Our community is often criticized for being so fickle, quickly bored with the predictable and always on the search for the newest trend. We advise the handful of you who have yet to check out the relatively new Trigger on Market Street to search no further. Perhaps it is suggestive of Los Angeles or New York, but there is nothing like it in the Castro, bringing together striking architectural elements, international service standards, and creative party concepts. From a political fundraiser for State Senator Mark Leno to a benefit to fight "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" with Lieutenant Dan Choi in attendance, from elaborately costumed dancers and aerialists to barely clad bartenders and waitresses, and from frequent happy hours with hefty plates of complimentary hors d'oeuvres to the recent birthday celebration for owner Greg Bronstein , here's a dazzling bar worth adding to your list of musts!

What a Wonderful World over the weekend showcased the SF Gay Men's Chorus' solo voices and the small ensemble Vocal Minority in the luxurious Lodge of the Regency Center. You may have attended other events within this huge facility on Van Ness Avenue, but on the third floor is this enormous room with burgundy velvet walls, ornately carved wood paneling, back-lit stained glass windows, and a full proscenium stage. With two evening performances and a Saturday matinee, there were lots of chances to relish this setting while caressed by gorgeous male voices. Chorus member Carl Pantle served as musical director, this humble reporter had emcee duties, and instrumentalists included Dustin Manuel and Vicki Zalewski . Musical selections ranged from the romantic to the funny, voices spann

Cheer San Francisco performs in Union Square. Photo: Steven Underhill

ed high tenor to low bass, and nervous conditions were across the board. A confident member of a chorus, surrounded by other voices, often suffers from stage fright when submitted to individual scrutiny, but each singer found his footing and was warmly received by loving audiences. Proceeds from the matinee were pledged to Larkin Street Youth Services with executive director Sherilyn Adams and other supporters in attendance. Saturday night, we added to that donation with a quick auction of two tickets to Sunday's a Drag at Harry Denton's Starlight Room, which went to a generous bidder for five times its face value! Watch for upcoming SF Gay Men's Chorus performances on World AIDS Day and Christmas Eve at the Castro Theatre.

Queens Are Wild was an understatement Friday night at the first big pre-Halloween party, benefiting the Stop AIDS Project at Mezzanine. This may have become a basically straight club with lots of private parties, but for the night Mezzanine returned to its roots in the gay community as porn stars galore became blackjack dealers, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence reigned supreme, and those not in costume were definitely in the minority. Partygoers included Erik Paul , Tommy Taylor, Dean D'Onofrio, Alex Randolph, Terry Gauchat , David Grabstald , Julian Marshburn , and Mark Paladini . Dressed as an Egyptian Goddess, hostess Bebe Sweetbriar oversaw the distribution of raffle prizes, the announcement of best costume honors, and the introduction of record-breaking, #1 hit recording artist Kristine W . Her energy-packed, nonstop music set was pure pleasure, accented by sexy back-up dancers, over-the-top costuming, and her signature saxophone instrumental break. Her personal interaction with her audience truly makes Kristine one of the best live performers on the circuit.

That brings us to this weekend, once highly anticipated for its pagan Castro Halloween celebration, but now a source of frustration and confusion for many. In the interest of safety, the city encourages all of us to celebrate Halloween in our own neighborhoods, avoiding overcrowding and property damage, while supporting a variety of creative events. Having said all that, here are some personal recommendations for this Sat., Oct. 31. When Trannyshack's Heklina and Midnight Mass' Peaches Christ team up, you know that The Cat Club has to be one of your Halloween destinations. Performers include Jackie Beat, Holotta Tymes, Raya Light , and Putanesca with DJs Pinky Ring and Silencefiction. The inimitable Juanita More! and Joshua J lure you to Club 8 for Big Top, a circus-themed party with DJs Kevin Graves and Marcus Boogie. And leave it to Gus Bean to secure the newest incredible space for Colossus, high atop the Metreon with breathtaking views, an outdoor terrace, DJ Manny Lehman , and hostess Pollo del Mar . But if smaller, more intimate settings are your preference, Truck bar presents Superheroes (and Villains), a party with very few rules, very few inhibitions, and a very hot crowd. Our neighborhood loyalty will inevitably draw us back to the one and only Castro to support our friendly local bartenders, and we anticipate a happy crowd, respectful behavior, and innumerable photo ops. Happy Halloween!