JUNE 25: Forget happy hour and culture yourself a bit at 'As We See It: Third Annual Exhibition of LGBT Photographers," featuring diverse works (including digital and film-based black-and-white prints, nudes, cityscapes, abstracts, still lifes, and manipulated images) from more than 25 artists from the Center's Photography Club in New York City. While many of the photos are flashy and bold, Lester Blum employs light and shadows and turns his gaze to hands, which he claims are the 'essence of the man' (see Supplication). All photos are offered for sale, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the Center. For more info, check out NYCPhotoClub.com.
JUNE 26: If you're still wavering on whether or not to check out Broadway's Xanadu, the stage adaptation of the 1980 Olivia Newton-John movie musical stinker, this morsel may make up your mind: Former All Shook Up star'and openly gay eye candy'Cheyenne Jackson is replacing James Carpinello in the role of Sonny. The story involves Kira (Kerry Butler), a babe from Mt. Olympus on a quest to inspire a young artist who's struggling to build the world's first roller disco. (Yes, we're serious.) A little birdie told us the show's opening July 10, but you can still skate over to XanaduOnBroadway for tickets.
JUNE 27: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 180,000 to 280,000 people nationwide are HIV-positive but are unaware of their status. National HIV Testing Day offers you the perfect opportunity to get smart and get pricked. See HIVTest.org for details.
JUNE 28: Think comics are just for the kiddies? Well, we wouldn't suggest bringing the tots to the Antebellum Gallery this summer. Under the helm of Chelsea Boys artist Glen Hanson and photographer Rick Castro, the Hollywood space is currently showcasing 'ToonFetish: An Exhibition of Gay Erotic Comic and Illustrated Art,' its impressive collection of gay images and stories from the minds of international, fantasy-obsessed, proudly un-PC cartoonists. Hey, the straight dudes had Jessica Rabbit, didn't they? Get the scoop at TomOfFinlandFoundation.org. (Through July 13.)
JUNE 29: If wayward 'toons don't get you worked up, then break a sweat'or at least go root for the hot swingers'at the 23rd Annual Liberty Classic, running through July 2. Hosted by the Long Beach/Orange County Surf and Sun Softball League, this competition is open to men and women, novices and pros'and you clumsy gawkers who just wanna cruise the water boys. Check out SurfAndSunSoftball.org for the deets on the Classic and the Open Division's new season, which starts in August.
JUNE 30: Beat the heat with Midori's Arctic Babylon Tour'a winter wonderland'inspired megaparty complete with sexy, snow-frosted dancers'as it blows into Chicago club Circuit. Yeah, the theme is 'cold,' but with DJ Brett Henrichson (who's played at Gay Days Orlando, the New York Pride Pier Dance, White Party Palm Springs, and White Party Miami) spinning his pulsating tracks, we still recommend dressing lightly. Just watch out for the ceiling icicles.
JULY 1: Saddle up at the 14th Annual Canadian Rockies International Rodeo (running from June 29-July 1) at Symon's Valley Ranch in Calgary, Alberta. Don't fret'you don't have to mount anything to have a gay ol' time (though we greatly encourage doing so). This year's event boasts the Bud Light Barn Burner Dance and Community Goat Dressing, a timed contest in which a team of two attempts to put a pair of underwear on a goat. Hey, if they can bring Xanadu to Broadway, why not? Ride over to Argra.org to order tix.
Check out last week's calendar.
