Not too many years ago there were a number of choices for gays and lesbians that wanted to go out for a night on the dance floor. Metro Boyztown was the spot for men, Indulge was the spot for women, and Detour had a good balance of everyone. Nowadays the obvious choices are few, and the question has been posed, “Where else can I dance?”
Let us begin our list with the closest event coming up right away, this January 12th. The Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association (ARGRA) holds monthly dances at the HillHurst-Sunnyside community center (1320 5th Ave NW) – only a few blocks walk from the Sunnyside C-Train station. The building has a sizeable gymnasium used as the dance floor, with the whole set-up of lights and DJ. If you want to take a break, you can hang out in the main hall to chat with the other hot cowboys/cowgirls, or partake in the free food prepared by MP Catering. These dances help to raise funds to support the yearly rodeo, and occasionally feature costume themes. More information about ARGRA and their future events, visit their website: www.argra.org.
The Eagle (424A 8th Ave SE) recently started hosting Cabin Fever: a lesbian-run night of local DJ’s spinning from 8:30 until 12:30pm every Thursday night. The contact information for the group is available on Facebook. Also keep an eye out for special dance nights with DJ WCDB, where all are welcome. Check the Calgary Eagle’s list of events advertised in this magazine for more information, or visit: www.calgaryeagle.com. Yes, the Eagle does serve food, but the kitchen usually closes 10pm at the latest.
Money-Pennies (1742 10th Ave SW) is continuing with karaoke and dancing on Friday nights along with Name That Tune and more dancing on Saturday; DJ Curtis spins both nights. The kitchen is open until 9pm if you have the munchies. For more information about special events, see their website at www.money-pennies.com.
Apollo’s well known and well attended annual Western Cup Dance is happening March 22nd this year, with a dinner the previous Friday, but members of Apollo are also privy to smaller meet and greet dances outside of the main fare. This is a fun opportunity to meet and mingle with Calgary’s LGBT athletes and sportsmen, even if you’re just a fan. Visit the Apollo website for more information about upcoming dances and events: www.apollocalgary.com.
The first Thursday of the month features Calgary’s only drag king troupe, Fake Mustache dancing it up at the Soda (211 12th Ave SW). The first show at 7:30pm is an “under age” show - an opportunity for Calgary’s queer youth to come out and have fun even if they aren’t yet old enough to be permitted into 18+ establishments. However, a second show for the 18+ audience starts at 10:15pm, with a DJ spinning in between. All funds raised from cover go to the Miscellaneous Youth Network, who works to provide safe spaces for queer and trans identified youth. The Soda lounge itself features constantly changing acts from local band, to DJ’s and artists. For more information visit www.miscyouth.ca or www.thesoda.ca.
Did you know that the basement of The Warehouse used to be a bath house? The Warehouse has been the official host for Pride Calgary’s after-hours dances for many years, and the club is considered an alternative bar in some LGBT circles. The Warehouse features a large dance floor and a variety of music: Friday is electro, Funky Techno and house music, Saturdays the mix moves to Indie Rock, Britpop, Retro and New Wave. The Warehouse remains open until 7am with a DJ swap happening at 3am to put some new music on More information is available on their website: www.warehousenightclub.ca.
Broken City has events every day of the week with music ranging from hip-hop, reggae, indie, punk, jazz, and techno. They have often been a friendly venue for LGBT bands to play, and also offer a full menu. Mondays feature DJs PJ Party and Dynomite Dan; Tuesdays are Irie Tuesdays with Hip Hop, Drum ‘n Bass, Reggae, and Break Beats; Thursdays and Fridays have Live Music, and Saturdays are jazz themed from 3-6pm.
The Republik is emerging in the Calgary scene as a queer positive space and alternative music haven, offering local DJ’s and music. Some may still have fond memories of the old Republik which existed at the current location of Tequila, however they recently reopened in the Detour/Arena space at 318 17th Ave SW.
There are many opportunities within the community to go out and have a great time with friends, dancing the night away. Supporting a local non-profit dance can turn out to be a lot of fun, and a chance to meet new people. Change is good - it stops you from getting sick of your regular hangout. So mix things up a little this 2008: try a new venue, or revisit an old favorite.
