With my drag daughter Sandra O. Noshi-Di’n’t, I ventured out to 12 Galaxies to catch the New York-based singer/songwriter last night. It was my first time to the venue, located at 2565 Mission. It’s surprisingly spacious, accommodating and has unexpectedly fabulous acoustics, which was particularly important because I didn’t want to miss a note of L.P.’s breath-taking vocals.

My friend Martha introduced me to L.P.’s music a few weeks ago, and I was initially hesitant. Let’s be honest. Lesbian musicians carry the somewhat well-earned stereotype of leaning to the side of folk, spoken-word and other artforms for which I’ve traditionally had little affection. Boy, was I surprised when I watched the YouTube video for LP’s new single “Good With You”!

Combining insightful lyrics, blazing guitars and a voice which is at once unique yet familiar, and above all else powerfully expressive, L.P. is genuinely an artist with tremendous potential. Whether or not radio embraces her – they absolutely should, but that’s another story – I certainly have. In the days leading to her concert, I watched her “Wasted” video (from the 2004 opus Urban Sprawl & Alcohol) and added her latest track “Stupid Muthafucka” as my MySpace profile song.

The dynamic duo had the crowd going with "Drip Drop" and "Make It Last" before closing with the popular "After Party." Sandra and I snapped photos of gorgeous ICS vocalist Jenna Riot before I nestled in with Rocco. It turns out the LOGO Channel “Click List Countdown” favorite is dating DJ Rapidfire, an acquaintance from several weeks ago when I was guest-hosting a scandalous Stop AIDS pole-dancing contest in SOMA. Who knew?<

By the time L.P. took the stage, the audience was primed and ready. Rest assured, though, it was worth the wait -- and then some! L.P. is the rare instance where an artist's power, intensity and vocal quality not only meets but exceeds her already amazing recorded product.

Along with our new friends Ryan and Taylor, seen here with Sandra (who totally had the hots for bearded cutie Taylor) and birthday Jennifer and Nadia (who I couldn't resist snuggling up to), we jammed to L.P.'s fantastic 12-song set. She played favorites from her first two albums, less from the dark, moody, driving Heart-Shaped Scar than its peppier, more pop-oriented 2004 follow-up Urban Sprawl & Alcohol. It suited the venue, the crowd and evening perfectly. I was absolutely glowing when, halfway through the set, she gave me a shout-out from the stage. While I could have done without the bitch sitting next to me smoking pot and screaming in my ear, even that couldn't sour the moment!

Of course, I squealed when L.P. performed "Wasted" (I sang along) and "Good With You." It was really rather touching watching a gay couple and a pair of lesbians seated in the upper level kiss and nuzzle to the gorgeous song, which progressive minded radio programmers need to be all over. It rivals anything Kelly Clarkson or Evanescence might produce.

Hanging with the singer after the show, L.P. is still unsure when SoBe Entertainment will release her yet-to-be-titled third album. When she does, though, I plan to be the first in line to pick it up.

Pollo Del Mar can be found cohostessing BRAIN FARTS interactive trivia show every Wednesday night 7:30-10:30 p.m. at LookOut, 3600 16th Street at Market.

Thankfully, after a pit-stop to recover from all my "Cuchi! Cuchi!"-ing, I was soon delivered home to shower, nap and enjoy being as far from the faggotry as possible. Later, against my better judgment, I ventured back to The Castro for dinner. The streets were packed with people drifting away from Civic Center, many obviously from outside the city, even more drunk and obnoxious. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth.

Perhaps as a San Francisco resident - and a very out, extremely visible drag personality - I take for granted the form of self-expression LGBT Pride offers and celebrates? For some, this might well be the only opportunity to revel in their "gayness." One might go so far as to suggest events of this nature are one of the many ways our community has gained such wide-spread acceptance. These arguments might certainly be legitimate; I don't dispute any of these.

My only real point here, I must confess, is feeling less and less personally connected to the event. Maybe in years past, when I was younger and had more of a desire to party for days on end, this was the excuse I needed. It might have provided a fantastic opportunity to dabble in drag, making my way into public wearing heels for the first time. Perhaps it allowed me to cruise with abandon for sex partners I'd likely never encounter again.

All of those are true, I suppose, and over time each has become less important or interesting to me. A similarly true observation, though, is that there was a time when our parade and Pride consisted of organizations which actually stood for something.

Whether Dykes on Bikes or PFLAG, the parade brought much-needed visibility to otherwise invisible groups and members of our community. These organizations affirmed our community's values and showed bravery by being a presence in times when it was not so accepted to do so. Of course, those groups remain, but today they seem increasingly lost in a sea of commercialization.

Indeed, these days Pride feels like little more than a marketing device. Every other float or contingent is corporate-sponsored, it seems, with groups ranging from department stores "showcasing" gay colleagues and airlines hoping to lure in LGBT consumers to phone companies trying to convince me they are the most gay-friendly. At some point, I'm not quite sure when, my mind simply shut down. I lost interest.

In the minds of many, events like Pride are what make San Francisco so special. As someone who spends every day in our community, I agree they contribute to the city's character but also recognize the array of immensely charming, extremely unique activities, events and experiences found in our little town year round. Maybe next year, I'll just focus on those and leave Pride to someone else.

Guardian celebrity blogger Pollo Del Mar can be found cohosting Brain Farts interactive trivia each Wednesday, 7:30-10:30 p.m., at Lookout, 3600 16th Street at Market. For additional information, visit Pollo's MySpace Page.

You can give to Steve's cause at Bender's on May 16 or at Annie's on May 17th, there will be more rock in those two days than you can handle!

I heard there was some food and Blasthaus DJ action but all I saw was the bottom of a Fernet glass.
Who won, who knows? They all did a stellar job, my money was really riding on the gal from Homestead though!
View image">These guys know who won, I wonder if they recall because I saw them downing bottle after bottle of amaro.

Check it out before May 4th!