Playtime

FOR BOYS

ROMEO GETS MACHO
Shakespeare’s R&J is a bold, testosterone-pumped reimagining of Romeo and Juliet playing at the Seymour Centre until July 3. The production is set in an all-boys’ high school, with teenage hormones bubbling over as the characters explore the love in the ancient play. info: www.seymourcentre.com
LOOKING FOR LOVE
ACON is running a new, six-week workshop from Wednesday July 7 at 6.30pm titled Looking For Mr Right: a single man’s guide to exploring relationships. You’ll learn about developing social networks, discuss dating dos and don’ts, learn about HIV, sexual health, intimacy and communication. To enquire or enrol, contact 9206 2000, [email protected] or visit www.acon.org.au/workshops
GET SWEATY
Men, music and muscles come to Phoenix on Saturday July 3 for Sweat, with DJs Mitch Crosher and Robbie Lowe on hand to play the dark, sweaty dance floor tunes to get the crowd pumping. The party runs from 11pm-late, $20 on the door. info: www.music4men.com.
GAY NUDISTS
Gay Sydney Nudists is a social organisation for gay or bisexual male nudists. It hosts parties at members’ homes, dinners at restaurants, harbour cruises and any other legal activities the committee decides upon. info: To join the group call 4972 5357 or email [email protected]
STEAMY SPECIALS
Kingsteam sauna and spa is offering specials for guys who visit the sex-on-premises venue at certain times. Mondays are $5 entry day, Tuesdays are tight-arse $10 entry, Wednesdays are 2-4-1 entry day. The specials continue all week, so visit www.kingsteam.com for all the details.
FROSTY FRUITS
This year’s Frosty Fruits gay and lesbian skiing trip will be held from August 19-22 at the Hotham Alpine Resort in far north-eastern Victoria. Organisers are currently organising package and transport details for the trip, so visit the event’s booking website on www.pointsofdifference.com

FOR GIRLS

RUNAWAY ROCKERS
Starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning — both playing very much against type — The Runaways is a raw, searingly honest look at the quick rise — and even quicker fall — of 1970s all-girl rock band The Runaways. Stewart and Fanning even share a steamy on-screen kiss, girls. The film opens nationally on July 14.
BIRTHDAY BITCH
Regular girls’ night Bitch celebrates its fifth birthday on July 2 with a huge Playboy Mansion-themed party at the Oxford Art Factory. There’ll be dancers, DJs, live performers, and more. As usual, dressing up is encouraged — embrace the Playboy theme and you could go home with a great prize. info: www.bitchnews.com.au
CARERS NEEDED
Have you thought about becoming a foster carer? There are around 16,000 kids in NSW who can’t live with their birth family. That’s why the Benevolent Society is seeking a range of foster carers across Sydney who can help to transform these children’s future. Remember, all kinds of kids need all kinds of carers. To find out more, call 9504 6694 or visit www.fosterachild.org.au
FASTER PUSSYCAT
Fancy Piece hosts a weekly night for women and trans, with all queers welcome, at the Supper Club every Saturday. The Pussycat Club hosts sexy DJs, with free entry, and shows at 11pm and midnight. info: www.theoxfordhotel.com.au
GAY GRANTS
Lesbians Incorporated (LINC) provides financial backing to lesbians and lesbian-friendly organisations through its community grants scheme. Lesbians and lesbian-friendly organisations may apply for grants up to $500 at any time. About every 18 months, LINC will fund one large grant of up to $10,000. LINC is a not-for-profit community organisation managed entirely by volunteers. info: www.lincgrants.org.au
CREATIVE NETWORKS
Creative Womyn Down Under (CWDU) develops and supports opportunities for women to participate in creative experiences. Their vision, ‘Connecting Womyn and Creative Expression’, is about developing networks and friendships amongst creative women in Australia. info: www.creativewomyn.net

CLUBS

HOLY HILARITY
The cast that brought you Country Ladies and All in a Gay’s Work present their new production Getting Nun! on Thursdays at the Midnight Shift. Starring Sister Tora Hymen, Sister Charisma Belle and Mother Superior Minnie Cooper as your naughty (but nice) brides of Christ. Showtimes 10.30pm and 11.30pm. Costumes courtesy of Kirsten Damned and Mitzi Macintosh. Soundtrack by Tora Hymen. Choreography by Minnie Cooper and Charisma Belle.
FIND SANCTUARY
Head to the Clarence Hotel on July 3 for Sanctuary Dance Party, an all-inclusive night of dancefloor mayhem. Kicking off at 9.30pm, DJs Ensel and Lyndsay Le Strange will provide the tunes, plus there’ll be live drag shows. $10 entry.
WINTER BALL
Rainbow Visions presents its annual winter ball at Newcastle City Hall on Saturday, July 17. The annual winter ball is held as a fundraiser for the Rainbow Festival in November. This year’s theme is Studio 54, with comedienne Denise Gold and Newcastle’s own Peter Allan hosting the night as well as live music by all-girl band The Frocks. Tickets are now on sale for $115 per person at ACON on Maitland Rd, Islington.
LOONEY PARQ
Get crazy at Sydney’s hottest Sunday night out, Looney Parq, at Arq. Includes Looney Parq, the new drag spectacular starring Kitty Glitter, Charisma Belle, dancers Antony and Josh, plus spectacular shows in the Arena between 1am and 2am. Be quick though, because Looney Parq is into its final weeks – the new show Amaonia opens on July 11. Doors open 9pm, entry $5.
SEX TALK
On Fridays, Stonewall Hotel gets deliciously cheeky when Verushka Darling hosts Let’s Talk About Sex. Also featuring a Wicked tribute show starring Minnie Cooper, Tora Hymen and Antony, it’s a fun-filled way to let off a bit of steam at the end of the working week. $5 cover charge after 9pm, but VIP cardholders get in free. Stonewall Hotel, 175 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. info: www.stonewallhotel.com

COMMUNITY

JUST RELAX
The Sydney Gay Meditation group has launched a weekly intermediate session, held each Monday night from 7.30pm. It’s a social gathering of GLBT and GLBT-friendly people interested in spiritual development. During the 45 minutes of silence in each class, participants are welcome to practise any meditation technique they wish. The group meets at Meditation Space, Level 1, 99 Crown St, East Sydney. info: www.sydneygaymeditationgroup.com
SUPPORT NEEDED
The Ankali Project is recruiting volunteers to provide emotional and social support to people living with HIV/AIDS. The next volunteer training workshop is being held over 10-11 July and 17-18 July 2010. If you’re friendly and accepting, can spare some time each week and can commit to the project for six months, please call 9332 9742 or email Ankali at [email protected]
TAKE THE STAIRS
Australia’s ultimate annual stair climb event, the Sydney Tower Run-Up, is taking place on Friday, July 23 (registrations close Friday, July 16). More than 700 competitors race from Pitt Street Mall up the 1504 stairs to the Observation Deck of Sydney Tower to compete for a total prize pool of more than $25,000. It’s not quite as taxing as you’d think — the average race time is less than 15 minutes. info: www.sydneytowerrunup.com.au
POSITIVE POTTERY
Thanks to a matching grant from the City of Sydney, the Blacktown Outdoors Group will soon start free pottery classes for people living with HIV/AIDS, culminating in an exhibition at St Vincent’s Hospital for World AIDS Day. Classes will run at Pine Street Creative Arts Centre, Chippendale, from July 29. Learn pottery and meet new friends in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. info: www.blacktownoutdoorsgroup.com.au

DIARY

SISTERS ARE TOP
Everyone’s favourite queer party starters, the Scissor Sisters, are coming to Australia in July to showcase songs from their killer new album, Night Work. Appropriately for a band who don’t shy away from singing about gay sex, they’ll play at the Big Top in Luna Park on Tuesday July 27. info: www.bigtopsydney.com
DAISY DARES
Driving Miss Daisy is a heart-warming comedy best known as the Academy Award-winning film starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman. Returning to the original Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play written by Alfred Uhry, this touching story about humanity is playing at Riverside Theatres from August 31 to September 4, with Debra Lawrence (aka Pippa from Home and Away!) in the title role. info: www.riversideparramatta.com.au
GETTA BETTA GARDEN
Better Homes and Gardens Live is a major new experiential event based on the award-winning Better Homes and Gardens brand, taking place at the Sydney Showground, Olympic Park, on October 15-17. This new event includes a range of interactive seminars, workshops, celebrity talks and free samples. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
COAST OUT
Coffs Harbour plays host to a new gay and lesbian festival in October, CoastOut. Held from October 29-31, the three-day festival will include sport, arts and cultural events, plus a range of great parties. For more information, visit www.coastout.com.au
DELPHIC DELIVERY
Delphic’s debut album, Acolyte, has amassed plaudits from all over the globe, its glistening modern spin on the famed Madchester state of mind all over tracks like Doubt, Counterpoint and Halcyon. Likewise their live act is a celebration of light and technology — catch it for yourself when the band play at the Gaelic on August 3. info: www.thegaelic.com

FREEBIES

ROCK OUT
The Read Palm press presents a new series of events within the Oxford Art Factory gallery, Up Late With Jim Shirlaw! The series starts on Thursday, July 1, when Brazilian expat Cabaret Callado will set the mic alight. Headlining is the one-man wall-of-sound with mind-boggling dance moves; no else but the illustrious Kirin J Callinan. The event begins at 11pm, and entry is free.
SCOTT & CHARLENE
Exhibiting a selection of album covers he painted for Scott and Charlene’s Wedding’s first record Para Vista Social Club, Craig Dermody’s new show will give unique insight into a practice that oscillates between art and music. The exhibition runs from July 1 – August 8 at the Somedays Gallery in Surry Hills. info: www.somedays.com.au
WILDLIFE WARRIOR
After a successful showing in Melbourne, acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Brandt is bringing his vision to Sydney in an exclusive exhibition. A Shadow Falls is a complex and deep portrait of African wildlife, showing at the Shapiro Gallery in Woollahra until July 7.
WINTER WONDERLAND
All the magic of a glittering European winter market, and much more, comes to Sydney for CarriageWorks’ first ever Winterland festival this July. Throughout the month, the old Eveleigh railyards will transform for a winter festival boasting an indoor ice rink, live music and hot new bands, a design, arts and craft market, fabulous food stalls serving alpine cuisine, dancing, and karaoke. info: www.carriageworks.com.au
FRESH FRUITS
Here’s a welcome change for residents around Oxford St: waking up on a Saturday morning to fresh fruit and vegetables at Taylor Square, not last night’s drunks. The weekly farmers market is now running every Saturday from 8am-1pm.

ON SCREEN

CANADA ON SCREEN
Possible Worlds, Sydney’s Canadian Film Festival, celebrates its fifth big year this August. The first and only annual Canadian film festival outside Canada, Possible Worlds unfolds from August 2 to 8, running a week of film premieres, filmmaker Q&As, industry talks and parties. Dendy Opera Quays and Dendy Newtown are the host cinemas and are joined by a multitude of site-specific screenings and parties around Sydney. info: www.possibleworlds.net.au
CAUGHT SHORT
On July 1, Caught Short serves up a range of films covering all things in your face and personal. Exploring topics like cultural displacement, drug abuse and dog walking, this month’s films are sure to stir the juices and get you cheering or yelling. As always, they’ll be grilling the filmmakers after their films so you’ll get the chance to have your say or demand some answers! It kicks off at 7.30pm at the TAP Gallery in Darlinghurst.
RUSSIANS ON FILM
The Russian Resurrection Film Festival returns to the Chauvel Cinema from August 19, presenting a diverse selection of box-office hits and award-winning new releases, from epic dramas and warm romantic comedies to political satires. The full line-up will be announced in July. info: www.chauvelcinema.net.au

SHE’LL CUT YOU
The Australian straight-talking, perfectly coiffed Tabatha Coffey is back to transform the lives and businesses of salon owners in the second season of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, premiering Monday, July 5 at 8.30pm on FOXTEL’s Arena channel. Love her or hate her, Tabatha’s expertise is indisputable, and she certainly knows how to put shoddy hairdressers in their place.
COOKING WITH YIANNI
Yianni’s City Life is a cooking show with a difference: host Yianni profiles different community organisations, charities, artists, entertainers, and guests each week. It screens on Monday nights 8pm, then repeated Wednesday mornings 8.30am, and Fridays at noon, all on TVS.

PUBS + BARS

CALL OOO!
Every Wednesday from 9.30pm, the Midnight Shift presents the fun-filled Triple Oh! show. Starring Summer Salt, Millie Poppins and Ripley Waters, this hilariously fabulous show is playing for a limited time only. Free entry.
CHIC SUNDAYS
Celebrate Sundays in style with Chic Sundays at the Beresford Hotel from 3pm. Hosted by Decoda Secret with special guests each week, with DJs Murray Hood, Kitty Glitter, Jimmy Dee and many more. Happy hour is from 5pm-7pm, with $5 pints and spirits. info: www.theberesford.com.au
COMEDY CAPERS
Monday night is comedy night at the Fringe Bar on Oxford St, with an ever-changing line-up of comedians each week. On Monday, July 5, catch Fast Jimmy, Mick Meredith and Steve Philp. The show starts at 10pm. Bookings: 9360 5443
EL CIRCO
Held on Saturday nights at Slide, El’Circo is a unique dinner theatre event, designed by and produced exclusively for the venue. It is an experience that combines the distinctive eclecticism and skill of Sydney’s performance art with the matchless charm and flavour of Parisian cabaret — all presented while you enjoy great food and drink. info: www.slide.com.au
HONKY TONK
Honky Tonk Thursday is the latest addition to the Surry Hills nightlife, with Decoda Secret hosting and producing shows with some local talent from the Oxford St strip each week. Plus, there’s a rotating roster of hot DJs. It all happens each Thursday night at The Black Boater, 6 Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills.
HAPPY FRIDAY
Fridays just got a whole lot more fun with Cargo Bar’s new weekly event, Good Fridays. Each week, a sexy line-up of resident DJs including Rogers Room, Murray Lake, Miss T and Ember keep the tunes going all night long. There’s also an exotic cocktail list and tasty bar snacks. info: www.cargobar.com.au

SONG

CHECK YOUR MAP
Gearing up for the release of their debut album Wire Empire in October, Mr Maps has just released its double A-side single Nice Fights. To coincide with the release, the Brisbane instrumental quintet has announced an extensive single launch tour throughout the next month. Sydney fans can catch them at the Excelsior on July 8 or World Bar in Kings Cross the next night. info: www.lofly.com/mrmaps
CLARE’S LADYGARDEN
Bringing a unique and rare show to the Sydney Opera House’s House Cabaret season, flame-haired songstress Clare Bowditch will be the first in the And Friends series for 2010 which gives established artists the chance to present an evening of song with invited musicians they have either collaborated with or would just like the opportunity to jam with. Clare will be joined by her all-girl back-up singers – her ‘Ladygarden’ – for three performances from July 2-4. info: www.clarebowditch.com
BOBBY RAY ARRIVES
Rapper B.O.B. already has two smash singles under his belt from his debut album The Adventures Of Bobby Ray — Nothin’ On You and the latest hit, Airplanes. Now, the rapper with the breakneck flow and the soulful singing voice is coming to Australia. Catch him at the Metro Theatre on July 20. Tickets through Ticketek.
JUST THE TING
British pop duo the Ting Tings will bring their bright, bold melodies to Sydney for a one-night-only performance on July 28 at the Enmore Theatre. The That’s Not My Name hitmakers will play songs from their debut album and preview fresh material from their soon-to-be-released follow-up, the rather oddly-titled Massage Kunst. Tickets are on sale through Ticketek.

STAGE

BIG BROTHER
Gerry is a documentary filmmaker who, one day each year, follows five children around with a camera. The results are shown annually on television. For the children who grow up under Gerry’s (and the nation’s) watchful eyes, the experience creates its own dynamic. Spanning more than 20years, Nick Enright’s play The Man With Five Children invites you into a world of fractured celebrity and distorted vision. It opens at Zenith Theatre on July 17. Bookings: 9777 7547.
LATE-NIGHT LAUGHS
Late Night Lounge is a monthly rock’n’roll, variety, cabaret, chat show experience that brings together both the famous and the infamous at the Sydney Opera House. For the next Lounge on July 10, the line-up includes comedian Charlie Pickering, French chanteuse Caroline Nin, aerial and circus artists Aerialize, musical comedy trio Axis of Awesome and a special encore performance by home-grown cabaret star iOTA. info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com

MODERN CLASSIC
Sydney Theatre Company hosts one of the world’s greatest ensembles, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, with the production of August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, directed by Anna D Shapiro. Hailed as the first American classic of the 21st century, the play is an entertaining, meticulously detailed and deeply moving tragicomedy of family dysfunction. It plays from August 13 to September 25 at the Sydney Theatre. info: www.sydneytheatre.com.au
TREVOR TAKE ON
Trevor Ashley brings the world premiere of I’m Every Woman to the Sydney Opera House’s Studio from July 7-10. Blessed with the vocal chops to deliver your favourite divas and the lamb chops to fill out their costumes, Ashley brings his award-winning talents to the first venue where they don’t need to clean the seats after the performance. Expect hilarious, faithful renditions of hits by the likes of Judy, Dusty, Whitney, Tina, Cher and Liza. info: www.sydneyoperahouse.com