Weekend Events: TNG Party! (And A Lot of Other Things)

Starting today, the TNG weekend preview will be posted on Thursday because I -- like many others -- like to pretend that Thursday is part of the weekend. The summer may be winding down, but don't let that affect your going-out schedule. There's a lot going on in the next few days, so read on for TNG's picks.

Tonight:

• TNG Cheap Beer Party at Solly's: TNG's love affair with cheap alcohol is no secret. If you share that sentiment, come to Solly's tonight and drink (or just hang out) with an assortment of queer and straight people, their friends, and, of course, your favorite TNG contributors. Don't forget: There will be $3 16 oz. cans of Miller High Life, the champagne of beers, from 8 to 9 p.m. Solly's, upstairs, 1942 11th St. NW, starts at 8 p.m., free (drinking Miller High Life is your choice), 21+.

• LBQQ Happy Hour at Nellie's: I'm Jewish, and I just recently found out about Nice Jewish Girls DC, a group comprised of local lesbian, bisexual, queer, and questioning women. They will be having their August happy hour tonight at Nellie's. The event doesn't start until 7 p.m., but there is a meet-up for new members at 6:30 p.m. Nellie's and Solly's are so close, so if you check out this event, it would only make sense to come to the TNG party afterward. Contact Rebecca at rebecca.berman@yahoo.com with any questions. Nellie's, 900 U St. NW, starts at 7 p.m., free, 21+.

• Since my Last Confession at Artfully Chocolate/Kingsbury Confections: Author Scott Pomfrett will be reading from his new book, Since My Last Confession, a Gay Catholic Memoir, as part of the OutWrite Author Series. Learn more about the author and his book on TNG. AKDC, 1529C 14th St. NW, starts at 8 p.m., free, all ages.

Friday:

• Guerilla Queer Bar at the Reef: It's time for the queer crowd to take over a typically straight bar again. If you've always dreamed of partying with your queer friends and the stereotypical Adams Morgan weekend crowd, here's your chance. Guerilla Queer Bar will fighting for a spot on the roof deck of the Reef. Get there early -- if it's a nice night, the deck will fill up fast. The Reef, 2556 18th St. NW, starts at 9 p.m., free, 21+.

• Riff Raff at the Black Cat: Riff Raff is DC's only queerpunk dance night, so expect DJs Joshua and Dean, along with special guests Ron M. and Tommy Hotpants, to spin punk, rock, hair metal, riot grrl, and whatever else they feel like playing. You should also expect to dance, get sweaty, and have a great night. Black Cat, backstage, 1811 14th St. NW, starts at 9:30 p.m., $5, all ages.

Saturday:

• The Summer Games at Meridian Hill Park: Inspired by the Olympics, the Saturgays are hosting their own Summer Games. If you've always fantasized about winning a medal, but have given up on the dream, this is the event for you. Check out the preview on TNG. Meridian Hill (Malcolm X) Park, 16th and W streets NW, starts at 3:30 p.m., free (though, you might pay in blood, sweat, and tears), all ages.

• BLISS at the Black Cat: BLISS is one of my favorite dance nights in DC, and this Saturday marks the monthly party's eight-year anniversary. As always, host DJ Will Eastman will be spinning indie, electro, club, Britpop, pop, and anything else you can dance to. This weekend, he will be joined by guest DJ Pogo and a live performance by Wallpaper. Check out the BLISS MySpace page for more information about what to expect. Black Cat, mainstage, 1811 14th St. NW, starts at 9:30 p.m., $10, all ages.

Sunday:

• Sonic Circuits Benefit II at Pyramid Atlantic: The eighth Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music doesn't begin until Sept. 28 (we'll keep you posted), but for a preview, check out this benefit show. The festival, which was initiated by the American Composers Forum, features electroacoustic compositions, experimental jazz, noise rock, electronic drone, experimental rock, and live video an film programs. Sunday's benefit will feature Macaroon Five, Barsky/Allison, and T.A. Zook. Check out the Sonic Cicuits website for more information and to sample some of the music. Pyramid Atlantic, 8230 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, starts at 7 p.m., $5, all ages.

That's it. Let us know what we missed by e-mailing us or complaining in the comments. Have a good weekend, and remember to check out the weekly events listed on the TNG calendar.