My partner and I closed out our summer by going to concerts by Pet Shop Boys and Britney Spears within just one week of each other. I know, how gay can you get? I’ve been a huge fan of PSB since day one and have seen them a couple of times before, but this was by far their best show. Twenty-three years after hitting the top of the charts with “West End Girls,” they’re better than ever.
The Britney show was more like an accident. My partner won tickets at work and, even though neither of us is a huge fan, we figured it would be fun. It certainly didn’t disappoint. When a show opens with hot guys in leather harnesses dangling from the ceiling, you know you’re in for a fun night. As for Brit, honestly, it seemed all the poor dear did was wear fancy outfits and try her best to stay out of her dancers’ way. But it was still a fun show.
Does going to see those two shows in the same week make us the Gayest Leathermen Ever? Does going to see Bruce Springsteen last April act as a mitigating factor in any way? I think it does, so there.
WOOF & LAID in Exile
Where, oh where has my little WOOF gone? The bar formerly known as Sal’s on 12th was shut down by the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections in August for electrical, zoning, fire and licensing violations. The Stop Order posted on the building cited a substandard fire alarm, substandard emergency exits, a dangerous electrical system, expired fire-suppression system and expired fire extinguishers, as well as underage alcohol sales and promoting curfew violations. Yikes!
The notice was posted on a Tuesday, which leads one to believe that LAID and WOOF, which take place on Saturday and Sunday nights, respectively, were not the cause of the problem. (At least one hopes.)
L&I seems to be in a Red Bull frenzy, having closed a few bars in recent months including the Westbury, Drinker’s Pub and McGlinchey’s. If I were a bar owner in the Gayborhood, I’d be on notice. Chances are if you haven’t gotten a visit from L&I already, you’ll be getting one soon.
In the meantime, WOOF and LAID continue to party on in exile every Sunday night at The Gold Club, 1416 Chancellor St. — which is, oddly enough, a straight stripper bar Monday-Saturday. See their respective Web sites for directions and latest information (www.woofphilly.com and www.laidsaturdays.com).
You’ve just got to check them out in their temporary new home. I mean, really, when was the last time you went to a bear beer blast that had 100-percent genuine stripper poles? Only in Philly!
The Liberty Bears are back!
Every September, the cool weather brings the Liberty Bears out of their summer hibernation. That means monthly meetings and socials are back in full swing, generally on the first Saturday of every month at The Bike Stop with occasional exceptions.
Fourteen years in and they’re still going strong! Check out their Web site for more information on social themes and other upcoming activities (www.libertybears.net).
UPCOMING EVENTS
PHILADELPHIANS MC SOCIAL — 6-10 p.m. Sept. 27 at WOOF/LAID at The Gold Club, 1416 Chancellor St. (note new date, time and location!).
LIBERTY BEARS MEETING & SOCIAL — Oct. 3 at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St.; meeting from 5-6 p.m. and social from 6-10 p.m.
LAID SATURDAYS / WOOF! PHILLY — For now, Sundays at 8 p.m., 1416 Chancellor St., featuring hot bartenders, guest DJs and dancers. Wear your gear!
Questions? Comments? Opinions? Contact Jim at [email protected].