Show-stopping musicians Melanie DeMore—who is a three-time Grammy Award nominee—and renowned theater, musical, and television performer
Amy Meyers brought music and singing to The Academy’s garden on Tuesday, December 14, when the GGBA (Golden Gate Business
Association) joined with the San Francisco Bay Times for a holiday celebration. Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam
Mayclem, a Bay Times columnist who dressed in festive glittery green for the evening, emceed the event.
The timing proved to be perfect, as after days of rain, the skies cleared allowing for use of the garden with its firepits and heat lamps, along with the rest of the multi-floor building at 2166 Market Street. A team of volunteers including Sarah Hyde and her crew from the nonprofit TurnOut and Juan Davila (dressed in one of his most fabulous handcrafted outfits ever that included a velvet cape, holiday lights, impressive hat, heels, and ornaments!) helped to ensure that guests showed proof of vaccination upon entry and were comfortable throughout the event.
DeMore, currently starring in the Christmas Revels, took time to perform in her mellifluous voice “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” accompanying
herself on guitar. DJ Rockaway then let rip with a series of holiday tunes thoughtfully selected by Meyers, who led a group singalong to songs such
as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel,” with partner and Bay Times
columnist Lou Fischer providing backup singing and dancing.
GGBA’s board member Dr. Krystal Drwencke graciously welcomed guests and introduced the organization’s Executive Director, Terry Beswick,
who declared the event to be his debut in his new role. GGBA President Michael Gunther also attended and warmly greeted guests.
Davila presented the Bay Times publishers with a giant red velvet-covered book highlighting many front pages of the paper over the years. He lovingly put together every page and it will be treasured.
Members of “Team Bacardí” curated incredible drink specials, including the
Sister Dana Sleigh, named after the Bay Times’ own longtime columnist Sister Dana Van Iquity, who was born on New Year’s Day. The vodka-infused drink with edible glitter was sweet, spicy, and flashy—not unlike Sister Dana! It was served in a glass ornament, as was another delicious tart and tangy elixir. A third special cocktail for the evening, a Coquito, is a signature Bacardí drink made out of cream-based coconut liqueur, Bacardí Superior Rum, vanilla, cinnamon, and other festive spices. It was served in a coconut shell-shaped vessel. The drinks were so yummy and visually appealing that most guests had to try all three! And yes, the singing and merriment carried on throughout the night.
Extreme Pizza and La Méditerranée Noe provided an abundant array of
savory menu items along with desserts. Lead sponsors for the event were Brio Financial, Celebrity Cruises, and SF Federal Credit Union. Olivia Travel presented DJ Rockaway.
Published on December 16, 2021
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