By Donna Sachet–
As a singer, we are very aware of the dangers that hormones and other body-changing treatments can present to the singing voice. Nevertheless, many brave individuals face those dangers and the potential loss to their own vocal abilities when pursuing their true gender identity. And some emerge from the complicated and difficult process of claiming their true identity with a new and perhaps even more beautiful singing voice.
Never was that point made clearer than at Expansive, the recent showcase of transgender and nonbinary classical artists at A.C.T.’s stunningly refurbished Strand Theater, a collaboration between Opera Parallèle and the Transgender District. Reading their extensive cast bios from the printed program gave us only a glimpse of the journey they have each been on.
Lucas Bouk opened the program with serious and challenging selections from Ralph Vaughan Williams, demonstrating a masterful baritone voice. Queen Angelina followed with more whimsical selections, featuring her lyric voice and considerable talents on the violin, as well as reminding us of her pageant-winning beauty. The third performer was bass-baritone Wilford Kelly, who exuded warmth and emotion with songs by Johannes Brahms, Franz Schubert, and Vaughan Williams.
Each singer then offered a second set, leaning into more current popular music, ending with an Expansive commissioned piece with music by Jay Redmond and lyrics by Kimberly Reed, and a delightful popular finale with the entire cast. Pianist Taylor Chan accompanied each singer with incredible dexterity and musicality. But the icing on the cake was emcee Afrika America who provided humorous banter, pertinent observations, and audience encouragement, while dazzling us with multiple costume changes. We attended with Emperor Michael Chua and can’t say enough about this delightful evening of quality entertainment in a gorgeous setting. This was the third Expansive and we encourage you all to be there next year!
Last Saturday was one of those days packed with events. We started at Hot Johnnie’s on 18th Street, where the hidden, but expansive, rear patio hosted a Garden Party fundraiser for AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP). So many people over the years have benefited from this organization, providing personal assistance in confusing and often life-challenging legal situations. As most of us know, the legal profession has its own language, and having the assistance of a professional lawyer working pro bono can make all the difference in sorting out a complex challenge. Executive Director of ALRP Matt Foreman contacted us some time ago about reviving a fundraising event that had once provided lots of support while entertaining attendees in an outdoor relaxed summer setting. Perhaps you remember those happy afternoons in the courtyard of the Parker House? After some brainstorming, we settled on a small beginning in the Castro and the Garden Party was reborn.
Hot Johnnie’s provided delicious hot and cold brunch items, refreshing drinks, and a tented patio, which shielded us from an unexpected splatter of mid-day rain. ALRP Board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters gathered, most dressed with a nod to the theme. We shared some stories from our history with this organization and then led a quick auction of three items and awarded a cash prize for best Garden Party hat. From Saturday’s small beginning, we are confident that this event will grow into a delightful annual ALRP fundraiser.
After a quick costume change, we next headed to one of our favorite spots, The Academy SF, where a group of members and other supporters had gathered for a party supporting the Legends Archive. Each year since their founding, Paul Miller and Nate Bourg have selected an individual whom they designate a Legend, announced at a gala event later in the fall, including musical entertainment and additional awards in multiple categories. Previous Legend honorees have included Sister Roma, Juanita MORE!, Dr. Tim Seelig, Graylin Thornton, and Peter Berlin, all of whom have left to The Academy some item reflecting themselves that will forever enshrine them there. This fall’s event will be on Friday, November 15, where we will humbly receive this great acknowledgement at the Swedish American Hall next-door with a post-party back at The Academy SF. Mark your calendars now for this fun evening with a wide variety of San Francisco’s most active and engaged leaders. Thank you to The Academy.
As Vice President and now Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris continues to capture the public’s attention and as our friendship with her has been documented here in the Bay Times and elsewhere, we have received a number of questions. Have we heard that boisterous laugh in person? Yes. Had we heard the coconut story before? No. Were we ever in a helicopter with her, Willie Brown, or Donald Trump? Certainly not! While we don’t pretend to be her best friend or even in her close circle, we are confident that Kamala Harris will make an incredible President of the United States and we wish her all the best throughout the campaign and into The White House.
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
Sunday, August 25
Gina La Divina Memorial
Community Tribute to a
Legendary Performer
Oasis, 298 11th Street
2 pm
Free!
www.sfoasis.com
Friday, August 30
Divas & Drinks
Bay Times event
at The Academy SF
Sainting of Leslie Sbrocco by the
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Music from Renée Lubin,
Dee Spencer & DJ Rockaway
Hosted by Donna Sachet
The Academy SF, 2166 Market
Street
6–10 pm
$15
https://bit.ly/4fwZHI0
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on August 22, 2024
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