San Diego Pride Construction is taking part in its third annual rummage sale, from which 100 percent of the benefits go to Living Compassion and funding the African Vulnerable Children’s Project, which provides shelter for children and adults who have lost loved ones to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

The rummage sale takes place Saturday, May 6, at 2643 C St. in Golden Hill. The sale will not include price tags. Last year’s rummage sale raised over $2,000, which was donated to assist in the opening of Ndola elementary school, which serves 2,500 impoverished students.

To schedule donation pickups, contact San Diego Pride Construction, Inc. at (619) 795-0111. For more information about Living Compassion and the African Vulnerable Children’s Project, visit www.livingcompassion.org.

Enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres at a pre-opera reception followed by San Diego Opera’s production of Handel’s Baroque masterpiece Julius Caesar in Egypt on Friday, April 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is part of the San Diego Opera’s “A Night of Pride” series for the GLBT community.

This Metropolitan Opera production of Julius Caesar in Egypt features silks and velvet, glitter and gold as two of the ancient world’s greatest rulers meet, seduce and conquer in this historic tale. Julius Caesar, ruler of the world’s largest empire, defeats his rival Pompey and pursues him to Egypt. There, he meets the infamous Queen Cleopatra, joint ruler of Egypt with her brother Ptolemy. But Cleopatra wants it all – the country, the throne and Caesar. So in history’s sexiest political coup, Cleopatra bewitches Julius Caesar into helping her overthrow Ptolemy and enthrone her as sole ruler of Egypt.

International sensation Ewa Podles and one of the world’s hottest mezzo-sopranos, Vivica Genaux, take the stage as Julius Caesar and Sextus, respectively. Also, look forward to hearing renowned countertenor Brian Asawa in the role of Ptolemy and Lisa Saffer as Cleopatra.

Event tickets are available at various prices. Tickets for this event must be purchased through the Greater San Diego Business Association and are not available through the San Diego Opera. For more information, call (619) 296-4543.

The San Diego Opera performs at the San Diego Civic Theatre, located at the intersection of Third Avenue and B Street in downtown San Diego.

Alluvial Filmworks, a division of Village Lighthouse Inc., is seeking talented gay filmmakers to submit their short films for possible inclusion in an upcoming compilation of shorts tentatively titled Guys on Film, which will highlight gifted gay artists within the filmmaking community.

This collection of short films from gay filmmakers will complement Girls on Film, an existing short film series from lesbian filmmakers produced by the nonprofit organization POWER UP (Professional Organization for Women in Entertainment Reaching Up), distributed by Alluvial Filmworks.

“We are proud of our success in helping highlight the talented lesbian women in the filmmaking community through our distribution of Girls on Film,” said Ron Miller, president of Village Lighthouse, Inc. “We believe that we can expand on this success by offering an ongoing collection of short films made by members of the gay community for both men and women that will not only be sold in gay stores but also mainstream venues.”

Since Alluvial Filmworks began distributing Girls on Film II in January 2005, major retailers including Blockbuster, Virgin Megastore, TLA Video, amazon.com, 10percent.com and InsightOut Books made the collection of short films by lesbian women available to their customers.

Shorts from last year’s Girls on Film II release won numerous awards at various film festivals, including Outfest Los Angeles and the PlanetOut Film Festival. Among the actors featured in the shorts were Tammy Lynn Michaels, Clare Kramer, Amanda Bearse, Michele Greene, Sharon Lawrence and Shirley Knight. Screen Gems, a division of Sony Pictures, recently released a feature-length version of D.E.B.S., a Girls on Film II short written and directed by Angela Robinson.

Alluvial Filmworks is looking to highlight budding talent, so distinguished performers or awards are not essential elements for a piece to be included in the collection.

Submissions may not exceed 30 minutes in length and must be in English or have English subtitles. Only VHS or DVD format will be accepted. Originals/masters should not be sent because submissions will not be returned. The deadline for submissions is May 15.

Artists should send their film, a short synopsis and contact information to: Alluvial Filmworks, Attn: Submissions, P.O. Box 38010, Los Angeles, CA 90038. Chosen selections will either be licensed or purchased. All questions regarding the submission process should be sent to filmmakers@villagelighthouse.com.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego will kick off its summer semester of song with an Info Night on Monday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m.

Info Night is dedicated to welcoming potential new members, and will take place at GMCSD’s regular rehearsal space inside the University Christian Church, 3900 Cleveland Ave., across the street from the Hillcrest Post Office. Those who attend will have the opportunity to find out about the Gay Men’s Chorus, meet current members, and hear samples of GMCSD’s sound. The evening will also feature and prizes.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego recently presented two sold-out performances of its spring concert, “Bang! Bang! The Music of Cher.”

“Interest in membership is now at an all-time high following the Cher concerts,” said GMCSD director of membership Michael McKibben. “Not only are potential members excited about singing with the Gay Men’s Chorus, but they are also realizing how much fun we have together. There are always various social events for members to participate in to just relax, unwind, and meet new friends.”

Open chorus rehearsals will be conducted on Wednesday, April 26, and Wednesday, May 3, for those who are unable to attend Info Night. GMCSD’s summer season will culminate with a pair of French-themed “Moulin Rouge” concerts at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Hillcrest on Aug. 5 and 6.

For more information on the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego, call (619) 57-GMCSD, e-mail marketing@gmcsd.com or visit www.gmcsd.com.

San Diego Pride has partnered with various arts and cultural organizations to present a series of official Pride events scheduled for June through August.

The lineup includes a juried art exhibit at the San Diego Art Institute, a month-long run of a musical at Diversionary Theatre, a comedy production at the Old Globe Theatre and a Pride concert featuring five different musical groups at the North Park Theatre. Additionally, this year’s Art of Pride exhibit at the festival will make way for up to 20 GLBT artists.

“Our cultural outreach through these partnerships reinforces the creative diversity in our community,” said Pride executive director Ron deHarte. “Each organization contributes significantly to enriching our community through the arts. We are pleased to present these leading arts and culture organizations that regularly showcase great local artists from both within and outside our community.”

Below is a list of official Pride events featuring visual and performing arts leading up to San Diego Pride’s 32nd annual celebration, which takes place July 28-31 and is themed “Equal Rights! No Turning Back!”

Museum of the Living Artist at the San Diego Art Institute, June 29 to July 30: A San Diego premier exhibit featuring juried and awarded artwork from “outstanding visual artists” of the region, including works by Claire-Lise Matthey Anderegg and Jack B. Salb. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $3, or half price to guests who bring with them a San Diego Pride ad. Children 12 and under admitted free. Located at 1439 El Prado in Balboa Park’s House of Charm.

When Pigs Fly at the Diversionary Theatre, July 22 through Aug. 12: Howard Crabtree’s musical extravaganza kicks off Diversionary’s 2006-07 season with irreverent and political savvy about musical theater, gay love and everything in between. The revue is fraught with actor-sized egos, sometimes risqué songs and ridiculous costumes. Directed by Rick Simas, the production was honored with two Drama Desk awards and two Outer Critics Circle awards during its long off-Broadway run. Tickets are $25 to $31, and a $2 discount is available with a Pride pass. Diversionary Theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd. For showtimes, call (619) 220-0097.

The Sisters Rosensweig and Othello at the Old Globe Theatre, July 27: Choose from either Wendy Wasserstein’s heartwarming comedy or Shakespeare’s tale of revenge and passion. A pre-show party featuring appetizers and hosted wine and martini bars to be held at 6:30 p.m. Curtain time is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $68 and can be purchased by calling (619) 234-5623.

The 2006 Pride Concert at the North Park Theatre, July 27: A Pride weekend kick-off concert featuring 100-plus voices by the San Diego Women’s Chorus, the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego, In aChord, the San Diego Men’s Chorus and the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble. Each group will perform individual repertoires before teaming up in a powerful collaboration. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for a $10 donation with all proceeds going to GLBT and HIV/AIDS organizations and the Scholarship for Queer Youth fund. Tickets can be purchased at Obelisk Bookstore or by visiting www.sdmc.org. The theater is located at 2891 University Ave.

For more information about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities with San Diego Pride, call (619) 297-7683 or visit www.sdpride.org.