It’s here — spring! When temperatures hit the 70s, I opened the windows — thankfully without freezing the cat’s ass off — and took my first hike of the season in the Pine Barrens. It felt like heaven!
OK, people, now listen up. There are only two months left to get ready for beach season! Whether that means working off those last few pounds or packing a few more on (hellooo, bears!), it’s time to get to work. Here are some ideas to help you get off the couch and get active.
Retro Leather Disco Party
Shake your groove thing at a retro leather dance party, 10 p.m. April 13 on the top floor of The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., hosted by Philadelphians MC and New York’s Empire City MC and featuring hits from the ’70s and ’80s and hot videos on the big screen.
Leather or retro gear is encouraged, not required. If you don’t have the gear, show up in jeans and a white T or wife beater … or no shirt at all! Cover is $5.
Stimulus Saturday—Back to Basics
Stimulus is getting back to the basics this spring. Check it out 10 p.m. April 13 at Square Peg, 929 Walnut St. They’ll have dancing upstairs, chill space downstairs and DJs NiiLo and Jovi Baby. Come early for drink specials until midnight. When it fills up, the velvet rope will come down and they’re going to stop letting people in.
April QOTA
The queers are headed back to The Avenue, 1-4 p.m. April 14 at Metro Men’s, 1615 E. Passyunk Ave. Catch the complimentary drinks, 15-percent off fashions at Metro Men’s and a big crowd of hot queers to flirt and network with.
William Mann: Becoming Barbra
Meet acclaimed biographer William Mann 7 p.m. April 16 at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., as he tours for his latest book, “Hello Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra.” He’ll read passages that describe how a nightclub singer from Brooklyn became one of the most legendary stars of our time. Cover is $8.
Bro-lesque!
Grab your bros and head for the ’burbs to catch Bro-lesque! at 9 p.m. April 16 at Picasso, 38 W. State St. in Media. Salotta Tee, Fanci Dismount and Gio Michaels will be onstage, and Ryan will take care of you behind the bar during this retro revue, featuring an outrageous ’80s drag contest. Reservations recommended for dining.
Mr. Philly Drag King 2013 Contest
Wax your ’stache and stuff your package, it’s time for the annual Philly Drag King contest! Get there early if you want a good spot. The show runs 7:30-11 p.m. April 19 at William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
Produced by those deliciously sexy gender-bending queers of Liberty City Kings, tickets are $10 in advance or $5-$15 sliding scale at the door. This is an 18-and-up event but you must be 21 or over to drink.
Stimulus Philly Drag King After Party
Party with the winners and console the runners-up, 10 p.m. April 19 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St. There will be five bars, four DJs, three floors and all the hot shot girls, dancers and drink specials you expect from a Stimulus jam. Cover is $5 with a PDK hand stamp or $10 without. If that ain’t enough, it’s a fundraiser for the Philly Dyke March!
Cobbs Creek Bike Ride
Get out and enjoy the warm weather from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. April 21 at the Laura Sims Skate House, 63rd and Walnut streets. Join PhilaVentures on a leisurely 7-mile bike ride through historic Cobbs Creek. The event is free, but RSVPs are requested so the organizers can plan accordingly. RSVP to Candice at 215-732-2220 or [email protected].
Gospel Drag Brunch
Don’t miss the most insanely talented cast of queens in Philly from noon-5 p.m. April 21 at Fire and Ice Restaurant, 312 Market St. Maddy Milan hosts, fresh from ripping the stage to shreds when Alaska Thunderfuck was in town! Brunch and the show are $35, or you can pay $10 for the show only, which starts at 1:30.
Casino Brunch for Sapphire Fund
Dress to impress at Sapphire Fund’s Casino Brunch, 2-5 p.m. April 21 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., benefiting The National Adoption Center, Support Center for Child Advocates and the local LGBT community. Tickets are $45 in advance or $60 at the door. See www.sapphirefund.org.
Dining Out for Life
On April 25, celebrate the 23rd anniversary of a Philadelphia original that’s become a phenomenon. Choose from hundreds of restaurants in the region, grab your friends and have a great dinner. In return, the restaurant will donate 33 percent of your tab to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Visit www.diningoutforlife.com/Philadelphia for participating venues.
Questions, comments, conundrums? Contact Jim at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and totally bitchin’ music videos!