A WEEK on Saturday (January 28) sees a landmark show at Hitchin music venue Club 85, as alternative gay and lesbian club night QueerState celebrates its first birthday in style. We spoke to main man Nick Slack to find out motivates him and what they have

A WEEK on Saturday (January 28) sees a landmark show at Hitchin music venue Club 85, as alternative gay and lesbian club night QueerState celebrates its first birthday in style.

We spoke to main man Nick Slack to find out motivates him and what they have in store.

Nick said: "QueerState is an honest, open, electric celebration of queer diversity, with a dressing up box and a warm, friendly environment.

"Our bi-monthly shows are aimed at queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and funky hetero bunnies, but anyone open minded is welcome!"

Next week's show will be hosted by resident MC Ellie Blue, singer with The Funky Monks.

On the live music front, Hole-influenced, female fronted band Mary-Jane are travelling down from Yorkshire to open (see www.mary-jane.biz) and intelligent anarcho-post-punk rockers Gertrude return, a year on from headlining the first QueerState gig (www.gertruderock.com).

Ending the evening in his own style, playing retro-disco-queercore, is the inimitable DJ Harry Roberts.

Doors to the Whinbush Road music venue (www.club-85.co.uk) open at 7.45pm, and entry is £4. Club 85 is a 16+ venue and ID will be required.

QueerState is always looking for new acts, and bands, DJs, drag artists, stand up comic, contortionists, magicians, etc. can contact queerstate@lycos.co.uk for details.

"A QueerState?" Nick concluded. "It is the only state to be in!"

* Live Circuit is a voluntary organisation that supports North Hertfordshire's original music scene. Visit www.livecircuit.net or email roger@livecircuit.net to subscribe to their gig guide/band news mailing list.