The Gay Agenda – January
Religious Experience. Julie Mabry and GirlJam Productions start the New Year right with a concert by God-Des and She. The queer chic duo, which we first met through Showtime’s The L Word when they introduced their lady-loving hit, “Lick It,” bring their hip-hop/pop/soul sound to Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar. Expect them to perform cuts from the upcoming fourth album, United States of God-Des and She. January 26, 9 p.m. Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, 1031 E. 24th St. Tickets available at gs-houston2.eventbrite.com and at the door.
Senior Socials. SPRY (Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years) hosts Montrose Diner Days. LGBT seniors are invited to enjoy coffee, activities, and a fresh nutritious lunch. Free for seniors age 60+, and their caregivers (a brief registration is required). Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., with lunch served at noon. The Montrose Center, 401 Branard St. • montrosecenter.org • 713/529-0037.
Friday at Frenetic. Frenetic After Dark, a “glittered, gutted, and glorified cabaret, curated by jhon r. stronks and hosted by Miss Understood, features a variety of artists from diverse performance genres including dance, theater, drag, music, and burlesque. A dance follows the performance. January 4, 8 p.m. House of Blues, 1204 Caroline St. • freneticore.net.
A Helping Hand for the Homeless. Cookie St. Jude kicks off the New Year in a charitable way by producing a benefit for Grace Place, an organization that assists local homeless youth. Guests are encouraged to donate a wide variety of items that youth can use, including clothing in all sizes, bus passes, tents, sleeping bags, toiletries, baby items, bug spray, sunscreen, and other items those of us with homes take for granted. Providing entertainment, Kara Melton opens for Elect Trick City. The day also includes a raffle, food from Jimmy’s Burgers, Jell-O shots, and more. A $5 donation is requested at the door. January 6, 7 p.m. The Usual, 55109 Allen St. • theusualpub.com • 281/501-1478.
Handhelds, Connect! Houston Gaymers hosts its monthly meet-up at Les Givral’s Kahve (4601 Washington Ave.) January 7, 7:30 p.m. The competitive electronics enthusiasts also meet January 26, 8 p.m., at The Fairview (315 Fairview St.) for drinks and a variety of games and video games. Houstongaymers.com.
“Show Me a Happy Homosexual and I’ll Show You a Gay Corpse.” Considered now by many a painful period piece, Mart Crowley’s biting, pre-AIDS dramedy The Boys in the Band remains a telling showcase for the pervasive phenomenon of self-loathing and bloody sarcasm held popular among gay men. January 11–26. The Country Playhouse, 12802 Queensbury Ln. • countryplayhouse.org • 713/467-4497.
They Want to Recruit You. Montrose Softball League presents Recruitment Day 2013, seeking male and female players for its upcoming season. January 13, 10 a.m. Houston Sportsplex, 12631 S. Main St. • montrosesoftballleague.com.
Hoppy Days Are Here Again. Break out your rabbit fur muff for Snow Bunnies 2013, Bunnies on the Bayou’s annual winter fling. January 20, 5 p.m. F Bar, 202 Tuam St. • Bunniesonthebayou.org.
A Royal Adventure. With its motto “Raising funds for worthy charities, one dollar at a time,” the Empire of the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Single Star presents Coronation XXIX, with the theme “A Night at Hogwarts: An Evening of Mystic and Magic!” The celebration rolls for four days, January 17–20, and offers the following events: January 17, 8 p.m.: In Town Show at Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos St. January 18, 6:30 p.m.: Out of Town Show, followed by a bar tour leaving Sheraton North Houston Hotel, 15700 John F Kennedy Blvd., at 9:30 p.m. January 19, 7 p.m.: Coronation XXIX’s A Night at Hogwarts: An Evening of Mystics and Magic at Sheraton North Houston Hotel. January 20, 11 a.m.: Victory Brunch at Sheraton North Houston Hotel. January 20, 4 p.m.: Victory Party/Utah Party, followed by a show at 7 p.m. at BRB. Ersicss.org.
A Royal Classic. Theatre Under the Stars’s gay patrons enjoy OUT@TUTS, a cabaret-style event at Artista Restaurant following the performance of Camelot, Lerner and Loewe’s chivalrous musical. Listen closely to the lyrics of “I Loved You Once in Silence”: it’s a thinly veiled tribute to closeted love. January 24. Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St. • tuts.com • 713/558-8887.
Matriarchs in Motion. Lesbians Over Age Fifty (LOAF) has added a fun and physical activity to their roster of get-togethers. Womyn on the Move is the group’s monthly dance party, held the last Saturday of each month (this month, January 26) at 3 p.m. Brazos River Bottom, 2400 Brazos St. • loaf.org.
HIV and Aging. AIDS Community Research Initiative of America of NYC, in conjunction with The Montrose Center, presents a community meeting focused on HIV and aging. The meeting aims to help identify the needs of 61 percent of the clients receiving HIV Case Management Services who are age 45 and older. Information gathered will be used to custom-tailor a free two-day training on HIV and aging in February. January 31, 9–11 a.m. The meeting begins with breakfast for participants at 8:30 a.m. The Montrose Center, 401 Branard St. • RSVP: [email protected].
An Act of Love. Texas United Charities kicks off its fundraising efforts with TUC Red & White Ball featuring a show, raffle, a photographer, a matchmaking device, and more. Benefits LHI. February 9. EJ’s, 2517 Ralph St. • [email protected].
Character Study. Legendary performer Lily Tomlin delivers her unique style of theatrical stand-up in a special one-night-only performance for Society for the Performing Arts. February 9, 8 p.m. Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana St. • spahouston.org • 713/227-4SPA.