This Saturday sees the Bristol debut for brand new LGBT + friends party Keep It Cute. We caught up with the fabulous residents Mike Pony and Rachael who will bring their combined queer clubbing expertise to curate spectacular line-ups of amazing DJs and performers across Bristol.
This Saturday is the first ever outing for Keep It Cute. Can you describe it for the uninitiated?
Keep It Cute (KIC) is an inclusive queer space to hang out with your pals, and the music will pay homage to the roots of dance music in queer culture with disco and synth, all the way to Chicago house, garage and Italo. For our very first party this Saturday we’ve booked the gorgeous Shaun J Wright who used to be in Hercules & Love Affair and is now an amazing DJ and producer in his own right, releasing on labels like Classic Music Company and Crosstown Rebels.
What’s the one rule for newcomers to observe?
In the words of the great Aretha Franklin… R.E.S.P.E.C.T. This is a mixed party for LGBTQI people and their pals (that’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex for those that don’t know). It’s not exclusively queer, everyone is welcome whatever their into, so long as they treat others with respect no matter who they are or who they’re locking lips with, like you would your own pals. No gawping, non-consensual touching or being RUDE. So basically just act like a decent human being!
What’s your ultimate Keep It Cute anthems?
It’s our first party so I don’t know that we’ve had time to create our own anthems yet! But maybe let’s go for this Chicago house classic by Farley Jackmaster Funk – Love Can’t Turn Around. Firstly, it’s a banger, secondly, Darryl Pandy’s sequinned green jumper. Nuff said.
The sun is rising, it’s time for the last song – what to you put on?
Rachael: I once saw the almighty Rory Phillips end a night on Carole King. Not sure I’ll ever see anyone beat that. Mike you’re closing out… what’s your pick?
Mike: Keep It Cute is an opportunity to be a bit more sassy than I might be in my house oriented Horseplay sets… so I’m choosing I’m Every Woman covered by Whitney. I wonder if I’ll have the balls to play it out?
Why have you set up in Bristol?
Rachael: I’ve come from Dalston Superstore, a really inclusive gay bar in Hackney, London. There’s a great mix of queer guys and girls there and Mike and I both agreed that Bristol needed more queer spaces that felt welcoming to women. Having a night that a woman is involved in makes a difference; having a female influence running throughout the whole project makes it appealing not just across sexuality but also genders.
Mike: For me it’s an opportunity to play out a little more fun disco and Italo. Horseplay is quite serious and housey, so this is an opportunity to create a softer, more relaxed social space for queer people to flirt. The Crofters lends itself well to this, you can chat and chill, or dance.
Why did you choose the Crofters Rights for the first night?
We chose the Crofters Rights for the same thinking as we outlined above. We wanted a venue that wasn’t associated with the traditional LGBT venues in Bristol and might feel more welcoming to women. The Crofters Rights also has loads of other great nights like Bodywork and is known for having good programming and we wanted to be a part of that.
Some pals are visiting from out of town. Where do you take them to show them a Good Time?
Rachael: If I had pals coming from London then cider at The Apple just cos it’s quite nice and cute and feels quite Bristol. Biblos for food (mmm) and then if Alfresco Disco is on a good ol’ rave up.
Mike: It’s always nice to mooch around Stokes Croft in the daytime. I’m into the new Wapping Wharf development at the moment, Mokoko is great for coffee and cake and the new “Cargo” shipping container thing has just opened… I hear they have gourmet fried chicken, and a pie shop!
What’s the best thing you’ve ever seen on the dance floor?
Mike: Haha! I’m not telling. At Horseplay we usually try and keep it dark and smoky to hide what’s happening on the dancefloor… but sometimes things have accidentally been caught on camera. Keep It Cute will be much more innocent I’m sure, no heavy petting 😉
Rachael: Um, what haven’t I seen? Naked people, voguing, famous drag queens, non famous drag queens, hi-fiving at obscure Italo tracks getting played, ball-pits, Elizabethan drag queens, poppers in the smoke machine (not advisable), free pizza, fellatio, pillow fights, drag queen mermaids sprinkling glitter…
What’s coming up for next year?
We’re going to see how this one goes, and if people love it, we’ll do it again. Mike is running a new festival in November (Submerge Festival) and there are a few Horseplay parties in the pipeline, too.
Sum up in one sentence why you love your city.
Rachael: Bristol is friendly, adventurous, and full of cute boys and girls who’ll actually talk to you and you can ride your bike everywhere.
Mike: I’m with Rachael on the cycling. It’s a great, easy city full of good people doing good things. Oh and did I mention the new pie shop? 😉
Keep It Cute kicks off this Saturday 10pm – 4am at The Crofters Rights
Tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/1590424661262128/
£5 OTD | Dress code: Scary (in a CUTE way)
Nonsensical are a UK TikTok agency who help Bristol businesses get impact on social media.
The game-changing “ttagz” app is launching this month across some of Bristol’s best-loved spots including…
Queen Fans will be invited to the best immersive sing-along experience! Get your tickets here…
Ready to fall down the rabbit hole mates? Get 10% off with our discount code:…
Instead of using numbered balls, you’ll be using all of your favourite tracks from the…
Right mates, get ready and get excited because we’ve got a Karaoke Brunch with bottomless…
Musicals Bingo takes the classic Bingo game and puts a game-changing musical twist on it…
This website uses cookies.