Pride Bars
As always, Twin Cites GLBT bars are offering a cornucopia of events this year to celebrate Pride 2013, the 44th anniversary both of Stonewall, the catalyst for gay liberation nationwide that took place on June 27, 1969, in New York City, and of FREE (Fight Repression of Erotic Expression, Minnesota’s first gay organization that was founded on May 18, 1969. Other events usually are added after Lavender’s press deadline, so for more information and updates, check out bar websites and phone numbers listed herein.
19 Bar
On June 2, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain marked the 60th anniversary of her coronation, and the venerable 19 Bar near Downtown Minneapolis, with an iconic portrait of the monarch on its north wall, observes an awesome 61st anniversary this year as the oldest local GLBT establishment. Just two blocks east of Loring Park, the 19 will attract a capacity crowd to party on its beautiful outdoor patio in back or shoot a game of pool inside on Pride Weekend, June 29-30.
19 Bar • 19 W. 15th St., Mpls. • (612) 871-5553
Camp Bar
Six years old this month, Camp Bar in Downtown St. Paul has several Minnesota Leather Pride activities: MAsT’s Leather Pride Swap Meet on June 25 and Knights of Leather’s Flogapalooza on June 28. On Pride Sunday, June 30, Premier Entertainment chanteuse Mia Dorr croons her always-superb evening performance.
Camp Bar • 490 N. Robert St., St. Paul • (651) 292-1844 • www.camp-bar.net
Bob Hager at eagleBoltbar. Photo courtesy of COLTstudios.com
eagleBOLTbar
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in September, the eagleBOLTbar in Downtown Minneapolis presents Scorch Fireball 14 on Pride Weekend. Rain or shine, “Party Under The Big Top” June 28 and 29 at the covered parking lot. Inside the bar, pulchritudinous COLT Studio Group model Bob Hager heats up the Underground the night of June 29. Dominating on June 30 are the “All You Can Swallow” Beer Bust and Showtunes.
eagleBOLTbar • 515 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. • (612) 338-4214 • www.eagleBOLTbar.com
Gay 90’s
A local community mainstay since 1957, the Gay 90’s in Downtown Minneapolis features superlative drag. On June 27, don’t miss the annual Miss City of the Lakes Pageant in the Show Lounge, along with the Summer Time Luau Mini Ball Deluxe in the Dance Annex. Headlining the La Femme Show Lounge Ultimate Pride Drag Shows on June 28-30 are Kourtney Van Wales, Miss Minnesota Continental, and BeBe Zahara Benet, 2009 RuPaul Drag Race Winner. Suds yourself at the Pride Foam Party at the Dance Annex on June 28. Before you watch the Pride Parade on Hennepin Avenue outside the bar on June 30, feast on the Pride Eggs & Drag Breakfast Buffet.
Gay 90’s • 408 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. • (612) 333-7755 • www.gay90s.com
Kourtney van Wales. Photo courtesy of Gay 90’s
Loring Kitchen & Bar
Right across from the east side of Loring Park, the Loring Kitchen & Bar near Downtown Minneapolis mounts its annual Pride Fest, with music and dancing on the outdoor stage: DJ Espada on June 28; DJ Bach, Mike 2600, and Jonathan Ackerman on June 29; and DJ King Otto and Jonathan Ackerman on June 30.
Loring Kitchen & Bar • 1359 Willow St., Mpls. • (612) 843-0400 • www.loringkitchen.com
LUSH Food Bar
Lush Food Bar in Northeast Minneapolis hits its fourth anniversary during Pride Month. Things get under way on June 22 at the Pre-Pride Kick Off with Bryan Gerrard. DJ Paris presides over the Fur Baller Softball Team Fundraiser and Silent Auction on June 27. A live performance on June 28 spotlights Krissy Krissy and Sarah Conard. DJ Pornstar keeps everyone tired on their feet June 29 at the Fire and Ice Dance Party. It’s the Battle of the DJs on June 30, with Chrystal Mann, Kris Holiday, SHIEK, and Naughty Boy.
LUSH • 990 Central Ave. NE, Mpls. • www.lushfoodbar.com
Saloon
To launch Pride Week, the Saloon in Downtown Minneapolis hosts the Imperial Court of Minnesota’s Pride Boat Cruise Preparty on June 23; afterward, the cruise departs aboard the Minneapolis Queen from Bohemian Flats near the University of Minnesota West Bank in Minneapolis. On June 25, cheer on the lovelies at the Ms. Saloon Gay Latino Pageant. Following the nearby Pride Festival, enjoy the longest-running Twin Cities Pride Block Party on June 30, showcasing Kerli (“Army of Love”), Pop Rocks, Esera Tuaolo (“Stronger”), Eric Himan (“You First”), and Karmin.
Saloon • 830 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. • (612) 332-0835 • www.saloonmn.com
Lori Dokken and Erin Schwab. Photo by Ann Marsden
Town House
The classic Town House in St. Paul’s Midway, that city’s oldest community bar, went gay in 1969, the year of Stonewall and FREE. Have fun there Pride Weekend with two live performances. On June 28, it’s the perennially popular Roxxy Hall’s Acoustic Showcase, with special guests Terrol & Jane, Leslee McKee, Jennifer Evans-Hall, Lee O., Nick Hall, and more, followed by DJ Stef spinning. On June 29, the incredible Erin Schwab and Lori Dokken entertain, plus the Baudilicious Band Boys & Backup Chicks.
Town House • 1415 University Ave. W., St. Paul • (651) 646-7087 • www.townhousebar.com
