Having just returned from an amazing ski weekend in Vermont with some of my closest friends, I’m feeling incredibly refreshed. As my regular readers can attest, I typically highlight a wide range of special events and promotions ideally suited for LGBT community members with an array of interests — but I’m feeling so reinvigorated following my ski-venture that I decided to deviate from the formula.
So this week, I’m breaking out my inner party boy with a series of bar and nightclub recommendations guaranteed to entice even the most reserved wallflower. There’s no better way to release, refocus and refuel than grabbing a cocktail and hitting the dance floor at your favorite nightspot. So strap on your party pumps, ’cause Offline is taking you out!
Hopefully you’re reading this column before Friday evening, because tonight will be one to remember. Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Stephen Carlino and Dennis Fee’s ownership. After taking over in 2004, they opened the Ascend Dance Lounge, making Tavern on Camac a Gayborhood hotspot every weekend. They also renovated their basement restaurant, The Underground, developing a thoughtful, innovative and cost-effective menu.
Carlino and Fee are dedicated philanthropists who encourage all LGBT community organizations to utilize Tavern for fundraising and awareness events. Stop in Tavern this evening from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. to show your support and appreciation for everything they have done for our community. Check out www.tavernoncamac.com for all the details.
If you’ve ever used the Web to search for social events in the area, you’re probably familiar with PhillyGayCalendar.com. Steve McCann, the site’s owner and chief architect, has done an exemplary job developing and promoting LGBT events throughout the region. On Sunday night, PhillyGayCalendar presents 101 at One on Rittenhouse Square, 121 S. 19th St. A new weekly party, 101 brings together many of the city’s foremost personalities and organizations for something fabulously different every Sunday. PhillyGayCalendar is proud to host this week’s soiree, featuring openly gay musical act Oh My Josh. Visit PhillyGayCalendar.com for more information.
In addition to this weekend’s festivities, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the following upcoming events:
— Mr. Gay Philadelphia 2009 is right around the corner. In addition to the star-studded main event at PURE on April 18, many local bars are hosting preliminary competitions to pick their representatives for the contest. Bump, 1234 Locust St., will hold its prelim March 5, followed by Pure, 1221 St. James St., on March 14 and Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St., on March 15. Tavern on Camac will select its Mr. Gay representative on April 2 during happy hour. Check www.nightlifegay.com for details on any of the preliminaries and information about the April 18 main event.
— The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the city’s most outrageous and exciting events. This year’s parade will be held March 15 and will feature a new route down The Parkway. When you’re out for the parade, don’t forget to stop by Capriccio, 16th and The Parkway, for a special St. Patrick’s Day treat. It’s an amazing café and the ideal place to catch all the parade festivities.
— The second installment of the PINK Pub Crawl will be held March 21. After a wildly successful event last fall, the PINK Pub Crawl will feature stops at Tavern on Camac; The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; Woody’s and Pure. More information is forthcoming from www.pinkpubcrawl.com.
I hope these recommendations help everyone blow off some steam and enjoy a little debauchery in the coming weeks. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!
If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail [email protected], reference Offline.