Blue In The Face

by A.D. Amorosi

I once commented that Philly's Blue Ball -- the now nationally renowned alterna-lifestyle getaway -- had moved from being a one-night stand to a long slow kiss. For Blue Ball 13, titled Genesis: Let There Be Dance, the weekend of 24hourparty people has become a full-blown engagement party, hyping events in 2002 at clubs as far-flung as Timberline in Seattle, Montage in San Diego, Masterbeat in L.A. and Crobar in Chicago. (By Blue Ball 15, it'll be an old marriage.)

Still, they've managed to keep the Philly events intimate, with a slate of parties like ShamBLUE at Shampoo; a pre-party pump where you can work out at Philadelphia Sports Club before the dancing starts on Saturday; brunches (at places like the Bell Atlantic Tower and 2-4); and the always cozy Blue Redo at the Troc, with DJ Susan Morabito. As always, the locals, including Billy Carroll, are joined by international spinners like Joe Gauthreaux, Paulo, Phil B and Rosabel (DJs Abel and Ralphi Rosario) wreaking havoc throughout the day-to-eve-to-morning events.

It's Jan. 25's VIP till-dawn bash at the Philadelphia Cruise Ship terminal that's preeminent. If you like men on a boat and all that it connotes, there you go. The Closing Party, hosted by Dan Contarino and Marc Berkley on the 26th, will transform Transit, a former bank turned club, with three levels of pure drama courtesy of a live 12-hour set by house legends Ralphi Rosario and Abel.

But remember, BB's real purpose is to raise unrestricted funds and limitless awareness for this year's beneficiaries: SafeGuards, a health agency addressing a wide range of health promotion needs within the gay and lesbian community; the William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center; and Philadelphia Fight. So go, give and Ball.

Blue Ball 2003: Genesis, Fri.-Sun., Jan. 24-26; for event addresses, ticket prices, ticket locations, hotel whereabouts, transportation, sponsorships and all other information, go to www.blueballphilly.com.