By Donna Sachet–
The Reign of Emperor Michael Anthony Chua & Empress Cameron Stiehl-Munro is off to a fantastic start after Investiture 2023- An Enchanted Evening at DNA Lounge. The Monarchs kept the audience fully entertained with fantasy numbers inspired by Disney movies and musicals, complete with elaborate costumes and magical surprises. Court titles were distributed apace, including new Imperial Crown Prince Dennis Hendricks & Imperial Crown Princess Bernadette Bubbles, both familiar faces who will work side by side with the Emperor & Empress all year. Watch for an active year of fundraising and fun-raising!
Crescendo, the annual gala of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, followed the same night at the Four Seasons Hotel and was packed with supporters of this first openly Gay chorus in the world. As many loyal readers will remember, we were born at a retreat of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus some decades ago and this group will always hold a special place in our heart. The evening began with cocktails and guests, including Rebecca Rolfe of the LGBT Community Center, photographer Randall Whitehead, Supervisor Raphael Mandelman, Jeff Doney & Adam Thier, Honey Mahogany, and APE’s Mary Conde, spilled out onto the spacious patio with stunning San Francisco views.
Inside the sparkling ballroom, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi gave inspiring opening remarks before introducing Mayor London Breed as the recipient of the award named after the Speaker. Awards were also presented to Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris of Gratin Resort and Brian Boitano of Olympic fame, both of whom gave gracious and uplifting speeches. In between, chorus member and auctioneer extraordinaire Michael Tate offered several valuable items and a fast-paced and productive Fund-in-Need auction. And the audience did not leave without musical inspiration, as Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg and Associate Director Mitch Galli led members of the chorus in several numbers, highlighting the history and outreach of this historic organization. Everyone left enlivened and inspired.
This month’s Divas & Drinks at The Academy saluted Frameline, the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world, taking place this June. Representatives Allegra Madsen and Nguyen Pham were on hand, as were Mani Fata, Executive Director of the SF Film Commission, and Lex Sloan of the Roxie Theater. Raffles and auctions during the night benefited Frameline. Extreme Pizza and Bacardi kept guests fed and happy.
Then, we celebrated multiple birthdays, those of Debra Walker, Selisse Berry, Betty Sullivan, and this columnist, with singers from the Gay Men’s Chorus, recognition from the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor, cake, and merriment. Singer Lambert Moss then offered a couple of beautifully performed songs and a powerful message of individualism. As always, we also played a quick and captivating game of Name That Tune, this time with returning champions Team Gay Softball League against Team Frameline, with the softballers taking the win. Throughout the night, legendary DJ Page Hodel, courtesy of Olivia,provided perfect music and lovely memories, as new friends were made and old friendships rekindled.
The next night, Gary Virginia joined us at Show of Hope, the annual gala of the SF Community Health Center at the Hyatt Embarcadero. This was truly a night of “Who wasn’t there?” We caught up with Supervisor Ahsha Safai, State Senator Scott Wiener, Reigning Emperor Michael Anthony Chuaand Emperor L, A.N., Brent Daddy Munro, Larry Hashbarger of AsiaSF, Saul Sugarman of The Bold Italic, Brett Andrews, Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal of this year’s Pride Parade Paul Aguilar, one of this year’s Community Grand Marshals Nas Mohamed, and many more.
The ballroom was a dazzling display of silver, black, and white with sparkling crystals everywhere. Popular TV personality Reggie Aqui emceed and we got another chance to hear from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, this time receiving an award presented by Mayor London Breed. Also, Cecilia Chung received recognition for her many years of work on behalf of others with glowing remarks from Tita Aida and others. The live auction and Fund-in-Need were professionally executed and generously supported. As the formal program ended, the remaining crowd rushed to the dance floor to see and hear the iconic Martha Wash, accompanied by back-up singers and an instrumental ensemble. Many danced into the night, ending with “It’s Rainin’ Men,”much to everyone’s delight.
As any reader can see, events in San Francisco are returning in full force, so get out that calendar and get out that door! Supporting your favorite charitable organization has never been so important and you’ll enjoy reconnecting with friends and meeting new people at events that only San Francisco provides. See you on the circuit!
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
Saturday, May 6
British Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Consort Camilla
London, England
11 am British time, 3 am California time
Once in a lifetime experience
Saturday, May 6
Emperor Fernando Robles’ Annual Cinco de Meow
Emperor John Carrillo & Empress Alexis Miranda host
Chika Diva & Chico Chulo contest, raffle, show
Beaux, 2344 Market Street
4:30–7:30 pm
Free!
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Saturday, May 20
Spotlight on the ’70s
SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band concert
Phaedra Tillery-Boughton & Donna Sachet guest stars
Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth Street
6:30 pm
$45
www.sflgfb.org
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on May 4, 2023
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