Weekend Roundup: “First Comes Love,” “The Gran Varones” Debuts, Bruce Yelk Gets Back in the Nightlife Game, and More

FRIDAY

Anna and Eli in Barbara Proud’s new book featuring longterm LGBT couples, “First Comes Love.”

Wilmington photographer Barbara Proud brings back an expanded version of her Kickstarted photo exhibit “First Comes Love,” a collection of touching black-and-whites that feature longterm LGBTQ couples in our area. This time, however, she’s launching the “First Comes Love” book, all the images in bound form that will look fabulous on your coffee table. Check out some of the images in the slideshow above. 6 p.m., exhibit runs through October 30th, Hamilton and Aaronson Galleries, University of the Arts, 320 South Broad Street. 

Opera Philadelphia presents The Barber of Seville, starring out baritone Jonathan Beyer as Figaro. He told us in an interview this afternoon that he’s playing the character as “mildly gay.” Catch a free screening of the performance at Opera on the Mall Saturday at 7 p.m. September 26th to October 5th, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street. 

Josh Schonewolf presents The Clone Ball, an evening of local drag queens impersonating divas throughout the ages. Acts include everyone from Maddy Milan, Sutton Fearce, and Miss Fish 2014 Mary D’Knight. The big shebang, however, will be a special-guest performance by diva-impersonator extraordinaire Jason CoZmo. Who will he bring out of his bag? Dolly? Liza? Julie? If you’re lucky you’ll get all three. 9 p.m., Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.

Across the Gayborhood Sandy Beach will be hosting a little drag soiree of her own, her recurring La Cage Aux Beach. The September edition brings out some big wigs (heh) like RuPaul Drag Race‘s Victoria Porkchop Parker, and our very own Drag Mafia mama Brittany Lynn. 11 p.m., free, Venture Inn, 255 South Camac Street. 

Bruce Yelk, who announced he was taking a break from the nightlife game in June, is dipping his tootsies back in the ring to host an after-party following tonight’s sold-out Erasure concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City. DJ Tony Moran will be spinning. 10 p.m., Mixx Nightclub, Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City.

SATURDAY

Philly AIDS Thrift, the secondhand store that swooped in and reinvented Giovanni’s Room, celebrates nine years in the business—and donating proceeds to local HIV charities—with a block party on Saturday. Noon, free, Philly AIDS Thrift, 710 South Fifth Street.

Philly nonprofit arts and culture organization Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas is hosting the debut of The Gran Varones, a locally shot and produced documentary that explores being gay and Latino on Philadelphia. Stick around afterward for a question-answer session. 7 p.m., free, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, 1417 North Second Street. 

After the screening and Q&A head to Tabu for Philly’s newest—and only—LGBT Latin dance party Candela Sabados, featuring performances by Lady LaBelle 
and Yoniel El Inalcanzable. 10 p.m., Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.

It’s Weird Beard Revue time again, with all your favorite hairy burlesquers, like Mistor Fahrenheit, Eric Jaffe, and Dan Callahan. 8 p.m., L’Etage, 624 South 6th Street.

Nitty Gritty hosts a Back to the Future Dance Party at Venture Inn. DJ Scopitone spins. 10 p.m., free, Venture Inn, 255 South Camac Street. 

SUNDAY

Liberty City Kings Drag and Burlesque (LiCK) is serving up glitter and grits at Tabu’s semi-weekly drag brunch. Order up! 11 a.m., Tabu Lounge and Sports Bar, 200 South 12th Street.