Bars & Parties
‘12 Days of Christmas’ fundraiser on tap
To benefit AIDS Action Baltimore, others
This year’s theme for ’12 Days of Christmas’ is Ease on Down the Road. (Image courtesy 12 Days’ Facebook page)
As part of his obligations as Maryland Mr. Drummer 1999, Rik Newton-Treadway was required to organize a fundraiser, which was supposed to be a one-time event. That year, Woodie Barnes was Mid-Atlantic Drummerboy 1999 and Timmy Snider was Maryland Leather Boy 1999. Since all three leather titleholders lived in Baltimore, they decided to band together and stage one big event rather than separate fundraisers. The group formed Hooker & Boys, a community-based invitation-only leather club that puts on a variety of events and pageants for charity.
Fast-forward to 2015 and the 17th annual gala known as “12 Days of Christmas,” a Hooker & Boys production, remains popular.
“The significance of the event is that the communities come together to celebrate the holiday season, see old friends and new ones, and raise some monies for various charities near and far,” Newton-Treadway told the Blade. “We are proud to have helped raised over $100,000 for a variety of charities, over 22 different ones to date.”
For the previous 16 years, 12 Days was held at the Hippo, which closed in October. This year’s event will take place on Dec. 12 from 12-6 p.m. at The Conference Center of the Maritime Institute, 692 Maritime Blvd., Linthicum Heights in Maryland. It will benefit several organizations, including AIDS Action Baltimore (Scott H. Stamford Memorial Fund), Dog Rescue of Maryland, the IMsL foundation (history project) and the Lady Lisa Drag Stage at Baltimore Pride 2016 /GLCCB (building fund). The goal is to raise at least $2,000 for each.
“We have been blessed to have attendees and performers from around the world. For Hooker & Boys this is our Christmas morning,” said Newton-Treadway. The organizers are seeking sponsors and donated items for a silent auction.
Performers at this year’s 12 Days, which is themed, “Ease on Down the Road,” include: Shawnna Alexander, Diamond Taylor, Xtcdk Evans, Danielle Revlon, Martin Chichiraycolby Colby, Rik Newton-Treadway, Misty Barfly, Marcus D Spicer, Krystal Nova, Onyx D. Pearl, Desire Avah, and Heather Marcelle.
The doors open at noon and the show begins at 2 p.m. Reserved seating cost $25 each with a table of eight priced at $200. General admission is $20 at the door. The menu will include such items as hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of side dishes, salads and beverages. Parking is free.
Bars & Parties
Mixtape Sapphics hosts holiday party on Dec. 13
‘Sugar & Spice’ night planned for Saturday
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Sapphic Sugar & Spice: A Naughty-Nice Mixtape Holiday Party” on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at Amsterdam Lounge.
This is a festive, grown holiday party for queer women and sapphics 35 and older at Revolt’s Christmas pop-up. There will be music, joy, and an optional White Elephant.
This is Mixtape Sapphics’ first-ever holiday party — a cozy, flirty, intentionally grounded night created just for queer women and sapphics 35+ who want real connection, festive joy, and a warm place to land at the end of the year.
Tickets start at $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Bars & Parties
Impulse Group DC to host fundraiser
Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour held at Thurst Lounge
Impulse Group DC, a local advocacy organization, will host “Giving Tuesday and Happy Hour” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Thurst Lounge.
This event is a special happy hour fundraiser filled with good vibes, great food, and community connection. DJ Obie will be on deck keeping the energy high while you enjoy tacos, cocktails, and the kind of atmosphere only Thurst can deliver.
A portion of every signature cocktail sold goes directly toward supporting Impulse Group D.C.’s work in sexual health, mental health, harm reduction, and social justice for the D.C. community.
Admission is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Halloween weekend is here, and here’s a list of just some of the local events if you’re looking to have a spooky good time.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is an opportunity to mingle with LGBTQ folk and allies. Halloween costumes are encouraged or casual beach attire is fine. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Bad Witch, Good Butch: A Sapphic Halloween Dream” on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Revolt DC. This is a halloween party for sapphics from the ages of 35 and above. There will be costumes, connection and dancing. Tickets are $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Taste Takeover will host “Abuela Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at 639 Florida Ave., N.W. DJ Yani will play music and there will be a costume contest with prizes to be won. Tickets cost $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Metro Cabaret Club will host “Spookshow Spectacular: Dance Place After Dark Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. at Dance Place. This is D.C.’s Halloween nightlife and draglesque showcase, featuring live performances, creative marketplace, and costumed revelry. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Punch Bowl Social will host “Halloween Bash” on Friday. Oct 31 at 9 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. This will be a night of hauntingly good times with a killer DJ, vendors, and a costume contest. Tickets cost $12.09 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thrust Lounge will host “Nightmare on 14th St.” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. DJ Tryfe will play music, and there’ll also be a costume contest with prizes. For more details, visit Thurst’s Instagram.
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Halloween Scariest Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their scariest, creepiest, most haunting look for a Halloween night they won’t forget — fueled by Casamigos and Nellie’s signature spooky fun. For more details, visit Nellie’s website.
Kiki DC will host “Kiki’s Halloween Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. This event will be hosted by Pirouette and there’ll be prizes for the top three costumes. For more details, visit Kiki’s Instagram.
Sinners and Saints will host “Heaven’s On Fire (Queer Pop Dance Party)” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. There will be two floors and music by Sonali Dawar, DJ Noons and Aria McIntosh. There will also be drink specials all night.
Crush Dance Bar will host a Halloween costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Drag queens Empress Lena and Sasha Adams will host the event. For more details, visit Crush’s Instagram.
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