May is a great time of year in Philly. The weather finally breaks and warm, sunny days start becoming the norm rather than the occasional tease. There’s nothing better than camping out in Rittenhouse Square with a tub of self-serve fro-yo for an afternoon of boy- and/or girl-watching!
But if you’re like me and cursed with too much pale, northern European skin, then you can’t handle the sun for very long. Yes, I’ve already had my first sunburn of the year (damn you, ozone layer!). So here are some events where you can flirt to your heart’s content without having to worry about sunscreen.
Spectrum Philly Happy Hour
Spectrum Philly is a group for young queer Jews and their friends. They sponsor parties, Shabbat dinners, trips to cultural events and educational discussions. They’re hosting a spring happy-hour from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on May 18 at Q Kitchen and Lounge, 1234 Locust St. If the weather is nice, look for them outside on the patio.
Spectrum Philly is sponsored by The Collaborative, the Jewish Graduate Student Network and Congregation Beth Ahavah. The group is open to people of all genders and orientations.
Mention to the organizers that it’s your first Spectrum event and they’ll comp your first drink! For more information, see www.spectrumphilly.org.
Dragapalooza returns!
Did you happen to read my column in March? Do you remember what I said to do if you heard they were doing Dragapalooza again? Yes, people, this is a quiz, dammit.
I said, “Run, bitches, run and get your tickets!” OK, maybe I didn’t use those exact words, but that was the general idea. My friends and I had a great time at Dragapalooza in March and I’m so happy to see they’re bringing it back for an encore performance.
Britanny Lynn will host the show, which will feature an amazing collection of divas, including Joey Josephs, Brenda Dharling, Alexis Cartier, Jason Cozmo, Navaya Shay, Isis, Mrs. Periwinkle, Omyra Lynn and Diana Dharling, who pulls double duty as the show’s choreographer. They’ll perform a collection of old and new Broadway hits with fabulous costumes and amazing choreography.
If you missed “Dragapalooza: Broadway Divas” when it sold out in March, don’t miss your chance to catch it this time. Get your tickets now for the next performance from 9-11:30 p.m. May 21 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. Doors open at 8 and tickets are $30 for general admission or $60 for VIP (unreserved seating). For more information, see www.nightlifegay.com.
Big Gay Boat Party
Frustrated by how few outdoor decks there are at Philly’s gay bars? Then the Big Gay Boat Party is for you!
Sisters and PhillyGay-Calendar are sponsoring a tea dance from 5-10:30 p.m. May 22 on the Moshulu at 401 Columbus Blvd. You can’t miss the Moshulu — it’s that big four-masted sailing ship that was converted into a bar and restaurant, docked on the Delaware River just south of Penn’s Landing.
DJ Deejay, famous for his MMP parties (Madonna, Michael, Prince), will be spinning the tunes on the top deck so you can enjoy the warm weather and watch the sunset while you dance. It’s as close as you can get to tea dance at the Boatslip in Provincetown without leaving the tri-state area.
Mimi Imfurst: Second to None!
If you’re a fan of RuPaul’s “Drag Race” like me, then Mimi Imfurst needs no introduction. If not, then let me give you the “T” (that’s “truth” in Shangela-speak). She’s the girl who dressed as the Madonna in week one (that’s Immaculate Conception Madonna, not Immaculate Collection Madonna), then a few episodes later was throwing another girl over her shoulder during what was arguably one of the best “Lipsync for Your Life” showdowns ever.
Mimi didn’t do very well on “Drag Race,” which is a crime. I think it was just the wrong platform for her unique blend of crazy talents. She’s fierce funny, and she works her ass off to put on one hell of a great show. And you can see her every week right here in Philly!
Mimi Imfurst hosts and stars in the Dollhouse Revue 11 p.m.-1 a.m. every Wednesday at Voyeur Nightclub. The revue also features the amazing Omyra Lynn, Navaya Shay, Cherry Pop, Dame Daja and Goddess Isis, plus special guests and adorably hot dancing boys. Doors open at 10 p.m. and there’s a $5 cover charge.
At the end of the show when she asks for requests be sure to yell, “FREEBIRD!” Then she’ll know I sent you.
Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at [email protected].