ChiChi and Chonga at Cafeteria's Jocks and Nerds Edition
If there’s one thing we do well here at qPDX it’s partying. And 2010 has just blown us all away, and damaged our livers beyond repair, with its bursting-at-the-seams burgeoning club scene. Dancing isn’t just for downtown anymore. Nopo has emerged as a queer nightlife hotspot alongside the already club-friendly inner Eastside. There’s something for nearly everybody, and I did my best to make an appearance, at least once, and each of them.
5 – Do the Dark/JunKtion tie
Both laid back underground neighborhood parties both Do the Dark and JunKtion had welcome breathing room in contrast to the packed parties elsewhere. But the music was excellent and the venues, Tonic and Local Lounge, were friendly and comfortable with good dance floors and chat areas alike. Oh yeah, and they always had good cheap drink specials.
4 – Dirtbag
Not quite the weekend yet but close enough to get away with it Dirtbag had a rough beginning getting the soundtrack just right and having to switch venues early on. But the change turned out to be a good one, making a welcome and much needed queer presence on Alberta Street. Organizer DJ Gutter Glamour isn’t afraid to take musical risks, and that results in a nuanced dance party that gives you time to think and rest. And a free price tag makes it the perfect way to start the weekend.
3 – Cafeteria
DJ Lunch Lady‘s high school themed Jocks and Nerds party not only puts a positive spin on what was a fairly traumatic time for most of us, it also brought all the breakfast club kids together. Men, women and everything in between piled into little neighborhood bar Vendetta to dance together in a harmony that just didn’t really ever happen during the prom.
2 – Mrs.
Kaj-Anne Pepper was the first face of Mrs.
The Saturday night theme-fest Mrs., at Mississippi Studios, came just when the fervor of new nights had begun to die down and we were ready for a change. Mississippi Street has blown up into hipster heaven in the past few years but it wasn’t until now we got our very own gay club night. Especially successful is the dress up fun that each themed night inspires. Whether it’s your first time, sloppy seconds or wearing next to nothing people really get into the spirit.
1 – Bent
Nopo may be a gay club kid’s heaven now, but back last spring folks still considered clubbing up north to be a foreign suburban trek. Bent was the first night to change all that. West Lombard never saw just parking problems until Bent took over the Blue Parrot, now Foggy Notion, neighborhood trying-t0-be-gay bar. All of a sudden the tiny little dance floor was packed with queers from all over…even the west side!
DJ Roy-G-Biv sent press releases earlier this year exclaiming, “[Bent] was insulted yet simultaneously praised on Craigslist as being a place where all the ‘skank queers go to hangout.'” That this was not only said but that the organizers want you to know about it shows you just what kind of party it is. Dark, dirty and damn good.
Wow, I can’t believe this!
First of all, these are pretty much the parties that QPDX openly supports. Cafeteria was only held a few times and hasn’t been around in a while. Most importantly, way to represent some DJs that don’t even mix or play on turn tables. Anyone can play on virtual dj and cdj equipment. Great job Portland for once again supporting less effort and little talent. And how about leaving off best and by far most talented queer DJ in town, Beyonda?
thank you so much for the props! it means a lot to me <3
klieo, you are not off-base, but just a little clarification, mrs. is beyonda's night (though i wish she got a little more of a shout out, regardless) and cafeteria hasn't been on hiatus, it just didn't happen last month due to the holidays.
also, i have to put it out there, mp3jing is no lesser of an evil than using serato or turntables, but i mix all of my stuff and i work really hard at it. if yr referring to folks who just lean on their crossfader like it ain't no thang, then i agree.
Hey Klieo I respect your opinion and this is mine but I do want to clarify a couple things.
I’m not quite sure what you mean by choosing the nights I openly support…I certainly do talk about and pay attention to them because they’ve been some of the most interesting nights to cover. That’s exactly what this list is saying.
If you mean that some of the organizers are friends or acquaintances of mine that is true; it’s my job to try to keep track of these folks. We’re not BFFs or anything for the most part.
Also, this isn’t a list of “the best DJs in town,” because you’re right Beyonda probably would top the list (don’t quote me on that I haven’t actually thought out that list yet). But this is a fairly arbitrary list that counts factors such as venue, crowd, atmosphere and all kinds of intangibles. DB actually initially got a less than amazing review here so you could even say that “most improved” might be a factor.
It’s not a science. It’s just my opinion.
whoa, was i drunk when i wrote that? i meant to say mp3jing shouldn’t be so vilified. it still takes a lot of work if you want it to, unless you just wanna lean on the crossfader. GEEZ.
what an unfortunate and inane debate by a cranky ass troll. luckily, i just read this.
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