Hellooooooo YaY! Area! We are back at it with an inspiring, exciting and deliciously delightful plethora of events that will keep you bumpin' from now until Sunday.

Hope you're ready to get your boogie on, your fashion fix, to be a rebel, visit foreverland and so much more. I love, love, LOVE weekends like this so much to choose from and all of it downright fabulous!

BUT before we get to that I was lucky enough to sit down with touring artists God Des and She, hip hop soul artists, right before they hit the Bay this weekend for two very  different events on either side of the bridge. 

Miz Chris [MC]:  Where are you both from?

God Des and SHE [GS]:  God Des is from Ann Arbor, Mich., and SHE is from Madison, Wisc.

[MC]:  How did you meet each other and start working together?

[GS]: 
We met in Madison, Wisc., where I was going to college. SHE was the lead
singer and guitar player in her rock band DOLL and I was rapping around
town as God Des. When I heard her sing I thought she was incredible and
thought we would make a great combo.  I asked her to sing some hooks on
the side and our musical chemistry was undeniable. We started to get
asked to do shows all over the country and SHE eventually quit her rock
band and we moved to New York City to live our dream. Here we are now!

[MC]:  What inspires you about music today and how is it influencing your music right now?

[GS]: 
Anything unique, sonically pleasing and heartfelt inspires us. A lot
of the more indy pop stuff we are really into now like Florence and The
Machine, Gotye, Imagine Dragons and The Lumineers. We also LOVE Lupe
Fiasco and K'naan. But we get more influenced by the people we meet and
the stories we hear.

[MC]:  You just released an album tell us a little bit about it.

[GS]: 
Our album is appropriately titled United States of God Des and She.
This album is politically charged, filled with satire and stylistically
schizophrenic. Oh, and it will make you want to gay fly around the
room.
 
[MC]:  This weekend you are performing on both
sides of the Bay. Tell us a little about both shows and what your
audience, long-time and new, should expect from the shows.

[GS]:  To wanna change the world, riot and make love all in the same day.

God Des and She will be performing a special set on Friday Night at the butchLYFE Fashion Show and full length set at El Rio in SF with Aima the Dreamer and Persia on Sunday!

So without further ado, here is what you should be doing this weekend!

 WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20

LEGENDARY:  AFRICAN AMERICAN GLBT PAST MEETS PRESENT
The GLBT History Museum
4127 18th St., San Francisco
7 to 9 p.m.
$5

An innovative multimedia exhibit on Bay Area African American GLBT lives from the last four decades, featuring rare photos, film and artifacts. Video interviews with local queer leaders highlight the connections between past and present. A mosaic of words, images and sounds reflecting themes of art, belonging, justice and sexuality.

CURATOR: Byron Mason — activist, artist and researcher in social and behavioral sciences.

ADMISSION: $5 (general); $3 (California students with ID); free for members.

MORE INFORMATION: www.glbthistory.org

PHOTO: Revelers at a 1977 Halloween party embody the spirit of belonging showcased in "Legendary: African American GLBT Past Meets Present" at The GLBT History Museum. (Photographer unknown; courtesy GLBT Historical Society, San Francisco.)

LYRICS & DIRGES:  50 SHADES OF THE RAINBOW
Pegasus Books Downtown
2349 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
7:30 p.m.
FREE

Presenting a sex positive and diverse group of readers that are jokingly referred to as 50 Shades of Rainbow!

Come reclaim love, the heart, the body. Come blush, come laugh, come get your literary bell rung with this amazing group of writers!

Carol Queen, Jiz Lee, MariNaomi, John Panzer, Denise Jolly, Dani Burlison.

Carol Queen is an American author, editor, sociologist and sexologist active in the sex-positive feminism movement. Queen has written on human sexuality in books such as "Real Live Nude Girl: Chronicles of Sex-Positive Culture." She has written a sex tutorial, "Exhibitionism for the Shy: Show Off, Dress Up and Talk Hot," as well as erotica, such as the novel "The Leather Daddy and the Femme." <read more>

Jiz Lee is a genderqueer porn star who is known for a unique androgynous look, female ejaculation, vaginal fisting, strap-on performance and fun sex-positive attitude about sex. The award-winning performer, who prefers the pronouns “they/them” and is an advocate for diversity and sex-positive pornography with gender agency and ethical production. <read more>

MariNaomi is the author and illustrator of the graphic memoir "Kiss & Tell: A Romantic Resume, Ages 0 to 22" (Harper Perennial). She has self-published 15 zines and counting, including seven issues of Estrus Comics (1998-2009).

Mari has been exhibiting her artwork since 2002 and has done live painting performances in such venues as the De Young Museum and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. <read more>

John Panzer screwed up. Royally. He hurt the man he loves, then lost him. He writes his mistakes, passions, joys, bad choices and victories hoping that guy will give him a third chance. John has appeared with Quiet Lightning, Bitchez Brew, Anger Management and made his Lit Crawl debut this year with The Tenderloin Reading Series. <read more>

Denise Jolly is a member of Salt Lines Spoken Word Collective, has served as executive director of Seattle Youth Speaks, co-host and facilitator of the Seattle Poetry Slam, Poetry Curator for The Round (a live multidisciplinary collaborative arts show), Eleventh Hour Productions Board of Directors and vice president of Stronghold Productions. <read more>

Dani Burlison is a staff writer at The Pacific Sun in Marin County, a recent columnist for McSweeney’s Internet Tendency and a book reviewer for the The Los Angeles Review. Her writing also appears in The Rumpus, Ploughshares Literary Magazine, Hip Mama Magazine, Rad Dad Zine, Bike Monkey, elephant journal, The North Bay Bohemian and others. <read more>

DRAG NIGHT AT THE OSCARS
White Horse
6551 Telegraph, Oakland
Doors Open at 8 p.m, show at 9:30 p.m.
$5

This coming week, you're in for a big treat. The Rebel Kings and guests are paying tribute to the movies - and the many jolly gay faces and characters that have graced the silver screen! Come ready to walk the red carpet and reel in the pure queer rebel sexiness that RKO and guests will be laying at your feet ... glam costumes are more than welcome!!

The line-up includes:
Vegas Jake
Dante DeMoan
Andy Topser
Randy Puck
Alex U. Inn
Pepe Pan
Stevie Ray
Logan Cumswell

And spinning after the show with DJ STARR, who brings the tunes without fail.

FRIENDS OF DOROTHY
The Lex
3464 19th St., San Francisco
9 p.m. to midnight
FREE

DJ SissySlap (Sissy Strut, Leftovers) spares you the tornado and takes you on a technicolor journey

nu disco, electro/pop, 80s, gayroots
+ tracks by queers ++ freshhh hip-hop
now that’s a horse of a different color

21+, free!

More information: djsissyslap@gmail.com

 THURSDAY, FEB. 21

ULTRAWAVE
Somar Bar
1727 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
FREE

OΛKLΛND'S CHΛNCΞ 2 DΛNCΞ ✤ ΞVΞRY THURŞDΛY

¡¡¡ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 2013 | DJ A-SKI ALBUM RELEASE PARTY & BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION !!!!

Sounds by DJs:

Fuze [Digital Underground]
Sake One [Local 1200]
Willie Maze [TrillTeam6] [Local1200]

::::JOIN US::::

Delicious x Nutritious food plates by NEEDA BEE

Libations c/o SomaR Bar's expert staff

Good music, great DJs and homies who Hella Wanna Kick It!!!!!

****VOTED "BEST DJ NIGHT 2012" BY EAST BAY EXPRESS!!!****

TERRACOTTA WARRIORS OPENING PARTY
Asian Art Museum
200 Larking St., San Francisco
7 p.m.
$15 advance/$18 at door

We're unveiling "China’s Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor's Legacy" with an ultra-high-energy event that's sure to shake the Terracotta Army out of its 2,000 year slumber.

How? With CHERYL, an artist collective that throws "the Big Apple's most outrageous party" (Time Out London).

Inspired by the Terracotta Warriors and '70s cult gang film The Warriors, CHERYL will lead revelers in turf war antics and a dance rumble. DJ Nick and DJ Pink Lightning will make you sweat. DRESS UP and bring your posse to claim territory with insane moves. Need costume inspiration? Think greasy. Sweaty. Subterranean. Gritty. Neighborhood mascots. Michael Jackson. You get the drift.

Downstairs, DJ Hakobo (owner of popular nightclub SOM Bar) will make you shake it with the best jams. Roll deep with:

 - Extra Action Marching Band
 - Drinks
 - Sweets (courtesy of Jade Chocolates and The Bread Project)
 - Photo booth by Snap Fiesta
 - China's Terracotta Warriors. We're the only West Coast venue to present this exhibition

$15 advance, $18 at the door
GET TIX NOW: asianart.org/party
WATCH THE VIDEO: http://vimeo.com/57044377

http://cherylwillruinyourlife.info

 FRIDAY, FEB. 22

The F-L-Y Society Entertainment & fiveTEN Oakland Events Presents:
butchLYFE:  EXPANDING IDEAS IN MASCULINE FASHION FOR FEMALE & TRANS-MASCULINE BODIES
Geoffrey's Inner Circle
410 14th St., Oakland
Doors open at 8 p.m.
Show begins promptly at 9 p.m.
Pre-Sale Tickets available HERE
$15 at the Door
COME DRESSED TO IMPRESS*
 

The F-L-Y Society and fiveTEN Oakland Events bring the nationally
touring campaign WHAT IS BUTCH? to Oakland for one night only for the
butchLYFE All Stud Fashion Show inside the historic Geoffrey's Inner Circle. So come and get your glitz on and see the hottest fashions in masculine fashion for female and trans-masculine bodies.

After the Fashion Show join us across the street at the Bridge inside
the Den, one of the hottest parties in the Oakland community. Join the
designers, models, local artisans and legendary Bay DJs for the end of
this already great night!

Joining us exclusively for the Fashion Show

Special Appearance:  God Des & She
Performance:  Billie Jr. 
Hosted by:  Aima the Dreamer
Beats Master: DJ Fusion

★★Models★★

Enzi Spellman | Mona Williams | Mia Parler | Kelo McCulley | Sumaria Love | Amonica Phipps | Toni Delgado | Sway Stanton | Chelsey Brooks | Marchelle Watkins | Kai Green | Shanna Holmes | Charleen Caabay | Chaney Turner | Yo Franco-Clausen | Durty McIntosh | Linda Hurshman | Micah Hobbes Frazier | Sonia Avila | Angie Yu | Jasmean Wynn | Mitch | Mayumi | Qiqi Robertson | Gabby Valentino | B. Alexander | Billie Jr. | Stixx Bartley

★★Designers★★

Haute Butch | St. Harridan | Show and Tell Concept Shop | Distinguised Kravat | Cover Your Assets | Lady Lovers | I Love All My Fans | JFE Creative

For updated information:

510oaklandpride.com
forget-living-yesterday@tumblr.com
facebook.com/studfashionshow2012
facebook.com/fivetenprideweekend

THE BRIDGE
The Den inside the Fox Theater
1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
$5
Free before 11 p.m. send rsvp thebridge41510@gmail.com              

THE BRIDGE continues to get fresher every month thanks to you the community. The feed-back about this party has been amazing, can you believe this is only our fourth month? We are excited to as we move into spring and summer months, but for now let's give you a run down of goodness we have in store this month!

We are honored to be the official host for the "FLY-Society / fiveTEN Events Fashion Show" not only is early arrival suggested but fly attire is also.

Very excited to welcome our brother DJ Mpenzi (Major | Stimuli| #LDCD) as our guest this month. Mpenzi has been reppin' the Bay Area scene for many years. Currently holding down two events in Oakland with Stimuli at Era w/ DJ Hector & Low Down Cool Down at Somar w/ Aebl Dee & Franchise. Make sure you check him out http://deejaympenzi.net/

The Bridge's Guest Traffic Director Shayla Bang (Headbanger Accessories) alongside Chaney Turner will be hosting, posting and flam-boasting. Resident DJ Sake One will be on the turntables providing a higher grade of musical smoke.

Dresscode: FLY no ball caps or white T's please.

Every Fourth Friday we bring you beautiful people, an elevated atmosphere and music beyond the every day radio hits. World class DJs, a community artisan market and superb local mobile kitchens. #TheBridge

FOREVERLAND
The New Parish
579 18th St., Oakland
8 p.m.
$15-$20 - All ages
Advance Tickets: http://www.thenewparish.com/event/221673-foreverland-oakland/

Foreverland is a 14-piece tribute to one of the most well-known and beloved entertainers in the world: Mr. Michael Jackson. With four lead vocalists, four horns and a six-piece rhythm section, the band brings songs like "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough," "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" to life, in a way that no other group has done before. Inspired by Michael's legacy, Foreverland takes his music a step further, going far beyond any typical tribute band or MJ act. Rather than be limited by an MJ impersonator and pre-recorded backing tracks, Foreverland's unique approach celebrates the larger-than-life performances, imagination and infectious spirit of this legendary artist. The result is a fabulous and thumping 14-piece show band that pays homage to MJ's undeniable talent and timeless dance music.

Michael Jackson lives on forever with Foreverland, elevating his music, inspiration and creativity to innovative new heights. You won't want miss this one-of-a-kind band, guaranteed to keep you on your feet and "thrill you tonight" As the band likes to say, "Let's dance, let's shout. Shake your body down to the ground!"

 SATURDAY, FEB. 23

QUEER REBELS JOIE DE VIVRE SALON
Feelmore510
1703 Telegraph Ave,, Oakland
7 to 9 p.m.
FREE

Join us as we celebrate life and legacies, aesthetics and rebellion, at TuffNStuff/KB Boyce's 50th birthday salon! The Joie de Vivre Salon takes place at Feelmore adult gallery, and features 7 Queer Rebels artists:

Indira Allegra
Celeste Chan
Nico Dacumos
Jezebel Delilah X
Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Manish Vaidya
& a rare reading from
The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins!

ABOUT
QUEER REBELS: Our mission is to showcase queer artists of color,
connect generations and honor our histories with art for the future.

thePEOPLE
The New Parish
579 18th St., Oakland
9 p.m. 
$5 before 10 p.m./$10 after

This month thePeople welcome one of our local DJ heros, Jayvi Velasco. Jayvi is one of those triple threat guys. His incredible selections, connection with the dancers and keen technical ear for sound are what set Jayvi apart. He's a BAY AREA vet and has played everywhere with everyone. You know, it's JAYVI VELASCO! Get ready to move your body. It's about to get serious!

And to top it all off, we have the legendary SWEATER FUNK Crew gracing thePeople with a sick ALL VINYL BOOGIE SET for us in the second room! It just doesn't get any better than this.

All Bay, all day. See you Saturday.

♥, thePeople.

thePeople Oakland
Special guest: JAYVI VELASCO (AfterAfterHours)
2ND ROOM Guest DJ CREW: SWEATER FUNK

HOSTED BY: heyLove* & ms.nabong

DELICIOUS BEATS:
CALI & CECIL & HEYLOVE*

(((Happy Birthday Amy & Cecil!)))

LIVE ART BY WATERCOLORIST JAMES GAYLES - jamesgayles.com

BLACK WOMEN FROM THE FUTURE
Warehouse 416
416 26th St., Oakland
7 to 9 p.m.
FREE

To celebrate Black History Month and kickstart Women’s History Month in March, the next session of Black Futurists Speaks features some of the most talented writers we’ve ever heard in a special feature reading and open mic.

The Black Women From The Future session will showcase the bad assingly inspirational work of african-jamaican dub poet d'bi.young anitafrika, poet and queer rights activist Maisha Z. Johnson, poet and director of The Lower Bottom Players Ayodele Nzinga, fiction writer Lisa D. Gray and hosted by poet and musician Amber McZeal.

With resumes that include international performances, bestselling books, critical community media work and more blown away audiences than we can count, these women are setting the bar for the future of the written word-where creative innovation and skill meet community responsibility and futuristic thinking.

The theme for the night was inspired by Warehouse 416’s current art show African American Icons (featuring the work of celebrated artists James Gayles, Esuu Orinde and Aswad Arif) and the theme for 2013’s Women’s history month-“Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.”

For the open mic we’re asking for work that inspires, that innovates and/or that gives us a new way to think about our loves and struggles. Open mic open to everyone. Get there early to sign up.

 SUNDAY, Feb. 24

GOD DES AND SHE
El Rio
3158 Mission St., San Francisco
Doors open at 8 p.m./show starts at 9 p.m.
Tickets $7 presale, $10 At the Door
Buy presale here: http://gs-sanfran-elrio.eventbrite.com/

You've seen them on MTV LOGO for "Love You Better"
and the Showtime
series "The L Word" performing "Lick It" now see them live in concert
performing songs from their past three albums and from their upcoming fourth album "United States of God Des and She." With a special opening performance by the Mamaz - Aima the Dreamer and Persia!

Listen to the fourth Album:
www.god-desandshe.com

Be sure and check out our new video for 'God, I Know You Love Me'. SHARE it and help spread the word about our show! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL-GKihXwm8

Mamaz websites:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aima-the-Dreamer/136566167189?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/emceePERSIA?fref=pb

_________

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xoxo
Miz Chris
facebook.com/mizchris
MizChris.com
twitter.com/mizchris