noizemagazine - Index

noizemagazine - Spring 2008 Issue # 55 - Index

SPRING FORECAST 2008 www.partyfinder.com
no less. In the spirit of rebirth and renewal, Cherry is going back to its roots in the
cherry blossom season. See DC at its most beautiful, and enjoy a town whose
nightlife is making a major comeback, with new clubs, producers, boys, and
energy added to the faithful pioneers who started the cherry rolling. Cherry is a
product of its volunteers, its DJs, and participants. Cherry Weekend includes both
men’s and women’s events. So come on down to DC and dance the weekend
away to the hottest DJs while supporting an important cause.
info: www.cherryweekend.org
QuEEN'S DAY FESTivAL
75
April 29 - May 4, 2008
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
It’s not what you think. Koninginnedag (aka Queen’s Day) is Holland’s most
popular national holiday. Amsterdam is quite famously a party town even on the
quietest of off-weekends, so imagine what it’s like when the entire country dons
orange (as in House of Orange) and observes the birthday of the Netherlands’
beloved Queen Mum who ruled from 1948 to 1980. Not surprisingly, a holiday
fit for a Queen has been enthusiastically embraced by the gay community
in much the same way the welcoming country has embraced us. It’s just one
big ol’ hugfest. Seriously though, Amsterdam is known for tolerance and
acceptance and the gay community is so socially integrated here that it’s difficult
to distinguish a gay/lesbian “style” or “scene” (but we keep tryin’). An impressive
array of gay parties and events accompanies the general mayhem in the streets.
After Queensday, the party still goes on through Sunday, May 4. The Queensday
Leatherpride Special sees its highlight on Saturday, with “Playgrounds,” an
international leather and fetish party. Reflexxx, the happy powerhouse event on
Friday May 2nd, in Escape will be the showcase of fine dance music and men,
men, ,men. “Rapido” on Sunday, May 4, as the Dutch Memorial Day will once
again turn into a boy’s heavenly paradise from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m.
info: www.queensdayamsterdam.eu | www.clubrapido.com
BLuE BALL
iLLuMiNATE (MEN), EMERGE (WOMEN)
April 30 - May 4, 2008
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the birthplace of so many good things—American democracy,
cheesesteaks, the US Marine Corps, and Blue Ball. In conjunction with Equality
Forum’s week-long human rights forum, which includes a street festival, film
festival, live entertainment, and workshops, Blue Ball is the weekend festival that
gives the 50,000-plus attendees something to celebrate. Blue Ball also proves
a party weekend doesn’t have to be only about the boys. Besides having great
venues and DJs for the guys (and the girls who love us), there are also events
for women that are growing in popularity. For the boys and their allies, there is
“Evolution” on May 1, “Illuminate” (main event) on Saturday, and “Release” on
Sunday. For women and their admirers, there is “Black and White” on May 2 and
“Women’s Closing Party” on Sunday.
info: www.blueballphilly.com | www.emergephilly.com