The past few weeks have been extremely exciting for me as someone in our community who used to love going out in Green Bay when Za's was still around and dancing my booty off . . . but when I came to Madison it just wasn't the same and the only times, until recently, that I would go out and dance would be when traveling to other cities . . . Green Bay even seemed to have a better nightlife than Madison.

Three weeks ago I went to the MAJESTIC on a Friday Night with Nick Nice as DJ. WOW! The new owners have done a GREAT job with attracting a completely different audience. There were A TON of LGBTQA folks there and the crowd was very mixed, not only LGBTQ/Straight, but a variety of ages as well. It was soooo welcoming I can't even begin to describe it. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and I can't wait for Friday Evenings. The music that Nick Nice has been playing is COMPLETELY FUN. I'm very impressed with his selections. A great mix of old and new. Something for anyone reading this to enjoy.

I went to HALLOQUEEN this past weekend and I have to say that Liz Tymus really has her 'poop in a group' so-to-speak. The crowd, while a bit younger than my 30 years was very mixed and excellent. They held it at the Majestic which was great and I have to say . . if indie Queer Nights at the King Club are like HalloQueen, I'll be more than happy to pay whatever cover is necessary to dance to their drummer. Additionally, the things Liz is doing to promote other events in the community like an iQ Prom Night with local Gay/Straight Alliances and sponsoring Team Caffeine in the ACT Ride is truly amazing.

These two establishments - who are directly across King Street from each other - have definitely opened a door in Madison for LGBTQA Folks to go out and dance without difference. They're bringing everyone together in a way that is accepted and extremely encouraging to see. When iQ and the Majestic open their doors on their respective nights I feel more like I'm back in Amsterdam dancing than in the states because everything and everyone feels so integrated. My most sincere thanks and appreciation to these pioneers for putting another dance in Madison besides the chicken dance at the UW-Badgers Games! (Not that there's anything wrong with the chicken dance or live performance mind you, but I prefer to dance to a different drum!)

Check out indi Queer http://www.myspace.com/indiequeermadison
Check out The MAJESTIC http://majesticmadison.com/