It might just be me – perhaps, it might even be more of a statement about me (gasp) getting a bit past it – but is the Ministry of Sound franchise starting to look sooo last decade? I dunno. I reckon, there’s better promoters and parties around these days. I found the barely-legal, overly-tweaked crowd somewhat hard work and the sets satisfactory, but certainly not exceptional at the Sessions Tour at Metro City. The saving grace was that if you made it past pumpkin hour, the tunes got considerably better from about 2am onwards.
Luckily, the news was much better from the queer clubbing scene. As Megan Smith reported from Lick:
‘The lesbian action on June 29 was hot and heavy (especially in those dark corners – you know who you are), as queer women were rewarded with bar-top dancing worthy of a LeAnne Rimes movie. Between shows, most of the crowd took in fresh air and mingled in the outdoor bar, though a few women reportedly headed upstairs to take in the Phoenix strip shows, which while not technically part of Lick, were a real crowd pleaser.’
The boys were no less pleased, with Brett Dias reporting that ‘suitable enough a full moon was out to herald the Climaxx White Party. Fire twirlers welcomed guests, a sexy boxer showed us his moves in a pseudo boxing ring and a bound and gagged individual was hoisted to the ceiling by Egyptian gods in loincloths and a couple wearing red latex. The true stars of the night however were Perth’s gay, straight and electronic dance set who created a vibe that would otherwise have been lacking. ‘
Segueing neatly into what’s on this month… if you enjoyed Armin van Buuren, or if you wish you’d been able to enjoy him (in the musical sense, of course, we bloody well want to hear about it if you enjoyed him any other way!), then there’s a chance to catch one of his posse this month. Junior Sanchez is bringing his razor-sharp brand of dirty-pop-punk-electro to Metropolis Fremantle on July 13.
My pick of the month, though, would have to be that midyear feast of the best breaks around – the fourth annual Major Break. As usual it’s running across the joint venues of Ambar/Gilkinsons, and the highlights of this year’s lineup are Breakfastaz, Dopamine and Hook n Sling. Get your tickets NOW – Planet and the usual venues – because it will sell out.
For something a little less clubby – see if you can recognise these catchy little lines: At first when I see you cry / Yeah, it makes me smile / Yeah, it makes me smile / At worst I feel bad for a while / But then I just smile / I go ahead and smile
They are, of course, from possibly the best break up song ever – ‘Smile’ by Brit pop star Lily Allen. And you can sing along with the lady herself when she also pops into Metropolis Fremantle on July 31. Allen’s been causing a bit of a sensation of late, with her shows ‘tearing up the stage, media and rulebooks’ worldwide, and this is your one chance to catch her in Perth. Tickets are on sale from Mills and Planet for $55+bf.
Back to the queer scene, there’s three blips of something extra over and above the weekly offerings.
The Court will be launching its long-hyped dating night Courtship on July 10. It is, of course the only queer dating night/event in WA, and, I reckon a better bet than the internet given you get to see exactly who it is you’re conversing with (22, well muscled and good looking he said? Ha!). Owner Bree promises the night is going to be relaxed and fun with plenty of giveaways… and it’s fool proof: if you don’t find anyone to your liking at the Court, then you can return to the internet and use the 25% off membership discount you’ll get from being at Courtship to snag someone on gaymatchmaker.com or lesbianmatchmaker.com.
Connections, meanwhile, goes all wet and squishy with the return of Lesbian Mud Wrestling on July 11. It’s planned that LMW will be running once a month from here on in – every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Getting wet and squishy in the outdoor bar, on the other hand, is a thing of the past, as Connies have just installed a snug new roof.
On July 7, Connections also goes a bit Brazillian, with Drop Some Drums – bongo drummers and smooth and sultry tunes all night. Later in the month on July 28 Connies brings us to the Worlds End for Punk Meets, arrrgh, Pirate. As a side note, ladies can hit the Women’s Night at the Irish Club before heading to Connies for a boogie.
The rest of the month Connections will as usual throw their doors open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights to keep you entertained and moving into the wee early hours.
Meanwhile, the Court will continue its usual weekend trade to complement its new weekly offerings, including amateur drag nights on Wednesday (Uncle Aram would like to see some amateur drag kings put themselves out there – any takers? Promise I’ll cheer for ya…) and United on Thursdays as well as the already mentioned Courtship.
For another regular weekly alternative, there’s also F**k Me I’m Famous, Wednesday nights at The Shed.
Not forgetting, the queer once-a-monthers:
- Pride Women’s Sundowner, Grapeskin Winebar, July 11
- Pride Professional Alliance, Brisbane Hotel, July 18
- Only Gay in the Village, Upstairs at the Sail & Anchor, Freo, July 25
And that be all. Clearly it’s the dead of winter in Perth and everyone is in hibernation mode.
So, I’m off to find a good book, some chocolate, a snuggle with the lover…and will save my energy for Major Break. Later.
