We attended a marvelous new production of La Boheme at the War Memorial Opera House recently in the delightful company of John Brosnan, Chad McLaughlin, and Kevin Lisle. The sets were creative, the costumes beautiful, the singing impressive, and the interpretation intriguing and convincing. Just to be in the Opera House is always a treat, especially since its complete renovation. Few cities can boast of such a wonderful home for such an incredibly talented group of performers! Treat yourself to an opera during the holiday season!
The birthday party of Marlena, the Magnificent, Absolute Empress XXV of San Francisco, was a sparkling celebration of friends and admirers at Twin Peaks Tavern last week. Marlena looked marvelous after a recent bout of bad health and personally greeted every guest.
Beyond the locals, Terry Sidie of Sacramento arrived with a coterie of friends from the State's capital. It all ended with the guest of honor blowing out two candles on a lush cake and thanking all for their love and support. Never count Marlena out of the picture; she has many more years of community involvement ahead of her!
The next day, the Imperial Council kicked off the latest Mr. Cowboy/Miss Cowgirl Contest, where interested parties sell raffle tickets to win the title. Thousands of dollars have been raised over the years with this simple formula, often leading to actively involved title-holders who went on to become important community leaders. Watch for the two candidates out and about selling raffle tickets and give them your support. The finale is on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Balancoire, 2565 Mission, from 4-7PM.
On Saturday, it was time to turn our attention to a canine friend who recently underwent serious and expensive surgery, none other than Harry, the dog companion of Gary Virginia! The Edge hosted a raucous afternoon of silent auction, raffle prizes, and performances all to help defer the expenses of his recent operation. Friends of Harry and Gary gathered from far and wide and the event ended with a chorus of Hello, Harry, led by this very columnist. It always feels good the see the community unite, if even just for an afternoon, in support of a friend and activist.
One of the most unique annual events in our community is Light in the Grove, a beautifully serene display within the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. We attended last Sunday night with Gary Virginia and marveled at the dramatically lit ancient trees, fog draped waterways, sparkling lights in branches suggestive of fire-flies, and the Circle of Remembrance luminous with candlelight.
A candlelight display at the National AIDS Memorial Grove's gala.
photo: courtesy Paul Margolis/ OurTownSF.org
After a leisurely stroll, we arrived at the huge, clear tent, filled with attendees enjoying passed and buffet food, cocktails, and camaraderie. It obviously took a tremendous team to pull this event off and they are all to be congratulated, particularly under the suddenly rainy conditions that preceded that night.
We know for a fact that Randy Schiller and his team were struggling in the mud for days in order to create this magical environment and those tireless efforts paid off. Co-Chairs Dan Bernal and Tom Raffin started the program with music from popular local singer Tim Hockenberry and then proceeded to give the microphone to Executive Director John Cunningham, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Wells Fargo's Mario Diaz to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler of the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation.
What fitting recipients! Their acceptance speeches were full of gratitude and humility. Even the downpour during the program could not dampen the spirits of these attendees, including Tim Seelig of the SF Gay Men's Chorus, Brett Andrews and Joe Tuohy of Positive Resource Center, Mike Smith of AIDS Emergency Fund, Beth Schnitzer, Susan Magley, Tom Taylor, Andrew Freeman, B.J. Stiles & Steven McCollom, Jeff Doney & Xavier Caylor, and Tom Nolan. There are many annual fundraisers, but make sure to include this one in your schedule next year for the great cause, for the splendid party, and for the incredible visual presentation.
La Boheme at San Francisco Opera.
We emceed the lighting of the Castro holiday tree a few days ago and if the enthusiastic crowd is any indication, this neighborhood is in for a record-breaking holiday season of sales. Check out the newly improved Castro for all your shopping, drinking, eating, and other pleasures!
We remind you again of a new and ambitious party this Saturday, Dec. 6, at Beatbox called Believe: SF Gay Nightlife Gives Back! Bring an unwrapped toy and some cash to support the Marines' Toys for Tots Foundation and enjoy an evening of music and friendship. All your friends will be there, so why not show up yourself?
Then, there's the REAF Help is on the Way for the Holidays on Mon., Dec. 8, at Marines Memorial Theatre, Drag Queens on Ice on Thurs., Dec. 11, in Union Square, SF Gay Men's Chorus' Dancer, Prancer, & Vixen holiday concerts Fri. and Sat., Dec. 12 & 13, and the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band's Dance Along Nutcracker on Sat. and Sun., Dec. 13 & 14, at Yerba Buena Center.
And save a little energy for the 5, 7, and 9 pm Christmas Eve concerts of the Gay Men's Chorus at the Castro Theatre. We know this time of year can be exhausting, but you always have January to rest up! Happy Holidays to all!