So, if you haven’t heard yet, the buzz around town this week is that the gender-bending, original Riot Grrl punk band, Tribe 8, will be headlining San Diego Dyke March 2004, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 23! This is great news, especially to those of us who had a chance to catch Tribe 8 lead singer, Lynne Breedlove, at her recent appearance at Siren Open Mic. Not only did she thrill the crowd with her homo-hop skills (that’s hip-hop by homos, for those of you who are still only listening to Melissa Etheridge), but she also gave the crowd an insightful look into many trans issues, including what it’s like to use a public restroom when you break every gender mold. Tribe 8 should be just the right band to kick Dyke March ’04 into high gear, and add to an impressive lineup that already includes the San Diego Kings Club, singer-songwriter Elena, dancers from Eveoke Dance Theatre and MC Laura Jane.

The festival portion of San Diego Dyke March 2004 is set to take place on Oct. 23, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. in Balboa Park (between Laurel and Juniper streets). And although Dyke March planning is going smoothly, co-coordinator Sarah Charron recently reminded me that volunteers are still needed to assist with security, first aid, T-shirt sales, set-up and break-down on the day of the event. If you are interested in helping out, email dykemarch@carambola.org or link to the Dyke March website via this column at www.gaylesbiantimes.com.

In other Dyke March news, the lovely ladies of V.A.G.I.N.A. (Vibrant Activist Grrls Invoking National Attention) will be hosting a poetry slam at the Back Door at SDSU, on Friday, Oct. 1, with the $3 cover charge going directly to Dyke March. Even more exciting is the fact that the winner receives a spot to perform his or her material on the main stage at Dyke March ’04! So get your notebooks out, start writing, and head down to the poetry slam for your chance to win.

Moving on to Dyke March alumni… If you remember Pamela Means’ kick-ass performance at last year’s DM festival, you’ll be psyched to hear that Pamela will be back in town on Saturday, Oct. 2, for a show at Twiggs Coffee & Tea in University Heights. This Boston-based folkie has toured the country extensively, including doing a stint with feminist-favorite Alix Olson. Opening for Means this time around at Twiggs will be local favorite Lauren DeRose, who is buzz-worthy in her own right. This is a show you do not want to miss: $8 cover includes music all night long, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

In other music news, Siren Open Mic for Women will feature San Diego singer-songwriter Anna Troy on Thursday, Sept. 23. Once a member of the sister-duo The Troys, Anna is now doing her thing as a solo artist.

Siren is San Diego’s only open mic specifically dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of female artists. All shows take place at David’s Coffeehouse (3766 Fifth Ave.), beginning at 8:00 p.m., and entrance is free! Come see what the buzz is about when Anna hits the stage on the 23rd – but arrive at David’s early because seats go quickly!

If film is your thing, you may be excited to hear that San Diego now has its own independent gay and lesbian film festival called FilmOut. They will be hosting a film festival next spring, but for now they are sponsoring three GLBT films to be shown during the 2004 San Diego Film Festival at the end of this month. The films include two features, Eating Out and Sugar, as well as a documentary on same-sex marriage, entitled Tying the Knot. The mission of FilmOut San Diego is to enlighten, educate and entertain the communities of San Diego County through the exhibition of gay and lesbian films. FilmOut San Diego seeks to recognize, promote, celebrate and support the important, diverse artistic contributions gay and lesbian filmmakers make to our community. For more information, visit this column online at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to their website.

Also riding the indie wave is San Diego Indie Music Fest, which will feature over 20 bands on two stages on Sunday, Nov. 14, at The Abbey (2825 Fifth Ave.). S.D. Indie Music fest is the brainchild of Danielle LoPresti and Alicia Champion, two SoCal artists who are also vibrant members of the women’s community here in S.D. Both will be performing at the fest, along with noteworthy headliner Jonatha Brooke. “The San Diego Indie Music Fest is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the independent musician, initiating discussion and education of that which is Indie, and fertilizing the San Diego Indie Music Scene, baby.” Tickets are on sale now. To get involved, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to their website.

Don’t miss the Official Girl Party for Momentum On The Midway, Friday, Sept. 17, with the glamour puss gals of Bad Kitties at Numbers.

And don’t forget to drop by Bourbon Street’s Friday night ladies night beforehand and fill up at the nacho bar. If you feel like chillin’ any time during the week, check out Bourbon Street’s new martini happy hour prices: Thursdays through Saturdays, an assortment of specialty martinis are only $3 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and only $2 Mondays through Wednesdays, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tired of bad Wednesday night TV? Check out Girlfriends Night Out at The Brass Rail every Wednesday instead, with drink specials and dancing to the music of the ’70s, ’80s and more.

Schroeder’s Club and Cabaret at the Westin Horton Plaza is featuring two great shows this week: On Friday, Sept. 17, Ole Kittleson and Priscilla Allen return with accompanist/musical director Rayme Sciaroni for another fantastic night. Saturday, Sept. 18, is an adults-only show of risqué comedy and song featuring San Diego favorites Phil Johnson and Larry Zeiger, as well as the one and only Lotte Trouble. Tickets are $22. Call (858) 794-9044 for details.

And last, but certainly not least, don’t forget AIDS Walk San Diego, taking place on Sunday, Sept. 26. Established in 1989, AIDS Walk is San Diego’s largest one-day HIV/AIDS fundraiser. Funds raised at the annual walk are granted to local agencies to help provide essential prevention and care programs to thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS.

If you don’t have a team yet, you are welcome to join mine! I am serving as team leader for the Fraternity House, Inc. team, and I would love you to climb on board. Fraternity House, Inc. is San Diego County’s only nonprofit organization licensed to provide residential care facilities for men and women living with HIV and AIDS. We are a fun, lively, passionate bunch! If you’d like to throw on your sneakers and join us for AIDS Walk, just email me at queerabby@hotmail.com.

That’s all I’ve got for this month, folks! If you’d like to see your event listed in Queer Abby, don’t hesitate to send me an email! Until next month, live life to the fullest, and I’ll see you around town!