August, 2012 edition of BARtab

bartabsf.com

August 2012

Las Vegas

Desert Playland’s Gay Cards

QueersLike Us Trans-tastic Fun

Plus:

b Ta e th On August Events

ingredients ★ August 2012 ★

Oaklandish: East Bay Fun

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Playland: Las Vegas

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Dead Can Dance

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Queers Like Us

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On The Tab

Pages 12-25

BARchive: White Horse Inn

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Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com On the cover: gogo stud Richard sweats and smiles at Oakland’s Club 21. Photo: Santos Gerardo

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Editor: Jim Provenzano, Art Director: Kurt Thomas

Designer: T. Scott King General Manager: Michael Yamashita Advertising Sales: Simma Baghbanbashi, Colleen Small, Scott Wazlowski Contributors: Ray Aguilera, Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Coy Ellison, Michael Flanagan, Dr. Jack Fritscher, T. Scott King, Joshua Klipp, Michael McAllister, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Ronn Vigh Photography: Biron, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Santos Gerardo, Rick Gerharter, Lydia Gonzales, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Monty Suwannukul, Steven Underhill BARtab is published by Benro Enterprises, Inc. Publisher: Thomas E. Horn Benro Enterprises, Inc. 395 Ninth Street • San Francisco CA 94103 • (415) 861-5019

Member of the National Gay Media Association National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

OAKLANDISHd

Lu Go shakes it at Club 21.

East Bay’s fulla fun • by Ronn Vigh

Santos Gerardo

I

admit it: at times, I can come off as jaded or catty.

A few Saturdays ago, as I walked down the street with a friend, I heard hooting and hollering coming from the opposite corner. This barely-legal-looking group of bar hoppers decked out in tight hoochie clothes, glitter and beads dangling around their necks were definitely not from here, prompting me to comment, “Bridge and Tunnel!”

Fast-forward to late Friday evening, at a crowded, sweaty gay club in Oakland. A pasty white boy, standing in the corner furthest from the speakers, noticeably sways his hips off the beat. Next to him, a well manicured Asian chap, unfazed by the blaring Marc Anthony songs filling the air, stands very still, except to text a friend in the city that he was, indeed, dragged to Oakland, or to take big swigs of his vodka and Red Bull to give him the strength to power through the evening.

That was my boyfriend and me on a recent Friday night. We stood there, pale specks in the sea of predominantly Latino party boys. I wondered, “Are we reverse bridge and tunnel?”

Typically, this late on a Friday night, my boyfriend and I are more inclined to be having a nightcap on our leather couch while we cozy up to reruns of The Golden Girls. However, this week we traded in the Rusty Anchor (Blanche Devereaux’s favorite bar) for the wildly popular Latin Explosion at Club 21. The club’s narrow façade, adorned with neon signage, velvet rope and two large doormen, is reminiscent of a North Beach strip joint. A couple floors up, the expansive club is one large room with a pumped up sound system, a stage area for performances, platforms for go-go dancers, flat-screen TVs for advertisements, a seating area for 4 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

the white boy who is afraid to dance, and a full bar to help him let loose and do it anyway.

With a packed dance floor, the crowd needed no help letting loose at Latin Explosion, a mainstay of Club 21. “Latin Explosion was the first major Latin party in Northern California, and because of its tremendous success over the years, has also been one of the events most imitated,” states Valentino Carillo, Marketing Director for Club 21. “We also feature go-go dancers and the ‘Aries Trasvesti Show’ every Friday night.”

One thing I adore about being in a predominantly Latino club is that I’m actually considered tall. On my visit, I counted six gogo dancers, an even split of guys and ladies. I couldn’t help but stare at one short yet well-defined gogo dancer, wearing a pair of bright yellow briefs containing a long and large bulge that wildly bounced up and down, left and right with his every move. I wasn’t sure whether to slide a dollar down the side of his shorts or feed it a peanut. That thing was so big and floppy that at some points when he turned too quickly, I thought somebody might get a puncture wound.

Around midnight, the gogo boys and girls exited their stations to divert attention to the Jennifer Lopezthemed drag show. The drag show had more of a classic feel, with jewel-laden, long-haired queens strutting their stuff to a slew of J. Lo tracks in both Spanish and English. One performer bared an uncanny resemblance to my eighth-grade Spanish teacher. I really hope it wasn’t.

Latin Explosion takes place every Friday at Club 21 and will celebrate an anniversary on August 17, with a special performance by Nina Sky. The Club also boasts

Bench and Bar

Gogo guy at Club 21.

Georg Lester

with supporting the community, Valentino says his clubs have the sexiest go-go dancers in town, and we›ve seen ample – and bouncing- evidence of that.

Bench and Bar, 10 17th St. (510) 444-2266. www.bench-and-bar.com For a quieter tavern ambiance, The White Horse Inn stands at the corners of 66th and Telegraph in Oakland, where it has been since 1936. It is considered the oldest continuously operating gay/lesbian bar in the Bay Area.

Gilber DeJesus, popularly known as “Papi” at the bar, has been with The White Horse for 13 years. He contributes its long-lasting success to the sense of community the club maintains.

“At The White Horse, we are family and we all take good care of each other. We are very friendly to everyone, no matter who you are or where you are coming from.”

There’s a lot of history within the walls of The White Horse. The bar remained unscathed through an era where you could not tell anyone you were gay, let alone go to a gay bar. It was never raided by police, as was popular with gay bars up until the Early 1970s.

Today, as further testimony that times have changed,

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VIP Thursdays, a weekly Hip-Hop & Latin party that boasts gogo dancers as well as La Bota Loca a Latin Cowboy party, to giddy-up to every Saturday night.

Club 21, 2111 Franklin Street. (510) 268-9425 www.club21oakland.com Just a few blocks away, on 17th Street, rests The Bench and Bar, Club 21’s sister venue. Valentino explained that while the club has relocated twice, it is now the largest gay and lesbian nightclub in the Bay Area, and takes its name from the original owners, a judge and an attorney. While no ‘bar exam’ is needed to run a successful bar, the team at Bench and Bar seem to have passed with flying colors, as they are now in their 34th year of business.

The location features six full bars, multiple dance floors, a billiards room, a smoking lounge, a secondfloor VIP lounge, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and -perhaps the biggest amenity to a spoiled San Franciscan such as myself- it’s less than half a block from the 19th Street BART station. At Bench and Bar, you can find a variety of music on the main dance floor, with Hip Hop, Old School, R&B, and House most dominant. Their events range from drag shows to pageants, including the upcoming August 17 Summer Heat Party, a fundraiser for local charities, and an advance celebration of Oakland Pride events. Along

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PLAYLANDd BARtab goes to Vegas story and photos by Jim Provenzano

The view of Las Vegas from THEhotel’s Mix nightclub

S

in City, the casino paradise in the Nevada desert, Bugsy Siegel’s dream town, may lure you in with its pretty lights, elaborate hotels and flashy entertainments geared toward mainstream (i.e. straight) tourists. But if you take a gamble, you’ll find gay fun in Las Vegas. From elaborately designed hotels to drag-filled shows, from gogo guy-filled nightclubs to uber-swanky restaurants, Las Vegas is much more than slot machines.

Get a Room For fans of rented elegance, the variety of accommodations runs the gamut, from chic penthouse suites to ornate faux-retro designed palaces, with many run-down old-school motels on the outskirts. Las Vegas hotels suit any taste.

Our press trip landed me at a fabulous two-room suite at Mandalay Bay’s THEhotel, a golden highrise with sleek interiors and comfortably expansive rooms.

What’s striking about Mandalay Bay and THEhotel is its simplicity. Despite the mythological creature statues adorning the grand entrance, the building itself is sleek by comparison to others. Next door, the black pyramid of Luxor houses plenty of faux-Egyptian sculptures, but its huge tent-shaped interior more closely resembles the gloomy set of Logan’s Run. For classic overdone camp architecture, Caesar’s Palace remains the pinnacle of Vegas style, with imitation Michelangelos and Roman statuary placed throughout the main lobbies.

Hotels off The Strip (the four-mile Las Vegas Blvd.) aren’t all fading beauties or corroded shells of the Rat Pack days. Rumor, a stylish boutique resort blends solid colors with a mostly blanche-white desert décor. Fans of the nearly X-rated “reality”

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show Gigolos may recognize the venue, since the male whore show was shot there. The simplydesigned cafe includes a tasty brunch menu, and the interior courtyard includes a spacious pool, comfy lounge areas and hammocks in black, white and purple.

But the most amazingly designed hotels are The Cosmopolitan, a futuristic luxury shopper’s wet dream, and The Wynn, a rococo color riot that rivals The Fifth Element’s Fhloston Paradise. The great thing about such architectural entertainments?

Simply strolling through them is enchantment enough.

But of course you’ll want to stop for a cocktail or three at the astounding Chandelier (in the Cosmopolitan), which is basically like entering a giant chandelier! The wacky cocktails include chocolate martinis topped by charred marshmallows and a spicy citrus drink with a mouth-numbing garnish, the South American verbena flower. It’s like Nature’s Sweet Tarts!

Eat Me Along with the glitz and glamour, food becomes an art form at some of the high-end restaurants. Yes, the cliché “all-night” buffets are available if you’re focused on carb-loading with the flip-flops & cutoffs set. But for a true vacation splurge, indulge in a few pinnacles of cuisine.

The newest and most upscale sushi restaurant in town, Mizumi at the Wynn enchants with its bold red décor, scenic waterfall outside the windows, and attentive staff. The dishes we sampled were fantastic; fresh, artfully arranged seafood, vegetables and edible garnishes. The sushi servings were beautiful and sumptuous, as well the desserts. Although my accompanying thimble of saki was quickly quaffed

(a mere $12), should you be a high roller, saki and other spirits run from $40 to $2000 a bottle.

If meat’s your thing, the new Gordon Ramsay Steak, located in the Hotel Paris’ dreamlike lobby/ mall, brings on a feast of carnivorous creations. The Beef Wellington ($54) was a favorite, as was the array of appetizers. Considering the refined selection

Gorgeous bartender at 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge

of ingredients, the preparation and the flavors, a probably $100 or more per person is a worthy splurge. While our press group enjoyed a quiet private room, the main floor vibrates with energy and piped-in classic British rock. And, armed with a rack of samples, the wait staff offers a fascinating Page 8

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Gaming table

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PLAYLAND • From page 7

short explanation of the various cuts of meat to choose from.

Casual but still excellent, Border Grill at Mandalay Bay served up a delicious crisp array of mini tacos, enchiladas and zesty salsas, all in an airy, colorfully designed space that’s right next to Mandalay Bay’s group of swimming pools.

For food with a view, The Mix’s white-themed décor makes for a dreamy ambiance with a penthouse panorama atop THEhotel. Up for an ice cream float with your morning waffles? The pink candy shop décor of Serendipity 3 was at first offputting, but the meals were good: coffee, fresh juices and classic brunch entreés like cream cheese and lox on a bagel, or a hearty omelette, and a fruit smoothie sans dairy for our vegan colleague.

Straight Flush Along with the veneer of glamour, Las Vegas also has a historic reputation for McWeddings. Britney Spears got drive-thru nuptuals and an equally hasty divorce, thus exemplifying the “traditional sacred values” of heterosexual marriage, which is now embedded into Nevada’s law books.

But, hey, if you want to flout state laws, go for it.

Rent a tux or gown or any of dozens of wacky or traditional costumes at the ironically gay-owned Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel (1205 Las Vegas Blvd. South www.VivaLasVegas.com. For fans of fading architecture, the nearby neighborhood revealed the quaint ghosts of Vegas past.

It seems simple for entire herds of young women (stuffed into nearly identical micro-skirts like a miscast Robert Palmer video) to merge with sulking tattooed dudes and the occasional sharply dressed male high-roller wannabes. But they’re mixed in with families with strollers, even dogs. Yep, most hotels are pet-friendly.

The constant parade of people, in lobbies, casinos, and on The Strip itself, is another fascinating aspect to this made-up Wonderland. As foreshortened faux-Paris and faux-New York loom, the human 8 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Sensational sushi at Mizumi

parade upstages the buildings in sheer variety, from totally tacky to swanky. But like certain colleagues’ cell phone reception, gaydar doesn’t quite work amid the throngs.

Here we are now. Entertain us.

How gay is Las Vegas? As one local put it, despite a lot of locals, the sense of “community” isn’t felt strongly. You won’t find many guys holding hands, or transgender folks, except on stage, and even that’s an odd representation.

Take Frank Marino’s drag show Divas (www. frankmarino.com) A decades-long veteran of the Vegas entertainment scene, host Marino shares a wicked Joan Rivers impersonation in between a bevy of mostly sincere lip-synch acts. Dolly Parton, Liza Minelli, Cher, Madonna and with a new twist, even Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are honored with numbers replete with cute male back-up dancers.

Now if only the drunken straight couples who think they can talk all the way through such a show would just STFU, it might be a bit more enjoyable.

A bit of trivia told to me by one Vegas local: all the shows are 90 minutes, because casino owners want tourists back out on the gambling floor. And the tourists don’t seem to mind. Just don’t expect them to treat a lavish amazing show like La Reve as anything more than another blurry stop between cocktails on their gawkfest. Entire families (along with yet more drunks) talked through every show I attended. Forget manners, or else perhaps pay more for up close seats where such idiots can’t afford to sit.

The problem with trying to enjoy spectacular shows in Las Vegas? With no programs or a modicum of manners among audience members, the shows are reduced to just another attraction like the shark aquarium or a water slide.

The same occurred at Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity, a “sexy” trip through the alleged full panalopy of erotic tastes. The show included many hunky acrobats, and a leather-themed male threeway, which is trimmed of the male-male

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Pool party at Luxor

VoCALITYd

Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry

Dead Can Dance at the Greek Theatre • by Jim Provenzano

T

he ethereal vocals of Lisa Gerrard and the brooding symbolic anthems of Brendan Perry come together again as the unmistakably unique sounds of Dead Can Dance return to Berkeley’s Greek Theatre August 10 as part of their reunited tour.

With music from their new CD Anastasis, plus hauntingly beautiful favorites, Gerrard said in our interview that she and Perry will perform with five musicians on this new tour.

Asked about the impact Dead Can Dance had on the mid-1980s arts scene when they gained early popularity, I couldn’t help but admit that I’d performed in a few “artsy” dance and performance pieces that used their music.

“Yes, it’s always been popular in these areas,” Gerrard said. “The work creates a sense of depth that lends itself to this form of expression.” Although limited at first to a certain art world cognoscenti, their music has since gained a global popularity. The greatest hand shake in the work is to build bridges and inspire,” said Gerrard.

In between breaks with collaborator Perry, both personally and professionally, Gerrard released several acclaimed solo albums, producing works with Cye Woods, Marcello de Francisci and James Orr. As more filmmakers asked to use her music, she became closely engaged in the process, developing scores for several films.

Gerrard called such work, “a very different experience. The music written for film is not the music you would write for an album. For one thing, it’s working as part of a narrative collective, where an album piece has a life and journey in its own right.”

Despite her amazing vocal range, Gerrard has never trained formally. “I always wanted to, but never had time to stop my own work and dedicate to one particular style. My influences have come from all songs and singers that inspire me.”

With influences from folk and ethnic music, but with a modern perspective, the music industry has often miscategorized Dead Can Dance and other artists who started on the groundbreaking 4AD label (Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil), by labeling it “Goth” music.

“It’s always been confusing,” said Gerrard. “I never ever fully understood the gothic connection. I think it my have been to do with lazy journalism.”

So, what are the inspirations behind such evocative songs? “Brendan and I are the only composers of the music,” said Gerrard. “We have always communicated a

mythological connection of imaginative insights, gathered from poetry, books, paintings.”

A probably too-often asked question involves the languages the duo’s songs use. Said Gerrard, “I create my own languages, although Brendan is visiting some very old Arabic and also Greek.”

But don’t expect a glossary anytime soon. Gerrard explains, “I prefer to allow the listener to adopt their own insight as each sound and phrase resonates a different frequency in the heart.” ✸ Dead Can Dance performs at the Greek Theatre, Berkeley, Sunday August 12, 7:30pm. $40-$95. 2001 Gayley Road, Berkeley.

(510) 548-3010. www.apeconcerts.com

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Original Plumbing’s Amos Mac and Rocco.

Heather Renee Russ

QUEERS LIKE YOUd I

by Joshua Klipp

f you like your parties queer, gender-fucking and bi-coastal, arrive early and get cupcaked with the sexiest gogos and partygoers at Original Plumbing Magazine’s 3rd Birthday Celebration, Friday August 31 at the Elbo Room.

Original Plumbing (OP) Magazine is the first trans men magazine - a quarterly - founded and published by Bay Area native Rocco Katastrophe and vanguard photographer Amos Mac. Both trans men, Katastrophe is best known as a rapper, singer and producer who’s frequently worked with another Bay Area icon Margaret Cho. Mac’s photographic work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Italian Vogue, Candy, Butt and Out Magazine, among others.

In 2009, the two combined forces to spawn OP Magazine. “We didn’t see a space in the media for trans men to exist,” Mac says. A mag junkie since childhood, Mac waited for trans men culture to materialize in print, but it never did. In 2009, he began shooting trans men portraits with accompanying interviews and, when he got Katastrophe in-studio, the idea lit a spark which lit a flame. Mac and Katastrophe partnered up and OP was beget.

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The first OP printing of 1,000 magazines was aided by grassroots community fundraising and quickly sold out. Today, OP’s circulation is 2,000 strong with international distribution, including Israel, Iceland and Australia. Each edition is theme-based with content submitted by trans people all over the world. The m most popular printing to date: “The Bedroom Issue.” Katastrophe and Mac’s personal favorite: “The Family Issue” for its emotional ggravity and depth.

Katastrophe and Mac have since rrelocated to Brooklyn, but host OP p parties bi-coastally in San Francisco aand New York City, sometimes in connection with a magazine in lla a launch, other times just to celebrate ccommunity.

“We made the magazine, in part, b because there is no reflection of our eexistence ex x as trans men in media. The p parties are thrown in a similar spirit; to create a space for trans men and to their allies,” says Katastrophe.

Who comes to OP parties? “Everyone!” exclaims Katastrophe. “No matter what city we throw the parties in, it’s a great mix of people: dudes, ladies, gender non-conforming people, queer, gay and straight. The parties are fun!” As a sometimes OP gogo dancer, I

unequivocally concur.

The crowd at Faded OP Mag’s Birthday Celebration is Friday, August 31 at the Elbo Room, 647 Valencia Street; hosted by Original Plumbing founders and editors Amos Mac and Rocco Katastrophe.

Katastrophe performs with special guests Jenna Riot, Billie Elisabeth and Nicky Click. DJ Rapidfire (Stay Gold) spins and Amos Mac shoots photos all night. Free birthday cupcakes while supplies last! www.originalplumbing.com Other Trans-friendly & Queertastic Bay Area Parties: Faded: every third Thursday at Skylark Bar, 3089 16th St. DeeJay Andre and Peaches Lady DJ Party host a dance party featuring premiere female DJs spinning Hip Hop, Reggaeton and Electro at The City’s Mission District Hip Hop Hub. Sexy, sweaty and two years strong. www.DJAndreSF.com Daytime Realness, San Jose Edition: Sunday August 5 at Splash, 65 Post Street, San Jose. San

Francisco’s infamous daytime party brings drag, dancing & debauchery to the South Bay. Hosted by Heklina (Trannyshack), DJ Carnita (Hard French), and Stanley Frank (Viennetta Discotheque), with performances by Gillette, Raya Light, Becky Motorlodge, and Dulce De Leche. Guest DJ Jenna Riot (Fix Yr Hair, 13 Licks). www.trannyshack.com Stay Gold: Diverse event now in its sixth year, hosted by DJs Pink Lightning and Rapid Fire; for gaywads, homos, queers, lezzies, butches, twinks, queens, dandies, daddies, fatties, femmes and anyone in between for a night of white hot cruising and solid gold dancing. $3-$5. Last Wednesdays at Public Works, 161 Erie St. www.facebook.com/staygoldsf Sissy Strut: Oldies, Motown, Doo Wop, and Soul Jams with eye-candy bartenders, ear-candy music, and cutie qweers a-dancin! Fourth Fridays at Underground SF, 424 Haight Street. www.facebook. com/thehandsome.youngmen ✸

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eOn the Tab f~ ~August 2012 ★

Thu 2 T Club Temple @ White Horse Bar, Oakland C Weekly DJed music night. No cover. 6551 Telegraph W Ave. (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com A

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha C TThe weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night.

8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com

Fauxgirls @ Infusion Lounge The classy drag revue celebrates its 11th year; Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Maria Garza, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Daffney Deluxe and Ruby LeBrowne; dinner seating at 7pm. Show at 8pm. No cover. 124 Ellis St. 421-8700. www.fauxgirls.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly raucous drag show with hot gogo guys and DJ MC2. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Shirts Off @ Hole in the Wall Saloon $1 off any drink if ya doff yer shirt. 8pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 Kevin Aviance performs at Legendary @ Beatbox. See Aug 3

Wed 1 Andrea Marcovicci @ The Rrazz Room Cabaret veteran performs classic American Songbook hits. $35-$45. 7:30pm. Wed-Sat 7:30pm Sun 5pm.

Thru Aug. 5. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

The popular country western LGBT dance night. $5.

6:30pm-10:30pm with lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.

Also Sundays 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:307:15 pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Shake your groove thang at the intimate retro disco night where DJ Bus Station John plays classic records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Booty Call @ Q Bar Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

D’lysh @ Deco Lounge Isa Manzanita hosts the weekly drag show at 10:30pm. No cover. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Rookies Night @ Nob Hill Theatre New strippers audtion for the audience. $20. Sign up 8pm; show 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Wolf @ The Watergarden, San Jose Monthly event for furry men on the prowl, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com 12 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Fri 3 Café con Comedy @ Dolores Park Café Kung Pao Kosher Comedy presents a night of hilarious tales from restaurant workers, former and current: Nick Leonard, Bob McIntyre, Carla Clayy, and Lisa Geduldig. $7-$20. 8pm. 501 Dolores St. at 18th. www.KosherComedy.com www.doloresparkcafe.com

Edna Wright, Honey Cone @ The Rrazz Room Classic 70s R&B, osul and girl group concert. $35.

9:15pm. Also Aug 4. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Fuzzz @ El Rio Diverse crowd for an eclectic queer-friendly dance night with different themes. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Joe @ The Lookout Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am.

3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) hosts the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am.

2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Legendary @ Beatbox

Hard @ Q Bar Electro pop dance night at the intimate Castro barclub, with DJ Haute Toddy. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Ho Down @ Thee Parkside Yee-haw! Enjoy live sets by the bands Glenmeadmore and the Kuntry Band, The Whoa Nellies, Andrew Roberts, Pippi Lovestocking and DJ Phatima. $10. 9pm.

1600 17th St. 252-1330. www.theeparkside.com

Sat 4 Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Bistroteque @ Café Flore DJ Ken Vulsion spins tunes at the popular café-bar; 2 for 1 cosmos! 9pm-1:30am. 2298 Market St. 6218579. www.cafeflore.com

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The Whoa Nellies perform at Ho Down @ Thee Parkside. See Fri 3

Gheno Aviance welcomes musician-actor-fab creature Kevin Aviance, Mother Juan, capoeira hunk Antonio Contreras, and members of the talented creative New York House of Aviance community, with local talents Juanita More, Jason Kending. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. www.houseofaviance.com www.beatboxsf.com

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f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 13

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La Quebradora Closing Party @ Mission Cultural Center Lucha Libre wrestlers combat, meet legend Mil Mascaras (3:30pm), and see the last night of the exhibit about Mexican pro wrestling culture. $10-$30. 7pm. 2868 Mission St. 643-2785. www.missionculturalcenter.org

Sun 5 All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge Ruby Holiday and Diva LaFever cohost the weekly night of newbies gettin’ nude. $100 cash prize! DJ Lambchop spins tunes. Contest 10:30pm.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

GAWK Party @ Tikka Masala GAPA Runway @ Herbst Theatre. See Sat 4

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time’s assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+.

375 11th st. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com

Cockfight @ Underground SF Black light beach party at the intimate popular monthly night, with gogo guys, DJed fun and hipster heaven. $8. 9pm-2am. 424 Haight St. www.cockfightsf.com

GAPA Runway @ Herbst Theatre

Jon Sugar celebrates his 63rd birthday, with performances by Scarlet Stolic, 2am Music, comis and others. 7pm. 1668 Haight St.

Help Is on the Way XVIII @ Herbst Theatre Helen Reddy makes her return to the stage after ten years at the star-studded cabaret benefit for the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation, with Carole Cook, Sam Harris, Rex Smith, Maureen McGovern, Tuck & Patti, Paula West, Les Miserables cast members and many more. $30-$175. 5pm-silent auction VIP receptions.

Show 7:30pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. 273-1620.

Honey Soundsystem @ Holy Cow Sunday music mix crew plays groove-adelic sounds for a hip, diverse crowd. 10pm-2am. 1535 Folsom St. at 11th. www.honeysoundsystem.com

Gay Asian Pacific Alliance’s 24th annual drag and entertainment pageant, with hostess Tita Aida. $20$50. 7pm-10pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.gapa.org/ gapa-runway

It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere @ The Stud

I Just Wanna F*ckin Dance @ Beatbox

Joanna Pitt @ The Rrazz Room

One year anniversary of Locoya Hill’s dance night, with DJs Joe Gauthreaux, Lee Decker, VIP hosts Sister Roma and Bebe Sweetbriar, gogo guys and more. $15-$20.

10pm-3am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Los Angeles singer makes her Rrazz Room debut with a concert of songs by The Carpenters. $25. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Seymore Sinn and Dean Disaster cohost a decadent drag king variety show and performance revue. $5.

7pm-10pm. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Jock @ Lookout Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm.

3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Jockstrap Bust @ Kok Bar $8 stripped down, $10 not; all you can drink Bud Light or Rolling Rock. Weekly. 5pm-9pm. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

14 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

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La Quebradora Closing Party @ Mission Cultural Center. See Sat 4

The popular country western LGBT dance night. $5. 5pm10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays.

550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 14

★

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Strip down as guys onstage strip. Weekly. $20.

8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Smarty Pants Trivia @ Stray Bar Kitty Tapata hosts the game show fun with popcorn and prizes at the dog-friendly gay/straight bar in Bernal Heights. Tuesdays, 8pm. 309 Cortland. www.straybarsf.com

Wed 8 Booty Call @ Q Bar Joanna Pitt @ The Rrazz Room. See Sun 5

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Mon 6 Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon

Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

D’lysh @ Deco Lounge Isa Manzanita hosts the weekly drag show at 10:30pm. No cover. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Specials on drinks made with “Cock and Bull” ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more).

8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

Retro-classic drag show (2nd and 4th Wednesday) at the classic Tenderloin bar, featuring Collette Ashton, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Davida Ashton and Joie de Vivre. No cover. 10pm.

133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com

Funny Mondays @ Deco Lounge

Jokers & Queens @ Tommy T’s

Victor Torres hosts a comedy open mic night. 7pm9pm. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge Cast members from the touring production of Les Miserables perform in the bar (9pm)! Show ticket giveaways, too. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pmclosing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Comedy and drag royalty perform (Jackie Cox, Kit Tapata, Holotta Tymes, Ruby Holiday, Cassandra Gorges, Natasha Muse, Ronn Vigh, Pippi Lovestocking), with hosts Gingersnap and Pia Messing. $20.

2-item min, (drink or food). 9:30pm.

1000 Van Ness Ave. www.tommyts.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s

Women’s burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. $5$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm.

4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Thu 9

Tue 7 13 Licks @ Q Bar Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar.

9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

The Kinsey Sicks @ The Rrazz Room The hilarious dragapella group returns with Electile Dysfunction: The Kinsey Sicks for President. $35-$40.

8pm (Sun 7pm) Aug 7-12, 14-19. 2-drink min.

16 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Angry Geek Show @ SF Punchline Bimonthly comedy show featuring comics with a nerdy perspective; Tony Dijamco, Natasha Muse, Dave Sirius, Erikka Innes, Big All Gonzales and Klee Wiggins. $15. 8pm. 444 Battery St. 397-7573. www.punchlinecomedyclub.com

The Art of Chai @ Conservatory of Flowers Pawaan Kothari, proprietor of San Francisco’s wellknown Chai Cart, shows you that the best cup of chai is the one you make. Learn what constitutes chatt, Indian street food, as you enjoy a sampling

Daddy @ Kok Daddies and their boys enjoy drink specials and porn entertainment. 10pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Go Deep @ El Rio Man on man lube wrestling in the pit (an inflatable mini-pool), porn guys, drag queens, clowns, Boylesque performances, DJ Drama Bin Laden and Cajun food!

2nd Thursdays. 8pm-12am. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland

of Kothari’s signature Masala Chai, Rose Chai and a variety of street snacks. $35. 6pm-7:30pm.

100 JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park. 831-2090. www.conservatoryofflowers.org/special-events

The Big Eat @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Enjoy a festive live mix of short talks and presentations by artists, chefs, and distillers, learn about innovations at the intersection of food and art in the Bay Area. $10. 6:30-8:30pm. 736 Mission St. at 3rd.

655-7800. www.thecjm.org

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha The weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. This week, Marga Gomez, Kaseem Bentley, Caitlin Gill, Wonder Dave, Eloisa Bravo, and Steve Lee. 8pm-9:30pm.

3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com

Fri 10 Brian Bonds @ Nob Hill Theatre Affable porn stud does a sexy strip act. $25. 8pm & 10pm. Also Aug. 11. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 7819468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Church @ Public Works Peaches Christ MCs a night of DJed music and live acts by the crazed Christeene, queer hiphop locals Double Duchess, plus other religious parody fun like a confessional video booth, holy gogo guys; DJs include Primo & Viv, Rocket Collective’s David & Trevor, David Harness, Pink Lightning and Andre. $15-$20.

9pm-3am. 161 Erie St. www.Peacheschrist.com

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Brian Bonds @ Nob Hill Theatre. See Fri 10

VIP Thursdays; Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest host Sasha with DJ Val G and DJ Speedy. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am.

Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 2689425. www.club21oakland.com

August 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 17

f eON THE TAB ~

Drag Queen Comedy @ Deco Lounge.

See Sun 12

~from page 17

★

Werk W k@D Deco LLounge Tori Balenciaga’s night (2nd Fri), with drag acts, gogo guys, and dance music. $5-$10. Show 10:30pm.

510 Larkin St. www.decosf.com

Sat 11 Club Gossip @ Cat Club Mixed gay-friendly goth-electro-retro-ish club night; monthly (2nd Sat.). $8. 21+. 9pm-3am.

1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com Lesbo-rific queer homo dance night each 2nd & 4th Saturday. $5-$7. 21+. 10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Frolic @ The Stud Monthly costume dance party (2nd Sat) for Furries and friends, with DJs Ikkuma, Smashwolf, Neonbunny. Dance, you animals! $3-$7. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison www.neonbunny.com/frolic www.studsf.com

Hot & Healthy @ Café Flore Garza’s monthly (2nd Sat) benefit, raffle, show and HIV outreach night at the popular café-bar. 2 for 1 cosmos! 4pm-2am. 2298 Market St. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Love Will Fix It @ Hot Spot DJ Bus Station John’s intimate monthly (2nd Saturdays) retro disco night with an R&B focus, re-decorates the cozy dive bar into a cool dance hangout; popular with a gaily diverse crowd. $5. 9pm-2am.

1414 Market St. at Polk.

New Wave City @ Cat Club Synth night and tribute to New Romantic bands (Adam Ant, Duran Duran), with music videos and DJs Skip and Shindog. $7-$12. 9pm-3am. 21+.

1190 Folsom St. www.newwavecity.com

The Poseidon Event-ure @ Castro Theatre Marc Heustis presents a screening of the original classic oceanic disaster flick, with a special Q&A with star Carol Linley, a Shelley Winters look-alike contest, and more fun. $10-$30. 8pm. 429 Castro St. www. marchuestispresents.com www.castrotheatre.com

h

18 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Sun 12 Dead Can Dance @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley Hear the amazing music of Lisa Gerrard and Brendan Perry, reunited, as they perform favorite songs and music from their new CD. $40-$95. 7:30pm.

2001 Gayley Road, Berkeley. (510) 548-3010. www.apeconcerts.com

Drag Queen Comedy @ Deco Lounge Charlie Ballard’s Hella Gay Comedy makes a wardrobe change, withv drag queens, kings and faux queens Carmelita, Daniella Bella, Pia Messing, Nate Casteneda, Ping Pong, House of Glitter, Mad Madam, Splashes. $10. 21+. 8pm. 510 Larkin St. www.charlieballard.com www.decosf.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Mon 13 Comedy Returns @ El Rio Michael Capozzola, Brendan Lynch, Andrea Carla Michaels, Nina G and hostess Lisa Geduldig perform at the monthly comedy night. $7-$20. 21+. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. (800) 838-3006. www.koshercomedy.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm.

4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Tommy Igoe Band @ The Rrazz Room Accomplished drummer welcomes guest stars at his monthly concert. $25. 7:30pm. Also Aug. 20. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com Page 20

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Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop

August 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 19

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 18

★

Come To My House @ Deco Lounge Early evening (5pm-9pm) monthly (3rd Wed) fundraiser for the Trevor Project, with host Angelina Josephina Manacotti. $5. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Desserts and Dance @ ODC Theater

Tue 14

Strip down as guys onstage strip. Weekly. $20. 8pm11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Fundraiser for the programming at the stylishly renovated dance space. Enjoy treats from Anthony’s Cookies, Arizmendi, Dianda’s, La Victoria, Mission Pie, and Pinkie’s Bakery. Wine, beer, and specialty drinks donated by Bi-Rite, SF Vodka, and ThirstyBear. $35$50. 8pm-10pm. Dinner at 6pm is $125, with dishes from AQ, Bar Tartine, Delfina, Foreign Cinema, Hayes Street Grill, Slow Club and Universal Café. Performances by Scott Wells & Dancers and RAWdance.

3153 17th St. 863-6606. www.odcdance.org/indulge

Wed 15

Thu 16

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Booty Call @ Q Bar Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www. juanitamore.com www.QbarSF.com

80s Thursdays @ Cat Club DJs and VJs take you back to the MTV era with music from the 1980s. $6. 9:30-2am. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

Aug

10-12

Outside Lands @ Golden Gate Park The annual massive music festival features performances by Stevie Wonder, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Norah Jones, Passion Pit, Jovanotti and many many more; comedy and vaudeville tent with Neil Patrick Harris, David Cross, Todd Barry and many more; food kiosks with dozens of tasty local eatieries, plus wine, beer, green eco projects and art booths. $95 (single day) $225 (3-day) and VIP $495. 12pm-10pm daily. Thru Aug. 12. Polo Field, Speedway Meadow and nearby areas. www.sfoutsidelands.com 20 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

at the eclectic music, drag and kink night; each 3rd Saturday. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. 552-8689. www.beatpigsf.com www.powerhouse-sf.com

Bollywood by the Bay @ OMG LGBT South Asian dance party and fundraiser for Trikone and BASS (Bay Area Solidarity Summer). Enjoy Bhangra, Bollywood remixes and more at the new gay-owned nightclub. $10-$15. 10pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.trikone.org www.clubomgsf.com Mattachine @ El Rio. See Sat 18

Fauxgirls @ Infusion Lounge The classy drag revue (3rd Thursdays) has moved to a new location, and celebrates its 11th year; Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Maria Garza, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Daffney Deluxe and Ruby LeBrowne; dinner seating at 7pm. Show at 8pm. No cover.

124 Ellis St. 421-8700. www.fauxgirls.com

Fri 17 Dancing Ghosts @ The Cat Club Monthly darkwave dance party; 3rd Fridays. This event will pay tribute to the band Dead Can Dance and the 4AD record label with special guest DJ John Fryer (This Mortal Coil, Dark Drive Clinic). $3-$7. 21+ 9:30 pm to 2:30 am. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

Dragon 2.0 @ Raven

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Live bands, DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland’s premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Fruitcake @ The Stud Queer dance party for all; third Saturdays. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Mattachine @ El Rio Film and fab folks John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), PJ Deboy (Short Bus), Amber Martin and Paul Dawson DJ with local fab host Carnita at the traveling queer cultural funfest. $6-$8. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.djcarnita.com www.elriosf.com

Placas Tattoo Party @ Mission Cultural Center

Revamped monthly gay Asian dance party at the renovated club (formerly Club 8); tequila gogos and two floors of fun. Third Fridays. $5. 9pm-3am. 1151 Folsom St. at 7th. www.ravenbarsf.com

Share stories about your tattoo (or its removal) at a DJed party promoting (and devloping content for) the upcoming Paul Flores show Placas. Free. 6:30pm.

2868 Mission St. 399-9554. www.sfiaf.org

Some Thing @ The Stud

Pulse @ The Turf Club, Hayward

Sat 18 Beatpig @ Powerhouse Juanita More spins saucy grooves and dudes cruise

Enjoy hot gogo studs, prizes, tiki bar cocktails, a friendly atmosphere and the biggest outdoor gay bar patio in Northern California; third Saturdays. 22519 Main St. www.wfturfclub.com

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Wild weekly drag show with SF’s most unusual talents. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

August 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 21

f eON THE TAB ~

Kory Kong @ Nob Hill Theatre.

Fri 24

~from page 21

★

Gameboi G b i@M Mi Mist i tU Ultra ltt LLounge Asian pop, disco and dance music night with drink specials, gogo hotties and DJed tunes (3rd Sat). $25. 9:30pm2am. 316 11th St. www.facebook.com/gameboisf

Sun 19 Beer Bust @ 440 $8 a cup; good times at the popular Castro bar.

3pm-8pm. 440 Castro St. www.the440.com

Beer Bust @ Truck Beer, and lots of it. $10. 4pm-8pm. Ice Queen Sundays, a new drag show, follows. Shows at 9:30 and 11pm. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

Bloody Mary Bar @ Pilsner Inn Build your own nutritious beverage with a zing. Every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2pm. 225 Church St. www.pilsnerinn.com

Daytime Realness @ El Rio The fun open-air drag show returns, with hostess Heklina, DJ Carnita, Stanley Frank, and drag acts, plus chicken and waffles! 3rd Sundays. 3pm-8pm.

3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Funny Mondays @ Deco Lounge Victor Torres hosts a comedy open mic night. 7pm9pm. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

One Night Only @ Marines Memorial Theatre

Third Sunday dance and cruise fun. No cover. 6551 Telegraph Ave. (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Concert fundraiser for the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation, with SF Gay Men’s Chorus Vocal Minority, Katya Smirnoff-Skky, cast member from the touring production of Les Miserables performing musical theatre classics and camp songs. $20-$65. 609 Sutter St. at Mason.

Jock @ Lookout

Tue 21

Debauchery @ White Horse Tavern, Oakland

Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm.

3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Jockstrap Bust @ Kok Bar $8 stripped down, $10 not; all you can drink Bud Light or Rolling Rock. 5pm-9pm. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Mon 20 Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Specials on drinks made with “Cock and Bull” ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pmclosing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com 22 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Barbara Cook @ The Rrazz Room Veteran Broadway actress-singer performs a revue of songs “Let’s Fall in Love.” $55-$70. 8pm (Sun 7pm).

Thru Aug 26. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Strip down as guys onstage strip. Weekly. $20.

8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Smarty Pants Trivia @ Stray Bar Kitty Tapata hosts the game show fun with popcorn and prizes at the dog-friendly gay/straight bar in Bernal Heights. Tuesdays, 8pm. 309 Cortland. www.straybarsf.com

DJed music afterward. $13. 9:30pm. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre Porn daddy Michael Brandon shares his big… talent in the Underground Playroom of the strip joint; join in the fun! $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Club Temple @ White Horse Bar, Oakland Weekly DJed music night. No cover. 6551 Telegraph Ave. (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Retro disco tunes and retro cruisy crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com Veronica Klaus @ The Rrazz Room. Fri 24

Fri 24

Wed 22

Kory Kong @ Nob Hill Theatre

Bear Bust @ Kok All-you-can-drink Bud Light, Rolling Rock draft.

8pm-12am. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Up and cumming porn dude does his solo act onstage. $25. 8pm & 10pm. Also Aug. 25. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Bubba @ Truck

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland

D’lysh @ Deco Lounge

Special Jennifer Lopez tribute party at the dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) that hosts the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Isa Manzanita hosts the weekly drag show at 10:30pm. No cover. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025

Strip @ Kok Bar

Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio Women’s burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. $5$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Thu 23 Animal Kingsom, Atlas Genius @ Rickshaw Stop Popscene presents two ethereal indie rock bands;

Take it off at the 4th Fridays stripping event with a Cheap Ass Contest, $100 winner. $5. 11pm contest.

1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Veronica Klaus @ The Rrazz Room Celebrated local chanteuse performs “The Peggy Lee Songbook” with the Tammy Hall Trio. $30. 10pm.

Also Aug 25. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com Page 24

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Good ole boy drinks, specials, underwear fun, and Bubba bartenders. 9pm-2am. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

August 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 23

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 23

★

Sat 25 S 5 Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Go Bang! @ Deco Lounge The popular intimate disco dance night, with resident DJs Steve Fabus, Sergio Fedasz, welcomes special guest DJs Derek Opperman and Carlos Corcha (and possibly Mexico City’s Patricio Espinosa), with host Pinky Marischino. $5. Free before 10pm. 9pm-3am. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.gobangsf.com www.decosf.com

House of Garza @ Café Flore Garza’s monthly variety show (4th Saturdays), with raffles, drag acts and fun. 10pm-1am. 2298 Market St. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Sun 26 Jockstrap Bust @ Kok Bar $8 stripped down, $10 not; all you can drink Bud Light or Rolling Rock. 5pm-9pm. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The popular country western LGBT dance night’s special Pride edition. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays 6:30pm-10:30pm with lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Underwear Comedy Night @ Deco Lounge Casey Ley hosts a night of laughter and longjohns, as he and William Lushbough, OJ Patterson, Kate Willett and Pam Benjamin do stand-up in skivvies. $10. 21+.

8pm. 510 Larkin St. www.decosf.com

Mon 27 Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon Specials on drinks made with “Cock and Bull” ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pmclosing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Funny Mondays @ Deco Lounge Victor Torres hosts a comedy open mic night.

7pm-9pm. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

Karaoke @ The Lookout Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am.

3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Tue 28 13 Licks @ Q Bar Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar.

9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum.

9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell.

781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Smarty Pants Trivia @ Stray Bar Kitty Tapata hosts the game show fun with popcorn 24 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Karrin Allyson @ The Rrazz Room. See Fri 31

and prizes at the dog-friendly gay/straight bar in Bernal Heights. Tuesdays, 8pm. 309 Cortland. www.straybarsf.com

Wed 29 Booty Call @ Q Bar Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Nicole Henry @ The Rrazz Room Stellar vocalist performs R&B hits and classics. $35.

8pm. Also Aug. 30. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Thu 30 Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha The new weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The popular country western LGBT dance night. $5.

6:30pm-10:30pm with lessons from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Also Sundays 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm.

550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Fri 31 Karrin Allyson @ The Rrazz Room 3-time Grammy-nominated vocalist performs jazz classics. $35. 7:30pm. (Sun 5pm). Thru Sept. 2. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Kinky Beats @ Café Flore Sergio’s weekly DJ night at the popular café-bar, with 2 for 1 martinis. 9pm-1:30am. 2298 Market St. 6218579. www.cafeflore.com

Mark Nadler @ The Rrazz Room Zany comic cabaret singer-actor performs his hit NYC show. $35. 9:15pm. Also Sept 1. 2-drink min.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ To submit your September events, send

by August 18 to BARtabSF@ebar.com

Piranha’s gogo guys

▼

PLAYLAND • From page 8

kisses at the 10pm shows, for some stupid reason.

But the most amazing section of the show –which is 95% hetero-focused, despite the Frank N. Furter-ish host– was the female solo acrobat who performed a sort of autoerotic rope ballet with no music. Finally, the drunken bachelorette party behind us shut their mouths, and an amazing artist got to perform with at least a moment of attentive respect.

Fruit Loopy So, where are the gays when they’re not onstage?

To take in most of the 20-plus gay bars, you need to trek downtown to what’s called “The Fruit Loop.”

Get there in a cab or car. Do not walk, unless you want to experience the odd sensation of dehydrating along desolate pedestrian-unfriendly streets. Every cabbie had some advice where to go along the reasonable $12-$20 rides back and forth. There’s always one waiting somewhere nearby, and they also have handy electronic scaled tipping on the ATM swipe machines.

An intimate ambiance, cozy couches and cute bartenders are just part of the charm of 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge and its connected dance bar Piranha.

Whether you want to hold court, rent a VIP booth or switch over to the busy dance floor, this two for one club surprised us with its diverse array of patrons; men, women, high and low-dressed drag queens, older ladies and young hiphop twinks, even a former DJ in a wheelchair. One thing Vegas gays do well is have fun. www.piranhavegas.com Next door is Gipsy, which features talented gogo guys and a variety of themed dance nights. Also in the “fruit loop” downtown area, The Buffalo, Free Zone, and a few bocks away, the Fun Hog Ranch 26 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Border Grill mini-tacos

Bar, described by one of my cabbies as “the best worst gay dive bar in Nevada.” Feeling leathery? The Eagle Las Vegas is a few long blocks east.

For big gay fun, try the clubs on The Strip. Two of the most popular events are Share, which specializes in dance music, celebrity appearances, fundraisers and a posh crowd (www.sharenightclub.com ) and Krave, which offers more of the same, with a few more gymnastic gogo guys, porn performer guest shows, and occasional live performers who keep their clothes on (www.kravelasvegas.com). To schmooze with the show boys and girls, Revolution Lounge’s Closet Sundays at the Mirage attract the talented locals, because they get in free (You’ll have to cough up about $20).

For size queens, Krave will expand to Krave Massive at the former Galaxy Multiplex by early 2013, according to the club’s owner Kelly Murphy.

Be sure to add to your must-do list what promises to be the world’s largest gay nightclub (www.kravemassive.com).

There is a visible daily queer presence that isn’t all about drinking and partying, served by a downtown LGBT community center, and annual LGBT Pride events in Vegas and nearly Pahrump (yes, it’s a real town, not just a joke in Mars Attacks).

Las Vegas has three LGBT publications. QVegas, a monthly nightlife magazine (www.qvegas.com). The quarterly Swerv focuses on the African-American community (swervmagazine.com), and Las Vegas Night Beat, whose website is not currently active.

(You might find copies online at www.issuu.com).

It’s best to stop by Get Booked (4640 Paradise Road) and pick up copies, along with a book or two, at the store that specializes in colorful designer underwear, and those personal adult items you may not want

scanned by TSA at the airport.

Among the LGBT events of note: this year’s first Gay Days Las Vegas, from Sept. 4-10, host events at several venues, with the Tropicana as host hotel.

With annual Pride events in the middle, September 7 & 8 (www.LasVegasPride.org), it promises to bring more queer fun to Sin City. www.GayDays.com Another annual event still trying to get its groove on, Fabulous “a gay celebration, Las Vegas Style” (www.myfabulousvegas.com) is promoted

by MGM Resorts, with mid-July events coinciding

Chandelier’s fab décor

with our press trip. The daily pool parties were a total flop (five to ten people in a huge pool each day, not including journos, and DJs determined to break the sound barrier with yet another awful rendition of “Call Me Maybe”). The exception was the already-established Temptation Sundays at Luxor.

The “Hot Body” contest and peculiar Lady Gaga impersonator (one of four witnessed that weekend) notwithstanding, the crowd was diverse, if not oddly

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Divas goes Gaga

August 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 27

Paris Hotel

Meat menu at Gordon Ramsay’s Steak

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PLAYLAND • From page 27

voluntarily segregated, and relaxed yet perky with the beach balls.

The highlight of the Fabulous events was the Friday night show at THEhotel’s Mix, where Sherry Vine, Caswell and Jonny McGovern shared their bawdy live sets and DJed talents. Between “Ice Cream Truck” and McGovern’s cute gogo guys, plus the breathtaking view, it was a fun night.

As for the other DJs, take a hint. Your target market is not deaf twinks, but older gays with money. Consider a groovy Tom Jones/Deadmaus mash-up instead of irritating top 40, mm-kay?

Get Your Game On When planning your visit, check the various online schedules for events. Even if you can’t afford a $1000 front-row ticket to a boxing match, other cheaper pay-per-view parties share the energy of big ticket events. Among the amusing areas at the Mandalay is a gigantic wall of videos broadcasting multiple live sports events, along with projected stats and rows of comfy seats for betting, er, sports fans.

Nothing beats John Cena smiling at you on your pillow (Actually, it was a promotional postcard on my desk, placed by the super-efficient cleaning staff.

The way they geometrically arrange your toiletries like a private salon is worth tipping them extra!).

Between boxing, WWE matches UFC, Vegas has plenty of glam-sports. Disappointed that such events took place before and after my trip, I’ll be sure to check out the events in advance next time, including gay community events listed on www.gayvegastravel.com, where you can see what’s going on with gay outdoors fans, women’s groups, the LGBT community center, and local religious and nonprofits.

Despite the sporty activities available, don’t think about cycling anywhere. The only few cyclists I spotted were security guards and hotel staff.

But, with its flat terrain and mostly new architecture, Las Vegas is understandably wheelchairfriendly. From seniors in scooters to younger 28 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

tourists pushing themselves in chairs, dozens of differently-abled visitors were spotted all over town.

There are exceptions, specifically the stairs inside the two spas I visited, and a few of the older theaters. For the most part, every elaborate staircase had a nearby functional elevator.

Frankie Says Relax If all the dizzying sights and sounds become exhausting, you can escape to a hotel spa. While it’s easier to book a massage and spa visit at your own hotel, others can be booked elsewhere.

Our journo herd enjoyed thorough massages and an all-too brief relaxation session at Mandalay Bay/ THEhotel’s simply named Bath House spa, which offers massages and other treatments, along with shops that sell a slew of potions, lotions and deluxe bathrobes.

Caeser’s Palace also houses a deluxe spa, Qua Baths. The new décor, heated stone recliners, whirlpools, steam and sauna, even a cooling “snow room” provided a cleansing variety of soothing environments. Yes, it all costs (ranging from a $25 spa day pass to massages for $90-$250, plus manipedis, waxing, tanning and other treatments, up to a full tilt “Signature Package” for $485). But if you’re in Vegas, hopefully you can afford to splurge, or perhaps you’ll get lucky in a casino.

And no, the ambiance at such spaces is nothing like a gay bath house. For that kind of “relaxation,” head downtown to Hawk’s Gym (953-35B E. Sahara Ave www.HawksGymLV.com), one of many venues on my list for “next time.”

Various other sex shops, a full list of bars, and LGBT-owned businesses can be found in the Lambda Smart Pages. www.LambdaLV.org Whatever you do, take time to enjoy yourself. It’s good to get off the strip at least once, particularly at night, where, from a distance, the twinkling lights glisten like a rope of jewels. Because after a few days, you know it’ll keep. Like Pleasure Island in Pinocchio, the shiny wheels will just keep spinning, and in Vegas, the carnival never stops. ✸

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OAKLANDISH • From page 5

The White Horse boasts a full schedule of events such as Karaoke every Monday and Tuesday, The Rebel Drag King show on alternating Wednesdays, The Cemora Drag Show on the second Saturday of the month, and a Bear T-Dance on the second Sundays. Gone are the days gays and lesbians had to silence their voices. Now they can freely sing “I Am Woman” for all of Telegraph Avenue to hear on Karaoke night.

The White Horse, 6551 Telegraph Ave. (510) 6523820. www.whitehorsebar.com Further north up the BART line, Walnut Creek, an upscale town filled with ladies who lunch and plenty of pricy shopping, also has a gay bar!

Since it’s somewhat hidden behind the local 7-11 store, many Slurpee flavors have come and gone during the 35 years that Club 1220 has been open. Drag performer Holotta Tymes produces “Holotta’s UnBoy-Liveable Drag Show at Club 1220, which is going into its 15th year. Miss Tymes attributes much of the club’s longevity to its small but sincere community.

“Because it’s the only gay bar in the area, the customers are more like family,” says Tymes. “When someone or a charity is in need, the community is very supportive!” Club 1220, 1220 Pine St. (925) 9384550. www.club1220.com A nightclub that hosts occasional LGBT nights, the live music venue Easy Lounge is also worth a visit for the stylish drinks, and food in abundance; pig roasts, tastings, and a festive mixed environment that’s easy fun.

Easy Lounge, 3255 Lakeshore Ave. (510) 338-4911. www.easy510.com The Uptown hosts Hella Gay (purportedly the East Bay’s largest gay-straight/mixed dance event; third Saturdays) and a bevy of local and touring bands ranging from alt. rock to goth, post-grunge and new punk.

The Uptown, 1928 Telegraph Ave. Get directions (510) 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com Perhaps we everyday gays in San Francisco take our local community for granted. An average late Tuesday afternoon in the Castro is filled with the sounds of Cher and Gaga flowing out of gay bars. Neon signs flashing “Lube for Less” blare in storefronts and abundant sidewalk signs advertising 2-for-1 Happy Hours lure locals and tourists in. Most of us just waltz in and out of these locations barely flinching- because this is our normal.

The East Bay can be just as “normal.” While there is not a gay bar perched on every other block, there certainly is enough variety and events to satisfy whatever flavor you seek. And, if you go to Club 21, bring some dollars and keep a sharp eye out for that aforementioned gogo dancer. His ‘big talent’ alone is worth the cover charge. ✸

eBARchivef ★

HORSE SENSEd B

by Michael Flanagan

y the time you reach your seventies, you should have some good stories to tell, and this is true whether we’re talking about people or bars. The White Horse at 6551 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland certainly has plenty of stories that go back all the way to its founding in 1936.

First among these stories is why it is located where it is, on 66th and Telegraph instead of being closer to the U. C. Berkeley campus. In the 1870s a group of California legislators visited the new buildings on the Berkeley campus and saw a group of intoxicated students. Because of this, they promptly enacted a law restricting the sale of alcoh al alcoholic lcoh o olic olil c b beverages evverag eve veerag ragess within two miles of campus us (the us (th he limit limi limi im t was reduced to one mile after eerr sai sa sailailllors from the Berkeley mari-na let the legislators know what they thought of the law). That law was in place when the White Horse was built just over the onemile limit (it was one of a few bars that competed for student business across that line). The law was finally overturned in 1978. If you’ve ever ay ay wondered about the lack off ggay d kkeep eep ep in in bars in Berkeley, you should across acr c oss osss the th he bay bay ay mind what was happening ac ponde po nd rin nd nde iing tthis his h hi is, is, by this time. While you aree pondering this, remember that the Village People’s ‘San Francisco (You’ve Got Me)’ was released the year before the ban fell.

The next tale the bar has to tell; when it actually became a gay bar. I’ve read accounts from patrons of the bar in the 1940s that debate whether or not the bar was gay by then, or if it was only gay at night. However, we do know (from Lewis Ellingham and Kevin Killian’s book Poet Be Like God) that by the time poet and Mattachine Society member Jack Spicer went there in the early 1950s, it was gay (and that students from the campus came to the bar to try to rough up the gay patrons).

30 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • August 2012

Women play pool at The White Horse

The question remains as to why the bar was never raided. In the ‘40s and ‘50s this was standard practice - from the Black Cat raid in 1949 to the Oakland lesbian bar Mary’s First and Last Chance at 2278 Telegraph in Oakland raided in 1956. Were the police being paid off or was the bar ignored because it was in the hinterlands close to the Berkeley border (away from downtown Oakland)? Were the police concerned that iff they theey made made d ar de aarrests rres restts re ts they tth h might offend the powerful Berkeley students? The answer ful parents paaren p reents nttss of of Ber Be e to o this thi h s question ques e ti t is lost to history.

We We do d know is there was a ‘no touching’ policy in place by to 1970 and that policy along with refusal to distribute w Gay Sunshine resulted in G p picketing by the Gay Liberattiio Front. After a two-week tio tion pi pi picket, the policy was lifted, th h paper was distributed, and the the bar remained open. The th the aacc activism manifested in those pr pr protests is alive and well in the Paa c Center (which opened P Pacifi in Be B Ber err in Berkeley in 1973 after a gay ba hin bas hin ng iin n O a bashing Oakland) located a half-mile fro om the thee W Wh Whi itee H Ho Hor rse se from White Horse.

The happy end to our tale is that the bar is thriving. The current owner (who first visited the bar at age 7 with his parents, when the Tien Tan dining room served food there) has developed a vibrant watering hole which has drag shows, bear parties, beer busts and DJs (the nickname for the bar these days is ‘The ‘Ho.’ Given the age of the bar, we should be glad it isn’t called The Old ‘Ho).

For a complete schedule of events visit their website at www.whitehorsebar.com (The author would like to thank the staff of the history rooms of the Oakland and Berkeley Public Libraries for their assistance.) ✸