The Sinclair Report: Livin’ the Easy Life
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Stephanie Sinclair at O. Henry's |
“Summertime, and the living is easy,” or so the song goes. But easy living is another column in another paper. I’m here to share with you my party picks for the month of July. In fact, this is going to be such a hot summer (not to be confused with Summer being hot, because she’s not), that I am now blogging daily. Yes, daily. Log on to outinasheville.com/outloud and read my daily rants and raves.
Also, just a note, many of our club owners were still busy planning July 4th and Bele Chere weekend specials and events as I was compiling this column, so if you don’t see it here, make sure to read my weekly e-mail newsletter, Come Out and Play, for the latest announcements. Now, grab a pencil and your calendars, here we go.
Let’s start down South, in the upstate this month. Greenville is becoming quite the happening place.
For those of you who missed the last Peace Center, Sugar Shack, and OIA party for The Drowsy Chaperone, you missed a great party. But fear not, we’re doing it again. On Friday, July 11th, we’re all going to get together at the Sugar Shack and celebrate the opening of Avenue Q. If you’re not familiar with the show, read Lin’s interviews with the actor Robert McClure and puppet Rod on page 11. For even more information, check the Peace Center’s website, Sugar Shack’s Website, or even OIA’s website. You can even buy discounted tickets for the show for their very special LGBTQ night on July 17th and join us for an after-show party at the American Grocery Restaurant. It will be a night to remember.
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The Velvetones. |
Now, speaking of the Sugar Shack, owner Stephanie Howard is keeping quite busy these days planning new events and booking new guests. A few of Sugar Shack’s highlights for the month are: on Thursday, July 3rd, Halcyon returns to the Sugar Shack for a one-night live engagement. On the 11th, it’s the Avenue Q pre-show party. On Saturday, July 19th, Sugar Shack brings you the Rebirth of the Eighties with Industrial Eighties Night. Dress up in your best Eighties outfits and win cash. On the last Thursday of the Month, the 31st, Stephanie is bringing in a live DJ for a very special dance party. Check out my weekly email newsletter “This Week with Stephanie Sinclair” for who this mystery DJ will be.
And as always at the Sugar Shack, every Friday it’s the Sugar Daddies Hosted by Randy O’Reilly. The Best King and Queen Show at 11:00 pm. Also, Every Sunday: Guitar Hero & Beer Pong Tournament! $2 Beers and No Cover. Karaoke & Dance Party w/ Donna B. on Saturdays, July 12th & 26th at 10pm. As always for the most up to date info about the Sugar Shack you can go to their website at sugarshackclub.com.
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Lily White. |
Now moving down towards I-85, the new club in Greenville I told you about last month, Club Skittles is going strong and building up momentum. It’s a little hard to find, but well worth the search. If you know where the new Bloom is on S. Pleasantburg Drive, well Club Skittles is right around the corner, next door to the motel.
Club Skittles is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 pm till 2 am with full liquor, beer and wine with nightly drink specials. $3 house shots, $3 domestics, and a bartender’s choice. Friday night is show night at Club Skittles as show director Amanda Blake is joined on the Skittles stage by some of the South’s leading ladies (you know what I mean Summer), Saturday Night, their live DJ rocks the house with your favorite dancing tunes. Sunday at Club Skittles, kick back and enjoy some old school tunes to wind down the weekend. Listen to the best of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and enjoy one last cocktail.
Show Director Amanda Blake shared with me her July line up. You have to check this calendar out. On Friday, July 4th, Amanda Blake presents her Fourth of July Spectacular featuring Amanda Blake, McKenzie, and Desiree. July 11th, joining Amanda will be Cherish, McKenzie, and Desiree. July 18th,Amanda presents OIA’s own Ms. Stephanie Sinclair, along with special guest star Desiree. Finally on July 25th, Sasha and McKenzie join Amanda Blake for a fabulous show.
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Trent, Manager of Smokey's |
As I get more info on Club Skittles, I’ll gladly share it with you but for the moment, you can log on to their myspace page at myspace.com/clubskittlesgville for the latest on this new Upstate offering. Of course, you must go in and check them out for yourself, and remember to tell them you read about it here. Who knows, you might get the Sinclair Special… I don’t know what that will be, but it should be good for something. After all, it’s all about me.
Let’s head back up the mountain to Asheville and take a look at what’s going on here in the “San Francisco of the East”.
Smokey’s After Dark announces a new line-up of drink specials and a few new promotions. Smokey’s Summer Specials now include a daily $3 Attitude Adjustment Shot. Here’s the list: Bloody Sunday… $3 Bloody Marys and $3 Grape Pucker shots. Beer and Balls Monday at Smokey’s with $2 domestic beers, free pool and $3 Apple Pucker shots. Tuesday is Tea Party with Robbie, $3 Long Island Iced Teas and $3 Butterscotch Schnapps. Wednesday is Bourbon, Bingo, and Bob. Free Bingo called by a celebrity bingo caller, $3 Bourbon and Coke, fabulous bingo prizes and Razzamatazz shots for $3. Thursday is 80’s night with Trent. Celebrate the dark days of disco with their dark liquor hi ball special. $3 Bourbon, Scotch, or Rum and Peach Schnapps shot special for $3.
Bar manager Trent has been hounding Miss Sinclair to come in and roll a few balls for bingo on a Wednesday night, so to shut him up, join me on Wednesday, July 9th as I grab the cage and roll your balls. Sunday, something new at Smokey’s, Guitar Tim (previously of LaRue’s fame) brings his acoustic talents to Smokey’s on Sunday evenings. Drop in and listen to Tim massacre… I mean mesmerize you with his music.
For the July 4th weekend, Smokey’s will do something so daring, it shocks even me. They will be rolling their prices way back to 2007. And if that’s not enough, Trent and I designed 3 very special Independence Day drink specials just for you. On Friday, they will feature the Freedom Freeze ($3) and Apple Pie (no Summer, not the drink, the pie), On Saturday, Smokey’s presents their Star Spangled Shot, Goldschlager for $2, and on Sunday, it’s their final salute to America with a God Bless America Kamikazes for $3. Is this a great country or what? Bele Chere weekend, Smokey’s After Dark will crank up the AC and provide an oasis of Freon and alcohol for all you partygoers. They’re even going to crank up the blender and offer frozen Daiquiris, Margaritas, or Pina Coladas, straight from the blender for only $5. And don’t forget, at Smokey’s… there’s never a cover.
Now, just two doors down from Smokey’s is Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues. If unique is what you seek, than you’ve arrived at the right spot. From the moment you walk through the historic front door, you’re magically transported to the Nola’s French Quarter right in the heart of Asheville. Before you settle in for some great live entertainment, you’ve got to check out the Martini List. It’s one of the most extensive I’ve seen in Asheville, the Blue Skyy is my personal favorite. Once you’ve got your adult beverage of choice, grab a table and get ready to be wowed by the line up of entertainment at Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues.
Tressa’s weekly line up begins with Monday Night… Industry Night… this night is just for us. DJ Izzy Mayfield spins your favorites all night long and the staff of Tressa’s offers up expert service. Just show your industry ID for a waived cover and let the good times roll. Tuesdays continue strong with Chuck Lichtenberg and his special formats of emulating the great jazz styles of the masters, and Wednesdays Ladies Night is always a hit. Ms. Jones and the Velvetones are back! All weeknight shows begin a 9.
SRO weekends are the norm at Tressa’s with top name entertainment such as Funky 4 corners, Peggy Ratsuz, or Ruby Mayfield. Don’t forget that on Friday and Saturday, the smoke-free Luxury Lounge upstairs is open for a breath of fresh air.
Let’s move over to French Broad and check out what’s happening at Club Hairspray. Here’s their weekday lineup:
Sunday Nights are Industry Night with Shorty… Ever play Beer Pong? You gotta try it.
Monday nights….Girl’s Night Out w/Lynn and DJ Heat playing the top hits. Free pool and $1.00 PBR and $3.00 Lemon Drops. So come out and start your weekend right!
Tuesday nights….A varied line up. Strip Tease Lessons, Open Mic , Jazz, or even Speed Dating and DJ Janie Rocks. Tuesday’s drink specials are $2 Miller Lites and $3 Kamikazes.
Wednesday nights...Water Water Everywhere. From Wet T-Shirt and Boxer Contests to Wet Wrestling. The lovely Lynn and DJ Heat serve up $2 Yuenglings and $3 Buttery Nipples… and lots of wet people.
Thursday nights…. College Night with Sound Extreme Karaoke. Show your college ID at the door for specials with you in mind. $2 Michelob Ultra and $4.00 Red Headed Sluts.
Friday nights….Drag Kings or Live Music to tickle your fancy! Yes, every other Friday Hairspray gives you a little variety with Kings from all over the South or live music from your local favorites like Jazz or Nikki Talley! $2.00 Bud Lights and $4.00 Wells (These include- house Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, and house Whiskey).
Saturday nights….Show night and Karaoke Night with Sound Extreme. Drink specials all night long are $2 Yuenglings and $4 Jager Bombs.
Now, moving on the the tri-plex of fun, O.Henry’s, Straps, and LaRue’s it’s a jam-packed month.
O. Henry's is the oldest gay bar in the entire state of North Carolina, continues to open every day of the year at 2 pm and close at 3 am. They offer up daily drink specials that are openly posted at the front door for easy decision-making! Some days beer, some days cocktails, and some days both, come out and check that out. O. Henry’s opens its pool tables for FREE play each and every Wednesday and Sunday, and the tables stay open all day and night, not just the slow hours of the business day. The bar’s regular well price on liquor drinks of $4.00 is often the featured or 'special' price of other bars, and their generous pour of one and a half ounces per drink is the most generous pour around. Ask me, I know. The bartenders at O. Henry’s keep a pair of flats for me behind the bar just because of those ounce and a half pours.
Something new at O. Henry’s: Monday Nights are now Cyber Jukebox Night… are you as addicted to YouTube as I am? Do you obsess over your myspace page? Can’t get enough music videos? Well there help is here. VJ Drew and Bartender Scott take you for the Ride of Your Life along the information super highway. Also, Drew and I return with another installment of Meet the Meat. Yes, once again you asked for it and O. Henry’s listened. Friday Night, July 11th, “Meet the Meat” returns again. Yes, I will be once again introducing some of the South’s hunkiest and most talented men around at their most masculine best. I may just have to get my hair done for this one.
Saturday nights, the Asheville Angels (brought to you by Natalie Productions) presents what is some of this areas best female and male impersonation! Showtime is Midnight with a cover (the only cover of the week, usually) which goes on at 10 pm. All those in any of the triplex at 10 pm are stamped and admitted free for that evening’s festivities. Come out and see why this bar remains a viable competitor to any club in the area and remains the state’s oldest gay bar!
Speaking of Natalie Smalls, the Diva herself announces her June line-up. Celebrating America’s Independence on July 5th, Natalie presents, Miss Ashley Michaels, joining Ashley that night are, Dorrea Saunders and Roxanne Morgan.
On July 12th, come out and party with me as I take to the stage at O. Henry’s. Joining me in the cast of the Asheville Angels that night will be Tiffany Stone, Lisa Fontaine and Natalie’s very special guest star, Miss Shana Nicole.
July 19th, Natalie presents Butch, Summer Clearence, and the unpredictable irritainer, Cookie LaRue.
July26th, BELE CHERE WEEKEND, “The Devil’s Daughter" herself, Lilly White returns to Asheville for one night only. Yes, Natalie has convinced Lilly White to join her on stage at O. Henry’s. Joining Natalie and Lilly that night are Adara McDaniels and Gilda.
Straps, The Leather/Levi club and the middle bar of the O.Henry's triplex opens both Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm til closing time at 2:30 am! The club features both $2.00, 16oz draft beers (yeah, that’s right… 2 bucks) and the WNC Leathermen, the newly formed Leather club of Western North Carolina. Bartender Jamie, complete with dimples and a winning smile, offers up drafts and bottled beer, and a full compliment of liquor cocktail drinks. He also offers two 'Jamie signature' drinks that are way too explicit to name here, but they’re well worth trying). Friday night is his newly started Fetish night, where you are welcomed to come out and represent whatever fetish you desire. You gotta see this. The first Saturday of each month (this month that is July 5th) the WNC Leathermen meet for their monthly Meet and Greet night. This night always brings out the men in masses all adorned in leather.
This month at the LaRue's Backdoor: Wednesdays are now Mojito Night! Come party with Michael and the delicious cocktail that makes you see double and feel single!
Friday July 4th, Come celebrate "INTERDEPENDENCE" Day! Do you remember the very special Firecracker shots from last year? Well Michael’s brave enough to bring them back . . . Are you brave enough to drink one?
On Thursday July 10th it’s their brand new monthly OPEN MIC Night! Anything (legal) Goes! Mic opens at 10:00 sign up is at 9:00, you have up to fifteen minutes to do whatever the hell you want on the infamous Backdoor Stage! Sing/Dance/Drag/Stand up/Mime (well maybe not mime . . . there are limits to Cookie’s patience!).
Thursday July 17th is the triumphant return of THE QUEER FACTOR! Gay Password Edition! Hosted by Miss Cookie LaRue herself! The almost monthly live game show is once again a benefit for Loving Food Resources so while there is no cover bring lots of cash because Cookie won't stop singing until her purse is full! If you would like to be a contestant, talk to Michael or Rosie at the bar!
Saturday the 19th is Classic Country Night! All your favorite Classic Country songs and plenty of room fer Boot Scootin yer Boogies!
And coming in August, Pheobe Fabu, Cookie LaRue, Michael Sheldon and Scott Cureton in a Brand New Show Called "SHEE HAW: The Queens of Country!" How are all four of them going to fit on that stage?
For more info on these and other events to special to mention check our Cookie's Myspace page myspace.com/laruesbackdoor.
Last stop…Hickory and Club Cabaret. Owner and resident cutie, Jeff Reeves tells me that now Club Cabaret is open Wednesday thru Sunday, from 9:30, which means a whole extra night of Club Cabaret. Some of the nightly features at Club Cabaret are Wednesday Night …Karaoke night with the one and only Monica Jeffries, playing all your Karaoke favorites. Thursday night is Retro night. Break out the polyester and gold chains and come on in for some of the “baddest” (remember when we called everything good, “bad”), old school disco tunes.
Friday night at Club Cabaret is show night, bringing you some of the biggest names in local female impersonation such as Shana Nicole, Kristin Collins and Victoria Victors. Saturday Night at Club Cabaret is dance night. Come on out and shake what you got to the live DJ spinning all your dance favorites, and you’ll never know who might take to the stage to perform at midnight. Sunday Night at Club Cabaret is your night to shine when Monica Jeffries once again turns over the stage and the mic to you. Come out and show what you’ve got. It’s always a good time at Club Cabaret. I know when I’m in Hickory, Club Cabaret is on my list of stops.
Jeff Reeves also shared with Miss Sinclair that Club Cabaret has a new website at clubcabarethickory.com. I checked it out the other day and they’re just starting to fill it with their new schedules. So log on or just read about it in my weekly report in Come Out and Play.
A few nights to remember at Club Cabaret this month are Friday July 4th, Club Cabaret will present a Red White & Blue Production Show starring Davida, Q, and Anna. Saturday, July 5th Cabaret introduces its first Leather Party. Friday, July 11th, it’s Shana Nicole’s Birthday Bash (just how old is she?). Friday, July 18th it’s the Mr. TARHEEL All Star Show. Saturday, July 19th Mr. Gay Tarheel State USA FMI contest starring D ROC, Mr. GAY USA FMI.
Well, as I always say, if you don’t see it here, or read it in my newsletter, or now on my Blog, it either just isn’t happening, or you don’t need to be there. So Drive Carefully, Drink Responsibly, and Play Safely. I want you all back reading my column next month.
-Stephanie
Read the next article in Arts and Entertainment, The Other Side of Barstools