There’s a lot of ground to cover this week, so I think it’s best to dispense with the standard introduction and get right into my top event announcements.
AIDS Walk Philly — 8 a.m. Oct. 17 at Eakins Oval, Philadelphia Museum of Art
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, one in five U.S. gay men is HIV-positive. Unfortunately, only half of those who are positive know their status, so it’s critical to refocus our attention on this issue. Advocacy organizations are battling the misperception that HIV is no longer a serious health risk because treatment options have improved. This Sunday, AIDS Walk will shine a bright light on the importance of getting tested, engaging in safe sex practices and continuing to support medical research that will improve medical interventions and, hopefully, find a cure.
Visit www.aidsfund.org for more information.
Mazzoni Center Night of a Thousand Friends Fundraiser Kick-Off Party — 5-7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Cantina Dos Segundos, 931 N. Second St.
In addition to AIDS Fund, the Mazzoni Center is one of Philadelphia’s most outstanding LGBT-service organizations. Not only does it provide direct health services, but it also spearheads a wide range of awareness and community-strengthening activities. One of the center’s annual events will take place Oct. 23 as several volunteers host gatherings as part of Night of a Thousand Friends. Each host determines the theme and style of her/his event with one common goal: All the money raised goes to directly to support Mazzoni Center. Additionally, the kick-off for Night of a Thousand Friends is Oct. 20 at Cantina Dos Segundos. It’s open to the public, and guests will be treated to discounted pitchers of mojitos, sangria and margaritas. Visit www.mazzonicenter.org for more information.
“Carrie” — 8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday through Nov. 7, Under-ground Arts Theater at The Wolf Building, 340 N. 12th St.
Though the Brat Productions’ “Carrie” is already well into its run at the Underground Arts Theater, it’s gaining momentum and popularity. Considering the recent incidents of gay bullying, this story may hit a little too close to home for some. In “Carrie,” the popular kids in high school antagonize their rather strange classmate, who subsequently discovers telekinetic powers — and uses them to exact deathly revenge on her tormenters. Following its sold-out off-Broadway run last year, “Carrie” is burning up the stage in Philly through Nov. 7. Visit www.bratproductions.org for more information.
I’m also excited to announce some details for two Nightlifegay.com upcoming events. First, the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition, Nov. 13 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., will include several national celebrities. Headlining the judges’ panel are gossip columnist Michael Musto, celebrity stylist and reality TV star David Evangelista, Emmy-award-winning TV producer and author Terence Noonan, and national magazine editor and TV personality Mickey Boardman (Mr. Mickey). Sirius OUT Q radio star Frank DeCaro and local drag queen Brittany Lynn will co-host.
Just a short time after the curtain closes on U.S. Mr. Gay, Nightlifegay.com will return with the fall 2010 Pink Pub Crawl on Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 24, sponsored by Absolut Vodka, 12th Street Gym and Privileged Communication. This year’s crawl will begin at 8:45 p.m. at Q Lounge, 1234 Locust St. At 10:15 p.m., the crawl will head east on Locust Street to 12th, making a stop at Philly’s newest gay bar, Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Revelers will celebrate at Tabu until 11:30, when the crawl will move to Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St. After an hour at Woody’s, the crawl will head across 13th Street for the final stop at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., from 12:30-1:30 a.m. Tickets for the event are $25 for those with one prominent pink clothing item and $30 for those with no pink. Admission includes one free drink at the first three stops and free admission to Woody’s and Voyeur. Visit www.nightlifegay.com for more information on the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition and the Pink Pub Crawl.
That’s it for this week. Send questions or comments to [email protected]. Until next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!