As I've written about previously, this summer, I decided to make good on my earlier word about doing some Bingo nights here and there by booking ten nights at Uncle Charlies here in NYC. Overall, I'm glad that I took the time to make this happen - it was great to see old friends, work with AB and Manny (and "Rufus"), and raise a few bucks for some of my favorite charities.
But, without being too much of a bummer or telling tales on my peeps, much of the summer was spent chasing people to show up and there were lots of last minute cancels from people that I would never in a million years have dreamt would flake out on me, notably drag queen Gusty Winds on the first week and the Anti Violence Project on the last week. In both cases (and others) I got mad at first, then had to scramble to fix it, and then just kind of got sad that people I love and trust could treat me and my show with such little regard. But, admittedly, being out of the nightlife/fund raising sandbox for a year and a half is sure recipe for "out of sight, out of mind".
So, for our first week on June 3, I was grateful to Beardonna who made a point to drive in to the city from Jersey for a last minute gig and, as usual, put together a kick ass performance. But more than a kick ass performance, Beardonna proved that he is a true professional and a pal. Thanks, Beardonna! :)
Also joining us for that first night was Shane, the producer of the first Fire Island Bear Weekend and the co-producer (with me!) of the First Fire Island Bear Contest. The Bear weekend was to happen the first weekend in June so it was good timing - and as a side note, it was a huge success (particularly the contest, which I emceed and Beardonna performed at... and as a side side note, Gusty showed up at the contest in boy drag and helped sell some raffle tickets when we found ourselves short handed due to the sheer size of the audience. So, all is forgiven more or less).
The whole first night back of Bingo benefited AIDS Ride South Africa, an organization that is really doing great work. They are on their ride right now and you can go right to the source if you go to Facebook and friend Bryan Mark Urbsaitis
Thanks to all who came out that night - you can see pictures AB by clicking here!
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