13 Gay Things to Do in Philly This Week: Divas Do Duel Piano Bar, a Masquerade Ball, NSFW Does Thermals Again + More
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Hot Mic! Mondays
Ian Morrison and Eric Jaffe are hosting this new open mic night as a way to cure those Manic Mondays. They're looking for any form of expression for their stage—from comedy to singing to drag. Stick around afterward: From 10pm-11pm there will be a screening of season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race, but don't fret, open mic will start right back up after the screening. Monday, January 12th, 8pm. $3 (including a free domestic beer and Absolut cocktail), Tabu Lounge, 200 South 12th Street.
Sam Smith at The Liacouras Center
Out singer Sam Smith comes to Temple University's Liacouras Center this week. The powerhouse vocalist will be performing songs from his debut album, In The Lonely Hour, and hopefully some new new songs, like his cover of Whitney's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." With a special appearance by George Ezra. Tuesday, January 13th, 7pm. $35-$65, The Liacouras Center at Temple University, 1776 North Broad Street.
Fest at FringeArts
FringeArts kicks off the year with Fest, a provocative exploration of sex and power by Bulgarian choreographer and performance artist Ivo Dimchev. Philadelphia will see the only U.S. presentation of Fest, though Dimchev recently performed a different piece at the Queer New York Arts Festival, where critics dubbed him "playfully sinister" and "virtuosic," giving you a hint at what you'll likely be in store for here. The piece features performances by Nicola Schoessler, Annina Machaz, Mirko Feliziani, and Dimchev. Tuesday and Wednesday, January 13th and 14th, 7 p.m., $15-$50, Mainstage at FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard. —Josh Middleton
Hot ‘N' Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration
Mauckingbird Theatre Company's latest staging is an homage to prolific golden-age composer and songwriter Cole Porter. Local crooners like Luke Brahdt, Michelle Eugene, and Phillip Anthony Wilson will take on some of his most-loved tunes, all presented "with wonderfully fresh arrangements and a contemporary twist." Through February 1st, various times, $15-$25, Skybox at the Adrienne Theater, 2030 Sansom Street. —Josh Middleton
Divas Night Out! at Duel Piano Bar
In need of some laughs and cabaret to get you through the rest of your week? Brittany Lynn, Bev, and Pissi Myles will be singing live at Duel Piano Bar & Lounge. Jeffrey Beiter will be playing the tunes while Rick McIntire will be mixing up some cocktails. When the ladies aren't crooning, additional tunes will be provided by G Philly's own DJ Carl Michaels. Sample some of his latest sets here. Wednesday, January 14th, 9pm. $5-$10, Duel Piano Bar & Lounge, 1420 Locust Street.
Redemption: a romantic comedy?
Out playwright and comic book artist Dave Ebersole debuts his latest work, Redemption: a romantic comedy?, this week as part of Centre Theater's Independent Voices Festival, a lineup of shows by playwrights in and around Philadelphia. Ebersole explains Redemption as "a gay rom-com set against a premise that's pretty dark. It has a lot of twists and turns to it but both characters are into each other, despite the predicament they're in." It stars Richard Bradford, Joseph Cartagena Jr, and T.J. Deluca. January 14th-17th, 8pm. $15, The Centre Theater at the Montgomery County Cultural Center, 208 DeKalb Street, Norristown.
Time Travels Vol. 2
Start your weekend early at the Dolphin Tavern for all your '80s music needs. Sissy Hop and Una Bruja will be hosting their next edition of Time Travels. Break out the neon colors, moon boots, and fanny packs while enjoying some of the best music of Taylor's newfound decade. With a special guest appearance by DJ Julia Factorial. Thursday, January 15th, 10pm. 21+, $5, The Dolphin Tavern, 1539 South Broad Street.
Drag Wars: Faux Queen Edition
RuPaul's Drag Race star Mimi Imfurst will be hosting the second Faux Queen edition of her popular Gayborhood drag queen competition, Drag Wars. Nine ordinary women will be made over by nine Drag Wars contestants, who are tasked with transforming them into "fierce, fabulous faux queens." The winner will receive $500 and guest judges for this week are Pussy Von Weinermuff, the winner of Faux Queens cycle 1, and Pissi Myles, Drag Wars cycle 4 winner. Thursday, January 15th, 10pm, free, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street.
Fearce Frenzy
Sutton Fearce returns with some fun outside the Gayborhood: Fearce, the evenings host, has assembled a talented cast of mostly Philly queens that will show you a great time and have you cackling away the week's triflings. Look out for Bev and Aurora Whorealis. Friday, January 16th, 2015, 9pm. $7, Benchwarmer's Sports Bar, 2676 Bridge Street
Pussé Parlor: Opening Night
Dynamic Gayborhood performers Icon Ebony Fierce and burlesquer Gemini Rose are teaming up for a new recurring party that promises "glamour, sensuality, genderfuck, and RAW performances from some of Philly's greatest entertainers." Ebony Fierce hosts, while Rose is joined by three of the city's most exciting, outside-the-box performers: Mary Vice, Ann Artist and Kemar Jewel. And, psssst, the password is always "pussé." Friday, January 16th, 10 p.m., $5-$7, Local 940 (940 North Marshall Street.
Thermal 3: Electric Winter
This NSFW dance party seeks to melt away all the winter blues by asking folks to show up in their hot winter intimates. The third annual Thermal party features tunes by DJ Sharyn Stone and photography by Alexander John. Just don't bring any pictures to the office on Monday; the party's called NSFW for a reason. Saturday, January 17th, 10pm, free, Medusa Lounge, 27 South 21st Street.
A Dark & Stormy Masquerade
Looking for an excuse to keep that outfit that is way too dressy for most events? Shed the work clothes and get gussied up in your best for this upscale, black-tie evening hosted by new Gayborhood party producers Jordash (aka Jordan Fraser and Ashley Coleman). Mingle in your fancy threads while you nibble hors d' oeuvres by chef Bethany Gregory, pose for Society Hill Films, who will be there to capture the evening in photographs, and dance to the sounds of DJ JavaScript. Don't forget to get your Bacardi Dark and Stormies for $5. Proceeds will go to Haven Youth Group of Bethlehem PA. Saturday, January 17th, 2015, 8pm. $15-$20, Tabu Lounge, 200 South 12th Street.
Midnight Radio
There is no pop music at this show, only classic rock will be performed Saturday night. Five of the most hardcore drag queens in Philly will be performing songs by some of the best rock music artists of all time—musicians from the Foo Fighters to Heart to Cyndi Lauper and everything in between. Starring: The Goddess Isis, Lili St. Queer, Mimi Imfurst, Satine Harlow, and Serena Star. Saturday, January 17th, 10pm. $10, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 Saint James Street.
