Ladies of Philadelphia. It’s starting to get cold outside. And getting dark earlier. For too long, women have spent their fall and winter hibernating with their partners and cats, holding out for warm summer weekends in Rehoboth or spring trips to Dinah Shore and Aqua Girl.
Girls, seriously, put away your flannel and mock turtlenecks and get ready to enjoy Philadelphia’s lesbian nightlife like never before! Now, more than ever, women of Philadelphia have so many choices of places to play and things to do, it’s hard to know what’s when and where. The next few weeks are chock full of events to enjoy, and here are some you need to check out.
On Nov. 13, performer Alix Dobkin will read excerpts from her new book, “My Red Blood: A Memoir of Growing Up Communist, Coming Onto The Greenwich Village Folk Scene, and Coming Out in The Feminist Movement,” at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St. In 1973, this Germantown High and Temple alum was the first openly lesbian singer to record an album and has been praised by everyone from Spin to New York Times Magazine. Her views on postmodernism and transgenderism have been widely acclaimed. Her appearance is not to be missed.
Roller derby takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center this weekend, Nov. 13-15. Twelve top teams from across the country face off in the Declaration of Derby. Haven’t experienced roller derby yet? You’re missing hot girls, major in-your-face action and the best crowd-watching around. For tickets and bout times, visit www.declarationofderby.com.
Should you want to skip the action and just hit the party, Saturday night is Hanky Code’s queer party “Pants Off, Dance Off!” at Adobe Café, 1919 E. Passyunk Ave. The party kicks off at 10 p.m. and promises a midnight burlesque show, spanking booth and appearances by some very sexy Derby women!
On Nov. 16, we’ll be attending the fundraiser for legendary female DJ Reenie Kane, at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. Kane recently suffered a massive heart attack and has undergone subsequent surgeries. Chances are you’ve seen Kane spinning throughout the city over the last 30 years; this is a cause you should come out for. The fundraiser kicks off at 8 p.m. with multiple DJs, raffles and drink specials throughout the night. A $10 minimum donation is requested.
In the mood for a quick getaway before the holidays turn your life upside down? Ladies 2000, producers of women’s events in the area for the last 30 years, are hosting a Ladies Weekend from Nov. 20-22 at Rainbow Mountain Resort, 210 Mt. Nebo Road, East Stroudsburg. Join them for the weekend as they play volleyball and the Newlywed Game, cut the rug at a Saturday-night dance party and enjoy a performance by Regina Sayles. For more information, visit www.ladies2000.com.
If you want to stay and play in Philadelphia next weekend, then check out the Stimulus party on Nov. 20. Stimulus is held every second Friday at Marathon Grill, 929 Walnut St., with rotating female DJs. The dress theme for November is black and white. Stimulus brings out an amazing, diverse crowd of women from all over the city and suburbs. The party starts at 10 p.m., with a $5 cover and discounted drinks until midnight.
I’ll be back in a few weeks with more events to keep your nights sizzling, including Thanksgiving events for women, a new announcement on a women’s weekly party and much, much more!
Tracy Buchholz is an LGBTQ party producer-promoter in Philadelphia. She can be reached at [email protected].