Join the ladies as they take over Cobblestone on Friday night

There are few enough gay bars around the city, but there is only one (count it, one) lesbian bar. In October 2012, three women—Tee Fregeaux, Christina Holdsworth, and Dana Fauth—decided that since there was a lack of choices for them, they would create choices for themselves.

The Ambush is a “roaming group” that plans free monthly happy hours on the third Friday of every month at different straight bars.. Why the name? Well, the concept is simple: Bring together the lesbian community and anyone else who wants to celebrate equality from place to place. What started off as an idea quickly turned into a cause, which is now a movement celebrating the lesbian community here.

Why go to straight bars?

“It’s not about coming into a place and being like ‘Here we are,’” says Fregeaux. “It’s about bringing the community together—lesbians of course, but everyone else, too. The message is simple: Leave the baggage at the door. It’s about having a good time, a safe time, and a fun time.”

The Ambush has grown to draw 200-300 people per happy hour event, and the demand keeps growing. It just so happened that Pride Weekend needed an opening act, so this Friday, May 31, marks the first ever Ambush Pride Party. For just $10, the Ambush is taking over the Cobblestone (130 South Park Avenue).

“We are all about promoting local bands, artists and DJs, but in addition we are spreading out wings and reaching out nationally,” Fregeaux says. “This party is all about making awareness a broad movement—bringing outsiders on the inside.”

The lineup includes local bands Reign and the Stamp Lickers, DJs Milk and Yama, MC and local comedian Kristen Becker, as well as Jenny Wilson and the Drag Kings and the Boom Boom Bettys, LA-based solo artist Bitch, and Texas-based hip-hop group God-des and She.

“It’s awesome that we’re fortunate enough to have national acts coming in to support what we’re trying to do here in Buffalo,” Fregaux says. “This is just the start. It’s all about thinking outside of the box.”

With the help of major sponsors Pabst Blue Ribbon and Buffalo Womenservices, the first ever Ambush Pride Party is sure to be a success. It’ll be hard to miss the huge tent outside, the stage, the music, and the demonstration of unity.

For more information, visit ambushbuffalo.com.