variety of opportunities for young people aged from four to 18 to experience everything from creating your own dinosaur character at Dinosaur Park to discovering your inner clown at the Circus and Clown School. Courses run on weekdays and weekends throughout the holidays from 6 to 18 April. Courses are available at NIDA and around Sydney including Parramatta, Gymea and Blue Mountains. info: www.nida.edu.au
JULIAN CLARY
Comedian, compere and commentator extraordinaire Julian Clary will soon be springing his latest hit show on unsuspecting Australian audiences when he returns for his 7th Australian Tour (six years since his last). Clary brings his brand new show Lord of the Mince to the State Theatre on April 20. info: www.statetheatre.com.au
GETHSEMANE
Music, movement and meditations on poverty: The Song Company opens its 2010 season with an epic journey to the streets of Calcutta in a special Easter performance, Gethsemane. Stark poetic images of poverty on the streets of Calcutta will be interwoven with music and ritualised contemporary dance when Australia’s premier percussion ensemble, Synergy Percussion joins the Song Company on stage at Riverside Theatres on Monday March 29 at 7.30pm. info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au

THE SUICIDE
Simon Stone returns to Belvoir St’s Downstairs Theatre to direct his contemporary adaptation of Nikolai Erdman’s 1928 comedy, The Suicide. Banned before it opened in Stalin’s Soviet Union, this comedy of despair follows the hapless Semyon Semyonovich who finds himself entrenched in an existential crisis when stuck living with his mother-in-law and wife. It plays from March 18-April 11 at Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills.

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