Weekend Roundup

Friday, April 8

Isamu Noguchi’s “Sky Above” (1988) courtesy of Locks Gallery

Get a dose of culture at Locks Gallery during “Standing on the Edge: 20th Century Sculpture” (10 a.m.-6 p.m. through May 13) with works on show by very famous artists like Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin and Isamu Noguchi.

Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts “Guys Night Out” (5-9 p.m.) sponsored by the William Way. The group meets at the center for a spring walk along the Parkway to the museum to enjoy a special performance by Miro Dance Theatre with access to the main galleries. Reservations are encouraged (215-732-2220).

If you want to learn what it takes to be a glass artist, stop by the Fairmount Art Center (7-10 p.m.) for a crash course. The center regularly hosts workshops on a variety of crafts.

Got a hot body? Get to Sisters for the Hot Body Contest, a fundraiser to benefit Philly seniors (8 p.m.-1 a.m.) with DJ Goddess spinning hits. The hottest body winner will receive a cash prize. And seniors will receive quite a thrill.

Get your jollies at the Actor’s Center in Old City when The N Crowd takes over for a night of laughs (8 p.m.). The improv group specializes in short-form comedy for those if us with short attention spans.

The search for Mr. Gay is still on – and this time the pec-loving pageant heats up Q Lounge (9 p.m.-2 a.m.) as drag host Isis introduces a new round of hunks who must impress the judges with streetwear, swimwear and a creative Q&A in order to take home the coveted “Mr. Gay Q” title.

Saturday, April 9

Spring is in the air on East Passyunk. Get you and your “gaybies” to the free Easter Egg Hunt (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) with Easter bunny and egg decorating at the Le Virtu Outdoor Garden. Select restaurants along the avenue will also be hosting kid-friendly brunches, including Fuel where $1 pancakes are being served up. Later, catch up with Second Saturday (6-9 p.m) for wine tastings, live music and art shows. Make sure to check out the Pop-Up Vintage Portrait Studio at Frame Fatale where R.A. Friedman shoots instant vintage portraits for just $10.

Four local shutterbugs also take on the city this weekend in “Philadelphia Fragments 4X” at Ven and Vaida (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) in Old City.

Looking for an oldie but goodie? Get to the Philadelphia Antiques Show at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) where more than 50 vendors will be showing off their furniture, fine art and jewelry.

Courtesy of Liberty City Kings

PIFA debuts the world premiere of gay composer Joseph Hallman’s “Suite for Organ and Strings” (7 p.m.) at the Arch Street Methodist Church. Look for T. Desiree Hines on organ, Monique Canniere on violin, Johnell Lawrence on viola and Jonathan Salmon on cello, with proceeds benefiting The Traverse Arts Project.

Mr. Philadelphia Drag King Competition 2011 hits up the William Way Community Center (7:30-11 p.m.) to benefit the Philly Dyke March. The Liberty City Kings + Burlesque will be crowning a new king with Kelli Dunham as MC. Also look for celebrity judges including Hank E. Panky, Goldie Peacock, Diana Cage and Philly’s own Gloria Casarez with an official after party at Arouse.

Courtesy of Kinky Karnival

Aimee Mann performs at the World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington, Del., (8 p.m.) with Ivan & Alyosha.

The AIDS Law Project is raising money during Kinky Karnival at The Bike Stop (8 p.m.-1 a.m.) where folks are invited to explore the world of flogging, spanking and more during this wild carnival ride for, um, charity.

Sunday, April 10

Here’s something you may not have ever dreamed of doing this weekend: trapeze lessons! The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is teaching brave folks how to fly high during one of many special events during the city-wide arts festival PIFA (9 a.m.). Circus talents will show you the ropes – literally – during two-hour lessons at the University of the Arts where people will twist and turn (Big Top style) over Spruce and Pine streets. “Flying trapeze lessons are a great activity that tap into your inner courage, sense of trust and attention to detail,” says Mary Kelly Rayeal, Fly Circus Studio executive director. “Trained instructors provide a sense of accomplishment – one you can’t get from anything else.” And if you fail miserably, don’t worry – there’s a net!

David Sedaris (courtesy of Steven Barclay Agency)

World Cafe Live welcomes Loudon Wainright III (6 p.m.) for an evening of song. He’s recorded 23 albums and has collaborated with many famous names – including his gay son Rufus.

Spend an evening with gay humorist David Sedaris at the Keswick (7 p.m.) where he’ll read and discuss his favorite works like Me Talk Pretty One Day, Holidays on Ice and his latest Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.

Been a crazy weekend? Try channeling your inner peace during the free Rainbow Buddhist Meditation at the William Way (5 p.m.).

Have an upcoming LGBT-friendly event? Tell us about it: nmcdonald@phillymag.com.