Shandy and The QUIVR join forces so queer Brisbane dance party can still go ahead virtually

With nightclubs and music venues now closed as part of tough restrictions in an attempt to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, those who have been impacted by these closures are now coming up with innovative solutions to still provide for their respective communities. One such innovative solution comes from regular Brisbane queer dance clubnight SHANDY, which was set to celebrate its first birthday this weekend.

"We can’t in good conscience gather together members of our beloved local queer community and put you and your loved ones at risk," Shandy said online. "However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be a party! It’s just gonna look a bit different to what we all had planned."

Teaming up with live streaming community THE QUIVR, Shandy is set to still go ahead this weekend in the form of a live-stream, so now would-be punters can practice safe social-distancing while still getting down with their community.

"Do your part to ~flatten the curve~ and have a fabulous night-in with a couple hundred other queers moving and grooving in front of screens."

Broadcasting via The QUIVR's Twitch channel, the broadcast will be free and those who are in a position to do so can make a donation towards the artists and venues via a GoFundMe set up by Shandy.

Kicking off from 6pm this Saturday night, the livestream will include performances by Sellma Soul, Lulu Lemans and Alex Xand, while DJs Hannah D, Benzo and Sweaty Baby will be holding it down with the selections.

"While this wasn’t what anyone had planned," Shandy organisers said, "When life gives you lemons, we reckon you oughta make some lemonade – and if you pour that into a beer: you’ve got yourself a Shandy."

SHANDY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

28 March, 6pm-12am, 18+

Sellma Soul

Lulu Lemans

Alex Xand

Hannah D

Benzo

Sweaty Baby

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Words by Emma Jones