A very gay Friday night in GaYBOR, South Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Hamburger Mary’s, 8:45 p.m.: Daphne Ferraro (KForce marketing specialist Michael Dixon by day, “the tallest drag queen in captivity” by night) hosts a variety show for a big, raucous more-straight-than-gay crowd. Audience members, including Jimmy and Megan, slug shots with Daphne who, noticing Jimmy’s hat, remarks, “Dad is dressed like an Angry Bird tonight.” Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comCitySide, South Tampa, 9:50 p.m.: One of South Tampa’s favorite neighborhood watering holes. The patio crowd is thin due to the unpredictable weather, but the mood is convivial inside, as these five patrons can attest (L to R): April Wynne, Jeremy McFarland, Mike Cast, Jamie Finley and Larry Harcrow. “We’ve been friends forever,” says April. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comMetro, 10:35: Sam Cooley, J. Aller, Jeff Hartley, Chuck Cave, Matt Bachmann and Chadwick Farner. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comChelsea, 11:10 p.m.: It’s Mike Alexander’s birthday! Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comChelsea Bar & Nightclub, just north of downtown Tampa, 11:00 p.m.: “The Be Who You Are Bar” lives up to its name. The vibe is relaxed, the no-smoking policy is in force, and out back on the patio, HCC professor Steve Johns and buddy Kari Goetz — actor (Stageworks’ Sylvia) and public affairs manager at Tampa International Airport — share the news that Kari has persuaded TIA to be part of the St. Pete Pride parade this year. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comG. Bar, Ybor City, 11:50 p.m.: It’s Girl Fridays at G. Bar. DJ Noi basks in his surroundings. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comG. Bar, 11:40 p.m.: Angela Dryden rocks some fine haberdashery. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comThe Honey Pot, Ybor City, 12:10 a.m.: Steam Fridays at the Honey Pot is nominally a men’s night, but the crowd is diverse: men, women, whatever, all exulting in a sound system so good it leaves you agog. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comHoney Pot, 12:20 p.m.: Bartender James Styron is a writer, but no relation to William. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comBradley’s on 7th, Ybor City, 12:40 p.m.: Kings (and queens) of GaYBOR, Carrie West and Mark Bias. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comBradley’s on 7th, 12:50 a.m.: Joey Brooks, Tampa’s drag doyenne, with Dwreck Herndon. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comLiquid Tampa, Ybor City, 12:55 a.m.: It’s Candela Friday at Liquid, one of two Latin nights at this still-newish club at the corner of 15th and 7th. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comLiquid Lounge, around the corner from Liquid Tampa, 1 a.m.: A sliver of a club featuring dancers who know how to slither, like these three (L to R): Erik CH, Brian McGuire and Blake Russell. It’s right next door to a pizza joint; hold the pepperoni jokes. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comFlamingo Resort, St. Petersburg, 1:40 a.m.: We’re way too late for the RuPaul’s Drag Show revue, but there’s an eerie, end-of-the-evening beauty to the Flamingo at night. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comFlamingo, 1:45 a.m.: April Wardlow (left) and “Christie Candy” (“her alter ego”). How long have you two been a couple? “We’re working on it right now,” April replies. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comGeorgie’s Alibi, 2:25 a.m.: It’s late, oh so late, but not for Georgie’s, the something-for-everybody bar. This crew grew up together near Clearwater Beach. Now they hit Georgie’s every Thursday and Friday night. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comGeorgie’s Alibi, St. Petersburg, 2:45 a.m.: Last dance. Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comHamburger Mary’s, Centro Ybor, Fri. June 22, 8:15 p.m.: Jimmy Arevalo and stepdaughter Megan. According to Megan, Jimmy is shipping out tomorrow to Afghanistan (probably not in that hat). Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.comGeorgie’s Alibi, St. Petersburg, 2:10 a.m.: Nick Yakimovich, Richard Recuperato, Justin Geleta and Ryan Jent, a CL contributor (he and Nick were on the cover of CL’s Pride Issue in 2010). Credit: DrunkCameraGuy.com
