May, 2012 edition of BARtab

bartabsf.com

May 2012

ingredients ★ May 2012 ★

Alt. Fun. Page 4 Mark Up Page 6 Off-Track Bets Page 8 Ray of Light Page 10 On the Tab Page 12- 28 BARchive Page 30 Read more stories online at www.bartabsf.com

✶ On the cover: Cenre and Steve enjoy the Rocket Collective beat at The Rickshaw Shop.

Photo: Georg Lester

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Editor: Jim Provenzano • Art Director: Kurt Thomas Designer: T. Scott King • General Manager: Michael Yamashita Advertising Sales: Simma Baghbanbashi, Colleen Small, Scott Wazlowski Contributors: Ray Aguilera, Matt Baume, Heather Cassell, Coy Ellison, Michael Flanagan, Dr. Jack Fritscher, T. Scott King, Michael McAllister, Sal Meza, David Elijah-Nahmod, Adam Sandel, Ronn Vigh Photography: Biron, Marques Daniels, Don Eckert, Lydia Gonzales, Rick Gerharter, Jose Guzman-Colon, Georg Lester, Dan Lloyd, Jim Provenzano, Rich Stadtmiller, Monty Suwannukul, Steven Underhill BARtab is published by Benro Enterprises, Inc. Publisher: Thomas E. Horn Benro Enterprises, Inc. 395 Ninth Street • San Francisco CA 94103 • (415) 861-5019 Member of the National Gay Newspaper Guild National Advertising Representative: Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

The balcony view of Rocket at The Rickshaw Stop

ALT. FUN. d Nightlife’s Other Options • by Jim Provenzan Georg Lester

B

earded muscle bears cavort in pink tutus.

Mustached twinks wrestle while coated in lube.

Local authors verbally joust in bars. These are a few of our favorite new things.

San Francisco, known for its alternative scene, may occasionally suffer from hipster overload, and anything trendy does attract them. But no matter what style your jeans, skinny, saggy or Mom, many standard venues are only too happy to host unusual fun events. And anyone, no matter their style, is welcome.

LIKE A ROCKET For a taste of the playa without the dust, Rocket Collective’s monthly dance parties at The Rickshaw Stop blend costume-friendly ambiance with earfriendly grooves. The love child of the hunky DJ quartet Mat dos Santos, David Sternesky, Trevor Sigler, and Brian Maier, since January, Rocket has shared a cartoonish Soviet-space-age camp derived from the guys’ Burning Man camp, Astropups.

According to Sternesky, Rocket aims “to promote alternative queer dance floor culture in San Francisco and on-playa.” The Rocket parties feature special artistic decor from the guest beneficiary camps every month, which Sternesky described as “Jetsons meets Scooby Doo.” Amid the house/techno mix, friendly guys and some women danced while others hang back by the bar. In the upstairs lounge, patrons enjoyed the balcony view as a neon-winged bear cub served fresh-made waffles.

Other venues where the quartet spins include Bearracuda, Joe (at The Lookout), Booty Call (Q Bar), and even at Berkeley’s Steamworks bath house.

So, why bring the playa out of the desert?

“With Burning Man’s ticketing situation, we feel like it is more important than ever to create an accessible 4 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

environment in the city where creative queers of all types can mingle, dance, and express themselves,” said Sternesky. “While nothing can replace the totally immersive experience of being on-playa, we hope that our party succeeds in bringing a taste of The Burn right into the heart of San Francisco every month.”

The Rocket guys hold their events at the Rickshaw Stop for a lot of reasons, said Sternesky. “It’s a great space with amazing sound and friendly staff. It’s convenient to public transit, and it has a stage for live performers.” The mezzanine level also affords space for art installations and a little oasis away from the dance floor.

Sternesky noted that despite hosting many live music nights, and the women’s night Cockblock party for six years, the Rickshaw Stop has been somewhat “‘off the gaydar’ for many gay male club-goers in San Francisco,” he said. “We’re thrilled to help solidify its spot on that particular map. Establishing a reputation in a space without a built-in crowd of regulars is creatively liberating. The audience comes without preconceived notions about what the venue is like.” www.rocketsf.com will lead you to each DJ’s site.

The May 26 Rocket at the Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St, benefits the Sun Guardians. Rocket Collective also spins at Bearracuda, Saturday May 19, at Holy Cow, 1535 Folsom St. $6-$8. www.Bearracuda.com TO THE DEATH! With events now branching out all over the planet, Literary Death Match has become more than a trend. It’s also more than a literary reading (not that there’s anything wrong with that). It’s more like a reading on steroids and two shots of Jagermeister. Writers and storytellers compete to tell the wildest, most entertaining or fantastic tale of the

Literary Death Match

Rocket Collective DJs

Go Deep at El Rio

Georg Lester

MADLY, DEEPLY On a particularly unusual night in April, the night of a reported 750 lightning strikes amid a torrential rainstorm, a bevy of cute men got wet in a different way, by getting lubed up in a cordoned-off baby pool.

Under the auspices of the eclectic and decidedly old school stylings hearkening back to Vaudeville days, Go Deep! Lube Wrestling is the latest event spun into being by the Bohemian Brethren. Known for their

Boylesque male dance troupe, the group’s co-creator Maximus Barnaby shared how the women’s edition of Go Deep, having already gained an ardent fandom with its Red Hots Burlesque performances, decided to include a men’s version on alternate nights (second Thursdays), and let the Brethren produce it.

Six years ago, Barnaby and his brother brought dancing, singing, stripping cuties together to provide saucy Weimer Era-styled live entertainment to nightclubs.

With his theatre training, and a grant to create a vaudeville circus show based on his experiences in Berlin, Barnaby also studied at San Francisco’s Circus Center, then found opportunities, he said, “to pull together my friends and showcase them onstage.”

The six-guy collective has visited a few cities, but has yet to officially tour. Locally, they always get a great reaction.

“Audiences want performers who have an actual

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night. The judges are often literary stars themselves and pull no punches in their American Idol-esque critiques. Altogether, it’s fun with words, and booze.

Literary Death Match next invades the Elbo Room, Friday May 11, with Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Mark Fiore, author Michael David Lukas and Dublin poet Sarah Marie Friffin. Among the judges is Lambda Literary Award winner Rakesh Satyal (author of the must-read Blue Boy). $7-$10. 647 Valencia St. $7-$10.

552-7788. www.literarydeathmatch.com

Georg Lester

May 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 5

MARK UPd New Bar, Old ‘Hood • by Michael Flanagan Courtesy Mark’s Bar

A

bout a half year ago I noticed activity at 1092 Post Street, the former home of the Lush Lounge. This was good news, because that corner had been quite lively in the past. When I happened upon Mark’s Bar after it opened, the first thing I noticed was the sound from the street. From outside I could hear the laughter and the sound of bar dice slamming on the bar. It was certainly a welcome sound, as the bar (which has been open since October) had been unoccupied for three years since the Lush Lounge moved up the street.

Upon entering the bar you are transported: the blue of the walls and the glass panels with iris behind the bar make you feel as if perhaps you have entered some cousin of Li Po on Polk Street.

This is not unintentional. To honor his lover Mark Aloiau (originally from Hawaii), Chris Amburn has decorated the bar in an Asian style, incorporating silk paintings bought in Chinatown and a blue (Mark’s favorite color), yellow and red color motif. Behind the bar resides a gong which is run whenever a round is bought by a bar patron. This place is both a breath of fresh air and harkens back to friendly Polk Street watering holes of the past.

Then there is the crowd that the bar attracts: in equal parts locals from the neighborhood and patrons from the karaoke bar Chris and Mark own on California Street, the Encore. The feeling of neighborhood which reigns in the bar is not unintentional. Chris hired Johnny, Kenny and Jose from Kimo’s after it closed for renovation. And from the frames on the pictures to the lights in the bar and the produce, all were bought from businesses on Polk Street. This emphasis on neighborhood is a key to success Chris is copying from his other bar, where Kipper (from Divas) works.

6 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

Chris named the bar after Mark, his lover of twenty-nine years. Chris explains: “When we met in 1982 just before gay pride I knew it was fate.” It’s obvious from the attention to detail that this bar is an expression of that love. From the choice of the wood for the bar, which Chris had searched for three months before settling on the zebrawood that seems perfect, to a rather amazing jukebox which featuring rock, hip hop and country, the place is comfortable and fun. Expect the eclectic in sounds (while I was there the memories of the ‘70s were stirred by a sudden infusion of Barry White).

It’s wonderful to see a gay-friendly revival of part of Polk Street that has been an LGBT hotspot from the time Polk Gulch inhabited the spot before Lush Lounge, and when the Motherlode was on the other end of the block. The commitment to that revival is also shown in the concern that the bar remains a safe and friendly place (cameras outside the bar monitor the neighborhood).

Chris plans to have nine different beers on tap and booths upstairs which will available for private parties.

In a further addition to the Hawaiian theme, the bar will be mounting pictures and decorations from the SS Lurline (a cruise ship which travelled between Hawaii and San Francisco from the ‘30s to the ‘60s).

Happy hour runs from 1pm to 7pm daily, and Mai Tai madness ($5 Mai Tais) is all day Sundays. Look for specialty drinks (Wasabi Martinis and Ginger Manhattans) in the near future. Stop by Mark’s at the corner of Post and Polk and welcome a worthwhile, and friendly, addition to the neighborhood. ✸ Mark’s Bar, 1092 Polk St. 829-3623. www.facebook.com/#!/marksbarsf

Mission Bowling Club Niall Kennedy

OFF-TRACK BETS d I • by Ronn Vigh

was on the phone with my mother, discussing her upcoming trip to San Francisco, when she said, “I can’t wait to see Fisherman’s Wharf!”

I immediately cringed. I tried to explain that most locals would never willingly go there, unless it was the result of losing a bet. While Pier 39 and its surroundings may be more family-friendly, with kitschy shops, squawking sea lions and metallic human-robots who dance when change charges their buckets, the real pulse of San Francisco goes beyond overpriced bread bowls and tourist trap bars.

I spoke to some locals to find out their favorite unusual and alternative spots that make San Francisco night life special. Scott Nolen, a six-year resident of San Francisco, often saunters to the Tenderloin to seek refuge from the scenesters who plague many city bars.

A quintessential dive bar, The Brown Jug Saloon (496 Eddy St.) has all the grit and grime you’d expect given its location, and that’s part of what makes it truly memorable.

“The drinks are cheap, and strong enough to make you forget that the working woman next to you just explained what you can get in the alley for $5,” says Nolen. “Of course, this was after she explained that she was trying to save up to buy her teeth back.”

8 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

Hugging the other side of Civic Center is Hayes Valley, home of the dim and inimitable bar, Marlena’s (488 Hayes St.) “This is the first bar I fell in love with in San Francisco,” notes Scott. While its clientele varies, Scott has a helpful hint for that woman you may be eyeing in the corner. “No, she doesn’t have Madonna arms. That’s a man in lady’s apparel.”

Marlena’s hosts many a benefit, and a weekly drag show with performers who seem to have been, um... one too many times around the wig store. Most memorable is their sprawling suburban-grandmaesque collection of Santa dolls, which takes over the narrow bar every holiday season.

Chris Sams is a nonprofit program director who has resided in San Francisco for 13 years. No stranger to the bar scene, Chris enjoys Truck (1900 Folsom Street at 15th) as one of his alternative bars. “The bartenders are friendly, the entertainment is so varied, and it’s a fun venue for people-watching.”

Complete with license-plate light fixtures and a corner kitchen serving up tasty bar food, Truck is a ‘Sybil’ on the bar scene, as its personality and offerings change not just from day to day, but hour to hour.

At happy hour, folks just out of work can be seen drinking beers and eating burgers. Then, just hours later on an average Tuesday night, the club converts

Marlena performs at her eponymous bar

Truck hunks Rich Stadtmiller

Rick Gerharter

into Busted, a ‘speakeasy-style’ club night involving a bowling! Mission Bowling Club (3176 17th St.) has combined the working-class sport of bowling, with secret password! to enter.

Before getting too crazy, Chris suggests hitting mixologist-made cocktails and an upscale restaurant, an improv or sketch show such as Bay Area Theater all in one hipster-iffic setting.

On a recent Friday Sports at Fort Mason, or Killing My Lobster Improv evening, the wait for a lane comedy, which is often overlooked. d. was already ten parties But let’s face it; even if the show is long, even at 6:30 p.m. a flop, most theaters usually have While our party got too tipsy cheap wine and beer for a small W donation. to o bowl, we did spend two hours If you’re headed to Fort Mason on h r drinking expertly crafted hou cocktails, on a Friday night, you may run into in ntto o co coc o kta kttails ilils l eating fancy foods on sticks and enviously watching others throw Off the Grid, which takes over much mu uch ch off een nvio viou their the complex’s parking lot to accommodate mmo mm mo m odat da e da dat th the heir flu h fluorescent fluore uo orre ore r sce sccee bowling balls down the sc sleek hordes of hungry hipsters and the mo more m ore ree tha tthan th an n sle leeek ek lanes, la es, lan e , hoping es hopi ho p n against hope that we too pin might 40 food trucks serving offbeat ccu cuisine uisiine n m ht mi mig ht soon so soo oo on do do the the same.

That’s from their galleys. This can all Th tt’s Tha ’ss just jju u a glimpse of some “off the radar” be washed down with beer raadar” rad ar night spots in San Francisco, ar” but and cocktails available at bu u I encourage you to plan your own hunt of night spots multiple stands for ow wn scavenger s The Brown Jug Saloon and see what treasures you may somewhat reasonable prices. turn up. Whether you’re looking www.offthegridsf.com It seems that San Franciscans are forever riding for a shot of whiskey and a back-alley blowjob all for the trend wave, from scouting out the newest, spiciest under ten dollars, or expertly-made cocktails with food trucks to dive bars with cheap beer, or new crafty ingredients whose names you can barely pronounce, cocktail venues. Now, all this can be combined, with San Francisco has it all, and more. ✸

May 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 9

Sean Ray (2nd from right) and the cast of Cabaret to fight AIDS

Steven Underhill

RAY OF LIGHTd Cabaret to Fight AIDS Returns to The Rrazz Room • by David-Elijah Nahmod

F

or Sean Ray, the AIDS crisis has never ended.

The cabaret and former Gay Men’s Chorus performer has lived with the virus for many years. On May 14 and 15, Ray hosts Annual Cabaret to Fight AIDS at The Rrazz Room in San Francisco’s Hotel Nikko.

“I don’t like being preachy, but the kids don’t realize that a lot of what they have today is because of our struggles in the ‘80s and ‘90s,” Ray said in a telephone interview with BARtab. “They’re not ungrateful. They just don’t know.”

Ray has very vivid memories of those battles. “I’ve struggled at times with HIV,” he recalled. “But my health is really good now. It’s become a manageable illness if you have the resources. Things are easier in the Bay Area.”

But the picture wasn’t so rosy a while back. “I was a client at Project Open Hand for a brief time,” Ray said.

“When I walked in as a client, after having referred clients to them, they didn’t judge me. People had no idea that I had gotten to a point that I needed help to eat.” Later, Ray spoke at an Open Hand luncheon.

“Both experiences were so humbling.”

Ray has an extensive resume as a performer, and even appeared nude Off-Broadway. “I was with the Gay Men’s Chorus in New York for ten years. In the 1980s and ‘90s, we were doing a lot of memorial services. We were doing a West Coast tour and I fell in love with San Francisco. I met a San Francisco chorus 10 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

member, we fell in love, broke up, but I still moved here. It’s hard to leave once you’ve been here.”

Though he sang with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for one season, he now prefers performing in cabaret. In producing the Annual Cabaret to Fight AIDS, Ray says he’s trying to emulate the wonderful work being done by Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS in New York’s theater community. “I worked with God’s Love We Deliver and Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York. My friends were dying back then, so this is very personal for me.”

The title of this year’s AIDS Cabaret is No Day But Today, which is the finale number from the musical Rent. “I’ve pulled together singing friends of mine that I’ve worked with over the years,” said Ray. “We’ve got showtunes, pop, jazz standards, country, a little bit of everything. I know the singers very well, and I know their voices. They donate their time because they believe in the cause.”

Since its inception a decade ago, AIDS Cabaret has benefited service organizations such as San Francisco AIDS Foundation, UCSF AIDS Health Project, AIDS Life Cycle, Positive Being, Project Open Hand, among others.

“It’s such a great event,” said Ray. “I’m so proud to be a part of it. I hope Senator Mark Leno can come again. He came in 2002.”

Sean Ray urges people to do their part in combating the virus. “If you don’t have money, you can volunteer

your time,” he says. “There’s always something you can do to help others.”

Ray, hostess Donna Sachet, and a wonderful group of singers perform in an evening of song and comedy.

Annual Cabaret to Fight AIDS happens on Monday and Tuesday, May 14 and 15 at The Rrazz Room, at the

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skill,” said Barnaby. “We’ve been honing our craft for years, be it contortionism or juggling chainsaws. It’s not just entertainment. San Francisco is so appreciative of anything that diverges from mainstream culture.

And we like audience participation.”

Well, maybe not in juggling chainsaws, but lube wrestling participants are selected volunteers.

“There’s a thrill about being alive and participating, a risk of the chance of engagement,” said Barnaby of the events, and his troupe’s other gigs. “There’s a chance of failure; everyone’s holding their breath with anticipation. It’s just this ethereal moment that’s created, that can’t be recreated after the moment that brings them together.”

The April night of the great lightning is a great example. “It was just spectacular!” said Barnaby. “I

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason in San Francisco. $35 advance tickets, $40 at the door. $50 for reserved seating and a champagne reception. ✸ For more information, please visit: www.cabaray.yolasite.com

have a terror of doing shows in the rain, but people still came.”

Fortunately, their show wasn’t outside on the patio, but others enjoyed the thrill of being doused and potentially electrocuted outside while hunks slipped and slid in a lubey baby pool indoors.

Other preferred venues for the troupe’s more formal shows include vintage theatres and nightclubs with a sense of retro style, like the Palace of Fine Arts, or Bimbo’s. “We like venues that architecturally were the crème de la creme.”

The Bohemian Brethren can be seen monthly at Go Deep: For The Boys May 10 and June 14, at the Hayes Valley Follies (at Marlena’s, 488 Hayes St.) May 26 and June 23, and at Bootie at DNA Lounge (375 11th St.) on May 26. www.barnabysonline.com www.elriosf.com/472011-go-deep/ ✸

May 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 11

eON THE TA~B f ~ May 2012 ★

Girl in a Coma @ the Independent Rockin’ women’s trio performs. Pinata Protest and Sara Radle also perform. $15. 8pm. 628 Divisadero. www.theindependentsf.com w

Maureen McGovern @ The Rrazz Room Veteran music star sings contemporary hits and American V Songbook classics. $35-$45. 8pm thru May 5 May 6, 5pm.

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

Midnight Youth @ Brick & Mortar New Zealand pop band performs; also, Waterstrider and French Cassettes. No cover. 9pm. 1710 Mission St. www.midnightyouth.com www.brickandmortarmusic.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

Wed 2 ➠ Bear Bust @ Kok All-you-can-drink Bud Light, Rolling Rock draft. 8pm-12am.

1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Booty Call @ Q Bar Juanita More and Joshua J’s weekly night packs the intimate stylish bar with grooves and a groovy younger crowd. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.juanitamore.com www.QbarSF.com Draven Torres @ Nob Hill Theatre. See Fri 4

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

D’lysh @ Deco Lounge

Tue 1➠ 13 Licks @ Q Bar Weekly women’s night at the stylish intimate bar.

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

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm.

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

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

Mary-Go-Round @ The Lookout A fun weekly drag show with Suppositori Spelling, Mercedez Munro and Ginger Snap. $5. 10pm-2am.

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

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

Rookies Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Newbies get nude at the historic strip joint. $20. 8pm sign-up. 9pm show. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Wolf @ The Watergarden, San Jose Special night for furry men at the South Bay bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda.

(408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Thu 3 ➠ Girl in a Coma @ the Independent.

See Tue 1

12 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha The new weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night; special pre-Cinco De Mayo Show, with Kurt Weitzmann

$8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda.

(408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

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

Shirts Off @ Hole in the Wall Saloon $1 off any drink if ya doff yer shirt. 8pm-2am.

369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

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

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

550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

(out comic from MTV and Comedy Central), Miss Persia (Esta Noche’s Drag Diva), Marga Gomez, Milo Klein (the lederhosen guy) Dash Kwiatkowski. 8pm-9:30pm.

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

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

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men’s bath house.

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

Visiting Vintners @ Press Club Weekly wine-tasting event, with by-the-glass offering and tastings. Prices vary. 6pm-9pm. 20 Yerba Buena Lane betwn Market/Mission (next door to Contemporary Jewish Museum). 744-5000. www.PressClubSF.com

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Marga Gomez (left) and Miss Persia at Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha. See Thu 3

May 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 13

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 13

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Draven Torres @ Nob Hill Theatre Tattooed porn puppy performs his live and sexy strip act. $25. 8pm & 10pm. Also May 5. 729 Bush St. at Powell.

781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Rarebits @ Truck Unusual music mix night; 2nd Fridays, 6pm-10pm.

1900 Folsom St. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Weekly drag show with unusual acts. 10pm-2am.

399 9th St. www.studsf.com

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Hunky gogos at Club 21. See Latin Explosion May 4 & La Bota Loca May 5

Sat 5 ➠ Amy & Freddy @ The Rrazz Room Comic musical duo perform. $25. 10pm. 2-drink min.

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

Beef Bar @ Truck Shower guys, furry friends, DJ Brian Maier. 8pm-2am.

1900 Folsom St. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon

Fri 4➠

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

Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club

Bistroteque @ Café Flore

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. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

DJ Ken Vulsion spins tunes at the popular café-bar. 2 for 1 cosmos! 9pm-1:30am. 2298 Market St. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Blatino Oasis @ Palm Springs California’s largest gay men of color weekend, with parties, sexy porn events, gogo guys, strippers and more.

Thru May 6. www.blatinooasis.com

Club Vogue @ Raven 1990s videos and a fun crowd; DJs Porter, Granny, Sparkle and Panic. No cover. 9pm-2am. 1151 Folsom St. www.clubvoguesf.com

Friday Nights @ de Young Museum Weekly parties, live performances and quick art installations, paired with current shows, including the Jean Paul Gaultier couture/costume exhibit. Tonight: Tattoo Culture and Jazz. Free-$18 (tickets required for exhibit entry). 5:30pm-8:30pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.deyoung.famsf.org

Bliss @ W Hotel 25th anniversary gala fundraiser for Maitri Hospice, which provides care for people with life-threatening medical conditions. Enjoy drinks, wine-tasting, a silent auction, fashion show, dance music; MC Carmen MarcValvo and Donna Sachet; singers Connie Champagne and Wade Preston perform. $150 and up. 6pm-11pm. 181 3rd St. at Mission. www.maitrisf.org

Bloody Mary Bar @ Pilsner Inn Build your own nutritious beverage with a zing.

Every Saturday and Sunday, 10am-2pm. 225 Church St. www.pilsnerinn.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge Wild 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

Joe @ The Lookout

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland

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

Cinco de Mayo celebrations continue with live bands, DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials. $10-$15.

Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Kinky Beats @ Café Flore Sergio’s weekly DJ night at the popular café-bar. 2 for 1 martinis! 9pm-1:30am. 2298 Market St. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Special Cinco de Mayo weekend at the gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge). Happy hour 4pm8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

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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

Cockfight @ Underground SF Big fun; little bar. Delightful gogos. DJs Dconstrct and MyKill. $8. Free before 9:30pm. Open til 3am.

424 Haight St. www.cockfightsf.com

Indie dance party with DJs Six and Candy; 1st & 5th Saturdays. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Holla Day @ Truck Fake celebration theme night. No cover. 9pm-2am.

1900 Folsom St. 252-0306. www.trucksf.com

I Just Wanna F*ckin’ Dance @ Beatbox Dance music night at the newest SoMa nightclub, with DJs Derek Montiero, APG, hosts Sister Roma and Bebe Sweetbriar, with a performance by Anya Munro Alexander, plus gogo guys galore. $5-$15 ($35 VIP). 10pm-2am-ish.

314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Inferno @ Harlot Hot Flash women’s “mustache” dance party with DJ Wildfire. $10. 6pm-10pm. 46 Minna St. www.hotflashdances.com

Marin Theatre Company Gala @ Corinthian Yacht Club, Tiburon 45th annual benefit for the Marin Theatre Company’s artistic and educational programs; entertainment includes Celebrity/Playwright Challenge, with three actors performing three short plays; a silent auction, drinks, food and dancing. $225 and up. 6pm-11pm. 43 Main St., Tiburon. 388-5200. www.marintheatre.org

NCLR Gala @ Metreon’s City View The National Center for Lesbian Rights celebrates 35 years of supporting women’s rights; MCs comic Kate Clinton and Executive Director Kate Kendell; honorees include actors

Jane Lynch and Wilson Cruz. $90 and up. 8pm-12am.

4th St. at Mission. Pre-gala parties at 840 Wine Bar (840 Brewster) and Churchill (198 Church St.) 5pm-7pm (major donor dinner sold out). www.nclrights.org

Pollo de Mayo @ Lookout Fifth annual Cinco de Mayo celebration with Pollo Del Mar. DJ Byron Bonsall spins tunes. Enjoy gogo hombres, tecate, Coronoa and Margarita drinks, tacos and other food nibblies. $4. 9pm-2am. 3600 16th St. 431-0306. www.LookoutSF.com

Sassafras @ Hotel Shattuck Shotgun Players’ 21st anniversary gala fundraiser, with a Black, Red and White theme, drinks, nibbly things, and a gourmet dinner, a short play performance by Mark Jackson, auction items including vacation packages. $125 and up.

6pm-11pm. 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

Stallion @ Rebel Joshua J’s weekly night; DJ David Harness and Joey Jinks spin tunes while sexy gogo guys shake it and offer lap dances. $5-$8. 21+. 9pm-4am. 1760 Market St. at Octavia. www.joshuajpresents.com

Swimwear For a Cause @ Phoenix Hotel Project Inform’s fun fashion fundraiser includes a men’s swimwear fashion show poolside, a tequila bar, nibbles and taste treats, music by DJ DCM. $50-$500. 4pm-7pm.

601 Eddy St. www.projectinform.org

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Code @ The Stud

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

Kate Clinton @ Hoytt Theater, San Rafael The witty lesbian comic performs at a benefit for the Spectrum LGBT Center. $34-$45 general seating. $85/$340 for tables of four, with light fare and a visit with Kate.

6pm-8pm. Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, 200 North San Pedro Road. www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org

Kenny Garrett Quartet @ Yoshi’s Funk-flavored free jazz concert. $18-$22. 6pm & 8pm.

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

Michael Nelson @ the Rrazz Room Gospel and soul music concert. $25. 8pm. 2-drink min.

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

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm.

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

Sunday School @ The EndUp Kate Clinton at the NCLR gala Sat 5 and at the Hoytt Theater, San Rafael, Sun 6

Sun 6➠ All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge Ruby Holiday and Diva LaFever cohost the weekly night of newbies gettin’ nude. $100 cash prize! DJ Lambchop spins tunes. Contest 10:30pm. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

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

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

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

1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

Happy Hour @ Max’s, Corte Madera New weekly LGBT Marin social event, with deli food, drinks, and live music by the Rainbows and Rockets Band.

Portion of proceeds benefit the Marin AIDS Project. 7pm9pm. 60 Madera Blvd., Corte Madera. www.marinaidsproject.org

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

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

16 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

T-dance and beer bust at the famed disco. Enjoy the sunny/ heated patio (depending on the weather) and grooves by DJ Hawthorne and the Ghetto Disco crew. $5 cover. $3 drinks. 3pm-8pm. 401 6th St. www.theendup.com

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

395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Sundayz @ Beatbox Weekly beer & booze bust and T-dance, with a portion of proceeds going to various local AIDS/HIV and LGBT nonprofits. Enjoy the sunny skylight window and daytime dance floor. Fanners, flaggers and fun, too. $15 bust or $5 + cash bar. 3pm-7pm. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com Garrin Benfield performs at Acoustic Bistro.

See Mon 7

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

Supernova @ Truck Trivia show at the lil gay bar, with DJs Pork Sweats and Jimmy Swear. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

Tommy Igoe Band @ The Rrazz Room

Brian Jonestown Massacre @ The Fillmore. See Fri 11

Acclaimed local jazz drummer welcomes celebrity guest musicians. $25. 7:30pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Tue 8➠ Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Acoustic Bistro @ Osteria Roam Baur hosts a night of diverse acoustic jazz and folk solo musicians, including Garrin Benfield, Garrick Davis and Debbie Neigher. 7pm-10pm. 3277 Sacramento St. 771-5030. www.kcturnerpresents.com

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). 8pm-closing.

1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

Funny Mondays @ Deco Lounge Victor Torres hosts a comedy open mic night. 7pm-9pm.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

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

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

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

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

Valerie Simpson @ The Rrazz Room Singing partner of the late Nick Ashford performs a tribute concert. $45-$55. 8pm (7pm May 12 & 13; and 9:30pm May 12). Thru May 13. $25. 8pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

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

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

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Mon 7➠

Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

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week, Ronn Vigh, Rajeev Dar, Riah Gouvea, Susan Malleta, Marga Gomez. 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com

Go Deep @ El Rio Man on man lube wrestling in the pit (an inflatable mini-pool), porn guys, drag queens, clowns, Boylesque performances, DJ Drama Bin Laden and Cajun food! 2nd Thursdays. 8pm-12am. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Live Art Auction @ Chronicle Books Visual Aid’s annual art auction fundraiser, with champagne, dessert bar and other food and drinks. $75-$150. 6:30-9pm. 680 2nd St. www.visualaid.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

Fri 11➠ Brian Jonestown Massacre @ The Fillmore Amusing indie band performs old songs and new stuff from their CD Aufheben. $22-$32. 8pm. 1805 Geary St. www.thefillmore.com

Club Gossip @ Cat Club Lick It @ Powerhouse. See Fri 11

Hydrant @ Deco Lounge

Mixed gay-friendly goth-electro-retro-ish club night; monthly (2nd Sat.). $8. 21+. 9pm-3am. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

Early evening (7pm-9pm) monthly (2nd Wed) fundraiser for AIDS Emergency Fund. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Cubcake @ The Lone Star Saloon

Leathermen Party @ Rainbow Skate, Redwood City

Friday Nights @ de Young Museum

Leather folk and fetish fun on wheels, with DJ DAMnation (Demetri Moshoyannis) and Special K. Enjoy cheesy food, campy tunes and cool grooves. $9. 8pm-10:30pm.

1303 Main St. Redwood City. www.facebook.com/events/360155634021064/

Miracles Club, Honey Soundsystem @ 222 Hyde Exquisite combo dance music night, with DJs from Honey Soundsystem, Miracles Club and Robot Hustle performing live. $12. 8pm-2am. 222 Hyde St. http://spring-xtc-tour-222hyde.eventbrite.com/

Pit Stop @ Kok Hamisi DJs the popular happy hour, 6pm-9pm, where fun continues later. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Thu 10 ➠ Cocktail Challenge @ Lookout Third annual Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge, with bartenders competing to make the best signature drinks; patrons get giveaways, drink specials, and one lucky person wins a Palm Springs weekend getaway. No cover. 7pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha The new weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night: this

18 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

Bears, beer and cupcakes; second Fridays; DJ Medic. 9pm2am. 1354 Harrison St. 863-9999. www.lonestarsf.com Weekly parties, live performances and quick art installations, paired with current shows, including the Jean Paul Gaultier couture/costume exhibit. Tonight: Golden Gate’s Swingin’ 75th Birthday Bash. Free-$18 (tickets required for exhibit entry). 5:30pm-8:30pm.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.deyoung.famsf.org

Fuzzz @ El Rio Diverse crowd for an eclectic queer-friendly dance night with different themes. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com The Shondes @ Thee Parkside. See Fri 11

Rufus Wainwright @ Fox Theatre, Oakland. See Fri 11

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

510 Larkin St. www.decosf.com

Sat 12 ➠ Bearracuda @ Holy Cow 3/4ths of Rocket Collective (DJs Brian Maier, David Sternesky and Trevor Sigler) spin grooves at the beartastic dance party. $6-$8. 9pm-2am. 1535 Folsom St. www.bearracuda.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

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

Frolic @ The Stud

Lance Holman hosts the monthly kinky party, with “lickable” gogo guys and general sleazy fun. $5. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. 552-8659. www.powerhouse-sf.com

Men in Gear @ Kok New special leather-latex, kink-harness gear night. No khakis! 3rd Fridays. 10pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. www. kokbarsf.com

Rufus Wainwright @ Fox Theatre, Oakland Melodic gay singer performs new and older music at the splendidly designed theatre. Krystle Warren opens. $39-$45. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. www.rufuswainwright.com

The Shondes @ Thee Parkside Energetic Brooklyn-based band perform with Night Call, Dark Beach and Quiet Coyote. $8. 21+. 9pm. 1600 17th St. www.shones.com www.theeparkside.com

Hot & Healthy @ Café Flore Garza’s monthly (2nd Sat) benefit, raffle, show and HIV outreach night at the popular café-bar. 2 for 1 cosmos!

4pm-2am. 2298 Market St. 621-8579. www.cafeflore.com

Industry @ Beatbox Jamie J Sanchez and Stephan Grondin DJ the house dance night. $20. 10pm-4am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.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.

2

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Lick It @ Powerhouse

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

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Bijou@ Martuni’s Special Mother’s Day edition of the fun cabaret show, with hostess/accompanist Mrs. Trauma Flintstone, and guest vocalists Brooke Michael Smith and Kitten on the Keys.

Moms admitted free! $7. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.

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

Big @ The Stud Monthly dance party for big men and their friends (3rd Sundays). $5. 6pm-11pm. 399 9th St. www.phattestevents.com www.studsf.com

Happy Hour @ Max’s, Corte Madera Weekly LGBT Marin social event, with deli food, drinks, and live music by the Rainbows and Rockets Band. Portion of proceeds benefit the Marin AIDS Project. 7pm-9pm.

60 Madera Blvd., Corte Madera. www.marinaidsproject.org

Hella Gay Comedy @ 50 Mason Social House Charlie Ballard’s monthly very gay comedy night. This month, a Mother’s Day extravaganza, with Cassandra Gorgeous, Casey Ley, Steve Lee, Pearl Louise, Sandra Risser, Deb Campo and more. Extensitve beer menu. $10.

21+. 8pm. 50 Mason St. www.50masonsocialhouse.com

Honey Soundsystem @ Holy Cow

Laura Benanti @ The Venetian Room. See Sat 12

Laura Benanti @ The Venetian Room Tony Award-winning actress-singer (who starred in the recent Broadway revival of Gypsy ) performs Let Me Entertain You, her cabaret act of show tunes, Lady Gaga and even Vanilla Ice songs, interspersed with her personal stories. Robert Conte Thornton opens. $40-$45. 8pm.

The Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St. 392-4400. www.BayAreaCabaret.org

New Wave City @ Cat Club Synth night and tribute to New Romantic bands (Adam Ant, Duran Duran), with music videos and DJs Skip and Shindog. $7-$12. 9pm-3am. 21+. 1190 Folsom St. www.newwavecity.com

Splish @ Rebel San Francisco Tsunami Polo team’s annual wild shindig fundraiser, with guest MC Heklina, a swimsuit show, guest bartenders, raffles, prizes, Jell-O shots and aquatic hilarity.

Donations. 7pm-10pm. 1760 Market St. www.tsunamipolo.org www.rebel-sf.com

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

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The popular country western LGBT dance night holds a special Mother’s Day Ball. Bring your mom as a guest, and/or submit a photo of you with your mom to be shown on the club’s big screen: mothers@sundancesaloon.org. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

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

395-8595. www.harrydenton.com

Sun 13 ➠ Anti-Bullying Concert @ Palace of Fine Arts Broadway (and Glee ) star Brian Stokes Mitchell and the Yale Whiffenpoofs perform, with guests the Stanford Mendicants, in a choral concert with proceeds supporting New Conservatory Theatre’s anti-bullying Youth Aware program. $25-$125. 5pm. 3301 Lyon St. www.nctcsf.org http://ayayale.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=465453

20 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

Splish @ Rebel. See Sat 12

No Day But Today @ The Rrazz Room Sean Ray’s tenth annual Cabaret to Fight AIDS, with eight notable local singers performing witty and touching songs, plus special guest Donna Sachet. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand. $35-$50. 8pm. Also May 15. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.cabaray.yolasite.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

Supernova @ Truck Trivia show at the lil gay bar, with DJs Pork Sweats and Jimmy Swear. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

Tue 15 ➠ 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

Meow Mix @ The Stud

Mon 14 ➠ 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). 8pm-closing.

1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio Producer/host Lisa Geduldig welcomes comics Shazia Mirza, Marga Gomez, Jeff Applebaum, Brendan Lynch, $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. at Precita. www.koshercomedy.com www.elriosf.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

Weekly drag and variety show. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Clothing-optional event at the historic strip joint; includes entry for shows, arcade and refreshments. $20. 8pm-11pm.

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

Wed 16 ➠ Come To My House @ Deco Lounge Early evening (5pm-9pm) monthly (3rd Wed) fundraiser for the Trevor Project, with host Angelina Josephina Manacotti. $5. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Comedy Wednesdays @ George’s, San Rafael Marga Gomez MCs and does stand-up with her “funny lady friends” Karinda Dobbins, Amy Miller, Lydia Popovich and Shazia Merza. 8:30pm. 842 4th St. San Rafael.

226-0262. www.georgesnightclub.com

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Brian Stokes Mitchell at the Anti-Bullying Concert @ Palace of Fine Arts. See Sun 13

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fundraiser, with food, drinks, festively dressed supporters, a silent auction; awards given to Mayor Ed Lee and drag performer/activist Tita Aida. $100 and up. 6pm-11pm.

101 Henry Adams St. 292-3400. www.apiwwellness.org

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre Khaira Arby @ The New Parish, Oakland, Wed 17

Porn daddy Michael Brandon shares his big… talent in the Underground Playroom of the strip joint. $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

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

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

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

408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly raucous drag show with gogo guys.

9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Retro 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 18 ➠ ArtPad SF @ Phoenix Hotel D’lysh @ Deco Lounge Isa Manzanita hosts the weekly drag show at 10:30pm. No cover. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Khaira Arby @ The New Parish, Oakland Malian desert rock vocalist and her band perform their amazing traditional-contemporary “desert rock” songs. $10-$15. 9pm. 579 18th St. (510) 444-7474. www. myspace.com/khairaarby www.thenewparish.com

Art, entertainment and performances with DJed music, hosted bar (til 8pm), hors d’eouvres, Proceeds benefit the Burning Man Black Rock Arts Foundation. $30-$40, $125.

6pm-1am. 601 Eddy St. www.blackrockarts.org/events/artpad-sf

The Avengers @ Café DuNord Historic punk band (yeah, they’re a bit older, but so are you) performs live. Also Erase Errata and Carletta Sue Kay. $15. 21+. 9pm. 2170 Market St. 861-5016. www.cafedunord.com

Peter Asher @ The Rrazz Room British musician presents his 1960s biographical songshow. $40-$45. 8pm. Thru May 20, 7pm. 2-drink min.

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

Pit Stop @ Kok Hamisi DJs the popular happy hour, 6pm-9pm, where fun continues later. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

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

Thu 17➠ Bloom @ Galleria Design Center Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center’s eighth annual gala

22 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

The Avengers @ Café DuNord. See Fri 18

Shane Frost @ Nob Hill Theatre.

See Fri 18

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

Salsa Club @ Cafe Cocomo Same-sex dancing and lessons with a live band. 21+.

8:30pm-12am. 650 Indiana St. www.QueerBallroom.com

Shane Frost @ Nob Hill Theatre Talented porn hunk takes it all off onstage. $25. 8pm & 10pm. Also May 19. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Wild weekly drag show with SF’s most unusual talents.

10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sat 19 ➠ 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 Stellar vocalist performs her “SoulO-ist” concert. $30-$35.

7pm. Also May 19, 7pm; May 20, 4pm. 2-drink min.

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

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

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

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Clairdee @ The Rrazz Room

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night at a benefit for CCFA Camp Oasis and Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness. $20. 8pm. 628 Divisadero. www.theindependentsf.com

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

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

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

Mama’s 70th @ Beatbox Birthday celebration for Sandy ‘Mama’ Reinhart, the veteran fundraiser and iconic member of SF’s leather community. Donations; cake and beer bust. 3pm-8pm.

314 11th St. www.mamasfamily.org www.beatboxsf.com

Musique Gang Bang @ The Stud Live bands and DJs; 3rd Sundays. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Pansy Division @ Café DuNord Mama’s 70th @ Beatbox. See Sun 20

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

Sun 20 ➠ All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge Ruby Holiday and Diva LaFever cohost the weekly night of newbies gettin’ nude. $100 cash prize! DJ Lambchop spins tunes. Contest 10:30pm. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

Beer Bust @ 440 $8 a cup. Good times at the popular Castro bar. 3pm-8pm.

440 Castro St. www.the440.com

Confession @ Vessel Reason To Party’s monthly fundraiser and fab schmooze night for professional types. $40 and up. 6pm-11pm.

85 Campton Place. www.reasontoparty.org

Fab fun gay rock band performs; Swann Danger opens. $12. 21+. 8pm. 2170 Market St. 861-5016. www.cafedunord.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm.

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

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The popular country western LGBT dance night. $5. 5pm10:30pm 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

Mon 21➠ 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). 8pm-closing.

1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.holeinthewallsaloon.com

Daytime Realness @ El Rio The fun open-air drag show returns, with hostess Heklina, DJ Carnita, Stanley Frank, and drag acts, plus chicken and waffles! 3rd Sundays. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Flight to Mars @ The Independent Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Chronic Illness, Vendetta Red, Hydrophonic and other musicians perform a UFO tribute

24 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

Pansy Division @ Café DuNord. See Sun 20

concert with the Tammy L. Hall Quartet. $30. 8pm. Also May 22, 8pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Tue 22 ➠ 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

Meow Mix @ The Stud Weekly drag and variety show. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Wed 23 ➠ Booty Call @ Q Bar

Veronica Klaus @ The Rrazz Room. See Mon 21

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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

Funny Mondays @ Deco Lounge Victor Torres hosts a comedy open mic night. 7pm-9pm.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

Harvey Milk Club Soiree @ Beatbox Out of the Bars and Into the Streets, the LGBT political club’s 36th anniversary celebration, with food, drinks, live and DJed entertainment. $40 and up. 7pm-10pm.

314 11th St. www.milkclub.org www.beatboxsf.com

I Surrender @ Verdi Club Porchlight Storytelling Series hosts a wacky night of tales about giving in, giving up, letting loose and letting go, with Harold Atkins, Dennis Collinson, Heather Gold, Les Milton and Chris Von Sneidern. $15. 8pm. 2424 Mariposa St. at Potrero. www.brownpapertickets.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

Q Comedy @ Stage Werx Theatre Lisa Geduldig, Matina Bavis, Marie Lake, Bob Macintyre, Pippi Lovestocking, Dana Cory and Natasha Muse do LGBT standup. $8-$20. 8pm. 446 Valencia St at 16th. www.Qcomedy.com

Veronica Klaus @ The Rrazz Room Fab local chanteuse celebrates her new CD release in a

May 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 25

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 25

★

Fri 25➠ Friday Nights @ de Young Museum Weekly parties, live performances and quick art installations, paired with current shows, including the Jean Paul Gaultier couture/costume exhibit. Tonight, A Night of Jazz, Photography and Cocktails, From a Side Car to a Cable Car: Fashion, Photography and Music of the 1960s in celebration of Arthur Tress. Free-$18 (tickets required for exhibit entry). 5:30pm-8:30pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.deyoung.famsf.org

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland Gay Latin dance club (eight bars, more dance floors, lounge) shows off their gogo studs. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

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

1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Team Starkid @ Masonic Hall Musical theatre troupe ( A Very Potter Musical ), cofounded

by Glee star Darren Criss, performs live. Charlene Kaye opens. $30-$42. 7:30pm. 1111 California St. www.teamstarkid.com DJ Freshstep guests at Go Bang! @ Deco Lounge. See Sat 26

Werk @ Deco Lounge Tori Balenciaga hosts the Jock contest, with $100 prize, at the monthly male underwear party (4th Fri). $5. 9pm-3am.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com

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

Sat 26➠

The Dramatics @ The Rrazz Room

Carnival Festival @ South of Market

Smooth soul quartet performs classic songs. $35-$45.

8pm. May 24 & 25, 8pm. May 26, 7pm & 9:30pm. 2-drink min. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (800) 380-3095. www.TheRrazzRoom.com

Annual parade and street fair with a Brazilian theme, with live bands, craft, food and beer booths and other etnertainment. 10am-6pm. Harrison St. between 16th & 23rd. Parade May 27, 9:30am www.sfcarnaval.org

Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Go Bang! @ Deco Lounge

Old-school drag show (2nd and 4th Wednesday) at the classic Tenderloin bar. No cover. 10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com

The popular intimate disco dance night, with Residents Steve Fabus, Sergio Fedasz, welcome Robin Malone Simmons and Freshstep. $5. Free before 10pm. 9pm-3am.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.gobangsf.com www.decosf.com

Thu 24➠ Daddy @ Kok Daddies and their boys enjoy drink specials and porn entertainment. 10pm-2am. 1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

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

(408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge Cookie Dough’s weekly raucous drag show with gogo guys.

9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

26 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

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

Rocket @ Rickshaw Stop Rocket Collective’s (DJs Brian Maier, Trevor Sigler, David Sternesky and Mat dos Santos) monthly night of tech, deep house, acid house and other genres; with guerilla-style surprise performances and a Burning Man ambiance, with proceeds going to various Burning Man camps. Space Age and Playa gear encouraged. $7. 10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rocketsf.com www.rickshawstop.com

DJ Danny Verde at Hero @ Ruby Skye. See Sun 27

Hero @ Ruby Skye New monthly tea dance, with guest DJs UK producer Cahill in his SF debut, and Italy’s Danny Verde; also, locals Jamie J and Luke Johnstone. $25. 6pm-12am. 420 Mason St. www.industrysf.com

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

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

Sun 27➠ All-Male Amateur Strip Show @ Deco Lounge Ruby Holiday and Diva LaFever cohost the weekly night of newbies gettin’ nude. $100 cash prize! DJ Lambchop spins tunes. Contest 10:30pm. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.decosf.com

John Mclaughlin @ Café DuNord Pop-rock cutie sings new and favorite songs from his three CDs. $15-$17. 21+. 8pm. 2170 Market St. 861-5016. www.jonmcl.com www.cafedunord.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room

Beer Bust @ 440

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

$8 a cup; good times at the popular Castro bar. 3pm-8pm.

440 Castro St. www.the440.com

Tammy Hall Trio @ The Rrazz Room

DJ Kit and friends offer music, food and cheap drinks; 4th Sundays. 6pm. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Local band known for great back-up instrumentation performs their own concert. $25. 7pm. 2-drink min.

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

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Cognitive Dissonance @ The Stud

May 2012 • bartabsf.com • BAR★TAB 27

f eON THE TAB ~ ~from page 27

★

Mon 28 M 8➠ 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). 8pm-closing.

1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Funny Mondays @ Deco Lounge Victor Torres hosts a comedy open mic night. 7pm-9pm.

510 Larkin St. at Turk. www.decosf.com John Mclaughlin @ Café DuNord.

See Sun 27

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

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

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

Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Supernova @ Truck Trivia show at the lil gay bar, with DJs Pork Sweats and Jimmy Swear. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com

Tue 29 ➠ Barbara Cook @ The Rrazz Room Broadway icon performs an intimate concert of classic

28 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

songs. $50-$60. 8pm. Thru June 10; various times.

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

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey’s Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm.

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

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Enjoy strip shows in the comfort of your skivvies, or less. $20. 8pm-11pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 781-9468. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Wed 30 ➠ Bear Bust @ Kok All-you-can-drink Bud Light, Rolling Rock draft. 8pm-12am.

1225 Folsom St. www.kokbarsf.com

Barbara Cook @ The Rrazz Room.

See Tue 29

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

Mary-Go-Round @ The Lookout A fun weekly drag show with Suppositori Spelling, Mercedez Munro and Ginger Snap. $5. 10pm-2am.

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

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

Thu 31➠ Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha The new weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night.

This week, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, Shawn Robbins, Simone Campbell, Marga Gomez, Jesse Elias. 8pm-9:30pm.

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

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

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

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ To submit your June events, send by May 18 to BARtabSF@ebar.com

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

eBARchivef

Camille O’Grady

★

BAR QUEENd Camille O’Grady • by Dr. Jack Fritscher

N

o woman ever conquered SoMa bar culture more than Camille O’Grady. Gender-bending as a Jim Morrison lookalike leatherman in 1979, she placed third in the Brig’s “Mr. Leather Contest.”

As a biker, she gunned her Harley-Davidson through the aisles of the Leatherneck. As an artist, she helped her lover, iconic Oscar Streaker Robert Opel, re-conceptualize the bar art of Chuck Arnett, Lou Rudolph, and Jim Stewart to gallery legitimacy on the walls of Fey-Way Studio. Championing bar artists, Fey-Way was the first gay galley South of Market. Its 1978 founding re-branded “South of Market” into the trendy new acronym SoMa. Before Camille arrived on-scene, gay men’s acquaintance with women in leather began with Ann-Margret in Kitten with a Whip (1964) and ended with Ilsa: She-Wolf of the SS (1975), two cult favorites screened by the Ramrod to draw crowds on Tuesday nights. While Cynthia Slater (Society of Janus) preferred private dungeons to Folsom bars, O’Grady was a public sex and art provocateur. Hanging in 1960s Manhattan with Lou Reed, she both balled the young Robert Mapplethorpe and performed at CBGB before her arch-rival Patti Smith.

Brig owner Hank Diethelm, who fled Hitler’s Germany and later created his own pop-up Folsom Cabaret, booked Camille, who performed her baraction songs like “Toilet Kiss.”

Camille set the men’s bar scene on its ear. Hot 1970s bar culture was haute on exhibiting art. During that Titanic decade before the iceberg of HIV, I was editor of Drummer magazine, featuring different bars monthly. As an activist, Camille wrote to me defending edgy leather-bar exhibits, like artist Tom Hinde’s, from politically correct critics damning Folsom culture as a “hell of depravity” as described in The Sentinel.

She joined our diverse Drummer salon of artists, photographers, and writers like Thom Gunn, whose poems praised Folsom bar behavior. Like Christopher Isherwood romancing ‘Sally Bowles’ in 1930s Berlin, many 1970s leathermen pub-crawled with a straight hot girlfriend who was a player.

The beautiful O’Grady had a big personality 30 BAR★TAB • bartabsf.com • May 2012

and small hands. Her writing nailed bar culture. During the Brig contest, her leatherman drag confused a close friend who asked him/ Camille C Ca Cam amill lle O ll O’Grady ’Grrady ’Gr dy featured in an Ambush her, “Hey, man. You’re art exhibit flyer wearing all those long necklaces. I know Camille. How did you get her to part with them?” He/ she answered, “Darling, I am Camille.”

On March 3, 1979, leathermen jammed the Ambush for the opening reception of a photography exhibit by Jim Stewart, author of Folsom Street Blues. Ambush owner David Delay’s poster featured Stewart’s photograph of a ‘bead-dazzled’ Camille holding a phallic whip: “Special Guest Performance Camille O’Grady.”

Four months later, during mid-evening, July 7, two gunman entered Fey-Way, and forced Camille and a visitor to lie flat on the floor while they demanded money from Robert Opel who said, “Don’t hurt them.”

They killed him.

Even with O’Grady’s detailed courtroom testimony, Opel’s assassination remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of San Francisco. Emerging from witness protection, O’Grady is penning her memoir and appears in Robert Oppel’s Netflix documentary Uncle Bob, and in the books Hard Corps, Folsom Street Blues and Gay San Francisco, and at www.JackFritscher.com. ✸ © 2012 Jack Fritscher