SF Opera hosted its Pride Night on June 18 with a stunning performance of Don Giovanni. The night wrapped up with a fast-paced and very entertaining drag show starring Mercedez Munro, Paju Munro, BeBe Sweetbriar, Laundra Tyme, and Cassidy LeBlance.No wonder they are some of the busiest gals in town their talent that night was amazing! We applaud Celso and Chris’ commitment to producing distinctive clothing with attention to the community. The outdoor garden proved the perfect place for the crowd to ogle this line and the models. Glitter Worthy, the creation of Celso Dulay & Chris Knight,hosted a dazzling fashion show at The Academy on June 17 to showcase their latest creations of whimsical, yet topical novelty tees, jackets, jogging ensembles, and more. The most highly anticipated guest performer was Renée Lubin of Beach Blanket Babylon fame who brought the house down with a haunting Miss Celie’s Blues and a rousing tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.We rounded the night out with sing-alongs to favorite cinema songs while deftly managing multiple costume changes. Midway through the concert, solo instrumentalist and singers provided a true cabaret feeling, including vocalist Mike Wong from the band, and a lively auction included a handmade quilt donated by Judy Sims Billings, the sister of the creator of the band, Jon Sims.
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Spotlight on Hollywood gave the band a chance to explore the many theme songs and mood music behind popular films and they never sounded better! The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts provided high ceilings for wonderful full sound, but intimate cabaret tables and lighting for a more personal experience. The following night, June 11, we had the great privilege of performing with the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band under the baton of Guest Artistic Director Dee Spencer. Didn’t Amy Winehouse and Judy have a lot in common? It was delightful trip down memory lane! The audience swooned to every popular song and even a few written well after her demise, but somehow terribly appropriate. Russell Deason started off singing and playing the keyboard, we emceed and hosted, but the evening belonged to incredible performer Connie Champagne as Judy Garland, accompanied by Katy Stephan. In case you missed the memo, Judy Garland would have been 100 years old this year and so The Academy hosted a coterie of “Friends of Dorothy” for a fun evening on June 10. His candid and unabashed acceptance speech drew complete attention and thunderous applause. The highlight of the evening, notwithstanding an unexpected fire alarm that required a quick evacuation and regrouping, was the presentation of the Selisse Berry Legacy Award by Selisse herself to Co-Founder of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, Joe Hawkins. We were proud to see friends Brett Andrews, Craig Zodikoff, Michele Bettencourt, Akirra Jackson, Sean Livingston, and Gayle Roberts among the many honorees. It was a veritable Who’s Who of the business world and the networking was non-stop. The Business of Pride at the Four Seasons Hotel on June 9 celebrated the many companies and individuals in the Bay Area that set themselves apart with LGBTQ+ sensitive programs, affiliate groups, and positive action.
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Paige Fou Fou Ha, and Helena Levin entertained the crowd, but the showstopper was Executive Director Michael Armentrout in red heels to encourage bidding on the auction and other donations.
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Performers FC Sierra, Amelia Anna Quintet, Marcus J. This residential care facility has long provided compassionate care for those living with AIDS and is now addressing the unique needs of those undergoing gender transformation. Sister Roma hosted Heels for Hope, on June 4, an engaging variety show at Marines’ Memorial Theatre with a full house, benefiting Maitri. To quote a line from the musical Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over!” By the time June arrived, we were so glad that those plans out of town never came about. Then, SF Pride announced that we would have a Parade & Celebration! Within weeks, related events were scheduled, virtual activities were converted to in-person, and the excitement of returning to active socialization became contagious.
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The lingering pall of the pandemic, although briefly promising a respite, left little hope of a month like those we have cherished for so many years, celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community in all its beautiful diversity. Way back in February, when we looked at the upcoming calendar for June, we seriously considered planning a trip out of town.