Last Sunday evening, I returned from a weekend in Rehoboth Beach and picked my partner up at the airport. He’d spent the weekend celebrating his father’s birthday in Ohio. After a quick stop at our condo, we met our friends Craig and Mike for a spontaneous catch-up session at Tavern on Camac. Everyone was relaxed and engaged — with no iPhones or BlackBerrys in sight. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve had this summer, and it was completely unplanned.
The moral of the story is that some of our most memorable social experiences are those that just happen. It’s important to try new things and mix up your routine at a moment’s notice.
If you’re game for trying something new and exciting in the next two weeks, here are my top recommendations.
On Aug. 12 at 8 p.m., openly gay pop star Adam Lambert will make his first solo concert appearance in Philadelphia at the Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby. Lambert was the runner-up to Kris Allen on the 2009 season of “American Idol.” Lambert’s theatricality, vocal range and (semi-)open homosexuality made him the most polarizing contestant in “Idol” history. Fans of the show loved or loathed his glam-rock persona, style and outspoken nature. The attention thrust Lambert into the national spotlight, cementing him as the season’s breakout star. Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s impossible to ignore Lambert’s talent. Tickets sold quickly since the concert was announced, but check www.LiveNation.com and other online outlets for availability.
Since the first Boys of Summer party seven years ago, it has become one of gay Philadelphia’s most beloved annual events. Each year, Steve McCann and his team at www.PhillyGayCalendar.com put together an entertaining evening with more sexy guys than you can count. This year’s event will feature DJ Billy Carroll spinning a combination of classic dance hits and contemporary pop, as well as a live performance by campy queen Pandora Boxx from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Many of Philadelphia’s hottest guys will be in full lifeguard regalia to make sure no one drowns in the sea of muscle. Boys of Summer kicks off at 9 p.m. Aug. 13 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Cover is $10 if you’re wearing a swimsuit and $15 if not.
While the boys party at Voyeur, the ladies will kick up their heels at the first annual Girls of Summer party — also organized by www.PhillyGayCalendar.com. Just across 13th Street, Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St., will be packed to the rafters with Philadelphia’s loveliest ladies. Girls of Summer will also feature a performance by Pandora Boxx and music by DJ Goddess (Trish Silvestri). The Sapphic celebration runs from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Cover charge is $5 for those in swimwear and $8 for those in traditional dress. For more information on Boys and Girls of Summer, visit www.PhillyGayCalendar.com.
From Joan Rivers to Kathy Griffin, many straight female comedians enjoy incredible support from the LGBT community. And in recent years, several lesbian comics, such as Kate Clinton, have enjoyed unparalleled success. On Aug. 19, Philadelphians will have a chance to see some of the world’s best lesbian comics when the Queer Queens of Comedy arrive at the Keswick Theater, 291 Keswick Ave., Glenside. Featuring sets by Poppy Champlin, Carol Leifer and Dana Goldberg, this show is guaranteed to bring on the laughs. Tickets run $19.50-$22.50 and can be purchased at www.queerqueensofcomedy.com.
If you would rather be the one performing than sitting in the audience, don’t forget that the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus is holding auditions from 6-8:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St. If you want to showcase your musical talent and perform with an incredible group of vocalists, throw your hat in the ring. E-mail [email protected] or call (215) 731-9230 to schedule your audition time.
That’s all for this week. E-mail me at [email protected] to share your stories of social spontaneity, and I’ll post them on my blog at www.nightlifegay.com. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!