Summer fever

I’LL GET YOU MY PRETTY: Victoria Matlock (left) and Christina DeCicco in “Wicked,” returning July 25-Sept. 9 to the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. Photo: Joan Marcus

We’re right in the middle of summertime in Philadelphia. From cookouts to block parties, movies to musicals, restaurants to bars, you can find plenty of ways to stay occupied during your well-deserved downtime — even if you don’t make it to the beach. That’s enough exposition — let’s get right to the “it” list of exciting, entertaining and invigorating events during the next two weeks.

As most readers are aware, the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is in full swing. I had the opportunity to attend the opening-night film and party last week and the festival truly captures the spirit of inclusiveness and independence, even as it grows each year. Even likely Mayor-to-be Michael Nutter stopped by the opening to lend his support. So if you haven’t made it to a film yet, it’s running through Tuesday. Visit www.phillyfests.com for a list of films and showtimes.

Tomorrow evening, the festival will feature an unconventional screening of the cult-favorite “Mommie Dearest” at the Jamaican Jerk Hut, 1426 South St. It’s a late-night event, starting at 11:15 p.m., so you’ll have more than enough time to scour the bathroom floor and collect all your wire hangers before arriving. This gay fave is sure to bring out the boys and girls in droves, but don’t go looking like a tramp.

On Tuesday evening at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., the festival bids farewell with audience and jury awards, as well as the premiere screening of “Kiss The Bride.” The closing party kicks off after the film at 10 p.m. at Twenty21, 2005 Market St.; tickets will go fast, so make your arrangements today.

Though there are plenty of films for the ladies to enjoy, there will be a different kind of sisterly affection happening on July 27 at Gayborhood hotspot Sisters. For a reasonable $8 cover, you can watch the Sisters softball team take on the She-Devils roller-derby team in Jell-O wrestling. You read that correctly, and even Bill Cosby would be proud of these girls. Starting at 9 p.m., the event is a fundraiser for both teams.

While the girls pack ’em in at Sisters, lots of boys will be packing their luggage for a weekend at Asbury Park July 27-29 for the New Jersey location of the annual Road Trip celebration. It’s a weekend full of amazing entertainment, including comedian Judy Gold and blowout parties. For all event listings and tickets, visit www.roadtripasburypark.com.

As we look ahead to the month of August, don’t forget that “Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz” is making its return July 25-Sept. 9 to the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. The show, which won three Tony awards, tells the back-story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, long before Dorothy made her appearance in Oz. The music is incredible and the story captivating. Many shows are already sold out, so visit www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway/ to see what’s available.

Lastly, it’s vital that our community support the companies and organizations that treat us as an asset, not a liability. In an effort to collect useful information about the needs of our community members, I encourage readers to visit my Web site, www.nightlifegay.com, and fill out the Airline Travel Survey. The result of this survey will help decision-makers understand how better to meet our community’s travel needs.
That’s it for now. ’Til next time, get offline and enjoy what our community has to offer!

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