It’s always a bit of a pain in the ass when a holiday falls in the middle of the week, isn’t it?
Instead of a nice fat three-day weekend, you get one day off in the middle of the work week (if you’re lucky) that whets your appetite for a longer break but invariably leaves you wanting more.
I say having only one day off just means you have to get more creative and you have to do it closer to home. I got up early, threw the husband in the car, strapped the bikes to the back (or was it the other way around?) and headed up to Sandy Hook, where we relaxed all day and watched the fireworks in New York City after the sun went down.
The only other idea we had was to lock ourselves in a multiplex and watch “Magic Mike” six times in a row. Oh well, maybe we can do that on Arbor Day …
Our Night Out
For a fun, casual, real-world social networking party, join Our Night Out from 6-8 p.m. July 9 at the Walnut Street Supper Club, 1227 Walnut St. This monthly party draws a fun mix of LGBT professionals and always features great food and drink specials. This month their special guest is QFest, so drop by to hear about all the great films coming to the festival in a few weeks.
‘Spring Awakening’ discount preview
Looking for a cheap night out and some great theater? Then be there for the preview performance of “Spring Awakening” at 7:30 p.m. July 11 at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre, 20 N. American St. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Show runs July 12-28. For more information and to purchase tickets, see www.mazeppaproductions.org.
Queers on the Avenue
Gayborhood got you down? Then drag your ass down to Passyunk for Queers on the Avenue from 6-9 p.m. July 11 at Stogie Joe’s Tavern, 1802 E. Passyunk Ave. Summer sizzles in South Philly, especially when you hang out with these queers! They’ll have food and drink specials, a special viewing of the “House of Talent PA” reality-show episode that was taped at the end of June and special guests the City of Brotherly Love Softball League. For more information, find QOTA on Facebook.
QFest opening night
Don’t miss Philadelphia’s amazing gay and lesbian film festival or the official opening-night gala party from 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at Table 31 at the Comcast Center, 17th Street and JFK Boulevard. The party will feature appearances by the director and stars of the opening-night film, “Elliot Loves.” There will also be incredible food, great drink specials, music by DJ Jimmy DePre and surprise performances by Brittany Lynn and the Drag Mafia. Tickets are $15 for the film, $35 for the party or $40 for both (special discounts for Philadelphia Cinema Alliance members). See www.qfest.com for tickets and more information.
Sam’s Philly Ladies Mixer
Roll out the welcome wagon from 6-9 p.m. July 12 at the Dark Horse Inn, 421 S. Second St. Sam’s Philly Mixer is the second Thursday of every month. They’ll have free food and drink specials, and you can bring your business cards and/or product samples if you’re up for some professional networking. Better yet, dress to impress if you’re up for some personal networking! It’s promoted as a ladies’ event but boys are always welcome. July Arouse
Get your monthly dose of arousal from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. July 14 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St. This month’s Arouse party is pulling double duty as the official after-party for the QFest film “Stud Life,” and the only women’s gala party in the entire QFest lineup!
Be prepared to strut your stuff on the red carpet entryway because the paparazzi will be there to capture you in all your glamorous glory. Don’t miss the go-go dancers, the shot girls and the DJs — or your chance to meet the fierce film director from London, Campbell X.
Libertine Ball
If there was any doubt that geeks are sexy it will be put in cryo-sleep forever at Libertine Ball XIII, from 9 p.m.-midnight July 21 at Shampoo Nightclub, 417 N. Eighth St. Libertine is the annual summer fetish ball produced by Passional Boutique and Sexploratorium that raises money for local charities. This year’s theme is Intergalactic Asylum, which means it’s time to slip into your Barbarella or Han Solo or Uhura drag and get kinky, baby!
There’s a whole weekend of events planned, including a meet-n-greet, a pool party, a shopping excursion, a brunch and of course the ball itself, which will feature performances, charity auctions, games, play spaces and demonstrations. Tickets are only $25 in advance and you can get them now at www.libertineball.com.
Questions? Comments? As mad as I am that Olivia Newton-John has been all but forgotten by pop culture? Contact Jim at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and awesomely crappy old pop music videos!