Comments (1) Best Lesbian Dance Night - 2006

"Beat Box"

Back in 2000, DJs DNR and China G were bored with a lesbian club scene that seemed to play only hip hop, house, and Latin tunes. Determined to imbue the dyke-dance world with some much-needed oomph, the ladies started "Rebel Girl," a bimonthly event at which they could spin female-fronted rock, punk, '80s pop, and old-school hip hop acts. In November of that year, the duo moved "Rebel Girl" to 26 Mix and also started "Bad Reputation," a night that includes male singers. After 3 1/2 successful years of regular events, the organizers decided to scale back and hold only the occasional party. Last year, the pair put on two huge nights at Rickshaw Stop under the name "Beat Box," which combined "Rebel Girl" and "Bad Reputation." Featuring a wild party atmosphere, live lesbionic rock bands, and an upbeat mix of artists old and new — from Le Tigre and Stereo Total to Joan Jett and the Lords of Acid, from the Killers and Bloc Party to New Order and the Ramones — "Beat Box" is now the city's wildest, giddiest lesbian shindig. We only wish it happened more often.