Happy New Year!

I’ve been reading the horoscopes, and from all accounts, 2008 is a year to party, so go easy at work and make sure you have some energy left for the important things – good friends, good people and good times!

- Advertisement -

Summer is your time to shine. If you don’t have a tan, fake it (is orange the new black?) and get yourself out there.

If you haven’t already, get yourself to the Court and sample the cuisine from the new kitchen. It’s definitely date night food in the restaurant – the potato gnocchi is to die for and rumour has it they poached the very nice head waiter from the very posh Jackson’s just up (Beaufort) street in Mount Lawley. Of course the pizza and tapas out in the beer garden isn’t half bad either.

In addition to the full regular line up (see OUTinPerth’s calendar or www.thecourt.com.au for a rundown of weekly offerings), the Court will host Kid Kenobi and German act Malente in the overflow area on January 19. Electro rock n’ roll at it’s best – get tix ($38) from Planet Video and Live clothing outlets.

Girls, pencil in Thursday, January 31 for Girls Who Kiss Girls, hosted by the beautiful Carol. Boys you have to wait your turn, but fear not, it’s not a long wait as Boys Who Kiss Boys comes to the Court Thursday, February 7.

Advance Australia Fair at Connections Nightclub on January 26 (Australia Day). Tickets are limited (only 80 will be sold) and cost $100 (unless you are smart enough to enter OUTinPerth’s giveaway for two tickets and lucky enough to win!). The price is all inclusive – drinks, food, music by DJ Tim Brown and that incredible view. Will it be good? Well, so far no sign of a meat pie on the menu… think mini Peking Duck pancakes, Tiger Prawns with Tequila mayonnaise as well as a fair spread of vegetarian options. Australia Day also sees the return of prodigal son Gavin Kingsbury, who’ll be the man behind the Ginger Cosmopolitans, Midori and Kiwi Fruit Margaritas and all that jazz. Plus the Terrace will be exclusive to ticket holders from 8pm until midnight.

Then on January 27, go to Hell. Connections is hosting Hellbent, which, if you’re keeping track of www.connections.com you would know (in the words of the ever eloquent Scott-Patrick Mitchell) that they’re promising ‘a dark adventure filled with sex, sin & sadomasochism. Witness as the entire room transforms … into an outrageous den of iniquity, complete with chains, scaffolding, cyclone fences & fetish fun galore. Dress dark & delicious, don your deviance & dare yourself to bare your deepest desires.’ Kinky.

There’s plenty of chances to stand proud in January and February. Pride Professionals descend on the Brisbane Hotel on Wednesday, January 16 from 6.30pm. Single girls, the Pride Women’s Sundowner comes just in time for you to pick up your valentine. So, get to Grapeskin Winebar on Wednesday, February 13.

Beary, hairy Men get to the den for an Australiana Den Night on Friday, January 25. Just remember Bears, go easy or rather than toasting Australia Day with champers, you’ll be popping Panadol!

If you’re looking for something beyond the mainstays of Northbridge, consider one of these not as queer, but just as friendly venues…

• The Bakery, for the avant-garde underground. Be sure to catch DJ Andrew Weatherall for his greased up rock n’ roll on January 19. Tickets $35 (www.heatseeker.com.au)
• Mojo’s, for the dreadlocked bohemians of Freo. On February 8, Electro Disco 2 brings Brash and Sassy, m Electric Limosine (sic), Voltaire Twins and Resort and Transient to Mojo’s.
• Flying Scotsman, for the Mount Lawley set who drink by the jug. After work Friday the place packs out for those who get their happy hour kicks playing Spotto at the Scotto. The Velvet Lounge in back (and currently buried beneath scaffolding from a massive renovation) has some of the hottest underground sounds.
• The Queens, for the Mount Lawley set who drink by the pint. Another Beaufort Street mainstay, start here and who knows where the night will lead…
• Must Bar, for the Mount Lawley set who drink wine. Sip and schmooze is the name of the game. Champagne sessions on Sunday are the epitome of class (and the bane of many a Monday morning).
• Geisha, for those exploring their metrosexuality. Catch Darren Giles (Disco Kid) here on January 25. Tickets from Planet Video or Geisha.
• The Windsor Hotel, for the guppy (gay urban professional) south of the river.
• Paddington Ale House (the Paddo), for the sporty lesbian set. Mount Hawthorn really kicks up for the Sunday Sesh… with enough beers on the menu to make sure you feel the session on Monday morning.
• Ambar, for those who unleash on the weekend to serious electro beats.
• The Brisbane Hotel, for a mix and mingle in Northbridge.

Don’t forget your sunscreen because it’s a scorcher out there – hope your summer is a shiny one. Stay tuned for events coming up in February.