THU. FEB. 12
Poking Fun at Bush
Chicago City Limits, New York’s longest running comedy review, presents a biased political comedy for an election year, “Chicago City Limits Gets AmBUSHed,” with Tara Copeland, Eugene Cordero, Joe DeGise II and Robert Schiffman and Travis Ploeger on keyboard. Directed by Paul Zuckerman and Joe DeGise II. George W. Bush takes center stage, but he is not the only one. Songs include “Leader of Iraq” by a Baghdad girl group and “I Got Hussein” by both Bush presidents doing their best Sonny and Cher impersonation. Wed. – Sat. at 8 p.m. at 1105 1st Ave. at 61st St. Tickets are $20. Call 212 888 5233 or visit chicagocitylimits.com for more information.
Gay and Lesbian Reading Group
Join the Gay and Lesbian Reading Group for a discussion of the LGBT experience through reading contemporary and classic novels, plays, poetry and nonfiction. Newcomers are welcome to share or just listen. Today the group discusses, “The Death of the Heart” by Elizabeth Bowen. 8 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St.
Author Jacob Levenson will discuss his book, “The Secret Epidemic: The Story of AIDS and Black America,” which is an investigative journey that reveals the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS—medical researchers, service providers, caregivers, social workers, activists, and families in the Black community. 10:30 a.m. at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, 119 W. 24th St. Call 212 367 1016 for more information. Free
LGBT in Primetime
“In the Life” is a nationally televised news magazine covering LGBT issues that reaches over one million viewers per episode. Catch the February episode, hosted by Def Poetry Jam star Staceyann Chin, with a Howard Dean interview, a special report on gay circuit parties, a profile of lesbian rabbis and a look at the homeless gay youth of Minneapolis. Airs tonight at 10 p.m. and at 2 a.m. on Mon. Feb. 16 on Channel 13 and at 11:30 p.m. on Channel 21 on Tue. Feb. 17.
Fatal Attraction meets Chucky
Check out Robert Parigi’s erotic horror-thriller “Love Object,” starring Desmond Harrington and Melissa Sagemiller. Kenneth is a socially insecure technical writer and Nikki is an anatomically accurate silicone sex doll Kenneth orders on the Internet. Because of his erotic experience with his new toy, Kenneth works up some confidence and catches the attention of Lisa, an actual living woman who works in Kenneth’s office. In true Chucky-style, Nikki gets jealous and Kenneth is caught in a perverse and carnal love triangle, torn between silicone Nikki and flesh-and-blood Lisa. Opens today at the Angelika Film Center at 18 W. Houston St.
“Agamemnon”
The Aquila Theatre Company presents a new modern production of the ancient play by Aeschylus at the John Jay Theatre starring Olympia Dukakis as Clytemnestra and Louis Zorich as Agamemnon. The play runs through Feb. 22. 8 p.m. at 899 10th Ave., across from Lincoln Center. Call 212 239 6200 for tickets.
FRI. FEB. 13
Valentine’s Social
The Latino MSM Program of the AIDS Center of Queens County invites the community to a social in their new offices in Long Island City. Come and learn about expanded services and meet other men interested in living healthy lives. 42-57 Hunter St., 3rd floor from 2-5 p.m. (E, G, V or R trains to Queens Plaza or the 7 or N trains to Queensboro Plaza) Please call 718.472.9400 for more information.
Puppet Pirate Porn
An original and delightfully twisted Electro-Accordion Pyrate Puppet Rock Musical, presented to you by the masters of the genre, Nick Jones and Raja Azar, is extended. If you missed “Sleepless Fishes” presented by Jollyship the Whiz-Bang, then this is your chance to catch the story of a clown raised by a pirate who falls into a fishy-bohemian-under-water-adult-film crowd. Written and directed by Nick Jones. 10 p.m. at the Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery. $7 Visit bowerypoetry.com for more information.
Playtime for Men
An event for single gay men only, “Playtime” is a fun way to meet new friends and to find romance using interactive theatre games and innovative mingling techniques with a focus on laughter. Hosted by Marilyn Galfin, a professional comic, clown, mime and laughter leader. 8 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. $16 Call 212 989 8549 to register.
SAT. FEB. 14
Valentine’s a Drag
Kiki and Herb are back for one night only in “Kiki and Herb’s Saint Valentine’s Day Show.” Kiki is a brash, boozy septuagenarian chanteuse who sings and tells a story like few can. Herb is Kiki’s shy, stalwart, long-time accompanist, who pounds the keys with passion and vengeance. Last Town Chorus and Wau-Wau Sisters open at the Bowery Ballroom at 9 p.m. 6 Delancey St. $20 Call 212 533 2111 or visit www.boweryballroom.com for more information.
White Valentine
DJs Frankie Knuckles and Hex Hector will play white-hot house music at “The White Party,” an annual celebration of lightness and beauty now in its 24th consecutive year presented by The Saint at Large in association with Jon Blair. This year’s party theme, the traditional wedding reception, is a response to the national debate on gay marriage. 11 p.m. at the Roxy, 515 W. 18th St. Tickets are $45 available at 800 494 TIXS.
Gays hit the Galleries
Join other gay New Yorkers who share an interest in painting, sculpture, electronic media and photography. Visit 10 modern art galleries in two hours with New York Gallery Tours. Meet at 12 p.m. at 526 W. 26th St. $15 Call 212 946 for more information.
Famous Mother-Daughter Duo
Tommy Femia teams up with Christine Pedi in “Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli Live!” The mother-daughter duo will sing Judy’s and Liza’s greatest hits as well as some contemporary numbers that they never had the chance to do. 11 p.m. at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. $20 with a 2-drink minimum. Call 212 757 0788 for reservations.
Cabaret for Lovers
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre acclaimed vocalists Lisa Asher and Marieann Meringolo. Make a romantic night of it in the West Village. $25 cover with a two-drink minimum. For show times visit Smarttix at www.smarttix.com or call 212 868 4444. 61 Christopher St. at 7th Ave.
SUN. FEB. 15
Peak Behind the Curtain
Join the cast of the Broadway production, “Anna in the Tropics” by Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz. Jimmy Smits, Daphne Rubin Vega, Priscilla Lopez, Victor Argo, Vanessa Aspillaga, John Ortiz and David Zayas will participate in “Broadway Talks,” a glimpse into the world of Broadway moderated by theater critic Roma Torre. 8 p.m. at the 92 Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. $25 Call 212 415 5500 or visit www.92Y for reservations.
Work Off the V-Day Chocolate
Fast & Fabulous, New York City’s LGBT cycling club, is taking a winter ride to Coney Island. Richard Gottlieb leads the group on a 30-mile round trip at an intermediate (14-mph) pace to the beach, with a mandatory stop at Mrs. Stahl’s for the legendary knishes. Wet weather always cancels the ride and helmets are always required. Meet at the Boathouse in Central Park at 9 a.m. Visit fastnfab.org for information and for the required RSVP.
MON FEB. 16
Presidents’ Day Ride
Fast & Fabulous, New York City’s LGBT cycling club, is taking a winter ride through Queens. Joan Byron leads the group on a 40-mile tour at an intermediate (13-ish mph) pace. Joan promises good eats at the end of the ride, maybe somewhere in Flushing. Wet weather always cancels the ride and helmets are always required. Meet at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park at 9:30 a.m. Visit fastnfab.org for information and for the required RSVP.
TUE. FEB. 17
LGBT in Primetime
“In the Life” is a nationally televised news magazine covering LGBT issues that reaches over one million viewers per episode. Catch the February episode, hosted by Def Poetry Jam star Staceyann Chin, with a Howard Dean interview, a special report on gay circuit parties, a profile of lesbian rabbis and a look at the homeless gay youth of Minneapolis. Airs at 11:30 p.m. on Channel 21 at 11:30 p.m.
Dance Down Under
The Sydney Dance Company returns with a new show, Graeme Murphy’s “Ellipse.” Set to the contemporary music of Australian composer, Mathew Hindson, the show is a suite of seven dances, which travel through feelings of lament, joy, desire, rivalry and tenderness. 8 p.m. through Sat. with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday and Sunday at The Joyce Theater, 175 8th Ave. at 19th St. Tickets are $38 and are available at the box office or by calling 212 242 800 or visit www.joyce.org.
Wilde’s Grandson Reads
Merlin Holland, grandson of Oscar Wilde, discusses his new book, “The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde” at an Out Professionals panel co-sponsored by the Publishing Triangle. 6 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers.
WED. FEB. 18
Literature Against the War
Theaters Against War is an international network of theater artists responding to the “War on Terror,” unilateral foreign policies, and attacks on civil liberties in the U.S. and throughout the world. THAW celebreates “The Year of the Monkey: Trickster Artists in 2004,” with readings by various artists from Howard Zinn’s new book, “Artists in Times of War.” Copies of the book will be available for purchase. 7:30 p.m. at the Actors Theatre Workshop at 145 W. 28th St., 3rd Floor. Free, but donations are welcome. Check thawaction.org for more information.
Out Professionals Presents
Playwright and screenwriter Paul Rudnick talks with People magazine’s Jess Cagle about Rudnick’s new comedy, “Valhalla.” Networking and socializing begin at 6:30 p.m.; interview and author Q&A begin at 7:30 p.m. at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. $7 for members, $10 for nonmembers.
THUR. FEB. 19
Film History Starring Barbie
Written and performed by Lacey Langston, “Cat Fight,” is the true story of the divine feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford acted out with Barbie Dolls. The two stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age appeared together only once in the classic horror film “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” 9 p.m. at Rose’s Turn, 55 Grove St. Call 212 366 5438 for reservations.
Opening Night
“Magic Hands Freddy” is a new play by Arje Shaw, directed by Rebecca Taylor about two brothers whose lives are worlds apart, but whose loyalty and love creates a compelling story. Starring Michael Rispoli of “The Sopranos” and Ralph Macchio of “The Karate Kid.” 8 p.m. at The SoHo Playhouse, 15 Vandam St. Tue. – Thur. at 8 p.m.; Fri. at 7 p.m.; Sat. at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. Call 212 239 6200 or visit telecharge for tickets. For more information visit magichandsfreddy.com.
FRI. FEB. 20
Movie Night
Identity House is a non-profit counseling service for the LGBT community and they sometime host fun events too. Identity House is hosting, “Men’s Shorts,” a fun, interactive movie night, featuring a short gay-themed film, discussion, and socializing. Snacks and sodas will be served. 8:30 -10:30 p.m. at 39 W. 14th St. Suggested donation is $10. Visit identityhouse.org.
Gay Camp
The Isotoners are a satirical gay cabaret punk band made up of four New York gay guys who put plenty of humor into their music. The material is novelty songs and parodies loaded with lascivious lyrics put to accordion, guitar and keyboards. Check them out and hear songs from their debut album, “Sometimes I Sit Down When I Pee,” including the smash hits, “Leather Daddy,” “Roofie Me,” “Manboobs,” and everyone’s favorite song about sex on the L train, “Subway Love.” Playing through Feb. 22 at 10 p.m. (5:30 p.m. Sunday) at La MaMa E.T.C., 74A E. 4th St. $15 Call 212 475 7710 for tickets.
Funk Rock Concert
The Black Rock Coalition presents a night of rocker Austin Willacy’s folk funk-rock. Using acoustic and electric funk styles, Willacy plays music filled with jazzed-up organs, heart-tugging strings and huge cellos with noticeable inspirations of Stevie Wonder and Ben Harper. 9 p.m. at BAMcafe at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. 30 Lafayette Ave. in Brooklyn. $10 food or drink minimum. Call 718 636 4139 or visit bam.org for more information.
Politics of Sex
“Secret Things,” a new French film written and directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau, is the story of Natalie and Sandrine who discover the power of sex and use it to climb to the top. After being fired from a strip club, the two women concentrate on the art of seduction with their eyes on the prize of Christophe, an heir apparent and the rising star of a large bank. Starring Sabrina Seyvecou, Coralie Revel and Fabrice Deville. Opens today at the Quad Cinema.
SAT. FEB. 21
Hit on Someone!
Identity House is a non-profit counseling service for the LGBT community and tonight they are hosting a workshop for gay and bisexual men called, “Rejection & the Games We Play to Avoid It.” This workshop will include some playful improvisational exercises, meditative visualizations, open and honest discussion, and some helpful suggestions. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Identity House, 39 W. 14th St. Suggested donation is $10. Visit identityhouse.org for more information.
S/M Demo
The Gay Male S/M Activists are hosting the Winter Dungeon Demo. Heat up your weekend with live, hot S/M action for your viewing pleasure. Come support GMSMA in body and spirit. 8 -11 p.m. at the Eagle, 544 W. 28th St. $10 cover includes one drink. Visit gmsma.org for more information.