Right on the heels of a couple area bars closing comes news of a new bar coming to town. Sweet!
Boxers, a sports-themed institution in New York City’s Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods, will soon be opening a Philly location in the old Ritz Camera on Walnut Street between Juniper and Broad. That’s right next to Nuts to You, which should totally start staying open for “late-night nuts and butts,” if you ask me.
Yes, Boxers isn’t targeting the exact same demographic as the bars we’ve lost recently, but there is certainly a little bit of overlap. I’m a strong believer that change is good, and competition is even better. A little new blood in the water will help everyone stay at the top of their game, and we here in the Philly community can only benefit from it.
MileyBall
Twerk ’em if you got ’em! At 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., DJ DeeJay will take you on a tour of all things Miley until the wee hours of the morning. Cover charge is only $5 until 1 a.m. I hope he plays “#GETITRIGHT” — then you can dance in the mirror and feel like you got no panties on, either!
Cupid’s Safe Word
Get your fix of glitter, kink and fabulousness at Vixens & Vagabonds Queer & Kinky Cabaret, 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. Liberty City Kings and their special guests will work you up, bring you to the brink, then toss you back in your seat when they’re good and done with you. No safe word is safe enough! Stick around after the show for a dance party with DJ NiiLo and to stalk your favorite performers.
Cover charge is $10 if you’re in drag or gear, $12 if not. Proceeds benefit the Leather Leadership Conference, a kink symposium dedicated to strengthening and developing the leather community and its members, which is coming to Philly in early April.
Free to Love Film Festival
The “Free to Love” film festival continues at International House, 3701 Chestnut St.. Films address gay, straight and other sexual themes from defining times in our cultural history.
Highlights in the coming weeks include “Barbarella” at 5 p.m. Feb. 1, “Boys in the Sand” at 10 p.m. Feb. 1, and “Barbara Hammer Shorts” at 7 p.m. Feb. 13, featuring a special appearance and post-film discussion with the director.
Tickets are only $9 for adults or $7 for seniors and students. For tickets and more information about these and other films in the program, see www.ihousephilly.org/calendar.
Philly Burlesque Battle Royale
Keep up with the weekly battles at 9 p.m. Feb. 4 and 11 at Tabu, 200 S. 12th St. The competition, showcasing a number of burlesque performers with a crazy variety of styles, experience and genders, is only about half over. There’s still plenty of time for you to catch up, pick a favorite or two and cheer them on as they work their way to the climax March 11. Gear Up, Team Up
Did Santa stuff your stocking full of new gear? Did you lose control in the vendor mart at MAL? If so, here’s your chance to strap it on and show it off, 9 p.m. Feb. 8 on the top floor at The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. This party will have a strictly enforced dress code, which means if you’re not in sport, leather, rubber, latex, uniform or some other fetish gear, you will have to strip down and go shirtless — or else go back downstairs.
Your co-hosts will be the members of Philadelphians MC and Gryphons Rugby Football Club. Between them and special guest DJ Dave Huge from Nasty Pig in New York City, you’re guaranteed to have a hot and sweaty night! Cover charge is only $5, and proceeds will be split 50/50 between the two clubs and their charitable endeavors.
Ladies 2K Valentines’ Day
Ladies 2000 are mixing it up V-Day style from 3-9 p.m. Feb. 9 at Havana, 105 S. Main St. in New Hope. Get there early for the $3 vodka specials, enjoy the hot buffet, dance to the sounds of DJ Steve Singer, then get down in the “Singles Mingle” upstairs in the loft! Cover charge is only $10.
Questions, comments, need motivation to take those Christmas lights down? Contact Jim at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and some totally bitchin’ retro music videos!