Pride is upon Philadelphia once again; and there’s enough going on in the city this weekend to make anyone dizzy trying to keep track. If deciding what to take in seems like a daunting task, fear not. We’ve assembled a loosely chronological mishmash of events we’d like to see everyone attend if humanly possible.
Friday, June 10
A number of performance artists, including Rae Drew, Miss Mary Wanna and Ashley Payne, will be on hand 7:30-9:30 p.m. for “Being Queer Saved My Life: An Evening of Solidarity and Pride,” a celebration and fundraiser hosted by the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.; 215-732-2220.
Some of the latest batch of RuPaul-approved queens are set to descend upon Philadelphia for this year’s “Drag Race Tour,” 9 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. This season’s winner, Raja, performs with Carmen Carrera and Manila Luzon.
When the clock strikes midnight, it’s time to rock out at the Trocadero for a screening of the gender-bent rock musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.
Saturday, June 11
We’re probably not going to be awake before mid-afternoon on Saturday, so we don’t expect you to be either.
After a late brunch, take in the Dyke March, 3-6 p.m. at Kahn Park, 11th and Pine streets; www.facebook.com/PhillyDykeMarch.
If the Dyke March isn’t your thing, head indoors for some hair of the dog and light debauchery with the cabaret troupe “Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Philly,” performing at 3 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
AIDS Fund Philadelphia hosts “15 Minutes of Fame GayBingo,” closing out the fundraising event’s 15th year, 7 p.m. at Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. For more information, visit www.aidswalkphilly.org/gaybingo.
The William Way LGBT Community Center hosts “Homecoming 2011,” a night of live entertainment, food and drinks throughout the building, 7 p.m.-midnight.
Once the sun sets, you can get in some laughs courtesy of out comedian Jess Carpenter and the First Annual F. Harold Comedy Festival, 9-10 p.m. at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. For more information, visit www.www.fharoldpresents.com/tickets/.
Arouse is the place to be for the Philly Dyke March After-Party with DJ Kash and DJ Jovi bombarding the dance floor with the hottest tracks from Madonna, Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé and more, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Marathon Grill, 1818 Market St.
Over at Tritone Bar, an assortment of out and gay-friendly performers will rock the house, including Nicky Click, Sgt. Sass, Rainbow Destroyer and CJ & The Dolls beginning 10 p.m., 1508 South St.; 215-545-0475.
Sunday, June 12
There’s almost too much going on this Sunday with the parade and all the entertainment going on, but make sure you catch comedian and headliner Aisha Tyler at the Philly Pride Festival which runs noon-6 p.m. at Penn’s Landing. And try to get there early enough to catch performances by Betty, Dawn Robinson of En Vogue, drag artist Sandy Beach and local performer Tony Enos. For more information, visit www.phillypride.org.
NightlifeGay.com presents Bruce Yelk’s Triumphant Pride from 3-8 p.m. at Mad River, 126 Chestnut St., but even if you ride out the Pride Festival until the end, you still have enough time to catch performances by Jade Starling, Oh My Josh and The Dragapalooza Divas if you hightail it over there. For more information, visit www.nightlifegay.com/p/triumphant-pride.
Have fun.
Stay hydrated or drink responsibly, whichever is easiest for you.
Do not call us on Monday.
— Larry Nichols