May 2011 Edition of BARTAB, the LGBT entertainment and nightlife magazine from the Bay Area Reporter

bartabsf.com

May 2011

1 Inside 2 MAN BEHIND BARS How to Get a Drink ( Without Being a Jerk )

GOIN’ TO A GOGO NOB HILL HEAT THE WAR ON FUN MAY EVENTS!

ingredients ★ May 2011★

“Hey, Bartender!”

Page 4 Man Behind Bars Page 6 The War on Fun Page 8 Goin' to a Gogo Page 10

Enter to win tickets to the SF Follies!

Gogo-in' All the Way Page 12 On the Tab Page 17 BARchive: Star Barkeep Page 30 Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com

✶ On the Cover: Brad Liberti serves it up at 440.

Photo: Steven Underhill. See page 4.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Editor: Jim Provenzano • Art Director: Kurt Thomas Designer: Scott King • General Manager: Michael Yamashita Advertising Sales: David McBrayer, Colleen Small, Scott Wazlowski Contributors: Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Dr. Jack Fritscher, T. Scott King, Michael McAllister, Adam Sandel, Ronn Vigh Photography: Rick Gerharter, Lydia Gonzales, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, 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 Newspaper Guild National Advertising: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

Sunday, May 8th 2pm.

A favorite for both locals and visitors, SF Follies takes a wicked wink at SF s past, present and future. Meet the city s famous and not so famous personalities, politicians, celebs, kooks, and killers as they expose San Francisco s best and worst of times.

With earthquakes, hippies, rabid sea lions and a nearly naked gold miner, SF Follies is as unique and zany as the city itself.

THEATRE 39 @ PIER 39. www.sffollies.com To enter, email your full name and telephone number to BARTAB.CONTEST@gmail.com

“HEY,

David Delgado at Go Bang.

BARTENDER!” d

Popular drink-slingers pour it on • by Ronn Vigh

G

ay bars have stretched beyond the Castro and poured into many San Francisco neighborhoods.

Each establishment is manned by the most important part of your stay there: the bartender. A bartender’s duties go beyond shaking and pouring. They often have to be a willing ear, a deft drink designer, the person who knows when you’ve had too much to drink (or too little), a voice of reason, and a familiar face. However you mix it, bartending is not as easy as you think. While the San Francisco bar scene overflows with hardworking and crafty keepers of the bar, we thought we would get to know some of those familiar faces a little better.

Charming and easy on the eyes, Brad Liberti started bartending in San Francisco at Trax bar on Haight Street just a month after moving here from New York City. That was nearly seven years ago. Now 29, Brad regularly mans the bar at 440 Castro and doesn’t think twice about the time and money spent at NYU for a degree in writing.

“I love the people I work with, my bosses and the customers, so why leave?” Like many of us, Brad had bounced around in service jobs: from ticket-taker at a sprawling highway movie theater in New Jersey to waiter at gay cafes in New York City, before coming out West. While he knew he liked working in nightlife, Brad didn’t necessarily know where his money would come from until he found Trax Bar on Haight Street.

“I was 22, and I didn’t have a plan, but I always know a good thing when I have it and Trax was just right!”

Brad and I compared our parallel experiences, both weaving bartending and writing in and out of our lives, until it came up that we attended the same Catholic High School in New Jersey. Another hour quickly escaped as we giggled over which teachers hated us,

4 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

along with a few locker-room stories.

Much like his drinks of choice (Bud Light and shots of Fernet) Brad has an easy manner and a simple, pleasing way about him that makes him a natural behind the bar.

“Nothing makes me happier than when everybody has a drink, people are talking and having fun, and the bar is in order,” says Liberti. “I get my satisfaction from that; making people happy.”

Outside of the bar, Brad admits to being a creature of routine, often sleeping in until 1pm, working out almost daily, keeping up with writing and watching lots of reality and daytime TV, including Bravo shows one of his favorites, Wendy Williams. “I may be in San Francisco, but it’s just a little slice of Jersey for me.”

BEST IN TOWN Brad’s efforts and those of his coworkers has paid off. Readers of our parent publication, the Bay Area Reporter, recently voted Liberti and his 440 cobartender Nick Mills as the best bartenders in the BAR’s Best of the Gays poll.

Mills moved to town 11 years ago. That’s exactly how long he’s been pouring at 440, which was then known as Daddies. With a deep voice and handsome demeanor, Nick mans the dimly-lit narrow bar and is fueled by the clientele.

“I love meeting new people, hearing where they’re from and seeing them come back when they next visit.

The locals and regulars always put a smile on my face when they see me behind the bar,” says Mills. “After all, sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and I love the energy here from wild Friday nights to the lazy Sunday cruisy vibe.”

While the bar life keeps him busy, Nick still sneaks

Steven Underhill (left); Monty Suwannukul (right)

Nick Mills (left) and Brad Liberti at 440 Bar.

Ronn Vigh (left); Monty Suwannukul (right)

Preston Burford at Toad Hall.

in time to explore his passions and hobbies, which include drawing and honing his animation skills as well as the occasional visit to Pacifica archery to practice with his recurve bow. He also enjoys open water scuba diving. Nick’s hobbies have helped him maintain a steady and welcome presence at 440. “ I don’t sit still for very long and I think it helps me not get too rooted in our Castro bubble.”

To make your bar experience to be a smooth one, Nick offers some great words of wisdom from an experienced bartender. “If you want to get our attention when ordering, no need to shout or wave erratically. A kind smile works much better, we see everything, and 440 is an attitude-free zone,” exclaims Nick. “Oh, and tip generously!”

HE’S A LADY Down the street and around the corner from 440 Castro sits Toad Hall, where Preston Burford has worked since its inception. Unlike Brad, The 25-yearold Dallas native never expected to be bartending, let alone in the Castro.

“The job has helped me socially,” says Burford.

“When I first moved here I was beyond scared of the Castro and had only been to Badlands twice before I

Joe Azurin at Club Dragon.

worked there.”

Preston got his start in the nightlife industry, barbacking at Badlands before moving up and then across the street to bartending duties.

While Preston has become well known in the Castro bar scene, his alter-ego, Lady TaTas, has also sprouted quite the following. Just as he never expected to bartend in the Castro, Burford says he never expected to do drag, either. “It started as a joke, where you had to dress in drag to get into a particular party, so I went dressed as Lady GaGa and it took off from there!”

Lady Tatas is the regular host of the monthly Wet and Wild Party at Club 8. Despite that event’s wildness, Burford remains a man –and part-time drag queen– who likes to be surprised.

“Every single year my life feels more different, and never how I imagined it would ever be,” says Burford.

“I never expected to bartend, I never expected to do drag, so I don’t know if I even have control of what happens next!”

Stir around the city and find your own personal Cheers amidst the expansive and ever changing bar scene. One can never have too many friends, and a best friend who’s a bartender is always a handy addition to any address book. ✸

May 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 5

Veteran bartender T. Scott King

MAN BEHIND BARSd How to - and not to - get a drink • by T. Scott King

I

have known proper bar etiquette essentially since I could see over one. Having spent much of my youth (my parents owned a bar) and the better part of the last 25 years behind some of San Francisco’s more popular bars – 440 Castro, Detour, Magnitude, The Edge, Powerhouse to name a few (and don’t mind those things on the ground; they’re names I just dropped) – I feel adequately equipped to outline some do’s and don’ts on being a good bar customer and getting good service. I’ve checked with some of my fellow bartenders, and we’re all pretty much in agreement on the following tips to help you get helped. So, grab a stack of cocktail napkins and a pen: First things first: get the lay of the land. If you are walking into a bar for the first time, look around. If you have a brand of booze you prefer, look to see if they have it. If you’re a beer-drinker, check out the types of beers they serve (usually displayed or listed somewhere).

See where people are ordering their drinks. Often there’s a “well,” “station” or “service bar” where people line up for their drinks. Go there. Do not think you are so special and pretty that if you belly up to the bar (possibly jostling a customer who’s already been tipping me all night), that I am going to drop everything, ignore the line of people waiting patiently and run to wait on your entitled ass. Here are some other tips: Don’t wave your money at me.

Yes, you’re in a bar, waiting to buy a drink, and you’ve got a dollar. I hope I don’t trip and break a hip in my fevered rush to get to you.

6 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Don’t whistle.

Seriously, has this ever worked anywhere?

Don’t ever step behind the bar.

If I have to explain this, we’re done here.

Don’t yell my name or any variation of “buddy,” “pal,” or “dude” to get my attention.

If we know each other, you know better than to yell my name. If we don’t, there’s something very jarring about having a stranger bark my name while I’m undoubtedly busy doing something for someone who isn’t pretending to be my new best friend.

Don’t apologize for being lame.

If you don’t have the money to tip, you shouldn’t be out buying a drink. Go to the corner store. They’re cheap and the cashier doesn’t expect a tip. And, don’t tell me you’ll ‘get me next time.’ No, you won’t.

Don’t eat out of the condiment tray.

Kit in Pretty Woman didn’t get away with it, and she was in a movie with Julia Roberts! You are not in a movie, you just got off MUNI, touching who-knowswhat and you’re gonna reach over and stick your dirty cold-germ-carrying fingers into my olives? Just a thought: have a snack before you head to the bar!

Don’t help me make your drink.

Reaching over to garnish, grab or add straws to a drink has fiasco written all over it. I’ve gotten this far.

I’m sure I can complete the task without your help.

Concentrate on getting your wallet out. Reaching over the well for a drink risks you knocking that drink or another into my well of ice. NOT. GOOD. EVER.

Steven Underhill (left)

A bartender serving it up at Badlands.

Don’t stand in the well after you’ve gotten your drink.

You remember the place you stood in line to get to the bar? Now you’re here, you’ve gotten your drink and you think this is your spot now? Move it along, cupcake. That dollar you left isn’t going to pay my rent. I need to wait on some other folks behind you.

Don’t tell me to “make it strong.”

Have you ever had one of my drinks? No? Then you don’t know how strong I make them. But, after I saw you wave that dollar and yell my name, and risked a broken hip to get to you, I am certainly gonna stiffen up your drink; my new best friend. This is the best way to get a weak drink. If you want a double, buy a double.

Don’t be a “special needs” customer.

No, I am not in charge of how loud the music is, and I do not have the thermostat under a bottle in my well. I made your drinks; remember me?

Don’t assume I remember your name.

Because you know my name does not mean I know yours. Don’t be offended; bartenders meet hundreds of people each week. I have all your names to remember, you only have mine.

Do know what you want.

And, if you are ordering for your entourage, know what they want and order all at once. You want a beer?

Here it is. Oh, now you want to add a Margarita?

Okay, here it is. Oh, now another margarita. This isn’t rocket surgery or brain science here. You can organize a fabulous brunch for 20 in 2 days, but you can’t figure out what four people want to drink?

Do have your money ready.

Knowing whether or not it is a cash-only bar falls under “the lay of the land.” Oh, and this does not mean show me your money is ready by waving it at me. We’ve covered that – refer to your cocktail napkin notes from earlier.

Do tip well right off the bat.

I will remember you, and word will spread to the other bartenders. The next time you come up, you’ll get my attention first.

All you really need to do to get waited on is make eye contact. I see you. I know you’re there and I will get to you, and before the guy next to you who’s whistling and waving money. We are humans, not drink robots. Keep in mind that all the other people in the bar didn’t bring their drinks with them; the bartender made them. You are not the only person in the bar and you are far from the most important - that would obviously be the bartender.

The meek shall inherit the bar. ✸ May 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 7

Matt Baume

THE WAR ON FUN d The ABCs of Hassled Nightlife • by Matt Baume t’s hard enough to keep a bar open these days, but outdated laws and out-of-touch regulators are adding to the headaches facing your favorite nightspots. It’s a problem that’s put the squeeze on many an LGBT space over the years, from the Eagle to Slim’s to the Deco Lounge.

“I started to notice it around the dot-com era,” said Heklina. As lofts went up around SoMa, new residents moved in next to longtime nightclubs and then complained about the noise.

A constellation of agencies and organizations keeps tabs on nightlife. There’s the local police department. Then there’s the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, a state agency with roots dating back to Prohibition. And then there’s the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, which strives to broker peace.

“We’re not here for the clubs and we’re not here for the neighbors,” says Vajra Granelli, a sound inspector with the Commission. “We’re here to make sure everyone can co-exist.”

It’s more complex than a simple war on fun, says Entertainment Commissioner Jim Meko. “There are a lot of factors,” he said. “We’re in a horrible economy right now.” He added that changing demographics and less drinking are also hitting the industry hard.

But bogus noise complaints can turn a difficult situation into an impossible situation. “It only takes one person,” said Louis Caputo, manager of The Cafe.

8 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Caputo pointed out that some of the complaints about his bar originate from city residents who don’t even live in the vicinity.

Last month’s cautionary tale was Slim’s, which had its liquor license temporarily suspended by the ABC. A terse sign on the door explained that it was “due to noise complaints from one person, Jeanmarie Guenot [a resident of nearby Juniper Street] ... The complaints were for noise and have nothing to do with alcohol.”

Indeed, public records show a track record of noise complaints to the ABC from Guenot, as well as from Jodi and Kirby Watson, residents of the same building.

Slim’s co-owner Dawn Holliday told the press that complaints arose even on nights when the club wasn’t open, and that the ABC moved to suspend their license even though the city verified that noise levels were within local limits.

There’s little love for the ABC within the nightlife industry. “It’s an organization that’s power-crazy,” said Heklina. “Their rules are stupid,” said Meko.

“I think the ABC need not exist,” said Barry Synoground, manager of the DNA Lounge.

After losing a fight with the DNA Lounge over an all-ages license, the ABC sent undercover inspectors to LGBT events. They caught a few glimpses of nudity, and that was all it took to demand a permanent end to the club. Eventually, that was argued down to a 25-day

Page 16

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I

GOIN’ TO A GOGO d

Michael Lopez with fans at Rebel.

Y

ou’ve seen then nearly naked, and yet you know practically nothing about them. Isn’t it time you learned a little about your friendly neighborhood gogo dancer?

“At first, I turned it down,” said Timmy Scott. He’s a dancer at Club Dragon, slender and tall with an intense gaze. It was about two years ago that he was invited to get up on stage in just his undies, and he needed a little persuading, but only a little.

“I figured, all my friends some to this club, and it’s a really welcoming place,” he said. And that was that.

The adorable secret of the gogos: some are actually kind of shy. “I didn’t think I would ever have the courage for it,” said Jesse Oberst. He got his start as a backup dancer in drag shows. “I realized how much fun I had on stage, and asked for a gig, and went on from there.”

These days, Jesse takes off his clothes at Ruby Skye, Big Top, Stallion, and Qbar’s Booty Call Wednesdays.

And sometimes, even the bolder dancers still like to maintain an air of mystery. “I keep it classy. I don’t show any dick or ass,” said a big-muscled boy who goes by the name Bunny. “I’m more comfortable wearing a jock as long as I’m wearing a mask.”

Dancing helped him learn more about himself and improve, he said. “I learned that I’m an introvert. I’d disconnect from the audience and do my routines in my head.” These days, he’s learned to be more outgoing, thanks in part to an eye-opening experience on night in Boise. “I was very nervous. I was in my underwear, and I was 19, I was a boy,” he said. “Once I entered the stage, I introverted, I blacked out.”

10 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Matt Baume

• by Matt Baume

But then: “I heard a roar and saw 150 faces staring at the stage. And one of the other performers said, ‘That’s for us.’”

Often, the hot body up on the bar has a background in dance. That’s the case with Nina M, who puts in appearances at Trigger’s Tuesday party She Said, as well as at The Cafe. “I took dance classes in college, and growing up I did ballet and tap.” So if you note a particularly skillful twirl one night at The Cafe, now you know why.

Nina Makalema likes the easy fun of gogo dancing compared to her previous work with dance troupes.

“It’s more of a hobby now,” she said. “I do it more for exercise and fun.”

Friendly, muscular Michael Lopez, who works at parties like Stallion, sees his work as an integral part of an evening.

“It’s part of the hospitality of it,” he said. “It may not be your party, but you’re part of the system that works to get people going.”

That’s in part why he’s launching a new business: a gogo dancing agency that seeks out the best dancers and helps them book gigs with promoters and clubs.

“I want to contribute something I have a good eye for,” he said. Calling his new business Beats and Laces, Michael plans to organize his dancers into weight classes from bears to twinks.

It can take a bit of work for a dancer to maintain that body type -- and the ability to dance nonstop all night.

“It takes you being physically fit,” said Michael.

“It’s definitely a requirement. Being able to sustain

HEADLINEd

Bunny at Club Eight’s Big Top

yourself for three or four hours with only a couple of breaks.” He hits the gym several times a week to keep up his health.

The same routine goes for Bunny, who also keeps fit by training other athletes.

For Jesse, who has a slimmer frame, stretching and Pilates are a priority. And Nina goes on long runs.

“There’s times when I’ve had to dance for an hour, hour and twenty minutes straight,” she said.

Jesse Oberst at Rebel.

Timmy works out every day. But like his colleagues, it’s often more about his own health than about bodysculpting. “I don’t try to change my body to fit a stereotype,” he said.

Ultimately, gogo dancing is all about spreading fun. Jesse takes pride in his work and tells everyone what he does. “I don’t hesitate. I tell my friends and family,” he said. “It’s a great way for me to go out and Page 14

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Matt Baume

SUBHEAD • by A. Person

GOGO ALL THE WAYd Photos by Cornelius Washington

Adam Killian (above, below right) struts his stuff

G

ogo guys (and gals) in nightclubs can really tease adoring patrons, and deservingly so. But because of San Francisco’s prudish laws, you can’t drink a beer and see a naked dancer at the same time. You can enjoy much more than the Full Monty when you see Adam Killian at the Nob Hill Theatre. The hot tattooed porn star returns for his wild X-rated solo and duo shows May 13 and 14. Call or check the website for times, and for other sexy performers like Race Cooper, Josh West and more. $30. 21+. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com ✸

Tattoo at Nob Hill

Race Cooper gives it his all

12 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

HEADLINEd SUBHEAD • by A. Person

d HEADLINE lands

Nina Maklema at Trigger.

bad

SUBHEAD • by A. Person

dancing every night 4121 18th Street San Francisco, CA www.sfbadlands.com

Marques Daniels

▼

Happy Hour every day

From Page 14

earn money and have fun and meet people.” Like Nina, he used to be part of a hiphop troupe. “But it was costing me money instead of making money.”

Bunny’s tip for aspiring dancers: connect with good promoters who pay well, understand that dancers have their own lives, and draw a fun crowd.

Lately, Bunny’s been loving his new gigs where the vibe is friendly, masculine, and eager to connect. And a connected crowd is what dancers live for.

“When I see people looking at me, I bend down and say hi and introduce myself,” said Timmy. “I’m up there to meet people and be your friend. For me, it’s more than getting tips. It’s being a part of the community.” ✸

Timmy Scott (left) at Club Eight’s Club Dragon.

Matt Baume

PANDA EXPRESSd • Matt Baume

O

ne of the city’s most mysterious gogo figures is Pansy the Drunken Panda, a fuzzy-headed bundle of energy often found at Underground SF’s Cockfight party. We managed to track him down for a little Q&A. Hi Pansy. Are you a native San Franciscan or a transplant to the city?

I was born in a magical land of rainbows by the sea and grew up in a commune of bears and fairies.

Is it hard sometimes for a Panda to fit in?

Not at all, people are always petting me. I love it!

How did you get started dancing?

I used to have a corporate job and just decided, one day, that dancing in my underwear would be much more fun Why is Cockfight your favorite place to dance?

I’ve always wanted to be a mascot for my favorite man-on-man sport, Cockfighting.a Do to make friends when you’re dancing on the bar?

I’m always getting money and phone numbers in my underwear. People are very friendly at Cockfight.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen in your gogo dancing career?

I seem to see the floor a lot when I fall off the bar, but when I’m on the dance floor, men are always showing me their pet snakes.

Where do you get all your energy?

The magical fairy beverage the bartenders feed me, keeps me going all night.✸

Georg Lester

Andrew Slade and Pansy the Drunken Panda at Cockfight.

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War on Fun, from Page 16

suspension and five years of probation.

So for the next five years, “we have to be very G-rated,” said DNA manager Barry Synoground. “I can’t book a lot of things.”

The venue is now very skittish about opening during the Folsom Street Fair. “If a person decides to drop their drawers, I’m out of business,” he said.

The Deco Lounge also experienced a regulatory crackdown. “Someone who had a personal vendetta about us started calling the fire department,” said manager Roger Klein.

A miscommunication about permissible uses of space had led to the venue unintentionally exceeding its allowed capacity. Klein corrected the mistake, but as a result, Deco Lounge lost Bearracuda and large drag performances. Sergio Fedasz’ party, Go Bang!, temporarily moved to the (now-closed) Paradise. The bar also had to let two bartenders go.

They’ve bounced back with a more intimate setting, cabaret drag shows like Duplicity Presents, and amateur strip shows. For his part, Fedasz is glad to be back at the Deco Lounge. “The party would not be the same at any other location, and we’d never want to leave, and won’t,” he said.

But even as LGBT nightlife struggles to beat the economy, new proposals from the SFPD could create additional obstacles. In April, the police department suggested new regulations that could require more

expensive security guards, cameras, and even metal detectors.

A little political muscle goes a long way in pushing back against onerous regulations. Nightlife industry has found longtime allies in figures like mayoral candidate Bevan Dufty. Supervisors Scott Wiener, Jane Kim, and David Campos also took a strong stance in defense of The Eagle last month.

Senator Leland Yee, another mayoral contender, is playing catch-up in courting the nightlife vote. Yee launched a series of meetings last month with venue owners, with help from Field Organizer Nate Allbee.

“We want to know the issues, how we can help,” Allbee said.

And entertainers like Heklina are happy to make the case for a vibrant nightlife.

“People don’t realize the amount of tourism and money that SF attracts as a nightlife hub,” she said.

But, she added, “nightlife itself has become not quite as colorful because you have so many rules put on it.”

While the ongoing struggle to keep the Eagle Tavern open are based on different reasons, specifically financial ones, it’s become a focal point of activism, giving new hope that something can be done. ✸ www.stopthewaronfun.org www.facebook.com/SaveTheEagleTavern

eON THE TA~B f ~May 2011 ★

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The most popular daytime gay bar event in Northern California, with benefits for local LGBT and AIDS charities and organizations. Enjoy this historic bar while you can. $10 (for beer bust). 3pm-6pm. 12th St. at Harrison. www.sfeagle.com

Cabaret Showcase Showdown @ Martuni’s Trauma Flintstone and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy cohost the third round of the second annual singing competition; this month the theme is Best Vaudeville, Variety, Comedic, Burlesque.

Contestants bring sheet music for two songs. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Divas and Dames @ Marines Memorial Theater Connie Champagne, Meg Mackay, Matthew Martin, Donna Sachet, Carly Ozard, Wesla Whitfield and more women and drag performers sing the diva hits of the ages. Proceeds benefit the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation. $30-$50.

7:30pm. 609 Sutter St. 273-1620. www.HelpIsOnTheWay.org

Glama Zone @ The Café Pollo del Mar hosts a weekly drag show 8:30pm-2am. 2369 Market St., 834-5840. www.thecafesf.com

Pink Domingo’s @ Club 93

2➠

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle, Sun 1

Sun 1

2

3-Ring Circus of Dance @ Cell Space Queer Ballroom’s T-Dance benefit includes three rooms of same-sex and mixed dancing tango, swing, salsa, with a burlesque show, costume contest and raffle prizes. $25.

2pm-10pm. 2050 Bryant St. www.QueerBallroom.com

Bare Chest Calendar Finals @ DNA Lounge Twelve finalists for the 2012 Bare Chest Men calendar compete in a fundraiser for the AIDS Emergency Fund and Positive Resource Center. $5-$10. 9pm-1am. 375 11th St. www.barechest.org www.DNALounge.com

Bay Area Teen Idol @ The Venetian Room

Latin music and dancing for El Gays, with DJs Paulito and Mickey. 9pm-2am. 93 9th St. at Mission.

Rockabilly Q @ Milk Bar The Queer Jitterbugs present Sunday Swing-out, a mixed weekly night of social dancing to DJed and (twice monthly) live music. $3-$15. 8:30-11pm, lesson 8:30pm. 1840 Haight St. at Stanyan. (415) 305-8242. www.QueerJitterbugs.com

Mon 2 ➠ Amanda King @ The Rrazz Room The Swing of Things, a concert of great swing jazz classics sung by the popular local vocalist. $30. 8pm. Also May 9 & 16, 8pm. Two-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. at O’Farrell. (866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

The Best of the Best @ Marines Memorial Theatre Cabaret concert benefit for Fleet Week and its emergency preparedness awareness campaign, with performers Shelly Berg, Marci Henderson, Brian Nova, Jim Salestrom, Tom Scott, Billy Valentine and others. Pre-show buffet dinner, open bar, silent auction, show and post-show dessert buffet. $95.

5:30pm. 609 Sutter St., 2nd floor.

771-6900. www.marinesmemorialtheatre.com

k

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Hear the Bay Area’s best young vocal talent in a concert with 12 finalists.

Judges include Michael Orland (American Idol music director), Eden Espinosa Amanda King ( Wicked ) and Shawn Ryan (cabaret @ The Rrazz Room, Mon 2 singer, America’s Got Talent finalist). $10 (students) to $40 (includes pizza buffet and soft drinks). 3pm. Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St. 927-4636. www.bayareacabaret.com www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco Q Comedy @ Martuni’s Host Nick Leonard, plus Coco Lopez, Erin Souza, and Cookie Dough MCing. Proceeds benefit the SF Ducal Charity Fund. $5-$15. 8pm. 4 Valencia St. www.Qcomedy.com

May 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 17

f eON THE TAB ~

Thu 5 ➠

~from page 17

Go Deep @ El Rio

★

Monthly women’s night (1st Thursdays) of lube wrestling by local strippers and wrestlers, Red Hots Burlesque sexy performances, and goodies from Good Vibrations. $10-$15.

8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Tue 3 ➠ Betty Buckley @ The Rrazz Room

Lights Out @ Steamworks, Berkeley

The captivating Broadway, TV and film actress performs new and favorite musical theatre songs chosen by her fans. $45-$55.

8pm. Thru May 6 at 8pm. May 7 at 7pm & 9:30pm. May 8 at 7pm. Twodrink minimum. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. at O’Farrell. (866) 4683399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Enjoy dark privacy at the popular private men’s gym and sauna. $14-$45. Open 24/7. 2107 4th St. (510) 845-8992. www.steamworksonline.com

Locker Room @ Kok Bar The SoMa bar formerly known as Chaps II got a facelift. Enjoy new events and décor, and the same cruisy fun at the jock–uniform fetish night.

1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.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

Night Out 2011 @ Wyndham Parc 55

Ladies Night @ Q Bar Women’s night, with DJ Ms. Jackson, half-off drinks. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com

Betty Buckley @ The Rrazz Room, Tue 3

Meow Mix @ The Stud Weekly drag and variety show. 9pm2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Queer Night @ Easy Lounge, Oakland Weekly LGBT electro space jam night with DJ Dr. Sleep, organic cocktails, patio, chill vibe.

No cover. 8pm-close. 3255 Lakeshore Ave. www.easy510.com

Pollo De Mayo @ The Lookout Cinco de Mayo celebration with Tecates, Coronas, Margaritas ceviche and tacos; hosted by Pollo del Mar. No cover.

6pm-9pm.3600 16th St. at Market. 431-0306. www.lookoutsf.com

Redlight @ Risque Lounge DJ Hawthorne, Gypsy Love and guests bring a new weekly retro classy lounge for music, fashion, art and cocktails. 45 Maiden Lane. 6pm-10pm. www.ghettodisco.com

Wed 4 ➠ Blue Room Comedy @ The Stud Comic David Hawkins has moved his popular bawdy laughfest to a roomy nightclub. No cover. 8pm.

399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Men’s Club @ SoMa Bars Enjoy drink specials and other fun stuff at themed nights at The Eagle, The Powerhouse, Truck, Hole in the Wall and the new Kok Bar (formerly Chaps II). 21+. www.kokbarsf.com

Wolf @ The Watergarden, San Jose Monthly event (first Wednesdays) at the South Bay bath house for furry men and their fans. $10-$30. Lockers halfprice 4pm-12am. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

1

18 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Our Family Coalition’s gala benefit dinner, with cocktails and wine, MC Marga Gomez, actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson ( Modern Family), filmmaker Johnny Symons, Carolyn Lamb (GSA Network). $125-$2500. 6pm-9pm. 55 Cyril Magnin St. www.ourfamily.org

Diane Amos @ Hot & Tangy, Sat 7

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Retro tunes and retro cruisy crowd, each Thursday. DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 6 ➠ Club Dragon @ Club Eight Weekly Asian gay dance club with frequent themed nights.

1151 Folsom St. at 7th. 431-1151. www.clubdragonsf.com

Ghetto Disco @ The Endup DJs Hawthorne and guests spin dance grooves til dawn. $15-$20. Free before 12am. 11pm-6am. 401 6th St. at Harrison. 646-0999. www.theendup.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland

Bangkok @ The Stud

Gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) shows off their hottests gogo studs. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

DJs Shawn P and Lamb Chop spin tunes; Stoli gogo guys tempt you at the monthly dance night (1st Saturdays). Free before 11pm. $8. 21+. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Lick It @ Powerhouse Lance Holman hosts the sexy monthly fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund; gogo guys, raffles, bootblacks. $5. 10pm-2am.

1347 Folsom St. 552-8689. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Conner Habib @ Porn Star, Sat 7

Trans March Benefit Unplugged @ Dolores Park Café

Bearracuda @ Club Eight Monthly bear dance night with extra-friendly guys, and snacks! DJs Medic, 50 Pound Note and Boyshapedbox. $6$8. 9pm-3am. 1151 Folsom St. www.bearracuda.com www.eightsf.com

Cockfight @ Underground SF Culture Whores’ dance party in a little club, with Pansy the Drunken Panda and saucy gogo guys. 1st and 3rd Saturdays. $7. 9pm-2am.

424 Haight St. www.cockfightsf.com

Sat 7 ➠ A”L”C Glee @ The Stud

The English Beat @ Bimbo’s

AIDS LifeCycle fundraiser with music from the hit TV show Glee! With a campy live show at 6pm. Donations.

399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

British ska band performs their pop hits and new music. $22-$25. 21+. 9pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365. www.bimbos365club.com

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Shawna Virago, Storm-Miguel Florez, Tonilyn A. Sideco, and MCs Luis Gutierrez-Mock and Anna Rivera. $5-$10. 7pm.

501 Dolores St. at 18th.

San Francisco’s Best Happy Hour

2for1 Cocktails

*

Monday-Friday til 8:30 PM. • Nice atmosphere • Friendly staff - Nice Atmosphere - Friendly Staff • Outdoor patio • Dancing Every - Outdoor Patio - Dancing Friday and Night!

Saturday

- Monday - Friday til 8:30pm 21one&atOver Must *Buy regular-price, get show 2nd one ID for $1

4146 18th Street • San Francisco

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 19

★

Splish @ The Lookout SF Tsunami Polo’s wet & sexy hilarious fashion show fundraiser, with MC Bevan Dufty, prizes, drink specials and cute water polo players. $10. 7pm-10pm. 3600 16th St. www.sftsunami.org www.lookoutsf.com

Get Down @ Maya

Stallion @ Rebel

Free monthly party for women, queers and pals. 1st Saturdays, with DJs Olga T and Astro. Taco menu, cheap beer.

9pm-2am. 303 2nd St at Harrison. www.mayasf.com

Joshua J’s new sexy night at the new bar (formerly Triple Crown) is now weekly. DJ David Harness and Joey Jinks spin tunes while hung gogo guys shake it and offer lap dances. $5-$8. 21+. 9pm-4am. 1760 Market St. at Octavia. www.joshuajpresents.com

Hot & Tangy @ The Bellevue Club, Oakland

SF Follies @ Theatre 39, Sat. 7

Diane Amos and Karen Williams perform comedy at the 5th anniversary of smark Women Network, and a benefit for Lyon-Martin Health Services. Reception and silent auction, 6:30pm.

Show 8pm. $50-$500. 525 Bellevue Ave. at Lake Merritt. www.bettyslist.com

World premiere of a restored copy of the camp classic Mommie Dearest, starring Faye Dunaway. Peaches Christ and Heklina MC the pre-screening stage show hilarity. No wire hangers! $20-$40. 8pm.

429 Castro St. www.peacheschrist.com www.castrotheatre.com

Monsterworks @ Steamworks, Berkeley Michael Brandon’s extra-hung night of hands-on fun, with BAR Best of the Gays DJ Robbie Martin (9pm). DJ Robbie Martin also May 21 & 28; DJ Frank Wild spins May 22 & 29. $14-$45. Open 24/7. 2107 4th St. (510) 845-8992. www.steamworksonline.com

Le Perle Degli Squallor @ Hot Spot

Sun 8 ➠

Bijou @ Martuni’s Six-year anniversary of the intimate talent-filled cabaret show, with special guest, Portuguese singer Rita Braga. $5.

7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

DJ Bus Station John’s intimate monthly (1st Saturdays) retro disco night re-decorates the cozy dive bar into a cool dance hangout. 2 for 1 drinks 9pm-11pm. Open til 2am. $5. 1414 Market St. at Polk.

Honey Soundsystem @ Holy Cow The coolest Sunday music mix crew plays groove-adelic sounds for a hip, diverse crowd. 10pm-2am.

1535 Folsom St. at 11th. www.honeysoundsystem.com

Porn Star @ The Watergarden, San Jose The thinking man’s porn performer, Conner Habib, does a live show at the South Bay’s only bath house. Enjoy cruising and more, with music by DJ Christian Owen. $16-$39. 9pm. 18+.

1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Revolution @ Club 93

Ultimate Mommie Dearest @ Castro Theatre

Jock Off 2 @ Kok Bar Jock strap contest and fundraiser for The Sisters’ Stop the Violence campaign. $8 beer bust. 5pm-9pm. 1225 Folsom St. at 8th. www.kokbarsf.com

La Pachanga @ Blue Macaw Wesla Whitfield @ The Rrazz Room, Tue. 10

Christopher Ray and Gehno Aviance Sanchez, plus Pat N Leather, host & DJ a new night (first Saturdays). $10 beer bust. 9pm-2am. 93 9th St. at Mission. www. djgehnoaviance.podomatic.com/ www.facebook/SFRevolution

SF Follies @ Theater 39 The alternative city parody musical revue returns, with numbers about San Francisco’s illustrious history. $35. Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 3pm. Thru June 5. Pier 39, Beach St. at Embarcadero. (800) 838-3006. www.sffollies.com

20 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Salsa bands play, with dancing and lessons (lessons 5pm, band 6pm) weekly at the mixed/gay-friendly nightclub. $10. 21+. 2565 Mission St. at 22nd. www.thebluemacawsf.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 Sundance Saloon presents country-western dancing for the LGBT community and its friends two night a week, every Sunday and Thursday. $5. 21+. Sundays 5pm-10:30pm, lessons 5:30–7:15pm. Thursdays 6:30–10:30pm, lessons 7pm8pm. 550 Barneveld Ave., near Bayshore and Industrial. 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

wine-tasting and dinner, featuring chef David Lawrence. $85. 6pm-9:30pm. 1300 Fillmore St. at Ellis. www.bettyslist.com

Thu 12 ➠

Mon 9 ➠

Heartbeat @ Deco Lounge Kelly Rivera Hart hosts a monthly fundraiser for AIDS/Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, with live acts, open mic, guest DJs, raffles and fun themes. 6pm-8pm. 510 Larkin St. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Queer Night @ Easy Lounge, Oakland Weekly LGBT electro space jam night with DJ Dr. Sleep, organic cocktails, patio, chill vibe. No cover.

8pm-close. 3255 Lakeshore Ave. www.easy510.com

Out to Eat @ Computer History Museum, Mountain View

Tue 10 ➠

12th annual dinner gala for the Peninsula’s largest LGBT event, benefitting the youth programs for Outlet. Campbell Council Member Evan Low MCs, with Lenny Broberg hosting the live auction. $125. 5:309:30pm. 1401 North Shore Blvd. www.projectoutlet.org

Queer Night @ Easy Lounge, Oakland Weekly LGBT electro space jam night with DJ Dr. Sleep, organic cocktails, patio, chill vibe. No cover.

8pm-close. 3255 Lakeshore Ave. www.easy510.com

Michelle Tea @ Thoroughly Modern Maupin, Thu 12

Wesla Whitfield @ The Rrazz Room

Thoroughly Modern Maupin @ Swedish American Hall

The talented local cabaret singer performs with the Mike Greensill Trio. $35-$45. Tue-Sat 7:30pm. Sundays 5pm. Thru May 29. Two-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. at O’Farrell. (866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Litquite, American Conservatory Theatre and BARtab present an evening of readings and music celebrating Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin as ACT prepares for the world premiere of the musical theatre adaptation. Marga Gomez MCs. Readings by Michelle Tea, K.M. Soehnlein, Kevin Simmonds, Scott James and others. Music by Precious Moments. Surprise celebrity guests. Proceeds benefit Litquake’s 2011 literary festival. $15-$18. 8pm. 2174 Market St. www.act-sf.org www.litquake.org www.cafedunord.com

Wed 11 ➠ Dream Queens Review @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Drag show each 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the classic Tenderloin bar, hosted by Collette LeGrande-Ashton. No cover.

10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com

Fri 13 ➠

Napa Cellars Wines Dinner @ 1300 on Fillmore

Hot tattooed porn star returns for his X-rated solo and duo shows. $30. Also May 14. Check website for times. 21+. 729 Bush st. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

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Betty’s List presents a benefit for Project Open Hand, with

Adam Killian @ Nob Hill Theatre

May 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 21

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 21

★

Frolic @ The Stud Monthly costume dance party for Furries and friends. Dress up and dance, you animal. $7 w/o $3 with costume. 9pm2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.neonbunny.com/frolic www.studsf.com

Jock Night @ Steamworks, Berkeley

Del Shores’ A Sordid Affair @ The Rrazz Room

Special jock-themed night at the popular private men’s gym and sauna. Wear a jock or uniform and score. $14-$45. Open 24/7. 2107 4th St. (510) 845-8992. www.steamworksonline.com

Creator of the campy Sordid Affair series performs a stage act about his stand-up tour, with several Sordid actors. $35-$45. 9:30pm. Also May 14, 9:30pm & May 15, 7:30pm.

Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. at O’Farrell. (866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Lillias White @ The Venetian Room Broadway musical theatre legend ( Dreamgirls, Cats, Funny Girl, Hair) sings favorite songs by Cy Coleman. $40-$45. 8pm. Fairmont Hotel, 900 Mason St. 392-4400. www.bayareacabaret.org

Pledge @ The Lookout

Red Meat @ Club Eight

Sat 14

Salsa Club @ Cafe Cocomo Same-sex dancing and lessons with a live band. 21+. 8:30pm-12am.

650 Indiana St. www.QueerBallroom.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Wild weekly drag show with SF’s most unusual talents. 10pm-2am.

399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sat 14 ➠

Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop

Yale Glee Club & Darren Criss @ Marines Memorial Theatre A Gala Performance to End Bullying, with the historic Yale singers, Yale’s GALA (LGBT Alumni Association), and Glee star Darren Criss. $125$250. 6:30pm pre-party (plus $50) and concert at 8pm. Proceeds benefit New Conservatory Theatre Center’s Youth Aware Program, and No Bully.

609 Sutter St. www.marineclub.com/ theatre.php

1

Lesbo-rific queer homo dance night each 2nd & 4th Saturday. $5-$7. 21+. 10pm-2am.

155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

22 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Get ginger-spicy at the new monthly club (2nd Saturdays) for gay redheaded men and those who are into them, with DJ DAMnation (aka Demetri Moshoyannis). 1151 Folsom St. www.facebook.com/redmeatsf www.eightsf.com

Sun 15 ➠

All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge Ginger Snap hosts the wild and sexy night of newbies gettin’ nude. $100 cash prize! DJ Lambchop spins tunes. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 3462025. www.decosf.com

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon Benefit for various local charities each week. 4pm-8pm.

1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsaloon.com

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Monthly “Fraternal Fridays”-themed party raises funds for different charities, with raffles, $12 beer bust, and DJs Grind and Christopher B. $5. 9pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Noe/Market. 431-0306. www.lookoutsf.com

Thoroughlyd Modern Maupin: HEADLINE The Legacy of Armistead SUBHEAD • by A. Person

Celebrating…

May y 12,, 8pm p at the Swedish American Hall 2174 Market Street, 8 pm. $15-$18. • Beer and wine.

MC Marga Gomez

Readings/music by:

K.M. Soehnlein Michelle Tea

Scott James Kevin Simmonds Precious Moments Plus cocktails and special guests!

www.bartabsf.com

www.litquake.org

Proceeds benefit Litquake 2011, October 7-15.

~from page 22

★

Big @ The Stud Monthly dance party for big men and their friends (3rd Sundays). $5.

6pm-11am. 399 9th St. www.phattestevents.com www.studsf.com

Wed 18 ➠ Omar Sosa Quintet @ Yoshi’s Afro-Cuban jazz great in a shared concert with local fave Santos. $12-$20. 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. www.yoshis.com Eric Himan, Namoli Brennet, Mon. 16

Jock @ The Lookout Afternoon schmooze and booze, with door and donations benefiting gay sports teams. $2. 3pm-8pm.

3600 16th St. at Market. 431-0306. www.lookoutsf.com

ArtPad SF @ Phoenix Hotel Benefit for the Black Rock Arts Foundation (Burning Man and other arts events), with live music, DJed dancing, artists, drinks and more. $50-$75 poolside soiree. $125-$150 premiere lounge event and poolside party. 7pm-12am. 601 Eddy St. Exhibits thru May 27. www.artpadsf.com

Eric Himan, Namoli Brennet @ El Rio Out gay folk-rock singer-songwriter performs with Tucson-based artist as they share songs from their new CDs, Supposed Unknown and Black Crow. $5. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. at Cesar Chavez. 282-3325. www.erichiman.com www.elriosf.com

Juicy @ The White Horse, Oakland Hip Hop, R&B and soul. 9pm. (karaoke, drag king shows other nights, too). 6551 Telegraph Ave. (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Tue 17 ➠

Butch Queen @ Delirium

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

24 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Monthly promotional events (each 3rd Wed.) at Castro bars, and live performances in Jane Warner Plaza.

7pm-11pm. www.lookoutsf.com

Thu 19 ➠

Mon 16 ➠

Joshua J. and Robert Jeffery’s new weekly night for homos and friends.

No cover. 10pm-2am. 3139 16th St. at Guererro. www.joshuajpresents.com

Whatcha Doin’ Wednesdays @ Castro Bars

Carly Ozard @ The Rrazz Room, Fri 20

MRKTworks @ Concourse Exhibition Center

Large-scale art exhibit and sale/ auction. $25-$110. Benefit preview and VIP party, May 19, 5:3010:30pm. Fri-Sun 11am-7pm (Sun 6pm). Program online May 3. Thru May 22. 620 7th St. at Brannan. www.art-mrkt.com

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f eON THE TAB ~

May 2011 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 25

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 24

★

Dark Shadows @ Cat Club Goth night with DJs Daniel Skellington, Tomas Diabo, Melting Girl, Joe Radio. $3-$7. 9:30pm-2:30am. 1190 Folsom St. at 8th. www.sfcatclub.com

Garrin Benfield @ Swedish American Hall

Fri 20 ➠ Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. All drinks being served up by the fabulous bartending duo of Tanya and Amy. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 8632052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Carly Ozard @ The Rrazz Room Local singer and winner of cabaret contests returns with her popular tribute to Queen’s Freddie Mercury. $20. Two-drink minimum. 10:30pm. Also May 22, 8pm. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. at O’Farrell. (866) 468-3399. www.carlyozard.com www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Club Dragon @ Club Eight Weekly Asian gay dance club with frequent themed nights.

1151 Folsom St. at 7th. 431-1151. www.clubdragonsf.com

Gay folk-rock singer stops by on his West Coast tour. $12. 8pm.

2170 Market St. 861-5016. www.garrin.com www.cafedunord.com

Hardbox @ Powerhouse DJs Michael Mangiaforte and Gehno Aviance spin the beats at a Project Open Hand benefit with sexy shadowbox shows, gogo studs, a nipple play tent, drink Garrin Benfield, Fri. 20 specials, free coatcheck for the shirtless, erotic and chocolate prizes. $5. 3rd Fridays. 9pm-2am. 1247 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Snap-a-Licious @ Deco Lounge Ginger Snap’s fun drag show features Holotta Tymes, Mahlae Balenciaga, Synergy, Kylie Minono and more.

10pm-2am. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

Sat 21 ➠

Anita Cocktail Hour @ The Rrazz Room Festive singer-faux queen performer will lighten up your night as you get lit. Special guests include Sean Ray, Ben Bacot, Sara Moore, with a portion of each night’s proceeds benefitting different local nonprofits. $25. 10:15pm. Also June 3 & 4. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. at O’Farrell.

(866) 468-3399. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Fauxgirls @ Kimo’s Classic drag show with Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Davida Ashton, Tiger Lily, Maria Garza and more; each 3rd Saturday. No cover. 10pm. 1351 Polk St. 885-4535. www.fauxgirls.com

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

Hayes Valley Follies @ Marlena’s Weekly old-school drag show, hosted by Miss Galilea. 10pm.

No cover. 488 Hayes St. 864-6672. www.marlenasbarsf.com

NCLR Gala @ Marriott Marquis Hotel National Center for Lesbian Rights’ annual gala dinner, with MC Kate Clinton. $250. 5:30pm-8:30pm. 4th St. at Mission.

Party afterward at Metreon Cityview. $75. 8pm-12am. 4th & Mission, 4th floor. www.nclrights.org/2011anniversary

Sun 22 ➠

Leche @ Trigger Latin T-dance, with Margaritas, tequila shots, gogo studs and drag show by Sasha. 4pm-10pm. 2344 Market St. 6759763. www.clubpapi.com

26 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

Wed 25 ➠

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

A-List Martini Nights @ Bar TBA

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

Ongoing popular weekly social and networking event for gay men and their friends. Sign up to get invites to a different bar each week. 9pm12am. www.sfalist.com

Mon 23 ➠

Thu 26 ➠

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s

Locker Room @ Kok Bar

Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Tue 24 ➠

Kate Clinton @ NCLR Gala, Sat. 21

The SoMa bar formerly known as Chaps II got a facelift. Enjoy new events and décor, and the same cruisy fun at the jock–uniform fetish night.1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s

Queer Night @ Easy Lounge, Oakland Weekly LGBT electro space jam night with DJ Dr. Sleep, organic cocktails, patio, chill vibe. No cover. 8pm-close.

3255 Lakeshore Ave. www.easy510.com

L

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

Fri 27 ➠

Club Dragon @ Club Eight Weekly Asian gay dance club with frequent themed nights.

1151 Folsom St. at 7th. 431-1151. www.clubdragonsf.com

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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

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 27

★

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge, gogo studs. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am.

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

Shag Fridays @ Cafe Flore Loungey fun in the center of gayville. $4 martinis; no cover.

10pm-2am. 2298 Market St. at Noe. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Sun 29 ➠ Fresh @ Ruby Skye The popular monthly T-dance this month features DJs Wayne G and Lee Decker, and a performance by Jeanie Tracy. $20-$25. 6pm-12am. 420 Mason St. at Geary. www.freshsf.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Dance lessons and hot music at the neighbhorhood bar where everyone (over 21) is welcome. Free BBQ 3pm.

Show 4pm. $8. 3158 Mission St. at Cesar Chavez. www.elriosf.com Go Bang @ Deco Lounge, Sat. 28

Heklina and her herd of drag artistes pay lipsynching parody-filled homage to the musical pop icon. $15-$20.

9pm-3am. Show 11pm. 375 11th St. www.trannyshack.com www.dnalounge.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Wild weekly drag show with unusual acts 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Strip @ Kok Bar Stop AIDS Project’s monthly (4th Fridays) fundraiser with a Cheap Ass Contest, $100 winner. $5. 11pm contest. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Sat 28 ➠ Bears, The Baths and Beyond @ Steamworks, Berkeley Special bear night at the popular private men’s gym and sauna $14-$45. Open 24/7. 2107 4th St. (510) 845-8992. www.steamworksonline.com

Big Top @ Club Eight Joshua J’s monthly funfest features live shows, gogo guys, drag divas, 3 Bars, 2 Floors, 2-for-1 drinks 9pm-10pm. No cover before 10:30 in drag or club kid attire. $5-$15. 9pm3am. 1151 Folsom St. www.joshuajpresensts.com www.eightsf.com

Go Bang @ Deco Lounge Groove-alacious monthly disco dance night features DJs Steve Fabus, Tres Lingerie, Stanley Frank and Sergio, and special guest DJs Paul Goodyear, Eddie House and Tal M Kelin. $5. 9pm-3am-ish. 510 Larkin St. www.gobangsf.com www.decosf.com

Jonathan Poretz @ The Rrazz Room Enjoy retro-modern lounge song stylings with the local crooner. $25. 10:20pm. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis. (800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.com

Trannyshack Madonna Tribute @ DNA Lounge

Mon 30 ➠ Bill Kawn @ The Rrazz Room New vocalist performs songs from his CD Pentimento. $20.

7pm. 2-drink minimum. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. at Ellis.

(800) 380-3095. www.therrazzroom.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

Tue 31 ➠

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

Queer Night @ Easy Lounge, Oakland Weekly LGBT electro space jam night with DJ Dr. Sleep, organic cocktails, patio, chill vibe. No cover. 8pm-close.

3255 Lakeshore Ave. www.easy510.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ For updated events, visit

www.BARtabSF.com To submit your June events, send

by May 16 to BARtabSF@ebar.com

bartabsf.com 28 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Pioneering bartender and leatherman Tony Tavarossi

eBARchivef ★

Mike Kelley

STAR BARKEEPd • by Dr, Jack Fritscher

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orn to be a bar star in the Mission District the psychedelic drugs of the Haight-Ashbury to (1933), Tony Tavarossi came out at age twelve Folsom. Dispensing their party favors in bars, they giving blow jobs under the tables in the curtained introduced fisting as a purposed new sport. booths of the South China Café at 4133 18th Street For eleven years, we were friends and sex playmates. and Castro. It was war’s end: 1945. San Francisco I adored Tony’s allure. At a swarthy 5-5, 130 pounds, surged with carousing soldiers and sailors. Cruising uncut, he was a bearded Sicilian Pan without limits.

Embarcadero bars, teenager Tony became a one-man Living in a scrupulously clean apartment with a wild USO, learning a lesson on his knees playroom on Central Avenue, he was about entertaining the troops. a bottom specializing in “topping Before turning 21, he worked bars tops to renew them.” That cover story in the 1950s Tenderloin absorbing “saved face” for his tricks and made management skills and attracting him the most popular bartender in the attention of a Mafia guido who town. His tip jars overflowed. hired him in 1959 to fly to New York In 1981, the fabled Barracks baths to see if that rapidly masculinizing burned down, epically slamming the bar scene might translate to San Titanic 1970s to symbolic close. Tony Francisco. Not “connected” because had worked at the Barracks and its he was gay, Tony was nevertheless Red Star Saloon. Collapsing with an Italian with “backing.” In 1961, shingles and shigella, he had been age 28, coding his name backwards, admitted to San Francisco General he became the “owner” of San where I visited him in ICU. Unable Francisco’s first dedicated leather to speak, he was alert. Because one bar, “Tony’s Why Not?” In 1962, the Barracks manager had crossed him, SFPD closed the Ynot when Tony I tried cheering him with the karma Art: Chuck Arnett. himself was entrapped in his own he loved: “The Barracks burned down (after Tom of Finland) bar. That arrest, contributing to the yesterday. It’s the end of an era.” founding of the Tavern Guild (1962), made him, like Reaching for pencil and paper, he scrawled, Jose Sarria, a popular local personality years before “Good.” the rebellions at Compton’s Cafeteria (1966) and In the hall, I asked his doctor, “What’s wrong with Stonewall (1969). him?”

San Francisco was awakening. North of Market She said, “We don’t know. We’ve never seen a Street, the neon Tenderloin was too policed. South patient so distressed.” of Market, the dark industrial area looked outlaw.

No one had yet heard of AIDS. Tony Tavarossi So leather migrated from NoMa to SoMa. In 1963, died the next day, July 12, 1981. His funeral was Tony steered sex-tourist Chuck Arnett to the Tool enormous.✸ Box where muralist Arnett became the star artist of Folsom even as Tony became a star serving on the Find more about Tony at creative crews of nearly every bar and bath house www.JackFritscher.com.

South of Market in the 1960s and 1970s. At the © 2011 Jack Fritscher, author hippie-leather flat over the Stud bar near Fe-Be’s, of the award-winning history Arnett, with commune visitors like Tony, imported Gay San Francisco.

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30 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2011

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