Feb. 23 

"Girls on Film" is not a replay of the oh-so-sexy R-rated Duran Duran video of the '80s, but the title of Kerry Israel's black and white photo show which closes at the Paradise Lounge Gallery. tonight Friday Feb. 23. And what's she's shot are not exactly girls, but boys being girls, better known as drag queens. Says Israel: "Most people see drag as four-inch platforms and sequins, but when you go behind the scenes and really examine it, it's about redefining gender and becoming someone different. The idea of applying gender as quickly and easily as one applies a new shade of lipstick or coat of mascara is one I find very intriguing. While the sense of whimsy we anticipate with drag is certainly there, I was also able to see a certain vulnerability in the genderless-ness during the transistion. And I was immediately taken by the harmony of the masculine and the feminine, and how beautiful it was." We've got a little experience with drag - not in drag, but hanging with drag queens. We spent a lovely night with one in a Miami Beach club; our fiancee wrote a play with a drag queen in the lead, and we loved the British movie, "Kinky Boots." So, I guess you could say we have an affinity and a fascination - this from a guy who bascially dresses like Lou Reed most of the time. Anyway, the Wednesday opening is free and there will also be live drag performances and dj work from Mr. Channing. The exhibit is up through Feb. 23. Check the website below to see who's playing on any particular night and match up the gig and the show.

969 Commonwealth Ave., 617-562-8800 thedise.com