From South End to Jamaica Plain, Boston’s queer scene is more about parties, concerts and one-off events than permanent bars or clubs.  It can take awhile, therefore, to uncover the alternative/indie/queer scene, because you can’t usually find it in gay bars.  For this weekend, the Beantown seems a little sleepy post-Pride and holidays, but there’s some stuff worth checking out.

Friday

Guerrilla Queer Bar is the place to be (wherever it is) this Friday. It moved to the second Friday this month to avoid the craziness of the holiday last weekend. There are often loooong lines for these ever-popular events (recently prompting the organizers to split the event to two or three bars on certain weekends) so get there on the early side.

To find out where it is this Friday, join online and then facebook message one of the founders to get the destination asap. Some random straight bar, almost always 21+, cover varies.

For dancing, you could hit up La Boum, the descendent of the popular mixed queer dance party Gross Anatomy that was held at the old Milky Way back when it used to be part bowling alley. (I miss the skee ball.) This new incarnation is shinier, fancier, and potentially slightly less queer than it used to be. It’s still new though, so give it a chance. Go early to avoid lines but plan on eating there, because otherwise, you’ll be standing around with the other smart queer people watching people finish eating. It’s bizarre, but hey, it’s JP. The Milky Way, 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, starts at 9, free.

Saturday

Sail out of the Boston Harbor with the Lez Zeppelin Tall Ships Party.  This is part of the Rockand Blues Concert Cruise series, and I hear they usually last about three hours. Marriot Boston Long Wharf, Boston, MA, 8 pm.

But, if the idea of being out at sea with a (potentially? maybe?) lesbian cover band doesn’t really …cough, float your boat… then check out these parties on the mainland.  First, there’s Second Saturdays at Machine, featuring Guest DJ Kelvin, where you can score a free CD from The Cliks’ new album. Machine, 1254 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 21+, $8.

Or, make an appearance at The Neighborhood, my favorite Queer/Trans dance party.  It’s all the way out in JP, but believe me, it’s worth the trek.  Beware the lines. There’s some sort of Twitter method for being informed about them, if you’re in the know (I’m not, clearly), or you can go old school, and just get there early. The Midway, 3496 Washington Street, Jamaica Plains, MA, 21+, $5, doors open at 8.

Sunday

Brand New and Robbers are playing at the Middle East.  I like the indie, abstract Robbers more than Brand New, the punk-y front-liners, but there’s a loyal following for Brand New in Boston.  It’s sold out, but try to get tickets on Craigslist, because it’ll be like all my favorite shows at the Middle East– an odd mix of bands, an odd mix of people, and an all-around good time.  The Middle East, 472 Mass Avenue, Cambridge, MA, all ages, $30 (sold out).

If there’s something amazing and queer that I’ve left out, please comment or contact me at ja@thenewgay.net.