You’re not the only one feeling overwhelmed by all the Pride parties happening this year. To help plan your weekend, NOW picks the most promising gay bashes in town. See Venue Index for addresses and phone numbers.
Big Primpin
Parkdale queer institution Big Primpin throws down another hip-hop-for-homos blowout Friday (July 1, doors 10 pm, $5-$10) at Wrongbar, featuring DJs Blackcat, Rory Them Finest, Kevin Ritchie, Phil V and Craig Dominic. Yeah, we know we’re recommending a lot of events at this club, but that should tell you why there was such an outcry last year when local councillor Gord Perks blocked the venue’s extended licence during Pride. This year the popular west-end bar is permitted to serve until 4 am like everyone else.
Body & Soul
The three resident DJs who make up legendary NYC dance music party Body & Soul all have strong followings in Toronto and are considered icons in the scene, but their appearance at Sound Academy Saturday (July 2, doors 10 pm) will be the first time Joe Claussell, François K and Danny Krivit have DJed together here. Expect everything from Afrobeat to deep techno mixed with passion and creativity. Considering the trio’s links to underground dance music’s early days, it makes sense that the Assoon brothers (who founded legendary 1980s hot spot the Twilight Zone) are the ones finally bringing them to town. $45. TM.
Yes Yes Y’all
Monthly hip-hop, dancehall and R&B jam Yes Yes Y’all is crazy-busy even in a normal month, so it’s a good thing the Annex Wreckroom is extending its rear patio on Saturday (July 2, 10 pm) to help accommodate the huge Pride crowds. Alongside their resident DJs they’ve got Brooklyn crunk/vogue crew House of Ladosha and Toronto’s DJ L’Oqenz. Did we mention they’re having a good old-fashioned BBQ out back, too? $12-$15. 416-536-0346.
Punk Dirty Load
A punk-rock-focused fundraiser loosely connected to Vazaleen hits Wrongbar Saturday (July 2, doors 10 pm), with rowdy live performances by Burning Love, Spitfist and Bathurst Queens, with guitar-heavy DJ sets by Don Pyle and Mark Pesci. $10. PDR, RT, SS, TW.
Cherry Bomb
Don’t miss Cherry Bomb, the official Dyke Day after-party, Saturday (July 2, 9 pm) at Revival. The all-local cast features urban beats in the basement by DJs Sticky Cuts and Leticia Love, eclectic dance floor sounds in the main room with residents Denise Benson and Cozmic Cat and a live electro performance by Candy Coated Killahz. $15. cherrybombtoronto.com
Blockorama
Black queer culture celebration Blockorama is always one of the best daytime parties at Pride. This year it returns to its rightful spot on the main Wellesley Stage Sunday (July 3, noon to 11 pm) for the first time since 2005. It’s a killer lineup: Detroit-raised NYC-based DJ/producer Quentin Harris, soulful diva Ultra Naté, Montreal’s jojoflores and a cast of locals. Free.
Vazaleen: Shame
The tragic 2010 passing of queer artist/promoter/activist/DJ/restaurateur Will Munro left a big hole in the scene, but the annual Shame edition of his legendary Vazaleen party continues in his absence. The sweaty night of edgy, punk-influenced dance music takes over Wrongbar Sunday (July 3, doors 10 pm) with appearances by Kansas electro weirdos Ssion, local punk-house act Kids on TV and DJ sets by Lesbians on Ecstasy, Kevin Hegge, Miss Barbrafisch and more. Proceeds go to the Will Munro Fund for Queer People Living with Cancer. $12.50. PDR, RT, SS, TW.
