He Said ‘approved’ San Diego events in and around the gayborhood during San Diego Pride month. And, please people, read and heed: sunscreen is your friend.
This month leaves little room for downtime. We’ve got 4th of July, Comic Con and San Diego Pride on the brain. And, throw into the mix a host of other activities and events to partake in and you’ve got one full plate of FUN. Many of you sun goddesses will be spending ample time outdoors at the beach, in the pool or at the park bronzing those bods. Tanlines are sexy, melanoma scars…not so much. Do yourself a favor and use an SPF. Your skin will thank you for it, I promise.
Thurs | July 1 - What better way to kick off San Diego Pride month than with two events dedicated to just that. First, Ophelia and I are bringing He Said / sHe Said back to the Gaslamp Quarter for a LIVE webcast at the pride of all posh hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. We’ll be poolside at Float, the hotel’s rooftop bar and pool lounge, dishing deets HSSS-style while enjoying some laughs…and maybe some adult libations. If there was any day to bust out of work early, grab your trunks and come watch us do our thing, this is the day, because later, HRH is hosting the official tailgate party for Out at Petco Park, the game day set aside for LGBTs to celebrate both pride and baseball. DJ Taj will be spinning some divalicious grooves for all you Padre fans – drinkin’ and grubbin’ included. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, 207 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter. Poolside webcast starts @ 3PM(ish) and DJ Taj spins at 9PM.
Sat | July 3 – It’s gettin’ hawt in hair (yes, I said hair.) The monthly dance party dedicated to bears – and those who love ‘em – is celebrating their indepenDANCE. Bear Night takes over Bacchus House (first Saturday of every month) on 4th of July weekend for Red, White & Bears. DJ Jon Williams spins while sweatastic gogo grizzlies gyrate their junk atop boxes and sex-on-a-stick bartenders serve up drink specials all night long. And, as if it could get any gayer, Bear Night hosts will be giving away Kylie goodies until the wee hours in honor of the elder Minogue’s hotly anticipated CD release, Aphrodite. Bacchus House, 3054 University Ave. in North Park. 9PM to 2AM. $5 cover charge.
Sun | July 4 - Those sassy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are at it again. And, this time, it’s a Hot Dog Hoot’nanny only a couple of naughty nuns could drum up. Join these missionaries of mayhem as they promulgate all over The Loft with some big ole hawt dawgs in honor of 4th of July. Stuff your face with a juicy sausage before heading out to any number of high spots in the city to watch the fireworks along the bay. Just remember, if you’ve been drinking, don’t drive…park your ass where it’s at and have another beer. The Loft, 3610 Fifth Ave. in Hillcrest. Sausages hit the grill at 3PM for $4 each.
Tues | July 6 – One of our favorite nosh spots in North Park, Zio’s restaurant, is celebrating its 1 year anniversary with a private ‘invite only’ friends & family soiree (…but if you ask nicely, I bet you’ll get an invite.) Owner Darren James is putting on a spread in the main dining room featuring mini pizzas, Zio’s famous meatballs and those delish housemade Italian potato chips. Oh, and a special anniversary cocktail to mark the occasion. If you can’t make the party, stop in for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Saturday and tell ‘em HSSS sent ya. Zio’s, 2940 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park. Party starts at 6PM (invite.)
Weds | July 7 – The stereophonic estrogen fest that is Lilith comes to Cricket Ampitheatre with a line-up of bellowing babes the likes of Miranda Lambert, Donna Delory, Brandi Carlile, the Weepies, and festival headliner and cofounder Sarah McLachlan, the object of many a lesbians’ fantasies. Lilith, Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre, 2050 Entertainment Circle in Chula Vista. Festival begins at 2:30PM. Lawn tickets start at $16.
Fri | July 9 – Now, I’m more a fan of the sequel myself, but there’s no denying that Grease is still the word! The original “high school musical” that set the bar for those that followed comes to San Diego in all its legendary lyrical glory in the form of a sing along. That’s right, Rydell High’s most famous graduating class is back for a limited time Grease Sing-A-Long special engagement. So, all you Pink Ladies and T-Birds, grab your poodle skirts, slick that hair back and head over to Fashion Valley for an interactive viewing experience that’ll definitely tickle your inner Efron, er, I mean Travolta. I know…tell me about it, STUD! AMC Fashion Valley 12, 7037 Friars Road, Fashion Valley Mall. Showtimes 7 and 9:45PM (Sat 7/10 at 2, 7 & 9:45PM)
Sat | July 10 – Mix a little Scandal and a little Friction with one big ass hotel pool and you get Splash, an exclusive San Diego pool party that’ll have you wet ‘n wild and primed for Pride. Splash hits the Lafayette Hotel just in time for you to get your pre-Pride tan on. DJs Alexander (LA) and Dirty Kurty are spinning under the sun with a stash of sexy gogo boys who promise to visually stimulate. $20 pre-sale tickets are available online with a limited number of $35 tickets available the day of. Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. in North Park. 11AM to 5PM. Pre-sale tickets $20.
Mon | July 12 - On the main floor of San Diego’s City Hall, Lambda Archives of San Diego will unveil its inaugural exhibit, A Celebration of San Diego LGBT History. The exhibit, on display July 12 – 23, coinciding with San Diego’s LGBT Pride month, features approximately 1100 square feet of historical LGBT community treasures. For decades the main floor of City Hall has been the host of many diverse community exhibits and now – for the first time ever – there will be an LGBT exhibit sponsored by Lambda Archives and the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast of San Diego. San Diego City Hall, 202 C Street in Downtown. Exhibit open 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday.
Thurs | July 15 – The Milk Foundation San Diego Honors celebrates the outstanding work for the LGBT community of State Senator Chris Kehoe, Mayor Jerry Sanders, Ciy Commissioner Robert Gleason and activist Lisa Sanders. Special guest host for the evening is Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk’s openly gay nephew and Founder of the Milk Foundation. Tickets from $75 to $1000. For additional details (including event location) call 619.692.1967. Event starts at 6PM.
Fri | July 16 - What better way to kick-off Pride weekend than with a night of big ole belly laughs. Betty-tastic Alec Mapa, Hollywood’s self-professed ‘Gaysian’ is headlining Stand-Up for Equality, a night of comedy to benefit HRC San Diego‘s ongoing fight for LGBT equal rights. Joining Mapa is nationally known lesbian comedian Dana Goldberg, making her first-ever San Diego appearance. Stand-Up for Equality is co-presented by SVEDKA Vodka and the Human Rights Campaign. Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in North Park. 7:30PM. Tickets start at $38. 21+ event.
He Said Picks for Pride Weekend Activities
Besides the obvious Parade and Festival – which Ophelia and I will both be a part of, streaming LIVE from our vehicle in the parade and Emceeing the Main Stage at the festival both days – here are my picks for Haute events during Pride weekend.
Sat | July 17 - Hard Tea at the Ivy Nightclub & Rooftop Pool Lounge of the Andaz San Diego Hotel. This is truly THE party event of the weekend that masterfully fuses equal parts music, drinks, sun, style & eyecandy at one of the best rooftop locations in the city. Pre-sale tickets $30 by emailing RoyaltyGroupLa@gmail.com. Limited amount of $40 tickets available at the door. 11AM to 8PM.- Sat | July 17 - SD Pix & SDGLN are givin’ the Pride circuit party a little late night flava with Popsicle Pride at 4th & B. DJ Nikno from Rich’s and DJ Casey Alva (LA) will be spinning well into the wee morning hours. Tickets $30 pre-sale, $40 at the door.
- Sat | July 17 - The hip-hop diva herself, Eve, takes the Main Stage at the Pride Festival at 8PM…and yours truly will be introducing her! Festival single-day ticket $15, two-day pass $25.
- Sun | July 18 - If hitting the festival with the tykes in tow is more your scene, don’t forget to pop into the Family Matters Children’s Garden at Pride. Open 11AM to 6PM, kids 17 and younger get in free and will enjoy all the face painting, krazee karaoke, food, drinks, story time & kiddie games than you can Yo-Gabba-Gabba at.
- Sun | July 18 – Back downtown at the Andaz, the lovelies at FlawLes take over the Ivy Rooftop Pool Lounge for Three Feet Under, the ladies’ Sunday Funday Pride pool party! Pre-sale tickets $20, available online.
- Sun | July 18 – The original, the legendary, the infamous Zoo Party takes over the world famous San Diego Zoo. Party begins at 4PM with DJs Phil B and Moto Blanco. Pre-sale tickets $85, day-of event $100+.
Tues | July 20 - I’m back at The Center for the July installment of Two Cents, the monthly interactive ‘talk show social’ introducing you to the men (and women) who move San Diego’s LGBT Community. This month, we’ll be getting to know not just one guest, but a panel of our city’s young LGBT leaders, activists and influencers. Benny Cartwright, Carlos Marquez, the reigning Mr. Gay San Diego Matthew Michael Brown and a few other surprise panelists are already confirmed. So, set your DVRs, head over to the Center for some vino and nosh – courtesy of Urban Mo’s – and get to know these bright, young movers & shakers in Gay San Diego. The Center, 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. Chat starts at 7PM. Free event (donations appreciated.)
Weds | July 21 - The R&B, neo-soul powerhouse that is Leela James comes to San Diego for a one-night-only performance at one of the most beautiful live music venues in the city, Anthology. Leela’s deep, rich, gritty vocals have drawn comparisons to Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner. And, she does the most amazing cover of No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak” that I’ve ever heard. Anthology, 1337 India St. in Little Italy. 7:30 and 9:30PM shows. Tickets start at $29 ($15 food & beverage minimum per guest.)
Sat | July 24 - The Center’s Latino Services and PFLAG of San Diego present the premiere screening of Mi Familia, a documentary about families who love their LGBT children. Filmed entirely in Spanish (subtitled in English) the film will make its full-length debut in the Center’s Auditorium during this special engagement screening. The Center, 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. Doors open at 6PM. Tickets $5.
Thurs – Sun | July 22-25 – They’re heeeere! Comic Con, the megalith of practically everything entertainment convention, is back at the San Diego Convention Center bringing people by the hundreds of thousands to our fair city for three days of Hollywood-style Bright Lights, Big City. Throw in some comic books, anime and action figures and you’re all set. You can try to get passes, but since they’re already sold out, you’re probably going the scalper route (I don’t condone nor suggest, I merely state.) Your best bet: go with an insider or someone who’s already got the hook-up. Can you say “Press Credentials?” Comic Con, San Diego Convention Center & all over Downtown. Three days of conventions, workshops, awards, panels and parties. Good luck!
Sat | July 31 - Mama Mia, get your Dancin’ Queen Fernando, be a Super Trouper and head on over to the Birch North Park Theatre to Take A Chance on the Gay Men’s Chorus for their Summer ExtrABBAganza! It’s going to be so Money Money Money! Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Ave. in North Park. 8PM show time. Tickets start at $25, available online or at the box office.
Whew! That’s a lot going on in the month of July. Now, if your event, art show, fundraiser, garage sale, bake off, spiritual retreat or karaoke competition didn’t make it into the Haute Lot, please don’t sweat it. It’s not the end of the world. If you’d like your future events considered for the Haute Lot, shoot me an email. I make no guarantees about inclusion…unless I think it’s fierce.
