If, as Jamie King would say, you’re ‘fully povo’, you might feel your Midsumma entertainment options are a tad limited.

While some Midsumma events do require a bit of cash to participate, there’s still plenty of stuff to check out that won’t cost you a cent.

Billed as one of Midsumma’s Premier Events, A Night at the Star is a photographic exhibition profiling Melbourne’s drag kings. It promises to be a fascinating exploration of this somewhat underground subculture. Plus, it’s showing in The Arts Centre foyer, so you get the bonus of watching a lot of confused-looking Toorak Wives wander through on their way to the opera.

While you’re in the city, be sure to check out the exhibitions listed under the Queer City tag. They’re all free and located around the Flinders Laneway hub, meaning you can easily hit a few in one arvo. Platform Space, exhibiting in the Degraves Street subway, is a playful collection of works questioning consumerism and the idea of the gay ‘lifestyle choice’. The official Queer City launch kicks off at fortyfive downstairs on January 16, with an after party at LOOP, which will be a great opportunity to mingle with Melbourne’s arty queer types.

Further north, Ross Watson’s newest collection of paintings and photographs, showing at his gallery on Nicholson Street, should be a treat for fans of the popular artist. One of his subjects this time around is Scissor Sister Jake Shears, marking a break from his usual penchant for burly footy player types.
For the sporty lass, Ace Girls’ ‘Come and Try’ Tennis Night is on January 21, with the reassuring promise that ‘all standards are welcome’. Just remember to bring a racquet.

Also for the girls is Dolly’s Karaoke at the Glasshouse, held four times over Midsumma. Entry is, of course, free but it’s probably best to factor in the price of a few drinks – you’ll need a bit of Dutch courage before you wow the crowd with your definitive rendition of Umbrella.

If you’ve got kids, or you’re able to borrow some for the day (be sure and seek parental permission first), the Rainbow Families Picnic Day is a free event – granted, you’ll have to bring some food, unless you plan on making puppy-dog eyes ‘til some kind soul offers you a cheese sandwich. It’s at Hays Paddock in Kew East on January 26.

Lastly, one of Midsumma’s most exhilarating events is Pride March, to be held on February 3 this year. There’s nothing quite like marching down Fitzroy Street, thousands of people lining the pavement and hanging off balconies to cheer you on. Plus, this year Pride will also be the parade of athletes participating in the inaugural Asia Pacific Outgames – a definite must-do on your Midsumma calendar.

Pick up a copy of the Midsumma guide (relax, you cheapskate, it’s free) for more details on any of these events. Or visit www.midsumma.org.au



Cruising into 2008

Carnival!
A $5 donation at the gate of Alexandra Gardens on Saturday January 19 will be the best fiver you spend all Midsumma. The official kick-start to the Midsumma festival, Carnival offers the iconic Dulcie du Jour Dog Show, plus a host of new features including an Outgames sporting zone; Q-Decks, the GLBTI youth precinct at the skate park; Ikea Kidz Zone; Summa Fashion and Carnivla hotties competition for DNA and LOTL magazines. Of course, T-Dance will conclude the day with its burlesque flavour.

Summa Cruise
Grab your stripes and quoits and climb aboard the Victoria Star for some sunset cocktails and some rather fine Captain Stubing impersonations on Friday January 25. Celebrate Midsumma with the city’s hottest DJs. Up top it’s funky house tunes while below decks you can chill with your fellow seamen and seawomen. The boat leaves Central Pier at 7pm and cruises the city and Docklands precincts. Special prizes will be awarded for the best dressed seamen and sailor girls on the night. The official after party is at the Market Hotel.

Summa Jazz
The inaugural summer food and wine component includes an impressive Summa Jazz program, kicking off on Sunday January 20 with Jazz & Shiraz at Blue Diamond. This is followed by Summa Jazz @ The Artery, one of Midsumma’s premier new performance venues, on January 27 and February 10. The program concludes with Summa Jazz finale at Blue Diamond, February 10.

Girls on the Floor
One of the most popular lesbian events of the festival, Girls on the Floor has moved to The Artery in Fitzroy this year, promising more of the same grrrl entertainment (and eye candy). January 30.

Mass Debate
Political divas will no doubt snap up tickets to the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby’s Mass Debate 2008, back this year after a hiatus last year. With the theme, Labels are so Passe, Integration All the Way, watch as the affirmative team of Scott Brennan, Hayley Conway and JOY 94.9’s Bridget Boson fight it out with the negative team of Helen Razer, Brian Grieg and Richard Watts with Vanessa Wagner as MC.

Pick up a copy of the Midsumma guide (relax, you cheapskate, it’s free) for more details on any of these events. Or visit www.midsumma.org.au

Details: www.midsumma.org.au

by NICK BOND