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Say Yes to a weekend of Shorty Shorts film, a Playboy Club, Peep Show’s Turkey Day and some Sordid Confessions

Carla Rossi hosts the Thanksgiving edition of Peep Show this Friday

Thursday

Lucinda Williams – Singer songwriter loved by the lesbos takes the stage at the Crystal Ballroom.

Friday

Del ShoresSordid Confessions – Del tries to make up for standing us up last time he was in town. The creator of the cult favorite TV series Sordid Lives (starring Olivia Newton-John, Rue McClanahan, Leslie Jordan and Caroline Rhea) is touring his hilarious new standup show. Raunchy, gay and not for the feint of heart, this seems like a delightfully small venue to catch the outrageous one man show.

Peep Show Thanksgiving with Carla Rossi – Little Tommy may be on vacay but there is no lack of talent in this Turkey day celebration of drag and performance. Hosted by wino Carla Rossi you’ll get to see favorites such as Fannie Mae Darling, Georgia Ray Babycakes and Melody Awesomazing while being introduced to some newcomers with fabulous names like Dionysus, ShpongledHoops and Austin Tatious. (Dammit why did I think of that drag name? I ever have an Austin necklace) Also, make sure you fight the tryptophan and wine induced coma to dance afterword with some of your favorite DJs.

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DJ of the Week — Tigerstripes

Matthew Kenneth aka DJ Tigerstripes

Every week we introduce you to a local LGBTQ party DJ and ask them about their experiences in the scene and feature an audio mix they’ve made. If you’re interested in being featured contact alley@qpdx.com.

So I’m starting to get to the ends of my personal arsenal of local queer DJs but I noticed a name pop up on several queer nights, including a brand-spankin’ new one starting this weekend that looks pretty good, Yes. So I asked one of the DJs on the bill if he’d like to participate and he said, unfortunately, he was straight. And it’s interesting, because my focus is definitely on promoting queer members of our community. But DJ Tigerstripes has been a name I’ve seen associated with queer parties for awhile. Yes bills itself as one, and the other two residents are most certainly queer, as well as being previous DJs of the week. So I asked Tigerstripes, aka Matthew Kenneth to participate anyway and include why he likes working with queer people and their awesome parties. 

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Genderf**king Takeover & Peep Show Present: The STUMPED Awards

Portland is clearly tired of playing second fiddle to that other west coast city known for award shows and culture. So we’re having more of our own red carpets and cheeky Portland-wood glamour. It is this vein, I’m sure, that some of the folks from Genderf***ing Takeover and Peep Show have put together our own award show to highlight the best and worst drag of 2011 in Stumptown, the 2011 Stumped Awards.

Unlike the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences you actually get to weigh in on the nominees. Voting is already underway at the Stumped Awards survey page and will go until December 8th. I’m sure you’ll see their categories are just a bit more irreverent then the traditional awards show such as “Hottest Mess” and “Most Epic Facebook.” Cuz that’s just how we do it here.

Here’s some more info in a press release from the Stumpers:

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Delusional Donovan episode 1: ‘Stray Cat’ review

Donovan's neighbor's hip hop juggernaught Celebrity Justice

Saturday night saw the premiere of the locally made sitcom pilot for Delusional Donovan a story of an 8-year-old boy and his hallucinations induced by witnessing a shocking event. Writer/Director/Producer duo Mark “Zebra” Thomas and Devan McGrath (whom we interviewed last week) are currently shopping around for networks interested in airing the offbeat comedy so you will likely have to wait awhile to see the show screened again, but get ready for its TV release, because it’s a big success.

One of the crew told me just before the screening grab several drinks, as it would make the show funnier. But mere sips into my first cocktail I was already shaking with laughter. In fact, I think I’m lucky vodka wasn’t coming out of my nose.

Much ado is made of the backstory, that young Donovan is in a fragile mental state due to trauma, but Stray Cat doesn’t actually address that at all. Instead it jumps right in and introduces us to an amazing cadre of characters. This might be a tad confusing for those who haven’t followed the active Portland hype, but could be easily remedied with a title sequence makeover. Though I’m a fan of the short and sweet, and Donovan‘s opening animation is simple yet effective, there’s got to be some background available once it makes it to the wider television audience.

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Interview with ‘Delusional Donovan’ producers Devan McGrath and Mark “Zebra” Thomas

Portland may not be a film and television capital on the scale of New York or LA, but we’ve got an increasing number of small screen shows filming here. And while we’re excited for the big releases, everyone knows Portland’s heart lives with the indie production. It’s only one of the many reasons I’m so excited to see Delusional Donovan a new locally made TV show premiering its pilot this Saturday at Mississippi Studios.

The darkly humorous sitcom follows the hallucinations of 8-year-old Donovan, who lives in in an imaginary world after witnessing a traumatic event. He is aided by his enabling mother, who tries to craft the world to his delusions, and his stoner neighbors. Writer and Producer Mark “Zebra” Thomas described it to sponsor publication BePortland:

The story is based on this overbearing very bizarre mother who does everything she can to manipulate the world around her, so Donovan only sees these sweet innocent visions. It’s not about her building a bridge between the real world and his world, it’s about making the entire world what his world sort of really is, and bringing that world to him.

qPDX took a break to sit down with Thomas, along with Director Devan McGrath to tell us more about the Episode 1: Stray Cat and people behind the scenes of DD, including producer and writer John Camacho, production manager Allison May, director of photography Josh Kletzkin, production designer Eric Sellers and actors Amber Martin, Splendora, and Dylan Hall as Donovan.

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Photos from last night’s Wild Flag show

Brownstein belting it out at Wild Flag's record release party at the Doug Fir Wednesday Nov 9th. Photo by Taylor Hatmaker

Local super group sensations Wild Flag have just released their self-titled debut album and are still in the process of celebrating it will a string of 3 shows. Yesterday saw an all ages in store at Jackpot Records as well as the first of two shows at the Doug Fir.

Tonight sees the second that the bands and audience are gearing up for as we speak. So to get excited for those of you who are going, to relive for those of you there last night, or to catch a glimpse for those of you not able to attend at all (i.e. me) fellow blogger Taylor Hatmaker was able to catch some really great snapshots of last night’s show the she was willing to share here below the break.

I’m finding their Freshman release to be good, though not as earth-shattering as what I may have hoped from a lineup that includes some of my most treasured high school band crushes. Then again, I’m much more cynical and discerning than I was in high school so maybe the album is every bit as good as I thought Sleater-Kinney was in the 90s. Judge for yourself. You can stream the whole Wild Flag album at on their Merge record label website.

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A weekend to go on a Space Odyssey to a deluded Donovan, a Communi-T Trans Resource Fair and more…just don’t forget your awkward poetry

Corrina Bain performs Friday as part of Q Poetry's Award Open Mic.

Thursday

Hot Mess Grand Finale – Whether you’ve been attending religiously for the past 12 weeks or just want to see how it all turns out, tonight’s final contest is sure to be a knock down drag out fight to the hot mess death. With 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize packages starting at $700 you know these queens are going to be giving their all and putting on a good show. But who will win? Jackie Daniels? Jam N Toast? Allie McQueen? One of the other 6 contestants with or without an odd drag/stage name?

Wild Flag record release show – This one’s a bit of a non-starter. Not only is it the second night of a 2 night set, but it’s already sold out. However, I’m sure there’s a scalper or two out there and with regular tickets a reasonable $12-14 they shouldn’t command too much of a premium. But if you’re not willing to risk it these locals are sure to play again soon. In the meantime check out Wild Flag videos and news in earlier posts.

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Homomentum announces this season’s themes, seeks performers and contributors

Homomentum season 3. Photo Credit Zaq Banton. Design Credit Motherwit.com

The 3rd Season of Homomentum approaches and we are seeking performers!  Homomentum will re-launch on Friday, January 6th, 2012 and will be happening 1st Fridays of the month at the Fez Ballroom!

Dates & Themes

Jan 6th: Myths & Legends

Feb 3rd: Love Knots

March 2nd: Singin’ in the Rain

April 6th: Science/Fiction

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DJ of the Week — Pocket Rock-it

Brendan Scott aka DJ Pocket Rock-it. Photo by Dan Ostergren

Every week we introduce you to a local LGBTQ party DJ and ask them about their experiences in the scene and feature an audio mix they’ve made. If you’re interested in being featured contact alley@qpdx.com.

DJ Pocket Rock-it may have taken a break from residencies at clubs such as Red Cap but he’s certainly been popping up all over the place as a guest at queer parties, club nights and fundraisers. This weekend you can catch him at Bent, North Portland’s biggest queer/dyke night. This Friday’s edition features all kinds of interesting guests on the decks in addition to the Rock-it such as Mr. Charming (Gaycation),  Kasio Smashio (Deep Cuts), DJ Bender (Crave/Sluts N’ Squares) and, of course the lady killers Roy-G-Biv and Jodi Bon Jodi.

When and how did you get started DJing?

I was interested in the concept and decided to buy a book on the subject. Later, I bought some turntables and started practicing. After a couple of months of practicing, I made a mix and took it to different venues trying to get a night. The rest is history.

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Siren Nation women’s music, art and film festival takes on Portland for the 5th year

Patty Schemel's 'Hit so Hard' screens Thursday

This 5th edition of Siren Nation, a celebration of women in music, art, and film and takes over many venues throughout this weekend. They’ve had some great music acts over the years, including a Team Dresch reunion that was not to be missed. This year the fun begins with an epic looking art show at the Albina Press opening Thursday. It features over 40 local artists including the fabulous Alicia Rose and occasional qPDX photo contributor Anna Campbell. Tunes from DJ Safi will set the stage for the weekend at this all ages event.

This year also has a much more robust film portion in comparison to former years, kicking off with Hit So Hard: The Life and Near Death of Patty Schemel. It’s the perfect combo to exemplify the fest encompassing both music and film. When it premiered in Portland at QDOC last June we not only reviewed the film but interviewed the former Hole drummer. So go ahead and read or even listen to audio of Patty Schemel talking Hit So Hard to get excited because Schemel herself, along with producer Christina Soletti will be live and in person to for a special Q&A after the Thursday screening. And visit the SN site for previews and trailers of the rest of the incredible lineup including animation from local Laika studios and several films premiering in PDX for the first time.

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