Best Bets 06.08 – 06.21

Friday, June 8

The ladies of Fourth Tuesday, Atlanta’s lesbian social networking group, host happy hour on the second Friday of every month. 6 – 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.thehealthinitiative.org, http://bit.ly/N4t58F

There are sure to be lesbian fans in the stands as the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream takes on the San Antonio Silver Stars. 7:30 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wnba.com/dream/

Got Leche presents “El Papi del Ano 2012,” Atlanta’s only competition made especially for the city’s Latin hotties, with a whopping $2,000 cash prize. 10 p.m. at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324

Friday, June 8 – Saturday, June 9

Sunset Garden is a two-day celebration and fundraiser featuring DJ Christopher Kind and benefitting M.I.S.T.E.R. on Friday, then DJ Bryan Craft on Saturday, benefitting Lost-N-Found Youth. 7 p.m. both nights at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com, http://on.fb.me/KExvBE

“… and Nature Smiled” is OurSong’s spring concert and the beginning of the gay and lesbian mixed chorus’ 10th anniversary season. June 8: 8 p.m. at St. Barts Episcopal Church, 1790 Lavista Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, June 9: 8:15 p.m. at Spivey Hall, on the campus of Clayton State University, 2000 Clayton State Boulevard, Morrow, GA 30260, www.oursongatlanta.com

Saturday, June 9

Hotlanta’s Cadets Softball team presents their third annual Bats-N-Rouge fundraiser for an afternoon of drag softball and breast cancer awareness. There’s an after party at Burkhart’s with jell-o shots and more. 12 – 5 p.m. at the fields in Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/L4Kf3G

One of the summer’s hottest non-profit events, the CHRIS Kids Premiere Party is a fundraiser for the CHRIS Kids Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Fund, which provides transitional housing to homeless LGBT youth.  6 – 10 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art, 199 Armour Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.chriskids.org

The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present the Novice Project of Novice Sister Konnie Chiwaa “Absolutely Fabulous Funky Town Car Wash.” The valet-style carwash means you can drop your car off and grab a drink while you (and a sober friend?) wait. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com, www.atlsister.org

Be prepared for pandemonium on 10th Street in Midtown as the Red Bull Soapbox Race descends on Piedmont Park. Pits open at 10 a.m., first race at noon. http://bit.ly/z3zLkk

SAGE Atlanta, an advocacy and services organization for LGBT elders, hosts its first “Coffee, Bagels and…” event featuring a reading and signing by gay author and AJC food critic Elliott Mackle. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

Lesbian social networking group Fourth Tuesday hosts a singles brunch for ladies ready to mingle. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Radial, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.thehealthinitiative.org, http://bit.ly/N4t58F

The lesbian-inclusive “alterna-grass” band Roxie Watson plays two shows at Decatur’s famous acoustic hot spot. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Train to become a volunteer for Lost-N-Found, the LGBT homeless youth advocacy and transtitional housing organization. 2 – 5 p.m. at Postitive Impact, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.lost-n-found.org

“Unmasked: The Phantom of the Flopera” is a send up of the Broadway classic with original music. Performance benefits the First MCC outreach programs that include a food bank, weekly hot meals for the homeless and a clothing closet. The event also includes a silent auction. $20 or two for $30, 8 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.thespiritofbroadway.com

San Francisco’s DJ Phil B. mans the turntables at Heretic. 10 p.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Brent Star and DJ Christopher Kind host Spark, a reunion of sorts, recalling the days in the mid 2000s when the pair hosted events at the Masquerade.  Doors at 10 p.m., show at 11 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Alvion Arnell Davenport joins the Burkhart’s Extravaganza drag show. 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Saturday, June 9 – Sunday, June 10

The Peachtree Hills Festival, a part of the gay owned and operated Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces series of festivals, offers arts and crafts and a 5k. Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Peachtree Hills, 285 Peachtree Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.peachtreehillsfestival.com

Sunday, June 10

Friends of Atlanta Cotillion deb Jose Guillien, AKA Maria Francesca Della Catessen Gonzaga or simply “Cupcake,” host a fundraising kickoff party with an open bar at the home Harry Harkins. $20 pre-pay suggested donation, $25 at the door. 3 – 6 p.m. www.atlantacotillion.com/jose

Interesting in joining Atlanta’s gay outdoorsmen? Check out the Wilderness Network of Georgia’s quarterly membership meeting and potluck. Bring a dish for sharing. 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Mason Mill Park, 1340 McConnell Drive, Decatur, GA 30033, www.wildnetga.org

Traxx Girls hosts a Gemini Zodiac Bash at their usual Showtime Sunday spot with Cadillac Red and Ms. Sophia on the mic. Show starts at 12 a.m. at Scores, 2425 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30035, www.traxxgirls.com

Sunday, June 10 – Monday, June 11

See one-minute plays by more than 30 established and emerging Atlanta playwrights, including Johnny Drago and GA Voice’s own Topher Payne at “The First Atlanta One-Minute Play Festival.” 8 p.m. both nights at Actor’s Express, 887 West Marietta St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.oneminuteplayfestival.com, www.actors-express.com,
http://on.fb.me/Lm4FDh

Monday, June 11

Part of Atlanta’s Stonewall Month celebration, the Atlanta-based Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation hosts a screening of “Legalize Gay.” A Q&A with Cohen and other guests will follow. 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, http://bit.ly/JMv2p5

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., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Tracy Wilson hosts a planning meeting for this year’s Black Gay Pride festivities, where community members are also invited to submit abstracts to facilitate workshops on Sept. 1 – 2 during the event. 7 – 9 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, http://on.fb.me/M1VydE

Tuesday, June 12

The Atlanta Lesbian & Gay Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Lunch. 11:50 a.m. at Brio Tuscan Grille. 2964 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantagaychamber.org

Co-sponsored by Atlanta Pride, Charis Books and More hosts part two of the discussion of “I Must Resist: Bayard Rustin’s Life in Letters.” 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Wednesday, June 13

Dine-in or take-out at Osteria 832 in Virgina-Highland between 5 and 10 p.m. and a portion of your bill will be donated to Atlanta Pride. 832 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.atlantapride.org

It’s Pool Party Bingo for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

“The Myth and Meaning of Adrienne Rich: An Evening of Poetry and Prose” celebrates the feminist and lesbian icon’s life and work featuring Jessica Handler, Azi Golshan and more. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1198 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Singer/songwriters Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw play a show with Andy Grammar. 8 p.m. at Chastain Park Amphitheater, 4469 Stella Drive., Atlanta, GA 30327, www.classicchastain.com

The Men of Cuffs and Collars‚ former Chippendales Dancers, return to LeBuzz Marietta for another show of skin and sin. $5. 10 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585, Marietta, GA 30067, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Drag legend Charlie Brown hosts a benefit show to raise funds for Gigi Monroe’s bid to be crowned All-America Goddess. Performances by Nicole Paige Books, Heather Daniels, Ashley Kruiz, Savnnah Leigh, Brent Star and more. 11 p.m. at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Thursday, June 14

Atlantic Station’s Movies in Central Park offers a free, outdoor screening of “The Help.” Film starts at sundown in Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, GA 30363, www.atlanticstation.com, http://bit.ly/HQxNjT

Friday, June 15 – Saturday, June 16

‘Red, White & YOU’ is the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus summer concert and features patriotic songs from the “American songbook” and guest appearances by Courtenay Collins and Freddie Ashley. 8 p.m. both days, 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday at the Glenn Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Emory University, 1652 N. Decatur Road, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.agmchorus.org 

Friday, June 15

Co-sponsored by Atlanta Pride, the Third Friday Film Series presents “Stonewall Uprising,” the 2010 documentary about the riots that sparked the modern gay rights movement. $1-$10 sliding scale donations. Doors at 7 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/Il753W

“What’s in the Cards” is a fundraiser for SAGE Atlanta, an organization dedicated to services and advocacy for LGBT elders. $10 gets cards and two drink tickets for Poker, Texas Hold’em, Canasta, Hand and Foot, and Bridge. 7 – 10:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

The Atlanta Dream takes on the Los Angeles Sparks. 7:30 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wnba.com/dream/

Saturday, June 16

Part of Atlanta Stonewall Week, “Examining What We Have & Where It Can Take Us” is a poetry workshop led by Dustin Brookshire. Participants should bring one finished or a poem-in-program for a semi-traditional workshop experience, then poets will participate in a generative exercise. Register with Brookshire: dustinvbrookshire@gmail.com. 2 – 4 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.atlantapride.org

The Atlanta Rollergirls play two roller derby bouts starting at 5 p.m. at Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.atlantarollergirls.com

Singer/songwriter Dar Williams celebrates the release of her ninth studio album, “In The Time Of Gods,” with two shows at Eddie’s Attic. 7 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

The unstoppable Kathy Griffin brings her celebrity trash talk to Atlanta for two shows. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.foxtheatre.org

Find out why the East Point Possums Show was voted the “Best Charity Event” by GA Voice readers with the 15th annual production, this year a fundraiser for the Phillip Rush Center, which houses Georgia Equality, Atlanta Pride and the Health Initiative, and also offers meeting space to a number of LGBT groups. 7 – 11 p.m. at the Commons of Downtown East Point, 2727 East Point St., East Point GA 30344, www.eastpointpossums.com

Special guest Miss Atlanta Devine Continental Elite Celeste Holmes joins the girls at Burkhart’s Extravaganza drag show. 11 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Bedlam presents H2(h)o(2), an anniversary celebration with guest hosts Steve Wang, Will Ramseur, Edie Cheezburger, Marcus Hazzard, Spencer Luster and more. 9 p.m. at Wetbar, W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/L9LVIX

Sunday, June 17

PFLAG Atlanta hosts its monthly support group. 2:45 p.m. at the First Metropolitan Community Church, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.pflagatl.org

Monday, June 18

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

Tuesday, June 19

Co-sponsored by Atlanta Pride, Charis Books and More hosts part three of the discussion of “I Must Resist: Bayard Rustin’s Life in Letters.” 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Part of Atlanta Stonewall Month, Atlanta Pride and Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta host an LGBT Refugee/Asylee Awareness event with LGBT refugee testimonies, documentary screening, food/drink and multicultural performances. 7 – 9 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.atlantapride.org, www.rrisa.org

The Atlanta Dream takes on the New York Liberty. 7:00 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wnba.com/dream/

Wednesday, June 20

Dine-in or take-out at Doc Chey’s in Grant Park between 5 and 10 p.m. and a portion of your bill will be donated to Atlanta Pride. 563 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.atlantapride.org

The Big Gay Game Show brings together Atlanta celebs and classic TV game shows for a night of fun and fundraising for Lost-n-Found Youth, a service organization committed to Atlanta’s homeless LGBT youth. 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.lost-n-found.org

Part of Atlanta Stonewall Month, the Health Initiative and Atlanta pride host an LGBT Health Insurance information seminar. 7 p.m .at the Phillip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.atlantapride.org

Lesbian singer/songwriters SONiA (of Disappear Fear) and Rachel Sage play a show at Eddie’s Attic. 8 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Thursday, June 21

The Atlanta Executive Network hosts its monthly Third Thursday LGBT business networking event. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Hudson Grille, 942 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aen.org

The law firm of Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC hosts a Marriage Equality Forum to answer basic questions about gay marriage laws, adoptions and gay separation/divorce. Free, but RSVP on Facebook. 6:30 p.m. at the Piedmont Ballroom of the Georgian Terrace Hotel, 659 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/LjWaai

Every third Thursday, Charis Books and More and Cliterati team up for an Open No-Mic, this month featuring all-stars Gabe, Hillary and Malika of the Art Amok Slam Team. This month’s event also serves as a warm-up to the group’s Cafe Medusa performance at 7 Stages. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com