Best Bets 11.09 – 11.22

Madonna

Friday, Nov. 9

Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday hosts its monthly Happy Hour at 6 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Kai Lin Art presents the opening of Affinity, a six-artist solo exhibit featuring detailed, metaphysical works. Opening party tonight 7-10 p.m.; exhibit continues through Dec. 8 at Kai Lin Art + Shop, 3096 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.kailinart.com

It’s a coming out party, so wear your best bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, quinceanera, debutante or sweet 16 garb as Ellisorous REX and the Dance Machine present their first-ever event. Performances at 8, 9:30 and 11 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

DJ Nat spins hard rock for Rock of Ages night at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

The Brushstrokes Miss Originality Pageant features $1,000 for the winner, $500 for first runner up and $300 for second runner up. Provocative drag star Sharon Needles performs and serves as special guest judge. Proceeds benefit PALS and Lost-N-Found Youth. 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324,
www.brushstrokes.us/pageant

Saturday, Nov. 10

The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence host Karma Class, a donation-based community yoga class open to teenagers and adults. Proceeds benefit HERO for Children, which helps kids impacted by HIV. 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://antoniogarza89.wix.com/karma-class

To honor the 100th anniversary of Bayard Rustin’s birth, the Auburn Avenue Research Library joins with a host of local LGBT and progressive organizations to screen “Brother Outsider: the Life of Bayard Rustin,” a documentary about the late black gay activist. 1 p.m. at AARL Heritage Education Center Auditorium, 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, http://on.fb.me/SLVnqX

The MISTER Center at Positive Impact hosts an art opening for Richard Satchell, whose paintings and photography are inspired by local graffiti in Atlanta. 6-9 p.m. at MISTER, 60 11th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/VNMKJK

The Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournament’s Miss Dixie Pageant gets the glitter going at 6:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.dixiebowl.org

The Southern Bears hold their monthly meeting, then dinner and bar night as DJ Pat Scott spins. 6:30 p.m. at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Atlanta’s feminist bookstore hosts a discussion on “Writing the Tough Stuff” with memoirists Deborah Jiang Stein and Jessica Handler. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

There’s something for everyone at the House Show + House Party benefitting Southerners on New Ground, which works on LGBT, feminist, race, class and other progressive issues in our region. Bring family and kids to Part 1, My Gay Banjo Show, with doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show at 8:30 p.m.; Part 2, the Bootylicious Dance Party, is for grown-ups only from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Donation of $5-25 at 657 Woodland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.southernersonnewground.org

The Atlanta Opera opens its 2012-2013 seasons with “Carmen.” Opens tonight at 8 p.m. at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com

Get ready to laugh with the “It’s That Time of the Month” comedy show at 8:30 p.m., followed by the “High Heels, Red Bottoms” Femme Revue. My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

The Edgewood Electronic Music Festival highlights local artists and DJS at 12 restaurants and other venues along Edgewood Avenue, including LGBT favorites like Church, Sauced, Noni’s, the Sound Table and more. http://on.fb.me/QgHRvY

Hosted by Mariah Balenciaga of “Rupaul’s Drag Race,” the “Diva!” dance party features performances by Michael Robinson, Corian Ellisor and Marcus Allen. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

DJ Eddie Baez spins at 10 p.m. with a Madonna ticket giveaway at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Dubtribe Soundsystem performs 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. at Rush Lounge, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30305, http://irispromotion.eventbrite.com/

The Mr. Hideaway Bear & Cub contest is part of the Southeast Bears & Kubs first Bear Run, “The Great Bear Escape,” this weekend at Roy’s Hideaway, the private gay campground at 268 Catfish Lane, Collins, GA 30421, www.royshideaway.com

Sunday, Nov. 11

Jen Cross hosts a workshop on unveiling your body’s stories through writing. 11 a.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Help others with a donation for the Thanksgiving Food Drive for Lift Up Atlanta. 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.liftupatlanta.org

DJ Chris Griswold spins on the patio for the Hope Party beer bust to raise additional funds for the recent AIDS Walk Atlanta. 2-6 p.m. at FROGS Cantina, 931 Monroe Drive #A107, Atlanta, GA 30308.

DJ Vicki Powell spins for the official Edgewood Electronic Music Festival closing party. 7 pm. – midnight at Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA, 30312, www.sisterlouisaschurch.com

Blake’s on the Park kicks off Madonna Week; check their website, Twitter and Facebook for updates, events and giveaways. www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Monday, Nov. 12

Every Monday night, enjoy Stars of the Century at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Lesbian rock superstar Melissa Etheridge plays a show at Symphony Hall on her “4th Street Feeling” tour. 8 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.atlantasymphony.org

Tuesday, Nov. 13

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

Tuesday, Nov. 13-Thursday, Nov. 15

Mixx hosts The Big Chill, a three-day open house event to highlight changes at the nightclub. 5-9 p.m. at 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Wednesday, Nov. 14

Black and White Ball is the theme 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

LGBT ally and rugby star Ben Cohen hosts the launch for his new StandUp Magazine and the Compete Sports Diversity Awards; today is also StandUp Day, when Cohen calls on everyone to stand up against bullying. General admission tickets $125; VIP $250. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Twelve Atlantic Station, 361 17th St., Atlanta, GA 30363,
www.standupfoundation.com

SkateBoyz ATL presents its LGBT media appreciation night, including a birthday celebration for Miko Evans of Meak Productions. 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Metro Skates, 1959 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30315, www.facebook.com/skateboyzatl

Remembering Old Hollywood is the theme for the Miss LeBuzz Pageant, hosted by Destiny Brooks. 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Thursday, Nov. 15

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 an evening of networking featuring speaker David Haynes of the Atlanta Regional Commission. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hudson Grille, 942 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aen.org

Project Q hosts the Bestest of the Best of Gay Atlanta, a party to celebrate the winners of their online voting, which pits winners of GA Voice, David and Fenuxe “best of Atlanta” awards. 7-9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.projectqatlanta.com

W After Work hosts round two of their friendly fundraising competition, with Dragonfly Salon and Paragon Salon competing to see who can raise the most tips for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. 7-9 p.m. at Spice Market at the W Midtown, 188 14th St., Atlanta, GA 30361.

PFLAG Peachtree City hosts a support meeting for parents, friends and families of LGBT people at 7 p.m. at St. Andrew’s in the Pines Episcopal Church 316 N. Peachtree Parkway Peachtree City, GA 30269. For information on meetings throughout the state, visit www.pflagatl.org

Poet Robin G. White is the featured guest at this month’s Cliterati Open No Mic. 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

Friday, Nov. 16

SAGE Atlanta, for LGBT elders, hosts chair yoga every Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org

The Southern Bears, a group for “hirsute” gay men and their admirers,” host a Thanksgiving Pot Luck. 6 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.southernbears.org

Photographer Philip Bonneau presents the opening of Heroes + Villains 3, his photographic series that re-imagines characters from comic books, Disney and pop culture. Includes cocktails, live performances from models from the series, and a silent auction of the entire series to benefit AID Atlanta. Opening event from 7-11 p.m., show continues through Dec. 7 at i.d. Lab, 996 Huff Road NW, Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30318, http://on.fb.me/RJ0kwt

Lesbian Jen Foster and Antigone Rising play a show for the Decatur crowd. 7:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

The Third Friday Film Series presents “Pariah,” about an African-American teen coming out. $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.

Meak Productions hosts an upscale LGBT Business Network Social and birthday celebration for founder Miko Evans. 7:30 p.m. at the Drafting Table, 349 Decatur St., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.meakproductions.com

Friday nights are for the “grown and sexy” with DJ Smash starting at 10 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

It will technically be Saturday morning when DJ Martin Fry spins at Xion following Chus+Ceballos at Jungle. 3-7 a.m. at Xion, 2241 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.cariocaproductions.com

DJ greats Chus + Ceballos spin for Icon at 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Friday, Nov. 16 – Sunday, Nov. 18

The Shepherd’s Table Covenant Church and local transgender groups join together to sponsor Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Celebration Weekend. Events include a community discussion panel on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Little Five Points Community Center: “The Purple Affair: An Evening of Transgender Recognition,” from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the community center; and Transgender Recognition Sunday during the 11:45 a.m. service at the Shepherd’s Table, featuring guest speaker Elder Rahkel Henry. 404-573-6311.

Saturday, Nov. 17

A coming out support group for LGBT adults meets on Saturdays through today; 4 p.m. at First MCC Community Center, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. www.firstmcc.com

It’s mother-effing Madonna y’all. See the “MDNA” tour everyone’s been talking about. 8 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive Atlanta, GA 30303, www.ticketmaster.com

Kings, queens and femmes compete every other Saturday for Drag Race Season III at 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Go “Man 2 Man” every Saturday night at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com

DJ Trouble and MC Wild Thing head up Wassup N Atl’s Score Saturdays at Scoreboards, 1371 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, www.wassupnatl.com

Sunday, Nov. 18

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

Monday, Nov. 19

Catch Monday Night Football with games starting at 8:30 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Tuesday, Nov. 20

Mark the national Transgender Day of Remembrance with a free health care and vigil. Health vigil 1-5 p.m., vigil reception at 6:30 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 21

Get ready to gobble at Turkey Bowl, promising three games of “crazy fun” plus at Turkey Toss. Hosted by Dixie Invitational Bowling at 7 p.m. at Midtown Bowl, 1936 Piedmont Circle, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.dixiebowl.org

Electronic music lovers of all stripes will turn out for Blackout X: College Night Edition, with DJ Eu, DJ Esko and more. 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Opera Nightclub, 1150 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309.

Thursday, Nov. 22

The Model T hosts a Thanksgiving Potluck at 3 p.m. at 699 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.modeltatlanta.com

Upcoming

Friday, Nov. 23

The Santaland Diaries, an Atlanta theater tradition, brings gay humorist David Sedaris’ acidly satirical take on working as Macy’s elf back to the stage. Opens tonight, runs through Dec. 30 at Horizon Theatre, 1083 Austin Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.horizontheatre.com

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

Friday, Nov. 30

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

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

 

Top photo: Publicity photo