WED.DEC.31
Music for 2004
Natalie Douglas returns for a New Year’s Eve celebration. Ring in 2004 with her unique mix of jazz, blues, standards and contemporary music, blended together with the assistance of her musical director, “Avenue Q”‘s Mark Hartman, and saxophonist Tony LaVorgna to create her own cabaret sound. Doors open at 10 p.m. at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, 61 Christopher St. $45 + 2-drink minimum. Call 212 868 4444 or visit www.smarttix.com.
Stop Smoking Campaign
The Bronx Lesbian and Gay Health Consortium announces two efforts, “Boys Kick Ash!” and “Trans Kick Ash!” to help people stop smoking. The programs include support and medical research programs, including nicotine patches—all free to LGBT residents of the Bronx. Call 718 292 4368 or visit www.blghrc@aol.com for more info.
Gilbert & Sullivan Ring in the New Year
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, revive a New Year’s Eve tradition. Albert Bergeret leads his merry company in famous G & S scenes, songs, parodies, and audience requests. The evening will include a 25-piece orchestra and champagne. Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2535 Broadway at 95th St., 8 p.m. $50–$65. 212 864 5400.
Comedienne Alternative
This New Year’s Eve, forget Times Square or crowded bars and spend it with Sandra Bernhard for an evening of razor-sharp wit and singular singing in her performance of “Excuses for Bad Behavior, Part II.” 8 and 10:30 p.m. at Ars Nova Theater, 511 W. 54th St. $50 or $150. 212 868 4444.
FRI.JAN.2
Queer Comedy Fest
Don’t miss the “Gay & Lesbian Comedy Fest” starring Seth Rudetsky, Erin Foley, Lisa Kaplan and others. Hosted by Michael Conley at 9 p.m. at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. $10 + 2 drinks. 212 757 0788 for reservations.
SAT.JAN.3
Queer Bollywood Bash
Come to the weekly party for lesbian and gay “desi,” an affectionate term for those of South Asian descent. D.J. Ashu Rai will bang bhangra, Bollywood, pop and deep house for gay and lesbian South Asian party people. Check out the desi-drag, impersonators of the most fabulous Bollywood stars. 10 p.m. at the Pyramid Club, 101 Ave. A at 6th St. $10 cover. 18 to enter and 21 to drink. Call 212 713 5111 for more information.
Surprise the Eyes
Le Scandal (formerly Blue Angel) is a blend of burlesque and vaudeville with a downtown edge. Performances include striptease, sideshow, and performance art by a revolving cast of seductive and talented men and women. Check out the sword-swallowing, lap-dancing, fire-breathing show. Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. (doors open at 10 p.m.) at The Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. between Broadway and 6th Ave. $20. 212 868 4444 or www.smarttix.com.
Laughter is Medicine
Moonfire Women’s Empowerment and Spirituality Network present a reading of a comedy scene from Amethyst’s Reader’s Theatre Play, “Lavender Interlude” followed by “How to be a Butch—From a Femme’s Perspective” with Linda Greco of Femme-to-Femme. Women only. $6 at the LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St. at 5 p.m. 212 222 2467
New Year’s Festivities Continue
Dance 208 and D.J. Girlina kick off the new year with a dance party that brings the spin mistress’ expertise to the LGBT Center for the first time. $6 before 9:45 p.m., $10 after, at 208 W. 13th St. 212 620 7310
SUN.JAN.4
What Farewell Tour?
No, it isn’t really Cher at Fez tonight. It’s Devon Cass, who does such an incredible recreation of the beloved entertainer that he once fooled Cher herself. Come see him inside Time Café at 380 Lafayette St. at 7 p.m. $20. 212 533 2680.
Joan in the Mud
This dance program presented by the all-female company led by Ellis Wood also includes a new solo, “A Spirit Serves a Small Breakfast,” at the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Center at 3 p.m. at 1395 Lexington Ave. $10. Call 212 415 5500 or visit www.92Y.org.
MON.JAN.5
Brothas’ Rap Group
A support group for HIV-positive and affected black gay and bisexual men, Brothas’ Rap, is holding its weekly focus group meeting and will discuss topics relating to health and sexuality. Sponsored by People of Color in Crisis at 468 Bergen St., Brooklyn at 7 p.m. (2 or 3 train to Bergen St.) Call 718 857 5900 for more information. Free
Tribute to a Fallen Writer
Tonight on the Sundance Channel, “Paul Monette: The Brink of Summer’s End” a film first screened in 1997, will air at 10:10 p.m. When Monette was awarded the National Book Award in 1992, he was one of the world’s most eloquent writers on AIDS, the disease that took his life in 1995. In a film of rare courage, the filmmakers provide a portrait of a writer of historical importance. Check out www.sundancechannel.com for other show times of gay and lesbian films airing this month.
TUE.JAN.6
Healthcare Planning
Out Professionals, an LGBT group of white-collar workers, presents “Protecting Your Assets from the Costs of Long-term Care,” a forum with Sean Slutsky, a marketing representative for John Hancock Financial Services. 6:15 p.m. at 208 W. 13th St., the LGBT Center. Get more info at: www.outprofessionals.org or 212 462 9255. Free
WED.JAN.7
Not Apple Pie Fare
As part of the “veterans series,” with “Freaks And Fags,” a work in progress, John Fleck, the notorious (if you’re a Republican) performance artist returns to Dixon Place to perform the new work he describes as an absurdist song and dance salute from the red, white and blue underbelly. 7:30 p.m. at The Marquee, 356 Bowery (btw. Great Jones and E. 4th Sts.) $10. Call 212 219 0736 x106.
Health and Fitness Open House
This ultimate post-holiday motivator offers funky classes, personal training, sports consultations, basketball shoot outs, gifts, spa treatments and more to help you keep those New Year’s resolutions from 5-10 p.m. at the 92nd St. Y at 139 Lexington Ave. Call 212 415 5729 for more information. Free.
THU.JAN.8
Laugh Riot
New York’s hottest gay and gay-friendly comics and performers, including Judy Gold, Julie Goldman, Marion Grodin and more, hosted by Michele Balan are at Homo Comicus at 8:30 p.m. at the Gotham Comedy Club, 34 West 22nd St. $12 cover + 2 beverage minimum. Call 212 367 9000 for reservations.
Young Adult Rap Session
Come join other LGBT young people of color at a weekly support group meeting sponsored by People of Color in Crisis at 468 Bergen St., Brooklyn at 7 p.m. (2 or 3 train to Bergen St.) Call 718 857 5900 for more information. Free
FRI.JAN.9
Gripping War Fiction
“If you want to understand what’s happening right now in Iraq, I recommend ‘The Battle Of Algiers,’” said former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski. Algiers, 1957: French paratroopers inch their way through the labyrinthine byways of the Casbah to zero in on the hideout of revolutionary stalwart Ali la Pointe (Brahim Haggiag), the last rebel still free in the city. Flashback three years earlier to the beginning of the conflict, as the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) decides on urban warfare. Thus begin the provocations, assassinations, hair-breadth escapes, and reprisals; Algerian women—disguised as chic Europeans—depositing bombs at a sidewalk café, a teenagers’ hang-out and an Air France office; and massive, surging crowd scenes unfolding with such gripping realism that the original U.S. distributor had to insert the disclaimer, “Not one foot of newsreel or documentary film has been used.” Tonight a three-week engagement opens at the Film Forum, 309 W. Houston St. Call 212 727 8110 for show times.
Still Devo
Crack that whip! Give the past the slip and celebrate the release of the new comprehensive Devo DVD, “The Complete Truth About Devolution” and win copies of the DVD and see all your favorite Devo videos, plus video of their very first show at “1984,” a party at Pyramid 101 Ave. A. Cover charge is $8. Doors open at 10 p.m. Visit www.SpinCycleNYC.com for more information.
SAT.JAN.10
Channeling Theater
This drama by Sheila Callaghan, an award-winning lesbian author, debuts through January 25 at the Manhattan Ensemble Theatre. “The Hunger Waltz” explores one woman’s search for identity over a period of 600 years. The play takes place in three acts, in three time periods: the 18th century, the 20th century, and the 22nd century. Gwen, the protagonist, searches for a personal freedom she cannot name. She attempts to discover its nature through interactions with her female lover and her abusive husband. Elements of the supernatural intervene and guide her on her quest. 55 Mercer St. (A,C, E trains to Canal St) at 8 p.m. $15. 212 340 1916 or www.relentlesstheatre.com.