Though the winner of this year’s American Idol TV singing competition was Kris Allen, fans are still fawning over the dreamy – and now fully out – Adam Lambert. But there’s no need to choose a favorite when both, accompanied by all eight finalists will tour with American Idols Live this summer.

Portland is honored as the first stop on this extravaganza, with a Rose Garden concert Sunday, July 5.

Each finalist has been given additional freedom to explore his or her own musical vibe in a show that encompasses both numbers from this year’s broadcasts and new jams. Top Idol Kris Allen says, “I feel like it’s going to be 10 little shows with 10 really talented people. It’s going to be incredible.” This individuality, coupled with the dynamism of a live performance, will create a concert that is far more than the sum of its televised parts.

Allen also says of his upcoming album: “On Idol…I went the route of doing a lot of classic rock. So, I’m going to try to take the best musically from that era and make it mix with modern pop electronic production. It should be really different.”

Our boy Glambert is also sure to be a driving force in this new foray into self-expression. He promises outlandish outfits to include studs, rivets and spikes – even a gender-bending, updated David Bowie medley to conclude his set.

We’ll also likely see bits from his upcoming album, which drops in November. The record, being produced by RedOne, who also helmed the incredibly catchy Lady Gaga’s recent hits, features collaborations with Linda Perry, Greg Wells, Ryan Tedder, Sam Sparrow – and Idol judge Kara DioGuardi.

For an audience so accustomed to the underground and artsy, the Idols Live Tour offers a welcome pop respite. Luckily even the mainstream is beginning to let its queer flag fly. Here’s to the best of both worlds. Let the androgynous heartthrob swooning begin!

– Alley Hector

Who says that the lady lovin’ ladies don’t also love America? Independence day weekend plays host to two nights of queer patriotic partying. Holocene’s staple, Gaycation, proudly pronounces its Gaytriotic theme Friday, July 3, while newcomer Casual Encounters continues the beat Saturday, July 4.

What began as a laid-back Wednesday night jam has turned into a young dyke’s who’s who. In a town where ephemeral queer nights come and go on the whims of a fickle following, Gaycation has survived its toddler stage to be one of the longest-running dance parties. And it just keeps getting stronger.

The proudly Gaytriotic themed event features special guest DJ Girlfriends along with regulars Mr. Charming and Snowtiger. A special performance by electronic sensation BoyJoy rounds out a particularly hot summer vacation. Seth Gottesdiener, the man behind both DJ Girlfriends and BoyJoy, has been exploding all over town lately, and he’s sure to produce sparks when he belts out his tunes and shimmies over his scorching backup dancers.

The fireworks continue the next day at Rotture, where a brand new night opens its arms to our dance-loving community. Casual Encounters is only in its second showing, but the debut, held a week before Pride, was a wild success. Hosted by Erase Errata’s Jenny Hoyston and joined by DJs Automaton (Limited Edition) and Nolita (Fruitcake), this chill Fourth of July BBQ party will get raucous by the end of the evening.

Calling it a fireworks edition bash is more than just thematic, however. Rotture’s dark and intimate space in the eastside industrial area also features one of the best smoking patios in town. Overlooking the Willamette, it’s the perfect place to catch the city’s fireworks extravaganza. And while I’m unsure if the advertised “BBQ on the back deck” is more of a metaphor, or if there really will be hot dogs grillin’ and red, white and blue beer, it’s bound to feel like a real American independence celebration with a couple hundred of your closest friends.

– Alley Hector

Visual art has always had intimate ties with queer communities, but this attribute has historically been one of disavowal. Now a queer sensibility is becoming a voiced aspect of certain shows, such as the recent “Lesbian Art Show” at Fontanelle Gallery. These outward proclamations continue with two exhibits -- yet another Lesbian Art Show at the Q Center that’s up now, and Portraits at Worksound, opening Friday, July 10.

The community-focused Q Center exhibit will show the work of eight local lesbian artists through mixed media including painting, book arts, encaustic, photography, glass and stone, and collage. Among the featured artists: Anita Bigelow, Mari Border, Sierra Briano, Marian Christensen, Marj Greenhut, Ann Hinds, Brigette Sarabi, and Amy Wilson. Curated by Mar Goman, the exhibit is designed primarily to spotlight the work of artists who do not normally show in galleries. The space will also display winners from Just Out’s recent photo contest.

There are two good opportunities to experience the diverse show. The first is during the Mississippi Street Fair, when Q Center hosts an Open House Saturday, July 11. Your next chance is an opening reception and artist meet-and-greet on Sunday, July 26.

The more well-known Mark Woolley is curating his first independent exhibition since the June closure of his downtown venue. Woolley has assembled a talented group of 17 artists to pay tribute to the life and work of curator, photographer, scientist and historian Terry Toedtemeier (1947-2008), who passed away last December. This three-week sojourn into intimate photographic portraiture includes local superstar artists such as Gus Van Sant, Alicia J. Rose, Ann Ploeger, Tim Gunther and Eric Sellers, among many others.

Woolley says of the show, “I can never get enough of truly original photography and this group will not disappoint. Everyone I asked said ‘yes’ and I would have asked Terry Toedtemeier, who we have all agreed would have regarded his striking photographs of basalt monoliths and other geologic wonders ‘portraits’ in the finest sense of the word. I think we’ll still hear Terry’s unforgettable laugh at the opening, but I will miss his superhero bear hug. I only wish I could watch him as he takes in everyone else’s work...”

– Alley Hector

With two big shows this July, the Doug Fir Lounge is the destination for lads and ladies who like to rock out. Texas garage-rock goddesses Girl in a Coma take the stage first on Saturday, July 11, followed by the lesbionic electro-rockers with former members of Le Tigre, ironically titled Men, on Wednesday, July 15.

Released last month, Girl in a Coma’s new record Trio B.C. features tracks produced by Joan Jett and Kenny Laguna as well as Grammy-winning producer Gabe Collins (Gwen Stefani, U2). In guitar-driven power chord fashion, sisters Nina and Phanie Diaz, together with longtime friend and bassist Jenn Alva, bring the best of ‘90s rock without getting mired in grunge nostalgia. Trio B.C., named for the Diaz girls’ grandfather’s tejano band, continues GIAC’s signature sound of punk with tinges of bluegrass, goth-rock and rockabilly in a quite respectable sophomore outing.

The mid-week ventures slightly more into the queer performance art realm, as Men hits the stage alongside local band BoyJoy. The Brooklyn-based art collective drops tunes that carry its riot grrl roots into an electronic melee of funky disco house and punk that overwhelm the brain with abstract but surprisingly danceable beats.

Group members include JD Samson, Michael O’Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi, with contributions from Johanna Fateman and Emily Roysdon. All are deft at making music that is complex, lyrically thoughtful and fun. Coming on the heels of new gay male trio BoyJoy’s sensual steps and rich vocals, your mind and body are likely to combine in an esoteric dance party that just doesn’t stop.

So whether you responds to the rock or the roll, the sound or the spectacle, the cool Doug Fir basement is the place to be during the height of summer.

– Alley Hector