Weekend Events: Make Out and Listen to Music

It's only Thursday, but if you're like me -- and the above cat -- you've been ready for the weekend since Monday. From tonight's TNG mixer to the ongoing Phasefest, there's plenty going on in the next few days, so be sure to follow the jump and read about TNG's picks for the weekend.

Tonight:

• TNG "Queer PDA" Party at Solly's: If you've been looking for an excuse to drunkenly make out with your crush, tonight's your night. This month's TNG mixer encourages public displays of affection in response to recent accounts of anti-gay violence. So come out tonight and be proud to hold hands, nuzzle, and kiss in public, or you can just stand in a corner and complain that you've already hooked up with everyone you consider attractive. Either way, enjoy the crowd, music, and reasonably priced drinks. Details: Solly's, 1942 11th St. NW, 8 p.m., no cover, 21+.


• Phasefest at Phase 1: You've gone to Slut Night and other benefits, and now it's time for the actual festival. Phasefest is an annual queer music and arts festival that started yesterday and runs through Saturday. Tonight's performers include Crys Matthews, Natalie E. Illum, Priscilla Rae, Good Asian Drivers (TNG interview), Thomasina & the Jam, and Bitch. Remember: Guys won't be hassled at the door if they show up without female escorts. Details: Phase 1, 525 8th St. SE, 7 p.m., $15 (festival pass is $50), 21+.

Friday:

• Love or Perish at the Velvet Lounge: If you want to reminisce about the glory days of riot grrrl and queercore bands, check out this show. Love or Perish was formed in 2006 when DC-native Molly Neuman, formerly of Bratmobile and the Frumpies, reunited with Carols Canedo, her old bandmate from the PeeChees. If you're not familiar with the band, preview their music on MySpace. Details: Velvet Lounge, 915 U St. NW, 10 p.m., $8, 18+.

• Phasefest at Phase 1: Highlights on Friday include performances by Nicky Click (TNG interview), Shunda K of Yo Majesty, and DJ Natty Boom (TNG interview). Check out the Phasefest website for the complete schedule. Details: Phase 1, 525 8th St. SE, 6 p.m., $15 (festival pass is $50), 21+.

Saturday:

• BLK w/ BEAR and VJ Poppins at Warehouse Second Stage: As part of Saturday's Arts On Foot festival, BLK w/ BEAR members JS Adams, a local queer artist, and Doug Poplin will present a series of temporal-prepared vinyl and turntable installations with a live video mix by VJ Poppins. Truthfully, I'm not sure what that means, but it sounds interesting and artsy. Details: Warehouse Second Stage, 1017-21 7th St. NW, 2 p.m., free, all ages.

• Phasefest at Phase 1: This is your last chance to catch Phasefest until next year. The night's featured performers include the DC Kings, Athens Boys Choir (preview on TNG), Mara Levi, and Alix Olson. Check out the Phasefest website for the complete schedule. Details: Phase 1, 525 8th St. SE, 2 p.m., $15 (festival pass is $50), 21+.

Sunday:

• Sonic Circuits Benefit III at Pyramid Atlantic: This show supports the Sonic Circuits Festival of Experimental Music, which starts September 28. Sunday's benefit features Ben Miller, Jonathan Zorn, and N_Drew. For more information about the performers and the Sonic Circuits mission, check out the organization's website. Details: Pyramid Atlantic, 8230 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 7 p.m., $5, all ages.

That's it. Let us know what we missed at events@thenewgay.net or in the comments, and remember to check out the weekly events listed on the TNG calendar. Have a good weekend!