Last week, I received word that a beloved employee at one of our local gay hotspots passed away unexpectedly. As the news traveled through our community, it was met with heartbreak, confusion and the type of deep, regrettable sadness caused only by the premature loss of a vibrant and respected young person. With the holidays upon us, a tragedy like this puts the importance of our lives and loved ones in heightened perspective. In the next few weeks, gay Philadelphia will kick off the holiday season with several special events. No matter how you choose to spend your social time — whether with family, friends or someone in between — remember to cherish every moment with the ones you love, and deeply engage in the time you have together.
Tonight at Sisters, 1320 Chancellor St., Philly’s ladies are in for a spectacular treat as several amazing performance artists take to the Burlesque Showcase stage. The hottest local burlesque groups have joined forces for this one-of-a-kind evening, including stars of the Liberty City Kings, Revival Burlesque, Cabaret Red Light, Awakenings Pole Fitness and Sister’s Sirens. Performances will range from aerial art and belly dancing to acro-yoga and intense dance numbers. Doors open at 10 p.m., and the show will begin around 11. Anastascia Beaverhousen will host the show, which is a steal at $5 a person. Proceeds will support the performers’ efforts to enhance and deepen Philadelphia’s live arts scene. Go to sistersnightclub.com for all the info.
This Sunday, New Hope’s Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, will be ground zero for the region’s leading lesbians as they gather for Bob Egan’s New Hope Cabaret featuring an exclusive set by stand-up icon Judy Gold. An Emmy Award-winning writer and producer, Gold is best known for her work on the comedy circuit. Her stand-up credits include the New York Comedy Club, the Broadway Comedy Club and the Laugh Factory. The show will start at 3 p.m., followed at 4 by the Ladies Nevermore/Ramada Dance Party with DJ Michael DeCero. Ladies 2000 is organizing the celebration, so I recommend getting your tickets as early as possible. Visit bobegansnewhope.com if you have questions about the show, and ladies2000.com for information on the after-party.
Next weekend, Philly’s gay holiday spirit will kick into high gear, highlighted by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund’s annual fundraiser, Toy, on Dec. 4 at the breathtaking Marketplace Design Center, 2400 Market St., fourth floor. Over the last few years, Toy has become one of the region’s most popular charity events. Tickets are $40, and each attendee is asked to bring one unwrapped toy for a child in need. Toys collected at the event will be distributed to abused children being cared for by the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance and youngsters receiving treatment in the HIV/AIDS unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. For all the event details or to learn more about DVLF, go to dvlf.org.
Also taking place next weekend is “Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum,” a holiday concert presented by the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. You’ve got three chances to catch this musical showcase: 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 4 at Center City’s Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St. This time around, the chorus’ repertoire includes a mixture of holiday classics, sing-along and children’s favorites, including “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Tickets range from $20-$50, and can be purchased at pgmc.org.
In mapping out your holiday schedule, remember to pencil in a visit to the Christmas Village at Dilworth Plaza on the west side of City Hall. Over 80 vendors will take up residency in wooden booths to sell authentic international wares, including artwork, ornaments, clothing and food. In addition to shopping, many local choirs, orchestras and bands will perform on the village’s center stage. If you have family visiting this holiday season, the Christmas Village is a must. It opens to the public Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 24. Daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. To view a list of vendors and scheduled performances, go to philachristmas.com.
I hope my suggestions help you get in the holiday spirit. If you have an upcoming event you’d like considered for my next column, e-mail [email protected].
Until next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!