It’s the end of summer and seriously, it doesn’t really feel like we’ve had one. Maybe I’ve just been so busy that it’s completely crept by me. But, I already feel the season changing – we’re moving into shorter days, longer nights and the homestretch to the holidays. Unreal. This summer has been a blast though. We’ve had parties and festivals galore, some DVR worthy off-season TV like Top Chef, True Blood, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Big Brother and Whale Wars and several major events that draw seemingly everyone from Sausalito to South Africa to our little slice of west coast paradise. But, don’t think we’re done yet. September is another month full of parties, events, festivals and fundraisers that, if you’re smart, you’ll enjoy before you break out the boxes of gaudy bobbles and settle in for the holiday hibernation. Oh, and don’t forget, this year especially, EVERY vote couts. If you’re not registered to vote, do it now! You can even vote by mail from the comfort of your own home. I don’t care how you do it, just make sure you do. VOTING MATTERS.
Thurs | Sept 2 - Uber-DJ and lesbian sister Samantha Ronson mixes her beats her way for all you beautiful So Cal’ers to kick off Labor Day the right way at La Jolla’s new posh joint Barfly. Opening set by Mac Luv. Barfly, 909 Prospect St. in La Jolla. Doors open at 9PM. VIP bottle service available. For guest list consideration, email club promoters.
Fri | Sept 3 - Her voice is unmistakable, her music is timeless and her Babies’ Daddy is rock legend David Crosby. Grammy Award-winner Melissa Etheridge brings her signature rock chic roadshow to San Diego with tunes from her latest release, Fearless Love. Copely Symphony Hall, 750 B Street in Downtown. Tickets start at $39 + fees. Show at 8PM.
Sat | Sept 4 - The fur will be out in full force this Labor Day Weekend as the monthly Bear Night at Bacchus House is back for a holiday dance party of Grizzly proportions. The furry and the furless frolic on the dance floor while cubs and cuties convene in the bear den with drink specials including $3 Miller Lite & Coors bottles and $6 double Svedka vodkas. Bacchus House, 3054 University Ave. in North Park. $5 cover. Doors open at 9PM.
Sun | Sept 5 – Iconic DJ/producer and mixmaster Paul Oakenfold (remember Faster Kill Pussycat featuring the late Brittany Murphy) hits the turntables at the Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp for a special one-night-only Intervention at Float engagement that is sure to blaze up the speakers all afternoon. Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter. 21+ event. Doors open at 12PM. $40 tickets can be purchased online.
Mon | Sept 6 - What would a holiday weekend be without Recovery Mondays at Urban Mo’s featuring the always energetic DJ Taj spinning his signature anthem dance sets. Urban Mo’s, 308 University Ave. in Hillcrest. 2-7PM. And, don’t forget to continue the long weekend celebration down at The Hole for Ophelia’s pretty much world famous Wet ‘n Wilder wet undie contest. Drink specials throughout the night, contestants take home cash prizes and audience members get the fun and funny sass of the hostess herself. The Hole, 2820 Lytton St. in Point Loma. $3 cover. Show starts at 10PM(ish).
Fri-Sun | Sept 10-12 - Who said queers couldn’t ride steers? The Golden State Gay Rodeo Association – Greater San Diego Chapter hosts its annual San Diego Gay Rodeo with a weekend full of country-fied events that are fun for everyone. There definitely won’t be a shortage of tight-ass Wranglers, big hairy forearms, sharp-toed boots and 10-gallon hats…and that’s just the ladies. The Sheraton Mission Valley is this year’s host hotel. Friday (9/10) is the Rodeo Pool Party from Noon to 6PM and Boots ‘n Brief + Dance Party from 8PM to 2AM. Saturday (9/11) the Rodeo events take place at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds (12584 Mapleview St. in Lakeside) starting at 9AM followed by Dance Lessons + Dance Party back at the Sheraton from 7PM to 2AM. Sunday (9/12) is the final day of Rodeo events out in Lakeside starting at 9AM followed by the Rodeo Awards Ceremony at 8PM in the Sheraton’s beautiful ball room. And, shuttles will be running back and forth from both the Sheraton and Urban Mo’s out to the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds so you don’t even have to drive. $20 roundtrip fare includes entry to the rodeo + 1 drink ticket.
Weds | Sept 15 - Mix one sassy drag nun the likes of Sister Shelby Hellbound, cutie patootie DJ Michael Carrera, three contestants from local non-profit organizations and themed trivia questions. What do you get? PICK YOUR POISON! It’s like one of those cheesy 70′s game shows, just funner! Three contestants battle it out for a Grant from The San Diego Sisters. Cover charge directly funds the grant the winner’s group receives. It’s most definitely a laugh…and educational too. Bamboo Lounge, 1475 University Ave. in Hillcrest. $10 cover. Game begins at 7PM sharp.
Sat | Sept 18 - Foodies, travelers and masochists unite! One of the culinary world’s most revered and notoriously biting (no pun intended) chefs, Anthony Bourdain, comes to San Diego for a stand-up performance of sorts, “No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain.” In this rare, uncensored, live appearance, the “bad boy of cuisine” will share the fascinating, hysterical and sometimes shocking stories behind his life. He’s controversial, opinionated and always entertaining. California Center for the Arts Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Tickets $45-$55 available online or at the box office (800) 988-4253. Event starts at 8PM.
Sun-Fri | Sept 19-24 - In its seventh year as San Diego County’s largest and most successful dining event, San Diego Restaurant Week was launched with the intention of spotlighting the city as a premier dining destination. Held twice annually, this beloved culinary tradition features more than 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants offering fixed price, three-course meals for $20, $30 or $40. There are no tickets or passes required. Food lovers simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week, explore new dining opportunities or enjoy old favorites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling restaurants directly or visiting their Restaurant Week profile online.
Tues | Sept 21 - The interactive talk show social, Two Cents with moi, is back and this month, it’s all about sports, LGBT-style. We’ll get to know the men who really do move LGBT sports in San Diego from football and softball to wrestling and rugby. Join me and special guests Jason Hefley from San Diego American Flag Football League, Tom Abbas from America’s Finest City Softball League, Greg Lines from San Diego Bulldogs Wrestling and Carlos Legaspy from San Diego Armada Rugby for a panel discussion on being out and playing sports in America’s Finest City. San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. Food & drinks provided by Urban Mo’s. 7PM sharp. FREE event, but donations are greatly appreciated.
Fri | Sept 24 – One of the gays and the girls favorite stand-up comics, Margaret Cho, brings her ChoDependent Tour to San Diego for one laugh out loud performance under the stars. Spunky, sassy, foul-mouthed and full of equality love, Cho – who returns to primetime TV on the upcoming season of Dancing with The Stars – will take to the stage to sing her truth. After “My Puss,” a hilarious rap parody Cho recorded impromptu-style with friends, became a surprise YouTube hit, she began to integrate more comedy music into her live stand-up shows. ChoDependent is a comedy album put to song, tackling subjects like sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll and lice. Here’s your chance to see her live before she trades the mic for some sequins, heels and high-kicks. Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr. in San Diego. Tickets start at $50 + fees, available online. Show at 9PM.
Sun | Sept 26 – Every 9 1/2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV. As many as 220,000 Americans do not know they are living with HIV. Theses numbers are telling and one of the many reasons why AIDS Walk & Run San Diego is so important. AIDS Walk San Diego is the largest single-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser and the biggest non-governmental financial provider for HIV/AIDS in San Diego County. Dozens of agencies – serving thousands of clients – rely on funds raised at the annual 5K walk/10K run event to help provide essential prevention and care programs to thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in San Diego. HSSS is not only a sponsor of AWSD, but Ophelia and I will be Emceeing on the stage the day of the event. Team He Said / sHe Said will also be lacing up their sneakers and hitting the pavement for the walk. Want to join us, please click on the link and sign up…you’ll get a super sexy specially designed HSSS t-shirt to wear, too. Can’t participate, donate! Every little bit helps. AIDS Walk & Run San Diego, Balboa Park at Sixth Ave. and Quince St. Day-of registration starts at 6AM. Opening ceremonies begin at 7AM. 10K run starts at 8AM sharp. 5K walk starts at 8:05AM. Post-walk festival 8:30-11AM. Walk/Run registration $35 ($25 for seniors 60+ and youth 17-under.)
Until There’s A Cure – We’ll Keep Walking
