Philly gets its Pride on
It's Gay Pride season, and the Philadelphia GLBT community celebrates all weekend long. Aside from this weekend's parade and festival, happy homos and queer friends alike will find a range of parties available for public celebrating.
Leading up to the big event is a robust number of events in the bars and clubs. Paramount among them is the opening party tonight at Shaft @ Shampoo (www.shampooonline.com) - get in before 11pm for no cover charge, then enjoy free shots at midnight and a guest performance by Alexis Cartier and Joey Josephs. If you're interested in staying up really late, Pure (www.purephilly.com) will keep you partying with DJ Carl Michaels - it's 80's on the main floor, and hip-hop in the mezz.
On Saturday, the big event is the Twisted Life booze cruise - this is the third year running for this late-night trip down the Delaware. DJ Carl Michaels (he's everywhere, isn't he?) spins, and you'll enjoy an open bar for three hours (www.twistedlife.com). "All Ages" @ 12th Air hosts a big ol' party for the boys, and Philly's "legendary" DJ Dozia is at Woody's (www.woodysbar.com) to spin the dance floor - and you know the main bar will be hopping. For you ladies, Sisters (www.sistersnightclub.com) hosts their Pre-Pride bash Saturday night starting a 9pm - be sure to join the "Bootylicious" contest for your chance to win $200 in cash and prizes. For your afterhours pleasure, Pure hosts the well-known circuit DJ David Knapp, plus karaoke from 9pm to midnight.
The big event is on Sunday - start your march down Pine Street in the Gayborhood, then follow 11th north to Market Street, and head east to Penn's Landing. The party kicks off at noon, and continues through 6pm at the Festival. There you'll find the masses, along with MC Henri David, Brett Butler, Sally Starr Betty, the cast of "Hair" from the Prince Music Theatre, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus, and lots of dancing to DJ Maria V.
The post-parade girl party is back at Sisters, where guest DJs, happy hour and Rainbow Jello shots will keep you entertained. Boys can head over to Woody's, where DJ Frank Manzo holds court with a 5pm happy hour, then dancing into the wee hours... or join the fray at 12th Air, where the dance floor opens at 6pm. Pure's also open at 6pm with Carl Michaels, and nightowls can witness Michael DeCero take on the Pure mainfloor after midnight.