On the Tab :: Sept. 11 - 18

Try to remember the kind of September with laughs and queens and bears and cocktails. Try to remember, but if you forget, we wrote all these events down for you. This week, I've decided to bump On the Tab up front in an expanded format, because there are just so many fun things to do this week.

It's been several years since your humble editor began writing listings in LGBT media. I remember the days when colorful photocopied flyers were mailed to our old offices on 9th Street in SoMa. After a batch of flyers served their publicity purpose, I'd often clip a few fun images, post them on the wall, and shred a few for multi-colored confetti.

But even before that, as a young fledgling performer in New York City, I once thrilled to pick up a copy of the Village Voice and see my name in the events listing for my first show, at Franklin Furnace. Sure, the font was 8 points and only 20 words, but it meant something. And people came to my show.

So, having been on both sides of the coin ("La publicit�!"), I understand when event promoters, artists and publicists ask for a listing. It helps. But more often, nightlife folks seem to think I'm psychic, so they don't send their info, but expect me to follow their posts, tweets and un-emailed missives.

These days, the definition of mail, and even the term "wall" have been coopted by social media behemoth Facebook. Sure, I'm on there, as me, and my Bar Tab persona, to catch up on events and check addresses (because many folks forget to send that info).

If you think sending PR to your friends and followers online is enough, that's cool. But if you want to be included in the most expansive LGBT event listings in California, in the LGBT newspaper with the largest audited, verified circulation in the entire West Coast (Yup, you read that right), send an email.

The instructions have been published in print and online for decades, but here they are once again: "Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome."

Yup, it's that simple. No payment (like others), no pay-to-play ads (like others). No guarantees, but a promise that I'll do my best to get butts in theatre seats, and patrons in the bar, club, warehouse, or wherever your event's happening. Thanks for reading.

Thursday, Sept. 11

Beats Reality @ Trax
Resident DJs Jim Hopkins and Justime welcome guest DJs and play groovy tunes. Weekly, 9pm-2am. 1437 Haight St. 864-4213.

Bulge @ Powerhouse
Grace Towers hosts the weekly gogo-tastic night of sexy dudes shakin' their bulges and getting wet in their undies for $100 prize (contest at midnight), and dance beats spun by DJ DAMnation. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Club Yass @ City Nights
Frisco Robbie presents a new 18+ LGBT weekly night, with live sets by guest performers, DJ TwistMix, with a Latin room up front, gogo guys and gals. $10. 9:30-3am. 546-7938. www.sfclubs.com

The Crib @ 715
Dance night for the younger guys and gals. 9:30pm-2am. 715 Harrison St. www.thecribsf.com

La Femme @ Beaux
Weekly ladies' happy hour at the Castro nightclub, with drink specials, no cover, and women gogos. 4pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose
Weekly event, with Latin music, half-off locker fees and Latin men, at the South Bay private men's bath house. $8-$39. Reg hours 24/7. 18+. 1010 The Alameda. (408) 275-1215. www.thewatergarden.com

Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland
New weekly LGBT and straight comedy night hosted by Dan Mires. $10. 8pm. 2111 Franklin St. Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap/free whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Jukebox @ Beatbox
Veteran DJ Page Hodel (The Box, Q and many other events) presents a new weekly dance event, with soul, funk, hip-hop and house mixes. $10. 21+. 9pm-2am. 314 11th St. at Folsom. www.BeatboxSF.com

Lavay Smith & her Red Hot Skillet Lickers Band @ Yoshi's
The local queen of classic jazz and blues performs with her rousing band at the nightclub/restaurant, in an open dance floor show. $24. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Magic Parlor @ Chancellor Hotel
Whimsical Belle Epoque-style sketch and magic show that also includes historical San Francisco stories; hosted by Walt Anthony; optional pre-show light dinner and desserts. $40. Thu-Sat 8pm. 433 Powell St. www.SFMagicParlor.com

Mary Go Round @ Lookout
Suppositori Spelling, Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes host the weekly night with DJ Philip Grasso, gogo guys, drink specials, and drag acts. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

My So-Called Night @ Beaux
Heklina hosts a new weekly '90s-themed video, dancin', drinkin' night, with VJs Jorge Terez and Becky Knox. Get down with your funky bunch, and enjoy 90-cent drinks! '90s-themed attire and costume contest. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Nap's Karaoke @ Virgil's Sea Room
Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 829-2233. www.virgilssf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Sept. 11: Forests, with live sets by bands Kelley Stoltz and Mystic Braves. Art displays, nature docents from the California Wolf Center, Rainforest Connection and others. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Pan Dulce @ The Cafe
Amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall
Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. 12pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland
Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
The intimate groovy retro disco night with tunes spun by DJ Bus Station John. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle
The weekly live rock shows feature local and touring bands. 9pm-ish. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

VIP @ Club 21, Oakland?
Hip Hop, Top 40, and sexy Latin music; gogo dancers, appetizers, and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $5 after all night. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Friday, Sept. 12

Bad Girl Cocktail Hour @ The Lexington Club
Every Friday night, bad girls can get $1 dollar margaritas between 9pm and 10pm. 3464 19th St. between Mission and Valencia. 863-2052. www.lexingtonclub.com

Friday Night @ de Young Museum
Nightlife events at the museum take on different themes. $20-$35. 6pm-8:30pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. www.deyoung.famsf.org

Glamorama @ Golden Gate Theatre, Warfield
Macy's annual gala fashion and music show, with Jason DeRulo and Before You Exit, (1 Taylor St. 8pm) with an after-party; drinks and food (982 Market St.). Proceeds benefit AIDS Emergency Fund, Project Open Hand and the GLIDE Foundation. $89-$1000. (888) 746-1799. www.macys.com

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun
The popular video bar ends each work week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. Check out the new expanded front lounge, with a window view. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Joe Wicht @ R3, Guerneville
Our pianist-host with the most songs under his repertoire performs up at the Russian River resort. 8pm-closing. Also Sept. 13. 16390 4th St., Guerneville. (707) 869-8399. www.ther3hotel.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland?
Special Mexican Independence Day party Sept 12 with Brenda Guzman performing; the Oakland nightclub continues its 22nd-year anniversary with Hip Hop, Top 40, and Latin music, gogo dancers and special guest DJs. No cover before 11pm and just $6 afterward. Dancing 9pm-3am. Happy hour 4pm-8:30pm 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Manimal @ Beaux
Gogo-tastic night starts off your weekend. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Planet Booty @ Slim's
The Oakland-based fun funk band performs at the SoMa club; Ghost & the City opens, with DJ Chris Lujan spinning pre-show R&B. $13-$37.50 (with dinner). 9pm. 333 11th St. www.planetbooty.org www.slimspresents.com

Some Thing @ The Stud
Mica Sigourney and pals' weekly offbeat drag performance night. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Saturday, Sept. 13

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Beer Bust @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Beer only $8 until you bust. 4pm-8pm. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event now also takes place on Saturdays! 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge
Celebrate eleven years of the weekly mash-up dance night, with resident DJs Adrian & Mysterious D. No matter the theme, a mixed fun good time's assured. $8-$15. 9pm-3am. 21+. 375 11th St. at Harrison. www.BootieSF.com www.DNAlounge.com

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland
DJed tunes, gogo hotties, drag shows, drink specials, all at Oakland's premiere Latin nightclub and weekly cowboy night. $10-$15. Dancing 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Club Rimshot @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Get groovin' at the weekly hip hop and R&B night. $8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com

Cockblock @ Rickshaw Stop
The monthly queer dance party (2nd Saturdays) returns, with DJs Nuxx and Zax playing pop, dancepop, '90s hits, soul and more. $10. 9pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

Frolic @ The Stud
Neonbunny Lapine DJs the furry-festive dance night, with guest DJs Computation X, Finny Shiranui and Cohn Jonner. $4-$8. 8pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

GLAAD Gala @ Hilton SF Union Square
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's fundraiser gala dinner, silent auction and awards presentation, with Taryn Manning (Orange is the New Black), Hannah Hart, Meghan McCain, Alex Newell, Peter Paige and other talents. $350 and up. 6pm. 333 O'Farrell St. www.glaad.org/gala/sf

Club Gossip @ Cat Club
It's a New Wave vs. Disco night at the retro dance club, with tunes and videos played by DJs Melting Girl, Daniel Skellingotn, Low Life and Shon. $5-$8. 9pm-2am. 1190 Folsom St. www.sfcatclub.com

Mexican Independence Day @ Midnight Sun
Krewe de Kinque's early celebration (it's actually Sept. 16) with performers and drink specials. 4pm-7pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Resilient @ Club OMG
The monthly social DJed dance event (2nd Saturdays) by and for HIV-positive guys and allies takes on a pre-Folsom kink and fetish theme. No cover. 5pm-9pm. 43 Sixth Street www.youareresilient.com www.clubOMGsf.com

Seth Rudetsky @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The comic presenter shares Seth's Big Fat Broadway, rare and odd musical video performances (Patti Lupone, Osmonds singing Fiddler on the Roof, Cher's West Side Story) along with pithy comments. $35-$50. 7pm. Also Sept. 14, 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

ShangriLa @ The EndUp
Back to School theme encourages schoolboy/girl wear; DJ Byron Bonsall. $20. 10pm-4am. 401 6th St. www.theendup.com

Sing-Along Saturdays @ Martuni's
Join Joe Wicht for a new weekly night of top 40 rock and pop sing-alongs. 9pm-1am. 4 Valencia St.

Tour de Fat @ Golden Gate Park
The annual outdoor funfest of beers, bikes and buoyant fun returns, a parade, fashion show, live music, bike, beer and food booths; sponsored by New Belgium Beers and the SF Bicycle Coalition. Valet bike parking! 10am-5pm. Lindley Meadow. www.newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat.aspx

Writers With Drinks @ Make-Out Room
Edan Lepucki, Robin Sloan, Lenelle Moise, Annelyse Gelman, Cecil Castellucci and Christina Nichol read and drink onstage. 7:30pm. 3225 22nd St. 647-2888. www.makeoutroom.com

Sunday, Sept. 14

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon
The ursine crowd converges for beer and fun. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle
The classic leather bar's most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. 3pm-6pm. Now also on Saturdays! 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Beer Bust @ SF Mix
The popular Castro bar hosts its weekly softball team beer bust fundraiser. 3pm-7pm. 4086 18th St. 431-8616. www.sfmixbar.com

Big Top @ Beaux
Joshua J.'s homo disco circus night returns, now weekly, with guest DJ Jodie Harsh from London, Carnie Asada performing, hotty gogo guys and drinks. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.BeauxSF.com

Brunch @ Hi Tops
Enjoy crunchy sandwiches and mimosas, among other menu items, at the popular sports bar. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Brunch Sundays @ Balancoire
Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch, mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant. 2565 Mission St. at 21st. 920-0577. www.balancoiresf.com
Cocktail Robotics at DNA Lounge

Cocktail Robotics @ DNA Lounge
The Grand Challenge of mechanical drink-serving bots takes over the SoMa club. $10-$12. Doors 5pm (robot happy hour!), contest 9:30pm. 375n 11th St. www.dnalounge.com

Disco Daddy @ SF Eagle
DJ Bus Station John's disco-happy night and post-beer bust Tea dance gets pre-Folsomy. $5. 7pm until 2am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Full of Grace @ Beaux
Weekly night with hostess Grace Towers, different local and visiting DJs, and pop-up drag performances. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

GlamaZone @ The Cafe
Pollo del Mar's weekly drag shows takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Guardians of Glitter @ The Cafe
Landa Lakes and Pollo Del Mar cohost a fundraiser for BAAITS and the 4th annual Two-Spirit PowWow, with drag performances, raffles. 4pm-7pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Jock @ The Lookout
The weekly jock-ular fun continues, with special sports team fundraisers. 3pm-7pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Liquid Brunch @ Beaux
No cover, no food, just drinks (Mimosas, Bloody Marys, etc.) and music. 2pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Salsa Sundays @ El Rio
Salsa dancing for LGBT folks and friends, with live merengue and cumbia bands; tapas and donations that support local causes. 2nd & 4th Sundays. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
The popular country western LGBT dance night; enjoy fun foot-stomping two-stepping and line-dancing. $5. 5pm-10:30pm with lessons from 5:30-7:15 pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave., and Tuesdays at Beatbox, $6. 6:30-11pm. 314 11th St. www.sundancesaloon.org

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room
Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Whoa Nellies @ Martuni's
The folk fun retro band (Leigh Crowe, Peter Fogel and other talents) perform songs of love. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. www.whoanellies.com

Monday. Sept. 15

Cock and Bull Mondays @ Hole in the Wall Saloon
Specials on drinks made with Cock and Bull ginger ale (Jack and Cock, Russian Mule, and more). 8pm-closing. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Drag Mondays @ The Cafe
Mahlae Balenciaga and DJ Kidd Sysko's weekly drag and dance night. 9pm-1am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland
Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover. 8:30pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Irish Dance Night @ Starry Plough, Berkeley
Weekly dance lessons and live music at the pub-restaurant, hosted by John Slaymaker. $5. 7pm. 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. www.thestarryplough.com

Karaoke @ The Lookout
Paul K hosts the amateur singing night. 8pm-2am. 3600 16th St. at Market. www.lookoutsf.com

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun
Honey Mahogany's weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm, 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The casts of local and visiting musicals often pop in to perform at the popular Castro bar's musical theatre night. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Name That Beat @ Toad Hall
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly musical trivia challenge and drag show. 8:30-11:30pm. 4146 18th St. at Castro. www.toadhallbar.com

No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room
Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's
Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

Sports Night @ The Eagle
The legendary leather bar gets jock-ular, with beer buckets, games (including beer pong and corn-hole!), prizes, sports on the TVs, and more fun. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Underwear Night @ 440
Strip down to your skivvies at popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Block Party @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Bombshell Betty & Her Burlesqueteers @ Elbo Room
The weekly burlesque show of women dancers shaking their bonbons includes live music. $10. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

Circle of Life Cabaret @ Martuni's
A C.O.L.T. Following, the disability and LGBT-inclusive theatre company's music and variety show, includes raffles and tickts to their upcoming shows. No cover. 6:30pm-8:30pm. 4 Valencia St. www.circleoflifetheatre.org

Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's
Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One-drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com

Gay Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
LGBT night at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate." Actually, every night is gay-friendly, including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). Also Wed, Thu, 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm-5:30pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

Ink & Metal @ Powerhouse
Show off your tattoos and piercings at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Meow Mix @ The Stud
The weekly themed wild variety cabaret showcases new and unusual talents; MC Ferosha Titties. $3-$7. Show at 11pm. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Strip down at the strip joint. $20 includes refreshments. 8pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Piano Bar @ Beaux
Singer extraordinaire Jason Brock hosts the weekly night, with your talented host -and even you- singing. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Showdown @ Folsom Foundry
Weekly game night for board and electronic gamers at the warehouse multi-purpose nightclub. 21+. 6pm-12am. 1425 Folsom St. www.showdownesports.com

Switch @ Q Bar
Weekly women's night at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Trivia Night @ Hi Tops
Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops
Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Bromance @ Beaux
DJ Kidd Sysko spins tunes for the bro-tastic midweek night, with $2 beer pitchers, beer pong, $1 shots served by undie-clad guys. It's like a frat house without the closet cases. 8:30-10pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Dare 2 Bare @ Club OMG
New weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, no cover, and drink specials. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Good Times @ Bench and Bar, Oakland
Olga T and Shugga Shay's weekly queer women and men's R&B hip hop and soul night. No cover. 8pm-2am. 510 17th St. www.bench-and-bar.com

Guest Bartenders @ Soda Popinski's
Board members of the LGBT Center guest-bartend as a fundraiser at the fun bar. 6pm-9pm. 1548 California St. www.sfcenter.org www.sodapopinskisf.com

Ian Anderson @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Singer-songwriter-flautist-guitarist (former lead of Jethro Tull) celebrates the release of new album, Homo Erraticus. $45.50-$85.50. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. (510) 302-2250. www.thefoxoakland.com

Mad Manhattans @ Starlight Room
The new weekly event includes classic cocktails created by David Cruz, and inspired by the the show Mad Men, plus retro food classics like prawn cocktails and Oysters Rockefeller, all with a fantastic city view. 6pm-10pm. 21st, Sir Francis Drake Hotel. 450 Powell St. www.starlightroomsf.com

Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West
The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

Open Mic/Comedy @ SF Eagle
Kollin Holts hosts the new weekly comedy and open mic talent night. 6pm-8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Queer Salsa @ Beatbox
Weekly Latin partner dance night. 8pm-1am. 314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com

Rainbow Skate @ Redwood Roller Rink
Weekly LGBT and friends skate night, with groovy disco music and themed events. $9. 8pm-10:30pm. 1303 Main Street, Redwood City. www.rainbowskate.net www.facebook.com/rainbowskating/

Red Hots Burlesque @ El Rio
Women's burlesque show performs each Wed & Fri. Karaoke follows. $5-$10. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. 282-3325. www.elriosf.com

Rookies Night @ Nob Hill Theatre
Watch newbies get nude, or compete yourself for a $200 prize. Audience picks the winner. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall
The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Sony Holland @ Level III
The acclaimed jazz vocalist performs with guitarist Jerry Holland. Weekly 5pm-8pm. Also Thursdays & Fridays. JW Marriott, 515 Mason St. at Post. www.sonyholland.com

Tom Reardon @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The cabaret veteran singer-storyteller performs at the elegant nightclub. $15. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Trivia Night @ Harvey's
BeBe Sweetbriar hosts a weekly night of trivia quizzes and fun and prizes; no cover. 8pm-1pm. 500 Castro St. 431-4278. www.harveyssf.com

Way Back @ Midnight Sun
Weekly screenings of vintage music videos and retro drink prices. Check out the new expanded front window lounge. 9pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Wooden Nickel Wednesday @ 440
Buy a drink and get a wooden nickle good for another. 12pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Wrangler Wednesday @ Rainbow Cattle Company, Guerneville
The Russian River bar's country music night attracts cowboys and those who like to ride 'em. 8pm-1am. 16220 Main St., Guerneville. (707) 869-0206. www.queersteer.com

Thursday, Sept. 18

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre
Aleks Buldocek is the latest porn stud to partake in this very interactive sexy night at the premiere male strip club's arcade playroom (see his stage shows Sept 19 & 20). $10. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes @ Bimbo's
The Australian pop singer and her back-up singers perform their entertaining retro '60s style original songs. Slim Jenkins opens. $18-$20. 8pm. 1025 Columbus Ave. 474-0365. www.bimbos365club.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio
Maureen Langan, Dan St Paul, Matt Gubser, Anthony Durante, and Lisa Geduldig play it for laughs and the monthly comedy night. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. (800) 838-3006. www.elriosf.com

La Femme @ Beaux
Ladies' happy hour at the Castro nightclub, with drink specials, no cover, and women gogos. 4pm-9pm. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Funny Fun @ Club 21, Oakland
New LGBT comedy night hosted by Dan Mires. $10. 8pm. 2111 Franklin St. Oakland. (510) 268-9425. www.club21oakland.com

Gym Class @ Hi Tops
Enjoy cheap whiskey shots from jock-strapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular new sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Linda Lavin @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The Broadway and TV actress-singer ("Alice") performs "Possibilities," her show of classic musical theatre and cabaret songs, with musical director Billy Stritch. $45-$60. 8pm. Also Sept. 19. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge
Cookie Dough's weekly drag show with gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Music in Schools Today's Celebrity Waiter Gala @ Yoshi's
Paula West, D'wayne Wiggins and host Liam Mayclem perform at the 18th annual fundraiser for the kids music cause, with local TV, politics and cultural celebrities serving dinner and drinks! $85-$170. 6:30pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences
Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. Sept. 18: cat-themed events, including feline docent talks, cat toy craft session, DJ Eric Sharp, Cat Man of West Oakland. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Pan Dulce @ The Cafe
Enjoy amazingly hot Papi gogo guys, cheap drinks and fun DJed dance music. Free before 10pm. $5 til 2am. 2369 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.cafesf.com

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland
Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; now in its tenth year! $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Underwear Party @ Powerhouse
Strip down to your skivvies at the weekly cruisy SoMa bar night. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Want your nightlife event listed? Email [email protected], at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.