Let’s get live: July roundup

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors tour stop in Atlantic City. It had been quite some time since my last concert. I was absolutely amazed with The Gossip, whose lead singer, Beth Ditto, seems to have boundless energy and a powerhouse voice. Since that trip had such an impact on me, I’m devoting this column to live performances.

One event I’m thrilled to announce happens tonight as The Divys hit the stage at 9 at 12th Air Command, 254 S. 12th St. This local alternative group is one of the breakout stories of the past year, having won “Best Electronic Song” at VH1’s Save The Music’s Song of the Year Contest in November 2006. Their name is a tribute to the late, great Divine of John Waters’ film fame, and their music is sure to uplift and inspire. For more information, visit www.12thAir.com.

On July 11, the stage adaptation of “High School Musical” opens at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. If you’ve got tween-age kids or family members, you probably already have tickets.

This show is like the Mickey Mouse Club on steroids with a couple million dollars in sound, lighting and choreography thrown in for good measure. The plot centers on a high-school basketball star and the school newcomer, who both really want to be singers. When they go after lead roles in the annual musical, it’s an explosion of high-school drama and half-witted attempts to keep them from becoming stars. It’s a story that turns stereotypes on their heads and is a welcome addition to the pantheon of coming-of-age classics. The show runs through July 22 and is full of great music and performances you don’t want to miss.

Though far from a newcomer, Sting keeps getting better with age. Back at the Grammy Awards in February, he announced The Police would be reuniting for a series of concerts. Golf claps followed, but to everyone’s surprise, they actually started touring with no drama. They’re still going strong and are scheduled to play in Philadelphia at 6:30 p.m. July 19 at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. For anyone who loves Sting or the other guys (Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland), or who just wants to see a great show, do not miss this concert! At press time, tickets were still available at www.comcasttix.com.

Though it doesn’t typically feature live performances of the brand I’m discussing here, the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival runs from July 12-24 with some new surprises. The most anticipated is a live stage reading by the cast of “Another Gay Sequel; Gays Gone Wild” on July 14. Last year, the first installment of this series had festival attendees rolling in the aisles, and now the boys are giving us a sneak peak at the sequel. For more information on this event and handy synopses of each film in the festival, go to www.phillyfests.com.

Lastly, if you’re tired of watching other people perform and you’re ready for your own close-up, get your pipes in tune. “American Idol” is holding a round of preliminary auditions in Philadelphia this August. Mark your calendar for Aug. 27 at the Wachovia Center, 3601 S. Broad St., for your shot to be the next Kelly Clarkson or, heaven help us, Clay Aiken.

’Til next time, get offline and enjoy what our community has to offer!

If you have comments or information on upcoming events, e-mail Bruce at Bruce@nightlifegay.com, reference Offline.