If you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan, you know the significance of the phrase, “Winter is coming. ” After last week, I think we all have to admit that winter is here.
MLK weekend was cold but lots of fun. We spent one day at MidAtlantic Leather weekend in Washington, D.C., and then came back up to host a friend who was in Philly for the Radical Faerie Gatherette.
That meant lots of time relaxing, catching up with old friends and making plans for the coming year.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons”
Don’t forget about “RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons,” 9 p.m. Jan. 20 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. I talked about this event two weeks ago, but I found out VIP tickets include a one-hour open bar and a meet-and-greet!
The Battle stars Bebe and Rebecca (season one), Sahara and Pandora (season two), Mimi and Manila (season three) and Phi Phi and Sharon (season four), which premieres Jan. 30 on Logo.
Tickets are $25 for standing room or $50 for VIP seating. For tickets and more information, find “RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons” on Facebook.
Jocks
The Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League is off-season right now, but that doesn’t mean the players are just sitting around.
Catch up with all the lads at their winter fundraising party 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Jan. 21 at Venture Inn, 255 S. Camac St. The Venture was just completely renovated, so check out the new look of this historical establishment and hang with a bunch of hot jocks at the same time.
The $5 cover includes one domestic beer or Finlandia drink, with music by DJ Salotta Tee. All proceeds go to the GPFFL.
For more information, visit www.phillyflagfootball.org.
MixTape
Want to make a real difference in someone’s life?
MixTape is a quarterly showcase sponsored by Gender Reel that features queer and transgender performance artists. Each event is a fundraiser for a local member of the community to help with the cost of gender-reassignment surgery.
When you go to MixTape, you not only know exactly where your donation is going, but you get a chance to actually meet the person you’re helping and learn precisely how much your assistance means.
Join MixTape 9 p.m. Jan. 27 at Tritone, 1508 South St. Cover charge is $5 and you’ll get to see performances by Alien Beauty, Chaos and Lace, Dynasty, Wordz, Messy and J Mase III. Performances start at 10 p.m., with dancing after midnight with DJ Evil V.
For more information, check out www.genderreelfest.com.
Stimulus’ Winter Wonderland Ball
Don’t miss the second-annual Stimulus Winter Wonderland Ball from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Jan. 27 at Voyeur Nightclub.
The Winter Wonderland Ball benefits the Sapphire Fund, which supports local LGBT organizations.
This is a semi-formal event, so don’t miss your chance to dress up and knock everyone’s socks off on the red carpet entry. DJ Jivey Rivas, DJ Kash and DJ Jovi Baby will spin the tunes.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, which makes this a great warm-up for the Sapphire Ball.
For more information, check out www.stimulusphilly.com or friend the group on Facebook.
First Annual Sapphire Ball
The fine folks who brought you Blue Ball now introduce Sapphire Ball, which also supports Sapphire Fund.
The big event takes place Jan. 28 at The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., and kicks off with the Sapphire Ball Reception from 8-10 p.m., followed by Sapphire Ball Live from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Dress is blue-tie optional with a masquerade theme. The ball will feature a dessert buffet and entertainment by Bounce, a live 10-piece band.
Tickets are available in a variety of configurations: $60 for the ball only, which includes a cash bar; $100 for two student tickets to the ball only and a cash bar (student IDs required with each ticket); or $150 for the reception and the ball, including hors d’oeuvres at the reception and an open bar at both events.
Sapphire Brunch
Sapphire Ball weekend winds up with the Sapphire Brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 29 at The Pyramid Club, 1735 Market St., 51st floor. This event is separately ticketed at $65 for the brunch alone.
Oh, hell, make it easy on yourself and just get the VIP pass. It’s only $185 and it includes the reception, the ball, the brunch and open bar at the Sapphire Ball. Tack on the Winter Wonderland Ball and, for under $200, you get one amazing weekend while raising money for a great cause.
For more information, check out www.sapphirefund.org.
Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at [email protected].