Many of us started the patriotic party early with last night’s Delicious but it’s not time to take off those dancing shoes yet because you’ve got 2 days to go. You’ve already been alerted to tonight’s Gaytriotic Gaycation, but July 4th itself also busts out with the new Casual Encounters at Rotture. One of the best parts of this party is the amazing back patio, perfect for Willamette fireworks watching.
Check out my profile of both nights at Just Out and below:
Who says that the lady lovin’ ladies don’t also love America? Independence day weekend plays host to two nights of queer patriotic partying. Holocene’s staple, Gaycation, proudly pronounces its Gaytriotic theme Friday, July 3, while newcomer Casual Encounters continues the beat Saturday, July 4.
What began as a laid-back Wednesday night jam has turned into a young dyke’s who’s who. In a town where ephemeral queer nights come and go on the whims of a fickle following, Gaycation has survived its toddler stage to be one of the longest-running dance parties. And it just keeps getting stronger.
The proudly Gaytriotic themed event features special guest DJ Girlfriends along with regulars Mr. Charming and Snowtiger. A special performance by electronic sensation BoyJoy rounds out a particularly hot summer vacation. Seth Gottesdiener, the man behind both DJ Girlfriends and BoyJoy, has been exploding all over town lately, and he’s sure to produce sparks when he belts out his tunes and shimmies over his scorching backup dancers.
The fireworks continue the next day at Rotture, where a brand new night opens its arms to our dance-loving community. Casual Encounters is only in its second showing, but the debut, held a week before Pride, was a wild success. Hosted by Erase Errata’s Jenny Hoyston and joined by DJs Automaton (Limited Edition) and Nolita (Fruitcake), this chill Fourth of July BBQ party will get raucous by the end of the evening.
Calling it a fireworks edition bash is more than just thematic, however. Rotture’s dark and intimate space in the eastside industrial area also features one of the best smoking patios in town. Overlooking the Willamette, it’s the perfect place to catch the city’s fireworks extravaganza. And while I’m unsure if the advertised “BBQ on the back deck” is more of a metaphor, or if there really will be hot dogs grillin’ and red, white and blue beer, it’s bound to feel like a real American independence celebration with a couple hundred of your closest friends.
– Alley Hector
Gaycation takes place Fri., July 3, 9 p.m. at Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, $3, www.holocene.org. Casual Encounters is Sat., July 4, 9 p.m. at Rotture, 315 SE Third, $3, www.rotture.com.
