January 27-February 2, 2005

mixpicks

Blue City

Photo By: joseph mattera

party

Fifteen years and millions of dollars raised later, it's virtually impossible to find quite so many people from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community as in one room — well, in this case, five different jam-packed venues — celebrating Blue Ball. For the second year in a row, this annual circuit party will be based at the National Constitution Center. Profits from the three-day weekend of drinks and dancing will go to the Sapphire Fund, created three years ago to support organizations contributing to LGBT health and well-being; this year specifically the William Way Community Center, the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights and St. Mary's Family Respite Center. In addition to the National Constitution Center flagship party on Saturday, there are official parties at Shampoo with DJ Alyson Calagna, Pure with DJ Billy Carroll, the Trocadero with DJ Lydia Prim and Transit with the world-famous Junior Vasquez. With thousands of gays and lesbians estimated to visit Philadelphia, the funds raised should be priceless.

Blue Ball, Fri.-Sun., Jan. 28-30, various events, times and locations, $140 three-event pass, $50-$85 per individual event, 267-514-2088, www.blueballphilly.com.

—Natalie Hope McDonald