AGENDA

Queer Bait

Josh Middleton on the LGBTQ scene


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Published: Apr 13, 2010

Queer Voice

The Institute of Contemporary Art assembles sound works by seven artists, including Andy Warhol, Ryan Trecartin and Laurie Anderson, that examine the use of the "queered" voice. Atmospheric sets have been assembled in the space to present the voice in a way that encourages viewers to reassess gender definition and confront their notions of what sounds strange. Check the ICA's Web site for a list of special events surrounding the show, particularly the conversation and screening with Trecartin on Wed., April 28. Opening reception Thu., April 22, 6-8 p.m., free, through Aug. 1, Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St., 215-898-7108, icaphila.org.

Here & Now

Members of the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus warm their pipes for Here & Now, a two-part spring concert that member Sandy Smith says sticks to their mission of entertaining with a high note of inspiration. The first section, "Friends," is an upbeat collection of familiar tunes, like the Golden Girls theme and "Bridge Over Troubled Water," that focus on the importance of camaraderie. The mood switches from light to heavy in the second half when the songbirds take on a murkier topic: meth addiction. Making its Philadelphia debut, Through the Glass, Darkly is a high-energy rock opera that illustrates the toll meth can take on users and the people in their lives. Members of the Mazzoni Center will attend each performance to offer guidance to those struggling with drug dependency. Fri., April 16, 8 p.m.; Sat., April 17, 2 and 8 p.m., $20-$50, Arden Theatre Co., 40 N. Second St., 215-731-9230, pgmc.org.

Mr. Gay Philadelphia

The whole Gayborhood's buzzing about Mr. Gay Philadelphia. The star-studded affair has garnered appearances from big-name celebrities — like Frank DeCaro of Sirius radio and Jonny McGovern and Paolo Andino from Logo's Big Gay Sketch Show — but the brightest spotlight is on the 15 contenders vying for the evening's top prize. Creator Bruce Yelk says while the "very pageant-y" affair will allow time for the hotties to impress with their bodies in an evening and swimwear competition, the deciding factor usually comes down to the more thought-provoking Q&A round. "We're looking for someone who is confident and who can represent the local community in a positive light," he says, "and of course being handsome doesn't hurt." The fellow who can win with the entire package will go on to represent Philadelphia when the national competition comes to town in November. Sat., April 17, 8 p.m., $25-$60, Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772, nightlifegay.com.

(joshua.middleton@citypaper.net)