Friday, October 30
The Lyric Opera House Presents “Opera ala Carte” at Germano’s!
Come wine and dine and raise a glass to grand opera! Sara Stewart, soprano; Rolando Sanz,tenor; James Harp, piano, perform "Opera a la Carte!" Serving up the music of love, vengeance, redemption and reaffirmation. Opera up close is electrifying... there is no language barrier, no cultural or generational divide. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Germano’s Trattoria (300 S. High Street, Baltimore, MD). For tickets ($10) and additional information, visit www.germanostrattoria.com. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Transformer
The New Gay’s monthly 60s/70s/80s co-ed, trans-inclusive all ages dance party for queer folk and their friends finds a Halloween twist this month. The event will feature an out of control costume contest with really awesome prizes, including free lifetime entry to TNG events and guest DJ set from the Black Cat's own DJ Roulette.  Don’t miss a special live performance by NYC's most attractive gay rapper, Cazwell. A fan of TNG and all-around nice guy, Cazwell will be performing a killer set that includes his hits “I Seen Beyonce at Burger King” and “All Over Your Face “. Doors at the Black Cat (1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC) open at 9:30. $5 cover.

Saturday, October 31
Halloween Costume Ball
Spiral Dance Womyn’s Center hosts a costume ball fundraiser at the Cork Factory (1601 Guilford Ave., Baltimore, MD) from 7:30 until 10:30 p.m.! Along with wonderful music & dancing, the night will feature a costume contest with prizes, a live auction of gift baskets donated by Mystical Voyage and Sugar, raffles and tarot card readings. Cash bar. Tickets ($25) can be purchased in advance or at the door. For additional information, visit www.spiraldancebookstore.com.

Halloween @ Club Hippo
With $1,000 in cash prizes, Club Hippo (1 W. Eager Street, Baltimore, MD) promises one of the best Halloween costume contests in the city. Doors open at 10 p.m. to the beats of dj Kuhmeleon and stay open an extra hour for DST! For additional information, visit www.clubhippo.com or call 410-576-0018.

Sunday, November 1
Addiction and Art: Flip Sides of Madness and Obsession
Inspired by the BMA’s exhibition Edgar Allan Poe: A Baltimore Icon, local artists, performers, and medical experts will gather from 3 until 4 p.m. for a community event that explores the power of art to shed light on addiction and recovery. The program features a presentation by one of the world’s leading experts on addiction, Dr. Jack E. Henningfield. Also included are a community discussion as well as performances by Baltimore-based artists who have used art as a means to combat their own addictions. Information on the latest drug and alcohol research and addiction recovery programs will be available. A reception follows in the McCall Gallery at 4 p.m. The event is presented by the BMA in collaboration with Art on Purpose. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.artbma.org.

Thursday, November 5
Nellie’s Regatta
Come out and meet the Strokes! The DC Strokes Rowing Club, one of only two dedicated, independent LGBT rowing clubs in the world, is hosting a regatta night at Nellie's Sports Bar (900 U Street, NW, Washington, DC). With over 100 members, the club has won gold medals in both the 2009 US Rowing Masters Nationals and the 2009 World Out Games. The Nellie's Regatta kicks off at 6 p.m. Challenge your friends in 1000 meter sprint races. Win fabulous raffle prizes. Enjoy regatta-themed drink specials.

Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom @ The GLCCB
Join Gay Life & Women of Color for a screening of Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom and check out the former Lambda Rising Bookstore space (241 W. Chase Street, Baltimore, MD).  Doors open at 7 p.m. Screening will start at 7:30 p.m. Fresh popcorn & refreshments will be available! $5 suggested donation. For additional information, email editor@baltimoregaylife.com or call 410-837-7748 x13.

Wednesday, November 11
National James Baldwin Day
The National James Baldwin Literary Society (JAMBALITSO) honors one of America’s greatest writers and intellectuals. Join JAMBALITSO Founder Kevin Brown from 5 until 7 p.m. at the GLCCB (241 W. Chase St., Baltimore, MD 21201) in celebration of the Life & Works of James Baldwin through art, music & film. For additional information about JAMBALITSO, visit www.jamesbaldwin.org.