FRI.OCT.24
Williamsburg Palisades
Like an incestuous family of B-52’s bastard daughters, Gravy Train! has been crashing hipster joints up and down the West Coast with songs like “You Made Me Gay,” “Heart Attack” and “Burger Baby.” Gravy Train!, known for incorporating fast food into their sex-life and dog food into their concerts is appearing at 9 p.m. at Luxx at 256 Grand St (between Driggs and Roebling Sts.) in Williamsburg. $10, call 718 599 1000.
Funny Girls
Cheryl King and Susan Santaniello, co-producers of the East Coast Funny Women Fest, have assembled a set of shows that will run the gamut of comedy performance style. See Shauna Lane, fresh from her blazing appearance on Colin Quinn’s “Tough Crowd.” Also on the bill is Julie Goldman who recently won the Bertha award for “Butch In The City,” a comedy/parody about a lesbian columnist, Terry Madshaw, who decides to swing the other way by trying to find “love” with a man. Starting Friday at 8 p.m., there are scheduled performances through Sunday. $10 or $8 for students, call SmartTix at 212-868-4444. Visit www.funnywomenfest.org for the full schedule.
A Fringe Show about Fringe Shows
“Cats Can See the Devil” by Jimmy X. Chao begins as a puppet show, but it’s not for children. This wildly inventive theatre piece combines unique visual humor with Tom X, Chao’s signature deadpan stage persona delivering a surprisingly touching story about the narrator (Chao) confronting his loneliness. The show also stars five beautiful actresses who chide, cajole, and attack the narrator. Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30 p.m. on Oct 24-25; Oct 31-Nov 1; Nov 7-8; Nov 14-15 and Sunday, Nov 16 at 5 p.m. at Under St. Marks, 94 St. Marks Pl. $12 or $8 for students. Call 212 868 4444 or visit www.smarttix.com.
Hung Chelsea Boys
The Leslie-Lohman Gay Art Foundation Gallery in SoHo presents a two-week exhibition featuring dozens of original hand-drawn strips from the first five years of the “Chelsea Boys” comic stip syndication. And — also for the first time ever — many of the original hand-drawn strips will be available for purchase. An opening night feature will be, “Strut Your Chelsea Boys Stuff.” Come as a Sky, Nathan, or Soriee look-a-like. Winners will receive an original signed limited edition Chelsea Boys print. Show runs through November 6, Tue.-Sat. 1 – 6 p.m. 127-B Prince St. at the corner of Wooster St. Free.
Life After High School?
Book by Jeffrey Kindley with music and lyrics by Craig Carnelia. “Is There Life After High School?” is a musical with more than a memorable score and plot line. Years after graduating from high school, various individuals wander through the “woulda’, coulda’, shouda’s” that live within us all. Charming, funny and touching, this memory musical brings us all back to the joys, pain and laughter of what it was like to go through high school. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Sunday at 6 p.m.) at the Astoria Performing Arts Center Theatre, 31-33 33rd St. between 31st Ave. and Broadway in Queens. $15, call 718 393 7505 or visit www.apacny.org.
SAT.OCT.25
Women’s Event Six
Join 800 women at the scenic banquet room at New York’s Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers to honor Whoopi Goldberg, the actress, and Eve Ensler, the playwright, (“The Vagina Monologues,” “Necessary Targets”) when they are honored by New York’s LGBT Community Center, in its annual Women’s Event. Inspired by a women’s gala at Pres. Bill Clinton’s inauguration, this event has become a perennial favorite benefit. Individual tickets are $250. Call 212 620 7310 or visit www.gaycenter.org.
Gay & Lesbian Comedy Fest
Don’t miss Seth Rudetsky (from “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”), Lisa Kaplan, Shelagh Ratner, Sidney Myer, and David Maiocco in an evening of hilarious fun hosted by Ted McElroy from the Boston Comedy Club. 11 p.m. at Don’t Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. $10 plus two–drink minimum. Call 212 757 0788.
Glam Slam 2003
Come contribute your written word at a poetry benefit for the Minority Task Force on AIDS sponsored by the Nuyorican Poets Café. Special performances by Travis Montez, Cazwell, Maurice Jamal, Glam Slam 2002 champion Karen Jaime, Emanuel Xavier, and Helena D. Lewis. 10 p.m. at Nuyorican Poets Cafe 236 E. 3rd St. (between B & C Sts.)
$10 ($5 Pre-Confirmed Contestants)
SUN.OCT.26
Kenneth Cole Speaks
The celebrated designer, Kenneth Cole, discusses his new memoir, “Footnotes: What You Stand For is More Important than What You Stand In” at “Fashion Icons Talk Shop Series” at the 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. $25, call 212 415 5500 or visit www.92Y.org.
Miss Means
Pamela Means, a Boston-based out folkie, will be opening for Alix Olson at the Knitting Factory. Means’ kamikaze-like guitar playing and politically charged lyrics hark back to Audre Lorde’s pronouncements. 6 p.m. at 74 Leonard St. $12, call 212 219 3055.
A Butch Grandma’s Lullaby
Renowned performance artist, Peggy Shaw, presents her powerful and moving new piece “To My Chagrin.” This is the story of how Peggy Shaw learns to communicate with her mixed-race grandson and along the way she discovers what it means to create a family. Set on the body of a rusty old Chevy pick-up, the show is a tribute to all the cars she has ever owned, and is a treatise on sexuality, death, and racism. More than just a monologue, the show incorporates music, dance and video to create a unique and compelling narrative. Last night! 5 p.m. at Dixon Place, 150 1st Ave. at E. 9th St. $20 or $12 for students/seniors, call 212 477 5288.
Make Love
Karen Finley’s cabaret-driven, lounge style act “Make Love” co-stars drag performer and artist Chris Tanner, pianist Lance Cruce, and a rotating roster of Liza Minnelli impersonators. In “Make Love,” Finley channels Liza in song, dance, glamour, and glitter. Liza’s tragicomic life is the backdrop as one New Yorker grasps to make sense of the current chaos of our nation. The “Divaness” of Liza as an icon and symbol of New York becomes the place to throw pathos, hilarity, mockery, and taboos. 8 p.m. at Fez, in the Time Café at 380 Lafayette St. at Great Jones. $20 or $10 for students, call 212 533 2680.
MON.OCT.27
New York Premiere
Indian filmmaker Goutam Ghose’s latest film, “In the Forest Again,” is a take on the Satyajit Ray 1969 classic, “Days and Nights in the Forest.” Ghose has developed a sequel to Ray’s film, now in middle age and accompanied by families, the characters return to the jungles of Palamau, where as young men they sought to briefly escape urban life. 7:30 p.m. at Asia Society and Museum, 725 Park Ave. at 70th St. $5 students, $7 members and $10 for nonmembers. Call 212 517 ASIA.
Newman’s Undressing
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents “Monday Nights with Oscar” a monthly film series showcasing high quality prints of films that have either been nominated for or won Academy Awards. Tonight at the Academy Theater At The Lighthouse at 111 E. 59th St. (between Park and Lexington) is “The Hustler” starring Paul Newman at 7 p.m. $5 or $3 for Academy members and students. Classic restored prints of some of Hollywood’s greats are on also on sale. Call 888 778 7575.
Soul Mate Search
In this supportive, results-oriented workshop for lesbians and gay men author Jim Sullivan helps you assess what you want and need in a partner, where to meet emotionally available people and how to maintain a soulful and healthy relationship. Sponsored by Marble Gays and Lesbians In Fellowship, Tradition and Service (GIFTS). Dinner workshop at 6 p.m. $15.00 (reservations required), dating workshop at 7 p.m. $6.00 (walk-ins accepted.) One W. 29th St. at Fifth Ave. Call 212 969 0440.
TUE.OCT.28
Women’s Poetry Jam and Open Mike
This event features poets Veronica Golos and Ellis Avery, and hosted by Vittoria Repetto – the hardest working guinea butch dyke poet on the Lower East Side. In her new book, “A Bell Buried Deep,” Veronica Golos’ poems explore the complexities of faith, hardship, love, and community responsibility in our time. Ellis Avery’s first book, “The Smoke Week,” is a personal account of life in New York during and just after September 11th, and of the anti-war response that bloomed downtown those first stunned days. Sign up for open mike at 7 p.m. at Bluestockings Bookstore 172 Allen St. (between Staton & Rivington). $3-$5 donation, call 212 777 6028 or visit www.bluestockings.com.
The March
Direct from Milan comes The March, led by openly gay political pop-operatic singer Benjamin Slavin and Italian songstress Odette Di Maio in a tour simply named, “Acoustical Tour.” The duo is resolute in creating a new kind of acoustic folk-pop. Influenced by such acts as Ani DiFranco and the Indigo Girls, they continue to re-establish the immediacy of simple but emotional music. The live show will feature love songs full of heartache, growth and political unrest in English and Italian. 8 p.m. at CB’s 313 Gallery located at 313 Bowery between Bleeker and Great Jones Sts. Two-drink minimum. Call 212 677 0455.
WED.OCT.29
Wicked Witch of the Upper East Side
Halloween is coming a little early this year… the Wicked Witch of the Upper East Side, Joan Rivers, hits the stage at Fez for her hellaciously funny stand-up act. Are you scared yet? 8 p.m. at Fez inside Time Café at 380 Lafayette St. $25, advance tickets at TicketWeb.com or call 212 533 2680.
THU.OCT.30
Undone
Andrea Thome’s new play, “Undone,” is presented by The Lark Theatre Company. The play takes place in a city neighborhood troubled by fear and violence and is filled with characters on the brink of transformation. Thome’s rich tapestry of speech and sound, in English and Spanish, resonates on many levels of meaning with wit and compassion. 8 p.m. (Thu. through Sat., Nov. 1), 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Monday at 939 8th Ave. between 55th and 56th Sts. on the 2nd floor. $15, call 212 246 2676 ext. 22.
Things of that Nature
People of Color in Crisis hosts this young adult group for gay, lesbian, trans-gendered, and questioning youth from ages 16 to 24. Come discuss hot topics in a sweet space with like-minded peers. The group meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at P.O.C.C located at 468 Bergen St., Brooklyn. Call 718 230 0770 or visit www.pocc.org.
FRI.OCT.31
Village Halloween Parade
The theme of this year’s parade is “The Trickster,” recognizing the ancient creatures upon whom the term “trick or treat” is based. “Little Shop of Horror’s” giant puppet, Audrey II, will serve as the first-ever grand marshal and Kate Monster of “Avenue Q” will provide color commentary on NY1’s live coverage of the parade. Viewing spots for the parade are along Sixth Avenue in Manhattan in Greenwich Village at 7 p.m.
All Dressed Up And…
Nonstop Theatre, a costume competition, and ballroom dancing will bewitch the East Village on Halloween at the Theatre for the New City’s 27th Annual Village Halloween Costume Ball. Music provided by Paprika, a Brazilian jazz pop orchestra, and Hot Lavendar Swing Band, an all-gay and lesbian 18-piece orchestra. With its Witch’s Cauldron, the festival can claim to have donwtown’s most sensational Halloween Café. Outside, there is bluegrass music, jazz bands, fire eaters, jugglers, story weavers, and stilt dancers, all free to the public. Inside there is theater all evening. Outside begins at 4 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at 155 First Ave. $15, costume or formal wear required. Call 212 254 1109.
Dead by Dawn
The All-night Halloween movie marathon celebrates the spookiest Halloween ever with the Pioneer’s all-night Halloween freakfest! Movies include “This Corrosion” (Mitch McCabe, 2003), “Maniac” (1980) (w/appearance by director William Lustig), “King Of The Ants”—sneak preview of the new film by Stuart Gordon, cult classic “Donnie Darko” (Richard Kelly, 2001), “Hellraiser” (Harry Kumel, 1971) and “Daughters of Darkness.” 7 p.m. at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater at 155 E. 3rd St. (between Aves. A and B). $9 or $6.50 for Pioneer members. Call 212 254 3300.
Hindu Halloween
CurryclubNYC and Sholay Productions present “Desilicious: Bollywood Carnivale – A Costume Ball.” Costumes encouraged and fabulous prizes for most creative costume! Chutney Soca Reggae by DJ Joel on the upper level, Bollywood, Bhangra, and Hard House by Ashu Rai and on the lower level. 10pm at at Pepper, 95 Leonard St. $15. $10 with flyer. 18 to party. 21 to drink. Visit www.curryclubnyc.com.
Black Pride Halloween Bash
The Black Pride NYC’s Halloween Silver Costume Fantasy 2003 will feature a Best Dressed Silver Costume Contest (male and female) with prizes from Moshood, Bacardi Silver tastings, a Langston Exotic Dancers show (male and female), DJs Cameron and Tony Dobson, spinning house, hip hop, r&b, classics, and island jams, surprises in the “Upper Room,” and comedian Keith Price. 11 p.m. at Langston Lounge, 1073 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn. $12, call 212 613 0097 or visit www.blackpridenyc.com.
“Nightmare on Pussy Street”
Diane Destiny O’Debra and her twin sister Tanya Tammy Tina Tiny Dancer Hyphen O’Debra will host the holiday extravaganza, and may also treat their guests to appearances by some of their better-known alter-egos such as Eurotrash, The Bargain Hunters and The Maidens of Freya. The asthmatic Irish sisters will also be joined by their famous friends: Pantymime, Margaret Trigg, and musical guests Hot Little Pieces of Ass. The performance will culminate in a spook-tacular costume contest featuring cash prizes and candy, so come in costume! 10:00 p.m. at The Cutting Room, 19 W. 24th St. $10, call 212.691.1900 or visit www.odebratwins.com.
Material Swirl
For the third year in a row, Pyramid Club presents the Halloween Madonnathon. All Madonna All Night on the dance floor and in the video lounge $250 Madonna costume contest at midnight. Will you be Like a Virgin Madonna? Cone-breast Madonna? Get Into the Groove Madonna? Even (gasp) English Roses Madonna? 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., at Pyramid Club Theatre at 101 Ave. A. $8, visit www.SpinCycleNYC.com.
SUN.NOV.2
New Boy from Down Under
Kane Alexander, golden boy of the Australian cabaret scene with accolades from Sydney to New York, returns show, entitled “The Other Boy from Oz,” will feature songs including “These Foolish Things,” “Crying”, “So Far,” “Sway,” and “The Best Thing To Happen To Me.” The Musical Director and accompanist will be Christopher Denny. 8 p.m. (and Monday November 3 at 9 p.m.) at the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room, at 59 West 44th St. $40 with a $20 minimum, call 212 419 9331.
Tony Kushner and Maurice Sendak
Pulitzer Prize-winning Tony Kushner and award-winning children’s writer Maurice Sendak discuss their collaborations on the book “Brundibar,” based on a Czech opera for children performed by the children of Terezin during the Holocaust. Sponsored by the 92nd St. Y. 7:30 p.m. at the East Side Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at 92nd St. $25, Call 212 415 5500 for tickets.
MON.NOV.3
Intelligence in War
John Keegan, one of the world’s foremost military historians, explores the fascinating role of intelligence in the most critical battles. His best-selling books include “The First World War,” “The History of Warfare,” and “Intelligence in War: From Nelson to Hitler.” Sponsored by the 92nd St. Y. 8:15 p.m. at the East Side Y, 1395 Lexington Ave. at 92nd St. $25, call 212 415 5500 for tickets.
Queer Writers
The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan is hosting a special 6-week workshop for the gay and lesbian program. “Write Out” is designed to develop creative written expression with poetry, fiction, or drama. Student’s work will be critiqued by peers and the instructor in a safe and constructive environment, with emphasis on craft and honing a personal voice. Samples of writing by recognized authors will be shared. Taught by Davida Singer, teacher at SVA and freelance journalist, whose work includes Shelter Island Poems. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through December 8th. The JCC in Manhattan is located at 334 Amsterdam Ave. at 76th Street. $200 for members and $250 for non-members. Call 212 404 3423.
