By Donna Sachet–
By the time you read this column, Donna Sachet’s Songs of the Season hosted by Brian Kent will be a memory, but we hope many of you were able to share in this cherished annual event reinvigorated by this partnership with a very talented and generous friend. We owe such gratitude to the many who kept this tradition alive for 25 years and now to those who participated in this new version benefiting PRC. From performers and promoters to sponsors and audience members, you stepped up enthusiastically and made our dream come true once more. We join Brian in thanking all who made it possible.
As most of you know, for me the holiday season has never been about overtly religious ideas. Stories of winged angels, virgin births and wandering wise men are for others to tell. We like to share the miracles of generous angels among us, the origins of incredible organizations doing vital work every day, and creative men and women who take care of each other and keep our community flourishing. If the twinkling lights, bustling stores and age-old songs of the holiday season can pull on our heartstrings enough to stimulate a wave of generosity, kindness and altruism, then let’s welcome this season with open arms! In this column you’ll read of events and people who amaze us all, but don’t just be amazed … be inspired!
Be inspired to find your own way to contribute, to participate, to lead a fractured world to a better place. Every one of us can find an hour here or there to volunteer in some capacity to help ensure that existing organizations have the power they need to continue providing vital services. Every one of us can write a check of some size or donate a dollar or two and to think for a moment beyond our own particular needs.
And every one of us can pick an event or two, many of them free or inexpensive, to attend and thereby support the efforts of creative people, keeping entertainment and variety alive and well. Few can do all of those things, but all of us can do something. Don’t get so wrapped up in your own individual situation that you are blinded to the needs of others and to how easy it is to make a difference in a life, in an organization and in a community. And along the way, you just might make new friends, find new talents and perhaps witness your very own holiday miracle!
Tenderloin Tessie’s Holiday Dinners were envisioned by an Empress of the Imperial Court years ago and continue on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter every year. Supported totally by volunteers and merchant contributions, these dinners serve those often overlooked or below the radar living in the Tenderloin neighborhood. Although it seems every new administration takes aim at improving the living conditions in this swath of the City, very little appears to change, leaving a population with limited means fending for themselves in a hostile environment. This Empress came from that neighborhood and created these dinners to make a small difference, not only providing free food for the hungry, but also a little bit of holiday cheer along the way. We heard of friends in the Imperial Court and far beyond helping out on Thanksgiving by cooking, serving, greeting and generally making people feel special.
And one of the primary annual fundraisers for the Tenderloin Tessie’s Holiday Dinners is coming up on Friday, November 30, 7 pm, at First Congregational Church,1300 Polk Street. This Christmas Cabaret Spectacular, hosted by songstress Vanessa Bousay and president of Tenderloin Tessie Dinners Michael Gagne, brings together a bevy of entertainers in a spirited show for the whole family.
Then, on Monday, December 3, the Tree of Hope, a community project of the Rainbow World Fund for thirteen years, moves from City Hall to Grace Cathedral. This spectacular tree sparkles with white lights and is covered with folded origami cranes, each inscribed with a wish for the world from an individual. In the past, we’ve received cranes from everyday citizens, local children, national performers, international leaders and elected officials. We’ll be emceeing a full program that night starting at 6:30 pm with music from the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, pianist Tammy Hall, Lauren Meyer of 42nd Street Moon’s Dames at Sea, and more. Special guests Heklina, the Deputy Consul General of Japan, origami artist Linda Mihara, Rainbow World Fund Founder Jeff Cotter, the Very Reverend Dean of Grace Cathedral Malcom C. Young and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will all be on hand. Did we mention that this event is free? Bask for an evening in the beauty of Grace Cathedral at this annual event that embraces the rich diversity of our community.
On Thursday, December 6, 8 pm, Drag Queens on Ice returns to the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. After nine years, we have built quite a following with special guests like Sister Roma and Juanita MORE! attending, as well as throngs of tourists on site and viewing from Macy’s and other windows facing Union Square. This truly only-in-San Francisco event will feature performances by Dusty Porn, Muthachucka, Kylie Minono, Kylie Pop, BeBe Sweetbriar, Tara Lipsynki, Paju Munro and Mahlae Balenciaga. Once again, we’ll be the drag queen on the mic, not on the ice!
The Richmond/Ermet Lipsyncki Aid Foundation has been hosting Help is on the Way cabaret productions for over twenty years, bringing top notch entertainment to San Francisco while raising money for a variety of charitable causes. In addition to their annual event, they enlist the support of touring Broadway shows for special one-night-only performances with the traveling casts, often featuring music not from that particular show. All of their events offer an after-party with the cast where you can get up close and personal with a variety of Broadway, television and other popular performers.
Another favorite event of REAF is Help is on the Way for the Holidays, this year on Monday, December 10, 7:30 pm, at Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street. Performers include Constantine Maroulis, Maureen McGovern, Darius Anthony Harper, Camilla Backman, Jai Rodriquez, Mikalah Gordon, Shawn Ryan, Paula West, Debby Holiday, Sharon McNight, Rodney Earl Jackson, Jr., and Jessica Coker. With a line-up like that, how could you go wrong?
In the midst of the holiday season, we hope you’ll attend live entertainment events; the arts have always been a cornerstone of San Francisco and the LGBT Community’s has much to offer, including the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, Lesbian & Gay Freedom Band, Lesbian/Gay Chorus, New Conservatory Theatre and so many more. Don’t get trapped in the virtual world of the internet, television or other isolating illusions. Get out of the house and into the thriving LGBT Community’s bars, restaurants and special events! You won’t regret it!
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
Friday, November 30
Tenderloin Tessie Christmas Cabaret Spectacular
7 pm
First Congregational Church of SF, 1300 Polk Street
$25
https://www.facebook.com/events/529987974102191/
Saturday, December 1
Fauxgirls Final Show!
8 pm
Encore Karaoke Lounge, 1550 California Street
Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/255452441809392/
Monday, December 3
World Tree of Hope Tree Lighting
6:30–8:30 pm
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street
Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/747259702274651/
Thursday, December 6
Drag Queens on Ice
8–9 pm
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Free
https://www.facebook.com/events/1777242569242270/
Monday, December 10
Help is on the Way for the Holidays XVII
7:30 pm
Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter Street
$60 & up
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/help-is-on-the-way-for-the-holidays-xvii-tickets-49458383356
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