By Donna Sachet–
February’s Divas & Drinks at The Academy honored Black History Month by recognizing Black female leaders in San Francisco and, as it turns out, they are not hard to find. Over 20 outstanding individuals were announced and given our appreciation, demonstrating a dynamic force that is changing this city incredibly. Speaking that night were celebrated published author Jewelle Gomez, CEO of the SF AIDS Foundation Dr. Tyler TerMeer, National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordan, and SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. We remember Michelle Obama talking about growing up without role models who looked like her, but this was a night to reflect on how much has changed, offering Black girls everywhere multiple images of successful Black women and giving hope where little existed before. Each guest received a complimentary raffle ticket and LaTonya Lawson of Celebrity Cruises drew the winning ticket, awarding the winner with a package of luxurious items from her company.
This was one of the first times we have used the new annex to The Academy, giving guests more room to move around, but still providing access to the rest of the club, including the inviting patio. With the addition of a grand piano, this room was perfect for the musical treat of singer Renée Lubin, accompanied by Dr. Dee Spencer. They performed three planned numbers, but were persuaded to add an encore, much to the delight of all assembled. Such a full schedule forced the postponement of our usual Name That Tune game, but DJ Rockaway once again provided great music into the night. We’ll be back on Friday, March 24, with the next Divas & Drinks, a monthly party produced by the San Francisco Bay Times and The Academy that has developed a loyal clientele with its topical themes, crowd-pleasing music, enthusiastic conviviality, and thought-provoking programming.
The Richmond-Ermet Aid Foundation offered another wonderful one-night-only fundraising cabaret on Monday, February 13, this time with the touring cast of Mean Girls. We are always amazed at the dedication of the casts of these shows to come out on their one dark night of the week to raise money, on this night for REAF and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. It must be a treat for them to perform music not from their Broadway show and many of the selections that night were lesser known, but thoroughly entertaining. Such voices and such heart! The show was co-emceed by the hilarious Shawn Ryan and our local diva D’Arcy Drollinger, each of whom performed their own musical number, decked out in eye-popping pink. A short, but lively, auction after the intermission added handsomely to the proceeds for the night.
After the show at the Marines’ Memorial Theatre, VIP guests enjoyed a reception in the lobby with cast members and cocktails swimmingly served by local favorite bartenders Ken Ferraris & Matt McClelland. Among the familiar faces were Joel Goodrich, Mark Calvano, LaTonya Lawson, Beth Schnitzer, Carol Batte, Lawrence Helman, Ludmilla Kisseleva, Lawrence Wu, John Zowine, and Lawrence Wong. It was great to catch up with Ken Henderson & Joe Seiler, who now live in Palm Springs and in addition to continuing these popular events in San Francisco, have begun to host house parties in the desert with great success. Their winning formula of treating guests to well-known singers performing while raising money for great causes seems to have no limit!
We hope you have made your plans for the 58th annual Imperial Coronation weekend! Most events are listed in our adjacent calendar and all of them at the Imperial Council of SF website (https://www.sfimperialcouncil.org/ ). This is your time to shine, when no jewelry is too bold, no gown too elaborate, and no formality too grand, as we celebrate another successful year of fundraising and community engagement led by Emperor Brent Daddy Munro & Empress Ehra Amaya.
We particularly look forward to several production numbers celebrating anniversaries of Emperors and Empresses; they always bring back warm memories of friends and experiences. After sensational entertainment, multiple awards, spectacular promenades, and time-honored pageantry, the results of last Saturday’s public voting will be announced and we’ll crown the new Emperor & Empress of San Francisco. Candidate for Emperor Michael Anthony Chua and candidate for Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro worked hard to secure your votes and we wish them a successful night. Don’t forget the Imperial Court of San Francisco is the Founding, Mother Court, giving birth over these past many decades to over 70 chapters across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. If Our Beloved Founder José Sarria could only see how far we’ve come!
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
Thursday, February 23
Anniversary Monarchs’ Reception
Honoring anniversary celebrants, including Emperors Fred Lewis, Michael Parsons, John Weber, Drew Cutler, & Leandro Gonzales and Empresses Alexis Miranda, Snatch, Cher a Little, Patty McGroin, and Pollo del Mar
The HaRa Club, 875 Geary Street
6:30–8:30 pm
Free!
Friday, February 24
Out-of-Town Show
Entertainment by visiting courtiers
Hyatt Regency SOMA, 50 Third Street
7 pm
$25
Saturday, February 25
Imperial Coronation 58: Rise of the Golden Gods
Step-down of Emperor Brent Daddy Munro & Empress Ehra Amaya
Crowning of new Emperor & Empress
Hyatt Regency SF Downtown SOMA, 50 Third Street
Doors at 5 pm
$70
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Sunday, February 26
Annual Pilgrimage to Colma
Hosted by Brotherhood of Emperors, emceed by Donna Sachet
SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band
Woodlawn Cemetery
Bus departs Hyatt Regency at 8 am
9 am
Free!
Sunday, February 26
Victory Brunch
Hyatt Regency SOMA, 50 Third Street
11:30 am
$30
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on February 23, 2023
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