Perhaps it's the timing, or my clever editorial skills, but notice how this week's best talents are dressed in suits and ties of a kind, or at least well-dressed, dapper, if you will. The typical band and performer photos get more and more pretentious each week. But these folks are far from it. Authentic, unique sounds are the attraction, along with their sartorial savvy. As for the gogo guy; nice bow tie! This week, dress up, iron your shirt, skirt or skort, get out and stay classy.
Thursday, March 6
Ashling Cole @ Yoshi's
The powerhouse vocalist performs a Teena Marie birthday tribute concert. $19-$57 (with dinner). 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Comedy Thursdays @ Esta Noche
The revamped weekly LGBT- and queer-friendly comedy night at the Mission club is hosted by various comics (1st Thu, Natasha Muse; 2nd Thu, Emily Van Dyke; 3rd Thu Eloisa Bravo and Kimberly Rose; 4th Thu Johan Miranda). No cover; one-drink min. 8pm. 307916th St. www.comedybodega.com
The Crib @ 715
Dance night for the younger guys and gals; DJ Kidd Sysko. 9:30pm-2am. 715 Harrison St. www.thecribsf.com
La Femme @ Beaux
New ladies' happy hour at the new Castro nightclub, with drink specials, no cover, and women gogos. 4pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men's bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Jukebox @ Beatbox
Veteran DJ Page Hodel (The Box, Q and many other events) presents a new weekly dance event, with soul, funk, hip-hop and house mixes. $10. 21+. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.BeatboxSF.com
Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel
Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony; optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com
Michelle Coltrane @ Yoshi's Oakland
Enjoy classic and contemproary jazz from the talented singer, who performs music from her new CD. $25. 8pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Nap's Karaoke @ Virgil's Sea Room
Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 829-2233. www.virgilssf.com
Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Mar. 6 includes DJ Jonas Reinhardt, live mountain lion and bobcats (nothing could go wrong there!). $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Pan Dulce @ The Cafe
Amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com
Paula West @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The renowned Bay Area jazz vocalist performs an all-new show with her four-piece band in a special four-week residency at the elegant nightclub. $35-$50; $20 food/beverage min. Thu 8pm, Fri 7pm & 9:30pm, Sat & Sun 7pm. Thru March 9. Hotel Nikko lobby, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.feinsteinssf.com
Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle
The weekly live rock shows have returned. 9pm-ish. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
VIP @ Club 21, Oakland
Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Yuri & Friends @ Esta Noche
Gay comics Yuri Kagan, Casey Ley and Scott Capurro, plus Stefani Silverman, Joe Gorman, Zach Chiappellone and Veronica Porras perform at the (sadly doomed to close) gay Latin bar. No cover. 8pm. 3079 16th St. www.yurikagan.blogspot.com
Friday, March 7
Asaf Avidan @ Bimbo's 365 Club
The amazing Israeli blues-folk-R&B vocalist, who's been compared to Jeff Buckley, Nina Simone and even Janis Joplin, performs at the North Beach nightclub. $25. 9pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365. www.asafavidanmusic.com www.bimbos365club.com
Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club
Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com
Fedorable @ El Rio
Free weekly queer dance party, with gogos, prizes, old groovy tunes, cheap cocktails. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Go-Beaux @ Beaux
Gogo-tastic weekly night at the new Castro club. Bring your dollahs, 'cause they'll make you holla. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
The popular video bar ends each week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. Check out the new expanded front lounge, with a window view. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Hard @ Qbar
DJ Haute Toddy spins electro beats; cute gogo guys shake it. $3. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
JD Samson & MEN @ The Chapel
The fab lesbian singer (Le Tigre) performs new punk/pop/alt music from the new CD Labor at the popular bar-nightclub-restaurant. Skip the Needle and People at Parties open. $16-$18. 9pm. 777 Valencia St. 551-5157. www.thechapelsf.com
Josh Klipp and The Klipptones @ Palace Hotel
The local jazz crooner and his band perform weekly shows at the hotel's lounge, which draws a growing swing-dance audience. 7pm-11pm. 2 New Montgomery. www.joshklipp.com
Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland
Enjoy eight bars, more dance floors, and a smoking lounge at the largest gay Latin dance night in the Bay Area. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Picante @ Esta Noche
Weekly show with drag queens and the Picante Boys; hosted by Lulu Ramirez; DJ Marco. 9pm-2am. 3079 16th St. 841-5748. www.jceventssf.com
Shit & Champagne @ Rebel
D'Arcy Drollinger's "whitesploitation" drag satire musical play kicks up the laughs; also starring Matthew Martin. $20-$25. Fri & Sat, 8pm. Now with an open-ended run. 1772 Market St. at Octavia. www.shitandchampagne.eventbrite.com
Show Guise @ Longobard Margarita Bar, Pacifica
The (mostly) straight surf bar goes drag-gay for the monthly show (first Fridays) with MC Woo Woo Monroe, Ana Mae Co, Ruby Holiday and other talents. 10pm. 180 Eureka Square, Pacifica. www.thelongboardbar.com
Some Thing
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com
Taboo @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
David Harness DJs a night of house music, with hosts Mama Leslie, Byron Mason, Taylor Barros, Marvin K. White, and The People Of Taboo. $5. 9pm-3am. 510 17th St. at Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 444-2266. www.bench-and-bar.com
Themed Nights @ The Brig
If you're looking for a new sexual adventure, check out this new space. Weekend events take place Fridays through Mondays, and the intimate venue with a jail theme offers slings, tables and various spaces for erotic play. Sat-Mon, above PopSex960 at 962 Folsom St. at 6th St. www.BrigSF.com
Saturday, March 8
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge
Weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time's assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com
La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland
DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland's premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com
Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com
Clueless @ Castro Theatre
Peaches Christ hosts a screening of the comedy film, with a drag pre-show "Get a Clue" featuring Willam and Mahlae Balenciaga. $15-$25. 8pm. 429 Castro St. www.peacheschrist.com www.castrotheatre.com
Frolic @ The Stud
Monthly costume dance party (2nd Saturdays) for Furries and friends celebrates four years, with DJs Neonbunny and guest house music DJs. Dance, you animals! $4 in costume-$8 without. 8pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison www.frolicparty.com www.studsf.com
In Love and Struggle @ La Pena Cultural Center, Berkeley
Vixen Noir, Kaila Love and The Average Dyke Band perform at an International Women's Day celebration, and a fundraiser for Berkeley Cop Watch, which monitors police abuse; spoken word and DJed dancing, too. $10-$15. 7:30pm. (510) 548-0425. www.lapena.org
Nick Waterhouse @ Great American Music Hall
The talented retro-R&B musician performs music from his new CD Holly and his acclaimed debut Time's All Gone. Boogaloo Assassin and DJ Donnell open. $21.50-$46 (with dinner). 9pm. 859 O'Farrell St. 885-0750. www.nickwaterhouse.com www.gamh.com
Scott Dreier @ Hotel Rex
Society Cabaret presents the singer-actor (Forever Plaid and other shows), who performs Doris and Me, his music and story tribute to Doris Day, and his obsession with the cheerful actress-singer. $20-$45. 8pm. Also March 9, 2pm. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com
ShangriLa @ The Endup
It's the Varsity Party at the monthly Gaysian dance night. $5-$20. 10pm-4am. 401 6th St. www.facebook.com/ShangriLaSF www.theendup.com
Shoop @ Qbar
R&B/pop dance night at the intimate Castro club, with DJs Tommy T. and Bryan B. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.qbarsf.com
Writers With Drinks @ The Make Out Room
Rachel Cantor and Clifford Chase headline the authorial reading event, with AV Flox and Melissa Broder. Charlie Jane Anders hosts. $5-$10. 7:30-9:30pm. 3225 22nd St. www.makeoutroom.com
Sunday, March 9
Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm, with an '80s-themed dance party 7pm-1am. $5. Also now open daily 11am-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Brunch @ Hi Tops
Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Cocktailgate @ Truck
Suppositori Spelling's wild weekly drag show night. $3. 10pm-2am. 1900 Folsom St. www.trucksf.com
Fruit Cocktail @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
The new monthly event (2nd Sundays) features fruity drinks, DJs Mr. Brandon David Bu Hau and guests spinning house and hip hop. 21+. No cover. 9pm-2am. 510 17th St. (510) 444-2266. www.fruitcocktailevents.com www.bench-and-bar.com
Full of Grace @ Beaux
Weekly night with hostess Grace Towers, different local and visiting DJs, and pop-up drag performances. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
GlamaZone @ The Cafe
Pollo del Mar's weekly drag shows takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com
Jock @ The Lookout
The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. 3pm-6pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com
Liquid Brunch @ Beaux
No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com
Maggie McClure @ Hotel Utah
The LA-based folk-pop singer-songwriter performs music from her new CD Time Moves On; Jessica Campbell, Essence, and Sara Beth Go also perform. $10. 8pm. 500 4th st. 546-6300. www.maggiemcclure.com www.hotelutah.com
Resilient @ OMG
The monthly dance/social event (second Sundays) by and for HIV+ guys and allies. Dance under the dome to beats from the best local DJs. No cover. 5pm-12am. 43 Sixth St. www.facebook.com/ResilientSF www.clubomgsf.com
Salsa Sundays @ El Rio
Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
The popular country western LGBT dance night; enjoy fun foot-stomping two-stepping and line-dancing. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave., and Tuesdays at Beatbox, $6. 6:30-11pm. 314 11th St. www.sundancesaloon.org
Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room
Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com
Monday, March 10
Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com
Irish Dance Night @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
Weekly dance lessons and live music at the pub-restaurant, hosted by John Slaymaker. $5. 7pm. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. www.thestarryplough.com
Karaoke @ The Lookout
Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com
Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun
Honey Mahogany's weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm, with a RuPaul's Drag Race viewing as well. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The casts of local and visiting musicals often pop in to perform at the popular Castro bar's musical theatre night. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room
VivvyAnne ForeverMORE and Tom Temprano's wacky game night. 8pm-12am. 2nd & 4th Mondays. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com
Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's
Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com
Shant�, You Stay @ Toad Hall
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly viewing party of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6, with a live drag show challenge. 8:30-11:30pm. 4146 18th st. at Castro. www.toadhallbar.com
Sports Night @ The Eagle
The legendary leather bar gets jock-ular, with beer buckets, games (including beer pong and corn-hole!), prizes, sports on the TVs, and more fun. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Tuesday, March 11
13 Licks @ Q Bar
Weekly women's night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com
Block Party @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Bombshell Betty & Her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room
The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com
Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's
Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com
Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse
Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Strip down at the strip joint. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Wednesday, March 12
Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Broadway Bingo @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
Joe Wicht and Katya Smirnoff-Skyy cohost the weekly fun musical theatre trivia sing-along night. Pull up a comfy chair or sofa, enjoy a cocktail or three, and test your Broadway knowledge. Kanpai Lounge, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 394-1111. www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins.aspx
Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Enjoy a classic drag show with Collette LeGrande, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Kipper, and Joie de Vivre. No cover. 9:30-11:30pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com
Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West
The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com
Queer Salsa @ Beatbox
Weekly Latin partner dance night. 8pm-1am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com
Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio
Women's burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5-$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com
Rookie's Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Watch competitors shake it for a $200 first prize in stripping, or sign up yourself by 8pm. The audience picks the winner. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall
The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com
Trivia Night @ Harvey's
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com
Underwear Night @ SF Eagle
Strip down to your skivvies at the popular leather bar. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com
Way Back @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of vintage music videos and retro drink prices. Check out the new expanded front window lounge. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com
Thursday, March 13
Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre
Porn performer Max Cameron leads a sexy downstairs event in the strip club's playroom. $10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com
Gender Schmear @ Minna Gallery
The LGBT Jewish (and friends) Purim party includes food, drinks, dancing, raffles, a costume contest (free drink if in costume!), and performances by Jill Felta-Fish, Arty Fishal and Starr 69; DJ Wam Bam Ashleyanne, and MC Ms. Shechina Weena. $10-$25. 7pm-11pm. 111 Minna St. www.keshetonline.org
Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com
Momentum @ Bently Reserve
Out & Equal's annual leadership celebration and gala, with drinks and a four-course meal, live and silent auctions, performances by Paula West, MC Kate Clinton, and honors tributes to marriage equality/Prop 8 litigants Kris Perry and Sandy Stier. $175 and up. 6pm-9:30pm. 301 Battery St. www.outandequal.org
The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Mar. 13 event goes March Madness, with sports-science pop-up exhibits, DJs Loco and Mawkus. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Pan Dulce @ The Cafe
Enjoy amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com
Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhouse-sf.com
Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome