Gay Place

HOWDY HOMOS! Welcome to Austin! Last night was nuts, eh? And for a 'mo on the scene, the great rush of South by Southwest can be a big ball o' confusion. Gay Place wishes to whisk you away on our flying unicorn to the best of the Fest and offer our advice on what to do and where to go beyond all the official shenanigans. For starters, check this column in each of the dailies and look up our online resources:

For the Gay Place Blog, see austinchronicle.com/gayplaceblog.

For additional event listings, see austinchronicle.com/gayplace.

For our gAyTX Fun Guide to queer Austin, see austinchronicle.com/gaytx.

And to interact directly with us (Share! Your queer gossip! Info! And tidbits!), e-mail us at gayplace@austinchronicle.com.

All events listed are for tonight, Thursday, March 19, unless otherwise noted.

YOUR CHO MO It's hard to believe that Margaret Cho has been ripping on sex; cracking jokes about race, class, and sexuality; and embarrassing her parents for 13 years now. Heck, I (Ash) still remember the first time I saw her Montgomery Ward set on the boob tube. I think it was the last time my mother and I agreed on what was funny. Then, as well as now, "funny" is Ms. Moran "Margaret" Cho. Just like the library, you can check out some Cho tonight as she hosts the MySpace Records party featuring Jaguar Love, the Von Bondies, Nico Vega, As Tall as Lions, Rediscover, and Bad Veins. I doubt my mother would approve. 8pm, Cedar Door. www.margaretcho.com.

WHAT A DRESDEN DOLL! Yours truly was thrilled to meet the sauciest half of the DD's today, right before the Paste party at the Radio Room. And seriously, what a doll. She kept touching my (Kate's) boobs. OK, I embellish. She kept trying to guide me, and her mitts would end up on my tits. Ms. P oozes such sensuality that I immediately regretted not borrowing one of Stephen Moser's fans to cool myself. I did, however, bring along my straight Brit friend and Chronicle Lege-covering colleague Richard Whittaker. The resultant conversation is a flirty, silly vlog posted on the Gay Place Blog. Who Killed Amanda Palmer? Honestly, we still think Jenny Schecter. Go see for yourself at one of her two appearances today: Music panel (Do a 360 Deal With Yourself), 3:30-4:45pm, Austin Convention Center, Room 18ABC (badges); showcase, 11pm, Central Presbyterian Church (wristbands or better). www.myspace.com/whokilledamandapalmer.

BENT COMPASS PARTY Head's up, people: Even the oonce ooonce gay bars are booking bands this week. Son of a rabbi bossa nova boss Avi Visnia will woo the boys of the Warehouse District (for you out-of-towners, that's our boystown). 8pm. Rain on 4th, 217-B W. Fourth, 494-1150. Free. www.rainon4th.com, www.myspace.com/aviwisniapresents.

CHAIN DRIVE LIVE: 8088 SHOWCASE No badges, wristbands, or embarrassing groveling necessary. Just show up, and rock out. Featuring St. Anthony; Asleep, Audience ... Dream!; Bad Credit No Credit; Bridge Farmers; Memphis Pencils; and Benko! Chain Drive, 504 Willow, 480-9017. www.chain-drive.com.

DEEE-LITED TO MEET DJ LADY KIER If Austin is our house, than the grooooove shall be in it – all night long. The afterparty that takes you back to 1989 and eases you back into tomorrow. Check the website for free-parking info. 10pm-6am. The Cockpit, 113 San Jacinto, 457-8010. www.cockpitaustin.com.

CHARLIE'S GRILL: YUM Austin's gay club right next to the Capitol dome is open for lunch and dinner every weekday. Come have dinner with family! Mon.-Fri., noon-7pm. Charlie's Austin, 1301 Lavaca, 474-6481. www.charliesaustin.com.

ONE NIGHT IN PEREZ Love him or hate him, Perez Hilton can put on one hell of a show. Already confirmed performers for his second annual Saturday night shindig, One Night in Austin, are Margaret Cho, Yelle, Solange, Thunderheist, Ida Maria, Little Boots, and the lovely Ladyhawke and Lady Sovereign. Go to his website to apply/beg for admission. www.perezhilton.com.

ROUND UP Mo' shows fo' mo' ho's (and 'mos). Look forward to more info about these bands in the remaining dailies!

Gordon Gano & the Ryan Brothers, official SXSW showcase, 1am, the Parish Downstairs. www.ganoryan.com.

Purple Rhinestone Eagle, Black Fontanelle Presents A Compound Fracture, 3:30pm, 5615 Jim Hogg Ave. www.purplerhinestoneeagle.com.

Show Me Tiger! and Jasper James, Represent Austin Day Presents: Fancy Up & Get Down day party, noon, the Independent, 501 N. I-35. www.myspace.com/showmetiger, www.myspace.com/jasperjamesjetset.

Name of subject: Austin LGBT