Best Bets 11.23 – 12.06

City of the South Theatre Company presents “Birds of a Feather,” aka “The Birdcage,” complete with a three-course meal for the Holiday Dinner Theatre at Jungle. Opens tonight with shows Nov. 24, Dec. 6-8 at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

The Model T hosts a Toy Drive for Jerusalem House, which helps those living with HIV. Model T, 699 Ponce De Leon Ave.,  Atlanta, GA 30308, www.modeltatlanta.com

Traxx Girls presents the Friday night Banjee Girls hip-hop party from 9 p.m. – 4 a.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

DJ Brett Long spins for Mr. and Miss Atlanta Eagle bar night, Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Saturday, Nov. 24

Atlanta’s Every Womyn presents an “LGBT Old School Game Night,” with games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Twister, Musical Chairs and much more to benefit Lift Up Atlanta. $7. 7 – 10 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307

Traxx Girls presents the annual Red & Black Affair: Toy Drive 2012, hosted by Kenya Moore of “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” 10 p.m. – 2:45 a.m. at 595, 595 North Ave., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.traxxgirls.com

Take a break from leftovers with the Turkey Relief Dance Party featuring DJ Rapko from Q100 at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Mon Cherie presents The Chamber Reunion II, harkening back to the glory days of Atlanta’s former fetish bar with aerial artists, fetish and burlesque performers, DJs Jennocide and Alabaster, host Devin Liquor and much more. 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. at The Masquerade, 695 North Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.moncheriepresents.com

Traxx Clubs presents a Thanksgiving Extravaganza with Kenya Moore of “Real Housewives,” who also appears at the Traxx Girls party. DJ Eclipse and DJ Angel X spin house and hip hop. XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com

Daring Divas is the new Saturday night show at Blake’s feauring Charlie Brown, Shawnna Brooks, Angelica D’Paige, Savannah Leigh, Michelle Paris and The Lady Shabazz. Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Sunday, Nov. 25

The Armorettes, Atlanta’s legendary fundraising drag troupe, takes over at 8 p.m. at at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Monday, Nov. 26

New restaurant Bantam + Biddy donates 10 percent of today’s proceeds after 5 p.m. to Pets Are Loving Support, which helps people with HIV and other health issues keep their pets. Located at Ansley Mall, 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

Writing With Intent is open to writers of fiction and creative non-fiction; group offers motivational exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Catch the $3,000 grand finale of Absolut Talent karaoke. 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Tuesday, Nov. 27

Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday hosts its monthly dinner. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. at Pappasito’s Cantina, 2788 Windy Hill Road, Marietta, GA 30067, www.thehealthinitiative.org

Every fourth Tuesday, try your luck at Speed Dating from 8-10 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Comedian Eddie Sarfaty, who has appeared on “The Today Show,” Logo’s “Wisecrack” and in the documentary “Laughing Matters,” performs to benefit adoption services at CHRIS Kids. 8 p.m. at Dad’s Garage, 280 Elizabeth St., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chriskids.org

“Laugh Your Balls Off” at Cockpit’s queer comedy night, held the last Tuesday of the month. 8:30 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Wednesday, Nov. 28

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon at 11:50 a.m. East Point Corner Tavern, 2783 Main St. East Point, GA 30344, www.atlantagaychamber.org

The dynamic duo of Amy & Freddy return to Atlanta with a new show to make you laugh and sing along. 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Poetry Atlanta and the Georgia Center for the Book host the last “Poetry Atlanta Presents” event of the year, featuring Eve Hoffman, Travis Denton and Robert Wood.  7:15 p.m. at Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030. http://poetryatlanta.blogspot.com

Thursday, Nov. 29

Camille Paglia — social critic, best-selling author of “Sexual Personae,” and also a lesbian —presents her latest foray into the world of Western art with “Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art from Egypt to Star Wars.” 6:30-8 p.m. at SCAD Atlanta, 1600 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.acappellabooks.com/upcoming-events

Cherie Priest reads from “The Inexplicables.” 7: 30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Lesbian blues rocker Michelle Malone performs with Levi Lowrey and Gareth Asher. 8 p.m. at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com

On Thursdays, check out Dancefloor Divas with Phoenix of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Friday, Nov. 30

On the eve of World AIDS Day, the Red Party celebrates “Lives Focused on Cure” with HIV testing from 6-10 p.m. and show at 10 p.m. with DJ Birdman and the Divas Cabaret. Benefits Powertoendure.org at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Directed by openly gay Brian Clowdus, “A Diva’s Christmas“ delivers an eclectic mix of Christmas standards and contemporary favorites belted out by Alison Brannon Wilhoit, Kylie Brown and Dasie Thames. The touring show kicks off in Dahlonega tonight and runs through Dec. 21; Atlanta-area dates include The Hill at Serenbe (Dec. 1), West & Mill in West Midtown, (Dec. 2), Spice Market at W Midtown (Dec. 8), Café Circa in downtown Atlanta (Dec. 9 and Dec. 16) and Haven in Brookhaven (Dec. 10). www.serenbeplayhouse.com

Gay saxophonist Dave Koz brings his Christmas show back to Georgia. 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339,
www.cobbenergycentre.com

It’s the last ManShaft party of the year: the Levi-Leather edition. 10 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.facebook.com/cockpit.atlanta

Saturday, Dec. 1

Today is World AIDS Day. For a full schedule of events, please see page 8.

Hannah Thomas and Emily Kate Boyd perform their rock/country tunes. 9:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030,
www.eddiesattic.com

As performance art troupe gloATL prepares for their debut at Aqua Art in Miami, Atlantans are invited for the local dress rehearsal here. 8-10 p.m. at Goodson Yard at the Goat Farm, 1200 Foster St., Atlanta, GA 30318, www.gloATL.org

Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus offers a preview of their annual Holiday Concert. 1:30 p.m. at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096,
www.eddieowenpresents.com

The gay Dixie Bowling Invitational hosts a beer bust to watch the SEC Championship game and raise funds for Lost-N-Found Youth and ACS. 3-6 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.dixiebowl.org

This year’s theme is “The Hunger Games” as LeBuzz hosts the preliminary competition for Mister Georgia USofA Male Illusionist & Classic, an official precursor to the national contest. 8-11 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Sunday, Dec. 2

Toy Party, the biggest holiday part of the year, features DJ Vicki Powell, cocktails, food and more to collect a mountain of toys for underprivileged kids. Admission is $5 plus a new, unwrapped toy worth $20; VIP admission levels also offered. 5-9 p.m. at Americas Mart 3, 240 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.forthekid.org

The Toy Party After Party keeps the holiday spirit going. 8:30 p.m. at the W Atlanta –Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.chriscolemanenterprises.com

Barry Brandon’s Bedlam parties present The Masquerade, a birthday celebration for Eber Teles de Oliveira. This one is billed as a private event, so you must RSVP to attend. 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at iLoungeatl, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, http://on.fb.me/UKsTdR

Monday, Dec. 3

On Mondays, play Family Feud at 11:30 p.m. with host Wild Cherry Sucret. Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

The Atlanta chapter of PFLAG hosts its First Monday Support Meeting where attendees are divided into small groups led by a trained facilitator. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1605 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pflagatl.org

Tuesday, Dec. 4

Every Tuesday, sing out at Mary-oke starting at 9 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturday, get your country on with 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Tuesdays, unwind with a sing-along with pianist David Reeb at 8 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Wednesday, Dec. 5

Every Wednesday, watch “The X Factor” at 8 p.m. on the big screens at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306,  www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Charlie Brown hosts “Drag Idol 5” every Wednesday at 10 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, http://on.fb.me/MYbqiy

On Wednesdays, catch the Lust & Bust Show with host Lena Lust and featuring Shawnna Brooks. 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Thursday, Dec. 6

SAGE Atlanta, a support and social group for LGBT elders, meets starting at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

The gay Atlanta Executive Network hosts its annual holiday party. Half-off your first cocktail with a donated toy or gift card. 6:30-9 p.m. at The Fifth Ivory, 794 Juniper St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.aen.org

Pulitzer-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson discusses her book “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration.” 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Thursdays at 9 p.m. get your “Glee” on the television screens at Amsterdam, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Thursdays are 18-and-up College Night at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

UPCOMING

Friday, Dec. 7

Join Mint Salon for the Naughty and Nice Holiday Gala, a night of fashion, food and beverages complete with silent auction, DJ and door prizes. A portion of proceeds benefits CHRIS Kids. 7-10 p.m. at Mint Salon, 985 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.chriskids.org

Hometown duo Indigo Girls perform with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. at Cobb Energy Center at Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com

The seventh annual Art Vision raises funds for Positive Impact, which provides mental health and other services for those affected by HIV. This year’s theme is “Uncharted: Travel to Enchanted Lands.” 7-10 p.m. at Stone Four Studios at Studio Plex, 659 Auburn Ave. NE #131, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.artvisionatl.org

Friday, Dec. 7 – Saturday, Dec. 8

The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus performs its 32nd annual holiday concert, “And on Earth, Peace,” with soprano Megan Mashburn. 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 2 p.m. (followed by free ice cream social) and 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.agmchorus.org

Friday, Dec. 7-Monday, Dec. 10

The Heretic hosts a weekend of events to celebrate the bar’s 21st anniversary. DJ Lydia Prim spins Friday at 10 p.m., DJ Mickey Friedman spins 10 p.m. on Saturday. Monday is the invite-only Customer Appreciation Party from 8-10 p.m., so ask a staff member for an invitation. Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Saturday, Dec. 8

Watch or join in as 300 scantily clad runners take to the streets for the Atlanta Speedo Run to try to raise $150,000 for CURE Childhood Cancer. Runners need to raise $250 to participate. Run begins at 2 p.m. and takes a 1.5 mile course on West Peachtree and Peactree streets, through the heart of Midtown. www.atlantaspeedorun.org

Gay Christian artists Jason & DeMarco perform as First Metropolitan Community Church hosts its annual Christmas Concert and Silent Auction. 7 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.firstmcc.com

Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin performs at 8 p.m. at Agnes Scott College’s Presser Hall, 141 East College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddieowenpresents.com

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Ho Ho Hoedown is the theme for this month’s PALS Bingo. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

 

Top photo: Saxaphonist David Koz (Publicity photo)