Playtime

BOYS

SAME-SEX SALSA
A new Same-Sex Salsa course will start on Friday, July 31. Beginning at 7pm at 10 Brown Street in Newtown, the course costs $60 and goes for 6 weeks. Money raised from the course will go towards the club’s traveling costs to the Gay Games. info: samesexsalsa.com.au or call 0411 808 451.

PACIFIC COASTER
The Southern Cross Outdoors Group will experience a delightful steam journey along the Illawarra coast and Royal National Park for spectacular ocean views from the Stanwell Park amphitheatre. The journey will take place on Sunday, August 9. Tickets start at $90. info: 0407 934 740 or email [email protected].

ROAD TRIP
Gay4Play are going on a Hunter Valley Wine Tour on Saturday, August 15. Tickets are $160, which includes travel by bus, lunch at Tullochs, tastings at Petersons Wines and Echo Ridge and beverages on the way back to Sydney. There will be a stop over at the Kearsley Hotel. The coach will leave the Flinders Hotel at 8am. info: gay4play.com.au

NUDISTS
Gay Sydney Nudists is a social organisation for gay and bisexual male nudists. The next gathering is on Saturday, August 22 from 5pm in Petersham. Dinner is provided. Entry is $15. info: 4972 5357 or email [email protected] for more details and location.

MR LEATHER
Sydney’s Mr Leather Competition is on Sunday, 23 August at the Midnight Shift. Tickets are $10 at the door. If you would like to enter register your application by logging onto sydneyleather-pride.org or email [email protected].

MAGNET
Matured Aged Gays (MAG) mid week event, Magnet, is held every Wednesday night at the Taxi Club for dinner. Meals are served from 6:30pm. info: www.magnsw.org

CLUBS

LAUNCH PARTY
The launch party of Club Clockwork will take place this Thursday, July 30 at Club Shh! in Kings Cross. Doors open at 10pm with a $10 cover charge. A special $5 entry fee will apply for extreme fashion goers. The night will feature performances from Lady Elektra, Destiny Hazarrived and the burlesque talents of Sydney’s Mimi Monroe.

DOLPHINS
Western suburbs dance night Dolphins, is on this Saturday, August 1 at the Parramatta Golf Club. Doors opened at 8pm with entertainment from Cougar and DJ Rita. info: dolphinsdance.net

PENNY D
Penny D will perform with special guests at the Taxi Club on Saturday, August 1 from 11:30pm.
info: www.thetaxi.com.au.

WINTER DANCE
The Southern Cross Outdoors Group’s Winter Dance is on at the Marrickville Town Hall on Friday, 7 August. Doors open at 8pm with live band Skewiff. Tickets are $25 or $20 with Health Care Card. Table bookings and inquires on 9559 6196 or email
[email protected].

HEAVEN
GLBT social dance Heaven is on Saturday, August 8 at the Northmead Bowling Club. Drag shows by Beverly Buttercup, Gracie Lou, Lola del Arte and Sue Pernatural. Entry is $7 before 10pm or $10 after. info: heavensocialgroup.zoomshare.com

LEATHER PRIDE
The Sydney Leather Pride Association is holding Inqusition 17 on Saturday, August 15 at 202 Broadway and The Lansdowne Hotel. Doors open 9pm with DJs Mark Alsop, Sandi Hotrod, Chip, Kitty Glitter, George Roussos, Murray Hood and Justin Scott. Tickets are $65 for non-members.
Bookings from SaX Fetish.

COMMUNITY

LEMON TWIST
Lemons with a Twist is a monthly after work drinks function providing the opportunity to network and socialise. The next get together is on this Friday, August 1 at Slide. Doors open at 6pm. Entry is $10 for non-members. info: 0414 888 226 or [email protected].

TAP GALLERY
The TAP Gallery in Darlinghurst will hold a garage sale on Sunday, August 9. This is a chance for you to create space by getting rid of your everyday household clutter, handicrafts, bric-a-brac and making a few dollars in the process. Stores start trading at 11am. The cost is $25 per stall. If you’re interested in taking part, email at [email protected] or call 0419 012 186.

RAINBOW PARENTS
Rainbow Parents BM, a group of Blue Mountains lesbian mums and gay dads and their families who live from Penrith to Lithgow, will hold their next picnic at Wentworth Falls Lake on Saturday, August 8. info: [email protected]

INTIMATE GROUP
ACON will hold an Exploring Intimacy workshop for both men and women. The group is to provide a place where people can explore how intimacy affects our sense of self, our relationships and our community. The next men’s group starts on Tuesday, August 25 and the women’s group starts Wednesday, August, 12. Both courses run for 12 weeks. info: 1800 063 060 or www.acon.org.au.

COUNSELLING
The Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW is a volunteer based community service providing free, anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information and referral services and support groups for the GLBT community. Phone lines operate
seven days a week from 5:30pm to 10:30pm. info: 859 495 96

BEAR COMMUNITY
The HCB will hold their Bears on Sunday Membership Badge Draw every Sunday afternoon at The Flinders Hotel from 4pm. You have to be a current financial member to entry and be at the venue when your number is drawn.

DIARY

GENERATION Y
Newtown Idyll is an exhibition of paintings of Generation Y by artist Michael Fairweather. The showcase will be held at Gallery@28 in Woollahra. Fairweather uses a new style and creates dynamic images of the Net Generation at work and play. The exhibition opens Tuesday, August 11.
info: galleryat28.com.au

CLUB KOOKY PIG
Club Kooky are getting all piggy at their next party on Saturday, August 15 at Hermanns Bar. Doors open at 9pm. Performances from The Blush Foundation, Sideways Hitchhiker, Imogen Kelly and DJs Gemma and Seymour Butz. Ticket available from door.

SWAN LAKE
The Imperial Russian Ballet Company will perform Swan Lake during their first visit to Australia. You can catch the show on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September at the State Theatre. Bookings on 136 100 or through ticketmaster.com.au.

LISA BUDIN
Thanks to a voice like Karen Carpenter, Canadian singer Lisa Budin has put together a Carpenters show called Remembering the Carpenters. With a seven piece band by her side, Budin will visit the Sydney Opera House on Saturday, October 17. Last year was a sell-out, so get your tickets quickly. Bookings on 9250 7777 or online at sydneyoperahouse.com

SCULPTURE PRIZE
Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize is the only national prize for free standing sculptures up to 80cm. The award of $10,000 will be announced on Friday, October 23 followed by a free public exhibition of finalists to run from October 24 until November 1.
info: sculptureprize.woollahra.nsw.gov.au

FREE

GLEBE SESQUICENTENARY
The Glebe Sesquicentary Celebration Day is on Sunday, 2 August in Glebe. The day includes an interdenominational service at St John’s Church, burial of a time capsule and tours of the former Valhalla Cinema.
info: glebesociety.org.au

DISCUSSION TIME
One of Australia’s most influential thinkers, Professor Peter Singer will talk on the ethics and practicalities of living sustainably on Tuesday, August 4. Singer will also take part in a panel discussion with Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, Kylie Kwong, Bronwyn Darlington and Bernard Carlon. The talk starts at 6:30pm at the State Theatre. info: Tickets are free and available from on 136 100 or ticketmaster.com.au

ROCKING IT UP
On Friday, August 7, Sydney-band Red Riders will perform at the The Wharf Sessions. This gig is part of the regular series of free post-show gigs at Sydney Theatre Company’s harbourside home in Walsh Bay. The show starts at 10:30pm.
info: sydneytheatre.com.au

CELEBRATE REDFERN
2009 marks 150 years since the proclamation of Redfern as a municipality. On Saturday, August 8 the suburb will celebrate and futher contribute to the area’s history at the Redfern Town Hall. Join in the celebrations from 10am by dropping in to share your memories, stories, photographs and memorabilia with City of Sydney Historian, Lisa Murray. info: 9265 9102

BIKE SYDNEY TWILIGHT RIDES
Every second Tuesday of the month Bikes Sydney meets at the GPO steps in Martin Place for a twilight ride. Departing at 6pm, the group rides for two hours. info: [email protected] or bikesydney.org/new.

GIRLS

BANK HOTEL
On Wednesday, 29 July, DJs Beth Yen and Miss Gee will play at the Bank Hotel’s girls night. Doors open at 8pm and entry is free.

KICKBOXING COURSE
GLMA Martial Arts club will start a new Kickboxing class on Thursday, July 30 at Erskineville Town Hall. The course is $60 for 6 weeks with all kung fu classes free for the duration of the coruse. info: glmartialarts.com.au or call 0411 808 451.

PICNIC TIME
Experience the ultimate ladies lunch with the Girls’ Picnic on Saturday’s at The Gazebo. Gather the girls for a picnic lunch in the garden for a $35 set menu and bubbles on arrival. Bookings are taken from 12pm.
info: gazebowinegarden.com.au

BETTY’S TURN
It’s Betty’s Turn at Manacle on Friday, August 28. Kicking off from 9pm, the night will feature DJs Jasmine and Mariam with an hour performance from The Lady Sings It Better.
info: 95600400.

GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT
After the resounding success of the first Girls’ Night Out at Caffe Bean in Blackheath, another night has been scheduled for Thursday August 6. Bookings essential for catering purposes and space. info: 4787 5958

BUSH LEMONS
On Saturday, August 8, Bush Lemons will go on a medium level-five hour trek. The bush walk will start at Lawsons Long Alley and Coxs Road in Mt Victoria. The day wll also include a walk through Hartley Vale. info: 0414 572 991

LEMON ZEST
Lemon Zest is a new Blue Mountains lesbian social group. The group organises regular outings, picnics, activities, dinners, discussions, and barbecues. Join their email list to be keep informed of upcoming events and regular meetings. info: [email protected]

ON SCREEN

SEASON RETURN
The second series of hit television show The Librarians will premier on ABC1 this Wednesday, 5 August at 9pm. Starring husband and wife team Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope, it’s definitely a highlight of the weekly TV viewing schedule. Gay character Ky, played by Keith Brockett, makes a return, adding to the show’s hilarious mixture of comedy and chaos. info: abc.net.au/tv/librarians/

SEARCH FOR FILMMAKERS
Time is running out for aspiring filmmakers to enter films into the prestigious DigiSPAA digital filmmaking competition. The winner will take away a cash prize of $15,000, $20,000 for post-production and a guaranteed screening of their film on the Movie Extra channel. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, September 18.
info: spaa.org.au.

EAST OF EVERYTHING
You can catch the second series of Australian drama series, East of Everything, on Saturday nights from 7:30pm. Filmed in Byron Bay, the show is incredibly entertaining thanks to its cast of well-known actors. info: abc.net.au/tv/eastofeverything/

AUSTRALIA’S PREFECT COUPLE
Featuring long-term gay couple Robbie and Dan, Australia’s Perfect Couple is on every Wednesday night on Channel Nine from 7:30pm. Ruby Rose is also one of the panelists on the show.

DOUBLE BILL
Che (Part One): the Argentine and Che (Part Two) : Guerrilla will be screening as a double bill in Australian cinemas – one ticket will provide entry to both films. Steven Soderbergh’s two-part Che Guevara epic tracks the charismatic revolutionary as he joins Fidel Castro’s band of Cuban exiles to his eventual capture and execution during an ill-fated attempt at revolution in Bolivia. info: In cinemas nationally from October.

BARS

MIXED FROOTS
The Mixed Froots Social night is on at the Boulevard on Beaumont in Hamilton this Friday, July 31. Doors open at 5:30pm. Gold coin donation.
info: rainbowvisions.org.au

FLINDERS HOTEL
Pre-Loved, formally known as Red Light Disco, will premier downstairs at the Flinders Hotel on Saturday, August 1. DJs include Beatrix and Scottie Lupton. Upstairs will see another new night called Reaction with DJ’s playing a mix of modernist classics, Tamla Motown, Northern Soul, Ska and reggae. Doors open a 9pm.

DIVA FUNDRAISER
On Saturday, August 1, the DIVA Awards will hold a fundraiser called Drag! Drag Drag! at The Oxford Hotel from 9pm. Entry is $10, which get you into all three levels. Performances from top drag queens all night.

JBEAR
Jbear will perform in the Outbar at the Clarence Hotel on Sunday, August 2. The gig starts at 6pm and the bistro will also be open for dinner. info: 95600400.

QUEER NIGHT
It’s Queer Night at The Hotel Gearin on Sunday, August 9. Performances from The Blush Foundation, Valentine with special guests the Blue Mountains Ghawazi Caravan belly dancing troupe. Doors open at 9pm and entry is $10.

SOCIAL DINNER
Three Sisters Social Group is based in the Blue Mountains and will hold their monthly dinner on Tuesday, 11 August at Leura House. Dinner starts at 7pm. The meal consists of two courses but please RSVP a week before. $30 for members, $25 concessions. Three Sisters Social Group’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 14. info: email wbrash@bigpond

SONGS

BERTIE BLACKMAN
Australia’s new indie darling Bertie Blackman is gearing up to kick-off her huge national tour, following the release of her new album Secrets and Lies. You can catch Blackman at the Gaelic Theatre on Friday, August 7. She will be supported by Hungry Kids of Hungary and singer/songwriter Kimbra. Tickets are $25 from the door.

TIM DRAXL
Tim Draxl, one of Australia’s cabaret stars, returns to Sydney with 7 shows at The Supper Club in Sydney from Tuesday, August 11. Draxl will perform a classy new show that salutes the musical influences on his life, featuring music from Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett and Sarah Vaughan. Bookings on moshtix.com.au.

SHELLY HARLAND
Notes Live in Newtown has anounced that Sony BMG artist, Shelley Harland, will perform each Tuesday night throughout August with special guest and supports to be announced. General admission tickets are $10 + BF. Doors open at 7pm. info: noteslive.com.au.

AIMEE MANN
LA based singer and songwriter, Aimee Mann, will perform at the Enmore Theatre on Friday, September 4. The artist known for her exquisite and understated pop songwriting skills will be joined by Ben Lee. info: Bookings on ticketek.com.au or call 132849

EXTRA SHOW
Due to demand Seal has announced his forth and final Sydney show on Tuesday, November 17 at the State Theatre. Tickets go on sale Thursday, August 6. Bookings on ticketmaster.com.au or phone 136 100.

HOMEBAKE
Tickets for Homebake will go on sale on Monday, August 17. The festival will celebrate it’s 15th anniversary this year with special guests Sia, Daniel Merriweather, Sarah Blasko and Short Stack. info: www.homebake.com.au

STAGE

THOM PAIN
Thom Pain (based on nothing) is an extraordinary theatre treat -“ part stand-up comedy, part existential meditation and part elegy for a lost love affair. Starring Luke Mullins (War of the Roses, The Eisteddfod), the production opens on Thursday, 30 July. Tickets start at $23. info: 9699 3444 or belvoir.com.au.

POPPEA
Barrie Kosky’s Poppea is based on Monteverdi’s final opera, L’Incoronazione Di Poppea and will play for an exclusive three-week season at the Sydney Opera House from Thursday, August 6. Described by a critic as -˜group sex of the genres’, the show is performed on stage by an ensemble of musicians, including Kosky on piano. Tickets start at $57. Booking on 9250 7777 or online at sydneyoperahouse.com

MUSICAL JOURNEY
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs will take audiences on A Choral Pilgrimage of some of Sydney’s most beautiful and intimate churches from Friday, 21 August. Celebrating the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the choir will perform at six iconic churches across Sydney. info: 9251 3115

REBECCA
The Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group is commemorating the 70th Anniversary of Daphne DuMaurier’s gothic romance, Rebecca, with a new production directed by Drew Mason. Presented at the Strathmore Community Hall from Thursday, August 20, the production will play for a limited season. Tickets start at $15. Bookings on 93795348 or log onto stagtheatre.org/reservations.

FLAMENCO DANCER
Following on from her successful European and American tours, the legendary Seville based flamenco dancer, Eva Yerbabuena returns with her new show, Yerbabuena, to the Sydney Opera House. Kicking off on Thursday, August 27, her Sydney tour will last for three nights only. Tickets start at $699. Bookings on 9250 7777 or log onto www.sydneyoperahouse.com/eva.

RAINBOW END
Rainbows End is a new play by Jane Harrison, staring Christine Anu, and will have its Sydney debut at the Riverside Theatres on Saturday, August 29. Rainbow’s End is a testament to the transformative power of learning. While set in another era, indigenous Australians and members of other marginaised groups will find relevance in its message. Booking on 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au.