By Donna Sachet—
Cliche as it may sound, Diana Ross has always entranced us as a singer, actress, and timeless show person. From her triumphant Central Park, New York City, concert to starring roles in Mahogany, Lady Sings the Blues, and The Wiz, Diana Ross has been the soundtrack of our lives and perhaps that of our generation. On Tuesday, September 1, she brought her national tour to Napa, and we were there! Having seen her live and in concert four times before—in New York, Atlanta, Dallas, and San Francisco—we imagined this was our final opportunity to witness the consummate showmanship of this living diva, who at 82 is still releasing new music and appearing in this comprehensive national concert tour.
As expected, the Napa venue was smaller than most, nestled inside a hotel courtyard and offering unusual proximity. We joined our loyal friend Julian Marshburn, Napa friend Cynthia May, and her friend Jacob Sanson, who all seemed to share our admiration for Miss Ross, although seeing her there for the very first time. Running short on time, we swept into the venue and quickly found our premium seats at a table as the music swelled, the audience sighed, and Miss Ross entered to a flurry of swirling white lights.
Her entire band and backup chorus were dressed in white to coordinate with Miss Ross’s sparkling white gown. Song after song evoked musical memories, and we joined most of the audience in standing for most of the concert. As is her habit, she spoke directly to the audience between numbers, frequently thanking them for years of support, and as has become her custom, she eventually introduced the most musical of her children, Tracee Ellis Ross, with whom she sang and to whom she then surrendered the stage for several solos. Of course, we all knew a costume change was in the works, and sure enough, out she came in a golden gown singing songs from her film career.
An hour and fifteen minutes passed like a trance, and Miss Ross exited stage right as the crowd went wild with cries of “Encore!” We didn’t have to wait very long before she emerged in a black pantsuit for her final number, “B.U.” And, in a flurry, the crowd dispersed, and Diana Ross had once again confirmed for us her eternal spot in musical divadom. Throughout, the joy she expressed on stage was contagious. Her energy and timing are incomparable. Her figure remains elegant and statuesque, giving whatever she wears an unmistakable look. Perhaps most remarkable was when she introduced a few songs from her newest album. That’s right; at 82 years old, she is releasing a new album with new music, and her personal excitement was refreshing. Headlining performers come and go, but Diana Ross has earned a very special place on the international stage and we were so happy to experience her magic one more time. Brava, Miss Ross, from one of your biggest fans!
As attentive readers know from the last issue of this publication, the Bay Times was awarded the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists’ 2026 Legacy Award to recognize an outlet, publication, or news organization that has exhibited innovative, high-quality, and sustained news coverage of the LGBTQ+ community over an extended period of time. On September 12, a Saturday night, we were there to witness the award ceremony at the conclusion of this year’s National Convention at the Hyatt Embarcadero. Co-Publishers Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas graciously invited all of their writers and personnel to take the stage with them when the actual award was announced, and through a generous gift from Tom LeNoble, a recent addition to the collection of columnists for the paper, everyone who wanted to attend was able to be there.
When the Association President announced the Legacy Award, Founding News Editor of the Bay Times, Randy Alfred, led our group—including Betty, Jennifer, Bill Lipsky, Beth Schnitzer, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Rink, Joanie Juster, Marcy Adelman, Suzanne Ford, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis, Bill Wilson, Michael Kirschner, Chris Michaelson, Lou Fischer and her wife Amy Meyers, Warren Alderson & Steve Scheitlin, Michael Quick, Juan Davila, Miguel Lopez, Leticia Lopezz, Karen Bardsley, Abby Zimberg, Linda Phillips, and Dawn Dzurilla—for the acceptance. Randy spoke briefly and proudly, cameras flashed, and the audience gave us a warm reception. Only after reading the last issue of the Bay Times and speaking to Randy, who was also a founding board member of the Association, did we fully appreciate the significance of this recognition from our peers around the country. Please join us in congratulating everyone associated with the Bay Times on this distinct and well-deserved 2026 Legacy Award.
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Friday–Sunday, September 25–27
SF Grand Ducal Weekend
The Century Club of California
1355 Franklin Street
6 pm $80 & up
www.sfducal.org
Saturday, September 26
Magnitude
Official Folsom Dance Party
Hosted by Brian Kent
SVN West
10 South Van Ness
9 pm–2 am
$110 & up
https://bit.ly/3SWZNSP
Sunday, September 27
Folsom Street Fair
Enjoy!
www.folsomstreet.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on September 24, 2026
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