VICTORIA
Drag-dance party creators Queens Marie and Cherelynore invite newcomers and seasoned drag pros alike to join in and redefine the female experience in all of its wigged, sequin-tinged glory. “The party is a celebration, a social space, and a means of exposure for people—either biologically female or female-identified drag queens,” explains party host Queens Marie. “Bio queens are people who live the day-to-day female experience, and portray the female gender through performance and/or fashion.”
The party lends inspiration to 1982 film Victor Victoria, a bumbling musicomedy in which Julie Andrews disguises herself as a man to land a job as a “female impersonator.” The film would be a precursor to a whole new collective of female-identified drag queens.
Now queens of all kinds can socialize, showcase their flair and meet each other this special night at the newly renovated Luke & Leroy. Partygoers will enjoy true dance classics, a bio queen show hosted by World Famous *BOB*, go-gos (including GO Editor Shavon), styling stations to doll themselves in drag, and a clothing swap area to get some sweet threads worthy of only a true queen.
GAMES AND MORE @ HENRIETA HUDSON
When September rolls around it usually means back to school and chilly weather. Memories of Pride become blurry, and you start to long for a night of fresh, fabulous fun. Luckily, the ladies at Henrietta Hudson have planned some super theme nights to satisfy your early fall party cravings. On the Sept 14 PrissaJean hosts a Blackout/Tagout event for singles. At this event, the ladies will be hot and lights will be off… You couldn’t ask for a better setting to meet your autumn love. Secretly wishing your local lezzie bar would take game night to the next level? On Sept 23, Henrietta Hudson grants you a night of good old wholesome fun complete with drink specials, Name That Tune, Musical Chairs and Crisco cooking oil. (For Twister, of course!) And if that wasn’t enough fun, celebrate Oktoberfest on Oct 4, where 10 bucks will get you unlimited tap beer. Feelin’ nostalgic for the ’80s? On Oct 7, Henrietta Hudson and Just 2 Much Ent. Will have you poppin’ and lockin’ to all things that celebrate fat laces, pastel colors and one-hit wonders. Show up in some dope ’80s gear and enjoy your three-day weekend with ol’ skool flair.
L.A.V.a.A. benefit
Lesbians Against Violence and Aggression (L.A.V.A.A.) is an organization dedicated to “raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence within same–sex relationships through support groups, counseling and safe spaces.” Linnet Caban-Brown, the president of L.A.V.A.A. Group Inc., and her life partner Tracee Brown started L.A.V.A.A. to “empower women by providing resources to those who were affected by domestic violence.” Caban-Brown’s personal experiences made her realize that lesbians had an extreme need for resources that deal with domestic violence. Through her work with L.A.V.A.A., she has helped many women by providing domestic violence awareness and prevention resources (for the abused and abuser), free counseling services and a safe place to stay in N.Y., N.J. and Boston. On Sept 26 Cattyshack will show its support by hosting L.A.V.A.A.’s First Annual Benefit Gala. The event will showcase some of NYC’s talented singers such as Jade One and NHOJJ as well as spoken word artist Akinfe Fatou and the Big Apple’s 1st LGBT Latin dance group Rhythm Locura. The upscale benefit will help L.A.V.A.A. continue their work in the heterosexual and queer community. Check Nightlife Listings for R.S.V.P details. Also, don’t miss Cattyshack’s two-year anniversary party on Sept 15!
I HEART BROOKLYN GIRLS LAUNCH PARTY
With the demise of Coney Island, how will misty-eyed locals recover from the loss? For one, mourners should join New York’s own Brooklyn Girls to bid a final adieu to the historic city relic with the christening of a 2008 calendar at Southpaw. The calendar, the girls’ second project to refocus the “traditional girlie calendar through an all-female lens,” features the red-hot ladies themselves in true pinup form, dressed by12 different borough-based clothing designers. DJs Cherrybuster, Tikka Masala, Noa D, Designer Imposter, and the Brown Girls Burlesque all gather to salute our favorite former hotspot for corndogs and coasters. With giveaway prizes and go-go dancers, your Coney Island blues are sure to vanish before the night is through!
RITA MAE’S PIANO BAR AND RESTAURANT
We were all teary-eyed when the classic West Village piano bar, Rose’s Turn, closed its doors this past July. Now, thanks to Rita Mae’s, our tears are filled with joy. The charming restaurant at Rubyfruit has opened a piano bar to help us fill the void. At Rita Mae’s Piano Bar & Restaurant, you can expect all the sensational gourmet delicacies of the restaurant along with the musical stylings of some of NYC’s noted performers and pianists, including the incredible Terri White of Rose’s Turn and Broadway fame. From Sunday brunch with live entertainment to the “newly designed bistro-style” daily menu, Rita Mae’s combines fine taste and tickled ivories.
DAGS & FYKES
East Village party Dags & Fykes promises something for edgy girls of all creative stripes and interests. Promoters Dee Finley and Lulu recapture excitement of the LES scene by creating an art collective night with a queer slant. “It’s based on old school parties of the ’80s when performance was a big part of the night,” says Finley. “It’s not just about drinking—it’s people coming together doing performances that were sometimes political and the locals always being able to have that.” Rapture proprietors Joe Birdsong and drag queen veteran Hattie host this edgy fusion of burlesque shows. Expect to be graced by the likes of gangsters, pirates, burlesque dancers and poets in this bookstore/café haven. Finley’s own girlfriend Louisa bartends, and rotating DJs ensure a hopping vibe. “It’s definitely a party for the people,” says Finley.
What Do You Think?