By Donna Sachet–
When the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus said The Brits Are Coming, they weren’t kidding! Their latest concert, Friday, March 22, staged at Davies Symphony Hall to a packed house, included music with all kinds of British connections along with eye-popping choralography, hilarious antics, and several nods to the Queen herself. Never losing sight of their reputation for musical excellence, there were several numbers filled with technical perfection and emotional power, especially as sung by talented soloists from among the chorus, but the crazy mash-ups and popular sing-alongs brought the house down. Artistic Director Tim Seelig continues to take this 300-strong chorus to new heights and popularity. The future looks bright for SFGMC with the recent announcement that they are purchasing an Art Deco building that will become their new, stable headquarters and also will provide new opportunities for other performing arts groups as an LGBTQ Arts Center. Get your tickets now for the final concerts of their 41st season June 21 and 22 at the Sydney Goldstein Theater (formerly Nourse Theater) when they salute drag in all of its many forms! Queens pays homage to drag queens during this 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and includes appearances from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the Imperial Court of San Francisco and the Council of Grand Dukes and Duchesses. It all sounds too glamorous for words!
Disco Coalition at Lookout is off to a roaring start! March 29 was the night of the first in a series of thirteen weekly parties hosted by a local luminary, honoring historic heroes and raising money for San Francisco causes generously matched by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Hostess Juanita More! packed the place with happy people as disco music evoked a golden age of nightlife; the graphic artwork created for this event by Colton Long was outstanding. We caught up with Dan O’Leary & Jonathan Teel, Bill Bulkley, Princess K, Chris Knight, Nic Hunter and a wide variety of folks. Future hosts include Grace Towers, BeBe Sweetbriar, Sister Roma, Mercedez Munro and Christopher Vasquez. Chris Hastings has everything in place for thirteen weeks of community fun and successful fundraising. You now have a reliable place to stop every Friday!
We note here the closing of another bar considered by many to be unique in its historical support of the transgender community in the heart of the Tenderloin. By the time you read this, Diva’s will have joined The Gangway, Marlena’s, Lily’s, The Giraffe, Rendezvous, Pendulum and so many others by closing its doors and fading into history. We surprised Alexis Miranda, Absolute Empress XXXIII, manager, and bartender there, last Thursday for the happy hour she had named Therapy, frequented by a loyal group of friends. Although we arrived well after 6 pm, we understand that Diva’s was visited that day by Mark Leno, Bevan Dufty, Marlena and many others. At the bar for the final minutes of Alexis’ happy hour were Coy & Sal Meza, Emma Peel, Diana Wheeler and others. We’ve all discussed the impact of the closing of iconic businesses, but that night we were more hit by the personal loss involved as jobs are eliminated and lives are in upheaval.
So, in keeping with that subject, get out there and support the businesses you like! Eat, drink, shop and indulge at businesses that support our community. Next time you hear of an imminent closing, consider when you last spent money there. One of your most powerful tools, next to your vote, is your wallet!
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
Every Sunday
Sunday’s a Drag!
10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show
The Starlight Room
Sir Francis Drake Hotel
$75 inclusive
https://starlightroomsf.com/sundays-a-drag
Every Friday
SF Disco Coalition
5–8 pm
The Lookout
3600 16th Street
New weekly benefit with different hosts each week
http://www.lookoutsf.com/
Saturday, April 13
SF LGBTQ Community Center’s Soirée
5–11:30 pm
Terra Gallery
511 Harrison Street
Entertainment Director: Juanita More!
https://sfcenter.org/
Sunday, April 14
Joe Mac’s Annual Easter Bonnet Sale
Noon
440 Castro
You’ve never seen millinery like this!
http://www.the440.com/
Sunday, April 14
Imperial Court Investiture
6–9 pm
Calle 11
1501 Folsom Street
Court of Marvel, History, Re-Connection, & Fun
http://www.imperialcouncilsf.org/
Monday, April 15
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence 40th Anniversary Celebration
7–9 pm
Strut
470 Castro Street
Including exhibit of Ramon Vidali’s portraits of Sisters
FREE
https://bit.ly/2ODSSbw
Sunday, April 21
Easter in the Park: The Sisters’ 40th Anniversary
Noon–5 pm
Dolores Park
Celebrate Easter like no one else!
FREE
https://www.thesisters.org/
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