A new event for Auckland's gay community will see several bands perform at Galatos in February, joined by live performances, video-based art, well-known local DJs and other surprises. Set for HomoFringe: Charlie ASH Experienced concert promoter Josh Preston says he's hoping HomoFringe will inspire LGBT people to try a new and exciting night out. "We're featuring a bunch of bands with out queer members; Prince Diana, Curfew Girls and Charlie ASH, but keeping it low cost at $15 and generally keeping it real," he explains. "I can confirm the bands but there will be a wide variety of DJ's, VJ's and performance artists – those details are still being finalised," he says. HomoFringe will join 2009's Fringe Festival programme which includes a number of Gay and Lesbian events including gay playwright Patrick Grahams' new play about internet dating called Post Gay and a performing arts event on 6 March featuring Booby Tuesday and The Christian Singing Sisters. Preston says he initially planned to join Auckland's Hero then Pride 2009 Festival. "After months of trying to get something rolling, I threw up my hands in despair and aligned myself with Sohomo and the AK09 Fringe. But I think the kind of vibe I'm trying to channel for this event is far more relevant than another shirts-off diva house party. The idea of a Pride Party as a community aiding event has fallen by the wayside and become a magnet for the 'pink dollar' and another opportunity for a drug-fucked romp. The consensus seems to be that those big events are outdated." The Saturday 28 February date of HomoFringe has been booked in at Galatos, which is also the provisional date of the yet-to-be-confirmed 2009 Hero Party. However, Preston says he never intended to go into opposition with Hero: "HomoFringe has been in the works since October, and ties in with the opening of the fringe festival and with the five plays booked in to the Galatos venue. So it was the only date we could fit the event into." Preston is still looking for performers, and anyone who wants to get involved in any other way. Contact him via email at: dubtropic@gmail.com.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Saturday, 27th December 2008 - 10:55am