There’s always an abundance of dance parties to hit up during Pride, and even more this year because of WorldPride. Here’s a small taste of highlights spanning a wide range of genres and scenes.
The One World free outdoor party at the 519 Church Street Community Centre has stood out the past two years for its beautiful, uplifting DJ sets by house music pioneer Frankie Knuckles, who sadly passed away in March. Friend/collaborator Hector Romero will play in his place Friday (June 27) in a special event dedicated to the dance music legend. Make sure you’re back at the 519 on Sunday (June 29) for Disco Disco, featuring French house veteran Dimitri from Paris and UK vintage vinyl aficionados Horse Meat Disco.
The highly rated recent third album by NYC’s Hercules and Love Affair reaffirmed the project’s ability to produce music that’s both dance-floor-friendly and emotionally powerful. They play Saturday (June 28) on the Bud Light South Stage (411 Church). Catch the group’s main man, Andy Butler, DJing Sunday (June 29) at House/Maison (580 Church) as part of Drip. Sometime-H&LA vocalist Nomi Ruiz is also in town – at the Garrison (1197 Dundas West) Saturday (June 28) – as part of the always sweaty Hotnuts bash. Former H&LA singer Kim Ann Foxman, meanwhile, DJs Saturday (June 28) at the 519 for the Lipstick Jungle party.
Decadent Los Angeles pansexual party A Club Called Rhonda returns Thursday (June 26) to the Drake (1150 Queen West). Organizers have kept the DJ lineup secret, but rumour has it they’re bringing in big talent for the three-floor party. If that’s not turning you on, walk five minutes down the street to Wrongbar (1279 Queen West) for Cream, which features a DJ set by Peaches, a live set by Carole Pope and helps raise funds for a documentary about Pope’s influential 80s band, Rough Trade.
Popular west-end queer parties Big Primpin and Fit have joined forces for Fit Primpin, which takes over 99 Sudbury on Friday (June 27) for a night of homo hip-hop and a performance by TS Madison. You’ll probably spot many of the same faces dancing to loud guitars Sunday (June 29) at Wrongbar (1279 Queen West) at the annual Vazaleen: Shame party, with reunited surf rock legends Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. All proceeds go to the Will Munro Queers Living with Cancer Fund.
benjaminb@nowtoronto.com | @benjaminboles
