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Much Ado About Something
by Jacques Michaels for the San
Francisco Spectrum
Ah, September in SF! The kids are back at school, the fog tends
to stay away and our best weather appears just in time for Leather
Week. There are a plethora of events to choose from so there is
no reason not to get out of the house and explore all that the City
has to offer.
Welcome to the Bay Area’s most eclectic calendar!
OPENING
Ringling Brothers / Barnum & Bailey
Circus. Sept 1-6 @ the Cow Palace,
Geneva Ave & Santos. 415 / 404-4111.
Small Works: A Local Collective.
An exhibition of works in a variety of media at the Three Dollar
Bill Cafe in the Center, 1800 Market, from Sept 2 –
Oct 16. Opening reception for the artists on 9.2
from 7 – 9pm.
Millbrae Art & Wine Fest.
Mardi Gras-style celebration of the arts featuring non-stop music,
250 artists, food, wines and microbrews, and amusements for kids.
Sept 4-5. Broadway between Victoria & Meadow
Glen, Millbrae, from 10am -5pm. FREE. 650 / 697-7324.
Sausalito Art Festival 2004.
More than 20,000 original works of art are shown at this world-famous
annual show of museum-quality fine art. Sept 4-6.
Live entertainment, gourmet food, premium beers & wines, and
children’s activities. 415 / 331-3757.
Shakespeare Festival. Relax
in a tranquil environment and enjoy Shakespeare’s classics
on weekends. Sept 4-26. This year the company performs
Twelfth Night, a comedy of unrequited passions and mistaken identity.
Parade Ground in the Presidio, 1:30pm.
Fringe Festival. The longest-running
in the US. This year 46 companies will bring original, independent
theater to ten stages in the Downtown, SOMA and Mission districts,
including drama, comedy, puppetry, magic, music, dance, sketch comedy,
cabaret, an all-girl rock band, and more. Sept 8 –
19.
Mountain View Art & Wine Fest.
Multi-cultural celebration featuring 650 artists and craftmakers,
entertainment, food and drinks, and a special kids park. Sept
11-12. Castro Street between El Camino & Evelyn Ave,
Mountain View, from 10am -6pm. FREE. 650 / 968-8378.
Summer Concert Series. FREE music
in parks throughout the city. Sept 11 - Douglass
Park, Noe Valley, 3pm – 5pm. Sept 18 –
Holly Park, Bernal Heights, 10am – 1pm. Sept 25
- Glen Park, 3pm – 5pm. FREE.
Women’s Int’l Film Festival.
Includes shorts programs, a celebration of women directors from
the silent film era, a B-movie exploitation feature, educational
films from the 50s to the 70s, plus live musical accompaniment and
slide presentations. Various venues, Sept 14 – Oct
28. Madcatfestival.org
World Music Festival. Artists
from at least 15 countries in the disciplines of dance, music, film,
opera, theater and visual arts perform. Sept 17-
Masters of Indian Music, Grace Cathedral, 8pm. Sept 19- Youth Music
Showcase, Asian Art Museum, 1-4pm. Sept 26- Kronos
Quartet & members of the Peking Opera Troupe, Herbst Theater,
8pm. 415 / 561-6571.
Monterey Jazz Fest. Sept
17-19. Entertainers include Bobby McFerrin, Paula West,
Don Byron and Chaka Khan. 925 / 275-9255.
Pageant. Over-the-top music
& dance review where 6 drag contestants compete in the Glamoresee
Cosmetics Contest. Audience chooses winner each night. W-Sun performances,
Sept 18-Oct 17. New Conservatory Theatre Center
(NCTC), 25 Van Ness. 415 / 861-8972.
Sex & Mayhem. A verbal
riot of words and music dashing through decades of gay life in SF.
Th -Sun performances, Sept 23-Oct 10. Tix: $20-$25.
NCTC, 25 Van Ness. 415 / 861-8972.
In Need of Goddesses. Celebrates
the struggle of four women against male rage and the forces of nature
through the dramatic retelling of the traditional Japanese myth
of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, and Susano-Wo, the Storm God. Sept
24 – 26. Magic Theater, Bldg. D, Ft Mason Center.
Tix: $18 adv / $23 door. 415 / 908-3636.
ONGOING
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
Sept 9 – SF Symphony, 12n-1pm. Sept 16 -
A Tribute to Mexico, 12:30pm. Sept 11-12 - Lit
Quake, 12n-5pm. Sept 23 - Cascada de Flores, 12:30pm.
Sept 25-26 - Japanese flower arranging, 10am-5pm.
Sept 30 - Jazz on an Autumn Afternoon, 12:30pm.
Sept 25-Oct 3 - Celebrazione Italiana. A week of
events, including flower-petal murals, marble mosaics, films and
music celebrating the Italian culture. Rooftop Gardens and Carousel
Plaza of Yerba Buena Gardens. FREE.
Bay Area in Focus. Experiencing
the Bay Area through the lenses of local photographers. Polartiy
Post Production, 69 Green St., thru Sept 11. Open
to the public: M - F, 9am to 5pm.
Breakfast with Scot. A gay couple
inherit an 11-year old child and blanch when he turns out to be
a budding queen. World premiere. W – Sun performances, thru
Sept 12. Tix: $20-$32. NCTC, 25 Van Ness Ave. 415 / 861-8972.
Intimate Details. Marga Gomez
takes the “walk of shame” through her sexual backstreets
in this award-winning comedy dedicated to all the girls (and inanimate
objects) she has ever loved before. Wed – Sun performances.
Tix: $15-$28. Theatre Rhinoceros, 2926- 16th St., thru Sep
12. BO: 415 / 861- 5079.
The Newlyweds. Photos and personal
stories by same-sex newlyweds married in SF, Mass., and elsewhere
in the country. The Center, 1800 Market St., thru Sept 18.
FREE.
This Institution is Yours. Exhibit
highlights historical moments from SF Libraries 125 year history.
Main Library, 100 Larkin, 6th floor, thru Sept 23.
Mining the Archive. Exhibit
of archival material on SF’s leather community activism, clubs,
contests, and artists. Main Library, 100 Larkin, 3rd floor, thru
Sept 30.
AfroSolo Arts Festival. Featuring
celebrity and emerging African American artists in various performances
such as theater, dance, music, spoken word and visual arts. Performance
festival all month, with the visual arts festival running thru
Oct 15. Various venues. 415 / 771-AFRO.
Don’t Call Me Retard. Artists
exploring what it means to be disabled. Thru Oct 17.
Main Library, 100 Larkin St, lower level.
BEST BETS
Sept 13 - Job Fair III.
Featuring a variety of job opportunities in the areas of technology,
customer service, sales, and administration. Both entry-level and
experienced positions available. The Center, 1800 Market, 11am-4pm.
FREE.
CALENDAR
Wed. Sept 1
Chabot Space & Science Center.
FREE admission to their galleries every 1st Wed. 10,000 Skyline
Blvd. in the Oakland Hills from 10am-3pm. 510 / 336-7300.
Th. Sept 2
Spunk! An 18-29 event with fresh
music, special videos, and future workshops. Boys, boxers, briefs,
tanks and T’s. All welcome, discount entry for those of Spunk
age. Every 1st Thurs. EROS, 2051 Market, 4pm-12m. 415 / 255-4921.
Back with a Vengence. A special
evening with Dame Edna in the only pre-Broadway run. 6pm - Cocktail
reception, Clift Hotel, 495 Geary, & 8pm show, Curran Theatre,
445 Geary. Tix: $78. academyoffriends.org.
Ba-Da BINGO! Sisters of Perpetual
Indulgence (SPI) host this monthly fundraiser. MCC, 150 Eureka St.
starting at 7pm. Donation of $12 gets you in all the games. Every
1st Thurs. 415 / 557-4251.
Queer Crips: Disabled Gay Men and Their
Stories. Book reading & signing. Explores the experience
of life as a disabled gay man through the narratives, poetry, essays,
interviews, and performance pieces of 31 different contributing
authors. Book’s Inc., 2275 Market, 7:30pm. FREE.
HIV Testing & Counseling.
FREE and confidential service upstairs in a private space @ Buddies.
Every 1st Thurs from 8:30-10:30pm.
Fri. Sept 3
First Fridays. An alternative
to the bars and clubs to meet and make some new friends. Regular
monthly social support group for HIV- men. Refreshments provided.
STOP AIDS Castro Office, 7pm.
G/L Contra Dance. Exuberant,
friendly barn dance done to live Celtic-style music. Easy to learn,
no partner or experience needed. $10 or pay what you can. Women’s
Building, 3543- 18th St., from 8 -10:30pm. 415 / 292-7857.
Sat. Sept 4
Thrive. A group of gay positive
men breaking the isolation of HIV, not only surviving the disease,
but thriving in spite of it. The LGBT Center, 1800 Market, room
Q13, from 1-3pm. Donation suggested.
Tina Café. A monthly
social event for gay men who are tackling crystal use. This isn¹t
a meeting! Hang out, hear some music, watch the show and meet other
guys who have questions or concerns about speed. Every 1st Sat at
Magnet, 4122- 18th St., 8-11pm.
Amateur Strip Contest. For women,
transfolks & friends. 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission St., 9pm.
Mon. Sept 6
Labor Day
Tues. Sept 7
First Tuesdays. Four wonderful
SF institutions are FREE every 1st Tues. Choose from: California
Legion of Honor (415 / 863-3330), 34th Ave in Lincoln Park, from
9:30am-5pm; Asian Art Museum (415 / 379-8800), 200 Larkin St, from
10am-5pm; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (415 / 978-ARTS), 701
Mission @ 3rd, from 11am-6pm; and SFMOMA (415 / 357-4000), 151 Third
Street from 11am-6pm.
Reiki Clinic. Reiki is a gentle
type of message therapy that relaxes, rejuvenates, and boosts the
body’s natural ability to heal. Sliding scale donation of
$15-$30 benefits the Immune Enhancement Project. Hour appointments
every 1st & 3rd Tues, either 6:30pm or 7:45pm. No walk-ins!
To register, call 415 / 978-4000.
Electronic Muse. A poetry feature
and open-mike night held every 1st Tues. Sign up for open mike at
6:45pm. Suggested $3 door donation. 839 Larkin St. from 7- 8:30pm.
415 / 931-8035.
The Buzz. An informal chat about
what matters to guys 18-29 who like other guys. Sponsored by Marin
Life 101. Every 1st & 3rd Tues from 7-9pm. For location info
call Bryan at 415 / 457-2487 x119.
Works In Progress. Women’s
open mic night every 1st Tues. $5 donation includes complimentary
intermission refreshments. No one turned away. Sign-up @ 7pm. Montclair
Women's Cultural Arts Club, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, 7:30pm.
Wed. Sept 8
Out with A.C.T. A gathering
of lesbian and gay theater lovers. This month’s feature is
The Black Rider. Complimentary post-performance receptions with
the cast are catered by Union Square restaurants. Res: 415 / 749-2ACT
(mention Out with ACT).
Thurs. Sept 9
Cafe Poz. Daytime HIV + men’s
social support event that's open to everyone. Beverages and light
lunch provided. Castro Country Club from 1- 2:30pm.
A Son Called Gabriel. Author
Damian McNicholl’s first novel follows the coming-of-age experience
of a young gay man born into a working class Catholic family in
the 1960s and 1970s. Books Inc., 2275 Market St., 7:30pm. FREE.
Night Out with Berkeley Rep.
Enjoy the current production of The Secret in the Wings and enjoy
a fabulous post-show party for the GLBT community. Tix: $20-$55.
Roda Theatre, 2025 Addison, half block from BART. 510 / 647-2949.
Fri. Sept 10
Locos Peligrosos. An art exhibit
by HIV+ artists to honor Clínica Esperanza’s 15 years
of HIV intervention. Opening reception, 6:30 – 9pm. Exhibit
runs thru Oct 7. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission
St. @ 24th.
Sat. Sept 11
Legal Advice & Referral Service. For
problems that might require an attorney. Sign-up between 10:30-12n
for a FREE consultation before 2pm. Main Library, 100 Larkin St.,
lower level, 10:30am-2pm.
The 9th Annual California State Yo-Yo Championships.
Amateur and professional yo-yo players show off their most astounding
moves in the battle to become California State Champion. Open to
all competitors and spectators. The Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth, 11am-5pm.
FREE. 415 / 771-3112.
Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival.
Featuring the best chocolate from merchants in the Square as well
as prominent Bay Area restaurants, bakeries and chocolatiers. Sample
treats, watch a sundae-eating contest, and more. 900 North Point.
Also Sun. 415 / 775-5500.
Sun. Sept 12
Color of Love. Men of races
and colors come together to examine the challenges and rewards of
interracial, cross cultural dating and relationships. Stop AIDS
Lounge from 12n-2pm.
Oakland Museum of California.
FREE to the public every 2nd Sun. 10th & Oak Streets, just one
block from the Lake Merritt BART station. Open from 12n-5pm.
Opera in the Park. Stars from
SF's fall season perform arias from some of the world's best-loved
operas throughout the afternoon. Picnics on the lawn encouraged.
Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadow from 1:30pm-3:30pm.
FREE. 415 / 861-4008.
Almost Anything Goes. Casino
cruise around the bay on the historic California Hornblower to support
Dr. Kathleen McGuire & SFGMC. Entertainment by the Lollipop
Guild, Vocal Minority, DD + 3, and Donna Sachet. The $85-150 tickets
include hors d'oeuvres, buffet, sunset dessert, and hosted beer
& wine. 5pm – 8pm. Pier 33. Info: 415 / 865-3650.
Mon. Sept 13
Marin Life Mens Mixer. Popular
social to meet bi and gay Marin men. No host bar, FREE appetizers
and no cover! Panama Hotel, 4 Bayview, San Rafael, 5:30-7:30pm.
Gay Comedy Night. Reception
7:30pm, show 8pm. Sliding scale $8-$15 cash, no one turned away.
The Center, 1800 Market St. Info line: 415 / 541-5610.
Tues. Sept 14
Mechanix Poets. Please bring
a poem on the topic (The Pattern of Things) to read and share. Dessert
& wine served. Mechanics' Institute, 57 Post, every 2nd Tues.
from 6-7:30pm.
International Museum of Women. SF
Business Times Publisher Mary Huss in conversation with Irene Natividad,
President of the Global Summit on Women. $25. Omni Hotel, 500 California,
5:30pm. 415 / 487.6447.
Wed. Sept 15
Apples & Honey. Welcomes
Jewish calendar year 5765 with a Rosh Hashanah evening service &
celebration of the new year. Advance tickets are required ($100).
Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness, 7:30pm. 415 / 861-6932 x111.
Smack Dab. Castro's open mic
night. 7:30 sign-up, 8pm show. Features musician Jim e Sparkle Pants,
spoken word artist Julia Serano, and perhaps you! Magnet, 4122-
18th Street.
Thurs. Sept 16
Community Night. See the show
Pageant @ NCTC and pay-as- you-wish. Walk-up only. 25 Van Ness.
415 / 861-8972.
Fri. Sept 17
Bisexual Discussion Group. A
drop-in, mixed-gender, peer-led support group for bisexuals and
their partners. This is not a professionally led group and should
not be used for counseling purposes. Every 3rd Fri. Sliding scale,
$3-$5, no one turned away. The Center, 1800 Market, 6-7:30pm.
Hilltop Cup. An inter-collegiate
boxing tourney coming to USF’s War Memorial Gym, 2335 Golden
Gate. 7-10pm. $20 / $10 stu / $50 vip. 415 / 422-2945.
Guyz Now. Queer movie night
at the Stop AIDS Lounge. This month’s feature is Under One
Roof. Snacks and drinks provided. 7-9pm.
Somewhere Over the Top. G/L
Chorus of SF’s adult cabaret. Guest performance artist, Jamie
Glowacki brings with her a tradition of dance, circus arts, and
musical theater. Two performances @ The Center, 1800 Market Street.
$15 / $20 table seating / $10 for GALA Chorus affiliates. Advance
tix recommended. 415 / 861-7067.
HIV Testing & Counseling.
FREE and confidential service upstairs in a private space @ Buddies.
Every 3rd Fri, 10pm-12:30am.
Sat. Sept 18
AIDS Memorial Grove Workday. Help
with the work of creating and maintaining the Grove. Clear weeds
and debris, mulch, haul topsoil, plant, etc. Light to heavy workloads
available. Register between 8:30- 8:45am and wear comfortable clothing.
Refreshments served. Every 3rd Sat. thru Oct. from 9am-1:30pm.
Autumn Moon Festival. Features
multicultural entertainment, traditional lion & dragon dances,
arts & crafts, lantern village, moon cakes and children's activities.
11am-6pm. Grant Avenue between California and Pacific, from 11am-6pm.
Also Sun. 415 / 982-6306.
Vivas Las Americas. Featuring
music & dance performances commemorating the artistry of Mexico
and Central & South America. PIER 39, Fisherman's Wharf, 12n-5pm.
415 / 705-5500.
Thrive. A group of gay positive
men breaking the isolation of HIV, not only surviving the disease,
but thriving in spite of it. The LGBT Center, 1800 Market, room
Q13, from 1-3pm. Donation suggested.
Mayan Family Festival. Enjoy
artist demonstrations, games, and live music while learning about
Mayan culture. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission,
1-4pm. 415 / 821-1155.
Leather Art. Opening party for
a joint exhibition of the exhibition of Barbara Nitke's loving SM
photographs and Michael Blue/Midori's photographs of bondage sculpture
and ecstasy. Entertainment includes a bondage performance. Suggested
donation $5-10, no one turned away. Mark I. Chester Studio, 1229
Folsom St., 7pm-12m. 415/ 621-6294.
An Evening of Equality for a Lifetime of
Rights. Enjoy a wedding reception and screening of the
documentary Freedom to Marry. Mark Leno will speak. Unitarian UniversalistChurch,
1187 Franklin at Geary.
Raise the Flags! A festive fundraiser
celebrating unity with special entertainment by Lady Tia. Colorful
attire requested. $50 donation. Proceeds will place rainbow flags
on the Center. 67 Belcher, 7pm. Res: 415 / 865-5538.
Sun. Sept 19
Raising of the Leather Flag. As
is tradition, The Giant Rainbow Pride Flag will be replaced for
1 week to celebrate Leather Week. Harvey Milk Plaza, 12:15pm.
In Our Prime. Sunday social
monthly gathering for mature men and their admirers. Most Holy Reedemer
Church’s Ellard Hall, in the Castro from 1-3pm.
Leather Walk. A 3 mile stroll
starting at Daddy's, 440 Castro St, 1pm. Entertainment along the
way, and stops at the Loading Dock, Power House & Eagle Tavern.
Benefits AEF &BCEF, non-profit orgs that provide financial assistance
for people living w/ HIV/ AIDS or Breast Cancer. Registration at
Daddy’s begins @ 10:30am.
Private House Party. Sponsored
by Dr. Carol Queen, Mark I. Chester, and the NCSF. 100% of proceeds
benefit the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom lawsuit challenging
John Ashcroft and the CDA. 7-10pm. For invite call: 415 / 255-1155.
Mon. Sept 20
Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized
Manual for Leather/SM. Book signing with the author
Robert Davolt. Rock Hard, 518 Castro, 7pm.
Tues. Sept 21
The Buzz. An informal chat about
what matters to guys 18-29 who like other guys. Sponsored by Marin
Life 101. Every 1st & 3rd Tues from 7-9pm. For location info
call Bryan at 415 / 457-2487 x119.
Women’s Book Group. Meet
every 3rd Tues to discuss the best in lesbian fiction. All welcome.
A Different Light, 489 Castro, 7pm.
Wed. Sept 22
Monthly Men’s Treatment Lunches.
Presented by the SF AIDS Foundation every 4th Wed. Open to men only,
the topics change each month. The lunch is FREE and reservations
requested. 995 Market Street, 2nd floor, from 12n-1pm. Register:
415 / 487-8000.
That’s Revolting! Queer
Strategies for Resisting Assimilation. Book launch @ the SF Main
Library, 100 Larkin, 6pm.
Thurs. Sept 23
Painfully Obvious: An Irreverent & Unauthorized
Manual for Leather/SM. Book signing series with the
author Robert Davolt. A Different Light, 489 Castro, 7pm.
Leather Daddies Art Auction.
Annual beverage benefit and auction benefiting local ASO’s.
Eagle Tavern.
Fri. Sept 24
Liszt in Leather. Seth Montfort
on piano. Victorian Englander House, 807 Franklin, 9pm. $5 at door.
415 / 362 – 6080.
We Be Laughing! A black comedy
showcase every 4th Fri. Cover: $10. Buriel Clay Memorial Theater,
762 Fulton @ Webster, 9pm
In Bed With Fairy Butch. A campy,
queer erotic cabaret / dance party for women, transfolks, &
friends. $10-15 sliding scale. Admission includes a sex toy extravaganza
raffle ticket. 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission, 10pm. Info: 415 / FEZ-8000.
Sat. Sept 25
FREE Digital Portraits. in honor
of the Folsom St. Fair, Mark I. Chester will take a picture of anyone
who visits his studio at 1229 Folsom St. from 11am-6pm. Also Sun
during the fair!
Sun. Sept 26
Folsom Street Fair. SF's largest
street fair celebrating alternative lifestyles and the leather community
through music, food and activities. All proceeds benefit local charities.
Recommended for adults only. Folsom between 7th & 12th from
11am-6pm.
Wed. Sept 29
Ever Widening Circle. An evening
of entertainment featuring Grammy-winning recording artist Diane
Schuur. Benefitting Art & Disability. $15+. Yerba Buena Center
for the Arts, 700 Howard, 7pm. 415 / 987- 2787.
Thurs. Sept 30
Gay Movie Matinee & Night.
With FREE admission, hot popcorn and cold drinks. Every last Thurs.
Doors open @ 3:30pm, with shows at 4pm & 6:30pm. Donations welcome.
The Center, 1800 Market Street @ Octavia. 415/865-5555.
LoveJourney: The Healing Path
of Tantra. Discover how these ancient arts can enhance your capacity
for intimacy and conscious sensuality. Women only! $25 / $40 pair.
Pre-registration preferred. tantraforwomen.com.
Bit’s n’ Pieces
GW Watch. The president's support
for outsourcing is less puzzling when considering who is funding
his campaign. The president's campaign pocketed more than $440,000
and his party more than $3.6 million from the companies that are
most exploiting outsourcing to ship U.S. jobs overseas.
Quote: "Our enemies are innovative
and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about
new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
- George W. Bush (9.5.04)
Quote: “With respect to the question
of relationships, my general view is that freedom means freedom
for everyone. People ought to be free – ought to be free
to enter into any kind of relationship they want to … but
the president makes basic policy for the administration.”
– VP Dick Cheney
Quote: “When the rich wage war it’s
the poor who die.” – Jean-Paul Satre
Volunteer orientation class for those interested in volunteering
for the Stop AIDS Project takes place at the main office, Sept 15
from 6-9pm.
A 2003 study found that more than half of gay consumers are partnered,
and 4% are married or in a civil union.
Trivia: Sept 16, 1932. Aspiring starlet
Peg Entwistle, who had a bit part in Thirteen Women, leaps to
her death in a suicide plunge from the thirteenth letter of the
HOLLYWOODLAND sign.
Real people: I Wanna Looney, Urbin Bowels,
and Felty Goosehead,
Real lyrics: “This is my JerrySpringer
moment. I don’t want this moment to die. So dip me in chocolate
and throw me to the lesbians. I don’t want this moment to
die.” – from the opera Jerry Springer.
Be at peace Mr. Leona.
FYI : The average guy The Average Guy's
body-fat percentage is 19.7
For consideration of listing, please send event notices and items
of interest to: jmichaels@sfspectrum.com.
Photo’s encouraged.
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