By Donna Sachet–
Wednesday, October 30, was a day to mark in the history books! We live in a world where professional sports remains one of the last bastions of LGBTQ discrimination—where especially for males, coming out is not a viable option—but in the Bay Area, the 49ers, the Giants, and the Golden State Warriors have long hosted LGBT Nights and demonstrated other outreach to our Community. Last Wednesday, we accepted the invitation to enter Chase Center, the newest professional sports arena in the world, and perform during the pre-game show. Recognizing the size and scale of such a performance, not to mention its significance, we had decided that a lone figure strolling to center court to sing a song was simply not enough. We enlisted the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, we reached out to friends in the flagging community, and we sought help from Tom Taylor to provide a rainbow flag to complete the production. Working closely with Betty Sullivan and Jen Viegas from this publication and Lexxi Price of the Chase Center, we began the weeks-long process of recruiting volunteers, rehearsing, and refining a rough vision into a finished performance. After several frustrating stops and starts and a grueling on-site rehearsal that afternoon, the evening of the game arrived. With a sold-out house waiting, we were ushered into a holding area to await our moment. And then … with blazing lights and Chase Center-created LGBT graphics on full display, a lone figure in a Warriors-blue gown and blue and yellow feather boa strode to center court slowly singing I Am What I Am. 50 members of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus followed, evoking their historical place in the LBGT movement from their origin on the steps of City Hall to their recent award-winning documentary film Gay Chorus Deep South. As the second verse began, the tempo picked up and the singing chorus increased the volume, while colorful flags exploded on each side skillfully waved by experienced flaggers, bringing the exuberance for which they are rightfully known. As the third verse commenced, that lone figure re-emerged swathed in a blue satin coat with yellow accents, chorus singing and flaggers flagging, and a team of volunteers of various ages, genders, and backgrounds unfurled a 24’ x 26’ giant original Gilbert Baker rainbow flag in what can only be described as another “only in San Francisco” moment!
Needless to say, scores of thanks go to the many who supported this theatrical production. To all those listed above and all those cheering from the stands, thank you for helping us turn a daring concept into reality. Photographs and video from that night can only suggest a hint of the color, drama, and pride on display at Chase Center that night. We have never been prouder to be exactly who we are, surrounded by such support!
The very next day was Halloween and we were happy to assist Shelley Hann with a spirited costume contest at her Alcheme Salon near Union Square. Suffice it to say, clients and stylists alike immersed themselves in the whimsy of costuming and prize-winners were difficult to choose. Since joining the Board of Directors of The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, Shelley has brought her inimitable style and enthusiasm to every event. We can’t wait to see what she wears to the highly anticipated Soirée on the Bay II, sponsored by Celebrity Cruises and benefiting REAF.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square opened last Wednesday with special guests from the touring production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Curran Theatre. The opening festivities also featured performances by skaters Alexa & Chris Knierim and Cornell Freeney and a magical breaking of the ice sculpture by Potter star John Skelley, all emceed by Brian Keith with whom we will be co-emceeing the 10th annual Drag Queens on Ice presented by Alaska Airlines on Thursday, December 5, at 8 pm. Our own Paju Munro previewed a bit of that upcoming night with a splendid performance on the ice without missing a single lip-synced lyric! Don’t miss December 5 with a host of surprises to celebrate this 10th year of Drag Queens on Ice!
Cirque du Soleil returns to San Francisco with their newest production Amaluna, a dazzling tribute to female strength and creativity, housed in their signature tents near Chase Center by the waterfront. We recently enjoyed opening night with Skye Paterson and were once again stunned by the masterful lighting, extraordinary staging, incredible costumes, death-defying performances, and overall theatricality of the production. Don’t miss this wonderful addition to the entertainment selections in San Francisco!
Donna celebrating Halloween at Alcheme Salon in Union Square with owner Shelley Hann
The week-long celebration of the 80th birthday of Marlena, Absolute Empress XXV, began appropriately in the Proxy SF park space on Octavia Boulevard adjacent to the bar formerly known as Marlena’s. In a scene reminiscent of those days when drive-in theatres were popular, a festive crowd braved last Saturday’s cold weather to view David Lassman and Jethro Patalinghug’s award-winning documentary 50 Years of Fabulous, charting the history of the Imperial Court of San Francisco. We can’t recommend this film more strongly! Whether you are familiar with the Imperial Court, interested in the Gay civil rights struggle, or simply intrigued by the unique history of San Francisco, you’ll be pulled into the story this movie tells of the tremendous contributions of so many Imperial Court titleholders and the organization’s ongoing search for relevance. From 1990–2013, Marlena’s was a primary hang-out for Imperial Court members and hosted drag shows practically every weekend night. In a nod to the many performances there over the years, especially by the Hayes Valley Follies, Empress Alexis Miranda emceed a rollicking drag show preceding the film, concluding with Marlena herself reprising her popular medley of songs, including “San Francisco.” The crowd was ecstatic! The evening ended at the cozy Dobb’s Ferry bar up the street where Emperors, Empresses, Ducals, Imperials, and their admirers mixed amiably with film Producer Marc Smolowitz and others involved in the film’s completion. Congratulations to William Bulkley and Emperor John Carrillo for tirelessly navigating the many City agencies involved in such an outdoor event; it was truly a memorable night!
And finally, we are thrilled to announce that Brian Kent has again stepped in to produce Songs of the Season, the annual holiday cabaret benefiting PRC, Tuesday and Wednesday, December 10 and 11, at Feinstein’s at Nikko Hotel. Expect special new guest stars and other surprises as well as the charm and sentiment that have endeared this event to so many. Without much effort, Brian has convinced us to perform a few musical numbers as well. Please contact us privately if you are interested in special sponsorship opportunities and please join us for another delightful Songs of the Season!
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!
The Starlight Room
Sir Francis Drake Hotel
10:30 am Brunch, 11:30 am Show
$75 inclusive
https://starlightroomsf.com/sundays-a-drag
Friday, November 15
Winter Onesie Party!
Don your best onesie and join the fun
Benefiting SF Suicide Prevention, DJ Ricky Sixx
9 pm–2 am
$5
https://www.facebook.com/events/1138511253008611/
Saturday, November 16
Trashy vs. Classy, Krewe de Kinque
Ruthless, vicious, & spiteful charity drag contest
Hosted by Mark Paladini & Don Ho
Benefits Compton’s Transgender Cultural District
The Edge, 4149 18th Street
4 pm–7 pm
www.edgesf.com
Saturday, November 16
Marlena’s 80th Birthday continues
Twin Peaks Tavern, Castro & Market
Celebrate with a San Francisco legend
6 pm–9 pm
Free! But buy a drink
Saturday, November 23
Reigning Emperor & Empress Monthly Fundraiser
Open show with lively entertainment
Beaux, 2344 Market Street
4 pm–7 pm
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Wednesday, November 27
San Francisco Empresses’ Fifth Annual Bake Sale
Hosted by Absolute Empress L, Khmera Rouge
The Lookout, 3600 16th Street
6 pm–9 pm
www.imperialcouncilsf.org
Published on November 14, 2019
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