March 2013 edition of BARtab

BARtabSF.com

k

March 2013

rinks III D ; s t Spor Palm Springs: Dinah? Sure!

BARchive: The Ambush

On the Tab Irish Ayes

ingredients H March 2013H

Sports; Drinks III

F Page 4 f Dinah? Sure!

F Page 8 f On The Tab

F Pages 10-29 f Irish Ayes

F Page 13 f BARchive: Art at the Ambush

F Page 30 f Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com

V On the cover: Myke Suyat and Roger Elauria enjoy the Super Bowl at Hi Tops. photo: Georg Lester

H H H H H H H H H H H H H Editor: Jim Provenzano, 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, Marga Gomez, T. Scott King, Joshua Klipp, Michael McAllister, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Jim Stewart, Ronn Vigh Photography: Biron, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Lydia Gonzales, Rick Gerharter, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Jim Stewart, 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

San Francisco 49ers fans at Hi Tops.

Sports; Drinks III Hi Tops Gets Game by Jim Provenzano

Georg Lester

A

s a sign of the renovations and continual change going on in the bar scene, the latest new addition seems to be hitting a home run. Or would that be a field goal?

Whatever term, the new sports-themed Hi Tops is catching more than a few Hail Mary passes, as its popularity continues to grow fans.

Along with partners Matt Kajiwara and Dana Gleim, manager and co-owner Jesse Woodward has created a new addition to the Castro bar scene. For Woodward, who left the world of finance, it’s a dream come true. “The neighborhood and community seem to be enjoying it,” he said. “We’ve gotten good reviews for the food. The 49ers have helped, for sure.”

The venue at 2247 Market Street replaced the bar Lime after six months of renovations and a December 2012 opening. Although its website (www.hitopssf.com) remains short on specific events, several have taken place, and not just crowded Super Bowl viewings. For those who are merely pro or college sports fans, regular sports viewing can be enjoyed any day or night the bar is open.

In a time when several bars are closing or “going straight,” Woodward’s bar has a slightly butch if not merely affable atmosphere that isn’t off-putting to non-sports fans. But it definitely has taken on a neighborhood comfort in a short time. The open bright decor is airy while still 4 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

amusingly faux-retro, with tables made out of bleachers salvaged from a high school gym in Kansas City, and real gym lockers brought in from Texas. The flat floor, doorways and rest rooms are also fully accessible.

With 15 flat-screen TVs, ample benches at the bar and in the back, Hi Tops makes room for herds of sports fans, or fans of spicy buffalo wings, burgers and other tasty food on the menu that fits a slightly upscale stadium cuisine.

Chicken sandwiches, tuna burgers, buffalo wings, grilled cheese and a bacon-cheeseburger may not tempt your vegan friends, but pretzels, corn on the cob, and fries might suffice instead of a yucatan-style pork chop on a stick, all created by Top Chef TV show contestant Jamie Lauren (who created the menu, but is not on staff).

With ten beers on tap, bottles and cans, the drink menu includes some tasty new local and Portland-based beers. “We try to get a little more creative with local brews; a little more interesting than the standards,” said Woodward. Look out for a few more delicate drink choices, like The Big Unit (a handy double-entendre sports reference), which includes Tito’s vodka, lemon, elderflower and champagne.

Hi Tops patrons Michael and Jeff were enjoying the outdoor window view last month before the Super Bowl started up, and offered a few comments in between sticky-fingered chicken

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wings bites.

“We’re mostly Giants fans,” said Jeff. “But we were here for the playoff game (which the 49ers won) and loved the atmosphere, so we wanted to celebrate the Super Bowl here.”

Added Michael, “We’re looking forward to the coming season of baseball. We’re Sharks fans as well.” The two men are like many in the LGBT community who defy the stereotype of gays not liking sports. “We’ve been waiting for a gay sports bar in the Castro for a while,” said Michael, who is also part of the gay SF Giants fan Facebook page, where people meet up for games or viewings.

San Francisco 49ers fans Myke Suyat and his boyfriend Roger Elauria (on the cover) enjoyed a pitcher of beer at Hi Tops’ Super Bowl party. “It’s better than the Pilsner,” said Suyat of the multiple screens. “You have a great view from everywhere.”

Asked if, along with watching, Suyat also plays sports, he replied enthusiastically, “Sure!

Volleyball, flag football. We play sports! Gay people play sports! It’s a shame that we can’t be as out in professional sports, but it’s coming along.”

The conundrum of being a gay sports fan in a non-friendly pro sports setting leaves Hi Tops patrons rooting for a local team with a player like Chris Culliver, who made unsupportive state-

Hi Tops manager and co-owner Jesse Woodward.

Steven Kasapi

Tyler Driscoll

ments about gay athletes. The opposing team, The Baltimore Ravens, includes on its roster one of two outspoken straight allies, linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, who, along with Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, have made discussions of homophobia in football a gay sport whether it likes it or not.

Beer-sipping fans at Hi Tops seem willing to debate the subject at length, in good company.

It’s also the kind of bar where one can be serious about sports fanship, while also feeling comfortable to comment on a player’s “cute butt!” as was heard a few times.

The blend of straight and gay attitudes serves as an example of a probable future for gay venues.

A 2011 BusinessWeek article noted the expanding popularity of gay sports bars. Focusing on New York City’s Boxers, it called the venue “a pioneer” in the trend, although gay bars and sports have long had a connection in many communities, specifically San Francisco. Since the mid-1970s, gay bars were sponsoring softball teams, hosting

Hi Tops hottie Nick Jefferson serves up the suds.

6 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Tyler Driscoll

events, and supported the development and fundraising for the first two Gay Games in 1982 and 1986.

Yet, the idea of a sports-themed gay bar is still considered a novelty. In the past few years, nearly a dozen gay sports bars have opened around the country: Crew in Chicago, Fritz in Boston, GYM Sportsbar in Los Angeles, Score Bar in Columbus, Ohio, Woof’s in Madison, Wisconsin, and Nellie’s Sports Bar, which opened in Washington, D.C., in 2007.

Of course, standards continue locally, where The Lookout, Moby Dick, The Pilsner, The Wild Side West and other bars have long supported local LGBT sports teams and fundraisers.

With Hi Tops’ main focus being sports, don’t expect any karaoke contests or drag shows. You can expect lots more fundraisers and a bar filled with enthusiastic LGBT jocks.

Softball teams that the bar sponsors include the Sluggers, the 7th Inning Stretch Marks (Woodward’s team), the Outlaws, the Knockouts, and the Storm. Hi Tops will also sponsor events for the SF Gay Basketball Association, and fundraisers for the SF Fog Rugby Club, the Spikes soccer team, the Pirates women’s soccer team, the Golddiggers Hockey team, and even a new AIDS Life/Cycle team.

“We’ve also got beer busts with the ladies soccer teams, a tennis event, and registration for a volleyball tournament coming up,” said Woodward.

All that activity fits well into the surprisingly spacious bar, which packs in the fans on big game days. “The design was to make it really friendly and a fit for the neighborhood, not too loud,” said Woodward. “Combined with the really friendly staff, we don’t have the sound on the games

Hi Tops patrons Michael and Jeff.

Georg Lester

turned up loud unless it’s a big local event. And the bigger tables make for a place where people can really hang out.”

One problem of using 15 TVs is scheduling what sports to play. “It takes a lot of planning,” said Woodward. “We try to accommodate what everyone would want, and have some TVs play different games. It’s hard to please everyone, because we don’t change the channel on impulse.”

Along with an easy-going atmosphere, the bar isn’t afraid to get its sexy on, as proven by the Thursday night Gym Socks, which features male jock imagery on the TVs, and two-dollar shots served by guys in uniforms (or less!) from 10pm

to 2am. Yet the straight/gay mix at Hi Tops may be a model for success, with several gay bars closing or changing.

“It’s kind of shocking,” said Woodward of the trend in bars: the closing of Lime, Trigger, The Deco Lounge, imminent sale of Kok Bar, Marlena’s, and the stalled re-opening of The Eagle.

Woodward, who has lived in San Francisco since the 1990s, said one of his reasons to open Hi Tops was “a lack of places that are fun and different.”

So whether it’s baseball or rugby, chicken wings or a local beer, stop by Hi Tops, the new gay bar that seems like it’s been part of the neighborhood for years, or should have been. ✸

Dinah? Sure!

Dinah Shore Weekend invades Palm Springs

by Heather Cassell • Photos courtesy of Club Skirts The Dinah

Girls having fun at The Dinah

D

inah Shore Weekend just keeps getting sweeter.

Now simply known as The Dinah, the annual huge party is set to give women what they have come to expect, with amazing shows by emerging artists, the best female comedians, celesbians, and its signature pool parties and white party.

Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of Club Skirts’s The Dinah, is kicking the event up another notch. This year an estimated 20,000 women from around the world will descend on Palm Springs for five days and nights of fun in the sun, partying all night and much more at the 23rd Club Skirts’s The Dinah, April 3 to 7.

Heating up the desert at this year’s Dinah is chart-topping Karmin, who is headlining at the Monte Carlo party on April 6. The pop duo will be joined throughout the week by emerging pop sensations Anjulie, Havana Brown, K.Rose, Katy Tiz and Kat Graham, along with much loved artists Diana King and Uh Huh Her. Lesbian comedians Fortune Feimster, Jackie Loeb, Jacqueline Monahan and Suzanne Westenhoefer will have the women laughing hard April 4 at the annual comedy show.

Guests will also get star sightings with The Real L Word stars Lauren Bedford Russell and her girlfriend and fellow castmate rocker Kiyomi McCloskey (of Hunter Valentine, BARtab’s January cover feature).

“The Dinah is now not only an event celebrating the tapestry of women around the world, but also stands as a seminal mecca for lesbians,” said 8 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Hanson. But the weekend has become more than a gathering of lesbians. Once known as the lesbian spring break, Dinah is evolving into an international women’s festival featuring emerging musical and artistic talent celebrating women, gay and straight, from around the world.

The late Dinah Shore was a popular big band era entertainer and 1970s TV personality who was also an avid golfer. Little did she know that her desire to uplift women’s professional golf by hosting the Ladies Professional Golf Association in Palm Springs in 1972 would become a magnet for lesbians on and off the green. House parties emerged and eventually grew into an out loud and proud lesbian festival.

Hanson, who ran San Francisco’s popular lesbian club the Girl Spot (better known as the G-Spot at the End Up), wasn’t alone in creating the Dinah Shore Weekend. She teamed up with Robin Gans and Sandy Sachs of Los Angele’s Girl Bar fame for 15 years before the lesbian nightlife powerhouses split in 2006.

The split gave Hanson the freedom to take the Dinah to the level that she envisioned. Taking a gamble, the 25-year veteran party promoter booked emerging artists just as they were about to soar up the charts. Before making it big, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Natasha Bedingfield and others performed before thousands of queer women and their friends at The Dinah.

“If you are producing the largest lesbian event in the world, you better make it so fantastic that nothing comes close to it,” Hanson told reporters

Reggae fusion singer Diana King

Snapping pics poolside

on Jan. 10. “For the first time we are on top of the curve. We are helping to make those kinds of decisions that are launching artists [careers].”

This year, the party moved to the center of Palm Springs and the host hotels are all within a block or two of each other. The doors will be thrown open for a huge block party. Partygoers will be able to move easily in and out of the pool parties for the first time.

That is only one of the firsts for this year’s Dinah. This year there will also be a celebrity poker game, new indie rock pool party and a mini lesbian film festival.

All proceeds from the poker game, where guests will buy in to play with their favorite celesbians, will be donated to the Human Rights Cam-

paign. HRC is a sponsor of the Dinah and will host a special soiree during the poker game.

Another first is that guests will also receive the new Palm Springs VIP Card, an exclusive VIP Rewards program where guests who check into the host hotels will be able to enjoy special discounts at participating attractions, restaurants, spas and shops. Hanson partnered up with the Palm Springs Convention Center, the Greaters Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism to produce the card.

“It’s become the perfect city to throw this event,” said Hanson about the pride that Palm Springs takes in hosting The Dinah. “We are welcome here. We’re not only welcome; we are wanted.”

Get your Dinah on at www.TheDinah.com. ✸

Fri 1

eON THE TAB f ~March~ H

First Fridays @ Oakland Galleries

Monthly street festival and art gallery party, with thousands of people, food trucks, outdoor DJ booths and more. 5pm-10pm. Downtown area. www.oaklandfirstfridays.org

Joe @ The Lookout

Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.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

Pants Off Fridays @ Kok Bar

Anybody who strips down to their boxers, jockstrap or undies gets $2 off their first drink, $1 off each drink after. Free clothes check. 9pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland

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

Spicy @ Club OMG Angie Stone. See March 1.

DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Adam Killian @ Nob Hill Theatre

The popular porn stud performs solo, then duo live sex shows at the strip joint. $25. 8pm (solo) 10pm (duo). Also Mar 2. Reg hours, 11:30am-12am. Fri/Sat til 1:30am. 729 Bush St. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Angie Stone @ Yoshi’s

Amazing vocalist performs with her band. $40-$75.

8pm & 10pm. Also March 2. 1330 Fillmore St. 6555600. www.yoshis.com

Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club

Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Fedorable @ El Rio

Free queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com 10 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Adam Killian. See March 1.

Sat 2 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 @ The Stud

Homo Erectus @ Q Bar

New sexy monthly party from the Cockfight gang (DJs MyKill and DCNSTRCT), and their saucy gogo guys; first Saturdays. $5. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com www.ClubHomoErectus.com

Jalwa @ Club OMG

DJ SSHaaN spins a unique Bollywood dance mix at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

h

Brendan Getzell at Cabaret Showcase Showdown. See March 3.

Sun 3 Cabaret Showcase Showdown @ Martuni’s

The singing competition brings out the run for Best Singer/Songwriter, with guest performers and judges include Katy Stephan, Brendan Getzell, Alex Rodrguez, Nikki Arias, and composer/accompanist Joe Wicht. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. 241-0205.

Jock @ Lookout

Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

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The super disco electric retro fun monthly dance night, with resident DJs Sergio Fedasz and Steve Fabus, plus guest spinners Lester Temple and Shawn Ryan, and a vogue performance by The A. $7 (free before 10pm) 21+ 9pm-3am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.gobangsf.com www.studsf.com

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 11

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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

Jeff Bradshaw @ Yoshi’s

Soul-jazz trombonist performs with his band. $21.

8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Ladysmith Black Mambazo @ Yoshi’s, Oakland Jeff Bradshaw. See March 5.

Renowned South African vocal ensemble performs. $35. 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Benefit for the Boob @ Wildside West

Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, with host Fairy Butch, live music (Kitten on the Keys, Bebe Sweetbriar, Kylie Minono and many more), burlesque, belly dancers, DJ Eric Bellagio and raffles. $5-$20.

4pm-9pm. 424 Cortland Ave. www.bcef.org

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

The popular country western LGBT dance night. $8.

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

Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less, with complimentary libations, and the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Pamela Joy & Paul Dileo @ Live at The Rrazz

Jazz and R&B singer perform together. $20. 8pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Wed 6

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

Booty Call @ Q Bar

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

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

Mon 4

Rookie Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

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

See fresh talent strip it off, with the audience judging sign-up by 8pm, show at 9pm; winner gets $200! $20 (for audience). 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell.

397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Secret Lovers @ Lexington Club

Karaoke @ The Lookout

Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am.

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

DJs Katie Duck, PonyBoy and Durt play slowjams for makin’ out at the saucy women’s bar. 9pm-12:30am.

3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 8632052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge

Trivia Night @ Harvey’s

The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week, with Broadway touring performers stopping by to sing, too! 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing.

18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes, fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com

Tue 5

Thu 7

Block Party @ Midnight Sun

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha

Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am.

4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com 12 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

The new weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. This week, Liz Grant and friends. 8pm-9:30pm.

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

Irish Ayes

B

artenders have long considered St. Patrick’s Day to be another Amateur Night (like Cinco De Mayo, or New Year’s Eve). It’s a night when inexperienced drinkers go out and drink. They throw up, they fall down, they tip poorly, and they order shots called an “Irish Gorilla Fart,” and though they have no idea what’s in it, they had one two years ago in a bar in Toad Suck, Arkansas made by a bartender who was probably just trying to move the Midori, and it was “real yummy.”

So, this year, give the bartender a rest.

Stay in and concoct your own adult beverages, like one, or all, of these:

Nutty Irish Coffee 1 shot Bailey’s® Irish cream 1 shot Frangelico® hazelnut liqueur 1 squirt chocolate syrup 1 1/2 oz whipped cream coffee Fill a coffee mug two-thirds full with coffee. Add liquors, chocolate syrup, and stir. Top with a mound of whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Layered Irish Flag 1/3 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream 1/3 oz green crème de menthe 1/3 oz Grand Marnier orange liqueur (some use Butterscotch Schnapps) First, pour the crème de menthe into a glass. Next, slowly pour the Bailey’s Irish cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the Creme de Menthe.

Finally, slowly pour the Grand Marnier over the back of the spoon so that it floats on top of the Bailey’s Irish creme and voilà! Nothing says St. Paddy’s Day than actually drinking the Irish Flag.

by T. Scott King

Irish Car Bomb 3/4 pint Guinness® stout 1/2 shot Bailey’s® Irish cream 1/2 shot Jameson® Irish whiskey Add the Bailey’s and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey’s on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. If you don’t drink it fast enough it will curdle and increasingly taste worse.

Green Apple Martini Cinnamon and sugar for rimming glass Equal portions of: Vodka Sour-apple schnapps Lemonade Lemon-lime soda In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, mix vodka, schnapps, lemonade and lemonlime soda. Shake well. Dip rim edge first in water, then in dish with sugar and cinnamon mixed together. Strain mixture and pour into glasses.

Mmmm, delicious!

Mudslide 1 oz vodka 1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur 1 oz Bailey’s® Irish cream 1 oz cream Shake all ingredients with ice and pour over ice in an old-fashioned glass.

Red Zinger 1 oz. banana liqueur 1 oz. melon liqueur Cranberry Juice 1 wedge Lime Add banana liqueur and melon liqueur into an ice-filled glass. Fill with the cranberry juice. Garnish with lime. ✸

March 2013 • bartabsf.com • BARHTAB 13

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 12

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Fri 8 Afrika Bambaataa @ Yoshi's

Enjoy an open dance floor as the DJ supreme funks it up. $24-$28. 10:30pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Cubcake @ Lone Star Saloon

Monthly party for bears with a sweet tooth; goodies served. DJ Medic spins tunes. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Fedorable @ El Rio Jose Feliciano. See March 7.

Jose Feliciano @ Yoshi’s, Oakland

Veteran pop-guitarist-singer makes a rare Bay Area appearance. $49-$54. 8pm. Also Mar. 8. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Latin Night @ The Café

Amazingly hot gogo guys, cheap drinks and DJed dance music. $5. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Ottmar Liebert @ Live at the Rrazz

Grammy-nominated guitarist performs. $42.50-$45.

8pm. Also Mar 8, 9pm. Mar 9, 7pm & 9:30pm. Mar 10, 7pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Robot Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences

The fascinating museum’s weekly nightlife event showcases robots! Music, cash bar, DJed music and entertainment. $10-$12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org

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

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 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

Pants Off Fridays @ Kok Bar

Anybody who strips down to their boxers, jockstrap or undies gets $2 off their first drink, $1 off each drink after. Free clothes check. 9pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Sat 9 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

Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop

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

Paris Is Burning @ Castro Theatre

Peaches Christ and Latrice Royale cohost a tribute screening of the groundbreaking documentary about 1980s gay vogue culture in New York; pre-show ball and competition with local celebutante judges; music

by Honey Soundsystem and a live set with Double Duchess. $27-$47. 8pm. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Jalwa @ Club OMG

Retro disco tunes and eclectic crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

DJ SSHaaN spins a unique Bollywood dance mix at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse

Jim Messina @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com 14 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Former member of Loggins & Messina and Buffalo Springfield performs classic hits. $27-$30. 8pm & 10pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

VOTE NOW...

Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BAR2013 and complete the survey before March 4, 2013 or download the pdf at: www.ebar.com/downloads/BOTG_2013Poll.pdf

You could win one of the following prizes just for voting for your favorite places, people and things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

• Grand Prize: MAUI SUNSEEKER VACATION: Win a 5-night stay at Hawaii’s largest gay-owned and operated resort • Second Prize: SAN FRANCISCO BALLET: Two Tickets to the San Francisco Ballet’s Nite Out Performance of Cinderella • Third Prize: SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS HOME GAME & VIP PARKING: Two club level tickets behind home plate and VIP lot parking to a San Francisco Giant’s home game (date to be determined)

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 14

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Amanda King at the Project Open Hand benefit. See March 10.

James Barry Knox

Sun 10 Oz Noy @ Yoshi's Bearracuda. See March 9. Art: Jason Mecier

Bearracuda @ Beatbox

Celebrate the 150th beartastic party that’s spawned an international ursine club scene. DJs Medic, Boyshapedbox and Sonny D. $6-$10. 9pm-3am. 314 11th St. www.bearracuda.com

Frolic @ The Stud

Monthly costume dance party (2nd Sat) for Furries and friends, with DJs Neonbunny, and guests. Dance, you animals! $4 (with costume) $8 (without). 8pm2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison www.frolicparty.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.

Virtuoso jazz guitarist performs with his band and featured guests. $16-$22. 6pm & 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Paula West @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Popular local vocalist performs jazz and cabaret classics. $30. 7pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Project Open Hand Benefit @ Martuni’s

Enjoy musical entertainment with singers Amanda King, Eliza Leoni, Xavier Toscano, Donald Arquilla and comedy duo McPuzo & Trotsky, Joe Wicht and Tom Shaw accompanying, plus and a raffle prize of one free drink a week at the intimate martini bar ($500 value). $10 and up. 6pm. 4 Valencia St. www.openhand.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

Mon 11 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

Monday Musicals @ The Edge

The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Frolic. See March 9.

NeonBunny

18 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 18

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How I Came Out @ Rebel

Charlie Ballard hosts the new and popular event where local comics and other performers (Dolores Trevino, Casey Ley, Ronn Vigh, Xander Deveaux, Natasha Muse and Justin Simpson) tell amusing tales of coming out as gay. $10. 21+. 8pm. 1760 Market St. www.charlieballard.com

Wed 13 Booty Call @ Q Bar Gary Anderson at Comedy Returns.

See March 11.

Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Enjoy diverse comic stylings from Karen Ripley, Carla Clayy, Brendan Lynch, Gary Anderson and guest host Bob McIntyre. 2nd Mondays. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.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 @ Live at the Rrazz

Accomplished drummer performs with special guests. $25. Also Mar 18 & 25. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Tue 12

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

Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

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

Terri White @ Live at the Rrazz

Broadway and Off-Broadway muscial theatre veteran performs show tunes and other songs. $35. 8pm.

1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Thu 14 Altan @ Yoshi's Oakland

13 Licks @ Q Bar

Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar.

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

Celtic band celebrates 25 years and a new CD of traditional Irish music. $20-$30. 8pm & 10pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 2389200. www.yoshis.com

Carrie Manolakos @ Yoshi’s

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre

Broadway touring star (Mamma Mia, Wicked) and guest-vocalist for Phish performs an intimate concert of ballads and pop classics. $18-$22. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.carriemanolakos.com www.yoshis.com

Participatory play with porn pups (this month Hans Berlin), in the Underground Playroom of the strip joint; join in the fun! $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Miles Smiles @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Alumni of Miles Davis’ band perform jazz classics. $24-$28. 8pm. Also Mar. 13, 8pm & 10pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less, with complimentary libations, at the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com 20 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Carrie Manolakos at Yoshi’s. See March 12

Yuri Kagan at Laughs at the Lookout.

See March 14

Fri 15 Natasha Muse at How I Came Out. See March 12.

Pete Escovito @ Live at the Rrazz

The granddaddy of Latin jazz big bandleaders performs with his orchestra and talents kids. $40. 8pm.

Also Mar 15, 8pm, Mar 16, 7pm & 9:30pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Pi Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences

Mathematical merriment, pi and pies at the groovy museum weekly party. Music, DJs, cash bar. $10-$12.

21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org

The Tubes @ Yoshi’s

Theatrical 70s-80s rock band (“White Punks on Dope”) returns, featuring fee Waybill; yes, they’re still performing! $30-$34. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 6555600. www.yoshis.com

Laughs @ The Lookout

Comics Ronn Vigh, Natasha Muse, Charlie Ballard, Bebe Sweetbriar, Pippi Lovestocking, Yuri Kagan and Justin Lucas do gay stand-up; Valerie Branch MCs. $10. 10pm. 16th st. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse

Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Darling Nikki @ Slate

DJs Durt, Dr. Sleep and Justin Credible play 80s, top 40, and popular indy tunes; gogo queers, drink specials and a photo booth (3rd Fridays). $5. 8pm-2am.

2925 16th St. ww.slate-sf.com

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The Big Gay Train. See March 16.

Pants Off Fridays @ Kok Bar

Anybody who strips down to their boxers, jockstrap or undies gets $2 off their first drink, $1 off each drink after. Free clothes check. 9pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Poncho Sanchez @ Yoshi’s Oakland Hans Berlin. See March 15

Dragon 2.0 @ Raven

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

Fedorable @ El Rio

Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Fishnet Follies @ Live at the Rrazz

Women’s burlesque revue returns. $20-$45. 10:30pm.

1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Hans Berlin @ Nob Hill Theatre

Porn stud does a live nude show. $25. Shows at 8pm and 10pm. Also March 16. 729 Bush St. at Powell.

397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

House of Floyd @ Yoshi’s

Pink Floyd tribute band performs Dark Side of the Moon and selections from The Wall (8pm) and Animals (10pm). $24 each. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

22 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Latin Jazz band performs vibrant music. $25-$32. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar. 16. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Pulse @ Bench & Bar, Oakland

The East Bay monthly gogo guy dance night, presented by Elliot Live Events, moves to Oakland’s popular bar; 3rd Fridays. $10-$15. 9pm-3am. 510 17th St., Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com

Spicy @ Club OMG

DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Trannyshack @ DNA Lounge

Heklina and entourage perform a Cher tribute. $15.

Show at 11pm. 9:30pm-3am. 375 11th St. www.trannyshack.com www.dnalounge.com

Sat 16 Bareto @ Yoshi's

Eclectic Peruvian jazz-pop band performs. $30-$50. 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Beatpig @ Powerhouse

Juanita More spins saucy grooves and dudes cruise 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

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon

Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

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

Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland

Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am.

510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com

Gameboi @ Mist Ultra Lounge

Asian pop, disco and dance music night with drink specials, gogo hotties and DJed tunes (3rd Sat). $25.

9:30pm-2am. 316 11th St. www.facebook.com/gameboisf

The Big Gay Train @ Napa Wineries

Enjoy Out in the Vineyard’s luxury five-course dinner party aboard a vintage train that stops at four scenic Napa Valley gay-owned wineries; after-party at Bank Bar at the Westin Versa Napa Valley. $160-$175. 6pm9:30pm. www.outinthevineyard.com

House of Floyd. See March 15

We Players Gala @ St. John the Evangelist

Green Party @ Factory

The innovative outdoor theatre company’s fundraiser gala includes cocktails, a five-course dinner, auction items, entertainment; grab a costume and pose in the photo booth. $100 and up. 6pm-9:30pm. 1661 15th St. www.weplayers.org

Kinky Disco @ SF Underground

Sun 17

DJs Peter Rauhofer and Luke Johnstone spin at the Industry/GusPresents dance night. $30-$45. 10pm-4am.

525 Harrison St. at 1st. www.industrysf.com DJ Johnny Sonic (aka Paul Goodyear) spins 80s, 90s electronica, disco and unusual music, with guest DJ Allen Craig. Free entry if dressed in drag. $7. 10pm2am. 424 Haight St.www.kinkydisko.com

Leather Beer Bust @ Kok Bar

Straps and chaps? You’re most welcome at the leather beverage bust, with a BLUF meeting. 5pm8pm. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Michelle Shocked @ Yoshi’s

Folk-rock singer performs live. $22-$25. 7pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

The Makem & Spain Brothers @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Folk band performs traditional American music. $20.

7pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

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The Taming of the Shrew @ Café Royale

SF Theater Pub’s immersive performance of Shakespeare’s comic battle of the sexes. 8pm. Also Mar. 19, 25 & 27. 800 Post St. at Leavenworth. 441-4099. www.sftheaterpub.wordpress.com www.caferoyale-sf.com

Tue 19 Block Party @ Midnight Sun

Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am.

4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.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, with complimentary libations, at the weekly night. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

DJ Carnita at Daytime Realness.

See March 17.

Daytime Realness @ El Rio

The popular daytime drag dance party returns. Celebrate DJ Carnita’s birthday with co-hosts Heklina and Stanley Frank, with acts by Dulce De Leche, Amoania, Ambrosia Salad and Honey Mahogany. Miss Pop and Pink Lightning spin tunes. $6-$8. 3pm-8pm-ish. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Patti Lupone @ Live at the Rrazz

Legendary Broadway star (Gypsy, Evita) performs Far Away Places, a musical journey of her travels, with songs by Sondheim, Cole Porter, Kurt Weill and others. $55-$75. 8pm. Also Mar 20-22, 8pm. Mar 23, 7pm & 9:30pm. Mar 24, 7pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Miranda Sings @ Live at the Rrazz

Quirky comic singer performs live. $17.50-$25. 7pm.

1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Sports Beer Bust @ Kok Bar

Wear a uniform or strip down to a jock strap and get more beer for your bucks. Watch games on widescreen TVs. 5pm-8pm. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Mon 18 Karaoke @ The Lookout

Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am.

3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.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 24 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Patti Lupone. See March 19.

Wed 20 Dawn Richard @ Yoshi's

Lead singer of Danity Kane performs songs from her solo album. $20-$24. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Sheila E. @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Fab drummer-singer (“The Glamorous Life”) performs with her band. $28-$35. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar 21 & 22. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Trivia Night @ Harvey’s

Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com

Way Back @ Midnight Sun

Weekly screenings of vintage music videos, and retro drink prices. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Thu 21 Freddie Jackson @ Yoshi’s

Sheila E. See March 20.

Bold Local Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences

Grammy-nominated vocalist performs. $25-$42. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar. 22. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Local merchants, designers and craftsfolk showcase their goods at the weekly museum party. Music, DJs, cash bar. $10-$12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org

Hot ’n horny hookups.

AYESD 5D LIMIT UN ACCEOSWS! JOIN N

Horny? Hookup with men in the Bay Area.

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Fri 22 Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club

Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Joe @ The Lookout

Shots, drinks and DJed fun. $2. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Spicy @ Club OMG

DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Sat 23 Afro-Cuban Jazz Project @ Yoshi's

The dance floor’s open as the ensemble works the fusion music. $25-$30. 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Aurora Borealis Gala @ The Claremont Hotel, Berkeley Jody Watley See March 23.

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

Fauxgirls @ Infusion Lounge

The classy drag revue (3rd Thursdays) now in its 12th year features Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Maria Garza, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Daffney Deluxe and Ruby LeBrowne, with special guest Anya; dinner seating at 7pm. Show at 8pm. No cover. 124 Ellis St. 421-8700. www.fauxgirls.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland

New night, with hip-hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guests.

No cover before 11pm and just $5 afterward. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.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 26 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Aurora Theatre Company’s 21st season fundraiser gala, with a silent auction, cocktails, three-course dinner, live auction of luxury vacations. $295 and up. 6pm-11pm. 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. (510) 8434042. www.auroratheatre.org

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 www.DNAlounge.com

Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop

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

Jalwa @ Club OMG

DJ SSHaaN spins a unique Bollywood dance mix at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Jody Watley @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Grammy-winning pop/R&B singer performs. $37. 8pm & 10pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Matt Costa @ Slim’s

Folk/roots/rock singer-composer performs music from his new CD. Carly Ritter opens. $16 ($41 w/ dinner).

9pm. 333 11th st. 255-0333. www.slimspresents.com

Mika. See March 25.

Sun 24 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

Jock @ Lookout

Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Sports Beer Bust @ Kok Bar

Wear a uniform or strip down to a jock strap and get more beer for your bucks. Watch games on widescreen TVs. 5pm-8pm. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Mon 25 Mika @ Great American Music Hall

The popular UK ambisexual pop singer performs his hits and new songs, from the new CD The Origin of Love, in a rare “unplugged” (piano-guitar only) concert. $30-$55. 8pm. 859 O’Farrell St. 885-0750. www.slimspresents.com

Snow White & Her Merry Men @ Davies Symphony Hall

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and cast members of Beach Blanket Babylon perform a lighthearted fairy-tale concert. 8pm. Also Feb 26. 201 Van Ness Ave. www.sfgmc.org

aa

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Tom Orr @ Live at the Rrazz

Our favorite local gay comic musical witmeister performs his more serious concert, Cowboys and Angels: The George Michael Songbook, with the Tom Shaw Quartet. $25. 8pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Wed 27 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

Chihiro Yamanaka Trio @ Yoshi’s

Innovative jazz pianist performs unique covers of standard hits. $20. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ Yoshi’s Oakland Debbie Gibson at One Night Only.

See March 25.

One Night Only @ Marines’ Memorial Theatre

The cast of the touring production of Jersey Boys, pop singer Debbie Gibson, and other vocal talents perform at the variety show fundraiser for the Richmond/ Ermet AIDS Foundation; dessert and drinks reception ($20). $35-$75. 7:30pm. 609 Sutter St. 273-1620. www.reaf.org

Tue 26 Alt Rock Bands @ Rickshaw Stop

Crazy-fun funk band performs their classic get-down hits (“Knee Deep,” “Atomic Dog”). $50. 8pm. Also Mar. 28 & 29. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Jacqui Naylor @ Live at the Rrazz

Classy vocalist performs music from her new CD, Dead Divas Society. $35. 8pm. Mar 28, 8pm. Mar 29 & 30, 7pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Trivia Night @ Harvey’s

Bebe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com

Thu 28

Veronica Falls, Brilliants Colors and Golden Grrrl, rockin’ alt-pop bands, perform at the cute club. $12$14. 8pm. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Latin Night @ The Café

Boco Do Rio @ Yoshi’s

Matt Alber @ Swedish American Hall

SF-based Brazilian band performs music from their new CD; open dance floor. $10-$15. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

How I Came Out @ Rebel

Charlie Ballard hosts the new and popular event where local comics and performers (Karinda Dobbins, Morgan, David Hawkins, Zachary Toczynski, Sharon Birzer, Zack Pedersen, and Joshua Grannell aka Peaches Christ) tell amusing tales of coming out as gay. $10. 21+. 8pm. 1760 Market St. www.charlieballard.com

28 BARHTAB • bartabsf.com • March 2013

Amazingly hot gogo guys, cheap drinks and DJed dance music. $5. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com Two-time Grammy Award-winning gay singer-composer performs with The Cello Street Quartet; Feona Jones opens. $20. 7:30pm. 2170 Market St., (above Café Du Nord). 861-5016. www.mattalber.com www.cafedunord.com

Science of Color Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences

Celebrate color with arts displays and interactive areas at the weekly museum party. Music, DJs, cash bar. $10-$12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org

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

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse

Strip down to your skivvies (free clothes check) and watch or compete in the wet underwear contest ($100 prize!) at midnight; gogo guys and DJ Dam Nation. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Fri 29 Dancing Ghosts @ Cat Club

Darkwave dance party’s 6-year anniversary party.

Get goth, girls! DJs Xander, Orko, Sage and Daniel Skellingotn. $3-$7. 9:30pm-2:30am. 1190 Folsom St. www.dancingghosts.com

Rita Coolidge @ Yoshi’s

Multiple Grammy-winning vocalist performs. $26$36. 8pm-10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Matt Alber. See March 28.

Spicy @ Club OMG

DJ SSHaaN spins Bollywood dance hits at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Vonda Shepard @ Live at the Rrazz

Multi-award-winning bestselling vocalist performs. $45. 9:15pm. Also Mar 30, 9:15pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Sat 30 Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland

Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am.

510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com

Jalwa @ Club OMG

DJ SSHaaN spins a unique Bollywood dance mix at the intimate new South Asian LGBT nightclub. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. at Market. www.clubomgsf.com

Mindi Abair @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Contemporary jazz saxophonist-singer-songwriter performs her unique combination of pop, jazz and soul. $24-$30. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar. 31, 6pm & 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square.

(510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com

Sun 31 Jock @ Lookout

Weekly fundraiser for various local LGBT sports groups. $2 cover. Drink specials. 3pm-9pm. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Lua Hadar @ Live at the Rrazz

Vocalist with a soaring range performs. $35. 4pm.

1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com

Tim Hockenberry @ Live at the Rrazz

Popular local singer-composer with a sexy gruff voice performs hits and his own music. $35. 8pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com ✸✸✸

Rita Coolidge. See March 29.

To submit your April events, send by March 15 to BARtabSF@ebar.com

sweat. In March 1977, the Ambush hung my first photo show, “Men South of Market.”

It included shots of deputy sheriff Bill Essex modeling sports equipment.

“What do you think?” a guy in a leather-n-wool letter jacket said.

“Interesting…” I said, looking at the red ‘sold’ dots on a couple of frames.

He was past the letter jacket age but still wore it well.

Jockstrap fantasies danced in my head.

Did Coach know I was the photographer?

“Where did you shoot them?” he said.

Great pick-up line!

Later that night Coach and I explored the sweaty world of locker-room jocks, using some of the same sports-fetish equipment I had used in the photos. It’s not always art for art’s sake.

Until Robert Opel’s Fey-Way Studios opened on Howard Street in 1978, the Ambush was de facto San Francisco’s gallery for leatherfolk art.

The Ambush got its leg up when Delay hired Chuck Arnett, the Toulouse-Lautrec of Folsom, to work the leather shop. Artist Arnett’s Tool Box mural of manly men had gone national in 1964 when it was published in Life magazine with an article on gays.

I got my first Arnett, an ink doodle of a wellfilled condom titled “Scumbags: Three for a Buck” when Chuck marked it with his stylized zodiac sign and discarded it to my portfolio. We later

h s u b m A e h t t a t r A eBARchivef H

art Jim Stew y b s to d pho Story an

I

perched on the “meat rack” in the Ambush bar, 1351 Harrison at the corner of Dore Alley. I hoped to look cool, disinterested but hot, available. Ambush owner David Delay designed the raw wood benches for cruising.

Their dimensions also held longneck beer cases.

Delay’s Ambush, in a rundown 1907 threestory building, was a leather-western-bear, beer and wine bar – and art gallery. It exuded the intoxicating scent of pot, poppers, leather, and

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traded similar thematic works of chain-n-ass. His a grease pencil drawing on foolscap; mine mimicked a black and white crime photo.

An art opening at the Ambush was always exciting.

Not only did you get to meet the artist and lots of hot men, there was often a buffet of exotica such as beef tartare, a legacy of Baltic horsemen who ate it raw.

The piece de resistance at a Jim Sterling show at the Ambush was an open-welded steel tiger whose four-foot leaping torso hung suspended in a polished chrome hoop that reflected bar lights like a ring of fire.

Bill Skelton’s riveting acrylic of a spikehaired strapping Theseus and the mesomorphous Minotaur, dueling with their dicks in a labyrinth of Gauguin colors, was a showstopper at his Ambush opening. Delay sponsored Skelton’s

silkscreened copies of the original canvas. The signed series of a hundred sold like Ambush-brand poppers in the upstairs leather shop.

At the Tom Hinde show I bought a graphite self portrait of the artist, prostrate, peering over his shoulder at his perfect butt, adorned with thin red razor tracks and blue singed cigar-scars, an early color homage to James Dean.

Not all raved, however. A 1979 Sentinel review felt it represented “evil.”

Circa 1980 the California Alcoholic Beverage Control board yanked the Ambush liquor license supposedly for serving minors. The bar put in a small restaurant upstairs and managed to stay open until their license was reinstated. It wasn’t until 1986 that the Ambush closed permanently.

Today, Circle Community Acupuncture occupies 1351 Harrison Street. ✸

March 2013 • bartabsf.com • BARHTAB 31