By Donna Sachet–
The Golden State Warriors once again saluted the LGBTQ+ Community with a Pride Night early in their season on Friday, October 21. We joined our good friend Rusty Best at the Accenture-sponsored dinner at STEM first, where local ABC-TV anchor Reggie Aqui emceed a short program, highlighting the youth programs of the LGBT Community Center. The actual NBA trophy was on prominent display. Among those dining were Carolyn Wysinger, Suzanne Ford, and Nguyen Pham. A short walk then took us to Chase Center where the crowds poured in for the game, as the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band played in the plaza. Included in the entertainment on the court was a half-time performance by CHEER SF and frequent visual displays all around the court saluted our community. Although a competitive and exciting game, our team missed the win. We hope that the next Pride Night at Chase Center features more talent from our creative community and is announced with more notice so that more people can plan to attend.
This month’s Divas & Drinks at the Academy celebrated local film expert and our long-time friend Jan Wahl. From the moment she arrived, she was surrounded by supporters, admirers, and just plain fans, anxious to glean her take on the current motion picture business. Coma Te of the San Francisco Arts Commission, Elizabeth Lanyon of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and Nguyen Phamrepresenting Frameline all had special presentations, concluding with our own short musical tribute. Since we wore a hat decorated with musical notes that was a gift from Jan, it only seemed right to add our own voice to the others. But the heart of the program was a brisk interview of the guest of honor by the most photographed nun in the world Sister Roma. Her natural skills in front of an audience never cease to amaze us and this interview gave Jan every opportunity to share her love of film, her wealth of cinematic knowledge, and her long and sincere affiliation with the LGBTQ+ Community. We all learned more about this local legend and came to love her more and as the highest bidders in the live auction benefiting Frameline, Mary Conde and David Landis each won a private lunch at the legendary Trident in Sausalito with Jan, who promises to dish the Hollywood dirty, as only she can.
After a quick break, it was time for Name That Tune, this time between Team Another Planet and Team Bank of the West. DJ Rockaway preselected tunes with connections to film, adding a particular challenge to the game, but Team Bank of the West emerged victorious, thanks to a few carefully permitted hints from Jan herself. The crowd danced into the night, enjoying Bacardí cocktails in the lovely and welcoming atmosphere of The Academy.
Halloween is not always a holiday we celebrate, especially after the sad demise of the spectacular Castro Street parties of some time ago, but feeling the relief of emerging from the pandemic and in the excellent company of visiting Michael Loftis, we donned costumes and hit the town. First stop on Friday was Juanita MORE!’s birthday bash at her exhibit at the War Memorial Building, where she and Mr. David held court over a bustling group of celebrants, many in costume. For the purposes of this column, Halloween costumes present a particular challenge since the identities of many are hard to determine. Even we confused some who know us quite well by departing from our customary red and sporting neon green! From there, we headed back to The Academy for their pirate-themed party. Nearly half the guests there had followed host Paul Miller’s suggestion and evoked pirate-related themes. The momentum carried us on to the Castro, where more costumes and cocktails awaited.
The following night, we changed into different costumes and started at a private party at the historic home of John Newmeyer. Again, nearly half the guests wore some form of costume and John offered his always perfect hospitality. By the time we got to the bars in the Castro, the streets had exploded with Halloween garb, as SF Police patrolled carefully. It was hard not to compare the scene to former heydays with solid blocks of outlandish and creative outfits, but we relished the celebration nonetheless.
Sunday night found us in the charming company of Erika Atkinson at the storied Venetian Room of the Fairmont Hotel for the first in the Bay Area Cabaret series, now in its seventh year under the careful direction of creator Marilyn Levinson. In the lobby, we caught up with our host Jon Finck, Carolyne Zinko, Joel Goodrich, Don Berger, Patrick & Hossein Carney, David Landis, and several other music lovers. We anxiously awaited the performance of singer Meow Meow, formerly with Pink Martini and now enjoying widespread popularity across the country, as well as in Berlin, London, and Paris, with an unusual repertoire of original songs and rarely performed gems. Uniquely suited to this Halloween weekend, she conjured a mesmerizing set of song, physical comedy, and audience-engaging entertainment. Beyond her glamorous image and amusing props, she demonstrated an amazingly versatile voice and rare stage presence. We left thoroughly charmed by a very talented performer, new to us, and can’t wait for the rest of the Bay Area Cabaret series though 2023, featuring Carole J. Bufford in January, Catherine Russell in February, Julie Benko and Jason Yeager in April, and John Pizzarelli in May.
Outstanding entertainment in a luxurious, historic setting? How can one go wrong?
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, November 4
Mighty Real: PRC’s annual gala
Cocktails, dinner, awards, auction
Latrice Royal, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and Brett Andrews
Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom
6 pm–10:30 pm
$100 & up
Saturday, November 12
The Academy’s Legends Awards
Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market Street
Awarding Graylin Thornton, emcee Sister Roma
6:30 pm
$25 & up
https://www.academy-sf.com/
Through November 12
Juanita: 30 Years of MORE!
Fashion & History Exhibit
SF Art Commission Main Gallery, War Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness
Noon–5 pm
Free!
https://www.sfartscommission.org/
Sunday, November 13
SF Grand Ducal Council Investiture: Out of This World
Grand Duke Gregg Starr & Grand Duchess Kelly Rose
OMG Club, 43 6th Street
3 pm
$25
https://www.sfducal.org/
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on November 3, 2022
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