Best Bets 06.22 – 07.05

Friday, June 22

The Evening for Equality celebrates its 8th annual event with awardees U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia), Larry Lehman of AID Gwinnett, Jerry Gonzalez of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, and founders of the annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Breakfast Craig Washington and Darlene Hudson. Host/Sponsor cocktail reception at 6 p.m., dinner and general program at 7 p.m. at the Twelve Hotel Atlantic Station, 361 17th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.georgiaequality.org

Join Rabbi Josh Lesser and Congregation Bet Haverim for the 2012 Pride Seder blessing, a part of Atlanta Stonewall Week. 7 p.m. at Central Congregational Church, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.atlantapride.org

“Music of the Night: The Best of London’s West End Musical Theater” brings the best in stage song from across the pond. Hint: Andrew Lloyd Webber much? 8 p.m. at Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive., Atlanta, GA 30327, www.classicchastain.com

Broadway legend and actress Kristin Chenoweth defies gravity with an Atlanta show. 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Atlanta Pride performer Hannah Thomas and her band play a show at Eddie’s Attic with special guests Bree Sharp and Don DiLego of Beautiful Small Machines opening. 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

“Mash Attacks” returns to the Atlanta Eagle with DJs Robin Skouteris and Pat Scott. The event also benefits Lost-N-Found Youth, Inc. 10 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/MOM42x

Mary’s, the award-winning dive bar in East Atlanta, hosts its 8th Annual Fag Bash in honor of Stonewall Weekend. DJ Ree De La Vega mans the booth, blasting gay party anthems all night long. 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com, http://on.fb.me/LRUcn0

Room Service Atlanta: Deluxe Gay Dance Party recreates one of London’s hottest gay club nights with DJs Jodie Harsh and Kris Di Angelis. 10 p.m. at Mood Lounge, 3081 E. Shadowlawn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30305, www.facebook.com/moodlounge

Got Leche hosts a foam party, where we’re sure all the boys will be on their best behavior. 10 p.m. at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324.

Friday, June 22 – Saturday, June 23

Sunset Garden is a series of summer events benefiting various organizations. This weekend the party is a fundraiser for the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. 7-10 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309. www.burkharts.com.

Saturday, June 23

Everyone is welcome at East Side Pride’s annual Pride Picnic. DJ Duck keeps the dance floor hopping, the kids get a play zone and LGBT-friendly vendors and organizations will unhand for your perusing. It’s potluck, so bring something to share or grill if you can. 3 – 8 p.m. at Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road, Clarkston, GA 30021, http://eastsidepridenews.blogspot.com, http://on.fb.me/LPBhV4

Fiona Zedde brings her newest book “Nightshade” back to Atlanta for a fun and sexy discussion. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Co-sponsored by the Atlanta Front Runners and Atlanta Pride, the 2012 Pride Run celebrates its 22nd year. The year’s walk/run 5k benefits Jerusalem House and Atlanta Pride. Race starts at 8 a.m. at the Aquatic Center in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.eteamz.com/frontrunnersatlanta/, www.atlantapride.org

Grab the kids and join the MEGA Family Project for a play date. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Glenlake Park, 1211 Church St.,  Decatur, Georgia 30030, www.megafamilyproject.org

The hot men of the Hotlanta Softball League strut their stuff at the Mr. Hotlanta Softball Hunk Pageant, a benefit for the city’s largest gay softball league. 6 – 10  p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hotlantasoftball.org

Trans/Queer Nation hosts a “Staches & Lashes” Prom. DJ Missy and JackDaddi serve as DJs with small bites provided. It’s BYOB, but bartenders will be provided. 16 to enter, 21 to drink and don’t miss speed dating early in the night. 7 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.tqnation.com

“Out with the Stars” is the first annual PFLAG Atlanta fundraiser and awards dinner honoring several local parents, teachers, students and straight allies working toward a better LGBT Atlanta. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. at Labella at Lambert Place, 800 Lamber Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30324, www.pflagatl.org

The Atlanta Radical Faeries host their annual “Once Upon a Midsummer Night,” a day long event and party that begs costumes, glitter, dramatic lighting and lots of free-loving fun. 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Arts Exchange, 750 Kalb Street, SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, http://on.fb.me/K80gBW

Easy listening goddess Norah Jones plays an Atlanta show. 8 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org.

Lesbian singer/songwriter Jen Foster plays Eddie’s Attic. 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

DJ Michael Tank spins a Jungle Beach party with a special performance by Phoenix. Buy a swimsuit from Brushtrokes June 14-June 23. Wear it to the party and get free admission before midnight. There’s a clothes check so you don’t have to arrive half naked. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 4115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Special guest and former Miss Gay USofA at Large Tahjee Iman joins the girls at Burkhart’s Extravaganza drag show. 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com.

It’s a night of comedy at My Sister’s Room with a showcase of comedians including Kim Huapaya, Michelle Ramsey, Ian Aber, Sue Ryerson and Katrina Braxton. Hosted by Julie Osborne. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10. Dance party after. MSR, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Sunday, June 24

The Mr. and Miss Black America Newcomer Pageant takes over XS Ultra Lounge with several categories including “All that glitters and shines” presentation. 7 p.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/JLWcIP

“For the Foodie in All of Us” is part of a new series of chef-inspired events every month through October. Today’s event features Executive Chef/Partner Linda Harrell of Cibo e Beve. Limited to 30 guests. $75 per person with a chef demo, cocktails and menu.  2-6 p.m., Cook’s Warehouse, Merchant’s Walk Shopping Center (next to Whole Foods), 1311 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 568, Marietta, GA 30068. http://bit.ly/NHl2A5

AID Atlanta will be providing free HIV testing for gay, bisexual and trans men at Piedmont Park as part of National HIV Testing Day. Free testing and information from 4:30-7 p.m. Near the dock at Lake Clara Meer. Call 1-800-551-2728 for more information.

Monday, June 25

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

Tuesday, June 26

Lesbian social networking group Fourth Tuesday hosts the dinner on the day of its namesake every month. This month, it’s Sprig. 6 – 10 p.m. at Sprig, 2860 Lavista Road, Decatur, GA 30033, www.thehealthinitiative.org, http://bit.ly/N4t58F

The Atlanta Dream takes on the Indiana Fever. 12 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wnba.com/dream/

See your favorite Burkhart’s employees switch it up for a Turnabout Charity Show. Tips will be split between the Armorettes and Lost-n-Found Youth, so tip those janky queens! 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burharts.com, http://on.fb.me/LLGcZM

Wednesday, June 27

“Ru Paul’s Drag Race” winner Sharon Needles joins the cast of this month’s Fantasy Girls Cabaret featuring local performers Savannah Leigh, Summer Knight, Envy Van Michael, Starr Sanchez Sherrington and Nicole Paige Brooks. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Atlanta celebrates National HIV Testing Day with a ton of free testing sites to make sure you know your status. See Page 10 for locations and details.

The MEGA Family Project hosts a Baby/Toddler Meet Up Group for dues-paying members. 9 – 11:30 a.m.. Learn more at www.megafamily.org or email director Kathy Kelly at Kathy@megafamilyproject.org.

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

Dine-in or take-out at Doc Chey’s in Morningside between 5 and 10 p.m. and a portion of your bill will be donated to Atlanta Pride. 1424 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantapride.org

Write Club Atlanta’s “Syllabus” is a lot like the club’s preexisting seven-minute write-off, except its headed by GA Voice’s own Topher Payne and, for it’s debut, features GA Voice deputy editor Dyana Bagby. She and other writers, including gay playwright Johnny Drago, will “battle it out” with their ruminations on “Apocalypse.” 9 – 10:30 p.m. at PushPush Theater, 121 New St., Decatur, GA 30030, http://on.fb.me/MODwsh

The Atlanta Braves welcome LGBT fans with their second annual Out in the Stands event, a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, at Turner Field. Celebrity rugby player and anti-bullying advocate Ben Cohen will be on hand for autographs as well. 7 p.m. at Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta, GA 30315. Tickets: 404-614-1325 or e-mail stacey.nicely@braves.com.

Don’t miss the new “Lust and Bust Show” at Blake’s featuring Shawnna Brooks with host Lena Lust. 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Thursday, June 28

What’s the best way to ask a “boi” on a date? Who should pay? Real Bois Talk Health Program presents “Battle of the Sexes,” a free discussion between ladies and the African-American masculine-identified gay females who love them. 7 – 9 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.thehealthinitive.org, http://bit.ly/LZP6kT

SAGE Atlanta, a service and social organization for LGBT elders, hosts a card and social hour, then an afternoon oral history project where participants share experiences on given topics. 10 – 11 a.m. and 12:30 0 2 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

Friday, June 29 – Saturday, June 30

Charis Books and More and Atlanta Pride host a two-day Stonewall Month extravaganza featuring butch blogger and sex writer Sinclair “Sugarbutch” Sexsmith. On Friday, expect a “wild ride toward body confidence” for the self-identified queer masculine set. On Saturday, Sexsmith reads from “Say Please: Lesbian BDSM Erotica.” 7:30 – 9 p.m. both nights at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Friday, June 29 – Sunday, July 1

The Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil makes a three-day stop in Atlanta. Expect the usual magic from the CIrque crew set to the music of the world’s greatest pop star. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, http://bit.ly/g4vbwk

Friday, June 29

The Atlanta Bucks shift their First Friday beer and wings bust for a special fundraiser of the same nature for the estate of Michael Adams. 8 p.m., 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/atlantabucks, www.atlantabucksrugby.org  

Saturday, June 30

Carioca Productions and Revolt Records present DJs Chus + Ceballos spinning a 5-hour set in attempts to “redefine dance culture in Atlanta.” 9 p.m. at Jungle, 21115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/FansofIcon

Part of Atlanta Stonewall week and co-sponsored by the Juxtaposed Center for Transformation and Transgender Individuals Living Their Truth, the third annual Sylvia Rivera Community Event celebrates the contributions of transgender people to the LGBT civil rights movement with fellowship, food and a panel discussion with trans community members. 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.atlantapride.org

Atlanta’s Every Womyn presents an “LGBT Old School Game Night.” The net proceeds from your $7 admission go to Lift Up Atlanta, a homeless services organization. 6 – 10 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/K6M7Xw

Produced by poet Alice Lovelace, Cafe Medusa is an evening of performance art, spoken word and music by women artists in a theatrical format. Also included: market place for products and information, a visual arts exhibit and nosh by Food Goddess. 8 p.m. at 7 Stages, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/JTt0EU

“Bone Voyage” party at Mary’s has a naughty nautical theme. DJ Diablo Rojo spins. 10 p.m. Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316. www.marysatlanta.com

Monday, July 2

“T&F Transitionz: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz” is an open forum to discuss gender and facilitating dialogue and activism around social issues. 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Tuesday, July 3

Sarah McLachlan plays a rare Atlanta show, this time in concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as part of the Chastain Series. 7:30 p.m. at Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive., Atlanta, GA 30327, www.chastainseries.com

Wednesday, July 4

The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon. 11:55 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantagaychamber.org

Thursday, July 5

Sarah Terez Rosenblum brings “Herself When She’s Missing,” the lesbian-themed story about a groupie drawn to a fellow fan. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

The gay-owned Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces hosts the Chastain Park Summer Movie series every Thursday in July, starting with Oscar-winner “The Artist.” Sundown at the hill top off Park Drive in Chastain Park. http://on.fb.me/LzOhjM