THU.JUN. 15
Broadway Bares Exhibit
Gallery 138 is pleased to present “Bare Exposures: Behind the Scenes on Broadway,” an exhibition of photographs to benefit Broadway Cares/EFA by Rivka Shifman Katvan. Through June 23 at Gallery 138, 138 W. 17th St. 5th Fl. Wed.– Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 212-633-0324 or gallery138.com.
The Culture Of Queer
Leslie/Lohman’s first collaboration with a major exhibitor in the U.S highlights J.B. Harter, a Louisiana artist who came out of the closet late in life and died young, and is supplemented by work from nine other queer Louisiana artists as well as by 27 works from the permanent collection of Charles Leslie and Friz Lohman, who have been collecting and displaying erotic male art for thirty years. 26 Wooster St. at Grand St. Tue.-Sat. 12-6 p.m. 212-431-2609. Through Jul. 1.
FRI.JUN. 16
Just Add Water
BAX artist in residence Fernando Maneca/MANOISECA premieres “Drinking the Kool-Aid,” a multi-media solo theater piece. Meet Fred. Fred loves his job, his family, his country. His newest task is creating buzz for “Red Kool-Aid with Holy Water Crystals,” but in the midst of the product launch, something happens. A mysterious force interrupts Fred’s secure multi-channel TV world, catapulting his unwavering loyalty to family, country, and corporate headquarters into a whirlwind of doubt. In an attempt to combat his confusion, Fred mixes the perfect pitcher of Kool-Aid again and again. As he desperately tries to “stick to message,” he cannot escape the haunting memories of his childhood in Portugal, his life before he became a successful American executive. “Drinking the Kool-Aid” combines visual/physical theatre, multi-channel video projections, and good old-fashioned storytelling to create a world where mass marketing, religion, and politics intersect. Tonight and tomorrow 8 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. $15/$10 members, $8 low-income at 718-832-0018 or bax.org.
Showers of Stoles
Park Avenue Christian Church announces an exhibition of the “Showers of Stoles Project,” a collection of over a thousand liturgical stoles and sacred items representing gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons of faith from 26 denominations in six countries. Each stole contains the story of a LGBT person who is either active in or seeks to serve their faith community—minister, elder, deacon, teacher, missionary, musician, administrator, or active layperson. Although this collection celebrates the ministries of some who are openly affirmed by their congregations, the majority of stoles in the exhibit represent those who are being denied their vocation because of their faith community’s stance on sexual orientation or gender identity. In some cases, the stoles represent persons who are serving while unable to fully disclose their sexual or gender identity for fear of reprisal. The collection is displayed in hundreds of locations each year as a witness to the project’s mission—to end religious discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Through June 25 in the church’s Idleman Parlor at 1010 Park Ave., at 85th St.
SAT.JUN. 17
Bronx Pride
The Bronx Lesbian & Gay Health Resource Consortium (BLGHRC) and the Bronx Borough President join with local activists, artists, organizations, and representatives to present a high-voltage, spirited family picnic and community event to kick off Gay Pride Week. A day to celebrate the unique role the Bronx plays in fostering fairness and equality for all citizens in New York City. The program includes dance music by WKTU, local performers, arts & crafts, food, information, and Gay Pride memorabilia for sale. Van Cortlandt Park, 233rd St. and Jerome Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Leather Pride
Come kick-off Leather Pride Weekend with a full stomach at the first annual Leather potluck picnic on the grass lawn of Christopher Street Pier. Bring something to share or just brown bag it. 12 Noon. More information at leatherinvasion.com.
Shadow Puppets
When designer/puppeteer Brenda Colling combines talents with the scissor wizardry of Danny Scheffer, the result is “Living in the Shadows.” This event fuses their skills in design, puppetry, sculpture, and theatre into a unique presentation. By combining backlit silhouettes, music and spoken word, they explore an eclipsed world of fleeting, fragmented views. Following this voyage of shadow and light, the artists will speak on the origins of shadow puppetry, and its relationship to other art forms. There will be examples of traditional puppets on hand. The audience is invited to ask questions, and interact with the puppets (time permitting). Tabla Rasa Gallery, 224 48th St. btwn. Second and Third Avenues in Sunset Park. R train to 45th St. 2 p.m. Free at 718-833-9100 or TablaRasaGallery.com.
Affordable Art
In a city built on instant gratification, New York’s Affordable Art Fair is an essential stop for art lovers, especially those on a budget. To help them make the most of it, AAF has teamed up with School of Visual Arts to offer back-to-back panel discussions on collecting. With a wide range of perspectives on hand—from gallery and museum professionals to collectors and critics—both panels promise useful tips for seasoned and first-time buyers alike. Panelists include Lisa Hunt, who literally wrote the book on collecting (“The Intrepid Art Collector: The Beginner’s Guide to Finding, Buying, and Appreciating Art on a Budget”), gallerist W.M. Hunt, SVA faculty member Monroe Denton, and photographer Simen Johan. They’ll be joined by two art observers on the cutting edge—Internet radio commentator Althea Viafora Kress of WPS1, and blogger Mike Hoeh of ModernArtObsession.com, who is a collector himself. Lectures admission is free with AAF entry. Today—“Smart Choices: Building Your Collection; tomorrow—“Developing a Collection: Buying and Owning Photography.” 2 p.m. at the Metropolitan Pavillion, 125 W. 18th St. Information at 212-592-2010 or sva.edu.
Life’s A Drag
“Kings and Queens of New York City: A Drag Summit” features Storme DeLarverie, DIYAA (aka DRED), Flawless Sabrina, Murray Hill, Taylor Mac, and Sade Pendavis. Moderated by drag historian Joe E. Jeffreys, “Kings and Queens of New York City” brings together some of drag’s best known names. The trans-generational congress reflects on the history of drag as it considers its changing faces, fashions, and future; and consists of a multi-media discussion, performance event, and exhibition exploring male and female impersonation. Bruno Walter Auditorium, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza. 4 p.m. Free. Reservations as 212-642-0142.
SUN.JUN. 18
Heritage Of Pride Rally
It is with a somber but determined spirit that we mark the 25th year of the AIDS pandemic that has ravaged our community and so many others. The Rally observes this sad occassion through the display of a panel from the AIDS Quilt and the participation of the International Rainbow Memorial Run. IRMR runners will make the Rally a stop on their journey from San Francisco to the Gay Games in Chicago. They will run the perimiter of the Bryant Park lawn and pause for a Moment of Silence during which we can honor those lost to AIDS as well as those who lead the fight for love and life. Bryant Park, Sixth Ave and 42nd St. 2-6 p.m.
Broadway Bares 16
“Broadway Bares 16: New York Strip,” features over 200 of Broadway’s sexiest chorus boys and girls taking it off to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year’s event takes place at 9:30 p.m. and midnight at the Roseland Ballroom, 239 W. 52nd St. 9:30 p.m. show—$600 VIP seating plus open bar, $225 VIP standing plus open bar, $95 priority viewing, $50 general admission. Midnight show—$600 VIP seating plus open bar, $225 VIP standing plus open bar, $50 general admission at bcefa.org.
MON.JUN. 19
Mostly Dead Divas
Fun and funky portraits of gay/pop entertainment icons, re-imagined by Floridian-turned-New Yorker Tim Otte and presented in individually designed, hand painted frames will be featured by Chelsea’s 14th Street Framing Gallery in a solo show through June 30. Fourteenth Street Framing, located at 225 West 14th St. btwn. Seventh and Eighth Avenues, was founded as a full-service frame shop by owner/manager Peter Wallach in 1978. The attached exhibition space, which will focus on presenting the work of local artists, was opened just two moths ago. One of Otte’s “Mostly Dead Divas” will be featured in the silent auction of the 23rd annual LGBT Community Center’s Garden Party fund raiser tonight.
Garden Party 23
Regarded as the official kick-off to Pride Week in NYC, the Garden Party raises much-needed funds that allow the Center to keep its doors open 365 days a year. Most importantly, the money raised at Garden Party allows the Center to provide groundbreaking social services, HIV/AIDS outreach and services geared to LGBTQ youth and the community, public policy, anti-Crystal Meth and anti-smoking campaigns, and various cultural programs designed to nurture and empower the LGBT community. Additionally, one of the Center’s primary functions is to provide affordable meeting spaces for LGBT organizations, many of which would otherwise have no place to go. Each week 6,000 people use the Center. The Center’s many meeting rooms are booked months in advance, indicating New York City’s LGBT community is as hungry as ever for a place to call its own. The Garden Party features food and drinks, Vanguard Award presentation to Harvey Fierstein, special appearances by Flotilla DeBarge and Brian Charles Rooney; both currently in “Three Penny Opera,” performances by cast members from “Altar Boyz,” “Naked Boys Singing,” and others, community service awards, The Coco LaChine and Imperial Court of NY Scholarship Fund, community exhibitions, a silent auction, and a garden especially for kids! $75 and up at 212-620-7310 or gaycenter.org. The LGBT Center, 210 W. 13th St. 6-10 p.m.
TUE.JUN. 20
Gayer Still
Butches and femmes, nellies and bears, rejoice! The WYSIWYG Talent Show, New York City’s first and only all-blogger reading and performance series, busts out its third annual Pride Week celebration of all things homo with “Way Gay: Even Gayer Gayness.” Every month The WYSIWYG Talent Show brings you readings and performances from some of the blogosphere’s best and funniest writers, musicians, comedians, and performance artists. Way Gay features appearances by actor and writer Greg Walloch (“Queer Crips”), DJ and writer dj:ayden, and authors Joe Jervis (“From Boys to Men: Personal Essays of Gay Coming of Age”) and Joel Derfner (“Gay Haiku”). 8 p.m. at Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery btwn. Bleecker and Houston. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. $7 at the door. For more information 212-614-0505, bowerypoetry.com, or wysiwygtalentshow.org.
Proud Humor
Bruised Fruits is a gay and lesbian improv troupe with credits that include Broadway, “Sex in the City,” “Seinfeld,” Disney, Carnegie Hall, and Nickelodeon. This non-judgmental, non-fundamental, very low-rental group welcomes all homos and non-homos of any and all persuasions to their hilarious brand of gay humor. This delicious basket of Bruised Fruits includes Andrew Clarke, Melissa Denton, Denis Gawley, Robert Gomes, David Hodorowski, Andy Redeker, Robby Stamper, and Greg Triggs. Join the fun by giving suggestions to help them make up the best gay humor you’ve seen since Tom’s last jump on a couch. Tonight at 8 p.m. and Jun. 23 at 10 p.m. The Improv, 318 W. 53rd St. $10 plus two drink minimum. boys and girls, so arrive thirsty. Reservations at bruisedfruitsnyc@aol.com.
WED.JUN. 21
Ladies Night
GLAMM Wednesdays, a naughty weekly party for girls who like girls and their gay boyfriends. Come early, play your iPod, and drink cheap. Orchid Lounge, 500 E. 11th St. btwn. Ave. A & B. 212-254-4090. Happy hour 5-8 p.m features $3 beer, $5 wine, and $5 cocktails. Raunchfest starts at 8 p.m. Free surprise shots at the sound of the gong. No cover.
Yoga4M
Bendyboys, yoga for modern men, meets at the Breathing Project, 15 W. 26th St. 10th fl., btwn. Broadway & Sixth Ave. 8-9:30 p.m. $17 per class, $150 for 10 class series usable over three months. All levels are welcome. Questions or reservations at bendyboys.net.
THU.JUN. 22
Gay Romance
Join Dr. Richard Isay for a discussion of “Commitment & Healing: Gay Men and the Need for Romantic Love.” In this groundbreaking book, eminent gay psychiatrist and author Isay discusses why and how gay men need romantic love in a committed relationship-while explaining the difficulty many have finding or maintaining it. While illuminating the psychology of gay men, Isay shows how they can overcome the obstacles to developing fulfilling, committed relationships and how romantic love can take hold with gay couples. Isay discusses how open relationships, once considered the norm in the gay world, can lead to problems-and tells what to do about them. Filled with fascinating real-life stories, “Commitment and Healing” is both a powerful testament to the benefits of romantic love for gay men and an uplifting guide to finding, sustaining, and nurturing love. 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 675 Sixth Ave. at 21st St. Co-sponsored by The LGBT Community Center.
Klezmer Pride
The JCC New York City Pride Party is the community pride party where all the Hebrew school drop-outs love to drop in. The queer klezmer-benders, Isle of Klezbos, set the stage for a night of all-you-can-eat-drink-dance-play celebration on the roof of the JCC—fabulous view if weather permits. Co-sponsored by Rodeph Sholom, B’nai Jeshurun, JQ Youth, GLDYSA, CBST, the LGBT Community Center, and JewChicks. 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 76th St. $20/25 in advance, $25/30 at the door; 646-505-5708, jccmanhattan.org or metropolitanklezmer.com. 7:30-10 p.m.
Music of Pride
The New York Public Library of the Performing Arts presents pianist Anthony de Mare performing “UNITIES: Music of Pride and Celebration,” a program exploring diverse social, political and intimate perspectives that have inspired gay musicians and writers across the generations. The program includes works by gay American composers Lou Harrison, Leonard Bernstein, and Fred Hersch, in addition to a world premiere written especially for this occasion by the young Philadelphia composer Joseph Hallman entitled “Aphorisms,” featuring texts by Garcia Lorca. Included also is a work by Canadian composer Rodney Sharman entitled “The Garden,” a gay parable of love and sex with original text by playwright Peter Eliot Weiss. Works by two important American heterosexual composers who continue to support civil rights for everyone are featured as well—Jerome Kitzke’s moving “Sunflower Sutra,” based on Allen Ginsberg’s poem, and excerpts from Frederic Rzewski’s timeless political masterpiece “The People United Will Never Be Defeated.” Post-Concert “Talk-Back” immediately following with Anthony de Mare, Frederic Rzewski, Rodney Sharman, Jerome Kitzke, and Joseph Hallman, moderated by Joseph Dalton. Presented as part of the Art & Activism: Contemporary LGBT Art and Protest series. Co-sponsored by The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Community Center. 6:30 p.m. at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center Bruno Walter Auditorium, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, 111 Amsterdam Ave. at 65th St. Free.
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