Best Bets 01.04 – 01.17

Friday, Jan. 4

DJs Beardawg and Headmaster Ritual spin for Furry Disco Balls at 9 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

DJ M, Twee and MSR present The Flip Cup Challenge edition of Dance Fever Fridays, with $100 prize for the winning team, 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com, www.traxxgirls.com

Edie Cheezburger presents The Other Show on Fridays. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m., DJ Thomas Byrd spins pop and top 40 after. Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Saturday, Jan. 5

Learn how to scrum, ruck and maul as the gay Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club hosts Rugby 101. 11 a.m. meeting at the Charles Allen entrance of Piedmont Park. www.atlantabucksrugby.org

Hanne Blank brings her “Unapologetic Fat Girl’s Guide to Exercise and Other Incendiary Acts” to the city’s lesbian-owned feminist bookstore. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Saturday nights are Dance Party early, then Mary-oke late at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Sinful Saturdays features the Divas Cabaret at 11 p.m. at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Daring Divas is the 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

Saturday, Jan. 5 – Sunday, Jan. 6

Shen Yun Performing Arts brings ancient Chinese culture to life with a full orchestra and dancers. Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Cobb Energy Center at Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.cobbenergycentre.com

The group follows their Cobb Energy performance with two dates at the Fox Theatre Jan. 8-9 at 7:30 p.m. 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308,
www.foxtheatre.org

Friday, Jan. 4 – Sunday, Jan 6

OnStage Atlanta could use your help unpacking, painting, cleaning and more as the gay-inclusive theater company moves from Suburban Plaza to its new digs at 2969 East Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030. Volunteer help needed 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. all weekend at the East Ponce theater. www.onstageatlanta.com

Sunday, Jan. 6

The Reading Rainbow Book Club for lesbians and friends meets to discuss “Middlesex” by Jeffery Eugenidies. 6-7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

DJ Rick and DJ Maestro spin Sundays at 7 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Monday, Jan. 7

“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 – 8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

The Atlanta chapter of PFLAG hosts its first Monday Support Meeting. No advice, just discussion for LGBT people and their families and friends. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1605 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. For a full schedule of PLAG meetings throughout the Atlanta area, visit www.pflagatl.org

Tuesday, Jan. 8

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

VJ Marco Polo serves up “not your typical showtunes” at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Wednesday, Jan. 9

Leather Night is the theme for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324,  www.palsatlanta.org

Celeste Holmes hosts as The Lohan Experience presents “A 2012 Top Pop Review,” with drag show at 11 p.m., open dance floor, then singing from the “Sing For Your Life” top 12. Doors at 9 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Charis, Out on Film, and Atlanta Pride celebrate two LGBT civil rights icons with a screening of “Brother Outsider,” a documentary about Bayard Rustin, followed by a reading of poems by Audre Lorde. 7 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Thursday, Jan. 10

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

Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of “Swell Party,” a new comedy by GA Voice columnist Topher Payne. Tonight’s show at 8 p.m.; play runs through Jan. 27 at Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell, GA 30075, www.get.org

Creative Loafing hosts the 2013 Fiction Contest party, featuring free pizza, cash bar, Write Club battle, readings from winners and more. 7 p.m. at Highland Inn Ballroom, 644 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, Georgia 30306, www.clatl.com

JOE and MSR present the “Tickle Me Thursdays” open mic comedy competition, starting tonight and then every other Thursday night at 9 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Friday, Jan. 11

Dr. Bettina Love discusses her latest book, “Hip Hop’s Li’l Sistas Speak: Negotiating Identities and Politics in the New South,” which focuses on young women in Atlanta. 7:30 at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

DJ Smash spins for the Grown & Sexy at 10 p.m. on Fridays at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

Angelica D’Paige hosts the Fab Five at 11:30 p.m. Fridays at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Lesbian favorite and self-declared “Southern original” Kristy Lee brings her tunes to Atlanta. 9 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com

Saturday, Jan. 12

Lost-n-Found Youth hosts a Volunteer Orientation & Training for those who want to help homeless LGBT young people. Background check required; please bring form and $10 to cover costs to class. 2-6 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.lost-n-found.org

Fenuxe Magazine presents the Fenuxe 50 “Ice Party,” honoring 50 leaders in Atlanta’s LGBT community (our own Laura Douglas-Brown is on the list). Event includes open bar, buffet dinner, and performances by the Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Armorettes. 7 p.m. at the Georgia Freight Depot, 65 MLK Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30334, www.fenuxe.com/ice

Shavonna B. Brooks hosts the Extravaganza show with special guest Alexandria Martin at 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkharts.com

Sunday, Jan. 13

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

Monday, Jan. 14

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

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

Tuesday, Jan. 15

Drink up to support your favorite feminist non-profit. The Porter Beer Bar, located just across Moreland Avenue from Charis, hosts a Dine Out for Charis Circle event all day, with 10 percent of all proceeds from the day’s sales donated. 1156 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

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

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Every Wednesday, Jack and Missy host Twisted Sister Karaoke at 8 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

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

Lost-n-Found Youth hosts the monthly Big Gay Game Show, a fundraiser for their mission to help Atlanta’s LGBT homeless youth. Games include Family Feud, the Newlywed Game, Match Game and more. 7:30 – 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.lost-n-found.org

Thursday, Jan. 17

Enjoy an open “no mic” night as Cliterati wows you with spoken word poets, this month featuring Red Summer. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

The Atlanta Executive Network presents openly gay State Rep. Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta). 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Hudson Grille Midtown, 942 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aen.org

Ruby Redd hosts Dirty Boy Bingo on Thursdays at 10 p.m. at Cockpit, 465 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.

Traxx Atlanta presents Turnt Up Thursdays, spinning hip hop, reggae and R&B at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.xcessultralounge.com

Thursday nights are ladies night, with Georgia’s longest running Drag King show at LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Friday, Jan. 18 – Monday, Jan. 21

Expect a full schedule of nightlife from Atlanta’s black LGBT bars and party promoters as thousands flock to Atlanta to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

Friday, Jan. 18

The Third Friday Film Series features “Slavery by Any Other Name.” Doors open at 7 p.m. Film starts at 7:30 p.m., discussion follows at First Existentialist Congregation, 470 Candler Park Dr., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Friday, Jan. 18 – Saturday, Jan. 19

The physically-integrated (dancers with and without disabilities) modern dance company Full Radius Dance presents the premieres of “Touch” and “Dames and Delinquents” by artistic/executive director Douglas Scott and the premiere of a new work by Atlanta choreographer Lori Teague. Evening shows at 8 p.m. plus Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. at 7 States, 1105 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.fullradiusdance.org

Saturday, Jan. 19

Bedlam presents the WackedOutBlackOut party, featuring DJ Shane V, a live performance by Kryean Kalley and plenty of glow in the dark body paint. 9 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

DJ/Producer Alex Cohen spins at 10 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

DJ Mary Mac spins for the Secret Party MLK Bash. 10:30 p.m. at Club Rain, 448 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta, GA, www.traxxgirls.com

Sunday, Jan. 20

PFLAG Atlanta hosts its Third Sunday meeting. 2:45 p.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.pflagatl.org

Monday, Jan. 21

Atlanta’s LGBT community and allies unite to celebrate the MLK Jr. holiday with the Rustin Lorde Breakfast, a tribute to Bayard Rustin and Audre Lorde. 10 a.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308.

Wednesday, Jan. 23 – Sunday, Jan. 27

The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force brings its massive Creating Change Conference to Atlanta, gathering 3,000+ LGBT activists and allies from around the nation for workshops, strategizing and community-building. Hilton Atlanta, 255 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.creatingchange.org

Friday, Jan. 25

DJ Diablo Rojo spins for Ginger Appreciation Night, a.k.a. the Red Meat Party, at 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Saturday, Jan. 26

The Southern Bears celebrate 20 years of hirsute community with an anniversary party at 10 p.m. at Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com

Wednesday, Jan. 30

The extensive Atlanta Jewish Film Festival opens tonight and runs through Feb. 20. Tonight features the Atlanta premiere of “Hava Nagila,” as well as a red carpet reception, silent auction and more. 5 p.m. reception; 7:30 p.m. program at Cobb Energy Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339, www.ajff.org

Saturday, Feb. 2

Atlanta Pride veteran Hannah Thomas celebrates her record release with Sarah Golden and Sonia Tetlow, 8 p.m. at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com