November 2007 - Posts
ckelly
-
I attended the Scion Independent Film Festival screening of "Paris Is Burning" last night at Center Stage last night. The cult documentary from 1990 about the vouging scene (made famous in Madonna's hit song "Vogue") in New York's gay community drew about 75 people. I hadn't seen the film in at least ten years and had forgotten how funny and sad it was. Filmmaker Jennie Livingston chronicled the lives of members of NYC's "fashion houses" - clubs of gay and transgendered people - who competed at balls to see who could be the most "real." And when the documentary was filmed in 1987-89, "real" meant trying to assimilate into straight life. I had forgotten about these mostly young men and boys who dreamed of becoming rich and famous (and finding acceptance), but were scrabbling together a life with odd jobs (and often prostitution and theft) just so they could compete in the balls. Many had been forced out of their homes by parents who could not condone their sexuality.
While no one every really talks about it anymore, Madonna stole the whole concept of vouging without ever really giving credit to the community that created it, especially Willi Ninja, one of the driving forces of the film who recently passed away. One of the members of Willi's house, Richard Ninja, was at the screening and did a Q&A afterwards. Many in the audience were shocked to learn that the majority of the people chronicled in the film have died, mostly of AIDS. It was a very sobering moment. The ballroom scene has evolved significantly since the film, becoming more active in the community and supporting HIV/AIDS organizations. Most importantly, the houses are still offering friendship and support to young people from the GLBTQ community.
Balls still take place "every day" in New York, according to Richard Ninja, and they are also happening in Atlanta on a regular basis. It's gone underground again, but apparently there is a big ball happening during the MLK Day weekend in 2008. I'll try to dig up more.
-
Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption will host an evening of fun and celebration, Paws for Cocktails, on Thursday, November 29, from 5:30pm until midnight at The Park Tavern at Piedmont Park. The celebration’s proceeds will benefit Atlanta Pet Rescue. The event will include free food, one free drink (donated by The Park Tavern), a raffle, door prizes and a live and silent auction. Admission is a $15 donation at the door.
Hosting the event are Elizabeth Azar, Preston Hobson, Lori Geary, Chuck Dowdle and Kimberley Kennedy of WSB-TV, Kelly and Alpha of B98.5 (auctioneers) and Cindy and Ray of Star94. Atlanta Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that operates on a shoestring budget, and finds wonderful adoptive homes for over 1,200 dogs and cats, on average each year.
Atlanta Pet Rescue’s main shelter is located at 720 14th Street (at Howell Mill Road) in midtown Atlanta. The facility has 3,500 square feet of space and provides safe, comfortable quarters for previously homeless, abused and/or neglected dogs and cats while they await adoption. The facility also provides an indoor, climate-controlled facility for adoptions five days a week.
For more information about the 6th Annual Paws for Cocktails fundraiser, please visit the Atlanta Pet Rescue web site: www.atlantapetrescue.org.
-
The Scion Independent Film Series is bringing the cult film, "Paris Is Burning," to Atlanta for a special free screening on Thursday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m. at Center Stage. This documentary by Jennie Livingston follows the lives of members of NYC's "fashion houses," where Madonna got her idea for the song "Vogue." Fashion houses compete to see which is the most "real," and also act as surrogate families for gay or transgendered people rejected by their families. It's moving and funny and a glimpse inside a fabulous world. If you're in Atlanta and want to attend the screening, visit www.scion.com/route. Doc star Richard Ninja will be on hand for a Q&A and there will be a cocktail reception.
-
Ever thought about going to the High Musuem in your pajamas? You can do that on Friday, Nov. 23, as the High hosts its annual "Go All Night" from 9 a.m. to 2 am. Seventeen non-stop hours of artful fun at the High on the day after Thanksgiving. Escape the mall madness with great art, fun activities, and comfy pj’s! View "Louvre Atlanta," and "Inspiring Impressionism." Activities include live music, art making activities, dance lessons, a special movie marathon, and more. Family-friendly activities will be offered throughout the day and early evening hours, including kids yoga and a milk and cookie break. Wearing pajamas will get you a discount at the museum shop and entered to win prizes throughout the day and night. The high is in Midtown at 1280 Peachtree St. For more info visit www.high.org
-
TEW Galleries 20th Anniversary Party
Saturday, November 17
6:30 - 10 pm
Cocktails
Hors D'oeuvres
Evening Attire
After studying in Paris in the 1980s, Timothy Tew came home with a passion for art and
connections with burgeoning French artists.
He started his business here in 1987, first selling artwork out of the trunk of his vintage Cadillac.
20 years later...
20th Anniversary Show featuring
Specially Created New and Current Pieces
RSVP to sara@tewgalleries.com
The night of the party, TEW Galleries will match $20 donations to CHRIS Kids, Inc.,
CHRIS Kids is an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse by healing children,
strengthening families and building community. www.chriskids.org
TEW Galleries
425 Peachtree Hills Avenue
No. 24
Atlanta 30305
404-869-0511
www.tewgalleries.com
-
The annual Code Red Atlanta event to rais money for children with HIV/AIDS will be held Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Georgia Freight Room near Underground Atlanta. Tickets are $100 for the VIP reception and entry and $55 for general admission. Visit www.coderedatlanta.com for tickets and details. Last year's event raised more than $40,000.
|
|